Greater Johnstown holds on for shootout victory over Richland

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Greater Johnstown’s Gervon Simon (right) breaks away from Richland defender Luke Shertzer on his way to the Trojans’ first touchdown on Friday night. Todd Berkey
Greater Johnstown’s Alex Merriman, above, stretches for extra yardage as Richland’s Zach Solarczyk tries to stop him during the Trojans’ 35-27 victory on Friday night. Todd Berkey
Richland wide receiver Zach Hanley hauls in a touchdown pass on the final play of the first half. Todd Berkey

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September 24, 2011

Greater Johnstown holds on for shootout victory over Richland

Chip Minemyer cminemyer@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Sat Sep 24, 2011, 01:40 AM EDT

JOHNSTOWN — Tim Odum had been waiting for his chance to shine.

Friday night, he grabbed the spotlight with three touchdowns as Greater Johnstown survived a wild, trick-play-filled battle with rival Richland, 35-27.

The shifty senior tailback rolled up 121 yards in the second half and 169 for the game as the Trojans moved to 4-0, handing Richland (3-1) its first setback of the Laurel Highlands Conference season.

“The coaches told me I had to run the ball this week,” Odum said.

And he did – breaking loose for a 29-yard score in the first half and adding touchdown runs of 23 and 15 yards in the second half.

“This was my best game,” Odum said. “Ever.”

Johnstown quarterback Gervon Simon actually outgained his teammate with 221 rushing yards on 12 carries and he had one score.

Simon also connected with Dwight Andrews for a 5-yard scoring pass, but Richland generally held the Trojans’ vaunted passing attack in check.

“You have to pick your poison with us,” Simon said.

“That is a very good Richland football team,” Trojans coach Tony Penna Jr. said. “I’m so proud of my kids. All the credit goes to them.”

A wacky first half featured five onside kicks, four turnovers and a boatload of penalties.

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