Backyard Rivalry, Lower Moreland vs. ANC

   The Lower Moreland Lions and the Academy of the New Church (ANC) are located a half of a mile from each other and are ultimately neighbors. So every year when the two teams get together for a football game, it means something. Lower Moreland took the walk to ANC last Saturday in a game they knew would be a battle.
   The two teams were amped up and ready to go on the hot Saturday afternoon, and the intensity could be felt from the opening kickoff to the last snap. Lower Moreland showed a combination of a strong offense and dominate defense, beating ANC 46-23.
   After trading touchdowns, Joseph Leventhal hit Peter Ebert in stride for a 45 yard touchdown pass to take the lead 14-7 in the second quarter. The momentum was in LM's hands with 9 seconds left in the half, when Lower Moreland's Anthony Morales stripped the ball from ANC's QB Landon Elder deep in ANC's territory. Tyler Hunn then punched it in for a touchdown and the Lions were up 20-9 going into halftime. 
   Morales ended the day with 4 sacks and looked dominate all day. Morales was asked about his success on the line and he said, "We took this week very seriously and treated it like a big game and it was. We did a lot more hitting during practice and were mentally prepared."
   To start off the 2nd half, Ryan Killion rushed one in from 35 out for his second touchdown of the day. Following that, ANC's QB fumbled in the end-zone and LM's Jake Clair scooped it up for another touchdown. ANC answered back with a 35 yard touchdown pass of their own, but the third quarter ended with a 39-17 score, after another Killion TD.
   The game was sealed after Leventhal took back an interception for 53 yards, showing off his breakaway speed. The final score came to 46-23 in what was a hard fought game on both sides. The overcoming force in this one was the momentum of Lower Moreland after getting off to a slow start. Ryan Killion eded with 140 yards and 3 TD's, and Leventhal was 2-3 59yds with a touchdown, added 69 on the ground, and a 53 yard interception returned for a TD.
   The Lions showed pure dominance this week versus ANC. They will take on Calvary at home Saturday, at 1:30. Come out and support your Lions!