EasternPAFootball.com

Vince Pellegrini

  • Class AAA Semifinal Facts

    Class AAA State Semifinal Facts and Figures

    Most Wins in the Eastern or Western Final

    1. Berwick, 7 (District 2)

    2. Strath Haven, 4 (District 1)

    3. Allentown Central Catholic, 3 (District 11)

    3. Archbishop Wood, 3 (District 12)

    3. Blackhawk, 3 (District 7)

    3. Manheim Central, 3 (District 3)

    3. Thomas Jefferson, 3 (District 7)

    3. West Allegheny, 3 (District 7)

     

    Most Appearances in the Eastern or Western Final

    1. Manheim Central, 12 (District 3)

    2. Berwick, 11 (District 2)*

    3. Allentown Central Catholic, 6 (District 11)

    3. Archbishop Wood, 6 (District 12)*

    3. Perry Traditional Academy, 6 (District 7)

    6. West Allegheny, 5 (District 7)

    7. Bishop McDevitt, 4 (District 3)*

    7. Blackhawk, 4 (District 7)

    7. Thomas Jefferson, 4 (District 7)

    *-includes 2013 appearance

     

    Most Appearances in a Row in the Eastern or Western Final

    1. Archbishop Wood, 6 (2008-13)

    1. Berwick, 6 (1992-97)

    1. Strath Haven, 6 (1998-2003)

    4. Bishop McDevitt, 4 (2010-13)

     

    Most Wins in a Row in the Eastern or Western Final

    1. Berwick, 4 (1994-97)

    1. Strath Haven, 4 (1999-2002)

    3. West Allegheny, 3 (1999-2001)

     

    Most Wins by a District in the Eastern or Western Final

    1. WPIAL (District 7), 15

    2. District 2, 7 (all by Berwick)

    3. District 3, 6

    3. District 11, 6

    5. District 10, 5

    6. District 12, 3 (all by Archbishop Wood)

     

    Most Points Scored by a Single Team in the Eastern or Western Final

    1. Archbishop Wood, 70 (2011 vs. Allentown Central Catholic)

    2. Aliquippa, 56 (1988 vs. Bradford)

    3. Allentown Central Catholic, 49 (2010 vs. Archbishop Wood)

    3. Thomas Jefferson, 49 (2008 vs. West York)

    5. Manheim Central, 45 (2009 vs. West Allegheny)

  • Berwick vs. Archbishop Wood Preview

    2013 PIAA Class AAA Football Eastern Final

    Friday, December 6, 2013 at 7 PM at J Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown

    Berwick (14-0) vs. Archbishop Wood (11-2)

    berwick13

     

    Series History

    First Meeting

     

    RANKINGS

    Points Scored Per Game: Berwick, 40.8; Archbishop Wood, 40.1

    Points Allowed Per Game:  Berwick, 10.6; Archbishop Wood, 11.5

     

    OPPONENTS’ WINNING PERCENTAGE

    Berwick – 89-69 (56.3%)

    Archbishop Wood – 88-62 (59.4%)

     

    Berwick’s Schedule

    1 – Crestwood, 41-7 W

    2 – at Pottsville, 56-7 W

    3 – at Dallas, 37-7 W

    4 – Wyoming Valley West, 42-28 W

    5 – Selinsgrove, 36-0 W

    6 – at Tunkhannock, 57-3 W

    7 – at Williamsport, 48-7 W

    8 – Pittston, 50-0 W

    9 – Coughlin, 39-7 W

    10 – at Hazleton, 43-7 W

    11 – Crestwood, 14-13 W *

    12 – Abington Heights, 35-28 W *

    13 – Bethlehem Catholic, 29-27 W *

    14 – Clearfield, 44-7 W *

    *-playoff games

     

    BULLDOG NOTES

    -With George Curry as the Bulldog head coach, Berwick has won 49 of their last 50 games when they’ve scored 21 points or more.

    -Last year, Berwick finished 2-2 while allowing their opposition to post 20 points or more. This year, they’re 3-0 when the opposition registers that mark.

    -Berwick has gained 200 or more yards rushing as a team in 6 of their last 7 games.

    -In their last outing, the Bulldog defense forced 3 turnovers from Clearfield in a 44-7 win which saw the Bison holding a 7-0 advantage after the 1st quarter. Senior Dain Kowalski scored once on offense (12-yard run) and had a 76-yard interception return for a score to end the first half. C.J. Curry tallied 4 total touchdowns (3 rushing, 1 passing).

    EASTERN FINAL HISTORY (7-3)

    2004: Manheim Central 16 Berwick 13

    -The Barons’ kicker Ryan Huber booted through a 35-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to break the 13-13 tie.

    1997: Berwick 37 Manheim Central 0

    -The Bulldogs’ signal caller Jeremy Chapin ran for 2 scores and threw for another 105 in the runaway win.

    1996: Berwick 20 Allentown Central Catholic 3

    -Central’s standout runner Tom Williams gained just 63 yards on the ground as Berwick forced 4 takeaways.

    1995: Berwick 18 Manheim Central 17

    -Manheim Central led 17-0 at the intermission; however, Dave Robbins ran in a 1-yard score for a touchdown with 1:36 left to give the Bulldogs a victory by a single point.

    1994: Berwick 37 Manheim Central 30

    -Jason Canouse intercepted an errant pass in the end zone with 27 seconds remaining to hold off Manheim Central’s attempt to tie the game.

    1993: Allentown Central Catholic 13 Berwick 8

    -Berwick’s 28 game winning streak was halted by Allentown Central Catholic.

    1992: Berwick 29 Manheim Central 6

    -Ron Powlus and Jason Soboleski scored twice, a piece, in the Bulldogs’ 29-6 win.

    1990: Bethlehem Catholic 7 Berwick 3

    -Spike Johnson found John Weiss on a 48-yard strike for the game-winning score with 1:15 left to eliminate the Bulldogs.

    1989: Berwick 14 Manheim Central 10

    -Berwick trailed 10-0 at the half but scored a pair of second half touchdowns to catapult themselves to their second straight title tilt.

    1988: Berwick 16 Middletown 12

    -Jake Kelchner’s game winning 1-yard keeper with 3:49 remaining was the difference as the Bulldogs punched their ticket to the first state championship game.

     

    Archbishop Wood’s Schedule

    1 – at Bensalem, 38-7 W

    2 – at North Penn, 49-3 W

    3 – at Frankford, 42-14 W

    4 – West Catholic, 54-6 W

    5 – Cardinal O’Hara, 41-0 W

    6 – St. Joseph’s Prep, 21-31 L

    7 – at Lansdale Catholic, 35-6 W

    8 – at Archbishop Ryan, 7-22 L

    9 – Bonner-Prendie, 49-6 W

    10 – Lansdale Catholic, 49-26 W *

    11 – Bonner-Prendie, 42-6 W *

    12 – Martin Luther King, 52-8 W *

    14 – Academy Park, 42-14 W *

    *-playoff games

     

    VIKING NOTES

    -Over the last six seasons, Archbishop Wood has compiled a 73-13 record (84.9%) and has won the District 12 title in each year. The last time the Vikings had finished with a losing record was in 2002 (3-8).

    -Wood is 6-7 over their last 13 games when they’ve allowed their opponents to score 20 points or more.  When the Vikings score 24 points or more, they’re a perfect 37-0 since 2011.

    -In only his 7th season, Steve Devlin has accumulated more victories (82) than any other coach in school history.

    -Junior offensive tackle Ryan Bates (6’5, 280-lbs) has received offers from Penn State, South Carolina, Boston College, Pittsburgh, and Virginia. Ryan’s classmate Jake Cooper (6’2, 226-lb linebacker) has received interest from a number of large schools and offers from Pittsburgh and Temple. Also in the junior class, the Philadelphia Catholic League Player of the Year Jarret McClenton (5’9, 165-lb running back) has tallied such interest from the likes of Penn State, Nebraska, and Syracuse. Senior guard Deion Oliver (6’5, 275-lbs) was offered by Yale and is awaiting a number of small-FBS schools to offer.

    -Former Vikings’ under coach Steve Devlin to play FBS football: Brandon Arcidiacono (OL/Rutgers), Nick Arcidiacono (TE/Rutgers), Desmon Peoples (RB/Rutgers), Nate Smith (DB/Temple), Frank Taylor (OL/Boston College), Colin Thompson (TE/Florida), and Nick Visco (K-P/Temple).

    LAST 6 YEARS IN STATE TOURNAMENT

    2013

    State Quarterfinal – Archbishop Wood 42 Academy Park 14

    2012

    State Final – Erie Cathedral Prep 24 Archbishop Wood 14

    Eastern Final – Archbishop Wood 36 Allentown Central Catholic 6

    State Quarterfinal – Archbishop Wood 35 Interboro 7

    2011

    State Final – Archbishop Wood 52 Bishop McDevitt 0

    Eastern Final – Archbishop Wood 70 Allentown Central Catholic 14

    State Quarterfinal – Archbishop Wood 41 Pottsgrove 22

    2010

    Eastern Final – Allentown Central Catholic 49 Archbishop Wood 27

    State Quarterfinal – Archbishop Wood 24 Strath Haven 14

    2009

    Eastern Final – Selinsgrove 28 Archbishop Wood 0

    State Quarterfinal – Archbishop Wood 30 Pottsgrove 28

    2008

    State Final – Thomas Jefferson 34 Archbishop Wood 7

    Eastern Final – Archbishop Wood 13 Selinsgrove 7

    State Quarterfinal – Archbishop Wood 37 Bayard Rustin 7

    Winner to play either Erie Cathedral Prep (13-0) or Bishop McDevitt (13-1) on Friday, December 13 at 7 PM in HersheyPark Stadium for the PIAA Class AAA Championship.

  • Catasauqua rides on despite 3 turnovers

    vinceweek132013The Rough Riders of Catasauqua were playing in the state tournament for the first time since 1992 and they made the most of it by defeating Lake-Lehman 33-21. Despite turning the ball over 3 times and having 9 penalties, Catasauqua (12-1) will move onto play Imhotep Charter next week in the Class AA Quarterfinals. The Riders’ signal caller Zack Bradley tossed 5 touchdowns and threw for 253 yards. Bradley’s favorite target Parrys Marshall caught 6 balls for over 150 yards and 3 scores. The Rough Riders gained 318 yards of total offense. Catasauqua never trailed in the contest.

    For the Black Knights, their season comes to a close at 11-2. Lake-Lehman had won 11 straight games since dropping their season opener to Old Forge (13-7), who just happened to beat Southern Columbia tonight. Lake-Lehman was making their first trip back to the state playoffs since 1997. Dustin Jones carried the football 38 of the teams’ 58 run plays for 201 yards. Jones also scored each of the Knights’ three touchdowns. Lake-Lehman was able to gain almost 400 yards of offense but fumbled the ball away three times.

    Catasauqua’s only loss this season came against Northwestern Lehigh, 28-27, in their regular season finale in overtime.

    Scoring Chart

    First Quarter

    C – Paryss Marshall 35 yard TD catch from Zack Bradley (C 7-0), 9:51

    C – Jacob Stopay 45 yard TD catch from Zack Bradley (C 14-0), 7:19

    L – Dustin Jones 6 yard TD run (C 14-7), 4:42

    Second Quarter

    C – Paryss Marshall 13 yard TD catch from Zack Bradley (C 20-7), 6:52

    Third Quarter

    C – Ricky Houser 11 yard TD catch from Zack Bradley (C 27-7), 5:20

    Fourth Quarter

    L – Dustin Jones 15-yard TD run (C 27-14), 8:50

    C – Paryss Marshall 42 yard TD catch from Zack Bradley (C 33-14), 3:13

    L – Dustin Jones 8 yard TD run (C 33-21), 0:23

  • Class AAA 1st Round: Berwick-Becahi

    berwick13

    2013 PIAA Class AAA Football Playoffs First Round

    Friday, November 22, 2013 at 7 PM at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown

    Bethlehem Catholic (8-4) vs. Berwick (12-0)

     

    GOLDEN HAWK NOTES

    -On October 18, Bethlehem Catholic was 4-4 following their loss to Parkland (49-6). The Hawks have not lost since, winning four straight including their District 11 Championship overtime thriller over Southern Lehigh, 27-24. Michael McDaniel scored from 7 yards out to give the Hawks their 27-24 victory. Becahi hadn’t won a District 11 championship since 2001 (39-14 over Easton in Quad A).

     

    -Bethlehem Catholic finished the regular season with a 1-3 mark against programs which finished with a winning record. The Golden Hawks were outscored in those contests by a total count of 175-100.

     

    -Almost three years ago, Becahi introduced Joe Henrich as their head football coach. The former Emmaus defensive coordinator had a rough start to his tenure. After winning his first two games, the Golden Hawks went onto compile a 6-20 record until their current 4-game win streak.

