AJ Abington Heights

September 30, 2009

Comets rush West

West Scranton High School had no way to defend Abington’s running game. The Invaders fell to the Comets 48-7 on Friday, Sept. 25.

By Adam Roberts aroberts@theabingtonjournal.com

The Abington Heights Comets rumbled and sprinted to a perfect 4-0 football record on Friday, Sept. 25 against West Scranton as the Comets downed the Invaders, 48-7, at Scranton Memorial Stadium.

Abington Heights High School continued to utilize a strong running game with six different players finding pay dirt on the ground. Junior running back, Paul Gallagher, ended the night with 172 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.

The first touchdown put the Comets up 14-0 in the first quarter.

With 4:02 in the first quarter, Comet Matt Badamo ran in a short touchdown. In their next possession, the stagnant Invaders attempted a fake punt from deep within their own territory.

The Comets stopped the attempt, regaining possession at the 25- yard line. Four plays later, Gallagher crossed into the endzone.

Gallagher ended the Comets’ first half scoring barrage with a 68-yard scamper.

Gallagher said he enjoys breaking the big run and gives credit to the offensive line in front of him.

“That’s how our offense works. They come in and do their jobs and the backs can make their reads,” said Gallagher.

The other back who was able to make a lot of reads was James Fruehan, junior. Fruehan rushed for 143 yards, including an 80-yard dash for six points putting Abington up 34-7 on their first possession of the second half.

While the big plays swung the momentum even further into their corner, the Comets grinding redzone attack kept them in the game.

Five of Abington Heights’ seven touchdowns came from inside five yards, including additional scores from quarterback Mike Beamish, fullback Kody Pasqualichio and reserve running back Zack Rosenstein.

All week, head coach Joe Repshis and his staff preached a back to basics philosophy. The Comets answered by executing on both sides of the ball.

“The kids came out and gave a great effort for 48 minutes,” Repshis said.

Defensively, Repshis emphasized pressure and that’s what he got.

The Comets knew that with time West’s quarterback, Tyler Hughes, could be effective in the air. Hughes wasn’t given the chance, as he was chased by a variety of packages from Abington Heights.

Abington Heights will host Wallenpaupack on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m.

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