Pocono Mountain West's Week 2 contest stretched over two days due to lightning

Pocono Mountain West football fell to Lehighton in Week 2 | Photos

POCONO SUMMIT — A football game, although varying in length, is usually completed in one calendar day. However, there are times where one game, like the Week 2 meeting between Pocono Mountain West and Lehighton, turns into a multi-day affair.

The Panthers' 35-0 loss to Lehighton started Thursday evening at 7 p.m. West quickly found itself in a 14-0 hole at the end of the first quarter, which ended on a West fumble and one Lehighton play in the red zone. Early in the second quarter, Lehighton tacked on another score to make it 21-0.

It appeared the game was going to end rather early on Thursday, until the lightning that lit up the sky moved close enough to the school where it couldn't be ignored anymore. The game was put on pause, and while some fans elected to leave soon after the delay, others tried waiting it out. But that became futile as the lightning flashes continued.

Soon, the game was called for the day, and the West athletic administration tried their best to pin down a continuation date as soon as possible. Luckily, officials and a doctor were available on Friday, and with the Pocono Mountain school district closed on Friday for Labor Day Weekend, the game was scheduled to resume the next day...

That was the only choice since the Friday evening slate was packed and Saturday wouldn't have been ideal either. So, at a time where most people on a holiday weekend would ease into the morning, the Pocono Mountain West and Lehighton coaches, players, and fans (though not as many as Thursday) made their way into the stadium for the second act.

West head coach Jim McCarroll was optimistic about the restart, saying, "I mean, it's tough, but I told them, 'Hey, new day, fresh start. Let's go out and just get better.' We're down 21-0. I didn't care. I said it's another opportunity to get better. You don't get the day back. Let's see where we're at."

The Panthers did come out with some renewed energy. but after Lehighton scored at the halftime buzzer, the spark all but dissipated. The final nail in the coffin was West threatening to score in the fourth quarter after the Stiehler brothers – Teddy with a big catch and Christian with a big run – got the Panthers into scoring position. But that momentum was short-lived as the drive ended with an interception in the end zone.

It was the polar opposite outcome of Pocono Mountain West's Week 1 showcase against Scranton, but McCarroll believes there are more positives to come from his team as the season progresses.

"I believe in them. They guys got to work and believe in themselves," McCarroll said. "Keep working hard. Not point fingers. 'Pull the thumb' as we always talk about."

West ends its nonconference slate at home vs. Hazleton, then starts EPC play at home vs. Dieruff before hitting the road vs. East Stroudsburg North.