Lake-Lehman Erases 18-Point Deficit, Rallies Past Hanover Area in 35-24 Victory
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | September 26, 2026 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
HANOVER TOWNSHIP, PA — Lake-Lehman delivered an impressive comeback Friday night, September 25, overcoming an 18-point deficit to defeat Hanover Area 35-24 in Wyoming Valley Conference football action. Trailing 24-6 late in the second quarter, the Black Knights capitalized on defensive turnovers and explosive offensive plays to score 29 unanswered points. The victory improved Lake-Lehman's record to 2-3 under first-year head coach Mike Mully, while Hanover Area fell to 0-5.
Hanover Area controlled much of the first half behind running back Dewayne Downey, who scored three rushing touchdowns and accumulated 93 yards before halftime. Quarterback Logan Richardson added a 75-yard touchdown pass to Angel Tejada, extending the Hawkeyes' advantage to 24-6 with less than two minutes remaining in the second quarter. However, the momentum shifted when Lake-Lehman's Zachary Koval intercepted a pass following pressure from linebacker Marco Lenza. Quarterback Jesse Strenfel capitalized on the turnover, connecting with Dylan Heinrich for a 28-yard touchdown. Cordyn Harris added the two-point conversion, cutting Hanover Area's lead to 24-14 entering halftime.
The Black Knights carried that momentum into the second half as their defense continued creating opportunities. A hit by Anthony Magnotta resulted in an interception by Rennen Smith, setting up a 20-yard touchdown reception by Harris. Hanover Area suffered another setback when Richardson sustained an injury while playing defense and was unable to return. Lake-Lehman capitalized, with Heinrich delivering a long punt return that helped set up Damon Bond's four-yard touchdown run. Bond added the two-point conversion, giving the Black Knights their first lead of the evening, 28-24, late in the third quarter.
Lake-Lehman's defense delivered another critical play in the fourth quarter when Magnotta intercepted a pass near the goal line, ending a potential Hanover Area scoring opportunity. Harris followed with a 40-yard run before eventually scoring on a 19-yard touchdown run to secure the 35-24 victory. The Black Knights finished with 330 total yards, including 202 rushing yards. Harris led the ground attack with 89 yards on 11 carries, while Heinrich contributed 90 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Strenfel completed five of eight passes for 128 yards. Defensively, Lake-Lehman recorded four interceptions, holding Hanover Area scoreless throughout the second half.
The comeback gives Lake-Lehman momentum heading into the second half of the regular season. After dropping three consecutive games, the Black Knights demonstrated their ability to respond to adversity, generate turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Lake-Lehman will return home to face Greater Nanticoke Area on Friday, October 2, while Hanover Area will host Berwick as the Hawkeyes continue searching for their first victory of the season.
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