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Best of the Back Mountain 2018

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<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; All that was missing was some mud and slop because the Backyard Brawl between Wilkes-Barre City rivals GAR and Meyers that started in 1931 concluded Saturday afternoon with a throwback game.</p><p>And a throwback performance sealed Meyers 21-14 victory in the gloom, rain and cold &#8212; albeit on artificial turf at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium.</p><p>Running back Kevin Dessoye carried the ball on eight of the nine plays of the final drive, his last rush for a first down with 1:49 to play, as the Mohawks ate up nearly the final six minutes of the fourth quarter to end any GAR hopes. Three kneel-downs after Dessoye plunged 2 yards on a fourth-and-1 at the GAR 27-yard line locked up the victory.</p><p>Dessoye ran for 50 of his 109 yards on the final possession, which started at 5:41 of the fourth quarter.</p><p>&#8220;I wanted it 100 percent that way,&#8221; Dessoye said. &#8220;I was telling them all game. It was raining, we just need to push the ball ahead, keep moving forward, hit our holes, hold out blocks. Get the job done.&#8221;</p><p>Both teams qualified for the District 2 Class 3A playoffs. Meyers (7-3) will be the fifth seed and play at No. 4 Western Wayne (5-5) most likely at 7 p.m. Friday. GAR (1-9) is the eighth seed and will play at top-seeded Scranton Prep (9-1). That game will probably be Saturday afternoon since West Scranton has a home game in the D2-4A playoffs and Prep also uses Scranton Memorial Stadium.</p><p>GAR and Meyers can meet again Week 12 if both win in their D2-3A quarterfinal games.</p><p>Very few of the 3,000 fans who bought tickets failed to show up for the soldout game. Meyers senior tackle Mike Horvath wanted to leave the crowd, which included numerous former players, with a memorable game even if it meant the game being close.</p><p>&#8220;It&#8217;s just such an honor to play in the last Backyard Brawl,&#8221; Horvath said. &#8220;And for it to be like this. We&#8217;re the better team. We&#8217;re 7-3 and they&#8217;re now 1-9, but I was hoping it wasn&#8217;t a blowout because that would just disrespect this rivalry. You couldn&#8217;t ask for a better game.&#8221;</p><p>GAR coach Paul Wiedlich Jr. couldn&#8217;t have asked for a better effort from his team. The Grenadiers entered off a 35-0 shutout loss to Nanticoke Area, yet a 6-yard touchdown pass from Kam Taylor to Malachai Williams gave GAR a 7-6 lead after one quarter.</p><p>And when Meyers looked like it might pull away, taking a 21-7 lead at 10:34 of the fourth on a 2-yard run by Dunell, the Taylor-to-Williams connection struck again. The 7-yard hookup cut the deficit to 21-14 with 7:12 to play. GAR&#8217;s offense, though, ran just three plays after the score.</p><p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think they&#8217;ll have a problem looking at themselves in the mirror,&#8221; Wiedlich said. &#8220;No matter win or lose, they all left it out on the field for 48 minutes. Unfortunately, we just came up a little short today.&#8221;</p><p>Meyers finally broke through the defensive battled about midway through the second quarter on a 78-yard run by Darrian Tyson. The point-after was blocked, allowing GAR to take a 7-6 lead when Williams scored his first TD about three minutes later.</p><p>Meyers added its second touchdown at 7:12 of the third quarter on a 4-yard run by Dessoye. Tyson caught a two-point conversion pass from Joevanny Martinez for a 14-7 advantage.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Meyers 21, GAR 14</strong></p><p><strong>GAR`0`7`0`7 &#8212; 14</strong></p><p><strong>Meyers`0`6`8`7 &#8212; 21</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Second quarter</strong></p><p>MEY &#8212; Darrian Tyson 78 run (kick blocked), 6:19</p><p>GAR &#8212; Malachai Williams 6 pass from Kam Taylor (Rafael Amigon), 3:17</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Third quarter</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">MEY &#8212; Kevin Dessoye 4 run (Tyson from Joevanny Martinez), 7:12</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Fourth quarter</strong></p><p>MEY &#8212; Nazir Dunell 2 run (Michael Deutsch-Jones kick), 10:34</p><p>GAR &#8212; Williams 7 pass from Taylor (Amigon kick), 7:12</p><p><strong>Team statistics`GAR`MEY</strong></p><p>First downs`8`17</p><p>Rushes-yards`21-6`51-349</p><p>Passing yards`132`13</p><p>Total yards`138`362</p><p>Passing`8-16-1`2-7-0</p><p>Sacked-yards lost`2-5`1-1</p><p>Punts-avg.`6-26.5`2-20.5</p><p>Fumbles-lost`1-0`3-1</p><p>Penalties-yards`5-35`10-51</p><p><strong>INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS</strong></p><p><strong>RUSHING</strong> &#8212; GAR, Justice Lomas 2-9, Rodsheen Ayer 9-(minus-4), Taylor 8-2, Tyrone Qualls 1-(minus-5), Curtis Smith 1-(minus-4). Meyers, Dessoye 17-109, Dunell 16-87, Talee Swinney 5-12, Corey Brown 4-42, Darrian Tyson 4-124, team 5-(minus-25).</p><p><strong>PASSING</strong> &#8212; GAR, Taylor 8-16-1-132. Meyers, Swinney 2-7-0-13.</p><p><strong>RECEIVING</strong> &#8212; GAR, Williams 5-104, Lomas 1-18, Ayer 1-6, Qualls 1-4. Meyers, Dunell 1-10, Tyler Yelland 1-3.</p><p><strong>INTERCEPTIONS</strong> &#8212; Meyers, Najese Hood 1-0.</p><p><strong>MISSED FGs</strong> &#8212; none.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">GAR alumni flank the GAR football team as the Grenadiers enter Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium to face Meyers for the final time on Saturday afternoon. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_1.jpg</photo0><caption0>GAR alumni flank the GAR football team as the Grenadiers enter Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium to face Meyers for the final time on Saturday afternoon. </caption0><photoCredit0>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_2.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">The Meyers Mohawks storm Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium to face the GAR Grenadiers for the final time on Saturday afternoon. