NANTICOKE — Turnovers are practically a given when playing in torrential downpour. But when those turnovers continually bit Nanticoke Area at the worst times, it was easy for the Trojans to throw their hands up in the air to the football gods.
Giveaways plagued the Trojans in a 28-14 loss to Shamokin on Friday. Dogged in a fight for a coveted spot in the District 2 Class 4A playoff picture, Nanticoke’s setback was frustrating for anyone judging the game on time of possession or total yards.
“It’s just disappointing we didn’t take care of the football,” Nanticoke Area coach Ron Bruza said. “We didn’t play Trojan football, and it cost us the game. There’s not much more that you can say than that.”
After suffocating the Shamokin offense over three possessions, Nanticoke Area gifted the Indians their first chance at the end zone. A fumble at the 10-yard line allowed Shamokin to move within one point. Chase Pensyl caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brad Latshaw to cut the deficit to 8-7.
Nanticoke Area seemed unfazed by the early hiccup, marching down the field with ease against a puzzled Shamokin defense. Ryan Wiaterowski bowled over Purple and White defenders for a 6-yard touchdown for a 14-7 lead at the 6:11 mark of the second quarter.
Their lead would last a grand total of 14 seconds. The Shamokin offense line created a spacious hole for Jayce Ginck to run 72 yards for a game-tying touchdown.
Shamokin carried that momentum by outscoring the Trojans 14-0 in the second half. The Indians forced a pair of turnovers in the midfield.
“You can’t give the ball up three times per game,” Bruza said. “You can’t give the ball up at the 10-yard line. You can’t let…
