West York QB Alex George redeemed in 35-34 win

Alex George, the Bulldogs' senior signal-caller felt worse.

Within minutes, George went from having a play he'd like to forget, to one he'll fondly remember.

With the score tied at 20 between West York and Conestoga Valley in the quarterfinal round of the District 3 Class AAA playoffs, the Bulldogs had an opportunity to take their first lead late in the fourth quarter.

West York took possession at the Buckskins' 29-yard line with 4:55 to play in regulation. On second-and-4, George dropped the snap from the shotgun, and Conestoga Valley recovered the ball.

But no harm was done, as the Bulldogs defense stiffened up and forced overtime.

After the teams traded scores in the first overtime, the Buckskins jumped ahead by seven points, forcing the Bulldogs to answer.

Corey Harris scored from a yard out to give George his opportunity.

"There was no question we were going for it," Miller said of the two-point try that sealed the Bulldogs' win. "No matter what, I wanted the ball in either Alex's or Corey's hands."

George took the snap and ran behind the right guard and tackle, scoring the final two points in the thrilling 35-34 double-overtime victory.

"We run this play a lot, we probably ran it 15 times in this game," George said of the play call. "It worked all night, so we said 'why change it if it's working?'"

The play worked to perfection and moved West York (11-1) into the semifinal round against Susquehanna Township next Friday night.

This 2-point play, where the game hinged on the outcome, was reminiscent of the game between the Bulldogs and Dallastown from Week 2 of last season, when the Wildcats beat the Bulldogs 48-47, after West York's 2-point conversion attempt failed.

"My first thought when we were going for two was Dallastown," West York's Darion Bundy said. "I got down on one knee and said 'God please just let this play work.' I didn't even know what play was going in. But, when I looked up and saw George going into the end zone, I was just so happy."

Bundy, another West York senior who had a part in the victory, came up with a momentum-changing moment in the fourth quarter.

The linebacker hit star Buckskins running back Kevin Kelley, forcing the ball loose. Bundy recovered the fumble with 10:46 to play in regulation.

"It was do-or-die," Bundy said. "I just came off a blitz and hit him at the right time."

Timing was also key for senior receivers Brett Campbell and Dan Gay, both of whom scored a touchdown in the second half to draw the Bulldogs even, as West York opened up the passing game in the final 24 minutes. The two combined for seven catches and 162 yards, and Gay also caught a 2-point pass play from George to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

"George did a nice job of scrambling around, and he found me," Gay said of his 41-yard score up the right sideline. "I just had to make one man miss, and I did that, and it was all open from there."

As the West York players and coaches came off the field and slapped hands with their friends, family and fans, those Bulldogs seniors took something extra from this game, their final contest at home.

"I will not forget this game for the rest of my life," Bundy said. "We wanted to leave it all on the field, and we did that."

Also of interest

· Is West York's Brandon Real the best local running back ever?

· Red Lion's Scott Fitzkee ranks as York/Adams Greatest Athlete.