South Wins The Lezzer Lumber Classic Behind Strong Performance By Bryce Danish
By: Shane Lux / June 17, 2024 / Photo: Jeff Jodon
State College – The South led by quarterback Bryce Danish topped the North 21-8 in the 39th annual Lezzer Lumber All-Star Game.
Bryce Danish of Mount Union High School accounted for 245 yards of offense and scored three total touchdowns, leading the South to victory Sunday night at State College's Memorial Stadium.
Danish completed 15-of-28 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 26 yards and two scores on 18 carries.
"It felt amazing today," said Danish. "I've got to make lifelong friends, and I couldn't ask to play with a better group of guys. It was a blast. It felt great to represent Mount Union because we're a small town, and not many people know about us, but hopefully, now they do."
The South built a 9-0 halftime lead thanks to Danish scoring on a 5-yard run that capped an 18-play, 76-yard drive that ate up most of the second-quarter clock, coupled with Caden DeLattre of Hollidaysburg nailing a 26-yard field in the closing seconds of the first stanza.
The North only managed 21 yards of offense in the first half but more than tripled that total on its initial drive of the second half. Following a 7-play, 64-yard drive, Kahale Burns of Bald Eagle Area caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Clearfield's Will Domico.
Kahale Burns caught three passes for 29 yards, while Gavin Burns led the North with five grabs for 31 yards. Domico completed 10-of-16 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. Ty Watson of Penns Valley rushed for a game-high 65 yards.
Less than a minute later, the Mount Union teammates of Danish and wide receiver Je'saun Robinson connected on a 79-yard touchdown pass; Robinson led all receivers with three receptions for 87 yards and the score while adding the game-sealing interception in the final minute.
“That was a special play," Danish said. "I heard he had a go route, and I knew my teammate was going to burn him. I looked up, and sure enough, he burned him, then touchdown."
In the latter stages of the third quarter, the South put the finishing touches on the contest with a 12-yard run by Danish with 3:33 to play in the third quarter following a 38-yard drive.
"Our offensive line created great holes all game long," concluded Danish. "I couldn't ask for a better line. They made the holes, and I ran through them; they made it simple."
