Rams outlast late-game Mounties drive, stops PO 35-20

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: September 17, 2021

By Kenny Varner

Photos by Jeff Shomo

SPRING MILLS – It was a nail biter right to the end!

Penns Valley’s Ty Watson quickly became the hero for the Rams as he intercepted a Philipsburg- Osceola pass to kill a game-tying drive by the Mounties with 1:13 left.

Two plays later, Watson added to his late-game heroics as he got loose around the right end and blazed his way downfield for a game clinching touchdown, giving the Rams a 35-20 victory.

The two Mountain League teams (Penns Valley and Philipsburg-Osceola) found themselves embroiled in a 8-point contest with the clock showing 5:33.

Penns Valley led the game 28-20 when the Mounties would get the ball with a chance to tie the ball game.

After getting the ball deep into the Rams end, it would be stoped by Watson.

The second half of the contest was dominated by defensive opportunities and big plays as they both kept their opponents off the scoreboard, sending the game with the same score at the half.

However, the first half was the exact opposite as the two teams combined for 48 points.

Penns Valley opened the game on the right foot as its offense rolled down the field going on a 12-play scoring drive that culminated with a 2-yard Tanner Ilgen run, making it a 7-0 lead with 7:33 left in the opening period.

The teams exchanged punts, giving the Mounties the ball around midfield for its second possession of the game.

It took just five plays for the Mounties to knot the game at seven.

Quartback Ben Gustkey went to the air and found Matt Martin in stride, scoring from 20-yards out.

Philipsburg took the lead after getting the ball back off a fumble on the following kick off.

This scoring drive took only six plays to break the tie.

Gustkey again went to the air as he found Nick Johnson for the 23-yard TD reception, making it a 14-7 contest with 11:53 left in the half.

The Rams bounced right back as they marched down the field on their next possession.

Starting at their own 33, Penns Valley marched down the field going on a 6-play scoring drive of its own.

The Rams tied the contest again when Watson scored his first touchdown breaking loose on a 10-yard touchdown scamper.

Penns Valley’s defense also got into the scoring act.

On the Mounties next possession following the Rams touchdown, Gustkey’s pass was brought down by Gavin Ryan and from there he broke free for a 40-yard interception return for the touchdown. The PAT failed but the Rams had regained the lead at 20-14.

A blocked punt minutes later gave the Rams a chance to up its lead. They did just that as they increased the Penns Valley lead up to 14 with Jackson Romig 12-yard pass to Miles Brooks. With the successful 2-point conversion, the Rams had control of the tempo.

However, the Mounties refused to give up and was able to punch one more in before the intermission.

With time running out in the half, Gustkey crossed the goalline, ending the scoring at 28-20.

The intensity grew from there as the game continued to grow at a fever pitch as the two went into the final stanza.

But in the end, it would be the home fans that would go away happy as the Rams were able to ring the victory bell.