November 5th, 2016 - 12:19 am Northwest falls in D2-A title game High School Football By Derek Levarse - Click for more information on Derek dlevarse@timesleader.com - @TLdlevarse - 570-991-6396 More Articles By: Derek Levarse   UNION TWP. — These things aren’t always a bad omen. Especially not in the unpredictable District 2 playoffs. But when Northwest put the ball on the ground on the first play from scrimmage, it was the start of a long Friday night. Lackawanna Trail went up top for a touchdown pass on the very next play and kept firing away from there. The Lions scored on their first six drives of the game to capture the District 2 Class A championship with a 45-14 win over the Rangers. “I’ve never been more proud of a group of kids,” Trail coach Steve Jervis said. “If you told me we’d be here … I just really believe they’ve been fighting. Small roster. Tough kids. I think tonight the deal was we were able to stay pretty balanced on offense.” The Lions (8-3) will face the winner of Saturday’s District 1 Class A final between Jenkintown and Delco Christian next week with a spot in the state tournament on the line. Northwest’s season ended at 7-4. Trail needed just 18 seconds to take the lead, recovering a fumble at the Rangers’ 35-yard line. Quarterback Nathan Rolka immediately threw deep on play action, hitting Tyler Baltrusaitis for the touchdown. And though Northwest would answer on the next drive with a 39-yard scoring burst by standout Jake Anderson, the Rangers couldn’t stop the Lions offense from there. Rolka threw for 134 yards and the tandem of Thomas Huffsmith (120 yards) and James Gillespie (78) scored two touchdowns apiece in the first half. “We couldn’t tackle them earlier in the year and we couldn’t tackle them tonight,” said Northwest coach Lon Hazlet, referencing the Lions’ regular season win over the Rangers. “My kids played hard. We just didn’t tackle well. We weren’t as physical as we needed to be. They certainly were. Credit to the victor.” Not helping matters was an uncharacteristically tough night for the Rangers’ punting game, which had kicks of 14, 11 and 10 yards in the first half to set up Lions’ touchdowns. A line drive kick in the third quarter was returned 52 yards by Baltrusaitis to paydirt. Anderson led Northwest with 118 yards on the ground and a score. Fullback Jack Stancavage added a 1-yard plunge for a touchdown to close out the scoring. Despite the tough finish, the Rangers had won six straight games after losing to the Lions back in September to win a conference title and qualify for the playoffs. Northwest will have most of its skill position players returning for 2017 to try and take another run at a district title with Hazlet. “We didn’t expect to be here tonight, and we certainly didn’t expect to play as poorly as we did tonight,” Hazlet said. “But at the same time, it was a great year, and I’m proud of the boys. “We don’t lose a lot, and our goal will be to get back. … You can see that this hurt a lot. We’ve got a good group, they work hard and they need to have a tremendous offseason to get back to this point a year from now.” District 2 Class A championship Lackawanna Trail 45, Northwest 14 Lack. Trail`16`22`7`0`—`45 Northwest`7`0`7`0`—`14 First quarter LT — Tyler Baltrusaitis 35 pass from Nathan Rolka (Rolka kick), 11:42 NW — Jake Anderson 39 run (Jack Wessler kick), 8:19 LT — Rolka 32 FG, 5:46 LT — James Gillespie 23 run (kick failed), 2:17 Second quarter LT — Thomas Huffsmith 37 run (Rolka kick), 11:26 LT — Gillespie 9 run (Rolka kick), 8:43 LT — Huffsmith 9 run (Berrios run), 6:31 Third quarter LT — Baltrusaitis 52 punt return (Rolka kick), 6:41 NW — Jack Stancavage 1 run (Wessler kick), 2:21 Team statistics`LT`NWT First downs`16`10 Rushes-yards`37-221`40-149 Passing yards`134`47 Total yards`355`196 Passing`5-10-0`3-7-1 Sacked-yards lost`0-0`0-0 Punts-avg.`1-22.0`5-19.2 Fumbles-lost`2-1`2-2 Penalties-yards`10-105`7-61 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — LT, Thomas Huffsmith 14-120, James Gillespie 10-78, Justin Carey 3-14, Anthony Berrios 5-10, Quinn Jagoe 2-3, Nathan Rolka 2-0, Jordan Edwards 1-(minus-4). NW, Jake Anderson 18-118, David Piestrak 13-18, Jack Stancavage 3-8, Colton Babcock 4-8, Ezra Judge 1-0, Zach Carr 1-(minus-3). PASSING — LT, Rolka 5-10-0-134. NW, Piestrak 3-7-0-47, Brandon Hardiman 0-1-1-0. RECEIVING — LT, Matt Bergey 2-58, Tyler Baltrusaitis 1-35, Huffsmith 1-22, Zac Cost 1-19. NW, Dylan Womelsdorf 1-26, Judge 1-24, Connor Hazlet 1-(minus-3). INTERCEPTIONS — LT, Bergey. MISSED FGs — None. Northwest quarterback David Piestrak is tackled by Lackawanna Trail defensive end Zac Cost in the first quarter of the District 2 Class A championship game Friday. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_nw_lt1_faa.jpgNorthwest quarterback David Piestrak is tackled by Lackawanna Trail defensive end Zac Cost in the first quarter of the District 2 Class A championship game Friday. Fred Adams | For Times Leader Northwest running back Jake Anderson runs behind his blockers on his way for the only touchdown in the first half for the Rangers. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_nw_lt2_faa.jpgNorthwest running back Jake Anderson runs behind his blockers on his way for the only touchdown in the first half for the Rangers. Fred Adams | For Times Leader Lackawanna Trail kicker Nathan Rolka has his extra point blocked by Northwest’s Tyler Stevens (2) after the Lions’ second touchdown in the first quarter. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_nw_lt3_faa.jpgLackawanna Trail kicker Nathan Rolka has his extra point blocked by Northwest’s Tyler Stevens (2) after the Lions’ second touchdown in the first quarter. Fred Adams | For Times Leader By Derek Levarse dlevarse@timesleader.com Reach Derek Levarse at 570-991-6396 or on Twitter @TLdlevarse Reach Derek Levarse at 570-991-6396 or on Twitter @TLdlevarse

