Facing a fourth-and-11 in the middle of the third quarter, most teams would opt for a punt.

Not Penn Manor. The Comets were going for it.

"We went 1-9 last year," coach Todd Mealy said. "Our philosophy is to take risks this year."

This one paid off.

Quarterback Mike Treier connected with Aaron Frederick on a 31-yard pass, which set up the go-ahead score. That was the spark Penn Manor needed in its 14-13 win over Solanco at Millersville's Chryst Field Friday night.

The game was tied at 7 and Penn Manor had the ball on Solanco's 39-yard line when Mealy chose to gamble. It was an eye-opening move. Each team was struggling offensively and field position was valuable.

Three plays after the big pass, Brandon Spangler rushed 1 yard for a touchdown.

Solanco had an answer in the fourth quarter. The Golden Mules put together a 10-play, 67-yard drive for the potential tying score. It was capped with Ben Miller's 4-yard touchdown pass to Mike Buffington to make it 14-13 with 7:17 left.

All Solanco needed for a tie was an extra point. The snap was short and holder Brock Snider couldn't scramble into the end zone. The rainy conditions clearly affected that play, and it proved to be the difference.

"There is no excuse," Solanco coach Joe Pearson said. "We need to make sure we're snapping the ball better. We need to make sure we're really coaching that up and really focusing on it. Every aspect of the game matters."

Running back Sean Noll was the offensive standout for Penn Manor. The 6-1, 190-pound senior rushed for 140 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Solanco's offense was mostly muted. It was held to 76 yards rushing and one offensive touchdown. Trevor Marsh had an 18-yard interception for a score in the first period.

This was a win to savor for Penn Manor, which relished the underdog role Friday night. The Comets believe they're poised for improvement this season.

This was a good start.

"It's awesome," Noll said. "We put in so much work. We've been at it since last December. We've put in 300-plus hours. We didn't let last year rule this year."

The Comets were ready to do anything to show that this season was going to be different.

That included taking a risk.

E-mail: jguarente@lnpnews.com