Leading by three points with just over three minutes to go, Exeter faced a fourth-and-5 and a difficult decision in Gov. Mifflin territory Friday night.
Instead of punting, Eagles coach Matt Bauer kept his offense on the field and dialed up a play for quarterback Colin Payne and tight end Joey Schlaffer They connected on a first-down completion that enabled Exeter to run out the clock and beat the Mustangs 31-28 for the District 3 Class 5A title at Shillington.
“At first, we weren’t even thinking about going for it,” Schlaffer said. “The more we thought about it, we thought going for it and sealing the game was going to be the way to go.”
Payne and Schlaffer also connected for two touchdowns.
“He (Payne) really put the ball on the money, but Joey (Schlaffer) came up big there,” Bauer said. “He came up big the entire game.”
A Penn State commit and half brother of former Nittany Lions center Michal Menet, Schlaffer had five catches for 55 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He scored the Eagles’ opening touchdown early in the first quarter.
“Big-time players play up in big-time games,” Bauer said. “Since he’s been in ninth grade, he’s played his best in the big games.”
At 6-6, Schlaffer has wreaked havoc on defenses all season, especially in the red zone. Gov. Mifflin did not cover him with more than one defender in the matchup.
“We tried to get him the ball in key situations and make plays when we needed to,” Bauer said. “He’s really grown into a leadership role.”
With the performance, Schlaffer now leads Exeter in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this season. The Eagles will continue their playoff run next week in the PIAA Class 5A semifinals against Moon or Penn-Trafford.
“It’s a huge thing for the program itself and just for this group of guys,” Schlaffer said about winning the district title. “I’m so proud.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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