October 28th, 2016 - 11:24 pm WVC Football: Northwest scores 3 unanswered TDs to knock off Tunkhannock High School Football     By Jay Monahan - For Times Leader     UNION TWP. — Northwest coach Lon Hazlet could not explain why his defense finally decided to show up midway through the third quarter. He might just leave it up to mystery, perhaps comb over the videotape Monday to figure out. Either way, Northwest is heading to the district championship. Northwest scored three unanswered touchdowns to seal a 49-35 victory over Tunkhannock Friday in the Wyoming Valley Conference regular-season finale. The Class A Rangers are the only team to have faced (and defeated) a team three classifications higher in Class 4A Tunkhannock. Top Searches   Dallas Property Transfers Scavello Gianna Jaslar Scranton Harveys Lake Trick Or Treat Times Top-seeded Northwest will host Lackawanna Trail in the district championship on Friday. The Rangers lost to the Lions 35-19 on the road in Week 4. Northwest has won its past six games. Tunkhannock scorched the Rangers’ defense to the tune of five touchdowns in two-and-a-half touchdowns. Once again, Northwest buckled up in the late stages of the game to keep the Tigers out of the end zone. The Rangers came back from seven points down in the second half largely on the back of Jake Anderson. Anderson posted three rushing and one receiving touchdowns, including the two go-ahead scores in the fourth quarter. Anderson came into the contest with limited touches in the game plan; however, he carried the ball 31 times for a resounding 273 yards. He punched in a 6 and a 10 yard rushing touchdown that proved to be the difference in the game. Northwest quarterback David Piestrak evened the score at 35 apiece with 4:10 left in the third quarter. The Rangers decided to run the clock down with rushing plays. Piestrak pulled off a naked bootleg to the left to go into the end zone untouched. It was yet another close game for the Rangers that have yet to have any breathing room this season. Northwest’s previous wins versus Meyers (one point), GAR (three), and Hanover Area (six) were all within one possession. Tunkhannock’s passing game was nearly unstoppable for much of the game. Zach Rogers completed 19 of 27 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns. Even more impressively, the Tigers’ Brian Muckin had eight catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. The two teams combined for 38 points in the second quarter. Northwest 49, Tunkhannock 35 Tunkhannock`7`21`7`0`—`35 Northwest`11`17`7`14`—`49 First quarter T — Sam Rice 3 run (Billy Prebola kick), 6:24 N — Jack Wessler 25 field goal, 4:08 N — Jake Anderson 33 pass from David Piestrak (Connor Hazlet pass from Piestrak), 1:28 Second quarter T — Logan Cywinski 47 run (Prebola kick), 11:49 N — Anderson 45 run (Wessler kick), 11:09 T — Brian Muckin 46 pass from Zach Rogers (Prebola kick), 8:34 N — Wessler 25 field goal, 5:15 T — Jake Stephens 39 pass from Rogers (Prebola kick), 3:56 N — Dylan Womelsdorf 25 pass from Piestrak (Wessler kick), 1:51 Third quarter T — Mike Taylor 58 pass from Rogers (Prebola kick), 9:07 N — Piestrak 16 run (Wessler kick), 4:10 Fourth quarter N — Anderson 6 run (Wessler kick), 9:46 N — Anderson 10 run (Wessler kick), 1:32   Team statistics`TUN`NWT First downs`17`22 Rushes-yards`23-97`51-367 Passing yards`298`146 Total yards`395`513 Passing`19-27-2`7-12-0 Sacked-yards lost`2-13`1-7 Punts-avg.`2-33`1-35 Fumbles-lost`2-0`1-0 Penalties-yards`7-40`2-8 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — TUN, Cwynski 14-84, Rogers 5-16, Rice 1-3, TEAM 3-(minus-6). NW, Anderson 31-273, Tyler Stevens 7-35, Piestrak 7-34, Jack Stancavage 5-27, TEAM 1-(minus-2). PASSING — TUN, Rogers 19-27-2-298. NW, Piestrak 7-12-0-146. RECEIVING — TUN, Muckin 8-141, Mike Taylor 8-87, Stephens 1-39, Cwynski 2-9, Connor Munley 1-19 NW, Anderson 1-33, Ezra Judge 1-28, Womelsdorf 1-25, Brandon Hardiman 3-42, Hazlet 1-18. INTERCEPTIONS — NW, Hazlet 1-0, Judge 1-4.   http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_FOOTBALL-6.jpg By Jay Monahan For Times Leader Reach Times Leader sports at 570-829-7143 or on Twitter @TLSports  

October 20th, 2016 - 11:29 pm Northwest swats away field goal attempt to edge Meyers High School Football, Top Stories     By John Erzar - Click for more information on John jerzar@timesleader.com - @TLJohnErzar - 570-991-6394 More Articles By: John Erzar     Northwest’s Ezra Judge (24) scores a TD to the dismay of Meyers’ Willie Wallace (2) in Thursday’s WVC game in Wilkes-Barre.   Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader Northwest’s Jake Anderson (35) gets a big gain on run during Thursday’s WVC game in Wilkes-Barre.   Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader Northwest’s Brandon Hardiman (3) picks off a pass intended for Meyers’ Willie Wallace in the end zone during the second quarter.   Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader WILKES-BARRE — Northwest’s Tyler Stevens noticed the flaw the first time Meyers attempted a field goal, but couldn’t exploit it. Instead, teammates Ezra Judge came off the edge to block the kick. Given a second chance, Stevens made sure he broke through. Steven blocked a 41-yard field goal attempt as time expired as Northwest held on to defeat Meyers 14-13 Thursday night in a Wyoming Valley Conference Division 3A-A game. Top Searches   Harvard Restaurant Inspections Gianna Jaslar Northwest (6-3) also clinched a spot in the District 2 Class A championship game against Lackawanna Trail (6-2). Three-time defending D2-A champion Old Forge (3-5) was eliminated from contention with the Rangers’ victory. Meyers (5-4) took over possession for the final time at its 22-yard line with 2:52 left. Quarterback Willie Wallace, subbing for injured starter Janssen Wilborn, made two big throws on third downs — a 19-yarder to Khabir Williams and a 9-yard to Najese Wood — to get the ball to the Northwest 21. Three plays netted minus-2 yards and Meyers sent kicker Ken Macko on the field to attempt a 41-yard field goal with 6.3 seconds left. Macko kicked a 38-yarder earlier in the season, so the attempt was on the fringe of his known range. Macko’s kick never had a chance. A high snap gave Stevens an extra split second to break through the line and smother the kick. “The first time they did a field