In a classic southern Lancaster County border rivalry game Friday night in Quarryville, Penn Manor and Solanco slugged it out until the final moments.

Kevin Kann's interception at his own 18-yard line with just over 20 seconds left thwarted a last-ditch effort by the Golden Mules and sealed an opening-night 21-13 victory for Penn Manor (1-0).

Starting his first varsity game, Penn Manor sophomore quarterback Adam Sahd showed the mental toughness and short memory needed to be successful as a high school quarterback.

The Comets, who return only 5 of 17 starters from last year's magical 10-3 season that included a trip to the district semi-finals, trailed 13-7 after Sahd threw his fourth interception late in the third quarter.

"Adam's got a great attitude," stated Comets head coach Todd Mealy. "He always keeps moving forward."

With his team trailing by six, Sahd engineered a 53-yard drive that included a tough 5-yard keeper to convert on third down and two precise passes for 19 and 20 yards, respectively.

Garrett Young's 1-yard touchdown dive ultimately gave the Comets their first lead of the game.

Darius Howard added insurance with a 28-yard touchdown scamper later in the fourth quarter for the final margin.

"All of our backs have different traits and complement each other well," remarked Mealy.

Solanco (0-1) seized control of the game in the third quarter, dominating the line with some tough running by junior Dustin McVey and senior John Fisher.

Quarterback Ralph Brown capped off a 13-play drive with a two-yard touchdown plunge to put the Mules up 13-6.

Throughout the remainder of the second half, Solanco carved out rushing yards, but Penn Manor's defense came up with one big stop after another.

"We have very smart, seasoned linebackers who understand that high school football games are long," said Mealy. "They did a great job not giving up the big play." 

The first half was a seesaw battle with both defenses bending, but refusing to break.

Sahd completed his first four passes (including one that was deflected at the line of scrimmage) to lead the Comets down to the Solanco 19.

But junior defensive back Joe Welk registered the game's first big play and swung the momentum back to Solanco when he stripped a Penn Manor ball carrier and rambled all the way back to the Penn Manor 34.

On their ensuing possession, the Mules were helped out by a heads-up play from Connor Glackin, who recovered a teammate's fumble to convert on third down.

Junior running back Dustin McVey took over from there, running for nine yards to give the Mules first and goal, and then scoring from the 1 for a 7-0 lead.

Early in the second quarter, the Comets answered when Darius Howard scored from 38 yards out to tie the game.

From there, the Mules defense came up with some big plays to keep the score deadlocked.

Glackin registered another key play when he intercepted Sahd. Penn Manor got new life, however, on a muffed punt that gave them the ball at Solanco's 36.

In the final moments of the first half, however, Solanco's Tyler Stitz intercepted a pass at his own goal line and raced back to the 48 to keep the score tied 7-7 at the half.