After the dust cleared out on one of the most exciting District Championship games in recent memory, the Tyrone Golden Eagles stood tall. A 35-21 victory over the previously undefeated Mount Union Trojans gave Tyrone their tenth District 6 Title.

This game was highlighted by two of the best high school running backs in the state. The Trojan’s BJ Loner ran for an impressive 140 yards and two touchdowns and also returned a kick 86 yards for score as well.

Not to be outdone, Aleic Hunter had a game that will go down in Tyrone lore as one of the best rushing performances in school history. Thirty-four carries for 304 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns carried Tyrone to victory. Literally.

“I’m on top of the world right now,” said Hunter, “this group of guys deserved a district title.”

The Golden Eagle defense was instrumental in their victory. While they gave up over 350 offensive yards, four Golden Eagle interceptions kept the Trojan’s speedy offense at bay.

“We were amazing at locating the football in the air,” said senior linebacker Jake Makdad, “turnovers and stout defense win games down the stretch, especially in the playoffs.”

Two interceptions by Cullen Raftery and one each by Nick Getz and Cameron Bakhsheshe highlighted a pass defense that only gave up 76 yards through the air. The entire defensive side of the ball has been dubbed “The Birds of Prey” by their loyal fan-base, and is getting recognition on the state level as a premier unit at the AA level.

Tyrone looks to continue their magical run as they face the Hickory Hornets, a team Tyrone defeated on their last run to states in 2011.

The game will be played this Saturday at 1:00 pm in Dubois.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Tyrone 7 7 7 14 – 35

Mount Union 0 7 7 7 – 21

First quarter

T-A. Hunter 74 run (Vipond kick), 11:03.

Second quarter

T-A. Hunter 1 run (Vipond kick), 5:11.

MU-Loner 86 kickoff return (Do. Gearhart kick), 4:50.

Third quarter

T-A. Hunter 3 run (Vipond kick), 6:56.

MU-Loner 60 run (Do. Gearhart kick), 1:41.

Fourth quarter

T-A. Hunter 1 run (Vipond kick), 9:55.

MU-Loner 7 run (Do. Gearhart kick), 7:18.

T-A. Hunter 78 run (Vipond kick), 3:19.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING:

Mount Union-Walker 13-144, Loner 19-140, House 1-15, Steele 3-2, Bookwalter 4-(-11).

Tyrone-A. Hunter 34-304, G. Hunter 10-44, Weaver 2-5, Sleeth 3-1, TEAM 1-(-1).

PASSING:

Mount Union-Walker 4-18-4-76.

Tyrone-G. Hunter 3-7-0-72.

RECEIVING:

Mount Union-House 3-56, Roher 1-20.

Tyrone-A. Hunter 1-44, Makdad 1-17, Boone 1-11.

INTERCEPTIONS:

Mount Union-none.

Tyrone-Raftery 2, Getz, Bakhsheshe.

TEAM STATISTICS

First downs T-16 M-17

Rushes-yards T-50-353 M-40-290

Passing (comp.-att.-int.) T-3-7-0 M-4-18-4

Yards passing T-72 M-76

Total yards T-425 M-366

Fumbles-lost T-1-1 M-0-0

Penalties-yards T-3-20 M-3-30

Punts-avg. T-4-32.3 M-2-37