SPORTS
TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012
‘Standout player’ working to bounce back from injury could have helped. When I was watching, I saw things that I knew I could help with, but lex Chapman experienced an accomplished obviously I couldn’t. I just tried to be as supportive as possible.” career as a member of Abington Heights head the Abington Heights girls coach E.T. Hunter described soccer team. It just didn’t end they way she would have liked. Chapman as a player to be counted on in a big situation. Just a few goals away from “She was a standout player breaking the school’s goals and a really natural forward,” record, Chapman suffered an Hunter said. “She had dry ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligaspells like all good players do, ment) tear, ending her season. but when she bounced back she Despite the disappointing was very difficult to control end, Chapman characterized and hold back.” her years on the team as enHunter added that the senior’s joyable. mentality was always positive, “I met a lot of great friends even after the injury. and have a lot of great memo“Along with her ability as a ries that will last for the rest of player, she has a very good my life,” she said. “The team head on her shoulders,” he said. was really close…especially “Her demeanor and attitude is this year. We were like a big always positive. She was always family. “Winning the district title all very supportive of the girls. Her commitment to the team didn’t four years was a lot of fun.” slow down at all after her inWhile it was difficult not being able to finish her season, jury. She was on the sidelines for every game and practice.” Chapman credits her teamChampan hopes to be able to mates for easing the pain and return for the spring track and frustration. “The girls definitely showed field season to compete in the javelin and shot put events. a lot of support,” she said. I’ve been doing everything “They visited me after the surthe trainers tell me to do,” she gery and offered to give rides said. “They are really great and because I can’t drive. are always encouraging me.” “They made it 10 times easChapman has been in rehabilier.” Watching the team play in the itation three times a week at ProCare Physical Therapy. district and state playoffs was “I’ve been lifting to build up tough for the all-region player. my upper body strength just in “It was hard sitting and watching my teammates play,” case I’m able to compete,” she said. Chapman said “I wish that I
BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com
A
ABINGTON JOURNAL/STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI
Abington Heights junior wide receiver Nathan Hollander caught two passes for 26 yards in the Comets 23-0 loss to Allentown Central Catholic in a PIAA Class AAA first-round contest at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium Nov. 24.
A.C.C. runs over Comets BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com
PECKVILLE- Allentown Central Catholic’s combination of a stingy defense and punishing running game proved to be too much for Abington Heights High School football players. Vikings running back Colin McDermott rushed for 256 yards on 35 carries. The senior also scored all three Central Catholic touchdowns in their 23-0 win over the Comets in a PIAA Class AAA firstround contest at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium Nov. 24. “We’ve been feeding the ball to Colin all year,” Allentown Central Catholic head coach John Cupples said. “He’s a workhorse and our offensive line has been doing a great job.” Abington Heights threatened early, moving the ball to the Allentown Central Catholic 29-yard line, but JC Show was unable to haul in a fourth down pass from quarterback Dante Pasqualichio near the goal line. Pasqualichio came away with the only Comets takeaway of the game, when he
ABINGTON JOURNAL/STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI
Simon Patrick Williams is tackled by Allentown Central Catholic players.
intercepted Central Catholic quarterback Anthony Beck, ending the Vikings drive. Central Catholic broke the scoreless tie with 6:35 left in the second quarter when McDermott capped a 12-play, 73-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. The Vikings were unable to convert the extra point when Jamie Henzes recovered the fumbled snap. “I think the difference maker was our offensive line getting a complete push upfront,” McDermott said. “It was just awesome.” The game really turned
when Ryan Beville returned a Comets’ punt 62 yards to the Abington Heights 2yard line. A penalty on the Vikings sideline moved the ball back to the 17, but McDermott scored five plays later on a 2-yard touchdown run. “There are a lot of big plays that can happen over the course of the football game,” Abington Heights head coach Joe Repshis said. “They made a play with the punt return that gave them some momentum. They are a very athletic and physical football team. I
give them all the credit in the world.” On the first drive of the second half, McDermott picked up 56 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown in which he broke several tackles on his way to the end zone, stretching the Vikings lead to 20-0 with 11:16 left in the third quarter. “Whatever it takes,” McDermott said of his long touchdown run. “This was a big win for us.” During the Vikings next possession, McDermott broke off a 47- yard run down to the Abington Heights 6-yard line, but the Comets defense held touch, forcing a 22-yard field goal by Rob Fidati. “I’m extremely proud of our players,” Repshis said. “They played the full 48 minutes and never quit. They had a great season and a lot to be proud of. It wasn’t the result we were looking for but I’m still extremely proud of them.” On the ensuing drive, Abington Heights moved the ball down to the Central Catholic 9-yard line, but three straight incompletions ended their scoring chance.
ABINGTON JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
Abington Heights girls soccer player Alex Chapman (19) tries to advance the ball past Lakeland’s Isabelle Standefer (2) during a game in 2011.
