Trying to defend West Scranton’s offense Friday night proved to be a nightmarish task for Paupack.

The Invaders...who came into this LFC contest with just two wins on the season...stunned an overflow “Big Lake” crowd into silence by virtue of a 34-20 Division victory.

Coach Joe Gerek’s team employed a high-risk, high-reward approach en route to this shocking upset. The Invaders went for it on fourth down an eye-popping seven times...and converted six times. Incredibly, two of those plays went for touchdowns.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” a stunned Dr. Mark Watson told TWI Sports. “They really didn’t have anything to lose, so they just went for it every time. You have to give West Scranton credit: they made some really big plays on us.”

By the Numbers
Tyler Hughes was the focal point of the Invader assault. A junior quarterback, Hughes hit on 25-of-40 passes for 320 yards and all five TDs.

With this win, the Invaders improved their ‘09 record to 3-6 overall (2-3, division). West will close out its campaign on Friday at North Pocono.

Paupack fell to 6-3 (2-3) with this unexpected loss. The Buckhorns still have a chance to salvage a berth in the District Two play-offs, but a victory this weekend at DV is essential.

“If we win and Williamsport wins, we’ll end up tied,” Dr. Wat-son said of the bracket for Class AAAA. “If we had beaten West, our fate would still be in our own hands. But, we didn’t and now we probably need some help.”

Williamsport visits Tunkhannock on Friday. The Tigers are just 2-7 in Division One action, while the Millionaires boast a 6-3 league mark.

Stay tuned to TWI Sports for continuing coverage of Paupack’s quest for a first-ever District Two play-off berth.

Approaching a Milestone
Joey DeFebo carried the ball 18 times against a West Scran-ton defense primed to make his life miserable.

There were nine Invaders in the box throughout this game... an all-out gambit to keep Paupack’s All-State tailback from running wild. DeFebo did hammer his way to 118 yards, but they were all of the hard-earned variety.

Despite West’s all-out defensive vendetta, Joey still moved to within striking distance of two more records. DeFebo now needs just under 100 yards to surpass 2,000 for the season and 5,000 for his career.

“We’ve had some excellent running backs at here at Paupack, but I think Joey is the best ever,” Dr. Watson said. He’s the kind of a kid who only comes along maybe once in a career. I’m very happy to have coached him these past four years.”

DeFebo’s biggest run against West Scranton came midway through the third quarter. Joey bounced an off-tackle play out-side and scampered 22 yards for a touchdown.

“A lot of the credit for what Joey does has to go to the guys who do the blocking,” said Dr. Watson. “This is the best offensive line I’ve ever coached here.”

Paupack also received stellar contributions from fullback Taylor Newcomer and wide receiver Isaiah Slutter. Newcomer tallied the Buckhorns’ first TD, rumbling to a 61-yard score off a swing pass from Chris Ingulli.

Slutter joined in the aerial assault with a spectacular TD. Isaiah found the endzone on a 19-yard halfback option pass from DeFebo. He led all Buck receivers with four catches.

Ingulli enjoyed an efficient outing under center for Paupack. Chris completed 10-of-16 passes for 116 yards and one TD.

Score by Quarters...
WAL (6-3)  0   6   7  7 - 20
WS   (3-6)  7  13  7  7 - 34