Meteor Strike in Wilkes-Barre: Montrose Pounds the Ground, Then Soars Late to Stun Holy Redeemer

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | October 5, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

WILKES-BARRE — A season built on heart, grit, and growth found its reward Saturday night.

The Montrose Meteors, a program of just over 20 players fighting through a rebuild under head coach George Petrak, stormed into Holy Redeemer for Senior Night and walked out with a statement, a hard-fought 30–25 victory sealed by late-game composure, a punishing run game, and a little faith in the air attack when it mattered most.

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The Turning Point

With just under three minutes left in the game and Redeemer leading 25–22, Royals quarterback Brady McDermott dropped back under pressure, and the ball came loose. Montrose’s Christian Baker pounced on it at the Redeemer 14-yard line, setting the stage for a finish that will echo through the Meteors’ locker room for weeks to come.

Having gashed Redeemer on the ground all night behind the legs of Sawyer Aukema (23 carries, 217 yards, 2 TDs) and Cason Petrak (19 carries, 136 yards, 1 TD), the Meteors decided to flip the script.

First came a 26-yard strike from Aukema to Evan McComb, then a bold decision to throw again. This time, Timothy David hauled in a 17-yard touchdown pass from McComb, a play hotly contested by Redeemer’s sideline, but the officials signaled touchdown, and it stood.

On the next series and last play of the game, David made sure there’d be no debate. He stepped in front of McDermott’s final pass attempt for an interception that sent the Montrose sideline into celebration.

“These boys practiced hard all week,” said Coach Petrak, beaming postgame. “We made a few defensive adjustments to handle their passing attack, and the kids believed they could win. They earned this.”

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By the Numbers

The Meteors’ identity was clear from the first whistle, dominate the trenches and control the clock. Montrose piled up an astounding 403 rushing yards on 54 attempts, outgaining Redeemer’s 51 rushing yards by more than 350.

Aukema and Petrak combined for all three rushing touchdowns, Aukema added an interception return for a score in the second quarter and David’s late-game receiving touchdown rounded out a balanced night of scoring for the Meteors.

Redeemer found success through the air, as McDermott completed 16-of-24 passes for 285 yards and 4 touchdowns including three to Josh Grochowski (5 receptions, 139 yards, 3 TDs). But Redeemer’s two interceptions proved costly, including the final one that sealed their fate.

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The Bigger Picture

For a young Montrose squad short on numbers but never on heart, Saturday was a milestone. The win marked their second victory of the season (2–5), a symbol of steady progress for a group learning how to finish games and leave it all on the field. 

Meanwhile, Holy Redeemer (1–6) continues to search for consistency as they prepare to travel to Montgomery next week, while Montrose gets set to face Tunkhannock in Week 8.

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