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_2.jpg</photo1><caption1>The Meyers Mohawks storm Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium to face the GAR Grenadiers for the final time on Saturday afternoon. </caption1><photoCredit1>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit1></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_3.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Team captains from GAR and Meyers meet at the 50-yard line before their final game against each other Saturday. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo2>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_3.jpg</photo2><caption2>Team captains from GAR and Meyers meet at the 50-yard line before their final game against each other Saturday. </caption2><photoCredit2>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit2></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_4.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">GAR running back Rodsheen Ayer turns the corner against Meyers defensive back Corey Brown at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo3>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_4.jpg</photo3><caption3>GAR running back Rodsheen Ayer turns the corner against Meyers defensive back Corey Brown at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. </caption3><photoCredit3>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit3></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_5.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">A GAR fan roots on the Grenadiers against Meyers wearing her cap and gown on Saturday afternoon. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo4>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_5.jpg</photo4><caption4>A GAR fan roots on the Grenadiers against Meyers wearing her cap and gown on Saturday afternoon. </caption4><photoCredit4>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit4></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_6.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Meyers quarterback Talee Swinney is dropped for a loss by GAR&#8217;s Noah Taylor Saturday afternoon at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo5>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_6.jpg</photo5><caption5>Meyers quarterback Talee Swinney is dropped for a loss by GAR&#8217;s Noah Taylor Saturday afternoon at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </caption5><photoCredit5>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit5></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_7.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">The GAR cheerleaders dance to &#8216;Sons of the Blue and Gray&#8217; after a Grenadiers touchdown against Meyers at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo6>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_7.jpg</photo6><caption6>The GAR cheerleaders dance to &#8216;Sons of the Blue and Gray&#8217; after a Grenadiers touchdown against Meyers at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </caption6><photoCredit6>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit6></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_8.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Meyers players signal touchdown after scoring against GAR Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo7>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_8.jpg</photo7><caption7>Meyers players signal touchdown after scoring against GAR Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </caption7><photoCredit7>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit7></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_9.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Meyers fans celebrate a Mohawks touchdown against GAR Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo8>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_9.jpg</photo8><caption8>Meyers fans celebrate a Mohawks touchdown against GAR Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </caption8><photoCredit8>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit8></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_10.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">The GAR Grenadiers congratulate the Meyers Mohawks on their 21-14 victory Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo9>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_10.jpg</photo9><caption9>The GAR Grenadiers congratulate the Meyers Mohawks on their 21-14 victory Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. </caption9><photoCredit9>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit9></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_11.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">The Meyers Mohawks hold up the Backyard Brawl Trophy after defeating the GAR Grenadiers 21-14 to end their long-time rivalry Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. The two schools will merge their athletic programs with Coughlin for the 2019-20 school year. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo10>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_TTL102818HSF-GAR-Meyers_11.jpg</photo10><caption10>The Meyers Mohawks hold up the Backyard Brawl Trophy after defeating the GAR Grenadiers 21-14 to end their long-time rivalry Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. The two schools will merge their athletic programs with Coughlin for the 2019-20 school year. </caption10><photoCredit10>Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  </photoCredit10></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><subheadMeta>Mohawks&#8217; Dessoye carries load on final drive</subheadMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By John Erzar</p><p>jerzar@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><factboxMeta><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>ON THE WEB</strong></p><p>1945 GAR-Meyers game ended with goaline controvesy. Visit timesleader.com to read more.</p></factboxMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach John Erzar at 570-991-6394 or on Twitter @TLJohnErzar</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Mohawks defeat city rival GAR, 21-14