Coming into the game of Abington Heights at Wallenpaupack, it was obvious who was the most notable name on the field. Joe DeFabo, the star running back for Wallenpaupack, has averaged over 250 yards per game this season, using his amazing quickness and burst to burn most players in this district. But, this game, another star running back seemingly stole the show. This time, it was Eric Ofcharsky, the speed demon back from Abington Heights.
If you ask anyone who follows Abington Heights football who they were really excited about this season, one name would immediately come to mind, Eric Ofcharsky. He and his brother Paul are the pinnacle of speed in Abington, and maybe in the county. The stage was set for a big game out of Eric, because it was obvious from the first quarter what the Comet offense would try to do. Run the ball, control the clock, and put up big points. And throughout this game, that is what they did.
Senior running back Joe DeFabo still got his 210 yards, but this game, instead of his highlights dominating the talk of the game, they were a quite 200+ yards, and came in a losing effort for the first time all season. His quickness and agility were still on display for Wallenpaupack and Abington fans alike, but the 4 touchdown game by Senior running back Eric Ofcharsky stole the headlines.
Ofcharsky was ready to go from the opening kickoff. Seriously. He took the first quarter, opening kickoff 81 yards to the house, setting the stage for the impeding win and the massive amount of yards and points he was on pace to get. Again, he would go on to score 3 more touchdowns in this one, showing that DeFabo isn’t the only star running back in the district.
The Comet offense was bent on running ball, and used two other running backs besides Ofcharsky as well. Sophomore James Fruhan worked hard for the yards he got, lowering his shoulder and getting positive yards, despite his smaller stature. Also, Sophomore running back Paul Gallagher lived up to his hype of being another great back coming out of Abington, as he chipped in for 86 yards, a rushing touchdown and a interception for a score.
Also defensively, Senior Ross Cadman and Junior linebacker John Snyder lead the way for the team. Cadman finished the game with 6 tackles, while John Snyder finished with a whopping 8 tackles, shutting down that great ‘Paupack running game with help from a defensive line unit that man handled the ‘Paupack offense, lead by Juniors Evan Craig and John Price, and Sophomores Adrian Brunori and Morgan Craig.
DeFabo still was great on offense, turning in 27 carries for 210 yards and 2 scores, but it wasn’t enough to stop the defensively talented Comets. If you haven’t gotten a chance to see this great defensive unit for Abington Heights, I recommend you do, as John Snyder and company boast one of the best in the District, and Ofcharsky on offense gives this team great balance. Another game in the books, as Abington looks to keep the momentum going while Joe DeFabo and Wallenpaupack try to regroup and capitalize on a great team and an already good record.
Eric Galko is also the Owner and Director of www.NFLHouse.com.