AH boys soccer team honored for success in the classroom
Shown, seated, from left, junior varsity Hannah Gaul and Hannah Mendo. Back row: Varsity Captains Ally Lamanna, Alexandra Albright, Courtney Norton and Jessica Kurey.
Cheerleaders donate clothes The Abington Heights Varsity and Junior Varsity Football Cheerleaders recently conducted a clothing drive to benefit United Neighborhood Centers
of NEPA’s Angel’s Attic. The cheerleaders, along with family members, gathered gently used clothing to donate to the needy in our area.
For the third consecutive year, the Abington Heights boys soccer team received the N.S.C.A.A. (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) Team Academic Award awarded for exemplary performance in the classroom as a team. The N.S.C.A.A. is the largest coaching association of any sport (youth/high school/ college) in the United States. The Abington Heights boys soccer program is the only soccer team, boys or girls, in Northeastern Pennsylvania to receive the award during the past three seasons. The team posted a 3.44 overall GPA, based on a 4.0 scale, for the 2011-12 academic year. Only 130 boys pro-
grams received this award nationally, while only six earned the award in Pennsylvania: Central Bucks South, Cocalico, Manheim Central, Parkland, Slippery Rock and West Chester Rustin. “The award just indicates that our team can excel on the field as well as the classroom,” Abington Heights head coach Steve Klingman said. “I am very proud of the effort of our team in both areas.” Abington Heights has won 16 district championships in boys soccer, the most recent in 2011 (AAA) and 2009 (AA), and was the district finalist (AAA) in both 2012 and 2010. .
Trevor Gabura, a former National League player, and MJ Jonsson a former American League player were both awarded the Freach Keen Award for Little League baseball players.
Little Leaguers receive awards Trevor Gabura, a former National League player and MJ Jonsson, a former American League player were both awarded the Freach Keen Award for Little League baseball players. They were selected by the league based on
performance, dedication and sportsmanship throughout their Little League career. Both boys also participated in the Freach Keen Essay Contest. They are 7th grade students at Abington Heights Middle School.
SPORTS
Clarks Summit, Pa.
NOVEMBER 21 TO NOVEMBER 27, 2012
U of Scranton athletes earn honor status
Globetrotters to play in WB
The University of Scranton placed 50 student-athletes on the Landmark Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll. The Academic Honor Roll recognizes student-athletes who have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and are at least at a sophomore level academically. Scranton sponsors six Landmark Conference sports in the fall – field hockey, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s cross country. Of the 50 Royals who earned a spot on the Academic Honor Roll, 27 were repeat honorees; 13 were three-time honorees. Local student-athletes who were recognized include: Kathleen Druther, women’s cross country, Sr., South Abington Twp./Scranton Prep; Cara Notarianni, women’s cross country, Jr., Dunmore./ Scranton Prep.
Coach lauded for success Veteran University of Scranton women’s basketball coach Mike Strong has picked up many honors during his distinguished career. He added another one on November 5, when he received word that a resolution by Representative Sid Michaels Kavulich designating December 1 through Dec. 7, 2012, as Mike Strong Week in Pennsylvania was unanimously adopted by the state House of Representatives. In 32 seasons as head coach of the Lady Royals’ women’s basketball program, Strong, a native of Hawley, has led Scranton to an NCAA Division III championship (1985) and to seven other Final Four appearances (1987, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006). He furthered distinguished himself on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, when the Lady Royals defeated Cabrini College, 46-43, in Radnor, Pa., picking up his 758th victory to surpass former St. John Fisher head coach Phil Kahler as the all-time leader in NCAA Division III women’s basketball history. Overall, Strong enters the upcoming 2012-2013 season with a record of 770-169 (.820)
U of S basketball tickets on sale Season ticket passes for all regular-season Royal and Lady Royal home basketball games are on sale in the Long Center, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Season ticket passes for all men’s and women’s home games are $50 for adults (ages 18-60), $30 for University of Scranton alumni, senior citizens (ages 61 and older) and adult family members of university faculty and staff, and $10 for children (ages 8-17). Single-game tickets (including doubleheaders) are $5 for adults (18-60), and $3 for senior citizens (61 and older) and nonUniversity of Scranton students and children (8-17). All children, seven and under accompanied by an adult, will be admitted free. Fans can reserve season passes by contacting Erin Maguire, operations manager, at 941.7441 or erin.maguire@scranton.edu.
50¢
ABINGTON JOURNAL/STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI
Abington Heights wide receiver JC Show leaps to make a catch in the Comets’ 44-35 win over Berwick in the District 2 Class AAA title game. Show caught 6 passes for 92 yards. Abington Heights will play Allentown Central Catholic in the first-round of states.
