Once again, Honesdale dominated the early stages of an LFC contest....only to see the opposition come roaring back to victory.
On Friday night in Moscow, the Hornets forced North Pocono to punt after its opening possession, then took the ball and marched to a touchdown. Andrew Branning directed the Red & Black to the score, capping a 75-yard drive himself with a quarterback sneak.
When Branning hit Donny Wasylyk for the 2-point conversion, Honesdale had itself an 8-0 lead with 3:52 left in the opening stanza.
Alas for Maple City grid fans, North Pocono wouldn't take long in retaliating. Nick Raven began picking apart the Hornet secondary, completing passes at will. This game-long dissection began with a 4-yard TD toss to running back Sam Grissinger. It didn't end until Raven had piled up nearly 400 yards passing and led the Trojans to a 42-30 decision.
North Pocono started the '08 regular season campaign with seven straight losses before winning its last two games. Coach Jason Sepkowski's squad is now 2-7 overall and 1-4 in Division One.
Honesdale continues to struggle in Coach John Marichak's first season at the helm. The Hornets are 2-7 for the year and haven't won a game in the division. The Red & Black will close out the season Friday evening, at home versus Abington Heights.
The Comets are 8-1 and all alone atop the LFC standings at 5-0. Abington is coming off a 40-21 non-league rout of Tunkhannock.
First Quarter Promise
Honesdale's defense looked solid early in Friday's battle with North Pocono.
Peter Mesko, Luis Rivero and Peter Freshour dominated the line of scrimmage, forcing the Trojans to punt. The Hornets took possession at their own 25-yardline and began a methodical march downfield.
Branning and Jared Collins were the focal points of the offensive attack. Andrew connected on three passes during the drive, two of which went to Collins for crucial first downs.
Wasylyk exploded around right end for a 24-yard gain all the way to North Pocono's 6-yardline. Three plays later, Branning called his own number and tunneled in from the one. Andrew then found Was-ylyk wide open in the endzone for a 2-point conversion and a quick 8-0 advantage.
The Trojans took the ensuing kick-off and marched to their first score of the game. Raven directed the drive flawlessly, eventually hitting Grissinger for the TD. North Pocono tried for two, but Honesdale's front seven held firm and the score stood at 8-6 with 1:13 to go in the opening period.
