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Grit: September 10, 1972 – Millionaires Tie Lions 6-6

The Williamsport High School Millionaires, basking in the arc lights of their newly dedicated stadium, played to a 6-6 tie Saturday night with the perennial powerful Mountain Lions of Altoona. More than 7,000 fans delighted in the sky-high performance of the Cherry and White, who had not defeated an Altoona team in 13 years.

A Millionaire drive was stalled early in the second half at the Altoona one, but Williamsport came back and dominated the third quarter, holding the ball for more than 10 minutes. Williamsport grounded out 140 yards in the period. Altoona managed only 12 on 8 plays.

Williamsport’s touchdown drive began on the Altoona 47-yard line. Sam Washington showed some speed to the outside, gaining nine yards, but Larry Hostrander was the Millionaire workhorse in the march. He barreled three yards for a first down and then gained 18 more yards off tackle. Then he drove six yards to the Altoona five and carried the ball in three plays later from the one-yard stripe.

Quarterback Bill Simons was shaken up on the play, and in the confusion, Altoona blocked the extra point.

Altoona managed only one first down in the second half compared to eight for W.H.S.

The Millionaires grudging defense led by Jeff Eckert and Dave Praster, allowed only 33 yards in the second half.

Altoona opened the scoring late in the first half when Vic Oberneder swept around right end for four yards. The scoring play capped an 89-yard drive which included an 18-yard run by Oberneder and an 18-yard pass from quarterback Jim Gehret. Then a smash by fullback Brad Benson gained 16 and set up Oberneder’s touchdown sweep.