Comets on to states
“We felt that if we spread them out a little bit, we could take them out of some of the BERWICK- In a game that featured many big plays, things they like to do defensively,” Abington Heights Abington Heights made a few more to defeat Berwick, head coach Joe Repshis said. The momentum swings 44-35, for the District 2 continued when Berwick’s Class AAA title. Berwick struck first when Matt Cashman returned the Jeff Steeber rushed 74 yards ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a score. for a touchdown. Abington The Comets pulled even Heights responded by putonce again after Ryan Judge ting together a 14-play, 60capped a 5-play, 49-yard yard drive that was capped by a 3-yard touchdown pass drive with a 6-yard touchfrom Dante Pasqualichio to down run. “I thought our kids did a Nate Hollander. The Comets were effective great job of focusing, dealrunning a bunch of plays out ing with adversity and of multiple receiver, no-back bouncing back,” Repshis said. “They were resilient for formations. BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com
four quarters.” Pasqualichio, who completed 15 of 25 passes for 204 yards, connected with tight end Simon Williams for the first of his three touchdown passes on a 23-yarder score with 3:20 left in the second quarter. “They have good athletes,” Berwick head coach George Curry said. “They made us play in space and we had trouble with it.” Comets’ defensive back JC Show intercepted Bulldogs’ quarterback C.J Curry on Berwick’s next possession and returned the ball to the 20-yard line. Ryan Patrick kicked a 42-yard field
goal, four plays later to give Abington Heights a 24-14 advantage. The Bulldogs threatened to cut into the Comets lead in the last minute of the first half, but Abington Heights defensive lineman Peter Hubbard stuffed Curry at the 2-yard line as time expired. The scoring barrage continued to start the second half as both teams scored a touchdown in the first two minutes of the third quarter. Berwick’s Steeber capped a 3-play, 63-yard drive with a 55-yard touchdown. Steeber gained 180 yards on 13 carSee Comets, Page 14
Known as innovators of the game of basketball for decades, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters are again introducing something unparalleled in the history of sports and family entertainment, taking kid participation and fun to a new level when the Globetrotters come to Mohegan Sun Arenain WilkesBarre on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at 3 p.m. During the Globetrotters’ 2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour, fans will decide the rules for the game . Go online to www.harlemglobetrotters.com to vote for which ground-breaking rule you want to see implemented in the game. Tickets, starting at $15, are on sale now at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the Mohegan Sun Arenabox office, or by phone at 800.745.3000. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com. Before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience when you get to spend time on the court with the Globetrotters one-on-one – shooting, trying out ball tricks, autographs and photos during the unique 30-minute pre-show, “Magic Pass,”. After virtually every game, Globetrotter stars remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans. This year’s Globetrotters roster features stars such as Big Easy Lofton and Scooter Christensen. They will join many other fan favorites, including, 7-foot-4 Stretch Middleton and female star TNT Maddox. Alley Cats Bowling League - Scores from Nov. 13, 2012 Team Standings: Calicos-30, Bobcats-29, Lynx-27, Siamese-26, Tigers-21.5, Manx-20.5, Wildcats-18, Ghost-4 High Individual Game: Mary Kay Nealon-191, Jean Cacciamani-182, Theresa Schlosser-170 High Individual Series: Anna Aten-462, Theresa Schlosser-441, Barb Borek-437 High Team Game: Bobcats-690, Siamese-658, Lynx-654 High Team Series: Bobcats-1968, Siamese-1951, Lynx-1895
Chiefs fall to Warriors in district final trict 2 Class 2A championship game. Wyoming Area (10-2) won its first district title since 2003, when it won the Class 3A crown. The Warriors will play next weekend against the District 11 champion Pen Argyl in the state playoffs at a District 11 site. The Warriors were the district runners-up last season and the Eastern Conference secondplace team in 2010. Wyoming Area clung to a 12-7 halftime lead Friday, an advantage that perhaps could have been larger if not for the turnovers. The Warriors fumbled away the ball at the Lakeland 15 and 36-yard lines, the latter coming on an 8-yard sack. A pass was also tipped at the line, sailed downfield and was BILL TARUTIS/FOR THE ABINGTON JOURNAL nabbed by Lakeland linebacker Lakeland’s Jon Sekelsky, left, celebrates an interception against Jon Sekelsky as he tumbled to the ground. After an officials’ Wyoming Area.
It was resolve that was going to decide the final two quarters and which team would be wearWEST PITTSTON – ing gold medals or silver medNever mind the physical als. aspects of football. Wyoming Area shook off Wyoming Area proved capable of those attributes three first-half turnovers and in the first half of a Friday shut down Lakeland’s offense in night game against Lake- the second half to come away with a 20-7 victory in the Disland. BY JOHN ERZAR jerzar@timesleader.com
BILL TARUTIS/ FOR THE ABINGTON JOURNAL
Lakeland quarterback Kyle Kiehart, left, hands off to running back Chris Roche
conference, they ruled Sekelsky had caught the ball. A good game became better after Zak LaNunziata recovered a Lakeland fumble at the Wyoming Area 24-yard line on the Chiefs’ initial possession of the third quarter. Wyoming Area ate up more than seven
minutes with a 13-play scoring drive. Wyoming Area quarterback Nick O’Brien capped it by darting up the middle for his third touchdown run of the game, a 7-yarder. At first, the run apSee Chiefs, Page 14
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The Abington Journal♦Clarks Summit, PA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012
COMETS
CHIEFS
ries and scored four touchdowns. Abington countered when Nate Hollander returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a score. “The blocking was absolutely amazing,” Hollander said. “There was a huge hole and I just hit it.” On the next drive, Steeber scored his third touchdown of the game on a 3-yard run. Abington Heights scored on the fourth consecutive possession of the second half when Judge rushed 26 yards for a touchdown. After forcing a three-andout, Cashman returned the Comets punt 70 yards to the 5-yard line. Steeber scored three plays later to pull the Bulldogs to within 38-35. Pasqualichio delivered the final blow, finding Show for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 3:59 left in the game. “They kept busting big plays and it kept motivating us to keep pushing and come back with the extra knock-out punch,” Pasqualichio said. Abington Heights (10-2) will play Allentown Central Catholic in the first-round of the Class AAA PIAA playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. at Valley View’s Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium.