goal I saw they had a weak spot,” Stevens said. “I tried to get in there, but he blocked me. But it was all on the line. We needed this to be undefeated in the Wyoming Valley Conference. I was like, I have to get this for my team.” Northwest also needed a touchdown in the fourth quarter to overcome a 13-7 deficit. The last time the Rangers had the ball there was eight minutes left in the game, the idea was to score and waste as much clock as possible. “We were trying to run out the clock,” said Northwest coach Lon Hazlet, whose team had a couple long drives where it came up empty. “We were trying to milk the clock down there and score with no time left. But we didn’t want to end up a fourth-and-6. But that’s the way it turned out and our young quarterback made a great throw.” Northwest was in that situation at the Meyers 11. The Rangers went back to a play that worked for a touchdown just before halftime — a slant pass to Judge. Judge had to make a sliding catch for the first touchdown, but quarterback David Piestrak made a better throw this time. He zipped a pass that Judge caught in stride. “Time just slows down and all you see is the ball and you know you have to catch it,” said Judge, who had a season-best four receptions for 82 yards. Freshman kicker Jack Wessler added the extra point, giving Northwest a 14-13 lead. Meyers dropped from fourth to fifth in the battle for four D2-3A playoff berths. More shuffling is expected once Week 9 is completed. “I thought our kids gave everything they had,” Meyers coach Jeff Labatch said. “I’m proud of them.” Northwest 14, Meyers 13 Northwest`0`7`0`7`—`14 Meyers`0`0`13`0`—`0 Second quarter NWT — Ezra Judge 9 pass from David Piestrak (Jack Wessler kick), 0:20 Third quarter MEY — Je’Vondra McClair 44 fumble return (Ken Macko kick), 5:55 MEY — Reese Patronick 6 run (run failed), 0:46 Fourth quarter NWT — Judge 11 pass from Piestrak (Wessler kick), 2:57 Team statistics`Nwt`Mey First downs`16`19 Rushes-yards`42-181`47-235 Passing yards`100`67 Total yards`281`302 Passing`7-13-1`7-12-1 Sacked-yards lost`0-0`0-0 Punts-avg.`2-37.5`1-40 Fumbles-lost`0-0`6-2 Penalties-yards`3-20`8-64 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — Northwest, Jake Anderson 27-123, Jack Stancavage 2-8, Piestrak 7-31, Tyler Stevens 4-14, Judge 1-2, Beau Getz 1-2. Meyers, Janssen Wilborn 10-46, Namir Murphy 9-52, Rajhan Woodson 9-44, Khabir Williams 9-67, Patronick 2-15, Willie Wallace 8-11. PASSING — Northwest, Piestrak 7-11-1-100, Brandon Hardiman 0-1-0-0, team 0-1-0-0. Meyers, Wilborn 2-4-1-24, Wallace 5-8-0-43. RECEIVING — Northwest, Judge 4-82, Hardiman 1-11, Anderson 1-7. Meyers, Wallace 1-11, Steven Morel 2-20, Williams 2-29, Najese Hod 2-7. INTERCEPTIONS — Northwest, Hardiman 1-0. Meyers, Wallace 1-0. MISSED FGs — Meyers, 24 BLK, 41 BLK. Northwest’s Ezra Judge (24) scores a TD to the dismay of Meyers’ Willie Wallace (2) in Thursday’s WVC game in Wilkes-Barre. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_meyersnw01.jpgNorthwest’s Ezra Judge (24) scores a TD to the dismay of Meyers’ Willie Wallace (2) in Thursday’s WVC game in Wilkes-Barre. Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader Northwest’s Jake Anderson (35) gets a big gain on run during Thursday’s WVC game in Wilkes-Barre. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_meyersnw02.jpgNorthwest’s Jake Anderson (35) gets a big gain on run during Thursday’s WVC game in Wilkes-Barre. Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader Northwest’s Brandon Hardiman (3) picks off a pass intended for Meyers’ Willie Wallace in the end zone during the second quarter. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_meyersnw03.jpgNorthwest’s Brandon Hardiman (3) picks off a pass intended for Meyers’ Willie Wallace in the end zone during the second quarter. Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader By John Erzar jerzar@timesleader.com Reach John Erzar at 570-991-6394 or on Twitter @TLJohnErzar Reach John Erzar at 570-991-6394 or on Twitter @TLJohnErzar

October 14th, 2016 - 11:08 pm Northwest edges GAR High School Football     By D.J. Eberle - djeberle@timesleader.com     Northwest running back Jake Anderson runs the open field against GAR Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader     Northwest wide receiver Connor Hazlet, left, catches the ball deep in Grenadier territory over GAR defender Malachai Williams Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader     Northwest fullback Jack Stancavage, center, plows his way through the GAR defense Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader     GAR running back Joshua Goodwin, left, follows his blocker Josafat Brito on a run against Northwest Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader     GAR's Muhaideen Tajuddin turns the corner against Northwest Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader     GAR running back Mike Drozda, center, finds a hole in the Northwest defense Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader                 WILKES-BARRE — While Northwest football coach Lon Hazlet admitted that Friday night’s performance wasn’t the Rangers best of the season, there was one phase that stood out — the defense. The GAR offense started in Northwest territory on two of its first three drives to open the game, but the Rangers’ defense wasn’t rattled and held the Grenadiers to just a field goal on those trips. For a team that has scored at least 28 points in each of its last three games, it was the defense that jump-started the Rangers offense. Northwest sniffed out a GAR fake punt, giving its offense the ball near midfield. The Rangers marched nine plays and 45 yards down the field as Jake Anderson scored his first touchdown of the game — a 2-yard score — to cap off the drive and start a 14-0 second-quarter run en route to a 20-17 victory over GAR. Top Searches   Obits Nathan Dale“We just didn’t play Ranger football, but the mark of a good team is finding a way to win and tonight we were able to do that,” Hazlet said. “Defensively, our guys were rallying to the ball and running to the ball. My hats off to