Eric Galko

To start their second drive, a good run by junior running back Michael Perry and a good catch by fellow junior Michael Ehnot would give the team some signs of hope, but a failed conversion on 3^{rd and 5 would force the Bucks to punt the ball once again.} Miller Holmes played well despite pressure, but Riverside quarterback John Velehoski really impressed in this one. Starting from the team’s own 9 yard line, his great accuracy and help from his backs, seniors Joe Klebon and Matt Talerico, lead the team right down the field. In only 3:40, this explosive Riverside offense drove 91 yards, capped off by a 9 yard Klebon run. After a successful 2 point conversion, the score was now at 22-0 Riverside.

After another failed onside kick attempt gave Dunmore the ball in great field position at their own 45 yard line. And, after some good runs by Michael Perry and a few nice completions to various receivers, quarterback Miller Holmes made his first bad pass of the game, throwing an interception to Matt Talerico, ending the first good drive the Bucks had.

Another great drive by the Vikings lead by some great, tight-balled throws to a few receivers, Joe Klebon included, got the team down inside the 20 yard line. And, another great post route pass to senior Corey Schuster in the back of the end zone gave the team another score on a fantastic bobbling catch. A failed 2 point conversion would give the Vikings a 28-0 lead.

The Bucks weren’t ready to end the half yet, however, as with only a little under 2 minutes left, Dunmore began their best drive of the game. A screen pass, a quick slant, and a deep bomb along the sidelines gave Dunmore the ball at the Riverside 6 yard line. A spectacular and maybe debatable catch one handed in the corner of the end zone by junior tight end Brian Copeland. A good extra point gave the Bucks a 28-7 comeback score to keep the game a little closer at half.

To start the 2nd half, Dunmore would get the ball and keep the momentum rolling. A few solid plays and a 53 yard touchdown catch by junior Jim Malone and a converted extra point cut the Riverside lead down to 28-14. As Dunmore started to show some signs of life on offense, the Riverside bench and fans began to show a sense or worry about them.

And, as Riverside began the next drive, they were shut down by the Buck defense, stopped on a 4th and 3 and gave the ball back to Dunmore at the Riverside 34 yard line. But, after an offensive pass inference call against the Bucks and a poor screen pass, the Bucks would be forced to punt on 4th and 23.

The punting game, however, proved to be very successful, as this one would be downed inside the 2 yard line for Riverside to start their drive. But, a quick inside slant to Matt Talerico turned into something much more than that. After shedding 2 defenders and outrunning the rest of the Bucks, Talerico scampered 98 yards for a score, bringing life back into the Riverside crowd, giving the players some new confidence, and the score of 34-14.

Dunmore, however, would answer, with a 70 yard drive of their own, capped off by a tough 2 yard run by Michael Perry. The score, after a failed 2 point conversion, would be 34-20.

Although both team’s put up points and brought excitement to the game in the start of the 3rd quarter, that would end up to be the final score. Dunmore’s resurgence in the 2nd half would be stopped by great defensive play by the whole Riverside defense, lead by senior Kevin Sochovka. The Dunmore defense also shut down the Riverside offense after that, lead by Mr. Everything junior Michael Perry.

This game lived up to the enormous hype, as both team’s showed signs of great play and great excitement. The obvious player of the game was senior Joe Klebon and fellow senior offensive lineman Tom Bennie, both of which were hugged by Riverside coach Harry Armstrong III after they walked off the field for the final team. This senior laden Riverside team looks like they are on pace to be one of the best teams in class A. Dunmore, however, has a lot to be proud of for this game, including some solid quarterback play, and great defense late in the game. Both teams should be top contenders to go far in the state playoffs, and on behalf of the entire district, everyone wishes them the best of luck.

The rain soaked the bleachers and fans, but everyone who stayed the course and watched the game was in for a real treat. It was obvious from the first quarter how the game was going to play out. Arguably one of the best offensive lines in Eastern Pennsylvania, they dominated upfront once again. The two tackles, Senior Colin Bremer and Sophomore Morgan Craig did a great job at maneuvering the defensive ends to create gaping wholes. The guards, Juniors Evan Craig and John Price, did a great job at dominating the defensive tackles and the blitzing linebackers. And, finally, Sophomore center Adrian Brunori did a great job in his pass protection and has shown that although he is still young, he can be a great leader for this extremely talented offensive line.