peared as if O’Brien missed a handoff exchange and ad-libbed. Not so. “That was a designed fake,” said O’Brien. “No. 63 (Lakeland’s 294-pound Colby ClaussWalton) was clogging the hole. I bounced off him and (Cody) Schmitz and (Jordan) Zezza made big blocks on the edge. “That last touchdown was big, big.” So was O’Brien’s two-point conversion run that pushed the lead to 20-7 with10:50 to play. Lakeland (8-4) had the ball only two more times down 20-7. A holding penalty at midfield crushed the first possession. Quarterback Kyle Kiehart, banged up from the first half, struggled throwing the ball in the last-ditch effort to rally. “A12-7 game at the half, it would have been great to convert on those scoring opportunities,” Wyoming Area coach Randy Spencer said. “But the benefit of having kids that have been in those championship games, those playoff games. This was our sixth playoff game for some of these kids in the last three years. That really paid dividends tonight.” Lakeland coach Jeff Wasilchak was only left to lament the chances his team squandered. “Missed opportunities, wasted opportunities,” Wasilchak said. “Don’t take anything away from Wyoming Area, they are a very good football team. They have a lot of playmakers, they are very difficult to defend, their kids play hard and their coaches do a great job.”
Continued from Page 13
Continued from Page 13
Twirlettes perform at football games The Double “R” Twirlettes were well represented this football season as 18 group members twirled with their high school band fronts at games, pep rallies, and other events throughout the season. The girls are students of
Kathleen Y. Mercatili who is director of the Double “R” Twirlettes. Sitting on the ground, from left: Christina Szymczyk, Stephanie Ornoski, Angelica Plappert, Haylie Ray, and Amanda, Varaksa. Kneeling: Klarissa Edwards,
Jessse Doyle, Taylor Thomas, Angelina Tenore, Gianna Manzo, and Courtney Comonie. Standing: Heather Horvath, Skylar Rosengrant, Virgina Miller, Rebecca Schaub, Samantha Rutkosky, Nori Zaccheo, and Chelsie Ray.
PHOTO COURTESY ALICE STUFFLE
PHOTO COURTESY ALICE STUFFLE
Lackawanna Trail senior football players LT golf seniors honored ABINGTON JOURNAL/STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI
Abington Heights’ quarterback Dante Pasqualichio runs up field.
Senior members of the football team and their escorts were honored at their last home game on October 12. Seniors honored were: front, from left, Matt Goodrich, Jeremy Greenley, James Owens, Zach Walters, Victor Rosa, Peter Murazzi, Zach Goodrich and Justin Bar-
ber; middle, Mary Greenley, Lynette Kundla, Tammy Miller, Debra Murazzi, Dr. Brenda Goodrich and Sandra Walters; back, Coach Steve Jervis, Michael Goodrich, Carl Greenley, James Owens, Sr., Jim Walters, Victor Rosa and Rinaldo Murazzi.
Senior members of the Lackawanna Trail Golf Team and their escorts were honor at their last home match on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Seniors honored included,
in the front, from left: Daniel Richards, Dalton Mecke and Wyatt Cooper; back, Daniel Richards, Ernest and Theresa Mecke and Michael Pozarycki.
L E XU S .CO M
MOTORWORLD LEXUS 150 Motor World Drive, Wilkes-Barre (570) 829-3500 Options shown. ©2012 Lexus.
SPORTS
Clarks Summit, Pa.
