YATESVILLE — Pittston Area didn’t have to worry about North Pocono standout running back Joe Briskie on Friday night.
Just two carries into the game, Briskie, who rushed for 167 yards in last year’s matchup, was sidelined with a shoulder injury.
The Patriots, though, ended up with another concern — North Pocono’s versatile Cole West.
West ran for two touchdowns on direct snaps, caught a 70-yard TD pass and also picked off a pass as North Pocono defeated Pittston Area 34-21.
Pittston Area (1-1) was trying to start the season with two wins for the first time since 2011. The Patriots had it a one-score game three times, only for West to strike.
“I’m not going to lie, I didn’t anticipate the amount of quarterback stuff with him running the ball,” Pittston Area coach Paul Russick said. “Co