The Comets (3-1 overall) rushed for nearly 400 yards while holding Cedar Crest (1-3) to less than 100 total yards and only five first downs, two of those coming in the last few minutes against the Comets’ second-string defense.

Penn Manor ran this efficient offense despite starting sophomore Eric Rintz at quarterback in place of injured starter Michael Treier. Rintz did not miss a beat, completing three of six passes for 63 yards, each completion going for a first down.

"I found out Monday during my JV game I was going to be starting this week," Rintz said. "I was really nervous, but my team was great as they were behind me the whole way."

Senior tailback Geoff Hess added to his section-leading rushing total, accumulating 218 yards on the ground and four touchdowns, highlighted by a 78-yard scamper in the first half. Fullback Mike Stover added two scores on the ground and 92 yards rushing as the Comets opened up a 32-0 lead after three quarters.

Penn Manor head coach Bob Forgrave said his running attack continues to improve each game.

"Geoff is starting to get back to what we thought he could do," Forgrave said. "He is reading the blocks better, seeing the hole and playing both ways. Geoff and Mike had to play big and they did. They are two of the best backs in the league."

The Comets scored on their first drive and never looked back. Penn Manor faced fourth and inches on the drive, and Stover rumbled up the middle for six yards to keep the drive alive. Three plays later, the team faced a fourth and 16 at the Falcons 31, and Rintz lofted a perfect pass over the middle to Ryan Crider for 21 yards.

On the ensuing play, Hess found one of his many openings in the defense, scoring from 10 yards out for the 7-0 lead.

Cedar Crest, meanwhile, found no openings in the Penn Manor defense, being held to 31 yards in the first half, three on the ground, effectively shutting down its Wing-T attack.

"We have been good against the run every game and I think we are finally starting to figure out how to play the pass a little better," Forgrave said. "Our front seven is really good. This is a team effort. They try to get off the ball up front and get our guys running to the play."

Penn Manor’s last touchdown came on its opening drive of the fourth quarter. The Comets stopped Cedar Crest on fourth and one, taking over on the Falcon 40. Two plays later and facing third and eight, Rintz ran the option down the right sideline nearly untouched for his first varsity touchdown.

"The field was wide open. I had no one in front of me and I just ran as everyone was blocked. It meant a lot to me, as I did not want to be the person to let our team down," Rintz said.

Penn Manor stays at home next week to face Reading.