OCTOBER 17 TO OCTOBER 23, 2012
A.H. senior double trouble for league opponents View. “He’s a very talented Ryan Patrick, a 17-year- player,” Klingman said. “He has very good size old senior at Abington for a high school soccer Heights High School is one of five seniors on the player- probably 6’2”, 190 lbs. and deceiving speed soccer team. for his size. He can be Patrick played the last two years as a central de- intimidating both offenfender. However, Abington sively and defensively to opponents.” Heights head coach Steve Patrick serves as a coKlingman recently moved captain along with fellow him to the forward position to take some pressure senior starters Matt Hoyt, off of fellow senior Kevin Kevin Elwell and Caleb Overholser. Elwell. In 2011, Patrick made 1st “We felt he could help team Lackawanna League. us a bit more offensively, “Ryan was the top vote so we moved him to forward,” Klingman said. “He getting defender on the 2011 All Lackawanna scored all three goals in League Division 1 team the 3-0 win over Wallenpaupack in the first game last fall,” Klingman said. he played up front. Patrick “He is the only four-time letterman on the varsity scored another goal on team this year. October 9 versus Valley BY CHRISTINA CORDNER Abington Journal Correspondent
ABINGTON JOURNAL/STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI
Abington Heights senior Ryan Patrick has excelled at his new position on the soccer field.
Patrick has the potential to play college soccer, but now might be leaning toward kicking football in college. He is undecided on where he will attend college, but has narrowed down his potential topics of study. “I am still exploring my college options, but am interested in pursuing a major related to the math and sciences,” he said. “I hope to have the opportunity to kick at the college level. He then commented on his diabetes, and the support he has received. “I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when I was 10 years old and wear an insulin pump,” he said. “I feel fortunate that it has not interfered with my
ability to participate in athletics although it does require an element of discipline and planning. I am very appreciative of the support I have received from Coach Klingman in allowing me to play two fall sports and have really enjoyed having the opportunity to be a part of both teams.” He also talked about soccer and his other hobbies “For the past two years, I have spent my spare time with a travel soccer team out of Newburgh, N.Y.,” he said. “Outside of soccer and football, I enjoy wakeboarding, snowboarding and playing piano.” Patrick is also the kicker
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ABINGTON JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
Patrick made a 42-yard field goal See Senior, Page 15 against Valley View.
Friday FIRE BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com
ABINGTON JOURNAL/STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI
Abington Heights quarterback Dante Pasqualichio scrambles for yardage in the Comets 20-7 win over Scranton Prep.
Comets top Cavaliers BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE rtomkavage@theabingtonjournal.com
CLARKS SUMMITDespite completing just four passes, Abington Heights high school quarterback Dante Pasqualichio made the two most important throws of the game, connecting for a pair of touchdown passes in the Comets’ 20-7 win over Scranton Prep in a key Lackawanna Football Conference Division I game at Comets Stadium Oct. 13. “I thought we did some things well in spots offensively that gave us an opportunity to put some points on the board,”
Abington Heights head coach Joe Repshis said. “Defensively, when we had our backs against the wall a few times the players responded and we were able to come out of here with a hard fought victory against a very good football team.” On just the second play of the game, Scranton Prep quarterback Griff DiBileo botched the hand off to tailback Marshall Kupinski and Comets’ defensive end Zack Sutter pounced on the loose ball at the Cavaliers’ 24-yard line. Abington Heights cashed in on the turnover when kicker Ryan Patrick made a
35-yard field goal less than two minutes into the game. After a Scranton Prep three-and-out, the Comets took nearly seven minutes off the clock but failed to score when a high snap prevented Patrick from attempting a field goal. The Cavaliers capitalized on the momentum by putting together an 11-play 90-yard drive that was capped by a 5-yard touchdown run from Kupinski. Mark Fetter added the extra point to give Scranton Prep a 7-3 lead with 8:59 remaining in the second quarter. Kupinski finished the
game with 107 yards rushing on 22 carries. Comets linebacker Joe Dietz recovered a Pat Marino fumble at the Cavaliers’ 36-yard line midway through the second quarter, but the Abington Heights drive stalled when Pasqualichio was sacked on third down by Kupinski. Abington Heights retook the lead when Pasqualichio connected with Nate Hollander on an 8yard touchdown to cap a 6-play 53-yard drive with 47.9 seconds left in the first half. Pasqualichio scramSee Comets, Page 15
