BUCKINGHAM, PA – In an instant classic that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the C.B. East Patriots (4-1, 1-1) battled the Pennsbury Falcons (0-5, 0-2) to a 7-0 victory in a game that was as intense as it was physical. The scoreboard remained locked at zero until the final 4:47, when Hunter Pulford broke through a mess of would-be tacklers for a 6-yard touchdown run, sealing the win for the Patriots in a contest that embodied the spirit of an old-fashioned donnybrook.
The game was a defensive showcase, with both teams refusing to yield an inch. For C.B. East, Pulford was the offensive spark, racking up 145 yards and the game’s lone score. His top target, Sam Piszel, hauled in three catches for 74 yards, providing critical plays in the passing game. On the defensive side, Liam Hoey and Tim Fuhrmeister were relentless, each recording multiple tackles for loss and a sack. Their dominant performances earned them, along with Pulford, CDS Wealth Players of the Game honors.
The Falcons, despite their record, fought with heart. Luke Beighley was a standout, making plays all over the field and snagging an interception, but Pennsbury couldn’t convert, as the Patriots’ defense stuffed them on a crucial fourth-down attempt.
CDS Wealth Player(s) of the Game
Post-game, Pulford credited his teammates for the victory: “I just wanna thank my line for blocking for me, a bunch of them play both sides of the ball, and they’re playing their heart out there every single game, every single snap, and I couldn’t be where I am without them blocking for me. I want to thank all my coaches for giving me the opportunity this year to play all the positions I have and for really giving me a chance this year. I also want to say Pennsbury was a very tough team, and they played with heart, and they played until the very last snap, and it was fun playing them.”
At halftime, with the score still knotted at 0-0, the Patriots regrouped. Liam Hoey shared the team’s mindset: “Yeah, our defense was strong all game. The big boys up front really cleared the lanes for me. I mean, they really just told us to flush it. It wasn’t the best first half for the team, we came out strong in the second half and got the dub and that’s all that matters.”
Tim Fuhrmeister emphasized the team’s physical identity and brotherhood: “We’ve always been physical, that’s our motto this season, to be the most physical team in the SOL, and when stuff doesn’t go our way, we just have to come together, rely on the person next to us, and make the hit, gang tackle and be physical. We played good, but we have to bring it to North Penn next week.” Reflecting on the season’s midpoint, he added, “It feels good, I love all the guys, I think this year we are really close. Of my three years, I think this team is the closest we’ve ever been; it’s just a lot of brotherhood, even off the field, we are always hanging out.”
Head coach John Donnelly praised his team’s defensive effort while acknowledging areas for improvement: “Well, defensively we did a great job, obviously. They opened it up a little more. At times, I thought they threw the ball well, especially for a young kid. I think he’s a sophomore. We were our own worst enemy, especially in the first half. We were behind the chains every series, it seemed like.” He noted halftime adjustments were key: “At halftime, we made some adjustments to make up for that and did some good things. We moved the ball a little bit and got one in on that drive that we needed to, and we weren’t comfortable, but we knew our defense was holding, so we felt pretty good with the lead at that point in the game.”
With a 4-1 record at the season’s halfway mark, Donnelly highlighted the team’s unity: “Here’s the thing, this team is a very tight-knit group, and I think that goes a long way. They really are an unselfish group; they don’t care who gets the credit. They celebrate the game together, which I think is pretty awesome, so I think that will take us a long way going into the second half. The meat grinder of the National Conference is rough, and it isn’t going to be easy. I think teams know it’s going to be a tough out with C.B. East.”
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots prepare for a showdown with North Penn (3-2,0-2), their physicality and camaraderie will be tested, but this gritty win over a determined Pennsbury squad proves C.B. East is ready for the challenges ahead. With five games left before the playoffs, the Patriots are focused, united, and hungry for more.