Northeast rallies past Abington

As one of a few prominent seniors for Northeast's football team, Elijah Wilcher knows he has to take a leadership role this season. Since he's a newcomer, after having played at Roman Catholic the last two years, that's not an easy undertaking.

"I mostly do it by example, and I think it's working so far," the 5-foot-10, 150-pounder said. "The younger guys have been picking things up and listening well."

Wilcher's solid contributions at wingback and cornerback helped the Vikings rally for a 21-14 victory over visiting Abington in the season opener for both teams Friday at sun-baked Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium.

Wilcher said tuition issues prompted his transfer from Roman, where he played receiver. "I'll still get a good education at Northeast," the Mount Airy resident said. "I'm going to be taking classes in the magnet program."

The Vikings won their first season opener since 2005 when 6-4, 185-pound tight end Nahzir Wilson hauled in a 52-yard touchdown catch from Keith Moore with 1 minute, 14 seconds remaining. Wilson made a highlight-reel grab along the sideline, in tight coverage at the 23, and raced to pay dirt.

"He really came up big there," Wilcher said. "It was a good throw by Keith, and Nahz went up high, got it, and took it to the house."

Behind five completed passes by David Kretschman, the Ghosts reached the Northeast 20 in the last minute. But safety Jaquan Amos made a clinching interception at the 5 on the final play.

Things started horribly for the Vikings. On the first play from scrimmage, Kretschman burned a sleeping secondary with a 60-yard TD pass to wideout George Reid.

"Their quarterback showed he was ready to play," said Wilcher, who carried five times for 40 yards and notched three solo tackles. "It was important for us to not hang our heads and come back strong."

Northeast sophomore halfback Amir Polk carried 26 times for 167 yards. His 26-yard TD burst before intermission trimmed Abington's lead to 14-13. Moore (19 for 90) scored in the first quarter on a 29-yard dash around right end.

Kretschman, a third-year starter, connected on 14 of 24 passes for 154 yards. Teammate and halfback Mike Brooks carried 17 times for 62 yards, including a 12-yard TD in the second quarter.

Abington 7 7 0 0 - 14

Northeast 7 6 0 8 - 21

A: George Reid 60 pass from David Kretschman (Casey Hesdon kick)

N: Keith Moore 29 run (Mohamed Elgayar kick)

A: Mike Brooks 12 run (Hesdon kick)

N: Amir Polk 26 run (kick failed)

N: Nahzir Wilson 52 pass from Moore (Moore run)