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 2nd 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 3rd and goal on the 7. But, after two penelties and an injury to their QB, Wallenpaupack was faced with a 3rd 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 4th 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.