The Tunkhannock team tried to keep up with Abington, but in the rain and at “the Pit” (Abington’s home field), the Eric Ofcharsky show was too much for coach Bernadelli. The team, however, did show many signs of improvement. One, they never gave up, trying to score late in the game even though it was almost out of reach. Two, they had some big plays and decent drives. Big plays are somewhat luck in high school, but having consistent drives is what makes teams go to the postseason. The Tigers looked better on offense than in years past, and could have a big surprise season in store next year.

The Comet show was, once against, dominated by the backfield, with Eric Ofcharsky doing his best “Boobie Miles” (running back from the movie “Friday Night Lights”) by scoring 4 touchdowns in the first half, 6 overall. Ofcharksky has outperformed almost every running back he’s faced this year, and his great agility, leadership, and some major help from that athletic offensive line, this team could be one of Abington’s best in the past 4 years or so. It should be interesting to see come playoff time if that will be the case.

 

Abington vs Scranton is a game that most figured to be an entertaining and crucial game. For me, the first thing I noticed was the massive crowd in the Abington Stands compared to the home Scranton Knights’ fans. Also, the rowdy Abington Student section was cheering and screaming before the game even started, getting the real players on the field pumped up and ready for action. And that enthusiasm would pay off.

Scranton would get the ball first off the initial kickoff. But, on the third play of the game, Collin Bremer of Abington Heights forced a fumble and the Comets recovered. Again, the students went insane, firing up the now confident Comets. Two plays later, Sophomore running back Paul Gallagher caught the pass from 5 yards away to put the Comets up 7-0.

On the next kickoff, Scranton would again be looking to get something going offensively. But, on the fifth play of that drive, once again, a fumble by Scranton, this time from star Senior running back Fabby Desir, would lead to the Comets taking over in great field position. And then, 4 plays later, one of the best kickers in the area, Sophomore Charlie Armetta, booted one through the uprights to give Abington Heights a 10-0 lead with 7:30 still left in the first quarter.

After another poor outing by the Knights of Scranton, the Comets would again take over. The drive was lead by the running game, with speedy Senior back Eric Ofcharsky bursting through gaping holes thanks to the great play of his line and terrific blocking by the Junior running back Kody Pasqualichio. The defensive line of Scranton was one of great strength of their entire team, but Pasqualichio and the O-Line did a fantastic job of neutralizing them and allowing Ofcharsky to show off his game breaking quickness and elusiveness.  Ofcharsky would finished off the drive witha  3 yard run, giving the Comets all the momentum, all of the confidence, and all the points in a 17-0 lead. Ofcharsky would go on to score another touchdown through the air from Senior QB Pat Griffen before the half ended, and another field goal by Charlie Armetta would give the Comets a 26-0 lead at the half.

The second half began similarly to the rest of the game, with another strong Abington drive capped off by a touchdown pass from Pat Griffen to Junior receiver Tyler Cuneo, whose speed and quickness are something to watch for next season. But, a Scranton drive finished off by a 1 yard TD run by QB Brian Dunleavy to try to stir up a comeback with the lead now at 33-7.

Another run by Dunleavy and a 5 yard reception from Dezmond Keiser would bring Scranton back a little, but mostly it was all for show, as the Comets would hang on to win, 36-21. The key players of the game were deffinatly expected on offense, where Comet running back Eric Ofcharsky outplayed Scranton running back Fabby Desir, both of which had outstanding 100+ games. Also, the passing attack of Pat Griffen was very well executed, as he had 3 passing touchdowns, all of which in the red zone.

On defense, the Comets really overpowered, as linebackers Paul Gallagher and Junior John Snyder as well as safety Ross Cadman lead the way on all levels. Paul got in the backfield with ease, putting pressure on Dunleavy all day. Cadman was great in coverage, confusing the QB and even intercepting a pass late. And John Snyder was the solid foundation in the defense, always around the ball and shutting down the running game as well as the short passing game with his sideline to sideline ability.

And finally, the outstanding and under appreciated play of Sophomore kicker Charlie Armetta is something people across the state will be noticing. Charlie had 3 field goals, two from inside the 25 and one from 41 (which would have been good from 45+), 3 extra points (something that some teams can’t acheive) and 2 touchbacks, a feat that is rarely seen in schools across the state. Of all the talent in the area, Armetta is a player would could be kicking his way to a good football college.

Although the loss hurts, the talent of the Scranton Knights should rebound over the next few weeks, and I see them making the playoffs. Also, the red hot Comets look like one of the districts top teams, and could go very deep in the playoffs this season. Both teams were fun to watch, but the hardnosed, Penn State-like play of the Comets could be trouble for opposing teams for the remainder of the football season.

