Ben Moyer always believed it could be a special summer for Franklin Township’s 11-12-year-old All-Stars.

Moyer knew the squad had talent. The Franklin mentor saw a team that had toughness and was battle-tested. And he trusted the teamwork that has helped Franklin create an unbreakable culture and chemistry.

That bond Franklin has forged lifted the team to the championship round of the Section 6 Tournament after claiming the District 18 title. Despite a 4-1 loss to perennial power Newtown on Thursday night, Moyer’s faith in the Franklin program has never been stronger.

“We knew that we could make it back to the district championship,” said Moyer, whose team atoned for a loss to Valley West in the district final last year. “We knew we had a good team, and as we started playing, we just started to see what a well-put-together team we had. And it was exciting to watch. They were confident, they played well together, everybody contributed. It was really fun. It was really fun to watch, and it was really fun to be apart of.”

After going unbeaten in the district tournament, Franklin didn’t flinch after dropping the opener of the sectional tournament to Newtown 5-2, posting back-to-back wins over Stroudsburg (6-2) and Southern Lehigh (2-0).

In order to claim the sectional title, Franklin needed to defeat Newtown twice.

But the Blue Dawgs grabbed momentum early Thursday, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning to claim an advantage. A pair of walks by Dean Hamilton and Brayden Peiffer started the rally before the pair advanced to second and third base on a wild pitch after Hamilton had stolen second.

Hamilton scored the first run on a groundout by Tyler Neeld to make it 1-0. A two-out single by Greyson Gage scored Peiffer. Another hit off the bat of Gavin Caudill moved Gage to third.

Gage scored when Rocco DeBronzo reached on an error to make it 3-0.

That was more than enough run support for Newtown starting pitcher Sav Longo, who carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning.

Longo helped himself in the bottom of the fourth, starting the inning with a double before moving to third base on a wild pitch. Longo scored on another wild pitch to make it 4-0.

The double was just Newtown’s first hit since the opening frame.

Franklin starter Owen Moyer battled to keep Newtown within reach and scattered just three hits over four innings with three strikeouts. Miles Mann tossed a perfect inning in relief, striking out one.

Longo’s no-hitter disappeared with two outs in the top of the fifth inning when Jayce Hunsberger singled on a line drive to left field. Roman White followed with a double to center field to plate Hunsberger and cut the deficit to 4-1.

But Longo worked out of trouble and left White stranded at third base with his eighth strikeout of the game.

Franklin got the leadoff runner on in the top of the sixth when Myles Meek reached on a four-pitch walk. Longo responded with three straight strikeouts to reach 11 for the game, seal the victory and the sectional title for Newtown.

It was a difficult defeat, but one that didn’t diminish the success of a program that is primed to build on its postseason success.

“I think this was really the first time that we went into sectionals not just happy to be there,” said Moyer. “We were looking to compete. We were looking to make some noise, and I think we did that. The win over Southern Lehigh was huge. I don’t know how many people expected that, but we played pretty much a flawless game and we came out with the victory. These kids have made a name for themselves, not only in District 18, but in the section for sure.”

DOMINANT DISPLAY ... Longo threw 56 of his 79 pitches for strikes. In addition to two hits, he only allowed three walks, to Owen Moyer, Meek and Parker Cummins.

COMING BACK ... Franklin Township has six 11-year olds on its roster that will be returning looking to make another run at district and sectional success next season.

NOT SO FAST ... While Newtown scored three runs in the bottom of the first, stellar defense by Franklin prevented more runs from crossing the plate, as Carter Spotts threw out DaBronzo trying to steal second to end the inning.

TEAM EFFORT ... Moyer praised his players, and his coaches, for their commitment to the program and the sacrifices they have made to make this success possible. “We can’t accomplish this without the great volunteers we have at Franklin Township,” said Moyer. “The coaches that I have had on my staff, Kyle Spotts, Travis Hunsicker, Will White, Tyler Meek, Justin Andrews, they’re at practice every day. We would not be able to accomplish anything without the volunteers that we have and the work that they put in. It’s all part of the success, the dedication of the volunteers that we have.”

Franklin Twp. 000 010 - 1 2 1

Newtown 300 10x - 4 3 0

Moyer, Meek (5) and Spotts; Longo and Esteves. W - Longo. L - Moyer.