GAR and their kids. They played very hard tonight, but we weren’t going to be denied.” That first score gave Anderson and the rest of the offense some momentum, and with it they were able to build on the touchdown before the end of the first half. A Northwest sack forced the Grenadiers into a three-and-out on the very next series, leaving the Rangers with very favorable field position. Starting their drive at the GAR 42, the Rangers took just six plays to score. Anderson found the end zone once again, this time scampering in from the 13-yard line with 1:06 remaining in the second quarter. “That first score boosted our momentum. We just toughed it out,” Anderson said. “Everybody just noticed that we had this, we can pick it up and we can go. The offensive line started picking up blocks, they started hammering it, and that’s how it was.” As the game clock in the third quarter started to dwindle, the Grenadiers needed to make a move. Following suit of the Rangers defense, who forced two turnovers on the night, the GAR defense pried the ball away from Northwest. GAR defensive back Muhaideen Tajuddin took advantage of a bad handoff, scooped up the loose ball and took it 23 yards to the house to shrink the deficit to 14-9 with just 1:13 remaining in the third quarter. However, Northwest responded on its very next drive. The Rangers drove the ball 59 yards in 11 plays in a span of 4:19, as Anderson punched the ball in from the 4-yard line to give Northwest a 20-9 lead with 8:43 remaining in the fourth quarter. Along with the great ball vision of Anderson, Hazlet credited the play of fullback Jack Stancavage, who helped clear the lane for the Northwest ball carriers all night long. “Our fullback, Jack Stancavage, was just an animal with their kid, (defensive lineman David Virgo), and they were butting heads all night,” Hazlet said. “Hats off to their kid, but Jack really makes our running game go — our two big tight ends in Dylan Womelsdorf and Austin Ford (we’re important, too). We know we have to run the ball to be successful and we’re a downhill crew, but Jake makes us go.” GAR made things interesting at the end of the fourth quarter, driving 66 yards in 16 plays to make it a three-point game. GAR running back Joshua Goodwin found the end zone on a pitch to the left from just 1-yard out, and then caught a 3-yard pass from quarterback Austin Yelland for the two-point conversion to make it 20-17 with 1:37 remaining in regulation. But the Rangers didn’t let the late touchdown phase them, recovering the onside kick and then running out the clock. Northwest 20, GAR 17 Northwest`0`14`0`6`—`20 GAR`3`0`6`8`—`17 First quarter G — Muhaideen Tajuddin 32 FG, 5:34 Second quarter N — Jake Anderson 2 run (Jack Wessler kick), 5:02 N — Anderson 13 run (Wessler kick), 1:06 Third quarter G — Tajuddin 23 fumble recovery (pass failed), 1:58 Fourth quarter N — Anderson 4 run (kick failed), 8:43 G — Joshua Goodwin 1 run (Goodwin from Yelland), 1:37 Team statistics`NWT`GAR First downs`15`14 Rushes-yards`47-209`38-164 Passing yards`29`52 Total yards`238`204 Passing`1-2-0`7-17-2 Sacked-yards lost`2-17`3-16 Punts-avg.`3-37`2-30 Fumbles-lost`2-2`0-0 Penalties-yards`7-45`4-25 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — NWT, Jake Anderson 30-167-3, Jack Stancavage 6-33, Beau Getz 3-15, Ezra Judge 3-10, David Piestrak 5-(16). GAR, Joshua Goodwin 17-90-1, Austin Yellard 15-49, Mike Drozda 4-19, Muhaideen Tajuddin 1-6. PASSING — NWT, Tyler Stevens 1-1-29-0, David Piestrak 0-1-0-0. Austin Yellard 7-17-52. RECEIVING — NWT, Connor Hazlet 1-7. GAR, Nate Luckey 1-16, Joshua Goodwin 3-13, Mike Drozda 1-10, Malachai Williams 1-8, Omar Degante 1-5. INTERCEPTIONS — NWT, Tyler Stevens 1-2, Ezra Judge 1-0. GAR, None. MISSED FGs — None. Northwest running back Jake Anderson runs the open field against GAR Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_GAR-NorthwestFB_1.jpgNorthwest running back Jake Anderson runs the open field against GAR Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader Northwest wide receiver Connor Hazlet, left, catches the ball deep in Grenadier territory over GAR defender Malachai Williams Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_GAR-NorthwestFB_2.jpgNorthwest wide receiver Connor Hazlet, left, catches the ball deep in Grenadier territory over GAR defender Malachai Williams Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader Northwest fullback Jack Stancavage, center, plows his way through the GAR defense Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_GAR-NorthwestFB_3.jpgNorthwest fullback Jack Stancavage, center, plows his way through the GAR defense Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader GAR running back Joshua Goodwin, left, follows his blocker Josafat Brito on a run against Northwest Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_GAR-NorthwestFB_4.jpgGAR running back Joshua Goodwin, left, follows his blocker Josafat Brito on a run against Northwest Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader GAR's Muhaideen Tajuddin turns the corner against Northwest Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_GAR-NorthwestFB_5.jpgGAR's Muhaideen Tajuddin turns the corner against Northwest Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader GAR running back Mike Drozda, center, finds a hole in the Northwest defense Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_GAR-NorthwestFB_6.jpgGAR running back Mike Drozda, center, finds a hole in the Northwest defense Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader By D.J. Eberle djeberle@timesleader.com Reach Times Leader sports at 570-991-6398 or on Twitter @ByDJEberle Reach Times Leader sports at 570-991-6398 or on Twitter @ByDJEberle

