1986 Recap
Written by: Big 33 Staff on August 2, 1986.
It was billed as Pennsylvania versus Maryland, but it turned out to be the Michael Owens Show. Owens, the elusive runner from Carlisle, scored all the Pennsylvania touchdowns in leading the Keystone State to a 21-7 victory over Maryland.
The 6-0, 200-pound tailback was easily the game’s most valuable player as he ran 21 and 45 yards for touchdowns and caught a 25-yard pass for another.The electrifying performance drew raves from the 16,200 fans at Hersheypark Stadium.
Maryland came here with a Wing-T attack that gave Pennsylvania problems, but the visitors of coach Bob Milloy weren’t able to capitalize on some first half scoring opportunities.
Dunmore’s Jack Henzes did a nice job blending a pass-run attack for his Pennsylvania team. He also gave Major Harris a chance to show he could throw the football. Harris, who should be West Virginia’s starting quarterback, was selected as a defensive back who could also play quarterback.
Maryland’s problems began when Bishop McDevitt’s Sean Barowski took the opening kickoff and set sail on a 59-yard run. Owens broke loose on a sweep from the 21 and Pennsylvania had a score just 37 seconds into the game. Tim Chamberlain’s kick made it 7-0.
It turned out to be the only points the Keystone State club would get in the first half. Harris did have a TD strike to Wayne Keys of Bristol nullified by a penalty
Late in the half, Maryland was on the move in Pennsylvania territory when Darryl Banks of Aliquippa intercepted a pass with a little over a minute to play.
The visitors got another chance when Chamberlain dropped the snap of a punt formation and Maryland took possession on the Pennsylvania 15. Joe Novitsky made a saving stop on Maryland QB Curtis Williams to end the half.
Maryland was right back deep into Pennsylvania territory after the second half kickoff. Faced with a fourth and five situation at the 11, Maryland went for a field goal. Novitsky blocked the kick. Pennsylvania made the most of the situation by going 85 yards on 12 plays.
Harris connected on a 48-yard pass to Allentown’s Ed McCaffrey. On third down at the 25, Harris scrambled away from pressure and found Owens in the corner of the end zone.
Fullback Durwin Greggs got Maryland back in the game with a 66-yard run after catching a screen pass. Dave Behrmann’s kick made it 13-7.
Owens ended the suspense with a 45-yard run which he came to a complete stop to avoid one tackle reversed field and ran away from everybody.
Pottsville’s John Flannery and Conestoga Valley’s Sam Turner were voted defensive MVPs.
