Swifts defeat Tigers, 40-22

The Nazareth Swifts came through with a strong win over the Groom Tigers on Friday, 40-22.

Groom took the lead in the first quarter, scoring a touchdown on a 30-yard pass with extra points, 8-0.

The Swifts answered with a touch down and on 3-yard rush by Sterl Welps, with extra points by Trent Gerber, to tie the game 8-8.

The Tigers scored another touchdown on a 54-yard pass, ending the quarter with a Groom lead, 14-8.

Nazareth owned the second quarter, with Brett Heitschmidt scoring on a 54-yard pass from Trent Gerber and extra points by Gerber, and another touchdown by Sterl Welps on a 14- yard pass from Luke Schulte with extra points by Gerber, to put them in the lead at halftime 24-14.

The Swifts held the Tigers to zero gain in the third quarter while scoring another Naz touchdown by Brett Heitschmidt on a 45-yard pass from Schulte and extra points by Gerber, pushing their lead to 32-14.

In the final quarter, Naz scored another touchdown on a 2-yard rush by Schulte and extra points by Gerber putting the score at 40-14.

Groom came through with a touchdown and extra points, but far short of closing the Swifts’ lead and giving the victory to Nazareth 40-22.

Nazareth came in with 12 first downs, 34 rushes for 74 yards, 10 receptions for 212 yards, two fumbles, four penalties and 27 tackles.

Passing leaders were Luke Schulte with eight completions for 10 attempts, 116 yards and two touchdowns; and Trent Gerber with two completions for four attempts, 96 yards and one touchdown.

Rushing leaders were Luke Schulte with 30 rushes, 60 yards, one touchdown and two fumbles; and Sterl Welps with four rushes, 14 yards and one touchdown.

Top receivers were Brett Heitschmidt with four receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns; Sterl Welps with four receptions, 80 yards and one touchdown; Kayle Rogers with one reception and 17 yards; and Trent Gerber with one reception and 13 yards.

Defensive leaders were Luke Schulte with eight tackles; Brett Heitschmidt, six tackles; Tell Bagley, five tackles; Trent Gerber, three tackles; Sterl Welps, two tackles and one interception; Will Young, two tackles.