POTTSTOWN - The Boyertown football team has endured a tumultuous season this fall, but ended on a high note with a 21-14 win over Pottstown in a PAC crossover game.

Entering play Saturday at Grigg Memorial Field, the Bears had dropped four consecutive games and had been outscored 131-14 during the stretch.

The struggles were weighing heavily on Boyertown coach George Parkinson, who informed his team of his resignation following the game.

 

 

"It's been tough," Parkinson said. "I'm so incredibly happy of the way these guys played today. They played a full four quarters and played disciplined. I'm just so proud."

The Bears coach seemed pleased to go out on his own terms and with a winning effort.

"To coach my final game on this field, the same field that I began coaching PAL 27 years ago it's come full circle. For it to be a win, it's just great for these guys."

One major key for Boyertown (3-7) in getting the win was the play of sophomore quarterback Ayden Mathias, who was making just his second start of the season.

Mathias passed for 100 yards and a touchdown, while also leading the Bears with 65 yards rushing and another score.

"I felt a lot more confident in myself today," Mathias said. "My other start came against Perk Valley and that's a really tough team to play against."

Late in the second quarter, with the Bears out of timeouts, Mathias rushed for a 57-yard touchdown along the left sideline.

"Our tackle made a great first block," Mathias said. "I just followed Jerry Kapp the rest of the way. He had a huge block for me."

Kapp, who had started the other eight games at quarterback, was slotted to the outside and became Mathias' favorite receiving target. Kapp finished with three catches for 71 yards and a touchdown that came on the Bears' first drive.

Kapp's touchdown came after the ball had been batted around by a pair of defenders perfectly into his arms. The junior also had an interception off a receiver's helmet.

"Jerry has such great focus on the ball," Parkinson said. "He's such a terrific player and he just makes so many plays for us."

Marcus Thomas had the other touchdown for the Bears on a 2-yard dive in the first quarter.

Pottstown (2-8) was held scoreless for the entire first half before breaking through with touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

Quarterbacks Josiah Wiggins and Owen Morton each rushed for a TD, while Isaiah Mayes carried 29 times for 165 yards.

The Trojans face Owen J. Roberts on Thanksgiving Day.