Football - Jeannette vs Springdale

October 22, 2022

Jeannette Clinches Playoff Bid with 35-7 Win over Springdale

Jeannette added at least one post-season game to their 2022 schedule, clinching a WPIAL playoff bid after a one season absence, as they beat Springdale 35-7 on Friday, October 21, at McKee Stadium in Jeannette. The Jayhawks also honored senior members of the football team, cheer squad, and band as they celebrated Senior Night on their last home game of the regular season.

Jeannette took a short opening kickoff by the Dynamos and were moving the ball toward midfield when a fumble gave possession to Springdale in Jeannette's territory. But Springdale failed to convert on a fourth-and one from Jeannette's 29 yard line, and the Jayhawks offense quickly went back to work.

Jeannette mounted a 70-yard scoring drive, culminating with Noah Sanders carrying into the end zone from 2-yards out at 4:46 remaining in the first quarter. Mitchell Steele booted the first of a perfect 5-for-5 extra points on the night to make the score 7-0.

With the Jeannette offense having found their rhythm, the defense held Springdale to minimal success and the Hawks began to extend their lead. A short punt gave the Jayhawks possession at Springdale's 47-yard line, and their ground attack paid off again. Quarterback Payton Molter called his own number on a 4th down from the 12 yard line and ran left to the pylon for the touchdown. Jeannette led 14-0 with 10:29 left in the first half.

Springdale's offense stalled on their next possession, and a short punt set Jeannette up in Springdale territory. But a fumble gave the ball right back to the Dynamos. Jeannette's defense stalled the Dynamos' offense again, and the Hawks went back on offense midway through the quarter. Once again it was Molter with a 12-yard touchdown run, this time around the right side of the line, and Jeannette led 21-0 with 3:02 left on the 2nd quarter clock.

The Jayhawks made it a four touchdown lead when Andrew Ross caught a 32-yard pass from Molter at 1:09 left in the half. Jeannette led Springdale 28-0 as the bands took the field for halftime.

Neither team scored in the third quarter but Springdale had their chances. A sack by the Jeannette defense on 4th-and-2 from the Jayhawks 7 yard line stalled the Dynamos on their deepest scoring opportunity at that point in the game.

Jeannette invoked the 35-point mercy rule when Noah Sanders hit the end zone again from 13 yards away at 9:25 left in the game.

Springdale got a late score on the running clock when Garrett Myers caught a 2-yard pass from Chase Weirauch. Noah Skaugen's PAT kick would make the final score 35-7.

Jeannette (3-6, 3-2) will travel to perennial rival Clairton next Friday for their final regular season game. Springdale (0-5, 0-9) will host Riverview in their final game of the season.