Just four weeks ago, Abington Heights had no trouble from the Invaders in a, 62-14, romp. This afternoon was much different. West Scranton hung with the Comets as if the crowd was watching a Rocky Balboa-Apollo Creed bout. Back-and-forth they went. Trading punches until the very end.
With 5:37 left in the game, Abington’s James Fruehan burst through the line of scrimmage for a four-yard score to give the Comets a 28-21 lead. Back came the Invaders. West Scranton traveled all the way down to the goal line with less than fifteen seconds remaining. On a fourth-and-goal play, Invader quarterback Tyler Hughes rolled out of the pocket with the option of keeping it himself or tossing the ball into the endzone. The Comet defense was up to the task as they had good pressure on the signal caller and made him make a throw towards Malcolm Sweeting in the endzone. Abington’s defender J.C. Snow dove and swatted the ball away to secure a Comet victory with seven seconds remaining. Abington Heights (12-0) wins the District II Class AAA Championship as they now advance to the first round of the PIAA Tournament against Allentown Central Catholic on Friday.
Comets’ running game was led by Fruehan’s 91 stripes on 22 carries. Dante Pasqualichio, who was making his first career varsity start, threw for over 160 yards on 7 of 11 passing.
The Invaders (9-3) were led by the passing and running of Tyler Hughes. West’s quarterback ran for over 160 yards and threw for another 182 while scoring three combined touchdowns. Wideout Malcolm Sweeting had another big day as he caught 7 passes for 146 yards and 2 scores.
