AROUND THE CAMPS: Mid Valley, Abington Heights look to contend in LFC

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THROOP — For seniors like Mid Valley’s Adam Pezanowski, there is a mix of emotions with every practice.

They attack each session with a sense of urgency. This is their time as the leaders of their program. They embrace the responsibility while practicing with added intensity, understanding this is their last ride.

At Tuesday’s workout at Spartan Stadium, on the second day of heat acclimatization, Pezanowski was at the forefront. He, along with his upperclassmen teammates who have been contributors to Mid Valley’s success the last two seasons, worked hard and provided support and encouragement for a group of up-and-coming athletes learning what it takes to compete at the varsity football level.

The Spartans, who won an Eastern Conference Class 3A playoff game over Carbondale Area to close the season, prepare for two-a-day practices that begin Monday. Mid Valley opens the season Aug. 28 at home against Lake-Lehman.

“There are a lot of emotions,” Pezanowski said. “It is one of those things; I have played football almost my whole life. It is one of my favorite things to do with my favorite people. We will have a lot of last firsts, but I am excited for the season ahead.”

Last season, Pezanowski stood out as a Lackawanna Football Conference Division II Coaches’ all-star at linebacker. He had 92 total tackles, 10 for loss, three fumble recoveries and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

“I am just going out every practice trying to show these guys what it means to be a Spartan,” Pezanowski said. “I learned from a lot of the older guys when I came up to varsity as a freshman. We have to show grit and toughness and not let the little things get to them. We always have to stick together as a team.

“I preach effort, effort, effort. That requires zero talent. Give 110% every single play.”

Pezanowski is one of five starters returning on defense, with six returning on offense for the Spartans.

Aiden Willson, who brought energy and enthusiasm to the morning session, was an honorable-mention all-star in the secondary with 29 total tackles and three interceptions. He also provided 14 receptions for 211 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver.

“I am looking forward to helping the young guys out,” Willson said. “They have questions; I will answer them the best that I can and lead them.

“It’s a little different being a senior. I am a little more excited than usual. I can’t wait to play some football.”

Even with all-star-level talent like Pezanowski and Willson, Mid Valley players and coaches know that a successful team must be solid along the line of scrimmage.

Ralph Johnson is a returning two-way starter. He is part of a group of experienced athletes with good size and strength. The Spartans also return all-star Dylan Maceyko and Anthony Mancuso.

“We lost a couple of good guys in Robert Mattioli and Devon Hill,” Johnson said. “Those guys started since they were freshmen and sophomores. We have me, Tony (Mancuso) and Dylan coming back, and some really good guys coming up. They are learning really fast, and that is impressive.

“We are all working pretty hard.”

Comets aim to avenge D2 title loss

S. ABINGTON TWP. — Abington Heights seniors remember the disappointment of a November loss to Delaware Valley in the District 2 Class 5A championship game.

Falling short of defending the title serves as motivation during an offseason dedicated to avenging that defeat.

The Comets took to the practice field Monday night to start heat acclimatization week at the Abington Heights High School Athletic Complex. It was the team’s first workout in preparation for a season that opens Aug. 28 at home against Allentown Central Catholic and includes a trip to Florida and a game against Trinity Prep on Sept. 3.

“Coming off a great year last year, I think everybody returning is really heartbroken with the way that we lost last year,” Abington Heights lineman Thomas Reese said. “Obviously, we had a great year, but ultimately, we did not get what we wanted to accomplish in the end. I think the first thing that we have to build on in these weeks of camp is teaching the young guys the fundamentals and coming in every day with a mentality that we are going to get better. We need to work hard, though. We need to come here for two hours, be focused and have a good work ethic.”

Abington Heights, under the guidance of coach Joe Resphis — who is in his 21st season — and an experienced staff, is expected to contend in the Lackawanna Football Conference and District 2 Class 5A.

In addition to Reese up front, the Comets feature leading rusher Jayden Anglin. Last season, the shifty back who combines power with quickness ran for 1,397 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He also had 64 tackles, bringing his career total to 109.

Last season, Anglin ran for 162 yards and a touchdown in the 27-24 loss to Delaware Valley in a game the Comets led, 17-0, in the second quarter.

“The seniors last year really taught us just how hard you have to work,” Anglin said. “Losing the game last year after we were leading for most of it really hurt. We are using it as fuel for this year.”

Rodman Azar is a key returning player in the secondary. He didn’t play much as a sophomore when the Comets won the District 2 championship. As a junior, he contributed 23 tackles on defense and had five receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown.

“We are ready,” Azar said. “My senior class, we experienced both a win and a loss, but most of us only played last year, so we really have only felt that loss. Coming off that defeat last year, we are all prepared to get back out there and prepare. We have to put in the work. We have all the pieces; now we have to work.”

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