The Bears' long wait for rematch is over

by By Mike Drago

Posted on September 18, 2009

- The Boyertown Bears have waited 51 weeks for this moment.

They spent their offseason gearing for it.

Based the theme of their season on it.

And they know the fate of their season depends on it.

"We've circled this one on our calendars since January," Bears coach Mark Scisly said of tonight's league opener and much-anticipated rematch against defending Pioneer Athletic Conference champion Pottsgrove. "Our guys know that to win the PAC-10, you've got to go through Pottsgrove. We'll see where we stand this week."

The Bears came oh-so-close to interrupting the Falcons' perfect run through the league last year, falling 24-20 when they were stopped inside the 1 in the waning moments of the game.

That moment has not been lost on the Bears, who have spent the last 12 months replaying that play, and that game, in their minds.

A play or two go differently in that game, and in some other close losses, and the Bears might be the defending champs heading into this game, not the Falcons.

"Two plays changed that game," said Scisly, looking back to a pair of failed fourth-down conversions. "If we make either of those plays, it's probably a different game. This year we've gotta make those plays."

It certainly won't be easy. The Falcons (2-0) are ranked No. 10 in state in Class AAA by the Pennsylvania Football News, and they're loaded.

Returning to the backfield are quarterback Terrell Chestnut and running back Maika Polamalu, who both ran for more than 1,200 yards last season, and fullback Preston Hamlette, an All-State linebacker. They also have eight starters back on a defense that may well be the league's best.

Chestnut tormented the Bears last season, running for 245 yards and scoring three TDs - including runs of 66 and 80 yards.

"He's the best player we're gonna see all year," Scisly said. "He's a phenomenal athlete. He's our biggest concern. He's the guy that really hurt us. (Last season) our emphasis was on stopping Polamalu, so who knows? We've gotta try to stop them both."

Scisly figures the best defense against the high-powered Falcons is a strong, ball-control offense, just as they displayed last year in running 63 plays to Pottsgrove's 30.

"We need to have long, sustained drives, try to grind the ball out, get 3 and 4 yards a carry," Scisly said. "We've got to get first downs and run the clock, similar to what we did last year."

The Bears (1-1) are playing better defense than they did a year ago. They didn't allow a touchdown to Gov. Mifflin last week but were done in by four turnovers and beaten on three field goals.

"We've got to work hard to protect the football and drive the football and maintain time of possession," Scisly said. "We have to keep their offense off the field and keep our offense on the field. That's our point of emphasis."

Contact Mike Drago: 610-371-5067 or mdrago@readingeagle.com.

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