Ben Zechman-Wyomissing

Wyomissing led Neumann-Goretti 7-6 in the second quarter with the Spartans facing a 4th & 4 at the Saints’ 25-yard line. The District 3 champs, well known for their Wing-T ground attack, decided to go to the air. Ben Zechman found a wide open Tommy Grabowski for 11 yards and a first down. That drive ended with a 5-yard TD run by Grabowski. Wyomissing would never look back. The (15-0) Spartans scored four touchdowns in the third quarter to put the mercy rule into effect. They went on to win 42-6 in the Class 3A state semifinals at Pennridge High School. Zechman finished 5-7 for 58 yards and two touchdowns. One TD pass went to Drew Eisenhower and the other to Charlie McIntyre. All three of them are juniors just in case you’re looking ahead to next season. Zechman loved how the Spartans bounced back after getting pushed around on the Saints’ 78-yard, 12-play opening TD drive. The 6’3, 180-pound QB definitely wasn’t expecting a rout against a team with the speed and Division I talent of Neumann-Goretti. The (12-2) Saints entered the game averaging 33 points and allowing only nine. Zechman and I discussed how the running game sets up the pass, and the depth that Wyomissing has at RB. Amory Thompson ran for 114 yards and a score. Grabowski added 108 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Backup fullback J.J. Jackson reached the end zone as well. The Spartans outgained the Saints 409-to-169. Neumann-Goretti senior quarterback Marqui Adams didn’t play in the first half due to an injury. Adams struggled in the second half going 1-11 for 17 yards and an INT. Wyomissing piled up 351 yards on the ground. The Spartans lost 25 seniors to graduation, but they’re headed back to Hersheypark Stadium next Saturday at noon for the Class 3A state championship! Zechman thinks they surprised a lot of people this year. The 3A Final is a rematch from last season when Central Valley beat Wyomissing 35-21.