TimesLeader.com

October 8
Abington Heights can’t be stopped

Comets won fifth straight game on Saturday against North Pocono

By Don McGlynn dmcglynn@theabingtonjournal.com
Reporter/Photographer

ABINGTONS- The Abington Heights Comets showed North Pocono High School why they are becoming the football team to beat this year, by defeating the Trojans 35-7 on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Eric Ofcharsky leaps over defenders.

Abington Journal Photo/ Stephanie Walkowski

The Comets set the tone of the game on the second play of the game, getting the ball in the hands of Eric Ofcharsky, who raced down the field for an 80-yard touchdown and a 7-0, 55 seconds into the first quarter.

The Trojans defense tightened on the Comets the rest of the first quarter, forcing the Abington to punt on their next possession and intercepting a pass on the Comets third possession.

“North Pocono was a tough team, great offense,” said Abington quarterback Pat Griffin. “They have that quarterback (Nick Raven). He’s big, he’s strong, he’s tough and they play some good football.”

“Their record doesn’t show what kind of team they are. They’re better than an 0-6 team,” added Ofcharsky.

The Comets tackled Raven for a safety and 9-0 a lead as the first quarter came to a close.

An Ofhcarsky 50-yard kick return brought the Comets to the Trojans’ 25-yard line, where they scored on Pat Griffin’s five-yard pass to receiver Ross Cadman five plays later.

Griffin’s arm and Ofcharsky’s speed proved a problem for North Pocono on the Comets next possession. On a third-and-11, Griffin passed to Ofcharsky, who ran the ball in for a 76-yard touchdown and a 23-0 lead at the half.

Ofcharsky ran the ball 12 times for 142 rushing yards, 268 total yards (246 of which he made in just the first half) and three touchdowns.

“The line blocked excellent today. We threw the ball a lot, which opened up holes for running, and we got into the end zone when we needed to,” said Ofcharsky.

The second half saw a more focused Trojan team, which led two strong drives toward the end zone that were intercepted, the first by Charlie Armetta, the second by James Fruehan, before the Trojans had a chance to score.

Both interceptions were capped off by an Armetta 26-yard field goal, the only points that were scored in the third quarter.

The Trojans managed to get on the board in the fourth quarter with a one-yard carry by quarterback Nick Raven. However, it was too little too late, and the Comets answered back with another Ofcharsky touchdown to end the game 35-7.

“Everything just came together today, the receivers did well, the running backs, the line, we just all worked together and we got out with a big victory,” said Griffin.

Next week, the now 5-1 Comets will take on 4-2 Delaware Valley, who is coming off a 49-13 win over Honesdale this past Friday, October 3.

“Delaware Valley is an excellent team, and we just have to go and watch film, lift, and get ready for them,” said Ofcharsky.

Abington Heights will play Delaware Valley Saturday, Oct. 11, at Abington at 1 p.m.