NATIVITY ENDS LONG LOSING STREAK!4th QUARTER RALLY TOPS MARIAN!
November 5, 1967 (courtesy of the Pottsville Republican 11/6/67)
The win famine has ended.
After 27 consecutive losses the Nativity Hilltoppers rallied for two touchdowns in the last quarter to break a 6-6 deadlock and topple the Marian Catholic Colts by a 18-6 count, Sunday afternoon at Lansford.
Nativity out to end the slump dominated the play throughout the game, as they chewed up yards on the ground while their spirited defense limited the Colts to a mere 23 yards rushing. The big win for Nativity was directed by their quarterback, Dave Toth, and was highlighted by the fine running of Jim Franklin and Joe Ferris.
The last win for the Hilltoppers was against Marian, on November 7, 1965 when they handed the Colts a 31-0 setback. The losing streak began the following weekend when the Hilltoppers were dumped by Notre Dame 32-6.
Neither team could mount an offensive thrust during the initial 12 minutes of play as the entire quarter was played between the two 30 yard stripes, except on the last play of the frame, when Dave Toth's booming punt put the Colts back on their own 15 yard line.
Early in the second frame the Hilltoppers advanced to the Colts 43 yard line and with fourth down and short yardage needed for the first down, Dave Toth faked a punt, but his pass fell incomplete. On the first play of the series, Mike Bimler picked up ten yards, but the Hilltoppers were called for a personal foul and the penalty, from the point of the foul, gave the Colts a first down on the Hilltoppers 30. Three running plays were stopped at the line of scrimmage, by the Nativity defenders, but fourth down, quarterback Tom Andregic pitched a flat pass to Mike Mazur on the 19 yard line and the big fullback tight-roped his way along the sideline, breaking two tackles, and covered the remaining distance for the score. A pass by Jack Pieracini from a fake placement, fell incomplete and the Colts jumped into a 6-0 lead, and the 7:57 mark of the second quarter.
Following the kickoff, the Hilltoppers drove to the Colts 23, where they lost possession on downs. The Hilltoppers regained possession on the third play of the next series, when Mike Bimler fumbled and Mike Coleman recovered for Nativity on the Colts 39. Three running plays gave the Hilltoppers a first down on the Marian 8. Joe Ferris shot over his right tackle and was stopped at the one, from where Dave Toth carried into play dirt on a quarterback sneak. The Colts stopped Ferris short of the goal line on his run for the go ahead point and ths score was deadlocked at 6-6 with 1:57 remaining in the first half.....
Ferris picked up three on the first play of the final frame, but then Toth was dropped for a one yard loss. On the next play, Toth sent Joe Ferris through a gaping hole over his right tackle and the speedy fullback romped untouched into the end zone. Toth's attempted pass for the extra point was batted to the ground, but the Hilltoppers forged into a 12-6 lead, with 10;57 remaining to be played.
Midway through the final frame, the Colts gained possession on their own 47 yard line and drove to the Nativity 16, in three plays, where the drive came to a sudden halt when Mazure fumbled and Ed Muldowney recovered for the Hilltoppers. Nativity was held for downs, but Toth's punt was fumbled by Frank Kane and recovered by Pete Cherrybon, on the Colts 47. Ferris picked up one yard on the first play. Jim Franklin iced the victory on the next play as he shot through a hole, between right tackle and end, cut the sideline and outraced the Marian secondary to the end zone. Toth missed on a drop kick attempt, but Franklin's 46 yard jaunt gave the Hilltoppers a 18-6 spread, with only 2:11 left in the game.
The Colts made on desperate attempt to hit the scoring column for the second time, following the kickoff, but Pete Cherrybon's second interception of the day killed the drive, giving the Hilltoppers a 18-6 victory.
Team Roster
Ends- Cherrybon, Rada, Toomey
Tackles - Leininger, Wollyung, Brown, Forney
Guards - Dougherty, Coleman,
Center - Egan
Backs - Toth, Franklin, Ferris, Muldowney, Boris, Mootz, Haffey, Clark, Wabby, Pavalko
A great sigh of relief fell over the area but soon the celebrations began.
