Franek’s game winning field goal sends Exeter to the next round
Last second kick gives Exeter a 24-21 victory
In a nail-biting PIAA District 3 playoff showdown, the Exeter Eagles used a last-second Jake Franek field goal to beat the New Oxford Colonials 24-21.
The game began quietly, with both teams’ defenses taking control in the first quarter, leaving the scoreboard blank. It wasn’t until early in the second quarter that New Oxford drew first blood. Running back Clayton Nieves found the end zone on a 2-yard dash, putting the Colonials up 7-0 with 10:35 left in the first half.
The Eagles responded with an aerial attack. Quarterback Jake Hafer connected with wide receiver Carter Redding on a 68-yard touchdown pass, tying the score at 7-7 with just over four minutes remaining in the quarter. Not finished yet, Hafer and Redding linked up again shortly before halftime, this time on a 57-yard pass, leaving the Eagles in front at 14-7 after another successful extra point from Franek.
After a scoreless third quarter, the fourth quarter brought renewed energy and intensity. New Oxford started the final quarter with a 13-yard touchdown run from Nieves, tying the game once more. But Exeter didn’t wait long to regain the lead. A methodical drive culminated in a 2-yard touchdown run by Genuine Stutzman, putting the Eagles back on top, 21-14, with just over six minutes left on the clock.
New Oxford, refusing to back down, engineered another drive, capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luke Frey to wide receiver Brayden Billman. The game was tied at 21-21 with 1:07 remaining, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
With time ticking down, Exeter turned to Franek. As the clock hit zero, Franek delivered under pressure, nailing a 32-yard field goal that secured the Eagles' 24-21 victory, sending Exeter into the third round of the playoffs.
The Exeter offense combined for 291 total yards, showcasing a balanced attack with 147 rushing yards on 34 carries and 144 passing yards. Hafer, though limited in attempts, completed four of nine passes for 144 yards, with Redding accounting for a staggering 130 yards on just three receptions. Redding’s 68- and 57-yard touchdown receptions proved critical, providing the offensive spark that kept Exeter in the lead for much of the game.
On the ground, Exeter’s rushing attack was led by the relentless running of Jayden Zandier, who recorded 159 yards on 29 carries. While New Oxford had an edge in total yards (371) and first downs (21), they struggled with turnovers, losing one of two fumbles. The Colonials’ passing game was led by Frey, who completed 15 of 24 attempts for 227 yards, including his clutch 21-yard touchdown pass to Billman in the final minutes.
The defenses were active throughout, with both teams making critical stops to prevent big plays. New Oxford’s Alex Brown recorded an interception, adding a turnover to a disciplined showing from the Colonials. Both teams displayed physical play, accumulating penalties that slowed their momentum. Exeter was flagged eight times for 47 yards, while New Oxford was hit with eight penalties totaling 67 yards.
This hard-fought victory sends Exeter (11-1) into the third round of the District 3 playoffs, where they’ll face the Conestoga Valley Buckskins. The Bucks provided the only setback on Exeter’s schedule in week 9 on a controversial referee’s call that denied the Eagles a two point conversion for the victory in the waning seconds of the game. You can WATCH the Exeter/CV game on The Exeter Sports Network Friday night at 6:45