Lakeland started their first drive at their own 24 yard line. After the hitch play to Vinnie Amacio, by far the most consistent and overused play in their arsenal; they got a first down and brought new life to the raging and hungry crowd. But, 3 plays later, Lakeland punted the ball away, putting the ball in the hands of the best offense in their district. Velehoski, who had been solid before this, showed why he may be a college quarterback, as his arm strength, accuracy, touch, smarts, and quickness were demonstrated on this 58 yard drive, finished off with a touchdown pass to his favorite receiver, Senior Kevin Sochovka, for a 12 yard score. Riverside would convert their first 2 point conversion, and stay in the lead, 20-0. By the end of the first quarter, Riverside QB John Velehoski already was 6-7, 94 yards passing and 2 scores. This was to be a common scenario throughout the remainder of this game.

After two poor drives of both teams to start the second quarter, Lakeland finally got in a scoring position, lead by under-used running back Brett Kuwick, Junior, who has been stuck behind the plethora of good Lakeland running backs. He was the force on the drive, and set Lakeland up in the red zone for the first time. Then, a perfectly executed reverse to receiver and backup quarterback Tony Perrigrin, who proceeded to throw a tight spiral into the wide open arms of outstanding Senior receiver Vinny Amacio. Now that Lakeland was on the board, it seemed as though this game could get back into reach.

That, however, was short lived. Riverside went on an 80 yard drive, thanks to the outstanding accuracy of Velehoski and the timing between him and his top 4 receivers, Sochovka, Sr. Ryan Chisdock, So. Corey Talerico, and Rossi. The drive was capped off by a spectacular, NFL type bobbling catch over the outstretched arms the tightly covering defender. After converting another 2 point conversion, Riverside took the lead to 28-7, and put the game into almost cruise control for both teams going into the half. The biggest stat at half time was the difference in quarterback stats. Lakeland QB Jr. Ryan Kiehart, who has tons of talent and should be great next season, was a respectable 5-7 for 36 yards. His counterpart for the game, Riverside Sr. QB John Velehoski was 12-15 for 189 yards and 2 TDs.

The second half was very similar to the first. Lakeland had a solid drive to start the second half, but an incomplete pass killed that drive which was inside the Riverside 25. Riverside then went 77 yards in a drive that took over 8 minutes, finishing it off with another TD pass by Velehoski to RB Matt Talerico. With the score now 36-7 Riverside, the once jam-packed stadium was slowly beginning to look like your average Tampa Bay Ray’s regular season game. Even though Vinne Amacio did catch a finger-tip grab and ran 50 more yards for a 66 yard TD, cutting the lead to 36-13, the game was still thought of as over.

After a 4 and turnover for both teams, Riverside showed their first and only sign of poor play, as the near perfect John Velehoski through an interception to Sr. DB Dom Massino. Lakeland wouldn’t be able to capitalize on that drive, and after one more Riverside score by Andrew Kavulich with both second team’s in, the game would slowly, but surely end.

The final score of 44-13 is a good indicator of how the game actually was. Riverside dominated 95 percent of the game, allowing only 2 good drives and 1 deep pass play defensively. And on offense, John Velehoski finished 17-24 for 297 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Not bad for a 29 man roster at a small high school. Also, Sr. RB Matt Talerico had 21 carries for 124 yards and a score.

Riverside’s offense is definitely one to watch, and the only team I know of that has a chance to beat them is Dunmore. So, instead of roaming the streets rummaging for candy, check out the biggest game in our area in quite a while, when Dunmore travels to Riverside to play a game of small school forces.

 

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                The game of Wallenpaupack at Scranton featured the top two running backs (rushing yards –wise) in the Lackawanna County, with Jr. Joe DeFebo of Wallenpaupack having 1200+ yards this season, and Sr. Fabby Desir of Scranton at 800+ yards. And, just a week before, Joe DeFebo ran for 210 yards against a very firm Abington Heights defense. But this game was to be much different, as a change in rushing totals was to be the top story of this game.

                In Scranton’s second possession of the game, Desir got all but one of the touches, as he ran for 56 yards on the 4 carries he had the drive on his was to what would be his first of three scores. On the ensuing possession for DeFebo and Wallenpaupack, the running game was shut down, but DeFebo still caught a 27 yard pass to put his team in Scranton territory. Because of the tight run defense of Scranton, DeFebo was most effective in the first half because of his receiving ability. However, on the next play, a fumble cost ‘Paupack its first and only good drive in the half. Another great Scranton drive, lead by their star running back Desir, ended with another touchdown run by the man.

