Manheim Central grabs share of section title with win vs. Solanco

QUARRYVILLE - It isn't like anyone expected the Barons to just go away.

Led by junior quarterback Kody Kegarise, the Manheim Central Barons scored late for a 21-18 victory over the title-hungry Solanco Golden Mules, ultimately earning a share of the Section Two championship and maintaining their title tradition under first-year head coach Dave Hahn.

"They thought they had an undefeated season going for them and we just knew that we could come in relaxed and we had to win," said Kegarise, whose 17-yard touchdown pass to Jake Novak with 1:34 left to play being the difference in the game.

After the Mules (9-1, 6-1 Section Two) took an 18-14 lead on a 21-yard outside run from A-back Prosper Eguzouwa, capitalizing on Mike Figueroa's interception of Kegarise at the 32-yard line, Kegarise (14-for-22, 164 yards, two TDs, INT; 11 rushes, 55 yards) completed five passes to four different receivers on the eight-play, 74-yard drive that took just 2:30 off the clock.

"I just came into the huddle and I told the guys, you know what, we have four minutes to go, we have to drive down the field and we have to score," Kegarise said.

"Kody had great poise," said Hahn. "We're constantly talking to him about that. It could be easy to rip him for an interception but I need you in another series and you have to be right, forget about that and lets go. Kudos to Kody, he's really coming on right now."

So, too, are the Barons (8-2, 6-1), or should we say coming back. Written off for much of the season and dealing with a bundle of injuries, Manheim Central never gave up on their season.

"It means that we're still on the map," Hahn said. "We didn't go anywhere. Instead of hanging our heads pouting about guys being injured, we worked harder, got better, got guys more reps and gave ourselves an opportunity."