In a thrilling conclusion to the District 3 Class 4A football semifinals, Susquehanna Township defeated Wyomissing 37-35 on March 15, 2024. The victory came as Josh Nengite caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Torin Evans on the game’s final play, sealing the win for the Spartans.
The match took place at Susquehanna Township, where the Spartans, now boasting a record of 12-0, faced off against Wyomissing, who fell to 10-2. Just 59 seconds remained when Justice Hardy scored a 9-yard touchdown run, briefly putting Wyomissing ahead 35-31. In a dramatic response, Susquehanna Township advanced to the 15-yard line in the game’s dying seconds.
Last-Minute Heroics Define the Game
With only two seconds left on the clock, Evans executed a remarkable play. Rolling to his left and reversing direction, he found Nengite in the back of the end zone, clinching the victory. The win not only advances Susquehanna Township to the district finals but also sets them on a path toward the PIAA semifinals, should they defeat Twin Valley next week. Twin Valley secured their spot with a commanding 45-14 win over West York.
Throughout the game, both teams exchanged leads in a contest marked by intensity and skill. After trailing 17-7 in the second quarter, Hardy sparked a turnaround for Wyomissing with a 40-yard touchdown run, followed by a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brandy Eisenhower, giving Wyomissing a 21-17 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw a response from Susquehanna Township, as Evans connected with Nengite for a 14-yard touchdown pass, regaining the lead momentarily. However, Wyomissing answered with a 10-yard touchdown run from Tyler Niedrowski, pushing them back into the lead at 28-24.
Player Performances Highlight the Match
As the game progressed, Susquehanna Township regained the advantage with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Evans to Zikhere Leaks, bringing the score to 31-28. The contest culminated in a heart-stopping final minute as both teams showcased their resilience and determination.
Hardy, a junior standout for Wyomissing, finished the night with an impressive 156 yards rushing on 17 carries, while teammate Danny Fleischood added 88 yards on 13 carries. Their efforts, however, were not enough to overcome the late-game heroics of Susquehanna Township.
Looking ahead, the district championship match against Twin Valley is set for 19:00 on a date and location to be confirmed, with both teams eager to secure a place in the next round of playoffs.