October 7th, 2016 - 10:57 pm - updated: October 7th, 2016 - 11:02 pm. David Piestrak touchdown in final seconds pushes Northwest past Hanover Area High School Football, Video     By Jay Monahan - For Times Leader       Source: Jay Monahan | For Times Leader   David Piestrak scores game-winning touchdown for Northwest.     Northwest running back Jake Anderson stiff arms Hanover linebacker Sterling Wade as Brandon Chafin moves in to help make the stop during Friday’s game.     Hanover Area’s Justin Masur gets wraped up by Northwest defenders Colton Babcock and Brandon Hardiman in the second quarter of play Friday.     Northwest defensive back Ezra Judge pushes back Hanover Area running back Justin Masur, but he had already crossed the goal line for a touchdown in the first half.     Northwest fullback Jack Stancavage gets up ended by Hanover Area’s Josh Jopling.     Hanover linebacker Kyle Baranosky grabs the shoulders of Northwest quarterback David Piestrak as he run up field Friday.     UNION TWP. — A defensive-minded game turned into an offensive slugfest in the final four minutes. Luckily enough for Northwest coach Lon Hazlet, a decision not to kick a short-yardage field goal in the third quarter did not make a difference in the game. The Rangers made the best of their last chance when David Piestrak scored the game-winning touchdown on a quarterback sneak with 10 seconds remaining as Northwest prevailed for a 28-22 victory over Hanover Area Friday in a game with playoff implications for both squads. With just 20 points scored in the first three quarters, Northwest (4-3) and Hanover Area (4-3) traded touchdowns on back-to-back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter. Top Searches   Keith White Property Database Barrett Hanover Area’s Tyheim Taylor scored a pair of touchdowns in the final frame. Exactly one minute after Northwest reclaimed the lead, he put the Hawkeyes ahead 22-20 with 2:32 left in the game. Northwest put the game on running back Jake Anderson’s shoulders in the fourth quarter. He had most of the team’s carries down the stretch, scoring a 7-yard rushing touchdown. He finished with 146 yards. “He is a horse,” Hazlet said. “For lack of a better term, we call him the bell cow. There were 3,000 people here, and there was not anyone that thought he was not carrying the ball.” Tyler Stevens had a 27-yard interception return to give the Rangers a lead heading into halftime. Penalties were a thorn in the Hawkeyes’ side. Hanover Area had 30 yard of penalties in the Rangers’ penultimate possession that led to a touchdown. On the game-winning play, Hanover Area coach Michael McCree was upset that the near-side official called the quarterback sneak dead and blew his whistle before it was called a touchdown. Northwest 28, Hanover Area 22 Hanover Area`0`6`0`16`—`22 Northwest`7`7`0`14`—`28 First quarter NW — Jake Stancavage 6 run (Jack Wessler kick), 5:16 Second quarter NW — Tyler Stevens 27 interception return (Wessler kick), 9:34 HAN — Josh Jopling 5 run (kick failed), 1:14 Fourth quarter HAN — Tyheim Taylor 2 run (Taylor run), 7:40 NW — Jake Anderson 7 run (kick failed), 3:34 HAN — Taylor 8 run (Taylor run ), 2:32 NW — David Piestrak 1 run (Piestrak run), :10 Team statistics`HAN`NW First downs`13`16 Rushes-yards`33-155`51-231 Passing yards`120`28 Total yards`275`259 Passing`8-15-1`3-5-0 Sacked-yards lost`0-0`1-10 Punts-avg.`2-38.5`3-43 Fumbles-lost`1-0 `1-0 Penalties-yards`11-100`5-34 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — HAN, Jopling 10-38, Brandon Chafin 12-74, Sean Coleman 1-9, Taylor 10-34. NW, Ezra Judge 2-11, Anderson 27-146, Piestrak 1-(minus-1), Jake Stancavage 12-76, Beau Getz 1-(minus-1). PASSING — HAN, Chafin 8-14-1-120, Aaron Hummer 0-1-0-0. NW, Piestrak 2-4-0-19, Stevens 1-1-0-9 RECEIVING —HAN, Brandon Brueckner 1-16, Zakee Nettles 1-3, Taylor 1-17, Cameron Holeman 1-18, Christian Percy 3-52, TEAM 1—14. NW, Stevens 1-4, Dylan Womelsdorf 1-7, Connor Hazlet 1-8, Austin Ford 1-9 INTERCEPTIONS — NW, Stevens. Northwest running back Jake Anderson stiff arms Hanover linebacker Sterling Wade as Brandon Chafin moves in to help make the stop during Friday’s game. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_h_r2_faa-1.jpgNorthwest running back Jake Anderson stiff arms Hanover linebacker Sterling Wade as Brandon Chafin moves in to help make the stop during Friday’s game. Hanover Area’s Justin Masur gets wraped up by Northwest defenders Colton Babcock and Brandon Hardiman in the second quarter of play Friday. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_h_r3_faa-1.jpgHanover Area’s Justin Masur gets wraped up by Northwest defenders Colton Babcock and Brandon Hardiman in the second quarter of play Friday. Northwest defensive back Ezra Judge pushes back Hanover Area running back Justin Masur, but he had already crossed the goal line for a touchdown in the first half. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_h_r4_faa-1.jpgNorthwest defensive back Ezra Judge pushes back Hanover Area running back Justin Masur, but he had already crossed the goal line for a touchdown in the first half. Northwest fullback Jack Stancavage gets up ended by Hanover Area’s Josh Jopling. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_h_r5_faa-1.jpgNorthwest fullback Jack Stancavage gets up ended by Hanover Area’s Josh Jopling. Hanover linebacker Kyle Baranosky grabs the shoulders of Northwest quarterback David Piestrak as he run up field Friday. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_h_r1_faa-1.jpgHanover linebacker Kyle Baranosky grabs the shoulders of Northwest quarterback David Piestrak as he run up field Friday. By Jay Monahan For Times Leader Reach Times Leader sports at 570-829-7143 or on Twitter @TLSports   VideoID: 9Wn_8gXH0Rw VideoType: YOUTUBE     URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wn_8gXH0Rw Video Embed String:   Video Caption: David Piestrak scores game-winning touchdown for Northwest.     Video Credit: Jay Monahan | For Times Leader     Video Position:     (use the “for files…” link above to associate attached files with this source) Reach Times Leader sports at 570-829-7143 or on Twitter @TLSports

