AJ Sports

November 18, 2009

Lakeland Chiefs hold off GAR to advance in playoffs

By Gerard Hetman ghetman@theabingtonjouranl.com

WILKES-BARRE - In many ways, the two teams facing off inside Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium on Friday evening, Nov. 13 were similar, yet different.

The Lakeland Chiefs came into town with a rugged, physical rushing attack that relied on power and toughness. On the other sideline, the Grenadiers of GAR boasted a basket full of speedy skilled players who could eat up yards. Both teams hit some snags on the year, but both came into the night riding a win streak that had grabbed the attention of fans and opponents alike. Yet, at the end of the night, someone’s season had to come to an end. And after a play by GAR, the Chiefs refused to fold, as Lakeland came away with a 26-21 victory over Wilkes-Barre GAR on Friday, Nov. 13.

The win helped the Chiefs improve their record to 8-3 on the season, and set up a rematch with undefeated and top-seeded Dunmore for the District 2 Class AA Championship. GAR’s season ended at 8-3.

“We’ve come a million miles,” Lakeland head coach Jeff Wasilchak said after the win, referring to the progress the Chiefs have made since their last loss- a 17-12 loss at Valley View on Oct. 2. “We had a plan, and we’ve stuck to that. A big part of that plan is the kids believing in themselves, and when the kids have success, that makes it stick.”

With neither team noted for their passing skills, it was no surprise to see the squads trade interceptions on their opening possessions. But GAR then struck first, as Darrell Crawford capped the team’s second possession with a 10-yard touchdown run.

Lakeland would answer back on the ensuing drive, as Al Tuzze powered in from two yards for Lakeland’s first touchdown of the night. While the pat was blocked, the ensuing special teams play would be even more troublesome. After standout running back Kurt Thomas settled under the kickoff, the senior weaved left and cut back to an open field, racing 88 yards for the kick return and a 14-6 GAR lead.

But that was the last time the Grenadiers would hold the lead on the night.

On the Chief’s next possession, a big catch by Tony Peregrin set up the Chiefs deep in GAR territory. Tuzze and Ryan Kiehart did the rest on the ground, with the senior quarterback running for a 14-yard score.

But the play of the game, and perhaps the season for Lakeland, came on the ensuing kickoff, when a ball kick by Lakeland went uncovered by the GAR return team, allowing several Chiefs to pounce on the free ball in GAR territory. The Chiefs only needed four plays, including a reception by Geoff Demming, before Kiehart ran for another touchdown and a 20-14 Chiefs lead.

The Grenadiers made things interesting late with a touchdown following a fumbled fake punt by the Chiefs. But any hope of a GAR comeback was dampened at the third quarter, as Lakeland marched down the field on a 17-play, 69-yard scoring drive that ended with Tuzze running for his third score of the evening.

The drive used the first 8:12 of the third quarter, and kept the ball out of the hands of the explosive Grenadiers offense. The Grenadiers got the ball back one last time, but a fumbled pitch, followed by an interception by Ryan Grande, shut out the lights on the Grenadiers for the season.

“We worked hard in practice this week and kept our focus,” Tuzze said afterward. “When we work together and get moving, we can roll out here.”

Tuzze finished the night with 66 rushing yards on 18 carries, with two touchdowns, while Kiehart ran for 97 yards and two scores. Demming, Peregrin and Brett Kuwik each finished with one reception. Crawford ran for more than 100 yards on the night for GAR.

The Chiefs will take on Dunmore in the District 2 Class AA Championship game, at John Henzes Memorial Stadium in Peckville at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20.

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