By Stephen Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
It was a mantra that few outside of the Steelton-Highspire program paid attention to in the days leading up to the Steamrollers showdown with Schuylkill Haven.
But it certainly rang true in the Class A semifinal, so much so that Rollers head coach Rob Diebler reiterated it after the game.
“I think our defense is just awesome,” said Diebler of his team’s dominating defensive performance en route to a hard-fought 20-9 victory over Schuylkill Valley.
The game was billed as a match-up between Steel High’s Jeremiah Young and Schuylkill Haven’s Zach Barket, two of the top rushers in state history. Though each accounted for a touchdown, neither had a typically huge game.
Young ran well in the first quarter, and broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run as Steel High drew first blood. Several minutes later, he injured his left ankle and did not return.
“Jeremiah was going to go about the third series of the second half,” Diebler said. “But with the way our defense was looking, we didn’t want to risk anything.”
Leading the remarkable defensive effort once again was senior Jordan Hill. He was a tackling machine, and routinely disrupted Schuylkill High’s ground game by clogging lanes and helping to contain Zach Barket even while double-teamed.
“He was the best player on the field tonight, by far. How often can you say that about a nose tackle?” Diebler said. “Jordan Hill is something else.”
“Watching so much film this week really helped,” Hill said. “These were the two best linemen I felt I’d go up against this year. I challenged myself to beat the double teams and have my best game in a Rollers uniform."
The Steel High defense limited Barket to 160 yards on 38 carries. He also scored Schuylkill Haven’s only touchdown, which was set up by a blocked punt deep in Rollers’ territory.
For Diebler, it was a very successful effort.
“For them to hold that kid and all the crazy numbers he’s put up, that’s a victory for us. He knew were weren’t going to stop him, but it was all about slowing him down,” he said.
A two-yard touchdown run by quarterback Andre Campbell gave Steel High a 13-0 lead in the second quarter, but it was hardly his biggest play of the night.
Leading 13-7 in the third quarter, Steel High was pinned deep in its own territory, with Campbell lined up in shotgun. One bad snap sent the ball flying into the end zone, where it appeared that Schuylkill had recovered for a game-tying touchdown. Campbell somehow came away with the ball for a safety, as Steel High kept the lead, 13-9.
“I was able to make a couple of good plays,” said Campbell, who admitted he wished he had been able to give a more consistent performance in the wake of Young’s injury. Campbell fumbled late in the fourth quarter to give Schuylkill Haven one final chance.
The Rollers defense continued to force turnovers after the safety, proving resilient after momentum had left their side. Jordan Smith had a late interception, as did Justin Williams.
After Campbell’s fumble, Williams sealed the deal, forcing a fumble by quarterback Brian Murphy that William Rozman recovered in the end zone for the team’s final score.
Up next for Steel High is a a date next weekend with Clairton, who beat Farrell 24-21. That game will decide the PIAA Class A championship.