Sptember 30th, 2016 - 11:07 pm - updated: October 1st, 2016 - 12:32 am. WVC Football: Northwest stymies Holy Redeemer High School Football By DJ Eberle - djeberle@timesleader.com         WILKES-BARRE — The Northwest football team was clicking on all cylinders Friday night when it traveled to Holy Redeemer. After forcing a three-and-out to open the game and then driving 40 yards down the field, in just eight plays, to score their first touchdown of the night, the Rangers never looked back. Northwest was able to do whatever it wanted against a shorthanded Holy Redeemer squad en route to a 40-13 victory over the Royals. With the win, the Rangers got back to .500 for the first time since Week 2. “We’re starting seven sophomores and have four seniors,” Northwest head football coach Lon Hazlet said. “We’re a young football team and our young guys are getting better every time out. We try and keep it real simple, and every day at practice we try and get a little bit better, and our guys are growing up. We’re pleased with where we’re going.” The Rangers used a strong night on the ground and a stout defensive effort to propel themselves to the 27-point win. Northwest junior running back Jake Anderson scored two of the Rangers’ first three touchdowns. Anderson capped off an 8-play, 40-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run to give the Rangers a 7-0 lead with six minutes and 28 seconds remaining in the first quarter. A little less than 15 minutes later Anderson found himself in familiar territory once again. The junior’s 61-yard run put Northwest up 21-0 with 7:26 remaining in the first half. Anderson finished with a game-high 170 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. “Jake’s a tremendous player and he’s our bell cow right now,” Hazlet said. “He would tell you the credit goes to the fullbacks and the tight ends and the offensive line, but we think he can make some noise down the stretch here. We’re excited about him.” The Northwest defense gave the Royals fits all night long. Holy Redeemer started the game with three straight three-and-outs and didn’t achieve it’s first non-penalty first down until the end of the second quarter. The Rangers also came away with three turnovers, including a pick-six returned 27 yards by senior defensive back Ezra Judge. “Our defense is coming around,” Hazlet said. “They’re starting to understand, to execute the game plan. A couple weeks ago we were just running around out there and we’re starting to read some keys on the line better and communicating, all the simple things you have to do to be a good defense. We’re growing up in that area also.” Facing a 34-0 deficit at the break, the Royals dug too deep of a hole to get out of. However, after Northwest quarterback David Piestrak scored on an 11-yard rushing touchdown to take a 40-0 lead late in the third quarter, the Royals didn’t quit and scored 13-unanswered points in the final 12 minutes. Holy Redeemer junior quarterback JD Turosky through a pair of deep touchdown passes. Junior wide receiver John Winters caught a 30-yard touchdown pass, and was followed by a 62-yard Cade Fahey touchdown reception on the very next drive to cut the deficit to 40-13. Northwest 40, Holy Redeemer 13 Northwest`14`20`7`0`—`40 Holy Redeemer`0`0`0`13`—`13 First quarter N — Jake Anderson 9-yard run (Jack Wessler kick), 6:24 N — Austin Ford 9-yard pass from David Piestrak (Wessler kick), 3:57 Second quarter N — Anderson 61-yard run (Wessler kick), 7:26 N — Jack Stancavage 2-yard run (kick failed), 1:30 N — Erza Judge 27-yard interception return (Wessler kick), 0:59.9 Third quarter N —Piestrak 11-yard run (kick failed), 1:48 Fourth quarter H — John Winters 30-yard pass from JD Turosky (Maricio Rodriguez kick), 7:23 H — Cade Fahey 61-yard pass from Turosky (kick failed), 2:41 Team statistics`NWT`HR First downs`10`5 Rushes-yards`30-244`18-16 Passing yards`45`135 Total yards`299`151 Passing`8-17-0`11-20-2 Sacked-yards lost`2-13`1-8 Punts-avg.`1-37`6-13.3 Fumbles-lost`0-0`3-1 Penalties-yards`7-75`4-30 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — Jake Anderson 12-170, David Piestrak 10-64, Ezra Judge 1-9, Jack Stancavage 2-6, Tyler Stevens 2-1, Gavin Davis 1-(-5), Colton Babcock 2-(-5). HR, Tom Engle 6-13, John Winters 2-11, Dorien Ryans 4-4, Robb McClay 2-1, JD Turosky 4-(-13) PASSING — NWT, David Piestrak 8-15-0-45, Tyler Stevens 0-2-0-0. HR, JD Turosky 11-20-2-151. RECEIVING — NWT, Dylan Womelsdorf 4-19, Ezra Judge 2-12, Austin Ford 1-9, Jake Anderson 1-2. HR, John Winters 3-86, Cade Fahey 5-80, Dorien Ryans 3-8. INTERCEPTIONS — NWT, Erza Judge 1-27, Connor Hazlet 1-0. HR, None. MISSED FGs — NWT, Jack Wessler 0-1. HR, None. By DJ Eberle djeberle@timesleader.com Reach DJ Eberle at 570-991-6398 or on Twitter @ByDJEberle. Reach DJ Eberle at 570-991-6398 or on Twitter @ByDJEberle

September 23rd, 2016 - 11:13 pm WVC Football: Northwest gets big win over Nanticoke   By Jay Monahan - For Times Leader       UNION TWP. — It’s funny how momentum swings on a rainy Friday night. After a half-hour lightning delay, Northwest seemed to be dead in the water. The Rangers threw an interception on the first play back, and a Nanticoke touchdown seemed eminent on the goal line. The Rangers’ defense held their ground for three goal-line plays to swirl the momentum in their favor in a 35-16 victory over Nanticoke. Trailing 8-7 at the break, Northwest scored 22 unanswered points to move themselves back into contention for the District 2 Class 1A playoff picture. “It was huge for us. I really thought they that were sort of taking it to us in the second quarter,” Northwest coach Lon Hazlet said. “It’s a pretty good football team. … For us to get that stand really energizes us at halftime. We were able to make some adjustments at halftime and put a few things together.” Jake Anderson had a monster night for the Rangers. Anderson carried the ball for three touchdowns, rushing 16 times for 221 yards. David Piestrak started the second half for the Rangers. He ran into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown to take a 15-8 lead. Anderson’s highlight of the game came on a 52-yard touchdown in the third quarter that put the nail in the Trojans’ coffin. Anderson broke three tackles. On his third touchdown, with 6:29 left in the game, he took a 15-yard carry on fourth down for a score. Nanticoke’s Darren Boseman caught two touchdown, including a 43-yard catch with his arms outstretched in the first quarter. He received three passes for 78 yards. The Northwest defense held WVC divisional rushing leader Dawson Hughes to less than 100 yards rushing. Hughes had 23 carries for 97 yards. Northwest 35, Nanticoke 16 Nanticoke`8`0`0`8`—`16 Northwest`7`0`15`13`—`35 First quarter NW — Jake Anderson 4 run (Jack Wessler kick), 8:33 NAN —Darren Boseman 43 pass from Matt Wrubel (Dawson Hughes run), :37 Second quarter No scoring Third quarter NW — David Piestrak 3 run (Connor Hazlet pass from Brandon Hardiman), 9:21 NW — Anderson 52 run (Wessler kick), 6:01 Fourth quarter NW — Anderson 15 run (Wessler kick), 6:29 NAN —Boseman 4 pass from Wrubel (Wrubel run), 5:26 NW — Ezra Judge 54 run (kick blocked), 4:00 Team statistics`NAN`NWT First downs`15“4 Rushes-yards`52-158`34-315 Passing yards`84`40 Total yards`236`355 Passing`5-14-1`4-9-2 Sacked-yards lost`2-13`1-6 Punts-avg.