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high school football

By John Erzar jerzar@timesleader.com
Sports Reporter
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SCRANTON – Senior linebacker Ed Hoffman remembers sitting in the stands as a kid and watching Berwick’s rich tradition of championship football unfold before him.

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Berwick's Zach Powell tries to maintain control of the ball while being pressured by Abington Heights' Ross Cadman, left, and Paul Ofcharsky, Friday at Scranton Memorial Stadium. (Niko J. Kallianiotis/For The Times Leader)

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Berwick's Evan Crisman makes a catch in front of Abington Height's Ross Cadman Friday night at Scranton Memorial Stadium. (Niko J. Kallianiotis/For The Times Leader)

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On Friday night, he and his Berwick teammates carved their own niche in that history.

Hoffman made two huge defensive plays in the fourth quarter as Berwick held off several Abington Heights’ scoring threats to win the District 2 Class 3A championship with a 3-0 victory at Scranton Memorial Stadium.

Berwick (10-2) made a 23-yard field goal by Shane Kitzmiller at 1:57 of the first quarter stick as the Dawgs won their first district title since 2004. They will play the winner of Sunday’s District 11 title game – Bangor at Wilson – next weekend at a site and time to be announced.

“Let’s face it. It’s the next step and we’re so happy we can raise the bar,” Berwick third-year coach Gary Campbell said. “We say to the kids every day we feel the tradition, we know it’s there, it’s obvious in the community and we take pride in that.”

Abington ended its season at 10-2 as the Comets were shut out for the first time in 57 games. They were last held scoreless in a 28-0 loss to Scranton on Oct. 18, 2003.

“I was a big fan, had season tickets, went to every game,” Hoffman said. “It’s so great to be here now. I’ve seen so many district championships, so many states. It’s just amazing.”

Hoffman and his defensive teammates were also amazing in posting their second consecutive shutout and fifth of the season.

Abington moved to the Berwick 17- and 11-yard lines on its first two possessions of the second half, but came away empty. The first ended when Charlie Armetta’s 34-yard field goal attempt was lined well below the crossbar. The other was stopped when the exchange from quarterback Pat Griffin to tailback Eric Ofcharsky went awry and Hoffman pounced on the fumble.

The Comets faced a fourth-and-4 from the Berwick 26 on their next possession, and receiver Tyler Cuneo appeared ready to haul in a touchdown pass until Berwick defensive back Brandon Welch caught up to him and slapped away the ball.

Abington’s final possession came at its 40 with 2:22 to play. After an incompletion, Hoffman sacked Griffin for a 10-yard loss. Two more incompletion ended the Comets’ final threat of the game.

“Our defense, I don’t know if words can explain it,” Berwick defensive end/receiver Zach Powell said. “Our linebackers played outstanding, and our defensive line penetrated and clogged up the holes. The running backs couldn’t do anything.”

Neither could Berwick’s offense in the second half. The Dawgs’ best gain came on a 15-yard face-mask penalty, which allowed quarterback A.J. Mihaly to take a knee and Berwick to take the title after losing in last year’s championship game.

“It’s amazing,” Hoffman said. “I grew up watching the team play and I always wanted to be a part. Now, we’re the district champs.”

Abington started strongly, moving from its 32 to the Berwick 30 on its first possession of the game. The drive ended on a fourth-down incompletion and it was the only time the Comets recorded a first down until 10:06 of the third quarter.

“They played unbelievable and played their hearts out the whole game,” Berwick coach Gary Campbell said. “Face it, Abington Heights came out and mounted that charge and started stuffing the ball here and there.”

Berwick then scored on its first possession, going from its 30 to the Abington 6 before Kitzmiller ended the 16-play drive with his fourth field goal of the season.