     

    Bethlehem Catholic’s Schedule

    1 – at Pocono Mountain West, 35-7 W

    2 – at Emmaus, 32-29 W

    3 – Easton, 35-49 L

    4 – at Northampton, 41-24 W

    5 – Bethlehem Liberty, 35-27 W

    6 – at Whitehall, 27-48 L

    7 – Nazareth, 14-28 L

    8 – at Parkland, 6-49 L

    9 – at Bethlehem Freedom, 20-16 W

    10 – Allentown Central Catholic, 33-13 W

    11 – Lehighton, 34-6 W *

    12 – at Southern Lehigh, 27-24 (OT) W *

    *-Playoff game

     

    BECAHI CAPSULE

    State Championships (2)

    1990: Class AAA – Bethlehem Catholic 43 Seton LaSalle 7

    1988: Class AA – Bethlehem Catholic 26 Wilmington 11

     

    BULLDOG NOTES

    -Berwick got by Crestwood and Abington Heights in the district tournament by a combined total of 8 points. During the regular season, the Dawgs outscored their opponents by an average of 44.9 to 7.3.

     

    -The Bulldog offense grinded out a 35-28 win over Abington Heights last week. In their district opener against Crestwood, Berwick was only able to manage 24 rushing yards as a team. This past Saturday, Berwick gained 269 stripes against the Comets led by Jorden Stout’s 134 yards (2 TDs) and Dain Kowalski’s 86. The Bulldogs’ ran the ball 48 times compared to just 6 pass plays.

     

    -Dissecting what their previous two opponents tried to do against the defensive unit of Berwick, here’s a glance at some of the numbers:

    • Vs. Crestwood – Run Plays: 43; Pass Plays: 14 = Total: 57
    • Vs. Abington Heights – Run Plays: 25; Pass Plays: 27 = Total: 52

     

    • Vs. Crestwood – Rushing Yards: 273; Passing Yards: 104 = Total: 377
    • Vs. Abington Heights – Rushing Yards: 93; Passing Yards: 225 = Total: 318

     

    •   Vs. Crestwood – Yards Per Carry: 6.3; Yards Per Pass Play: 7.4
    • Vs. Abington Heights – Yards Per Carry: 3.7; Yards Per Pass Play: 8.3

     

    -Berwick is 19-1 in their last 20 games.

     

    -The Bulldogs have won 44 of their last 45 games when they score 23 points or more. The lone loss came in last year’s District 10 championship loss to Abington Heights (44-35).

     

    Berwick’s Schedule

    1 – Crestwood, 41-7 W

    2 – at Pottsville, 56-7 W

    3 – at Dallas, 37-7 W

    4 – Wyoming Valley West, 42-28 W

    5 – Selinsgrove, 36-0 W

    6 – at Tunkhannock, 57-3 W

    7 – at Williamsport, 48-7 W

    8 – Pittston, 50-0 W

    9 – Coughlin, 39-7 W

    10 – at Hazleton, 43-7 W

    11 – Crestwood, 14-13 W *

    12 – Abington Heights, 35-28 W *

    *-Playoff game

     

    BULLDOG CAPSULE

    State Championships (6)

    1997: Class AAA – Berwick 17 Perry Traditional Academy 14

    1996: Class AAA – Berwick 34 Blackhawk 13

    1995: Class AAA – Berwick 43 Sharon 6

    1994: Class AAA – Berwick 27 Sharon 7

    1992: Class AAA – Berwick 33 Blackhawk 6

    1988: Class AAA – Berwick 13 Aliquippa 0

     

    COACHES

    Bethlehem Catholic: Joe Henrich, 3rd Season (12-20)

    Berwick: George Curry, 44th Season (435-93-5)

     

    RANKINGS

    Points Scored Per Game: Berwick, 41.5; Bethlehem Catholic, 28.3

    Points Allowed Per Game: Berwick, 9.5; Bethlehem Catholic, 26.7

     

    OPPONENTS’ WINNING PERCENTAGE

    Bethlehem Catholic – 53.4% (71-62)

    Berwick – 50.4% (68-67)

     

    STAT LEADERS

    Passing

    Bethlehem Catholic: Julian Spigner – 1334 yards, 47.1% (88-187), 15 TDs

    Berwick: CJ Curry – 1955 yards, 58.8% (104-177), 19 TDs

     

    Rushing

    Bethlehem Catholic: Michael McDaniel – 754 yards, 4.9 ypc, 22 TDs

    Berwick: Dain Kowalski – 842 yards, 6.8 ypc, 17 TDs

     

    Receiving

    Bethlehem Catholic: Freddie Simmons – 32 catches, 600 yards, 8 TDs

    Berwick: Andrew Force – 29 catches, 742 yards, 8 TDs

     

    Winner plays the winner of the Clearfield (12-0) and Jersey Shore (6-6) the following week in the State Quarterfinals.

  • Pittston Final 2013 Football Stats

    2013 Pittston Patriots’ Football StatsHead Coach: Mike Barrett
    Record: 3-7

    PASSING
    James Emmett – 979 yards, 42.9% (72-168), 8 TDs
    Kyle Gattusso – 22 yards, 50.0% (2-4)
    RUSHING
    Kyle Gattusso – 713 yards, 5.1 ypc, 5 TDs
    Hassan Maxwell – 196 yards, 4.0 ypc, 2 TDs
    Zach Hoffman – 87 yards, 14.5 ypc
    Ryan Davis – 54 yards, 4.9 ypc
    RECEIVING
    Michael Schwab – 22 catches, 276 yards, 2 TDs
    Rich Weinstock – 16 catches, 276 yards, TD
    Hassan Maxwell – 13 catches, 109 yards, TD
    Michael Harth – 9 catches, 169 yards, 2 TDs
    Kyle Gattusso – 6 catches, 60 yards, TD
    TACKLES
    Hassan Maxwell – 87
    Shane Flannelly – 57
    Kyle Gattusso – 55
    Josh John – 51
    Hurley Simon – 46
    Michael Schwab – 46
    Zach Hoffman – 41
    Eric Danaher – 41
    Michael Harth – 38
    Rich Weinstock – 36
    QB SACKS
    Devon Biggers – 3.0
    Eric Danaher – 2.5
    Rich Weinstock – 1.5
    Mike Hughes – 1.5
    INTERCEPTIONS
    Michael Schwab – 2
    Zach Hoffman – 1
    Hassan Maxwell – 1
    PUNTING
    Michael Schwab – 49 punts, 36.1 avg, 4 I-20

    Pittston’s Recent History
    Rushing Leaders
    2013: Kyle Gattusso – 713 yards, 5 TDs
    2012: Justin Wilk – 357 yards, 4 TDs
    2011: Marc Romanczyk – 623 yards, 3 TDs

    Passing Leaders
    2013: James Emmett – 979 yards, 8 TDs
    2012: James Emmett – 1056 yards, 11 TDs
    2011: Anthony Schwab – 1091 yards, 10 TDs

    Receiving Leaders
    2013: Rich Weinstock – 276 yards, TD; Michael Schwab – 276 yards, 2 TDs
    2012: Joe Starinsky – 711 yards, 7 TDs
    2011: Jordan Houseman – 471 yards, 5 TDs

  • Karam leads Abington Heights; Comets advance

    vinceweek112013Abington Heights redeemed themselves after a week 7 loss to Scranton Prep (21-13) with a 31-26 against the same opponent. The Comets (10-1) advanced to the District 2 Class AAA championship next week against the winner of tomorrow’s matchup between Crestwood (9-1) and Berwick (10-0).

    Abington Heights got on the board first midway through the first quarter on a Quinn Karam 24 yard scamper to give the Comets a 7-0 lead. Back came the Cavaliers on a Nick Solfanelli strike to bring Scranton Prep within a single point (7-6).

    In the second quarter, the Comets outscored the Cavs 21-7 on a pair of Karam touchdown runs (30 and 50). Number 34 had three touchdown runs in the game. He had 5 entering the contest.

    Despite a second half rally, Scranton Prep fell to 10-1.

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    AH – Quinn Karam 24 yard TD run (AH 7-0), 6:46
    SP – Kevin Bannon 7 yard TD catch from Nick Solfanelli (AH 7-6), 1:33
    Second Quarter
    AH – Quinn Karam 30 yard TD run (AH 14-6), 11:03
    SP – Pat Marino 31 yard TD run (AH 14-13), 8:30
    AH – Quinn Karam 50 yard TD run (AH 21-13), 7:56
    AH – J.C. Show 2 yard TD run (AH 28-13), 0:14
    Third Quarter
    SP – Pat Marino 10 yard TD run (AH 28-20), 8:18
    AH – Colin McCreary 32 yard FG (AH 31-20), 0:15
    Fourth Quarter
    SP – Pat Marino 4 yard TD catch from Nick Solfanelli (AH 31-26), 10:19

  • Abington Heights rally past Scranton

    vinceweek102013The Comets were down by 21 before rallying for their 9th victory of the season to defeat Scranton, 28-21. Abington Heights closes out the regular season with their third win in a row since dropping a 21-13 decision to Scranton Prep.

    Scranton’s five-game winning streak was snapped tonight. The Knights jumped out to a 21-0 lead following a pair of TD runs by Jake McCarthy and a connection from Kyle Piecznynski to Joshua Gonzalez. McCarthy eclipsed the 4,000 yard plateau on the ground in the opening quarter.

    Comets’ Nathan Hollander picked off a Piecznynski pass to set up Abington Heights’ first scoring drive which culminated with a Joe Carroll from J.C. Show toss.

    Following a pair of Comets’ touchdown runs, Abington Heights’ received a fumble recovery by Sam Radkiewicz returned for a touchdown to take a 28-21 advantage.

    In the fourth quarter, Scranton was stuffed in a goal line stand and tossed an interception.

    The Comets will play at Scranton Prep next week in the District 2 first round.

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    S – Jake McCarthy 18 yard TD run (Alvaro Fernandez kick) – 7:44 (S 7-0)
    S – Joshua Gonzalez 40 yard TD catch from Kyle Pieczynski (Fernandez kick) – 6:56 (S 14-0)
    S – Jake McCarthy 1 yard TD run (Fernandez kick) – 0:24 (S 21-0)
    Second Quarter
    A – Joe Carroll 25 yard TD catch from J.C. Show (Colin McCreary kick) – 8:18 (S 21-7)
    A – J.C. Show 1 yard TD run (McCreary kick) – 3:16 (S 21-14)
    Third Quarter
    A – Quinn Karam 2 yard TD run (McCreary kick) – 6:35 (T 21-21)
    A – Sam Radkiewicz fumble return for a TD (McCreary kick) – 6:28 (A 28-21)

  • Cavaliers escape Hazleton

    vinceweek92013East Stroudsburg South escaped with a 40-27 victory at Hazleton. The Cougars, who fall to 3-6, had no answer for the Cavalier rushing attack. Hazleton had won 3 of their last 5 prior to tonight’s loss. East Stroudsburg South (9-0) wins their 11th straight regular season contest.

    On second play of the game, the Cavaliers’ Niko Petrone took his initial carry and went 77 yards up the far sideline for a score. On the ensuing Hazleton possession, the Cougars grinded out a 13-play, 7 minute drive which ended with a Nick George 8 yard run to tie the game at 7.

    In the second quarter, Hazleton’s Jeff Ochs intercepted a Jake Cirillo errant pass near midfield. That set up a Zach Zukoski 19-yard TD run to take the lead. The Cougars’ advantage would not last long as Petrone found paydirt for the second time in the game to lock the game up at 14. Just before the half, Cirillo found Mike DelCorso across the middle in the endzone to take the 20-14 lead into the intermission.

    Midway through the third frame, Ryan Heller threw an out to Ochs for a 5 yard score to give Hazleton a surprising advantage with 16 minutes to play. The next play from scrimmage, Petrone dashes 74 yards for the go ahead touchdown (26-21).

    Almost a minute into the final period, Petrone plunges his way into the endzone for his fourth touchdown of the game. The Cougars would not fold, Ochs went 29 yards on a pass play to bring Hazleton inside the Cavs’ 3-yard line. From there, Zach Zukoski dove past the goalline from 2 yards away to bring the Cougars back within 7 points.

    After a fumble by East Stroudsburg South recovered by Hazleton, the Cougars were held on downs deep in Cavalier territory just over 7 minutes remaining.

    Petrone sealed the game with his fifth touchdown, this time from 29 yards out to give East Stroudsburg South a 40-27 lead.

    Next week, the Cavaliers will travel to take on rival East Stroudsburg North (2-7). Hazleton will host Berwick (9-0).

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    E – Niko Petrone 77-yard TD run (kick good) – ESS, 7-0 (11:03)
    H – Nick George 8-yard TD run (Tristan Williams kick – T 7-7 (3:24)
    Second Quarter
    H – Zach Zukoski 19-yard TD run (Williams kick) – H, 14-7 (8:55)
    E – Niko Petrone 13-yard TD run (kick good) – T 14-14 (4:42)
    E – Mike DelCorso 5-yard TD catch from Jake Cirillo (kick failed) – ESS, 20-14 (0:10)
    Third Quarter
    H – Jeff Ochs 5-yard TD catch from Ryan Heller (Williams kick) – H, 21-20 (4:19)
    E – Niko Petrone 74-yard TD run (run failed) – ESS, 26-21 (4:03)
    Fourth Quarter
    E – Niko Petrone 2-yard TD run (Demetrius Lanier run) – ESS, 34-21 (10:14)
    H – Zach Zukoski 2-yard TD run (kick failed) – ESS, 34-27 (8:25)
    E – Niko Petrone 29-yard TD run (kick failed) – ESS, 40-27 (3:42)

  • Crestwood thumps the Panthers

    vinceweek72013The Comets are a mirror image of last year. Crestwood fell to Berwick in the season opener and then rattled off six straight wins. This year, it was the same routine after their 42-0 win over the visiting Panthers of Pocono Mountain West. Crestwood has outscored their opponents during their win streak by a combined total of 226-61.

