Old Forge Wins 36-6, but Final Scene Leaves Lasting Impression
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | September 18, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus
OLD FORGE — Old Forge picked up its first win of the season Friday night, using a fast start and a big second quarter to pull away from Tunkhannock for a 36-6 victory.
The Blue Devils opened the scoring in the first quarter with a safety before Parker Harte connected with Ayden Aversa on a 27-yard touchdown pass to make it 8-0.
Old Forge then created separation in the second quarter.
Elio Castaldi recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, Christopher Nino added a 20-yard field goal, and Harte later found Joey Dominick for a 21-yard touchdown connection.
Aversa added another score on the ground from 15 yards out late in the quarter, helping Old Forge take a 29-6 lead into halftime.
Tunkhannock’s lone touchdown came on a big play from Lucas Ciprich, who broke free for an 80-yard run in the second quarter. Ciprich finished as the Tigers’ leading offensive threat, rushing 15 times for 152 yards and the score.
Old Forge added its final touchdown in the third quarter when Rylan Gutowski scored on a 15-yard run. Gutowski led the Blue Devils on the ground with 106 yards on 17 carries.
Harte completed 9 of 14 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Dominick caught four passes for 58 yards and a score, while Aversa finished with five receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown to go along with 33 rushing yards and another score.
Old Forge finished with 229 yards of total offense, while Tunkhannock totaled 216. The Tigers held a 202-122 advantage on the ground, but Old Forge was able to capitalize on scoring opportunities and build enough separation early to control the game.
The final moments, however, became the lasting image of the night.
With 1:11 remaining, an Old Forge player went down with an injury and medical personnel began attending to him on the field.
With time still showing on the clock, Tunkhannock’s players walked onto the field to join Old Forge. The officials allowed the remaining seconds to run off, effectively bringing the game to a close while attention remained focused on the injured player.
The two teams then came together, circled up and shared a prayer.
Video showing this sportsmanship here!
For most of the night, Old Forge and Tunkhannock had been opponents. In those final moments, the competition gave way to concern, sportsmanship and support.
Old Forge improved to 1-3 with a much-needed first victory of the season and now turns its attention to a crosstown rivalry matchup with Riverside on Friday.
Tunkhannock fell to 0-4 and will regroup as the Tigers continue their search for their first win next week against Panther Valley.
The final read Old Forge 36, Tunkhannock 6, but the closing scene offered a reminder that some of the strongest moments in high school sports happen after the competition stops.
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