Grabowski’s big runs help Penn-Trafford race past rival Franklin Regional

By: Ted Sarneso
Friday, October 10, 2025 | 10:28 PM

For Penn-Trafford junior running back Ben Grabowski, it was a near-perfect game.

The junior saw plenty of green in front of him and was barely touched Friday night as he carried the ball four times for 172 yards (a 43-yards-per-carry average) and scored on three of those carries. That helped the Warriors defeat rival Franklin Regional, 48-14.

“I have to give a lot of credit to the offensive line,” Grabowski said after the game.

Coach John Ruane agreed.

“The offensive line is a group that has a lot of chemistry,” Ruane said. “There is a mix of starters and some new guys that have meshed well. Our tight ends have also had an impact along the line. We’re pleased with everybody up front.”

Grabowski’s running was part of a well-balanced offensive attack that was intent on rectifying mistakes and missed plays from a week ago in a come-from-behind win against Gateway.

“Last week, we started off slow and had mistakes we needed to correct,” Grabowski said. “We came out in the second half against Gateway and did what we needed to get the win. We carried that momentum and mentality over to tonight.”

Penn-Trafford (7-1, 3-1) scored three times on its first four possessions, as they routed Franklin Regional (1-7, 0-4) in a Class 5A Big East clash.

On the opening possession of the game, Grabowski lined up in the wildcat and took the snap 22 yards for his first of three touchdowns in the first half. He later scored on runs of 73 and 45 yards.

“That was our goal: We wanted to hit some big plays, and I think we left a couple out there,” Ruane said. “We wanted to get a lead and play with a two-touchdown lead and then do what we wanted to do. The goal was to play fast and mx up our formations.”

On the Warriors’ second possession, Landyn Stikkel pounded in a 2-yard run to give P-T an early 14-0 cushion. Stikkel later would catch a 24-yard pass from Cody Yacamelli to open the third quarter and give the Warriors a 48-7 lead, initiating the running clock.

Penn-Trafford’s next possession lasted one play, as Grabowski took the handoff off right tackle and blew past the Panthers defense for his 73-yard score.

“We thought as a team, that we had to hit them hard and hit them quick,” Grabowski said. “It just happened to be my number that was called tonight, but everyone else contributed a lot to this win.”

Penn-Trafford quarterback Nate Desmond and Nick Ponko, his top target, connected for a 24-yard touchdown late in the second quarter to put the Warriors up 38-7.

Desmond finished 9 of 14 passing for 145 yards and the one touchdown. Ponko caught five passes for 79 yards and a score.

“We did a good job early of mixing run and pass and we still have some things we need to work on,” Ruane said. “It was a great overall team effort. Our defense was great. We stuffed them quite a bit and we never let them play ahead of the sticks. We were really focused this week after last week.”

The only blemish for the Warriors was on an outstanding play by Franklin Regional sophomore linebacker Kaydon Ferrell.

With the Warriors starting at their own 15-yard line after a pooch punt from Panthers quarterback Dominick Devola, Desmond dropped back to pass, looking for Ponko in the slot.

Ferrell came on the blitz, knew he wasn’t going to get home and jumped with his hands in the air. He was able to corral the ball and run it in from 8 yards to put the Panthers on the board.

“Tremendous play by a kid who is going to be very good,” said Franklin Regional coach Lance Getsy. “He’s a playmaker, he did his job and that’s what we’re looking for. We haven’t been as consistent as we would like, but when you have an opportunity, you have to make those types of plays.”

The Panthers then tried an onside kick as Luca Aquilera kicked a high, short ball that fell into the arms of Austin McClure.

However, the Panthers were flagged for kick-catcher interference, nullifying a big play and a possible momentum swing. In high school, the ball must hit the ground before the kicking team can touch it.

“We kicked it a little bit further than we would have liked,” Getsy said. “We got one of them earlier this year, It was just kicked longer than we wanted. It was either going to go out of bounds or we were going to grab it. We hoped the officials didn’t catch it.”

The Warriors answered with Grabowski’s 45-yard run to go up 31-7.

Special teams also played a big role for the Warriors as kicker Jack Miller showed off his leg, booting field goals of 38 and 47 yards, the latter coming as time expired in the first half.

Franklin Regional would tack on another score with 4:30 left in the fourth quarter as running back Jet Taylor ran it in from a yard to cap a 16-play, 73-yard drive.

“Our kids just keep battling,” Getsy said. “They’re going to fight to the end, it’s their mentality. I love that about them. No matter the adversity they face, they keep on going, and I think that’s going to be a reward for them later in life, something they don’t realize right now.”

The win positions the Warriors with a chance to close out the regular season on a six-game winning streak as they host Armstrong and Latrobe in the final two weeks.

“We really needed the momentum a win like this brings. I think this was our first full complete game that we’ve played and we’re happy with the win,” Grabowski said.

Tags: Franklin Regional, Penn-Trafford