                And, with 3 minutes left in the half, Desir ran it in again for another score, giving the Knights a 21-0 lead and giving him 123 yards on 13 carries in the first half. For comparison, the thought-to-be star of the game, Joe DeFebo, was held to only 26 yards on 12 carries, far short of his 240 yard per game average. Even though the number reflect on him, it was the inconsistent play of the offensive line and the domination up front for Scranton that really was the tale of the game.

                The second half was only different from the first in the sense that Scranton didn’t put up any more points. Instead, they opted to try some different things to help them later on in the season. One of the most intriguing moves and one that could be a precursor to the future, freshman quarterback Joe McCarthy came into the game. Although his stat line isn’t impressive (1-1 for -2 yards) he had a Tim Tebow like option run for 65 yards that was called back due to penelties. He is deffinatly a player to watch at Scranton for the future, as he could  be fighting for the starting job next season. 

                To start the 2^nd half, Wallenpaupack went on an over 8 minute drive which lead them to the Scranton 1 yard line. But, two losses, one through the air and one on the ground because of a vicious hit by Sr. Shane Glacken on Joe DeFebo gave ‘Paupack a 3^rd and goal on the 7. But, after two penelties and an injury to their QB, Wallenpaupack was faced with a 3^rd and 18 to the goal line, and would not convert. This was to be the end of any resurgence by them.

                Desir and DeFebo stayed in the game a little longer, but once midway through the 4^th quarter came around, both coaches were wise to pull their star players. Joe DeFebo ended the game with 26 carries for 86 yards, 160 yards short of his average per game, while Fabby Desir had 22 carries for 166 yards. Both players are very similar in style, as both are very quick and have great moves, with DeFebo being a little faster and Desir having some better moves. Both players are still among the best running backs and best players in the District, but this game could go a long way to deciding who makes the playoffs at the end of the season.

Over the past few years, Lakeland has been king, in both this series and in football in this area in general. Coming into this game, I already saw Lakeland dominate a few teams and Carbondale not have great success. But, on this wet, muggy Friday night, Carbondale seemed to shock the Chiefs with a 28-21 win.

On their first possession, it didn’t look good for Carbondale. A quick 3 and out including a near costly fumble gave Lakeland solid field position after the punt to start their first drive. But, on the first play for Lakeland, the inside screen pass was picked off by Carbondale and taken inside the Lakeland 40 yard line. On 4^th and goal, the Chargers punched it in the end zone on an option pitch to Dylan Cerra,  putting the first points of the game on the board, and giving Carbondale a surprising lead. But, not to be outdone, on Lakeland’s next possession, a 20 yard pass from quarterback Ryan Kiehart to Vinny Amacio for a score, give the Chiefs a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter of play

The start of the 2^nd quarter looked great for Carbondale, as they drove right down the field and were inside the 20 rather quickly on a series of big runs and first-rate shotgun passes by Dominic DeAntonio. But, that drive would quickly come to a screeching halt when Vinny Amacio of Lakeland made a key interception in the end zone and stealing the momentum the Chargers had just built up. But, Carbondale would get another chance, after their hard-nosed defense stopped the high powered Chiefs offense again and give the ball back to the offense. After 3 sharp passes and once again inside the 20, the Chargers had a bad case of Déjà vu., as Vinny Amacio intercepted another DeAntonio pass to stop the Charger drive once again. That would seemingly end the 1^st half, with the score 7-6 Lakeland.

To start the 2^nd half, Carbondale fans heard a familiar name for Lakeland, as Vinny Amacio ran back the 2^nd half kickoff for a score, and gave Lakeland a 14-6 lead. After another confidence deflater, Carbondale went 3 and out and gave the ball back to Lakeland. But, just when it looked like Lakeland was starting to gain the upper hand that most thought they had to begin with, Carbondale picks off Kiehart and took over at their own 32 yard line. After a few nice plays, but not enough for a first, the Chargers punted once again, this time to the star of the game so far, Vinny Amacio. And, after a game where passes and penalties have gone against them, the Chargers finally catch a break. Amacio bobbles the punt, and Josh Cino grabs the ball off the ground, and gave the Chargers great field position to the game up. After two runs by Carbondale, Dylan Cerra scores another touchdown, his 2^nd of the day, and cuts the Lakeland lead to 14-12. On the impending 2 point conversion, an outstanding pass by DeAntonio and an even better one and handed grab by Shane Peregrin gave the Chargers new life, and now a tie game. However, it would be short lived, as Lakeland came right down the field, and Corey Besten capped it off with an 11 yard run to give Lakeland a 21-14 lead going into the 4^th quarter.