giate Sprint Football League first team as a runner and second team as a punter. He was the only freshman to make the first team. “Mike has developed into Mike Beamish is taking up one of our team leaders,” where he left off for the Unicoach Bill Wagner said. “His versity of Pennsylvania sprint teammates respect what he football team. says and how he goes about The 5-foot-8 sophomore the daily life of a sprint footrunning back from Clarks ball student-athlete.” Summit (Abington Heights) The coach is impressed has carried the ball 75 times with the fact that Beamish for 396 yards in three games has rushed for over 100 yards for the 2-1 Quakers. That’s a in each of the first three 5.3 yards per carry and 132.0 yards per game average. PHOTO COURTESY PENN ATHLETICS games and leads the league in punting. Beamish opened the season Abington Heights’ graduate Mike Beamish (13) is a key member of the Penn sprint football team. “Mike is a pleasure to with 139 yards in a 42-34 coach and is constantly workovertime loss to Cornell and three passes for 34 yards and carries (5.9 per carry), caught ing to improve,” Wagner said. had 134 yards in a 24-20 triROBINSON LEADS THE a score and is averaging 40.1 13 passes for 136 yards and umph over Franklin Pierce had six total touchdowns. He WAY – Bridgette Robinson and 123 yards last weekend in yards on 15 punts. (Abington Heights) is in her also averaged 33.8 punting Last season, Beamish a 16-13 victory over Manssenior season with the SUNYand was named to the Collerushed for 662 yards on 112 field. He has also caught COLLEGE ROUNDUP WITH BILL ARSENAULT
During Friday night home football games at Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School, fans are treated to more than just the battle on the gridiron. Miss Chief, Kaitlyn Zaleski, dazzles those in attendance with the throwing of fire and knives. “I have been throwing for seven years,” she said. “I get really nervous beforehand, but once I hit the field the adrenaline kicks in and I don’t even think about it.” The Scott Township resident was honored to follow in the line of great Miss Chiefs over the years. “This year, there were three girls who tried out,” she said. “I was really emotional and so proud when I was selected. When I was given the headdress and tomahawk by last year’s Miss Chief, McKensie Cur-
now, all the other girls were cheering and clapping. It meant a lot.” Zaleski cherishes the time spent with the other members of the Chiefs’ drill team. “I’ve been able to do what I love most,” she said. “I have a great group of girls who are really supportive and listen well. Overall, it’s been a really good year." Zaleski, who is also the captain of the boys basketball cheerleading squad, was thrilled to be named to the homecoming court. “I was psyched,” she said. “I had no idea that I was going to be voted in. They called my name during the announcements at lunch. I was shocked and really happy about it.” Zaleski is the daughter of Jeffrey and Karen Zaleski. She plans to study art therapy in college and is considering Marywood University.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School Drill Team Captains, from left: Alexandra Valenta, Kaitlyn Zaleski and Cassandra Jean.
Oneonta field hockey team and the two-year captain is doing a great job leading the Red Dragons, who are 7-3 overall and 3-1 in SUNYAC play. Robinson, a defender, has started all 10 games, the team giving up 17 goals in 10 games with two shutouts. Oneonta dropped a tough three overtime 1-0 decision to Brockport for its first league setback last Friday. “Bridgette is the epitome of a team leader,” coach Kelly Kingsbury said. “She has taken her game to a new level and has put a lot of pieces together. It’s great to see her playing as well as she is because she has worked hard over the past three years to get where she is today.” The coach feels that this is
a special season for Robinson and the Red Dragons. “We are having a great season so far and I know it will continue with the leadership that Bridgette provides for the team,” Kingsbury said. FRUEHAN PITCHING IN – Sophomore James Fruehan (Abington Heights) is starting on defense and returning kicks for the Virginia Military Institute football team. The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder is second on the team in tackles with 36. He has two pass breakups and is credited with a half of a sack. He’s also returned 10 punts (10.3 per return) and three kickoffs (19.7 per return). “James moved from safety See Roundup, Page 15
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2012
THE ABINGTON JOURNAL♦CLARKS SUMMIT, PA
ROUNDUP
Continued from Page 14
The Holy Cross High School girls golf team won the District 2 Class AA championship on Oct. 9 at Scranton Municipal Golf Course. Shown, from left after the match: Coach Tom Paddock with golfers Emily Okrepkie, Rachel Mackrell, Selena Cerra, Gianna Chase, Maura McDonough and Maggie McDonough
Holy Cross, Prep win titles STAFF REPORTS
Holy Cross and Scranton Prep high schools won District 2 girls golf team championships Tuesday at Scranton Municipal Golf Course and qualified to play in the PIAA East Regional Oct. 16 at Golden Oaks Golf Club in Fleetwood. Holy Cross defeated Valley View, 330-459, in Class AA. Scranton Prep, playing uncontested, won the District 2 Class AAA championship by shooting 372. The Lady Crusaders and
Classics needed to shoot 400 or better while winning the district to advance into state play. Selena Cerra’s 2-under-par, 70 led the way for Holy Cross. Emily Okrepkie added 80 while Rachel Mackrell shot 89 and Giana Chase 90. Ashley Turpak shot 91 but was the only Valley View player to break 100. Danielle Dalessandro led Scranton Prep, shooting an 81. Lauren Wells added 87 while Christine FitzPatrick shot 101 and Marina Polanchek shot 103.
to cornerback in the spring and it’s been a good move,” defensive coordinator Jeff Farrington said. “He is a fierce competitor on the field and brings a can-do attitude in all situations. He’s a very aggressive defender either playing the run or the pass.” The Keydets are 3-2 on the season after a 17-7 victory over Presbyterian last Saturday. Fruehan had a teamhigh 11 tackles in the game. GRUNZAS DOING THE JOB – The Mansfield field hockey team is just 4-7 overall and 0-4 in PSAC West play after a tough 3-2 overtime loss to No. 3-ranked Indiana, PA last weekend but the Mountaineers have been getting standout play from
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Continued from Page 14 for the Abington Heights Comets football team. It is his first year playing football, but he has so far made every one of his attempted extra points.
