Stroudsburg football does it all in win over Pocono Mountain West
It was a team effort Friday night in Pocono Summit.
Stroudsburg defeated Pocono Mountain West, 23-12, and contributions came from all over the field.
The defense was especially strong. Junior defensive back Kevin Polonia recorded two interceptions, and senior Adonia Quartley returned an interception for a touchdown.
West's defense also made big plays, including swallowing Stroudsburg's goal-line rushing attack on four consecutive plays.
Stroudsburg's offense shared the ball in a strong all-around performance, including big rushing touchdowns from Jaiden Bermudez and Andre Reames Jr.
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What it means
The win for Stroudsburg steadies a team that got off to a shaky start. Stroudsburg opened its season with a 35-0 win over Pocono Mountain East before dropping games to Northampton and Liberty.
Stroudsburg coach Jim Miller said his team showed up in all four quarters against West, executing with a consistency that didn't materialize against Northampton and Liberty.
The Mountaineers gave Northampton tough competition in the first quarter, actually outscoring the K-Kids, 4-0, with a pair of safeties. Stroudsburg then gave up 41 unanswered points over the next three quarters.
Stroudsburg followed up by coming out of the gates flat against Liberty before taking control of the game for three quarters. The Mounties put everything together against West, controlling the game from start to finish.
Key plays
The Panthers answered back quickly after Reames gave Stroudsburg a 13-0 lead in the second quarter. Senior quarterback Ian McHugh found junior Will Mecca for a wide-open touchdown pass.
Stroudsburg's defense forced McHugh to scramble often, but the quarterback was able to make enough plays that he scored on a goal-line QB keeper late in the fourth quarter. It was too little, too late, but McHugh showed flashes of what this offense is capable of.
West's defense did force a turnover of its own. Junior defensive back Jah McNeil stripped a ball lose from Polonia and recovered the fumble.
While each of Stroudsburg's three interceptions were massive momentum-shifters, Quartley's pick six put the game on ice for good. Polonia's first interception set up the Stroudsburg possession that ended with Bermudez's 33-yard touchdown on a jet sweep.
What's next
Stroudsburg's win pushes the Mountaineers to 2-2, and the team returns home to hose Dieruff Week 5.
West falls to 1-3. The Panthers will have a chance to rebound on the road against East Stroudsburg North.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Stroudsburg PA football does it all in win vs. Pocono Mountain West