`3-19.6`2-38 Fumbles-lost`1-1`1-0 Penalties-yards`5-30`11-88 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — NAN, Wrubel 9-3, Eric Jeffries 13-47, Hughes 23-97, Mark Walters 3-32, Ian Novakowski 2-2, Matt Bobeck 3-7. NW, Piestrak 10-27, Anderson 16-221, Judge 2-64, Beau Getz 2-2, Jack Stancavage 2-6, Gavin Davis 1-(minus-3), TEAM 1-(minus-1). PASSING — NAN, Wrubel 5-14-1-84. NW, Piestrak 4-9-1-40. RECEIVING — NAN, Boseman 3-78, Matt Piontkowski 1-1, Jeffries 1-5. NW, Connor Hazlet 1-21, Adam Bukavich 1-5, Judge 2-14. INTERCEPTIONS — NAN, Dylan Szychowski 1-21, Nate Harrison 1-0. NW, Piestrak 1-4.   http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_FOOTBALL-4.jpg By Jay Monahan For Times Leader Reach Times Leader sports at 570-829-7143 or on Twitter @TLSports Reach Times Leader sports at 570-829-7143 or on Twitter @TLSports

September 16th, 2016 - 11:20 pm Lackawanna Trail’s offensive attack too much for Northwest Area High School Football     By Robert Tomkavage - Click for more information on Robert rtomkavage@timesleader.com - @rtomkavage - 570-704-3941 More Articles By: Robert Tomkavage       CLINTON TWP. — Lackawanna Trail used a balanced offensive effort to defeat Northwest, 35-19, in a Lackawanna Football Conference/Wyoming Valley Conference crossover game on Friday night at Lions Pride Stadium. First, the Lions moved the ball through the air. Then, the running game became a big factor. Lackawanna Trail quarterback Nathan Rolka, who completed 9 of 15 passes for 158 yards, connected with fullback James Gillespie for a 20-yard touchdown to cap a 3-play, 65-yard drive to give the Lions a 7-0 lead with 9:25 remaining in the first quarter. Rolka found Matt Bergey for 34 yards on the first play of the possession. “That’s four weeks in a row that somebody scored on us during their opening drive,” Northwest Area head coach Lon Hazlet said.”We have to play better initially. We have a very young crew. We’re going through some growing pains, but the kids battled until the end tonight and I’m proud of their effort.” Lions running back Thomas Huffsmith, who gained 168 yards on 13 carries, punctuated a 7-play, 65-yard drive with a 40-yard touchdown run to give Lackawanna Trail a 14-0 advantage with 1:57 remaining in the first quarter. “I give credit to our offensive line,” Lackawanna Trail head coach Steve Jervis said. “Northwest was really switching up their defensive fronts and our kids did a good job recognizing the different fronts and Thomas had some fantastic runs.” Northwest got on the board when Ezra Judge scooped up a fumble by JJ Whitesell and ran 26 yards for a touchdown. After a failed two-point conversion attempt, the Rangers trailed 14-6 with 11:40 left in the second quarter. Huffsmith scored his second touchdown of the game on a 39-yard run with 7:17 remaining in the second quarter to stretch the Lions lead to 15 points. A key defensive stop helped set up Trail’s next touchdown. Lions linebacker Thomas Kohinsky stuffed Jake Anderson for a loss of four on 4th-and-1 from the Northwest 46-yard line. After a 42-yard run by Huffsmith, wing back Anthony Berrios scored on a 1-yard run to give the Lions a 28-6 lead with 3:52 left in the third quarter. Northwest responded on the ensuing drive when quarterback David Piestrak connected with Judge for a 54-yard touchdown. After Lackawanna gained 274 yards in the first half, Northwest limited the Lions to 118 yards in the final two quarters. “We talked about responding during halftime and we came out and played better than we did in the first half,” Hazlet said. The Lions did manage a second half touchdown when Rolka hit Bergey for a 12-yard score midway through the fourth quarter. Judge scored his third touchdown on an 11-yard run with 3:36 left in the game. Lackawanna Trail 35, Northwest Area 19 Northwest`0`13`0`6`—`19 Lackawanna Trail`14`14`0`7`—`35 First quarter LT — James Gillespie 20 pass from Nathan Rolka (Rolka kick), 9:25 LT — Thomas Huffsmith 40 run (Rolka kick), 1:57 Second quarter NWT — Ezra Judge 26 run (conversion failed), 11:40 LT — Huffsmith 39 run (Rolka kick), 7:17 LT — Anthony Berrios 1 run (Rolka kick), 3:52 NWT — Judge 54 pass from David Piestrak (Jack Wessler kick), 2:11 Fourth quarter LT — Matt Bergey 12 pass from Rolka (Rolka kick), 6:35 NWT — Judge 11 run (kick failed), 3:36 Team statistics`NWT`LT First downs`9`18 Rushes-yards`31-147`33-278 Passing yards`123’ 158 Total yards`270`436 Passing`9-17-123`9-15-158 Sacked-yards lost`2-5`0-0 Punts-avg.`6-31.5`2-40 Fumbles-lost`1-0`2-2 Penalties-yards`3-20`2-10 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — NWT, Anderson 12-48, Stancavage 2-13, Piestrak 11-28, Hardiman 1-8. LT, Huffsmith 13-168, Gillespie 13-87, Berrios 6-14, Rolka 1-11, team 1-(-2). PASSING — NWT, Piestrak 9-17-0-123. LT, Rolka 9-15-0-158. RECEIVING — NWT, Hardiman 2-33, Hazlet 2-13, Anderson 1-3, Judge 1-54, Womelsdorf 1-8, Whitesell 1-5, Bukavich 1-7. LT, Bergey 3-66, Cost 2-39, Huffsmith 2-21, Gillespie 2-32. INTERCEPTIONS — None MISSED FGs — None   http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_FOOTBALL.jpg By Robert Tomkavage rtomkavage@timesleader.com Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage. Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.

