Todd Shelley threw two touchdown passes and visiting Albright used big plays Saturday afternoon to defeat cross-city rival Alvernia 31-21 in the first official football game between the Reading schools.
Isaiah Shockey scored on a 44-yard run just 21 seconds into the game to set the stage as the Lions defeated the Golden Wolves in the Middle Atlantic Conference opener for both teams.
Shelly threw a 77-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Zehner later in the first quarter after Alvernia (0-1, 0-3) had tied it 7-7 on a 5-yard run by Carey Malcolm.
Alvernia tied it again at 14-14 on the first play of the second quarter when Joseph Perkins hauled in a 23-yard pass from Nick Rosahac.
Albright took the lead for good with 2:48 left in the first half when Shelley connected with Malik Bootman for an 18-yard TD strike.
Albright extended its lead to 24-14 just before halftime when Jack Heuer kicked a 24-yard field goal.
Alvernia pulled within three points early in the third quarter when Lorenzo Green scored on a 2-yard run.
But Albright drove 68 yards in 11 plays in the fourth quarter with Tony Thorpe going the final 4 yards for the touchdown and a 31-21 lead.
It was the first official football game between the city rivals. Albright defeated Alvernia in a spring game earlier this year after the 2020 season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Shelly completed 11-of-19 for 197 to help Albright win its second straight after a season-opening loss to nationally ranked Salisbury. Shockley rushed 19 times for 174 yards to lead the Albright ground attack that amassed 248 yards.
For Alvernia, Malcolm carried 23 times for 142 yards and Antonio tacked on 73 yards on 13 carries as the Golden Wolves rushed for 257 yards.
Rosahac went 6-of-16 for 64 yards. Each quarterback threw an interception.
Source: Berkshire mont