Staff Writer
The Independent
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Third quarter
75-CATS take the kickoff and take over on the 23. QB Chuck Anderson gains a yard and RB Jeff Slone three. RB Gary Thomas is stopped for no gain to bring up fourth-and-six and a punting situation. However, while lining up for the punt, an encroachment penalty on 90-CATS makes it fourth-and-inches. The 75-CATS decide to gamble, going for it on its own 32. FB Jay Shippey slams into the middle but is pushed back for no gain and 90-CATS take over on downs. LB Stuart Hackworth and DT Tex Mann meet Shippey in the backfield.
Working on a short field, three consecutive runs net seven yards and then RB Juan Thomas has an 18-yard gain on a fourth-and-three to the 7-yard line in the biggest play of the drive. FB Charlie Johnson carries up the middle for four yards and then Chris Hutt pounds into the end zone on a counter play from three yards out. K Clayton Hill’s extra point makes it 24-12 with 7:09 to play.
75-CATS react like a championship team by putting together a 69-yard, 13-play scoring drive. Anderson had an 11-yard completion to WR Rick Sang over the middle, Thomas squirted loose for 20 yards and RB Greg Jackson had a nine-yard run during the march. RB Gary Thomas carried the last four plays of the drive, including converting a fourth-and-one at the 12 and then taking it in for a TD on an 11-yard sweep on the next play. K Kevin Ward’s kick made it 24-19 with 1:11 to play in the third quarter.
90-CATS were pinned deep on the kickoff and started on its own 17. Juan Thomas gained six yards off tackle and then Charlie Johnson pounded up the middle for three yards as the clock hit 0:00 to end the third quarter.
It looks like the game for the ages is going down to the wire as the fans, lined up four and five deep all around the place, begin to squirm in Putnam Stadium. The band is playing the fight song for both teams and Tomcat “Voice” Dicky Martin is hyperventilating in the press box. PA veteran Chuck Rist has said “First down, TOMCATS!” so much he’s hoarse.
Now for the fourth quarter … read about the big finish in Friday morning’s print edition only, complete with photos and a full box score. Warning: It will not be online until Friday night.
90-CATS 24, 75-CATS 19