    Six of the previous seven meetings between the Panthers and the Comets were decided by 7 points or less.

    The Comets’ defense held the Panthers to just 53 total yards in the first half.

    Crestwood’s signal caller Jay Popson scored 3 of the team’s 6 rushing touchdowns on the night. Frank Aigeldinger scored his 11th touchdown as he plunged in from 2-yards away. Aigeldinger led the Comets in the rushing with 152 yards on 18 carries.

    Crestwood improves to 4-0 at home this season.

    Pocono Mountain West had dropped their first four contests, then winning their past two. However, the Panthers have yet to win away from home this year (0-3).

    The last time Pocono Mountain West had defeated Crestwood was in 2005 (24-6).

    Next up, Crestwood takes on Dallas next Saturday. Pocono Mountain West (2-5) will travel to Dieruff.


    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    C – Tanner Kahlau 31 yard TD run (kick failed) – C 6-0 (2:57)
    Second Quarter
    C – Jay Popson 6 yard TD run (Popson run) – C 14-0 (6:46)
    Third Quarter
    C – Jay Popson 43 yard TD run (George Gendler kick) – C 21-0 (8:03)
    C – Jay Popson 4 yard TD run (Gendler kick) – C 28-0 (0:42)
    Fourth Quarter
    C – Jacob Zbenger 1 yard TD run (Gendler kick) – C 35-0 (11:57)
    C – Frank Aigeldinger 2 yard TD run (Gendler kick) – C 42-0 (

  • Huge 2nd Half Paces Scranton

    vinceweek62013On a night where the skies opened just prior to kickoff, the Battle for the Bell was delayed by almost an hour and forty-five minutes. Finally, West Scranton and Scranton squared off in a highly competitive match up. The homestanding Knights outscored West 35-7 in the second half en route to a 42-21 win. Scranton has now defeated the Invaders five of their last six meetings.

    Midway through the first frame, the Invaders’ sophomore quarterback Leo Ciullo found Cullen Fanning on a 9-yard touchdown score to give West a 7-0 advantage.

    Back came the Knights, on the first play from scrimmage in the second quarter, Marcus Morrison scampered 24 yards to pay dirt to even the score at 7 apiece. Ciullo would not be outdone. He connected with Jordan McCloe on a 37-yarder to take the lead back for his West Scranton bunch (14-7).

    The see-saw affair shifted back to Scranton following a 51-yard score by Jake McCarthy on the initial play of the second half (14-14). After holding West on downs deep in their territory, Kyle Pieczynski completed a 68-yard slant pattern to Joshua Gonzalez to give the Knights their first lead of the game. Then, not even two minutes later, McCarthy again rumbled over 50-yards to pay dirt (56) as Scranton stretched their lead to 14 points (28-14).

    Midway through the final period, McCarthy scored for the third time (4 yards) to lengthen Scranton’s advantage to 35-14. Following an interception, Pieczynski tossed a 27-yard touchdown to Marcus Morrison to cap off the scoring.

    The Knights improve their record to 4-2 after losing two of their previous three games. After a 2-0 start, the Invaders have fallen in three of their last four contests.

    Next up for Scranton is a trip to North Pocono while West Scranton returns home to take on Wallenpaupack.

  • Hanover hands Northwest first loss

    vinceweek52013Following three consecutive losses, Hanover notched their first victory since week one as they handed Northwest their first loss, 20-14. The Hawkeyes improved to 2-3.

    Hanover’s defense held the Rangers’ standout running back Austin Mazonkey to under 100-yards on the ground. Coach Ron Hummer’s squad got on the board first on a Stephen Morgan catch in the end zone from sophomore Jacob Peters.

    Entering the contest, Northwest’s opponents had just a 2-14 record. Despite the lack of yards gained, Mazonkey still rushed for a touchdown and did his part on defense by intercepting Peters once.

    Prior to the match up, Northwest had defeated the Hawkeyes in their last two meetings by an average score of 38-20.5.

    Next week, Hanover (2-4) will square off against Meyers. Northwest (4-1) will look to get back on the winning track when they head to Nanticoke.

  • Mazonkey & Northwest Start 3-0

    It wasn’t too long ago that Northwest High School was looked at as a nonfactor in football circles. However, Coach Carl Majer has made a difference in the way the Rangers are viewed since he took over the program in 2008.

    Northwest shut out Holy Cross this evening, 42-0, to begin the 2013 season with a 3-0 mark. The Rangers’ unbeaten start is their first since 2004. Coach Majer’s group has won their last four home openers by scoring 38-points or more in each contest.

    Tonight, Austin Mazonkey totalled 246 yards and scored 3 times for the Rangers. Mazonkey took the second play from scrimmage and went 63-yards to pay dirt.

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    NW – Austin Mazonkey, 63-yard TD run (7-0)
    NW – Nick Long, 45-yard punt return (14-0)
    NW – Austin Mazonkey, 46-yard TD catch (21-0)
    Second Quarter
    NW – Austin Mazonkey, 45-yard TD run (28-0)
    Third Quarter
    NW – Eric Gurzynski, 12-yard TD catch (35-0)
    Fourth Quarter
    NW – Jeremy Walsh, 70-yard TD run (42-0)

    The game marked the first time which Carl Majer was able to return to the sidelines as the Rangers’ head coach. He had served a two-game suspension for using an ineligible player last year.

    In their last three meetings, Northwest has outscored the Crusaders 117-0. Holy Cross falls to 0-3. First-year head coach Josh Watters inherited a team which had not won a game in twelve consecutive contests entering this season. The Crusaders now fall to 0-3.

    Next week, Northwest will host G.A.R. while Holy Cross returns home to take on Mid Valley.

  • Dunmore Football Preview

    Dunmore advanced to their second state championship game in the last six years when they squared off against the mighty Clairton Bears. The Bucks’ bid for a state crown came up short as they fell 20-0 in the title contest. Dunmore has played in 22 post-season tilts over the past seven years.

    Entering his 47th season as head coach (Wyoming Area/Dunmore), Jack Henzes has won 371 games and was honored for the second time this past winter as Coach of the Year in the state of Pennsylvania (1989). Henzes points to four ingredients as his recipe for success, “Great community, great families, great kids, and work hard”.

    The Bucks lost ten seniors from last year’s group including Austin Seamon (1340 rushing yards, 21 total TDs) and John Rinaldi (16 catches, 295 yards). Coach Henzes is quick to acknowledge, despite the solid group returning, “we must stay healthy and gain experience throughout the season”.

    2013 Dunmore Bucks’ Football Preview
    Head Coach: Jack Henzes, 47th season (371-153-8)
    2012 Record: 14-2
    2012 Post-Season Finish: Lost in PIAA Class A State Championship game to Clairton, 20-0.
    Returning Starters: Offense – 6 , Defense – 5
    Offense: Multiple I
    Defense: 4-4

    2012 Team Statistics
    Points Scored: 27.3 (14th in District 2)
    Passing Yards: 56.6 (905)
    Rushing Yards: 246.5 (3944)
    Points Allowed: 13.5 (3rd in District 2)

    Returning Leaders
    Passing: Brandon Kujawski – 711 yards, 47.8 Comp %, 10 TDs
    Rushing: Daiqwon Buckley – 213 att, 1799 yards, 23 TDs
    Receiving: Josh Zilla – 15 rec, 250 yards, 4 TDs

    2013 Schedule
    Aug. 30 – at North Pocono, 7 PM
    Sept. 6 – at G.A.R., 7 PM
    Sept. 13 – West Scranton, 7 PM
    Sept. 20 – Old Forge, 7 PM
    Sept. 27 – Holy Cross, 7 PM
    Oct. 4 – at Honesdale, 7 PM
    Oct. 11 – Lakeland, 7 PM
    Oct. 18 – at Western Wayne, 1 PM
    Oct. 25 – Mid-Valley 7 PM
    Nov. 1 – at Riverside, 7 PM

    Offensive Strength: Experience at the tailback spot , as well as, at quarterback. Senior Daiqwon Buckley has received interest from many Big Ten and American Athletic Conference schools. Number 1 has rushed for 3,751 stripes in his three-year career while crossing the goal line 49 times on the ground. Kujawksi, senior signal caller, completed 47.8% of his 90 passes a year ago. Kujawski threw 10 touchdowns while amassing 711 yards via the air.

    Offensive Weakness: With James McHale and Dan Drewes returning, it’s difficult to find much weakness along the line of scrimmage. However; the team will need to replace their left tackle (Mike Boland), left guard (Cory Jones) and right guard (Jake Korgeski) from last year’s 14-win bunch.

    Defensive Strength: Three starters (Josh Sawka, Daiqwon Buckley, Sal Marchese) return to the Bucks’ linebacking core.

    Defensive Weakness: The defensive line will see a few new faces in the mix after three starters have departed due to graduation (Mike Boland, Jake Korgeski, Matt O’Connor).

    Storylines Facing the Bucks
    1. Defensive Stand. In their 16 games a year ago, only five opponents were able to score 20 points or more. Of those five, none were able to compile 30 points against the Bucks’ stingy defense.

    2. Wall of McHale. Senior James McHale, who stands 6’6 and weighs 298 pounds, has received strong interest from a slew of Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 schools. McHale has been hailed as one of the best offensive lineman prospects from Northeast Pennsylvania.

    3. Depth. Finding replacements for those who have graduated, as well as, broadening the depth chart is an issue every year for coaches around the state.

    Did you know? Dunmore lost to Clairton this past winter in the State Championship game, 20-0. The Bears were led by their star receiver Tyler Boyd, who signed his National Letter-of-Intent to attend Pittsburgh. In 2007, the Bucks faced off against another accomplished athlete in Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State/Oakland Raiders QB). Pryor’s Jeannette Jayhawks defeated Dunmore, 49-21, in the 2007 Class AA title tilt.

  • Crestwood Football Preview

    The Comets returned to the post-season following their 8-3 mark in 2011. However, it was the same result as the year prior as Crestwood fell to Scranton Prep, 61-21, in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs (AAA). Coach Greg Myers’ bunch opened the campaign with a 6-1 record before dropping three of their final four contests.

    Crestwood will begin the regular season with a showdown against Berwick on Friday, August 30.

    2013 Crestwood Comets’ Football Preview
    Head Coach: Greg Myers, 8th Season (48-48)
    2012 Record: 7-4
    2012 Post-Season Finish: Lost in 1st Round of Class AAA Eastern Conference Playoffs to Scranton Prep, 61-21
    Returning Starters: Offense – 6 , Defense – 5

    2012 Team Statistics
    Points Scored: 23.3 (25th in District 2)
    Passing Yards: 125.0 (1375)
    Rushing Yards: 188.7 (2076)
    Points Allowed: 26.1 (20th in District 2)
    Passing Yards Allowed: 92.5 (1018)
    Rushing Yards Allowed: 217.8 (2396)

    Returning Leaders
    Passing: Jay Popson – 1254 yards, 45.4 Comp %, 16 TDs, 9 INTs
    Rushing: Frank Aigeldinger – 116 att, 814 yards, 9 TDs
    Receiving: Frank Aigeldinger – 7 rec, 97 yards, 1 TD
    Interceptions: Frank Aigeldinger, Andrew Chang, & Brandon Cole – 2

    2013 Schedule
    Aug. 30 – Berwick, 7 PM
    Sept. 6 – at North Pocono, 7 PM
    Sept. 13 – Pittston, 7 PM
    Sept. 20 – at Wallenpaupack, 7 PM
    Sept. 27 – Tunkhannock, 7 PM
    Oct. 4 – Hazleton, 7 PM
    Oct. 11 – Pocono Mountain West, 7 PM
    Oct. 19 – at Dallas, 1 PM
    Oct. 25 – Williamsport, 7 PM
    Nov. 1 – at Coughlin, 7 PM

    Offensive Strength: The skill position players seem to be ready to take on the additional load in 2013. Frank Aigeldinger scored 12 total touchdowns and accumulated 911 yards (814 rushing/97 receiving) from scrimmage as a sophomore.

    Offensive Weakness: The offensive line is a major concern for Coach Myers. The Comets’ lost a pair of Second-Team All-Wyoming Valley Conference members from last season (Dean Gregory and Bernie Popson).

    Defensive Strength: The Comets have shown their propensity to take the ball away from their opponents. Last fall, they intercepted 12 errant passes; however, were able to recover just five of eleven loose balls.

    Defensive Weakness: In order to return to the post-season, the Comets’ must be able to slow the opposition’s rushing attack down. Last year, Crestwood allowed 217.8 yards per contest on the ground. Over the course of their last four contests, the defense yielded an average of 291.8 yards.

    Storylines Facing the Comets
    1. Replacing Linemen. Coach Myers is well aware of his team’s deficiencies entering training camp. “We need to replace a few players on the defensive and offensive lines,” says Myers. “That’s a concern”. Losing the likes of Gregory and Popson will be a challenge.

    2. Sophomore Backfield. Jay Popson and Frank Aigeldinger both return for their junior seasons. Popson, the team’s quarterback, will be back under center following a campaign which saw #12 complete 45.4% of his passes (54-119) and compile 23.2 yards per completion. Aigeldinger appears to be ready to take the next step. He accumulated 7.0 yards per carry while scoring 12 total touchdowns.

