Unlocking the archive: Berne Union captured its 2nd consecutive MSL title in 1959

The Berne Union Rockets won its second consecutive Mid-State League crown in 1959 when it won 38-8 over Bremen.

In the article in the Nov. 14, 1959, the game was described as being played "before a sardine-packed crowd of more than 3000 fans."

The Rockets took the ball on the opening kickoff and marched 60 yards for the first score. All-Mid-State halfbacks Sherman Van Meter and Jerry McCrady and fullback Ken Groves lugged the ball to the 3-yard line where BU quarterback Bob Thacker used an option play to cut inside for the touchdown. McCrady scored a 2-pointer to cap the drive.

The second touchdown was written as this: "The second Rocket touchdown came as a surprise to both clubs as Bremen allowed a Berne Union lineman charge down field and pounced on a free ball on the Oiler 2-yard line. Momentarily mistaking the kickoff for a punt, the Oiler secondaryman allows the pigskin to roll untouched to the 1 where it was grabbed by a Rocket gridder."

One play later Thacker ran in the touchdown and then passed to Jim Stiverson for the extra two points.

That was the theme of the game the Rockets capitalizing on the Oilers' mistakes.

The game was also significant as before it, George Deeds, who was with the Berne Union Football Booster Club tossed the mortgage papers in a fire as the group had paid the last installment on their football field.

To celebrate the return of high school football this season, the Eagle-Gazette will be publishing photo galleries of local teams on Mondays leading up to the season. This week is Berne Union but if you missed the previous ones - Lancaster, Fisher Catholic, Amanda Clearcreek and Millersport - be sure to go to LancasterEagle-Gazette.com and check it out.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Unlocking the archive: Berne Union captured its 2nd consecutive MSL title in 1959