Sparks fly as Penn State head coach James Franklin and Shamokin head coach Henry Hynoski are in attendance.
BY DANIEL LIPOVSKY
Fourth Quarter Media
FRANKLIN TWP. — Southern Columbia’s offensive juggernaut wasn’t the only thing that drew crowds to Southern on Friday night in the Tigers’ 48-0 win over Shamokin.
People piled in not just to see the return of Henry Hynoski as head coach of the Shamokin Indians but also the much anticipated arrival of Penn State football head coach James Franklin.
“I think it just adds on the overall atmosphere of the game,” Southern head coach Jim Roth said. “You get a big time Division 1 coach in the facility like that … it’s just kind of a neat thing. Obviously, it looked like he got to interact with quite a few people while he was here.”
Franklin also showed up wearing a No. 4 Blue and White home jersey, much to the crowds approval.
“It wasn’t a surprise to see him,” Fleming said, “except rocking the number 4 jersey that was a surprise.”
Fleming and running back Gaige Garcia showcased their scoring abilities while completing 5 of 7 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns.
Hollenbach exited with a hand injury to his non-throwing hand that didn’t appear serious, however, he didn’t return.
“They were only giving me single coverage,” Fleming said.
Fleming burned the Indians for 133 yards on just three catches, scoring on two of them.
Gaige Garcia added 109 yards on eight carries and three total touchdowns, including an 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that started in front of the Nittany Lion coach.
“Kind of a neat thing for the kids in the program,” Roth said. “Down the road they’ll think back on it. Very few people get to experience that. … You’ll get assistant coaches that’ll try and get to high school games but it’s rare for head coaches.
He’s just showing how much they want (Fleming).”
Franklin was in attendance to mainly scout the top wide receiver prospect in Fleming, who didn’t disappoint scoring two touchdown receptions of over 60 yards. Despite Franklin’s presence, Fleming’s focus was the same as every week.
“Just keep my head on my shoulders and play football no matter who is on the sidelines,” Fleming said.
Hynoski’s appearance was a little bit different.
“Of course,it’s nostalgic but when you get into the mode of the game,” Hynoski said, “just like as a player, you kind of put all that stuff to the side and you get involved with doing stuff you’re supposed to do.”
The Tiger’s stymied Shamokin’s passing offense, preventing the Indians from completing a single pass. Southern Columbia forced the Indians’ quarterback to get rid of the ball quickly as their pass rush was consistent throughout the game, racking up five sacks.
Shamokin 0 0 0 0 ‑ 0
Southern 20 21 7 0 — 48
First quarter
SC — Gav. Garcia 2 run (kick failed), 7:21
SC — Julian Fleming 71 pass from Stone Hollenbach (Ethan Dunkelberger kick), 4:32
SC — Fleming 66 pass from Hollenbach (Dunkelberger kick), 1:47
Second quarter SC — Gaige Garcia 36 pass from Hollenbach (Dunkelberger kick), 11:32
SC — Gav. Garcia 13 run (Dunkelberger kick), 9:14
SC — Gai. Garcia 87 run (Dunkelberger kick), 4:35
Third quarter
SC — Gai. Garcia 84 kickoff return (Dunkleberger kick), 11:47
Sh S
First downs 5 13
Rush-yds 42-31 31-238
Passing 0-7-0 5-7-0
Passing yards 0 174
Total 31 412
Fumbles-lost 1-1 2-2
Penalties-yds. 3-21 6-70
Rushing — Shamokin: Bryson James 13-21; Aaron Frasch 3-19; Mark Wetzel 5-16; Wolfgang Pearson 7-9; Nate Grimes 1-9; Max Madden 4-(-4); Team 1-(-8); Collin Bowers 8-(-31). Southern: Gaige Garcia 8-109, TD; Jayden McCormick 6-44; Braden Heim 6-25; Ty Roadarmel 3-23; Brandon German 4-22; Gavin Garcia 3-22, TD; Preston Zachman 1-(-7).
Passing — Shamokin: Bowers 0-7-0. Southern: Stone Hollenbach 5-7-0 174 yds., 3 TDs.
Receiving — Southern: Fleming 3-137, 2 TDs; Gai. Garcia 1-36, TD; Roadarmel 1-1.
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