    3. Power. Myers believes the Comets’ greatest asset is their ’overall team strength’.

    Did you know? Recent graduate Kota Kishel led Crestwood in each of the last three seasons in receiving yards and catches. During that time frame, Kishel caught 76 tosses for 1741 stripes and 15 scores. Following the 2012 season, Kota was named to the First-Team All-WVC.

  • Riverside Football Preview

    After beginning the 2012 season with a 6-2 mark, the Vikings ended the campaign with three straight losses. Once again, Old Forge was there in the post-season to eliminate Riverside (42-7). The Vikes have dropped their last three meetings with the Blue Devils by a combined score of 143-20.

    Of Riverside’s six victories last fall, none of them came against a team who finished with a winning record.

    2013 Riverside Vikings’ Football Preview
    Head Coach: Evan Prall, 3rd Season (13-10)
    2012 Record: 6-5, 5-2
    2012 Post-Season Finish: Lost in 1st Round of Class A District II Playoffs to Old Forge, 42-7
    Returning Starters: Offense – 5 , Defense – 5

    2012 Team Statistics
    Points Scored: 28.1 (11th in District 2)
    Passing Yards: 106.2 (1168)
    Rushing Yards: 242.5 (2667)
    Points Allowed: 32.2 (30th in District 2)

    Returning Leaders
    Passing: John Plisko – 3 yards, 16.7 Comp %
    Rushing: Tommy Navich – 6 att, 24 yards
    Receiving: Nico Munley – 36 rec, 796 yards, 11 TDs
    Tackles: Tyler Armillay – 32
    QB Sacks: Tyler Armillay – 2.0
    Interceptions: Nico Munley – 6

    2013 Schedule
    Aug. 30 – at West Scranton, 7 PM
    Sept. 6 – at Carbondale, 7 PM
    Sept. 13 – North Pocono, 7 PM
    Sept. 20 – Susquehanna Community, 7 PM
    Sept. 27 – at Old Forge, 7 PM
    Oct. 4 – Western Wayne, 7 PM
    Oct. 11 – Honesdale, 7 PM
    Oct. 18 – at Mid-Valley, 7 PM
    Oct. 25 – at Lakeland, 7 PM
    Nov. 1 – Dunmore, 7 PM

    Offensive Strength: The offensive line should be strong with the return of four-year starting center Tyler Armillay. Number 72 will be joined up front by seniors Jim Hoban and Mark Gorton along with junior Brian Roche.

    Offensive Weakness: Coach Prall believes his team’s weakness lies at the skill positions where inexperience is abound.

    Defensive Strength: Riverside’s front seven appears to be a major strength of the defense. Tyler Armillay and Jim Hoban both return along the front line while Tommy Navich and Tommy Lavelle are back at the linebacker positions.

    Defensive Weakness: Slowing down the opposition. Last year, the Vikings’ defense allowed each opponent to score 21-points or more.

    Storylines Facing the Vikings
    1. Replacing Dranchak. Nick Dranchak threw for 2664 yards and 32 touchdowns as a senior in 2012. Nick also led the team in rushing (548 yards). The leading candidate to replace Dranchak is junior John Plisko, who tossed only six passes a year ago but has been in the system since he was a freshman.

    2. Pass-catching Munley. Nico Munley was outstanding last fall as he garnered First-Team All-Lackawanna Conference Football Division 2 honors. Munley led the Vikes with 36 receptions, 796 yards, and 11 touchdowns (tied with Jimmy Tucker). Can Coach Prall dial up Munley as much with a new quarterback at the helm?

    3. Back to 2010 on Defense. Riverside has struggled slowing down the opposition. They’ve allowed 652 points over the last two years (28.3). In 2010, the Vikings led all District II schools in points allowed with 13.1.

    Did you know? Riverside has won just 4 of their last 10 games at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

  • District 2 – Week 1

    2013 District 2 – Week 1 Football Schedule

    Friday, August 30
    Crestwood at Berwick, 7 PM
    Scranton at Hazleton, 7 PM
    Northwest at Holy Redeemer, 7 PM
    East Stroudsburg North at Honesdale, 7 PM
    G.A.R. at Lakeland, 7 PM
    Holy Cross at Meyers, 7 PM
    Hanover at Mid-Valley, 7 PM
    Carbondale at Montrose, 7 PM
    Lackawanna Trail at Nanticoke, 7 PM
    Dunmore at North Pocono, 7 PM
    Lake-Lehman at Old Forge, 7 PM
    Delaware Valley at Parkland, 7 PM
    Abington Heights at Pittston, 7 PM
    Coughlin at Tunkhannock, 7 PM
    Valley View at Wallenpaupack, 7 PM
    Riverside at West Scranton, 7 PM
    Susquehanna Community at Western Wayne, 7 PM
    Dallas at Wyoming Valley West, 7 PM

    Saturday, August 31
    Wyoming Area at Scranton Prep, 7 PM

  • 2013 District 2 Coaching Changes

    2013 District 2 High School Football Changes

    Holy Cross Crusaders
    New Head Coach: Josh Watters
    Former Head Coach: Jeff Stevens
    2012 Record: 0-10
    2012 Points Scored Per Game: 7.7 (36th in District)
    2012 Points Allowed Per Game: 41.3 (35th in District)
    …The former Bishop O’Hara quarterback, Josh Watters, was a member of the first coaching staff at Misericordia University last season. In college, he was a four-year letter winner at Lock Haven. The Crusaders are riding a 12-game losing streak. A year ago, Holy Cross allowed eight opponents to top 30-points.

    Mid-Valley Spartans
    New Head Coach: Dave Rebar
    Former Head Coach: Frank Pazzaglia
    2012 Record: 4-6
    2012 Points Scored Per game: 23.3 (24th in District)
    2012 Points Allowed Per Game: 22.7 (17th in District)
    …The former Spartan head coach (2002-05: 19-24) returns to his alma mater. Rebar was an all-state lineman and went onto Syracuse, where he lettered three-years along the defensive line. Mid-Valley began the 2012 season with a 4-3 mark before dropping each of their final three contests.

    Susquehanna Community Sabers
    New Head Coach: Kyle Cook
    Former Head Coach: John Salinkas
    2012 Record: 3-7
    2012 Points Scored Per Game: 14.1 (30th in District)
    2012 Points Allowed Per Game: 29.9 (26th in District)
    …Cook, 31 years old, assisted Coach John Salinkas last year on the Saber staff. Susquehanna Community closed out last season with a 0-5 record against teams who finished with a winning mark. The Sabers lost each of their last three games.

    Western Wayne Wildcats
    New Head Coach: Donnie McDonough
    Former Head Coach: Allen Keller
    2012 Record: 3-7
    2012 Points Scored Per Game: 29.6 (9th in District)
    2012 Points Allowed Per Game: 28.7 (23rd in District)
    …The 2003 Western Wayne graduate, McDonough, takes over for Coach Butch Keller. The former quarterback must replace fifteen seniors from last year’s team.

  • Rewind: Berwick Wins 3rd in a Row

    1996 PIAA Class AAA Football Championship
    December 6, 1996 at Altoona Mansion Park Stadium
    Berwick 34 Blackhawk 13

    Team Statistics Berwick Blackhawk
    Rushing Yards 214 151
    Passing Yards 123 109
    Total Yards 337 260
    First Downs 13 11
    3rd Down Conversions 3-8 2-11
    4th Down Conversions 1-1 1-2
    Turnovers 2 3
    Penalties 3-34 5-50
    Punts 3-107 5-150

    Berwick was in search of their third straight state championship while Blackhawk was seeking their first title in three tries. In 1992, the Bulldogs caged the Cougars for a 33-6 victory in the Class AAA final.

    Leading by just five points (18-13) entering the final frame, Coach George Curry’s group just made a defensive stop on a 3rd and 7 run play by Trent Wissner, stopping #29 just inches short of the first down marker. Following an 18-yard punt, the Bulldogs marched down the field on four plays to score on a 24-yard run by Bryan Smith to give the Dawgs some breathing room, 24-13. After a 3-and-out by the Cougars, Berwick utilized a 7-play, 41-yard drive en route to a Jeremy Chapin 40-yard field goal.

    Down 14, Blackhawk mounted one last gasp. Cougar quarterback Mike Arbogast was picked off by Jerry Superko, who returned the interception 73-yards to pay dirt to give the Bulldogs another championship and their 40th win in a row.

    It was a game in which Blackhawk turned the ball over three times and allowed Berwick to recover a kickoff on their own 4-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Blackhawk’s wide out Mark Cokain fumbled a catch which was recovered by the Bulldogs’ leading tackler, Jeremiah Dyer. One play later, Bryan Smith scampered 12-yards for the game’s first score. Then, on the ensuing kickoff, the Cougars did not touch the ball and the hustling Dawgs were able to recover and set up another Smith six-pointer.

    Scoring Summary
    First Quarter
    Berwick – Bryan Smith, 12-yard TD run (kick failed) – Berwick, 6-0
    Berwick – Bryan Smith, 1-yard TD run (pass failed) – Berwick, 12-0
    Blackhawk – Trent Wissner, 8-yard TD run (Trent Wissner kick) – Berwick, 12-7
    Second Quarter
    Berwick – Bryan Smith, 51-yard TD catch from Jeremy Chapin (run failed) – Berwick, 18-7
    Blackhawk – Nate Stewart, 1-yard TD run (kick failed) – Berwick, 18-13
    Fourth Quarter
    Berwick – Bryan Smith, 24-yard TD run (pass failed) – Berwick, 24-13
    Berwick – Jeremy Chapin, 40-yard FG – Berwick, 27-13
    Berwick – Jerry Superko, 73-yard INT return for TD (Chapin kick) – Berwick, 34-13

    Passing Leaders COMP ATT YDS TD INT
    Jeremy Chapin (Berwick) 5 9 123 1 0
    Mike Arbogast (Blackhawk) 7 16 109 0 2
    Rushing Leaders ATT YDS AVG TD
    Bryan Smith (Berwick) 16 82 5.1 3
    Tom Lockard (Berwick) 4 39 9.8 0
    Ryan Mason (Berwick) 3 29 9.7 0
    Roy James (Berwick) 8 25 3.1 0
    Nate Stewart (Blackhawk) 13 82 6.3 0
    Trent Wissner (Blackhawk) 15 55 3.7 1
    Adam Smith (Blackhawk) 6 21 3.5 0
    Receiving Leaders REC YDS AVG TD
    Bryan Ament (Berwick) 3 56 18.7 0
    Bryan Smith (Berwick) 1 51 51.0 1
    Kip McCabe (Berwick) 1 16 16.0 0
    Mark Cokain (Blackhawk) 3 27 9.0 0
    Chad Marsilio (Blackhawk) 2 50 25.0 0
    Nate Stewart (Blackhawk) 2 22 11.0 0
    Quarterback Sack Leaders QB Sacks
    Ryan Mason (Berwick) 2.0
    Josh Myers (Blackhawk) 1.0
    Interception Leaders INT
    Jerry Superko (Berwick) 2

    Starting Lineups
    Berwick Offense
    QB – Jeremy Chapin
    TB – Bryan Smith
    FB – Ryan Mason
    WR – Bryan Ament
    WR – Kip McCabe
    TE – J.D. Stanley
    T – Gus Felder
    T – Micah Hannah
    G – John Ohl
    G – Manny Henrie
    C – Bob Uram

    Berwick Defense
    DE – Barney Bowman
    DE – J.D. Stanley
    NG – Tim Schecterly
    DT – Manny Henrie
    DT – Ryan Mason
    LB – Jeremiah Dyer
    LB – Percy Hayes
    CB – Leroy Spencer
    CB – Tom Lockard
    S – Tim Mason
    S – Jerry Superko

    Blackhawk Offense
    QB – Mike Arbogast
    TB – Nate Stewart
    FB – Adam Smith
    WR – Mark Cokain
    FL – Chad Marsilio
    TE – Bo Campbell
    T – Paul Ondrusek
    T – Craig Saunders
    G – Brian Bell
    G – Bryan Lodovico
    C – Pat Davis

    Blackhawk Defense
    DE – Josh Myers
    DE – Mike Arbogast
    NG – Mark Shansky
    DT – Paul Ondrusek
    DT – Bo Campbell
    LB – Adam Smith
    LB – Bryan Lodovico
    CB – Chad Marsilio
    CB – Nate Stewart
    S – Mark Cokain
    S – Dane Hesing

    Stats are unofficial

  • NFL Draft: District 2 Notes

    2013 NFL Draft: District 2 Tidbits

    Before you watch tonight’s NFL Draft, here’s a listing of the District 2 players who were selected in the first four rounds. This doesn’t include the AFL or Supplemental Draft.