To start the 4^th quarter, Carbondale had another brilliant drive, finished by an 11 yard pass from DeAntonio to Troy Taylor, to tie the game up once again. This latest touchdown seemed to give the Chargers, both on the field and in the stands, the motivation they needed to play through the tough conditions and even tough team in Lakeland. On their first possession of the 4^th quarter and with the game tied, the Chiefs were faced with another 3 and long. On a well thrown ball to Vinny Amacio, the pass was broken up by Dylan Cerra to force a 4^th and long and a punting situation for the Chiefs. An outstanding punt forced the Chargers to start their 4^th quarter drive at their own 4 yard line, with 7:17 left in the game. Somewhat forgot to tell the Chargers that the odds were against them. Dylan Cerra busted 4 first down runs in a row, and after a face mask penalty, the Chargers were at the Lakeland 23 yard line. After a few more solid runs, the Chargers were 1^st and goal at the 6 yard line. Two plays later, Shane Peregrin plowed into the end zone, giving the Chargers a 28-21 lead, capping off over a 5 minute, 96 yard drive. The Chiefs got the ball with 1:45 left in the game. Two incompletions and a sack left the Chiefs with a 4^th and 11, a conversion need to keep the game within reach. But, great pressure by the Chargers along with a short pass to Amacio didn’t give the Chiefs enough for a first, and gave the ball back to the Chargers, who took 3 kneels to end the game.

After the clock hit zero, Chargers fans started to swarm the field. Charger players were hugging, parents were jumping for joy, and Coach John Lasavage even got a little bath out of the deal courtesy of the players. It was a great sight to see, as the Chargers somewhat upset the always tough Lakeland Chiefs. This was a great game for both teams, as Vinny Amacio seemed to be the guy putting up the points and making the key plays for Lakeland, and really looked like a dominate force that couldn’t be stopped. But, the juniors RB Dylan Cerra and QB Dominic DeAntonio lead the Chargers, both having great games and giving the 0-2 Chargers a win under their belt and supreme confidence going into the rest of the season.

 

Although the Tunkhannock Tigers lost the game to Berwick, 42-20, they proved to everyone that they wouldn’t go down to any team without a fight. Before the game started, you could see from the program that Tunkhannock was at a huge disadvantage. Tunkhannock had a compact list on the back of the program with decent sized font, hosting about 25 names. However, Berwick had a 2 page insert with a list of their roster, filling up a page an a half of names on their varsity squad.

Berwick also has a great reputation as a powerhouse in the District, while Tunkhannock has been an after thought in the league for quite a few years now. Apparently someone forgot to tell the Tigers that. From opening kickoff the the ending buzzer, Tunkhannock play non-stop, relentless football.

Early on in the game, it looked as though Berwick would take advantage of this depth-ridden team, as they started off the game with a 21-0 lead. But, towards the end of the half, Tunkhannock put up two impressive drives and scored both time times, making the score 28-12, thanks to great team play on both defense and special teams. After what seemed to be a blowout, it looked as though Tunkhannock was coming back. But, with under a minute left in the half, quarterback AJ Mihaly threw a 70 yard bomb to his receiver, and scored a touchdown with 25 seconds left in the half, putting the Dawgs up 35-12. Then, on the ensuing kickoff, Tunkhannock bobbled the return, and Berwick scooped it up and ran it in for another score, putting them up even more, 40-12, to end the half. After what looked so promising for this young Tiger team, seemed to go all down the drain by the end of the half.

But, the second half rolls around, and instead of seeing an unmotivated Tiger team, they seem to storm out of the locker room, showing that they are still hungry for more. After starting the game, then being relieved by Tunkhannock’s other QB, quarterback TJ Jenkins came back in the game, and drove the team on a 75 yard drive in his third possession after halftime. The drive included a 60 yard, on the run pass, to his receiver. It’s too bad that this would be Tunkhannock’s final score of the game.

After looking at the score, 42-20, you would think that Berwick was by far the superior team, but if those two costly mistakes did not happen at the end of the 1st half, the Tigers may have had a shot in this one. With new coach Frank Bernardeli, Tunkhannock looks to be on it’s way to a solid season and solid foundation, and expect big things from them going forward. But, Berwick really looked like a high power offense, and could very well go deep into the playoffs once again this season.