The Knights entered the second quarter hoping to extend their lead, but a personal foul called against the Knights allowed Easton to gain 15 extra yards, and gave them great field position. Once again the Rovers were able to break through the Knights defensive line to move into scoring position. The Knights came up big however, and forced Easton to settle for a field goal. Four minutes into the quarter, the Easton Red Rovers closed the gap to only 4. North Penn was hopeful, and came out looking for a score on the next drive to regain confidence and increase the lead. As the Knights worked their way down the field, Kevin Akins and Adam Hearns added with huge first downs. There was certainly no lack of Laky either, as senior Jim Laky took it upon himself to change the scoreboard. After an extra point by kicker Jon Striefsky, the score was changed to 14-3 in favor of the Knights. North Penn attempted a short onside kick on the next play that was recovered by the Knights, however a penalty pushed the Knights back 15 yards, and forced them to re-kick. The Rovers offense put a scare into the Knights and fans alike, as their offensive line plowed their way to the ten yard line, once again putting Easton in scoring position. North Penn was able to hold off the Rovers, and again, Easton added 3 points with a field goal. North Penn had an answer to this, as Deanco Oliver with a 40 yard play, Jeff Ball, with a 15 yard run, and Jim Laky moved the Knights down field. Adam Hearns added, as he dropped back to pass the ball the Rovers defense collapsed on him, after scrambling in the pocket, Hearns was able to reach the 14 yard line for a big first down. Unable to convert for a touchdown, the Knights were forced to settle for a field goal. Kicker Dave Kornock increased the Knights lead with a 36 yard kick with 8 seconds left in the half. Going into half time the Knights held the lead at 17-6.

The Red Rovers of Easton started the half with the ball, but the Knights were able to force the turnover and only 2 minutes into the half North Penn was again in control of the ball. Kevin Akins started off the drive with a big run that was followed by a short screen pass to Deanco Oliver to give the Knights a first down. QB Adam Hearns took over on offense, and with 8:41 left, he made the score 24-6. Easton reacted quickly, and on their next drive they cut NP's lead to 10 after a TD and a 2 point conversion. After a short drive by the Knights offense, North Penn was forced to punt. Sending the ball back to the Easton 14 yard line and a big tackle by Jeff Ball, the Knights left Easton with little room to work. After 3 downs unable to move the ball the Rovers punted, however the ball was held up in the wind and gave the Knights great field position at the Easton 32. On the very next play a short pass from Hearns to Oliver lead to a touchdown, making the score now 31-14 Knights.

As the 4th quarter began Easton seemed to realize their season may end in only 12 short minutes. After a big push and a 27 yard run, The Rovers opened the quarter with a touchdown, and cut the Knights lead to 10. The Knights were looking for a score to secure the lead, and a big offensive push may have given them another touchdown. Andrew Brown and Jeff Ball were impressive working on both sides of the Ball. Brown and Laky both had big first downs to give the Knights a chance to score yet they were unable to convert. As the Rovers took over possession they were looking long down field to get into scoring position. However, they were not looking at Kevin Akins, and with 2 minutes left in the game Akins picked off an Easton pass to give Knights possession again. Jeff Ball indeed did it all tonight, as he took the ball for a 50 yard run to put the Knights into great scoring position. Senior Jim Casertano sealed the victory with 38 seconds left, and after an extra point the score was 38-21.

North Penn once again is victorious beating the Easton Red Rovers. The Knights protect their undefeated record, and improves to 14-0. The Rovers end their season with a record of 11-3. North Penn will face Pittsburgh Central Catholic in the state championship game next Saturday. Start the bus to Hershey, here come the Knights!

- Meghan Halberstadt 2005