    First Round
    1945 – 1st Pick – Chicago Cardinals selected Charlie Trippi, RB/Georgia (Pittston)
    1958 – 4th Pick – Los Angeles Rams selected Lou Michaels, DL-E-K/Kentucky (Swoyersville)
    1982 – 8th Pick – Houston Oilers chose Mike Munchak, G/Penn State (Scranton Central)
    1984 – 19th Pick – Indianapolis Colts selected Ron Solt, G/Maryland (Coughlin)

    Second Round
    1956 – 24th Pick – Washington Redskins chose John Paluck, DE/Pittsburgh (Swoyersville)
    1992 – 32nd Pick – Los Angeles Raiders selected Greg Skrepenak, OL/Michigan (GAR)
    2004 – 34th Pick – New York Giants selected Chris Snee, G/Boston College (Montrose)
    1993 – 52nd Pick – Minnesota Vikings selected Qadry Ismail, WR/Syracuse (Meyers)
    1994 – 65th Pick – Miami Dolphins selected Tim Ruddy, C/Notre Dame (Dunmore)

    Third Round
    1990 – 62nd Pick – Detroit Lions selected Marc Spindler, DT/Pittsburgh (West Scranton)
    1978 – 81st Pick – Miami Dolphins chose Jimmy Cefalo, WR/Penn State (Pittston)
    1991 – 100th Pick – Los Angeles Raiders took Raghib Ismail, WR/Notre Dame (Meyers)

    Fourth Round
    1962 – 46th Pick – San Francisco 49ers selected Chuck Sieminski, DT/Penn State (Swoyersville)
    1955 – 47th Pick – Chicago Bears chose Joe O’Malley, E-DE/Georgia (Scranton Tech)
    1983 – 96th Pick – St. Louis Cardinals selected Mark Duda, DT/Maryland (Wyoming Valley West)
    2001 – 105th Pick – Green Bay Packers selected Bill Ferrario, OL/Wisconson (West Scranton)
    2002 – 116th Pick – Atlanta Falcons selected Martin Bibla, G/Miami, FL (Crestwood)

    Selections by High School
    1. West Scranton, 6
    2. Hanover, 4
    2. Swoyersville, 4
    4. Dunmore, 4
    4. Meyers, 3

  • Dunmore Finishes Off Devils; Returns to Hershey

    Five years ago, Dunmore played for the state championship. Following tonight’s 40-19 victory over Bellwood-Antis, the Bucks are heading back.

    The two teams were tied at 13 late in the second quarter; however, Dunmore outscored Bellwood-Antis 27-6 in the final twenty-six minutes to make their way back to Chocolatetown.

    The Bucks junior running back Daiqwon Buckley scored four touchdowns as Austin Seamon crossed the goal line twice.

    Dunmore will try to break a recent trend. Since Berwick’s last state title in 1997, District 2 has accounted for just two appearances in the championship game. Neither Riverside (2010) or Dunmore (2007) were able to take the crown.

    The Bucks (14-1) will take on the mighty Clairton Bears (15-0) in next week’s match up. Clairton knocked off Port Allegany 44-6 tonight. The Bears hold the nation’s longest win streak which is now at 62. Coach Tom Nola’s group is the defending three-time Class A champs. Clairton is attempting to become just the third school to win four straight titles (Berwick, 1994-97 and Southern Columbia, 2002-06).

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    D – Daiqwon Buckley, 9-yard TD run (D 7-0), 5:34
    B – Owen Worthing, 10-yard TD run (D 7-6), 1:24
    Second Quarter
    D – Daiqwon Buckley, 45-yard TD run (D 13-6), 11:49
    B – Casey Gray, 1-yard TD run (T 13-13), 3:55
    D – Daiqwon Buckley, 15-yard TD run (D 19-13), 2:35
    Third Quarter
    D – Austin Seamon, 4-yard TD run (D 25-13), 2:05
    Fourth Quarter
    D – Austin Seamon, 24-yard TD run (D 33-13), 10:43
    D – Daiqwon Buckley, 2-yard TD run (D 40-13), 5:03
    B – Casey Gray, 1-yard TD run (D 40-19), 0:13

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  • Dunmore Rallies for ‘Run’ Away Win

    Behind a strong second half, Dunmore prevailed in going away fashion over Bristol 34-12 as the Bucks scored the game’s final 27 points in the final twenty-four minutes.

    Dunmore (13-1) will meet Bellwood-Antis next week in the Class A Eastern Championship.

    Not even two minutes into the contest, Austin Seamon scampered 7 yards for the contest’s first points (7-0). Then later in the first quarter, Bristol answered on a 38-yard touchdown strike from Trevor Leone to Tyler Kelly to inch within one point (7-6). Dunmore’s special teams blocked the extra point attempt.

    In the period #2, Willie Sutton dove in from a yard away to give the Warriors’ a 12-7 lead heading into the intermission. In the first twenty-four minutes, Bristol outgained the Bucks by almost 100 yards of total offense.

    The secod half; however, proved to be Dunmore’s showcase. Seamon scored twice, as did, Daiquan Buckley as the Bucks rolled to a 34-12 victory.

    Austin Seamon has scored 10 touchdowns over the last five weeks. Buckley has added 17 scores in his last nine contests.

    Bristol’s nine game win streak was snapped tonight as their season comes to a close with a 9-2 mark.

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    D – Austin Seamon, 7-yard TD run (D 7-0), 10:28
    B – Tyler Kelly, 28-yard TD catch from Trevor Leone (D 7-6), 1:42
    Second Quarter
    B – Willie Sutton, 1-yard TD run (B 12-7)
    Third Quarter
    D – Austin Seamon, 58-yard TD run (D 14-12), 5:23
    Fourth Quarter
    D – Daiquan Buckley, 18-yard TD run (D 20-12), 8:30
    D – Austin Seamon, 31-yard TD run (D 27-12), 7:21
    D – Daiquan Buckley, 11-yard TD run (D 34-12), 4:01

    2012 PIAA Class A Final Four
    Eastern Final
    Bellwood-Antis vs. Dunmore
    Western Final
    Clairton vs. Port Allegany

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  • Delaware Valley Gets Revenge; Moves on

    Almost one month ago to the date exactly, Scranton rallied from a 20-0 deficit to get by the home standing Delaware Valley Warriors, 34-27. Tonight’s backdrop was quite easy to describe – ‘The rematch to move on.’

    Following Scranton’s initial possession, Alvaro Fernandez put the Knights on the board first after his 27-yard field goal. Delaware Valley answered with one of Martin Strenk’s three touchdowns to give D.V. a 7-3 advantage as the first quarter came to a close. Following Strenk’s second score, the Knights’ big play combo of Marlinn Waiters to Karlon Quiller connected on a 83-yard strike to cut the Warrior lead to 14-10. Quiller caught his 20th touchdown of the season as Waiters had thrown his 25th.

    Strenk extended Delaware Valley’s lead to eleven after an 8-yard scamper for six-points with 4:18 remaining in the third quarter.

    Scranton’s Jake McCarthy opened the fourth frame with a 2-yard touchdown to get the Knights’ within five points (21-16). However, the Warriors’ Ryan McGowan dashes 24-yards to pay dirt to life Delaware Valley to the next round of the tournament. The Warriors’ defense became the first team to hold Scranton below 34-points this season.

    Coach Keith Olsommer’s group will now play against Parkland (10-2).

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    S – Alvaro Gonzalez, 27-yard FG (S 3-0), 8:51
    D – Martin Strenk, 6-yard TD run (D 7-3), 1:28
    Second Quarter
    D – Martin Strenk, 5-yard TD run (D 14-3), 2:23
    Third Quarter
    S – Karlon Quiller, 83-yard TD catch from Marlinn Waiters (D 14-10)
    D – Martin Strenk, 8-yard TD run (D 21-10), 4:18
    Fourth Quarter
    S – Jake McCarthy, 2-yard TD run (D 21-16), 11:21
    D – Ryan McGowan, 24-yard TD run (D 27-16), 6:22

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  • D2 Playoff Profile: Berwick

    District 2 Playoff Profile
    Berwick Bulldogs (9-1)
    Head Coach: George Curry (422-94-5)

    2012 Schedule
    Nov. 10 – Dallas@Berwick, 1 p.m.
    Nov. 2 – Berwick 49 Hazleton 7
    Oct. 26 – Berwick 34 Coughlin 7
    Oct. 19 – Berwick 23 Pittston 20
    Oct. 12 – Berwick 54 Williamsport 14
    Oct. 5 – Berwick 49 Tunkhannock 0
    Sept. 28 – Berwick 17 Selinsgrove 7
    Sept. 21 – Wyoming Valley West 33 Berwick 15
    Sept. 14 – Berwick 50 Dallas 14
    Sept. 7 – Berwick 41 Pottsville 0
    Aug. 31 – Berwick 48 Crestwood 21

    2012 Statistical Leaders
    Passing: C.J. Curry – 1377 yards, 51.4%, 14 TDs
    Rushing: Matt Cashman – 1190 yards, 6.3 ypc, 20 TDs
    Receiving: Jake Pecorelli – 557 yards, 23.2 ypr, 6 TDs
    Tackles: Travis Potter – 82 tackles
    Quarterback Sacks: Andrew Groome & Jordan Stout – 5 sacks
    Interceptions: Jake Pecorelli – 5 INTs

    2012 Team Stats
    Points Score Per Game: 38.0 (380)
    Points Allowed Per Game: 12.3 (123)
    Opponents’ Winning Percentage: 42.0% (42-58)

    District 2 Class AAA Playoff History
    2009
    First Round: Abington Heights 53 Berwick 19

    2008
    Championship: Berwick 3 Abington Heights 0
    First Round: Berwick 12 Coughlin 0

    2007
    Championship: West Scranton28 Berwick 24
    First Round: Berwick 42 Dallas 20

    2004
    Championship: Berwick 19 Pottsville 12
    First Round: Berwick 35 Honesdale 14

    2003
    First Round: Wyoming Area 19 Berwick 13

    2001
    Championship: Berwick 34 Blue Mountain 17
    First Round: Berwick 15 Dallas 14

    2000
    Championship: Berwick 35 Pittston 7
    First Round: Berwick 42 West Scranton 14

    1999
    First Round: Valley View 24 Berwick 21

    1998
    Championship: Berwick 14 Valley View 7
    First Round: Berwick 42 Dallas 13

    1997
    Championship: Berwick 28 Wyoming Area 14
    First Round: Berwick 48 Lehighton 0

    1996
    Championship: Berwick 25 Wyoming Area 7
    First Round: Berwick 54 Valley View 0

    1995
    Championship: Berwick 49 Valley View 13
    First Round: Berwick 41 Honesdale 0

    1994
    Championship: Berwick 36 North Pocono 7
    First Round: Berwick 49 Honesdale 0

    When George Curry was hired to coach the Berwick Bulldogs once again this past June, many were hoping for a return to glory. For those who are not familiar with Berwick, it’s not only the home of the Wise Snacks’ plant and the site of the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, but it’s also a place where many of the residents have fond memories of years gone by of high school football accolades.

    Where to begin – the Bulldogs won 3 National Championships (1995, 1992, 1983), 6 PIAA State Titles (1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1988) and held a 41-game win streak between 1994 to 1997.

    Coach Curry began his tenure at Berwick in 1971 after completing a four-year stint at Lake-Lehman. The Bulldogs had just one winning season (1968: 6-4) in their previous four years prior to Curry’s arrival. From 1971-2005, Berwick only suffered through one losing campaign (1974: 2-9). The Dawgs rolled up 12 straight seasons of 10 or more victories (1987-1998) and did not drop four contests in a single year from 1981 to 2001.

    Fast forward to 2012 – Curry is back coaching in Berwick following a six-year hiatus. After coasting through a regular season with only one blemish, the Dawgs are the top seed in District 2 and have a showdown with Dallas (7-3) on Saturday at Crispin Field. With a win, Berwick would secure their 30th 10-win season (first since 2008) and would advance to the District 2 Championship game for the 11th time in school history.

    The Opponent
    Dallas Mountaineers (7-3)
    Head Coach: Bob Zaruta

    2012 Schedule
    Nov. 10 – Dallas@Berwick, 1 p.m.
    Nov. 3 – Dallas 51 Lake-Lehman 6
    Oct. 26 – Dallas 60 Tunkhannock 0
    Oct. 20 – Dallas 35 Crestwood 12
    Oct. 12 – Dallas 33 Hazleton 0
    Oct. 6 – Dallas 35 Pittston 0
    Sept. 28 – Dallas 31 Williamsport 7
    Sept. 22 – Dallas 17 Coughlin 7
    Sept. 14 – Berwick 50 Dallas 14
    Sept. 8 – Abington Heights 28 Dallas 7
    Sept. 1 – Wyoming Valley West 28 Dallas 14

    2012 Statistical Leaders
    Passing: Ryan Zapoticky – 2,737 yards, 56.0%, 16 TDs
    Rushing: Kris Roccograndi – 852 yards, 5.9 ypc, 12 TDs
    Receiving: Jason Simonovich – 496 yards, 23.6 ypr, 8 TDs

    2012 Team Stats
    Points Scored Per Game: 29.7 (297)
    Points Allowed Per Game: 13.8 (138)
    Opponents’ Winning Percentage: 49.0% (49-51)

    District 2 Class AAA Playoff History Since 2006
    2011
    Championship: Valley View 18 Dallas 12
    First Round: Dallas 39 Scranton Prep 6

    2010
    First Round: West Scranton 49 Dallas 27

    2009
    Championship: Abington Heights 35 Dallas 6
    First Round: Dallas 21 North Pocono 14

    2007
    First Round: Berwick 42 Dallas 20

    2006
    First Round: West Scranton 32 Dallas 20

    Since beginning the season with a 0-3 record, Coach Bob Zaruta’s group has won seven games in a row outscoring their opponents by a combined 262-32 margin.

