“Cold as Ice” Hartshorn Delivers as Abington Heights Ends Prep Streak in a Night of Heart and Hope

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | October 4, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

CLARKS SUMMIT — Revenge is a dish best served cold...ice cold. And on a night dedicated to something far bigger than football, Abington Heights found both redemption and resolve.

Friday night’s matchup between the Abington Heights Comets and Scranton Prep Cavaliers wasn’t just another rivalry under the lights. It was a night that united a community around childhood pancreatic cancer awareness, with proceeds and donations going toward the cause.

Yellow and white filled the stands. Cheerleaders donned custom sweatshirts supporting the mission. Players swapped their trademark navy belts for yellow ones; some even lacing up golden shoelaces as the Comets took the field with purpose.

What followed was a classic and cathartic battle.

Game Recap

After years of frustration against their rivals, Abington Heights finally snapped a six-game losing streak to Scranton Prep, edging out a 17–15 victory on a dramatic 30-yard field goal by junior Jack Hartshorn with just 11 seconds remaining.

It was a full-circle moment for Hartshorn, who earlier in the game had a bad snap sail over his head for a third-quarter safety, giving Prep a temporary 15–14 lead. But as the clock wound down and the Comets marched into scoring range, Hartshorn never hesitated.

“I knew I was going to make it before I even walked out for the attempt,” Hartshorn said. “The belief my team has in me to make it means everything.”

That belief was earned. The clutch kick capped off a late drive sparked by quarterback Noah Kayal’s 34-yard strike to wideout Gavin Anders, a perfectly placed ball over two Cavalier defenders that moved Abington Heights to the 14-yard line with about a minute left.

Three plays later, Hartshorn’s kick split the uprights and the Comets sideline erupted.

As one player whispered before the kick, “This could be the SportzWire Cold as Ice play of the week if he hits it.”

He did and it was certainly one of those types of plays.

How It Happened

The Comets established rhythm early behind Jayden Anglin’s 24-yard touchdown run and a 20-yard keeper by Kayal to grab a 14–7 halftime lead. Prep answered behind quarterback Will McPartland, who tossed a 13-yard TD to A.J. Croom and later ran in another score to pull the Cavaliers ahead 15–14 after a botched punt snap led to a safety.

But Abington Heights never flinched. Kayal managed the offense with poise, finishing 7-of-15 passing for 104 yards, while Anglin rushed for 64 yards and Anders caught four passes for 65 yards, including the biggest grab of the night.

Defensively, Anders and Max Gordon sealed the win with interceptions, including Gordon’s pick on Prep’s final drive and Anders’ game-ending interception on a last-second heave from McPartland.

Prep’s Braedon and Will McPartland combined for 157 rushing yards and two total touchdowns, while Anthony Prince added 24 on the ground. But Prep’s offense stalled late under pressure from Abington’s front.

A Night That Mattered More Than the Score

While the win was emotional, the cause behind the night gave it deeper meaning. Funds raised throughout the evening went toward children’s pancreatic cancer research and awareness, tying the community together through purpose and pride.

The Comets not only reclaimed their edge on the field, they also showed compassion, unity, and heart that extended far beyond the scoreboard.

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