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sisters Kristyn and Kayla Grunza. Both are former Lackawanna Trail standouts. Kristyn has four goals and seven assists for 17 points. But scoring is just half the story for the talented senior. “Kristyn’s skills are unmatched in Division II,” coach Diane Monkiewicz said. “She commands the center of the field and is a blast to watch.” Kayla, a sophomore, has picked up an assist and also has two defensive saves. “Kayla is coming into her own,” Monkiewicz said. “She is much more aggressive and makes things happen on attack. She’s a solid defender and looks more and more like Courtney (the older sister and a former Mansfield All-American).” Courtney Grunza has been working with the team and is
on the sidelines for games. Sophomore Lacey Croasdale, also a former Lackawanna Trail performer, is on the squad. She has three goals and two assists. “Lacey is a spark plug,” Monkiewicz said. “She is a very dangerous offensive player and she gives speed and dimension to our attack. She’s not afraid to shoot ’em up. We’ve only touched the surface in regards to her abilities as a field hockey player.” GOOD START FOR MECCA – Sophomore David Mecca (Abington Heights) has been playing solid golf for the Hofstra men’s team this fall. Mecca has played 12 rounds in five tournaments and has been in the 70s in 11 of those rounds. In the other, he posted a two-under-par 69
in the final18 of George Mason’s Patriot Intercollegiate in Lorton, VA. He opened with 77 and had 71 in the second round to finish tied for 11th in a field of 81 golfers. “David’s improvement over last year is consistency in his short game,” coach Joe Elliott said. “David hits the ball a country mile so length is not an issue.” The player and coach continue to work hard on his short game. “I would like David to work on his 100 yard in game,” Elliott said. “And also work on his patience. Not every pin needs to be attacked.” The Pride will compete in the Big 5 Championship Saturday and Sunday in Huntingdon Valley outside of Philadelphia.
“He just started working on this last spring and I don’t think he has missed an extra point all year," Klingman said. Patrick kicked two field goals, including one from 42 yards, in the team’s win over Valley View Oct. 6. “He consistently puts
kickoffs inside the 5-yard line and had a couple in the end zone at Valley View, which I am sure is a major benefit to the football program,” Klingman added. Patrick commented on his experiences on the football field. “Kicking field goals
has been a learning experience,” he said. “Since this is my first year kicking, I learned in order to be successful, you don’t only have to be a good kicker, you need to have a good snapper, like TJ Murray, a good holder like J.C. Show, and a good line to protect you.”
Dunmore prevails over Lakeland
BY CHRISTINA CORDNER Abington Journal Correspondent
On a cold Oct. 12 night, the Dunmore Bucks traveled to Scott Township to take on the Lakeland Chiefs. Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School football team kept the score close for most of the game, but ultimately fell to Dunmore 22-17. Dunmore scored the first points of the game with a 4-yard touchdown run by Daiqwon Buckley with 8:44 left in the first quarter to make the score 7-0. Dunmore was favored going into the game and despite Lakeland possessing the ball for a longer period of time in the first quarter, the Bucks looked as if they would dominate the game. The Bucks did not stop there. With 8:42 left in the half, quarterback Brandon Kujawski threw a 24-yard touchdown pass. The teamsucceeded in making a two-point conversion to make the score 15-0. With 1:36 remaining in the half, Lakeland scored its first touchdown of the night on a
10-yard run by quarterback Kyle Kiehart. This brought the score to 15-7. However, the half was not
over for the Chiefs offense as they recovered a fumble with 54 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Lakeland tight end Cody
ABINGTON JOURNAL/ELLEN BUGNO
Lakeland quarterback Kyle Kiehart looks downfield for an open receiver. The senior accounted for both a rushing and passing touchdown in the Chiefs 22-17 loss to Dunmore Oct. 12.
Delfino scored a touchdown with just 26 seconds remaining in the half. Josh Natale made the two-point conversion and the score was tied, 15-15 going into halftime. When Dunmore got the ball back, Buckley scored another touchdown on a 58yard run with 6:40 left in the third quarter. This brought the score to 22-15. Lakeland blocked a punt for a safety with 1:32 remaining in the third quarter. This brought the score to 22-17. With 1:42 left in the game, Lakeland was on Dunmore’s 17-yard line on a third-andone play. However, they received a 5 yard penalty for illegal procedure and could not score. “When you’re playing a good team like Dunmore, you can’t give them a touchdown,” Lakeland head coach Jeff Wasilchak said. “You can’t have a one -yard punt from your own 26…. And the second quarter we decided we didn’t want to tackle either. “You have to play the full 48 minutes. We’re learning that the hard way.”
