Reading High falls to Hempfield in high school football
Oct. 29—By Jared Montalto
Reading Eagle
Reading High coach Troy Godinet was emotional following the final game of his first season as head football coach at his alma mater.
The Red Knights lost 40-16 to Hempfield in a Lancaster-Lebanon Section 1 game Friday at Shirk Stadium, but Godinet saw progress.
"They exceeded expectations to the fullest," Godinet said. "It means something to go to Reading High and play football. We're going to get back to the days where people respect us."
Hempfield (6-0, 8-2) secured the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 with the win. Reading High (1-5, 3-7), which went just 1-7 a season ago, is aiming to be at that level.
After the Red Knights went three-and-out on their first possession, the Black Knights scored on a 19-yard run by senior Grant Hoover.
Hoover scored on a 5-yards run on Hempfield's second possession.
Two plays into the second quarter, senior Stephen Katch scored on a 10-yard run for the Black Knights.
Reading High was able to hold Hempfield to a field goal from senior Cannon Biscoe on the following possession.
After not being able to get a first down and backed up near their end zone, the Red Knights took a safety after punter Jondre' Murcia fumbled the snap.
The Black Knights took a 33-0 lead at halftime after junior Jackson Landis connected with Micah Gates for a 7-yard touchdown.
However, the Red Knights did not let up.
After Katch was able to score another touchdown from 5 yards, Reading High scored its first touchdown.
Senior Amier Burdine connected with fellow senior Ruben Rodriguez for an 80-yard TD on the first play of the ensuing possession. Sophomore Alexis Alvarado ran in the two-point conversion.
The two seniors were able to connect one more time in their final game when Rodriguez caught a 71-yard touchdown from Burdine with 5:09 remaining.
Rodriguez finished with 156 yards on three receptions. Burdine completed seven passes for 180 yards.
"These kids mean so much to this community, program, and this school," Godinet said. "We're doing our best to build leaders in this community and our high school. They are challenged every single day and they stepped up to it."