    The Mountaineers quarterback Ryan Zapoticky has thrown for 4,353 yards and 39 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

    Winner to play against either Abington Heights/Valley View in the District 2 Championship next weekend (site/time TBA)

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  • Scranton Drops Comets; Finish Unbeaten

    In a huge District 2 Saturday matinee showdown with tons of playoff implications on the line, Scranton finished off an undefeated regular season by blanking Abington Heights, 35-0. The Knights have now won sixteen consecutive regular season games and nine in a row on the road.

    On Scranton’s opening drive of the contest, the Knights traveled 77 yards on 8 plays before Jake McCarthy plunged in from a yard out to give the white shirts a 7-0 lead midway through the first frame.

    All of Scranton’s three possessions in the first half resulted in touchdowns. On the other side of the spectrum, Abington Heights’ missed a field goal, tossed an interception, punted and time expired in the first half.

    The Knights have scored 34-points or more in each game this season. Marlinn Waiters has thrown 22 touchdowns this year (15 in last five games). Sophomore Jake McCarthy has run for over 1,300 yards this year and had scored 21 touchdowns on the ground. Karlon Quiller has caught 17 scores on the campaign.

    Following up a 3-7 season a year ago, Abington Heights closes out the regular season with an 8-2 record. Prior to today’s setback, the Comets had won five straight since losing a week four encounter with Delaware Valley (34-14). The Heights fell at home for the first time this year (4-1).

    Both schools will advance to week eleven to play in their respective district playoffs (Scranton – #1 seed in Quad A; Abington Heights – #2 seed in Class AAA).

    Recent Meetings
    Nov. 3, 2012 – Scranton, 35-0
    Nov. 4, 2011 – Scranton, 19-10
    Nov. 6, 2010 – Abington Heights, 51-22
    Oct. 25, 2009 – Abington Heights, 35-0
    Oct. 17, 2008 – Abington Heights, 36-21

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    S – Jake McCarthy 1-yard TD run (S 7-0), 4:26
    Second Quarter
    S – Karlon Quiller, 19-yard TD catch from Marlinn Waiters (S 14-0), 9:01
    S – Jimmy McNally, 13-yard TD catch from Marlinn Waiters (S 21-0), 0:20
    Third Quarter
    S – Marlinn Waiters, 5-yard TD run (S 28-0)
    Fourth Quarter
    S – Jake McCarthy, 40-yard TD run (S 35-0), 7:47

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  • Scranton-DV: Game of the Year, Indeed

    Usually when match ups are deemed the ‘Game of the Year’ – they fall short of meeting the desired expectations. Tonight’s contest between Scranton and Delaware Valley displayed every emotion which one could feel while watching a football game. The highs and lows. The jubilation and disappointment.

    Coach Keith Olsommer’s Delaware Valley group jumped on top of the Knights early and often as their no huddle approach paid dividends en route to a 20-0 lead. Following Cory Savarese’s 35-yard interception return for the third score of the day, it appeared as if the momentum was staying with the homestanding Warriors.

    However, Scranton would not be outdone as the Knights came back to score 20-unanswered points to send the game to intermission all nodded up at 20 apiece.

    To begin the third frame, Warriors’ Joe Santiago capped off the opening drive by crossing the goal line from 5-yards out to give Delaware Valley a 27-20 advantage.

    Back came the Knights, Karlon Quiller proved to be the difference maker in this contest as he caught a 30-yard touchdown strike from Marlinn Waiters to tie the game up at 27.

    Late in the final stanza, Quiller caught his fourth touchdown of the game to give Scranton a 34-27 victory over Delaware Valley.

    Tonight’s contest was one of only two match ups in the state of Pennsylvania between two undefeated teams (the other was Bellwood Antis vs. Northern Bedford).

    The Knights improve to 8-0 as they have now defeated Delaware Valley two years in a row.

    The Warriors had topped Scranton in their previous seven meetings before last year’s 51-21 setback.

    Next week, Scranton will take on Wallenpaupack while Delaware Valley (7-1) will travel to Scranton Prep for a Saturday afternoon encounter with Scranton Prep.

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    D – Bryan Schor, 9-yard TD run (D 7-0)
    Second Quarter
    D – Ryan McGowan, 6-yard TD run (D 13-0)
    D – Cory Savarese, 35-yard INT return for TD (D 20-0)
    S – Karlon Quiller, 78-yard TD catch from Marlinn Waiters (D 20-7)
    S – Karlon Quiller, 61-yard TD catch from Marlinn Waiters (D 20-14)
    S – Jake McCrathy, 1-yard TD run (T 20-20)
    Third Quarter
    D – Joe Santiago, 5-yard TD run (D 27-20)
    S – Karlon Quiller, 30-yard TD catch from Marlinn Waiters (T 27-27)
    Fourth Quarter
    S – Karlon Quiller, 41-yard TD catch from Marlinn Waiters (S 34-27)

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  • Scranton@Delaware Valley, 10/19

    Week 8: Friday, October 19, 2012 at 7 p.m.
    Scranton (7-0) at Delaware Valley (7-0)

    Last Three Meetings
    Oct. 21, 2011 – Scranton, 51-21
    Oct. 22, 2010 – Delaware Valley, 38-7
    Oct. 30, 2009 – Delaware Valley, 14-8

    Points Scored Per Game
    Scranton, 42.7 (299)
    Delaware Valley, 42.6 (298)

    Points Allowed Per Game
    Scranton, 11.4 (80)
    Delaware Valley, 16.3 (114)

    Opponents’ Winning Percentage
    Scranton, 41.7% (20-28-1)
    Delaware Valley, 49.0% (24-25)

    One of only two match ups this weekend in the state of Pennsylvania which features two undefeated teams squaring off against one another (Bellwood-Antis vs. Northern Bedford). Delaware Valley welcomes the Knights of Scranton. Both teams have scored 34-points or more in each of their first seven contests of the season. Scranton ranks second in District 2 in points scored while Delaware Valley comes in right behind them at #3. Old Forge tops the list with a 43.9.

    Delaware Valley has won their last four home games. Last week, the Warriors topped Valley View, 49-18. Quarterback Bryan Schor threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns in the week seven victory.

    Scranton thumped North Pocono, 54-12, behind Marlinn Waiters’ three first half scoring connections (188 yards passing on 8 of 13 attempts).

    Delaware Valley has defeated Scranton in seven of the last eight meetings.

    Remaining Schedules
    Scranton
    Oct. 19 – at Delaware Valley, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 26 – Wallenpaupack, 7 p.m.
    Nov. 3 – at Abington Heights, 1 p.m.

    Delaware Valley
    Oct. 19 – Scranton, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 27 – at Scranton Prep, 1:30 p.m.
    Nov. 2 – at Wallenpaupack, 7 p.m.

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  • District 2: Wins Since 2007

    Can you believe it’s been fifteen years since a District 2 team has won the state championship in football? Hard to believe but it’s true. The Berwick Bulldogs knocked off the Commodores of Perry Traditional Academy in Pittsburgh by a score of 17-14 en route to their sixth PIAA title in 1997.

    Here is a glimpse at the schools with the most wins since 2007:

    School Wins
    1. Dunmore 59
    2. Riverside 53
    3. Wilkes Barre G.A.R. 52
    4. Old Forge 49
    5. Berwick 48
    6. Abington Heights 47
    7. Dallas 43
    7. Lakeland 43
    9. Wyoming Valley West 42
    10. Delaware Valley 40

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  • Berwick Hosts Winless Williamsport

    Week 7: Friday, October 12, 2012 at 7 p.m.
    Williamsport (0-6) at Berwick (5-1)

    Last Three Meetings
    Oct. 14, 2011 – Berwick, 43-0
    Oct. 15, 2010 – Williamsport, 22-15
    Aug. 31, 2007 – Berwick, 33-13

    Points Scored Per Game
    Williamsport, 13.5 (81)
    Berwick, 36.7 (220)

    Points Allowed Per Game
    Williamsport, 40.0 (240)
    Berwick, 12.5 (75)

    Opponents’ Winning Percentage
    Williamsport, 52.8% (19-17)
    Berwick, 47.2% (17-19)

    The Bulldogs will host Williamsport this Friday as week seven is upon us.

    Berwick has won two straight since their setback to Wyoming Valley West (33-15) in week four. The ‘Dawgs have prevailed in seven consecutive home games. Overall, Berwick has come away victorious in 11 of their last 12 regular season match ups.

    Junior quarterback C.J. Curry has completed 48.1% of his pass attempts (37-77) for 867 yards and 10 scores. Curry has had a plethora of sure handed receivers to throw the ball to this year. Jake Peccorelli leads the team with 12 catches for 393 yards and 5 touchdowns. Sophomore Andrew Force has been a touchdown machine, snagging 3 passes for 3 six pointers to go along with his 153 stripes. When the Bulldogs are not passing the ball, senior running back Matt Cashman has accumulated 772 yards on the ground with 10 touchdowns.

    Williamsport has lost eight consecutive games dating back to last year. The Millionaires defense has allowed the opposition to score 31-points or more in each of their games this season.

    Remaining Schedules
    Williamsport (0-6)
    Oct. 19 – at Tunkhannock (1-5)
    Oct. 26 – Crestwood (5-1)
    Nov. 2 – Wyoming Valley West (3-3)

    Berwick (5-1)
    Oct. 19 – at Pittston (2-4)
    Oct. 26 – at Coughlin (4-2)
    Nov. 2 – Hazleteon (1-5)

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  • Comets’ Rally to Get by Hazleton

    The Comets win their fifth consecutive game following tonight’s come from behind victory at Hazleton, 33-13. Crestwood trailed 13-0 midway through the second quarter; however, the Comets’ scored 33-unanswered points to put the Cougars away.

    In the opening frame, Hazleton’s Jeff Fendrick scored on two separate touchdown runs (1, 8) to give the cats a 13-0 advantage early.

    Then, Crestwood mounted a comeback as Jay Popson found Kota Kishel on two different occasions for a touchdown strike (53, 24) to tie the game at 13 after three periods.

    The fourth quarter was all Crestwood. Frank Aigeldinger scampered for two scores in the final stanza including a 96-yard dash to seal the victory with 3:01 remaining in the game.

    Crestwood has delivered wins in ten of their last twelve regular season contests. Coach Greg Myers’ bunch has now knocked off the Cougars in back-to-back years after suffering three straight losses at the hands of Hazleton.

    The Cougars drop to 1-5 and are 0-3 at home this year.

    Next week, Hazleton welcomes Dallas while Crestwood travels to Pocono Mountain West.

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    H – Jeff Fendrick, 1-yard TD run (H 7-0), 6:34
    H – Jeff Fendrick, 8-yard TD run (H 13-0), 4:09
    Second Quarter
    C – Kota Kishel, 53-yard TD catch from Jay Popson (H 13-7), 4:25
    Third Quarter
    C – Kota Kishel, 24-yard TD catch from Jay Popson (T 13-13), 7:35
    Fourth Quarter
    C – Frank Aigeldinger, 10-yard TD run (C 20-13), 11:54
    C – Evan Callaghan, 49-yard TD run (C 27-13), 8:39
    C – Frank Aigeldinger, 96-yard TD run (C 33-13), 3:01

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  • Old Forge’s Tomasetti Scores Six Touchdowns

    Old Forge prevails over Riverside, 54-7, in one of the most anticipated match ups of the season in District 2. The Blue Devils thumped the Vikings behind six touchdown runs by Brian Tomasetti. Old Forge has now won ten consecutive regular season contests and their last seven away from home.

    Coach Mike Schuback’s group knocked off the Vikings last year in the Class A playoffs, 47-6, following a regular season 15-14 setback to Riverside. The Devils had the top rated scoring offense (42.3) in District 2 and the second ranked defense (7.0) entering tonight’s showdown.

    Riverside had won their previous three games before tonight’s loss. Over the course of the last twelve meetings, the Vikings had won nine against Old Forge prior to this evening. Riverside drops to 24-9 at home since September 29, 2006.

    Next week, the Vikings (3-2) will look to get back on track when they face Western Wayne on Friday. Old Forge (5-0) returns home to battle Montrose.

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    O – Brian Tomasetti, 26-yard TD run (O 7-0)
    R – Nico Munley, 70-yard TD catch from Nick Dranchak (T 7-7)
    O – Anthony Piccolini, 18-yard TD catch from Brenden Wahl (O 13-7)
    O – Brian Tomasetti, 3-yard TD run (O 21-7)
    Second Quarter
    O – Brian Tomasetti, 3-yard TD run (O 28-7)
    O – Brian Tomasetti, 3-yard TD run (O 34-7)
    Third Quarter
    O – Brian Tomasetti, 7-yard TD run (O 40-7)
    O – Brian Tomasetti, 29-yard TD run (O 47-7)
    Fourth Quarter
    O – Brandon Tescavage, 2-yard TD run (O 54-7)

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  • Old Forge@Riverside Preview, 9/28

    Week 5: Friday, September 28, 2012 at 7 p.m.
    Old Forge (4-0) at Riverside (3-1)

    Last Three Meetings
    Nov. 18, 2011 – Old Forge, 47-6
    Sept. 30, 2011 – Riverside, 15-14
    Oct. 1, 2010 – Riverside, 36-7

    Points Scored Per Game
    Old Forge, 42.3 (169)
    Riverside, 36.0 (144)

    Points Allowed Per Game
    Old Forge, 7.0 (28)
    Riverside, 30.5 (122)

    Opponents’ Winning Percentage
    Old Forge, 56.3% (9-7)
    Riverside, 37.5% (6-10)

    In one of the most antictpated District 2 Class A match ups of the season, unbeaten Old Forge (4-0) travels to Taylor to take on the Riverside Vikings (3-1). The Blue Devils enter the contest with the top scoring offense (42.3) and a defense which ranks second in points allowed (7.0) in the District.