Old Forge drops Lackawanna Trail BY CORY BURRELL Abington Journal Correspondent
FACTORYVILLE– A first half filled with big plays helped Old Forge jump ahead early in the Blue Devils 35-14 win over Lackawanna Trail Friday at Lions Pride Stadium. A sluggish start for both teams quickly turned in Old Forge’s favor after Anthony Piccolini intercepted a pass and gave the Blue Devils the ball at the Lions’ 33-yard line. Two plays later, running back Brian Tomasetti scored on a 29-yard run. Tomasetti got better after his first score. He scored on the second play of the Blue Devils’ next drive on a 47yard run. On the first play of Old Forge’s third possession, Tomasetti ran through seemingly the entire Lions’ defense for a punishing 83yard touchdown to put the Blue Devils ahead 19-0 early in the second quarter. Old Forge head coach Mike Schuback had nothing but praise for Tomasetti, who finished with 199 yards and three touchdowns. “Brian’s an exceptionally
great running back,” Schuback said. “I’ve coached so many great running backs, but I’ll tell you, size, speed, power, he has it all. He’s very humble, he gives a lot of credit to his teammates, but the biggest thing about Brian is how he can run a simple power play and turn it into a 70 or 80-yard run.” The Blue Devils kept the Lions out of sync offensively throughout the first half. Old Forge’s defense managed to get crucial plays, including two fourth-down stops, to prevent the Lions’ from gaining momentum. Trail managed only five first downs in the first half. Another big touchdown came before halftime, this time from Blue Devils’ quarterback Brenden Wahl’s 52yard pass to Piccolini. Old Forge added a 33-yard field goal from Matthew Mancuso as time expired to take a 29-0 lead into halftime. “We’ve got some very talented, skilled kids,” Schuback said. “I’m really proud of them. They put a lot of extra time in this week to read and recognize what they
[Lackawanna Trail] do on defense. We just had to get to our zones and control the line of scrimmage, and I thought we did that well.” The Lions started to show some life in the second half. Lackawanna Trail opened the third quarter with a 15-play drive that led to the Lions’ first touchdown of the night, a goal line rush by Jeremy Greenley. The Blue Devils answered right back when Shane Schuback caught a quick pass from Wahl and proceeded to break several tackles en route to a 47-yard score that gave Old Forge a 35-7 lead. Wahl ended the night with 188 yards and two touchdowns against one interception. The Lions managed to control the game much better in the second half, running 29 plays while holding Old Forge to only 15. Lackawanna Trail head coach Steve Jervis said the second-half improvement was a credit to his team’s heart. “I was very proud of our kids’ effort in the second half,” Jervis said. “They
didn’t roll over. I think we outplayed them in the second half, so that says something about the character of our team.” Lackawanna Trail would score again on a 2-yard run from Greenley, who ended the night with two touchdowns and 52 yards, but it was not enough. The Lions outscored the Blue Devils 14-7 in the second half. “All you Jervis can ask for is an opportunity,” Jervis said. “We had that opportunity and we didn’t capitalize. They got us out of rhythm on offense and defensively we really didn’t have an answer in the second half…When you’re down four touchdowns at half, it kind of limits what you can do.” Lackawanna Trail’s record now stands at 5-2. Old Forge improves to 7-0. Lackawanna Trail’s next game will be on the road at 7 p.m. Friday against Susquehanna.
ABINGTON JOURNAL/STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI
Members of the Abington Heights boys soccer team who organized the Red Card for Cancer initiative for their senior project are, from left: Sante Romaldini, Ricky Guditus and Justin Levy.
A.H. boys soccer team gives cancer a RED CARD The Abington Heights High School boys soccer team raised awareness for cancer through their Red Card for Cancer initiative. Team members Sante Romaldini, Ricky Guditus and Justin Levy organized the event as their senior project.
COMETS
the snap on fourth down. After the big stop, the Comets put together an 8-play Continued from Page 14 bled 45 yards on a third down 75-yard drive that was capped by a 43-yard pass from Pasplay to keep the drive alive. qualchio to Show. Patrick’s Jamie Henzes returned the extra point gave Abington second half kickoff to the Heights a 20-7 advantage with Scranton Prep 34-yard line. 2:43 left in game. Patrick hit his second field “They blitzed up the middle goal of the game, a 22-yarder, eight plays later to increase the and (fullback) Jerry Langan Comets’ lead to 13-7 with 7:55 picked it up real nice,” Pasremaining in the third quarter. qualichio said. “J.C. found a Scranton Prep drove the ball seam in the defense and made a great catch, and run after.” down to the Comets 22-yard Abington Heights’ running line late in the third quarter, back Ryan Judge, who gained but Hollander made his sec72 yards on 16 carries, picked ond big play of the game intercepting DiBileo at the goal up two first downs during the possession. line. Scranton Prep head coach “The defensive line got good pressure up front,” Hol- Nick Donato recognized that some costly mistakes swung lander said. “The quarterthe momentum in the game. back’s eyes were just on one “I want to give Abington receiver so I went for the ball (Heights) a lot of credit,” he and got it.” The Cavaliers advanced the said. “They executed and we turned the ball over too many ball to the Abington Heights times. The effort was there, 22-yard line again on their but we didn’t play how we next drive, but came away empty when DiBileo fumbled would have liked to.”
ABINGTON JOURNAL/STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI
Abington Heights wide receiver fights to break the tackle of Cavaliers defensive back Jake Stafursky.