Northwest falls in wet one on the road High School Football     By Kris Rogers - for Times Leader     LAKE ARIEL — With both teams winning in Week 2 to even their records at 1-1, the Northwest Area Rangers and Western Wayne Wildcats each looked to build momentum. Western Wayne did that with an exclamation point. Running back Kobe Sauter returned the opening kickoff 80 yards to the Northwestern 5-yard line. Two plays later, Sauter took a pitch to the Western Wayne sideline and tiptoed into the end zone to pace the Wildcats in a 32-19 victory on Friday Night. Top Searches   West Pittston Gianna Jaslar Soccer Josh Rose Hanover Bear Creek Assessment Volleyball A missed PAT put the Wildcats (2-1) up 6-0 just 20 seconds into the game. The weather varied from a mist to a downpour throughout the evening, making ball security important. The next drive, Northwest Area’s (1-2) offense got to work with a slow, methodical drive. Running back Jake Anderson got the majority of the work, carrying the ball five times on the nine-play, 55-yard drive, but it was fullback Jack Stancavage who found the end zone from a yard out. Anderson was a workhorse for the Rangers, carrying the ball 25 times for 138 yards. Jack Wessler’s PAT gave the Rangers a 1-point advantage. The Wildcats answered on their next drive, aired by a roughing the passer call against the Rangers on third down, and a conversion on fourth and 13 before Scott Walck found Danny Boots on a crossing route to make it in from 10 yards out. Another missed PAT put the score at 12-7 Western Wayne. Swinging right back, Northwest kept the ball on the ground for nine plays, breaking off three separate runs of 14 yards by three different players. The Rangers drive for 67 yards before Stancavage’s second 1-yard TD. A blocked PAT gave the Rangers a 13-12 lead. Stancavage finished his night with eight carries for 36 yards and two touchdowns. The two teams traded field position until 1:42 left in the second quarter. A fumble on the Rangers punt gave the Wildcats the ball on the Northwest 1-yard line. Three plays later, Scott Walck found his brother Dylan for a six-yard strike. Scott called his own number on the PAT attempt, rushing for the two-point conversion and a 20-13 lead going into halftime. The Rangers turned the ball over on downs to start the second half, but immediately got a swing of momentum on a David Piestrak interception. The next play, Piestrak completed a 34-yard pass to Ezra Miller for the score. A missed PAT cut the lead to 1 for the Wildcats. Not to be deterred, the Wildcats went on a drive of their own, highlighted by Scott Walck’s 34-yard keeper and a 26-yard pass to Boots. Walck finished the drive off with a keeper, pushing the lead back to 26-19 Wildcats after the missed PAT. After the next Rangers drive ended in a fumble, the Wildcats drive again, finishing a six-play, 45-yard drive with a diving touchdown catch by Dylan Walck. A failed conversion left the score 32-19, and rounded on the scoring for the evening. Scott finished his night completing 10 of 18 passes for 156 yards, three touchdowns and one INT. Next week, the Rangers travel to Factoryville to play the Lackawanna Trail Lions (2-1). Western Wayne plays next Friday at Holy Redeemer (1-2). Northwest Area 19, Western Wayne 32 Northwest Area `7`6`6`0`—`19 Western Wayne `12`8`6`6`—`32 First quarter WW – Kobe Sauter 4-yard run (kick failed) 11:13 NW – Jack Stancavage 1-yard run (Wessler PAT) 6:39 WW – Scott Walck 10-yard pass to Danny Boots (kick failed) 1:01 Second quarter WW - Scott Walck 6-yard pass to Dylan Walck. (Scott Walk 2PC rush good). 1:29 Third quarter NW – David Piestrak 34-yard pass to Ezra Miller (PAT No Good) 8:27 WW – Scott Walck 2-yard run. (PAT no Good) 4:45 Fourth quarter WW – Scott Walck 20-yard pass to Dylan Walck (2PC no good) 9:57 Team statistics`NW`WW First downs`19`11 Rushes-yards`45-259` 23-72 Passing yards`85`156 Total yards`344`228 Passing`13-5-1-1`10-18-3-1 Sacked-yards lost`2-5 ‘0-0 Punts-avg.`0-0`1-34 Fumbles-lost`4-2`3-0 Penalties-yards`5-45 `7-35 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — WW Sauter 10-3-1, S. Walck 5-38-1, Boots 8-31 NW – Anderson 25-138, Stancavage 8-36-2, Piestrak 9-61, Miller 1-14, Getz 2-10 PASSING — WW S. Walck 10-18-3-1, NW Piestrak 5-13-1-1 RECEIVING — NW Miller 3-56-1, Hazlet 2-29 WW Kilgallon 2-28, D. Walck 4-69-2, Boots 1-30-1, Fuller 1-12, By Kris Rogers for Times Leader Reach Times Leader sports at 570-829-7143 or on Twitter @TLSports Reach Times Leader sports at 570-829-7143 or on Twitter @TLSports

    By Tom Fox - For Times Leader     Northwest wide reciever Adam Bukavich (1) gets a first down with Lake-Lehman’s Matt Myers (8) and Vincenzo Ferrari in pursuit on Friday night.   Sean McKeag | Times Leader Lake-Lehman’s Jack Symeon (50) fights through a hold during Friday night’s game at Northwest.   Sean McKeag | Times Leader Northwest’s David Piestrak helped lead the Rangers to three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to stun Lake-Lehman on Friday night.   Sean McKeag | Times Leader Lake-Lehman running back Trey Borger (right) gets cornered by Northwest’s Austin Ford (48) and Jake Anderson on Friday night.   Sean McKeag | Times Leader Northwest’s Jake Anderson hustles for a touchdown with just two seconds left in the first half of Friday’s game against Lake-Lehman.   Sean McKeag | Times Leader UNION TWP. — Sure, it would have been easy for Northwest players to let their heads drop. Lake-Lehman got a huge play when Josh Durling blocked a punt, picked up the ball and returned it 24 yards for the score, giving the Knights a one-point lead with 10 minutes left. The Rangers and quarterback David Piestrak had other plans. Top Searches   Bazaar Tennis Car Accident Crestwood Bus Showing the poise of an upperclassmen, the sophomore responded after the block. He led the Rangers on a 78-yard drive – capped off by a 9-yard score to give Northwest the lead. The team punched in two more touchdowns in the final five minutes in a 33-13 victory Friday night. The victory improves Northwest to 1-1, while it was the first loss of 2016 for Lehman. “We have a lot of character kids,” Northwest coach Lon Hazlet said. “We have a lot of kids that come from good families and strong homes. They have been raised right, and I’m blessed to coach these boys. We challenged them to answer, and that’s what we did.” In the past, opponents would never bounce back when Lehman made a huge play like a blocked kick taken back for the score. The momentum swing would be too much to overcome. But maybe that’s the special characteristic Hazlet was talking about. That, or they are still so young that they don’t understand what happened in the past. Piestrak took over that short five-play series that began on the own 22. As it was, five straight runs were called. Junior tailback Jake Anderson gained 33 yards on the first two carries. Piestrak used his legs to churn out the final 45 yards of the series. “We have really been challenging this group to mature and play together,” Hazlet said. “They did that on the drive. We think we have a good ball club, but we just need to mature because they are young. “We told the boys that we had to answer. And they did. I’m proud of them. Lake-Lehman has a tough, physical team.” Anderson’s 7-yard run, followed by a 38-yard score by Beau Getz with time ticking down capped off 21 unanswered points. Really, though, the heroes were the Rangers’ linemen. The big boys in the trenches on offense opened up enough holes that Piestrak, Anderson and Getz rumbled for 288 yards. The defense wasn’t too bad, either, holding a powerful Lehman rushing attack to just one touchdown and a total of 112 yards of offense. Lehman’s lone offensive score came early in the first quarter. Following a Charlie Kuschke interception return back to the Rangers 23, the Knights needed just four plays as Trey Borger rumbled for a 13-yard score and a 6-0 lead three minutes into the contest. “We knew that Lehman had a great team, and we worked really hard at practice,” Rangers lineman Carl Graziano said. “We lost to really good team last week in North Penn. It was the same way with Lehman because they were coming off a strong 2015 season. “Holding them to just one offensive touchdown shows that the hard work we’ve been putting in during practice is starting to pay off.” Piestrak and Anderson each finished with nearly 100 yards on the ground and two scores a piece. Lehman’s Borger had a team-high 34 yards rushing.