    Old Forge has prevailed in each of their last nine regular season contests and their past six on the road. This season, the Devils have scored 42-points or more in three contests so far. The defense has held up as they have allowed their last three opponents to a total of fourteen points.

    Riverside has won their last three outings and have scored 92-points in their last two contests. The Vikings have registered a 24-8 home record since September 29, 2006.

    The series has been ruled by Riverside as of late. The Vikings have won nine of their last twelve meetings with the Devils. These two programs have faced off against each other twice in three of the last four years.

    Nuggets
    -Old Forge has not had a losing season since 2003…Over the last eight years, the Devils have posted a winning percentage of 73.6% (64-23).
    -Riverside played for the PIAA Class A Championship in 2010 against Clairton…Since 2007, the Vikes have won 10 or more games three times.

    District 2’s Undefeated Teams
    Delaware Valley (Class AAAA) – 4-0
    Lackawanna Trail (Class A) – 4-0
    Old Forge (Class A) – 4-0
    Scranton (Class AAAA) – 4-0
    Valley View (Class AAA) – 4-0

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  • Seamon Carries Bucks to Victory

    The Dunmore Bucks extended their regular season win streak to twelve games following their 29-0 victory over GAR. Coach Jack Henze’s group has now won seven consecutive games at home and seven in the month of September.

    Austin Seamon scored three touchdowns (2 rushing/1 receiving) en route to a big day against GAR’s defense. The Bucks’ John Rinaldi threw for a touchdown to Seamon and ran one in from 19-yards out.

    GAR had compiled a bunch of road wins (16-2) since September 20, 2008 prior to tonight’s setback.

    The Grenadiers last met the Bucks in the 2008 District 2 Class AA playoffs when Dunmore won in convincing fashion, 48-13.

    GAR visits Carbondale while Dunmore will travel to West Scranton next week to take on the Invaders.

    Scoring Chart
    First Quarter
    D – Austin Seamon, 5-yard TD run (D 7-0)
    D – Austin Seamon 9-yard TD catch from John Rinaldi (D 15-0)
    Third Quarter
    D – John Rinaldi 19-yard TD run (D 22-0)
    D – Austin Seamon, 46-yard TD run (D 29-0)

  • 2012 Berwick Football Preview

    2012 Berwick Bulldogs’ Preview
    Head Coach: George Curry
    2011 Record: 9-3 WVC: 3-2

    2011 Post-Season Results
    Eastern Conference Class AAA Championship: Berwick 57 Southern Lehigh 46
    Eastern Conference Class AAA Semifinal: Berwick 29 Coughlin 28

    Returning Leaders
    Passing: C.J. Curry (98 yards)
    Rushing: Jeff Steeber (187 yards, 6.9 ypc)
    Receiving: Jake Peccorelli (276 yards, 10.6 ypr, 3 TDs)
    Tackles: Travis Potter (67 tackles)
    Quarterback Sacks: Travis Potter & Will Masteller (2 sacks)
    Interceptions: John Bushinski (5 interceptions)

    Returning Starters
    Offense: 6
    Defense: 6

    5-Year Trend Wins PF PA
    2011 9 32.8 26.0
    2010 6 23.6 19.8
    2009 7 21.9 17.3
    2008 11 21.6 10.1
    2007 9 28.4 17.8

    Key: PF=Points For, PA=Points Allowed

    2012 Schedule
    Aug. 31 – at Crestwood, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 7 – Pottsville, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 14 – Dallas, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 21 – at Wyoming Valley West, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 28 – at Selinsgrove, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 5 – Tunkhannock, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 12 – Williamsport, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 19 – at Pittston, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 26 – at Coughlin, 7 p.m.
    Nov. 2 – Hazleton, 7 p.m.

    Berwick, Pennsylvania is known by many for their Wise Potato Chips, the site of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (a nuclear power plant), and for the Jaycees Christmas Boulevard which runs along Market Street throughout the month of December. However, there is no denying it, Berwick is a football town. Winners of six state championships (1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1988) and the nation’s #1 high school football team according to the USAToday’s Super 25 three-times (1995, 1992, 1983).

    With all of those accolades, the Bulldogs have slipped under the radar a bit as of late. Berwick played for the equivalent of college basketball’s NIT championship – Eastern Conference playoffs – the last two seasons where the Dawgs won the crown in 2011 (57-46 victory over Southern Lehigh). Last fall, Berwick started off slow losing three of their first four contests. However, the Bulldogs rebounded to win their final eight games and claim the Eastern Conference title for the tenth time in school history.

    In early June, Gary Campbell resigned from his head coaching position at Berwick after leading the Bulldogs to 46 victories over a six year stint. Campbell returns to Wahconah (Dalton, Massachusetts) to lead the Warriors’ football program and serve as the school’s athletic director.

    Shortly after Campbell’s decision had been made, he placed a phone call to the man whom he had replaced as Berwick’s coach in 2006 – George Curry– to see if there was an interest in returning. The legendary head coach ranks 5th all-time in coaching wins (413-93-5) as he put his stamp on the community and the state of Pennsylvania with his team’s success at Berwick.

    “I feel like I never left,” says Curry. “Eighteen hour days. At first when Gary (Campbell) left, I thought I’d do (the administration) a favor on an interim (basis) but I’m into it now. I told my wife, I’ll see you at Christmas. It’s consumed me. I bring it home. I take it to bed. I wake up early in the morning. I’m into it.”

    The departure of quarterback Jared Pierce (763 passing yards, 712 rushing yards) and running back Jeremy Freeman (1774 rushing yards, 24 TDs) will leave two significant holes in the Bulldogs’ offensive attack. However, the coach’s grandson C.J. Curry will fill in at the quarterback position. Curry, a junior, connected on 6 of 8 passes a year ago for 98 yards while carrying the football 13 times for 36 yards (2.8 ypc). Freeman was a work horse for Campbell’s offense last fall. He toted the pigskin 278 times for an average of 6.4 yards per attempt. Senior Matt Cashman (157 rushing yards, 4.6 ypc) will take the brunt of the carries while Rich Snyder (75 rushing yards, 3.9 ypc) is capable of giving Matt a breather as the featured runner. The Bulldogs return practically all of their receivers from 2011. Seniors Jake Peccorelli (26 catches, 276 yards), Jeff Steeber (18 catches, 203 yards), and Zach Ladonis (6 catches, 54 yards) all return along with Alex Klinger who made 17 grabs for 153 stripes as a sophomore. Up front, the senior tackles, Andrew Groome and Gavin Harter, will anchor the offensive line for the ‘Dawgs.

    On defense, Berwick has a solid group of seniors led by linebacker Travis Potter and defensive backs Will Masteller, Matt Cashman, John Bushinski, and Jake Peccorelli. Potter led the Bulldogs with 67 defensive stops. Masteller finished with 64 tackles and 2 quarterback sacks while Cashman closed out the year with 59 stops. Bushinski (5) and Peccorelli (4) closed out the campaign as ranking first and second in interceptions on the team. Along the line of scrimmage, Gavin Harter (29 tackles) and Adam Harrison (63 tackles) are both back following strong junior seasons. Defensive coordinator Keith Seely will welcome Brandon Dalberto (8 tackles) back into the mix after an injury riddled 2011. Junior linebacker Jordan Stout finished this past campaign with 17 tackles, a quarterback sack and an interception.

    For the 23 seniors in camp playing for Coach Curry is a dream come true. “He’s the man who we all grew up wanting to play for,” says Gavin Harter. Curry will make his much anticipated debut back on the sidelines when the Bulldogs travel to Crestwood on Friday, August 31. “(Crestwood) feels like they’re the team to beat (in District 2 Class AAA). We have to change that.” In week two, the Berwick community will have the opportunity to see the new-look Bulldogs in action with the home opener against Coach Kevin Keating’s Pottsville Crimson Tide.

    Fast Fact: Berwick has endured through just one losing season since 1975 (2006: 4-6).

    Improving Figures
    #35 Travis Potter, LB/SR.
    2011 – 67 tackles
    2010 – 23 tackles

    Stats Courtesy of BerwickDawgs.com

  • Big second quarter lifts Pen Argyl

    The Grenadiers of G.A.R. had won nine consecutive games outscoring the opposition during that stretch by an average of 46-20. However, tonight was much different as Pen Argyl ended G.A.R.’s season at 11-2 with a 50-20 victory.

    The Green Knights led 8-6 with just over six minutes remaining in the first half. Pen Argyl scored 28-points within that time span and would head to the intermission up 36-8.

    Pen Argyl scored on offense, defense, and special teams en route to their lop sided victory. Dylan Evans ran for over 190 yards as he scored twice on the ground and also a pick six on defense. The Green Knights (13-0) now move on to the PIAA Class AA Quarterfinals to take on West Catholic.

    G.A.R.’s Darrell Crawford ends a brilliant career as the Grenadiers’ signal caller. Crawford eclipsed the 4,000 yard rushing mark for his four year tenure. In this game, he rushed for 73 yards and threw for another 74. It was fitting that the final two Grandier touchdowns were scored by Darrell.

  • High Scoring Dawgs Win Eastern Conference

    For the tenth time in school history, the Berwick Bulldogs have been crowned Eastern Conference champions after their high scoring affair with Southern Lehigh, 57-46.

    In the opening twenty-four minutes, Southern led 20-18 at intermission. As the Spartan band played their melodious tunes during halftime, Coach Gary Campbell of Berwick made adjustments and those adjustments paid off for the home standing Bulldogs.

    Berwick scored 23-points in the third quarter highlighted by Matt Cashman’s 82-yard kickoff return. The two schools combined for 65-points in the second half.

    The Dawgs have been led all season by their undersized running back Jeremy Freeman. Tonight, he eclipsed the 1,700 yard rushing mark after racing 27 times for 215 markers and 4 scores (11, 9, 18, 16). After a 1-3 start to the season, the Bulldogs completed their run with eight consecutive wins. Berwick came up short a year ago in the same game to Valley View. This year, they would not be denied as the borough of Berwick can celebrate their first Eastern Conference title since 1993.

    Southern Lehigh finishes the season with a 7-5 mark.

  • Dunmore Gets Revenge, Stays Perfect

    Dunmore got revenge from last year’s playoff loss to Riverside by shutting out the Vikings, 28-0. The Bucks also finish the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record.

    Running back Austin Seamon ran the ball 15 times for 175 yards and a score. Dunmore’s other featured back Daiqwon Buckley passed the goal line twice as he gained 40 markers on the ground. Bucks’ quarterback Jordan Dempsey only needed to throw the ball three times. Dunmore’s defense held Riverside’s offense to an unofficial 154 total yards.

    Riverside’s signal caller Nicholas Dranchak was picked off four times as he completed nine of 22 for 67 stripes.

    The Vikings fall to 6-4 after three straight wins since falling to Western Wayne on October 7.

  • Freeman Leads Berwick to Victory

    Winners of five straight after tonight’s 26-21 victory, it’s hard to believe that Berwick once upon a time sported a 1-3 record in the middle of September. The Dawgs were led this evening by senior Jeremy Freeman. The 5’11, 205-pound bruising runner gained 126 yards on 24 attempts and scored three times. Freeman has rushed for over 100-yards in eleven of his last twelve games since October 22, 2010. Berwick’s quarterback Jared Pierce also had a big night with 83 yards rushing and 42 stripes passing.

    The Bulldogs have a leg up on the Crusaders for the final playoff spot in the District.

    Coughlin hung their hats on the legs of Joe Parsnik. The senior tailback took home game-high honors with 189 yards rushing. As Parsnik also scored three times.

    The Bulldogs (6-3) will play their regular season finale at Hazleton next Friday as the Crusaders (5-4) will battle Crestwood.

  • Dunmore Stays Perfect

    Dunmore jumped out to a, 42-6, lead at intermission after scoring on each of their first five possessions in the first twenty-four minutes. The Bucks (3-0, 8-0) cruised to the finish line as they were victorious over Western Wayne, 49-18.

    Dunmore’s Daiqwon Buckley only needed 5 carries to gain 142 yards. Buckley’s running mate, Austin Seamon, not only rushed for 51 yards but also returned the second half kickoff for a score. Buck receiver caught 5 passes for 107 yards and 2 scores from Jordan Dempsey. The 6’2 senior signal caller tossed for 115 yards.

    Western Wayne dropped to 3-5 overall and 1-2 in the division. The Wildcats quarterback Johnny Rhodes completed 14 of 28 passes for 172 yards and a score. Western Wayne has now lost three of their last four contests. The ‘Cats will try and right the ship next week at Honesdale.

    Dunmore hosts Carbondale in week nine.

  • Special Team Play Lifts Crestwood

    The notion that Crestwood is still a pretender has gone out the window after the Comets’, 7-6, victory over Dallas on Monday afternoon. Crestwood not only knocked off the Mountaineers in the Back Mountain but they also secured first place in the Wyoming Valley Conference.

