Tommy Hunsicker-Wilson

Tommy Hunsicker’s stats were modest through the first four games of the season. The 6’1, 185-pound junior had a breakout performance against Cedar Crest on Friday in West Lawn. Hunsicker tossed three touchdown passes in a 36-13 victory over the Falcons. He finished 8-of-12 for 127 yards. Hunsicker added 81 rushing yards on ten carries. He even caught a pass that was deflected back to him and picked up eleven yards. He understands what it means to play the same position as former Wilson stars Kerry Collins and Chad Henne. “It’s special. It’s an honor, but I know it comes with hard work. There’s a lot more work to be done, especially if I want to get somewhere like they are,” he said. The (4-1) Bulldogs were on top 15-7 at halftime thanks to a pair of touchdown runs from Cam Jones. The Holy Cross commit went untouched off right tackle from 27 yards away for a 15-0 edge early in the second quarter. Jones piled up 113 yards on only eight carries. The all-state selection spun out of a tackle and raced down the left sideline for a 48-yard touchdown reception with seven minutes remaining in the third quarter. Wilson led 29-7 at that point. Hunsicker opened the second half with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Case. The 6’3 junior wide receiver made a spectacular diving catch over the middle. Hunsicker told me it was the first time they ran that play this year. Hunsicker later hit tight end Brady Kline on a 5-yard shovel pass midway through the final period. That score concluded a 75-yard drive. Hunsicker believes that Kline, a 210-pound sophomore, has a bright future. “He got on the field as a freshman at Wilson which is impressive by itself. He played great last year. He’s been really reliable for us this year. He’s always gonna make a play,” said Hunsicker. Cedar Crest allowed 395 total yards including 267 on the ground. The Bulldogs averaged 8.9 yards per carry. Falcons’ senior quarterback Jay Huber injured his right knee on the opening possession. He returned at the beginning of the third quarter, but that didn’t last long. Huber’s knee buckled as he dropped back to pass and the 6’2, 195-pound signal caller crumbled to the turf. Cedar Crest has lost 19 straight to the Bulldogs. The (2-3) Falcons went for it on fourth-and-eight at midfield on their first two series. Both possessions came to a halt on incomplete passes. Wilson took advantage of the short fields with scoring drives that totaled 98 yards. Hunsicker emphasized that the team has improved dramatically since a 46-15 loss to Roman Catholic in Week 1. “On the offensive side, we’ve come together a lot more. We’ve stopped looking around and started looking at ourselves. It’s been a lot more intense in practice,” he replied. Cedar Crest managed 177 total yards. Jackson Custer took over for Huber at quarterback. The 5’11. 165-pound sophomore ended up 7-of-18 for 70 yards. Fernando Marquez ran for 23 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Ethan Heisey was in action for the first time this season. The 6’3, 195-pound wide receiver missed four contests with a wrist injury. He had a game-high four catches for 27 yards. Nolan Groff, a 6’1 senior, was limited to three grabs for 38 yards. Nick Weitzel and Nick Crocona each had seven tackles for the Bulldogs. Hunsicker loves playing at Gurski Stadium. “It’s amazing. [I] waited for this my whole life. It’s a great atmosphere [with] a ton of fans,” he stated. We talked about his favorite NFL quarterbacks and his favorite baseball players. Hunsicker started at third base as a sophomore at Wilson. He enjoys watching Bryce Harper and Francisco Lindor. We also discussed his favorite teachers. The Bulldogs have won 16 consecutive league games. They visit rival Gov. Mifflin next Saturday afternoon.