North Pocono Pulls Away From Wallenpaupack for a 28-14 Victory
By: Steven Abbatiello | SportzWire | October 24, 2026
North Pocono continued to deliver on the football field, putting together a strong performance against Wallenpaupack to secure a 28-14 victory. The Trojans used a balanced offensive attack, timely defensive stops, and key plays from their playmakers to build a comfortable lead and finish the game on top.
Trojans Strike First
North Pocono won the opening exchange after Wallenpaupack won the coin toss and elected to receive. Cole West returned the opening kickoff to the Wallenpaupack 40-yard line, giving the Trojans excellent field position to begin their first drive.
The Trojans moved the ball effectively behind carries from Henry Wolff, Cole West, and Chase Zimmerman. Zimmerman picked up multiple first downs, helping North Pocono move deep into Wallenpaupack territory. Despite a holding penalty that pushed the Trojans backward, the offense continued to grind out yards. Wolff helped move the ball closer to the goal line before North Pocono benefited from a Wallenpaupack face-mask penalty. Wolff then punched it in from two yards out for the game’s opening touchdown. Shane Youngblood added the extra point, giving the Trojans a 7-0 lead with 7:47 remaining in the first quarter.
Wallenpaupack answered with a lengthy drive of its own. Despite a pair of false-start penalties, the Buckhorns moved the ball down the field behind their running game and completed passes to keep the drive alive. Running Back Ed Kiesendahl eventually found the end zone on a five-yard touchdown run. The extra point from Dawid Mrowka was good, tying the game at 7-7 with 1:36 left in the first quarter. With the rushes that Kiesendhal had in this driver, he moved to over 1,000 yards rushing this season. North Pocono received the kickoff at about the 5-yard line and moved the ball across midfield before the quarter ended, with West making a reception and Zimmerman and Wolff contributing on the ground.
North Pocono Regains Control
The second quarter featured a defensive battle as both teams worked to gain momentum. North Pocono faced a setback when penalties stalled a promising drive, forcing the Trojans to punt. The defense responded by making life difficult for Wallenpaupack and eventually ended with a punt, giving North Pocono another opportunity to take the lead.
West returned the punt deep into Wallenpaupack territory, setting up the Trojans with excellent field position. After a short gain from Jayden Taylor and a first-down run from Wolff, North Pocono moved inside the red zone. Zimmerman then delivered the finishing touch, breaking through for a 15-yard touchdown run. Youngblood converted the extra point, putting the Trojans ahead 14-7 with 5:13 remaining in the first half.
Wallenpaupack attempted to respond, but North Pocono’s defense continued to battle. A big hit from Tate Bowen on Wallenpaupack’s Jevin Folk disrupted the drive, and the Trojans forced another punt.
With just over two minutes remaining in the half, North Pocono looked for another score. Zimmerman and West helped move the ball downfield, but the Trojans were unable to convert on fourth down. Wallenpaupack took over and ran out the remaining time, sending the teams into halftime with North Pocono holding a 14-7 advantage.
Trojans Extend Their Lead in the Second Half
Wallenpaupack received the ball to open the second half and put together a drive that featured several strong runs from Kiesendhal. The Buckhorns moved across midfield and into North Pocono territory, but a bad snap pushed them into a difficult fourth-down situation. A punt gave the Trojans the ball at their own 32-yard line.
North Pocono wasted little time establishing its ground game. West broke loose for a big run into Wallenpaupack territory, while Wolff and Taylor combined for additional yardage to move the chains. The Trojans continued to push forward, with West picking up a first down on a direct snap and Wolff adding another important gain. Zimmerman carried the ball down to the seven-yard line before Wolff helped move the offense to the five as the third quarter came to a close. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Zimmerman finished the drive with a five-yard touchdown run. Youngblood’s extra point was good, extending North Pocono’s lead to 21-7 with 11:55 remaining in the game.
West Delivers the Final Blow
With the clock winding down, North Pocono leaned on its running game to control the tempo and wear down the Wallenpaupack defense.
A completion to Wolff helped move the chains, and Taylor added a four-yard gain. Despite a penalty that pushed the Trojans back, the offense continued to move the ball. West then picked up a first down on a run to the Wallenpaupack 45-yard line. North Pocono continued to drive, with Ethan Baulo breaking off a 22-yard run to bring the Trojans down to the six-yard line. West then capped off the drive by hauling in a six-yard touchdown pass from Zimmerman. Youngblood added the extra point, giving North Pocono a commanding 28-7 lead with 1:51 remaining.
Wallenpaupack refused to go quietly. The Buckhorns connected on a deep 55-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Vargo to cut the deficit to 28-14 after Mrowka’s kick was good. Wallenpaupack attempted an onside kick, but North Pocono recovered the ball, with West securing possession near midfield. Zimmerman then picked up a crucial first down to help the Trojans close out the contest.
A Strong Finish for the Trojans
North Pocono’s 28-14 victory was built on a strong rushing attack, timely passing, and a defense that made key stops when the Buckhorns threatened to shift the momentum. Zimmerman contributed multiple touchdowns on the ground, Wolff helped set the tone with important runs and defensive plays, and West made a major impact in the return game and through the air, including the late touchdown reception that put the game out of reach.
Youngblood remained reliable on extra points, converting all four attempts.
The Trojans showed their ability to respond when challenged, regroup after stalled drives, and finish strong in the fourth quarter. With contributions coming from multiple players on both sides of the ball, North Pocono walked away with a hard-fought 28-14 win over Wallenpaupack.
Final Score North Pocono 28 Wallenpaupack 14
North Pocono Football: Senior Night Preview
The North Pocono Trojans are gearing up for their next home game, a special night dedicated to honoring the seniors who have represented the program throughout their high school careers. Senior Night is about more than football — it's a chance to recognize the hard work, commitment, and memories these players have given to their teammates, coaches, and community. The Trojans will host the West Scranton Invaders on Friday, October 30, at 7 p.m. for their regular-season finale and look to bring momentum into the playoffs.
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