By Drew Kiesendahl
The Varsity Boys Football squad is off to a hot start. After suffering a large loss week one to district 11, 6A school Stroudsburg, 30-10, the boys have turned it around. A win week two against another non-district team gave Paupack and their fans some hope. The true test lied in week three, against arch rival 2-0 Honesdale, who hosted the Buckhorns at their newly renovated football stadium. The stakes were high, as this game was the 32nd annual Wayne-Pike Shrine Bowl, a game that has much history. Ultimately, Paupack emerged victorious with a low score of 14-6. Junior running back Logan Caruso took home the MVP hardware, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown. Although it’s nice to beat the Hornets, the Bucks had to turn the page quickly, as they had the 3-0 North Pocono Trojans coming to town, who were second in all of Lackawanna division 1, behind only Scranton Prep.
This game had hopes of being a good one. Two teams with nearly identical offensive and defensive schemes. The win would simply go to what team wanted it more. It would be an emotional, yet charged up week for the Buckhorns. The last time Paupack football took down North Pocono was back in 2018, increasing the hunger for a win. On the other hand, 1st year Head Coach, Matt Nawrocki – A North Pocono alumni, would line up against his former school for the first time as Head Coach.
Finally, the lights turned on and the ball was kicked off. The opening drive for the Bucks wasn’t promising, as their usually effective run game, was halted. The Trojans took advantage of field position and answered right away in just 7 plays. Paupack continued to try to establish the run attack, but still, was ineffective. They then went to the air and connected on a big 68 yard deep ball between senior quarterback Drew Kiesendahl, and Junior wideout Mason Gonzalez. The big gain was followed by a another catch, this one a 10 yard gain by Senior fullback Xaiden Schock. After three tough runs, and good defense, Sophomore running back Eddy Kiesendahl bounced out and into the end zone for 6 points putting the Buckhorns on the board and tying 7-7.
Following the score, the Paupack defense stood strong, sacking North Pocono Quarterback Chase Zimmerman and resulting in a three and out. The ball was punted away and back into the Possession of the Bucks. Although the drive didn’t go as planned, as Sophomore DB Cole West snags a one-hand interception from Drew Kiesendahl. North Pocono marched into the red zone and capped off a solid drive scoring another touchdown right before the half. The score now 14-7 in favor of the Trojans.
Paupack kicked off to start the second half, and they were buzzing. An eight play drive was halted on 4th down when Junior Inside linebacker Cj Doty blitzed up the middle and caused a Tackle for loss. The ball was back in Buckhorn hands. A series of fumbled snaps set Paupack back, and ultimately forcing the ball to be punted back. Another vital defensive stand gave the offense another chance. Senior Michael Passenti caught a toe tapping 39 yard corner route putting the Bucks in good position. A few plays later, Drew Kiesendahl rushed into the end zone for a touchdown. Although the extra point was blown up as the result of an erred snap. The score remained in favor of North Pocono 14-13.
The Trojans couldn’t answer, leading to another punt. Paupack put together a quick 2 minute drive with 5 to go in the 4th quarter and scored on another Eddy Kiesendahl touchdown. The Buckhorns went for the 2 point conversion and were successful, putting them up 21-14. There were 2 and a half minutes left in the 4th, and the Trojans began to drive down the field when it mattered most. Without a score since the first half, they were looking for the tie. After 8 long efficient plays, North Pocono ended up on the 3 yard line in Paupack territory. It was 4th and 2, and the Trojans handed it off the Freshman Running back Joe Briskie, but the was blown up by Senior Captain Inside Linebacker Xaiden Schock, sealing the game. Final score 21-14, giving Paupack their first divisional win of the year.
The boys face yet another challenge next Friday, as they travel to face 0-4 Delaware Valley in Milford.
