Penn Manor's fall sports teams were well represented in the post-season with cross country, soccer and field hockey all competing in their respective district championships. Unfortunately, all three suffered season-ending losses on Saturday, October 30.
The boys' cross country team, along with Abby Ames and Mackenzie Nafziger, made the trip to Big Spring High School for the AAA competition. The boys ran the final race of day and in a field of 28 teams, placed 19th overall.
"We were the sixth race of the day," said head coach Tom Ecker. "By that time, the course had several muddy and slippery spots."
Caleb Kabajian led the team with his 35th place finish in 17:08. He was the third sophomore to cross the finish line. "He missed qualifying for states by a mere nine seconds," stated Ecker.
J.T. Hetrick, a senior, followed in 59th place (17:26). Isaac Braegelmann (132), Aiden Gerlach (153) and Carter Vinson (164) rounded out the top five counters. Ethan Sauder and Gabriel Sullivan also competed.
"This was the first trip to states for each of our athletes," said Ecker.
Hempfield claimed the team title with Aidan Hodge clocking the winning time of 16:04.9.
The girls' ran prior to the boys. Ames, who qualified last year, ran nine seconds faster this year but missed qualifying for states by a slim eight seconds. She finished 47th overall in 20:47.
"Going in, we thought she would have a chance to qualify but a nagging injury impacted her training over the last few weeks and bothered her during the race," pointed out Ecker.
Nafziger, in her district debut, finished in 175th place with a 23:07.
"Mackenzie has been running well the fast few meets and continued with a good performance," said Ecker.
GIRLS' SOCCER
The girls' soccer team also hit the road, traveling to Carlisle for a quarterfinals matchup at Kenn Miller Stadium against the Herd. The Comets were coming off a 3-1 first round win over Northeastern while the No. 4 seed Herd was an overtime winner over Exeter Township.
"We had a few very good opportunities in the second half but could not capitalize," said head coach Keith Renner. "They were the better team in the first half and scored twice. We were the better second half team but couldn't put one in."
This was a second meeting for the two teams. Carlisle defeated the No. 5 Comets 2-1 on September 11. This time, however, the hosts handed Penn Manor only its second shutout loss of the year, 2-0.
Carlisle broke through 12 minutes into the contest when Sejla Podzic worked through the defense and sent a shot past Comet keeper Allison Burkholder (9 saves). Three minutes later, Mala Iannuzzi used her speed to dodge a defender and clipped a low liner to the back of the net.
"We played on a small, wet and muddy grass field," noted Renner. "Not ideal for a big game. We just did the best we could with the situation we were in."
Manor came out strong in the second half, creating opportunities for Carly Keene and Isabelle King but the Herd defense held, giving up just four shots and one corner to the Comets. Carlisle racked up 11 shots and seven corners.
"Allie did great in goal, once again, and kept us in the game," Renner said. "The team fought to the end but we just couldn't get that first goal to get things started.
"It was a memorable season. We achieved things that no one expected. We are definitely back on the map."
The L-L League champ Comets close their most successful season in ten years at 17-3.
Adding to their success is the recognition of the following all-stars: Keene, Maddy Kahler, Izzy Kligge, and Burkholder - First team selections; Megan Burkholder and Carolyn Hinkle - Second Team; Ella Kratz - Academic All-Star. Keen, Kahler and Burkholder were also named to the All-League team.
FIELD HOCKEY
The No. 3 seed Comets got a bye in the first round of districts and jumped straight to hosting Central York (16-4-1), a 2-0 winner over Warwick, in the quarterfinals Saturday afternoon.
Despite being outshot 12-2, the No. 6 seed Panthers stunned the Comets (15-5) with a 1-0 double-overtime victory. Victoria Whitehead's goal with 4:13 left in the second OT came off a long pass from Grace Harrold. The shot, going high into the goal and past keeper CC Charles, not only advanced CY to the district semis but clinched a PIAA Class 3-A playoff berth.
The L-L League champ Comets had numerous opportunities. Seven of their 12 corners came in the fourth quarter. But, despite long periods of possession, they could not crack the Central York defense and keeper Sydney Valdes who finished with seven saves including a charging save of Isabelle Thatcher's second quarter opportunity. And, late in the fourth, she knocked down Riley Robinson's flick that was sailing just under the crossbar.
The Comets made the first charge into the circle in the first extra period but the Panthers, quick on the line, had a near goal with seven minutes remaining and another breakaway three minutes later. Annie Bibus and Charles, however, were stalwarts and anchored the back half of the field.
Charles made one save in the second overtime before the Panthers were awarded their first corner of the extra periods. Just over two minutes later they secured the victory and extended their season.
FOOTBALL
On a wet and windy Friday night, Oct. 29, the Comets ended their season on the gridiron with a 27-0 loss to Hempfield. Stephen Katch and Grant Hoover ran for 170 and 108 yards respectively and scored two touchdowns each. The Comets finished with three first downs and committed four turnovers.
"We didn't generate much offensively," said head coach John Brubaker. "Defensively, I thought we played a spirited, physical game. Hempfield worked for what they got.
"Our offense has been a struggle all year," he continued. "We need to reevaluate what we need to do to put more points on the board."
Defensively, Erik Hinkle continued his consistent play and once again led the Comets with seven solo tackles and nine overall. He was the Comets leading tackler last year as well.
Adam Ditmer and Will Stover backed Hinkle with seven tackles each.
Junior quarterback Eli Warfel paced the offensive attack. He completed 61 of 129 attempts and led the rushing crew with 416 yards.
"This year's seniors got us five wins," said Brubaker. "We haven't done that since 2014. We have some good talent coming back and a plethora of sophomore linemen to build on. The kids are motivated by our success this year."
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