AJ Sports

November 18, 2009

The Elite Eight of fall athletics

Off the Bench with Adam Roberts

It seems like yesterday I was working on season previews for fall sports. Now it’s November, dark at dinnertime and football is the only high school sport still in play. This season has had its fair share of excitement and adversity, so before I dive into winter previews, let’s take a look at eight high school games that made fall memorable. The games are organized in chronological order.

Abington Heights at Lackawanna Trail field hockey, Sept. 16

With a 1-0 overtime win over Abington Heights, Lackawanna Trail filed another memorable game in the Route 6 and 11 rivalry ledger. Senior Katie Darling fired in the winning goal and was carried off the field by teammate Kaylea Zick. Darling, who admitted her nerves had her shaking, took a pass from Kayla Grunza to end the sudden-death period.

Delaware Valley at Abington Heights boys’ soccer, Sept. 17

The Comets tore through the regular season, winning 13 of their 18 contests by more than two goals and losing just one game. Early in the year, Abington hosted eventual third place finishers, Delaware Valley. The Comets knocked off the Warriors 1-0 in a double overtime thriller after a Zack Shiposh -assisted goal from senior forward Derek Klingman.

Carbondale Area at Lakeland boys’ soccer, Sept. 29

Coming back from an early season 5-0 loss to the Chargers, Lakeland Chiefs turned the tide and won 3-0. While the win was instrumental in a playoff berth, the team members weren’t playing for themselves—they were playing for Tyler Kubilus, a sophomore midfielder who died in an ATV accident just four days earlier. In a game featuring as many tears as cheers, the Chiefs showed true maturity and determination as they scored three goals, the same number Kubilus wore on his jersey. The final goal came from Kubilus’ best friend, Jim Germain, a defender.

Golf Eastern Regional at Golden Oaks, Fleetwood, Oct. 20

Abington Heights junior Erik Meyer was the only Comet golfer to qualify for regional and subsequently state competition this year. Meyer shot a 76 at Golden Oaks to cement a state run. Meyer came into the last three holes needing a good showing. He ended the tournament with two birdies and a par, coming just short of a birdie on the last hole.

Scranton at Abington Heights football, Oct. 25

The Comets put on an offensive show on the weather-postponed homecoming game that forced a rare Sunday contest. After presumably dancing the night away at the homecoming dance on Saturday night, Abington Heights shut out Scranton 35-0. Quarterback Mike Beamish went to the air for two touchdowns, both to wide receiver Mike Umerich. Beamish, James Fruehan and Paul Gallagher all contributed rushing touchdowns. Gallagher, who has had a fist full of impressive days on the ground, passed the 1,000-yard mark with his 142 yards against the Knights.

Lackawanna Trail at Holy Cross football, Oct. 31

In head coach Steve Jervis’ first season at the helm for Lackawanna Trail, things weren’t easy. The Lions’ only win proved to be a highlight reel for their running game which starred senior Sean Fricke and sophomore fullback Eric Laytos. Trail beat Holy Cross 39-29 on the road as Fricke notched 235 yards with three touchdowns and Laytos posted two touchdowns. The week nine win may be a sign of future success for Trail as it graduates just five seniors in May.

Abington Heights vs. Delaware Valley girls’ volleyball, Nov. 4

Delaware Valley was the Achilles’ heel for the Abington Heights volleyball program, with the Lady Comets losing the District II title to the Warriors in back-to-back years. Riding emotion that nearly blew the roof off of North Pocono High School, the game’s neutral site, Abington knocked off its rivals, 3-1. After losing the second game 20-25, the Lady Comets attacked, winning the next two 31-29 and 25-20.

Lakeland at GAR football, Nov. 13

After going undefeated in the second half of the regular season, Lakeland came into the District II playoffs with serious momentum. In last week’s round one, the Chiefs won 26-21over GAR, using their usual tough running style, including a pair of rushing touchdowns from fullback Al Tuzze and quarterback Ryan Kiehart. The biggest play of the day came when the Chiefs were down 14-12 and kicked off to the Grenadiers. A wobbly squib kick apparently befuddled the GAR return team as it left the live ball unattended until Alex Filarsky scooped it up. Lakeland scored four plays later and never looked back.

Adam Roberts is a staff reporter for the Abington Journal he can be contacted at aroberts@theabingtonjournal.com.

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