WILKES-BARRE — The only thing that could stop Pittston Area’s offense was halftime.

After racking up nearly 200 yards of offense in the first half, including three touchdown passes from quarterback Walter Coles, Pittston Area was shut out in the second half of a 42-21 loss to Coughlin Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium.

After surrendering a 71-yard touchdown on Coughlin’s first possession, Pittston Area’s offense was clicking for the second straight week. Pittston Area scored 14 straight points in the second quarter to take a 21-14 lead on touchdown catches from Kevin Krawczyk, Rich Wallace and Keemar Woodruff.

Coles had 146 yards passing in the first half, but a costly interception in the end zone on Pittston Area’s second possession kept Coughlin’s momentum building.

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The Crusaders rushed for 390 yards in the win thanks to 222 from running back Jake Cole and Vincent Todd scored the 71-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. The Patriots ran 18 plays in the first quarter, including Coles’ 4-yard touchdown to Wallace, compared to Coughlin’s eight.

Todd and Cole combined for all of Coughlin’s rushing yards. Todd carried the ball 15 times for 168 yards, including a 35-yard scamper. The win improved Coughlin to 5-4, while Pittston Area dropped to 2-7.

Krawczyk finished with 95 yards receiving, while Wallace had 60. Woodruff chipped in with 44 yards receiving and 60 yards rushing. The game was tied at 21 at the half, and the Crusaders took over from there

With the game tied at halftime, the Patriots seemed to leave most of their offense in the locker room.

The Crusaders forced a turnover on downs on Pittston Area’s initial possession of the second half. The Patriots drove the ball 60 yards before an incomplete pass handed the ball back to Coughlin.

Todd and the Crusaders took advantage.

Seven plays following the turner on downs, Todd connected with Melvin Robinson, who made a juggling 68-yard touchdown catch-and-run to regain the lead. He finished with 95 yards passing on two completions.

Again, Pittston Area’s next possession looked promising.

Driving inside the Coughlin 35, an exchange from Coles to Keemar Woodruff ended up in the hands of Coughlin’s PJ Marinko. The fumble recovery set up Cole’s second touchdown, a 43-yard run.

After Pittston Area was forced to punt with 10 minutes to play, and down 14, Coughlin went back to Cole to finish off the game. A 12-play, 7-minute drive saw four third-down conversions from Coughlin, and eventually ended in a 35-yard score from Todd with just two minutes remaining. Cole carried the ball 10 times on the final drive, gaining 37 yards.

Coles, who is near the top of the Wyoming Valley Conference in passing, completed 19-of-24 passes. At one point in the first half he had just as many completions as touchdown passes. The Patriots have a week to get ready for the annual Pittston Area-Wyoming Area game, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 28 at Charley Trippi Stadium.

Pittston Area’s Kevin Krawczyk (33) rushes for yards in Friday’s WVC high school football game at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_pittstoncoughlin01.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston Area’s Kevin Krawczyk (33) rushes for yards in Friday’s WVC high school football game at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Pete G. Wilcox | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Mike Coe (25) is tackled on a kick return in Friday’s WVC high school football game at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_pittstoncoughlin02.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston Area’s Mike Coe (25) is tackled on a kick return in Friday’s WVC high school football game at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Pete G. Wilcox | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Nick Lynch (58) carries the Patriot’s flag as he and his teammates run onto the field in Friday’s WVC high school football game at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_pittstoncoughlin03.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston Area’s Nick Lynch (58) carries the Patriot’s flag as he and his teammates run onto the field in Friday’s WVC high school football game at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. Pete G. Wilcox | Sunday Dispatch
Crusaders shut out PA in 2nd half

By Nick Wagner

nwagner@timesleader.com

Reach Nick Wagner at 570-991-6406 or on Twitter @Dispatch_Nick

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Video Caption: Pittston Area fell to 2-6 with a 42-21 loss to Coughlin on Friday, Oct. 21.
Video Credit: Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

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