    Special team play came up big for the Comets. In the second quarter, Tony Morgante blocked a Dallas punt which set up a 38-yard Nick Aigeldinger pass play to Eric Pickett for a score to give Crestwood a 7-0 lead with just over a minute remaining in the opening half.

    The Mountaineers got on the board on a Shane Dunn, 33-yard, touchdown grab from Ryan Zapoticky. However, after a failed extra point try, the score read 7-6 in favor of the Comets.

    Dallas drove down the field with under ten seconds left in the game when Crestwood’s special teams came up big once again with a blocked field goal to snap their five-game losing streak against the Mountaineers.

    Aigeldinger led Crestwood in rushing with 66 yards on 18 carries. The Crestwood defense held the Mountaineers to under 150-yards of rushing which is a feat seeing how Dallas has run the ball this year. Shane Dunn caught 5 passes for 57 markers.

    Crestwood will take on Wyoming Valley West this Friday.

  • Laytos Leads Lions Past Lakeland

    Lackawanna Trail doubled up the Chiefs tonight, 28-14, enroute to their first 5-0 start in twenty-seven years. The Lions were led by Eric Laytos, who carried the ball 20 times for 146 yards including a two-yard touchdown dive.

    The Lions also saw Marvess Rosiak compile 74 yards on eight totes. Lackawanna Trail quarterback Caleb Darling threw the ball eight times, completing five passes for 46 yards.

    Lakeland’s signal caller Kyle Kiehart connected on 12 of 21 passes for 129 yards. Kiehart’s favorite target was Alex Filarsky who made seven catches for 66 yards. The Chiefs’ runners, Ryan Nichols and Tyler Brady, were held to a combined average of 3.6 yards per carry.

    Lakeland will travel to Carbondale for a week six battle while the Lions will welcome Mid-Valley to Pride Stadium.

  • Mountaineers Nip Pittston

    The Mountaineers continued their regular season win streak on Saturday afternoon but not without a fight from Pittston.

    With just a shade over fifty seconds remaining, Dallas’ quarterback Ryan Zapoticky threw the deciding touchdown to Brett Wanek to give the Mountaineers a, 21-14, victory. The win gave Ted Jackson’s group their fifteenth consecutive regular season victory.

    Almost one year ago (September 25), Dallas scored a 21-7 win over the Patriots.

    Pittston finished last fall with a 0-10 mark. The Patriots received scores from Jordan Houseman and Justin Wilk.

    Dallas improves their record to 4-0 with a possible trap game against Williamsport next week with a matchup of possible unbeatens on the horizon when the Mountaineers host Wyoming Valley West on October 8.

    Pittston (2-2) will travel to Hazleton next Friday.

  • Dunmore Stays Unbeaten

    Originally scheduled for Friday, Dunmore welcomed the Invaders of West Scranton to Bucks Stadium tonight.

    Playing their first game since September 2, West Scranton did not show signs of rust early as they scored the first touchdown of the game. The Invaders were led by the legs and hands of senior Malcolm Sweeting. Number 1 rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown. Sweeting caught 6 passes for 91 stripes.

    However, the home standing Bucks, would score the next 26-points after Sweeting’s Invaders notched the first seven. Dunmore registered a, 26-13, win and improved their record to 3-0.

    Dunmore’s sophomore running back Daiqwon Buckley led the Bucks’ rushing attack with 113 yards on 16 carries. Buckley has averaged 6.0 markers per tote in each of his first three games. Austin Seamon rushed for two scores in the contest as he now has scored seven times this year on the ground. Dunmore’s signal caller Jordan Dempsey didn’t put up jaw-dropping numbers, though, he managed the game by connecting on 5 of 8 passes for 32 yards and a score. Dempsey has not thrown an interception in the past two games.

    The Bucks will travel to take on Montrose next week as West Scranton (1-1) will play unbeaten Delaware Valley.

  • Valley West Zooms Past the Comets

    The Abington Heights Comets had won fifteen consecutive regular season games coming into this season. Since 2008, the Comets have posted a 34-5 record prior to tonight’s contest with Wyoming Valley West.  Even with the Comets lofty record, the Wyoming Valley West Spartans were not fazed. Wyoming Valley West absolutely dominated the Comets from whistle to whistle by posting a 51-0 victory.

    Tonight’s loss marked the first time that Abington Heights had been shut out since November 14, 2008 (Berwick defeated Abington Heights, 3-0).

    One year ago, Abington Heights contained the Spartans’ Eugene Lewis to 51 yards rushing as the Comets went on to win, 38-14. Tonight, Lewis commanded Valley West. The Spartans led at halftime, 45-0.

    Abington Heights (1-1) returns home to welcome Tunkhannock on Saturday. Pleasant Valley will make the trip to play Valley West (2-0) this Friday.

     

  • Crestwood Bests Berwick

    Last September, the Comets gave Berwick a scare in the season opener on the new surface at Crispin Field. Leading at the half, 7-6, Crestwood did not have an answer for the ‘Dawgs quarterback Jared Pierce’s five touchdown performance (4 passing/1 rushing) in a, 32-14, Comet setback.

    This year, however, would have no such Berwick comeback. For the first time in school history, the Crestwood Comets topped Berwick, 19-6, tonight.

    Crestwood closed out the first half by scoring twice within a little more than three minutes at the end of the second frame. Vinny Genoble caught a 16-yard pass from Nick Aigeldinger with 3:55 to go before the intermission. On Berwick’s ensuing drive, Roger Legg picked off a Jared Pierce offering and returned the interception to the Bulldog 19-yard line. Forty-four seconds prior to the half, Legg pushed his way forward for the touchdown as the Comets led, 12-0, through two quarters.

    Crestwood went up 19-0 after three periods and would win, 19-6. The Comets outgained Berwick, 305-234, in total yards from scrimmage.

    The Comets’ Roger Legg (101) and Nick Aigeldinger (123) both rushed for over one hundred yards rushing. Aigeldinger tossed for 62 yards on 5 of 11 passing attempts.

    Berwick was led by Jeremy Freeman, who ran for 103 yards on 17 totes. Pierce threw for 115 yards.

    Berwick will play their home opener next Friday when they host North Pocono. Crestwood will travel to Quad-A Pocono Mountain West in week two.

  • District 2: 2010 in Review

    District 2 – Year in Review 

    When Riverside’s season came to an end at the hands of Clairton, there was a sense of major disappointment. The Vikings led 24-0 in the second quarter over the reigning Class A champion Bears. Clairton had not faced a deficit so large since being blasted by Warren (OH) John F. Kennedy, 44-18, on September 21, 2007. Clairton had only allowed 34-points through their first fifteen games including their blow out win over District 10 power, Farrell Steelers, in the Western Finals, 48-8. Many people outside of the Wilkes Barre-Scranton region were surprised to see the Vikings jump out to such a large lead. The Bears ended their hibernation and would eventually win the contest, 36-30. Harry Armstrong’s Riverside team last played for the state championship thirteen years ago when he was the quarterback. Riverside increased their win total from 4 (4-8) in 2009 to 14 in 2010 (14-2). However, the heart broken Vikings felt that they had the game in hand and let it slip away. New head coach Evan Prall will have to replace their leading rusher (Nick Rossi), quarterback (Corey Talerico) and leading receiver (Skylar Lavage).
     
    On the Class AAA level, Abington Heights won the District 2 crown over West Scranton, 28-21. The Comets (12-1) ran into a buzzsaw in the state tourney when they met Allentown Central Catholic, 54-14. Although Abington Heights’ didn’t win the title, Joe Repshis’ club closed out their third consecutive double digit win season. The Comets were the only team in the district to have two players who rushed for over 1,000 yards (Paul Gallagher & James Fruehan). Over the past five years, Abington Heights has won 49 games which ranks them second to Dunmore (54) in all of District 2.

    Rushing Leaders

    RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD
    1. Andrew Forgatch (SR/Hanover) 361 2531 7.0 35
    2. Pat Jeffers (JR/Valley View) 282 1695 6.0 17
    3. Bret Rutkoski (SR/Northwest) 256 1526 6.0 13
    4. Josh Harrison (SR/Western Wayne) 238 1500 6.3 17
    5. Paul Gallagher (SR/Abington Heights) 214 1409 6.6 18
    6. Tyler Hughes (SR/West Scranton) 175 1406 8.0 20
    7. Kurtis Thomas (SR/GAR) 204 1359 6.7 19
    8. James Fruehan (SR/Abington Heights) 139 1318 9.5 21
    9. Darrell Crawford (JR/GAR) 172 1295 7.5 13
    10. Brian Maslowski (JR/Nanticoke) 207 1261 6.1 14

    Passing Leaders

    PASSING COMP ATT PCT YDS TD INT
    1. Tyler Hughes (SR/West Scranton) 165 305 54.1 2320 23 12
    2. Corey Talerico (SR/Riverside) 141 233 60.5 2163 30 3
    3. Jared Pierce (JR/Berwick) 131 236 55.5 1696 18 15
    4. Anh Le (SR/Holy Redeemer) 102 237 43.0 1593 10 15
    5. Adam Goeringer (SR/Dallas) 92 167 55.1 1501 16 7
    6. Bryan Schor (SO/Delaware Valley) 105 189 55.6 1494 8 8
    7. Chris Murphy (SR/Wyoming Area) 87 158 55.1 1342 15 8
    8. Jared Novitski (JR/Lake Lehman) 101 183 55.2 1329 9 12
    9. Nick Aigeldinger (JR/Crestwood) 99 180 55.0 1314 13 7
    10. Eugene Lewis (JR/Wyoming Valley West) 68 133 51.1 1245 11 10

    Receiving Leaders

    RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD
    1. Skylar Lavage (SR/Riverside) 58 936 16.1 12
    2. Josh Schroeder (SR/West Scranton) 50 671 13.4 6
    3. Malcolm Sweeting (JR/West Scranton) 47 813 17.3 8
    4. Paul Brace (JR/Dallas) 47 801 17.0 9
    5. Nahjee Brown (SR/Meyers) 45 627 13.9 6
    6. Brian Lalli (JR/Valley View) 45 571 12.7 5
    7. Sean Ridall (SR/Berwick) 42 596 14.2 8
    8. Jalen McClary (SR/Wyoming Valley West) 41 762 18.6 6
    9. Jordan Houseman (SO/Pittston) 41 539 13.1 6
    10. Matt Badamo (SR/Abington Heights) 39 573 14.7 6
     

  • 2011 Central Columbia Football Preview

    2011 Central Columbia Blue Jays Football Preview
    Head Coach: Jason Hippenstiel
    2010 Record: 0-10
    League: Heartland Athletic Conference-Division II
    Class AA
    Past Five Season Record: 11-39

    2011 Schedule
    Sept. 2: at Montoursville, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 9: Loyalsock, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 16: Danville, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 23: at Southern Columbia, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 30: at Shikellamy, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 7: Mount Carmel, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 14: at Mifflinburg, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 21: Lewisburg, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 28: at Warrior Run, 7 p.m.
    Nov. 4: Bloomsburg, 7 p.m.

    Returning Team Leaders
    Passing: Jordan Thivierge, JR. (48.4 Comp%, 244yds, 1 TD)
    Rushing: Eric McCracken, JR. (3.3 avg, 208 yds, 4 TDs)
    Receiving: Dylan Hine, JR. (16 rec, 11.8 avg, 1 TD)
    Tackles: Eric McCracken, JR. (81)
    QB Sacks: Chris Roberts, SR. (3.0)

    Eleven consecutive losses. Six straight seasons without a winning year. Those trends are hanging over the Central Columbia program entering the 2011 season. The Jays scored just under 6 points per game (5.8 points) and allowed an average of 31.5 points last year.

    Head coach Jason Hippenstiel is now entering his third season of his second stint with the program.

    In 2010, the Blue Jay rushing attack averaged 31.6 yards per game and finished two contests with negative total rushing yards. For only the second time in the past twenty years, Central Columbia’s leading rusher compiled under 300 yards for the season. Junior Eric McCracken had 63 totes for 208 yards and 4 touchdowns to lead the Jays on the ground. This is the same program which saw five players accumulate over 1,500 rushing yards in one season over that stretch.

    Year Rusher Yards
    2001 Osagie Osunde 1618
    1996 Trent Flick 1603
    1994 Jason Bartholomew 2093
    1991 Brian Klingerman 1718
    1990 Brian Klingerman 1867

    Central Columbia will most likely turn the keys to the offense over to junior Jordan Thivierge as last year’s starter, Cody Craig, has graduated. Thivierge completed 48.4% (15-31) of his passes in 2010. Craig threw for 673 yards but only completed 57 of 170 tosses. Between both signal callers, the passing game converted on just 4 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions. The lone contest which saw the Blue Jays complete more than half of their passes was in week one against Montoursville when Central had a percentage of 58.1% (18-31). Junior Dylan Hine should help support Thivierge as he hopes to improve on his 16 catch year in 2010.  

    The leading rusher, McCracken, also was the team’s top tackler with 81 defensive stops. Senior Chris Roberts also returns as he finished as the Jays’ best sack artist in 2010. Roberts sacked opposing quarterbacks three times and closed out the year as Central’s third leading tackler (57).

  • 2011 Mid-Valley Football Preview

    2011 Mid-Valley Spartans Football Preview
    Head Coach: Frank Pazzaglia
    2010 Record: 2-3, 3-7
    League: Lackawanna Football Conference-Division 3
    Class AA
    Past Five Season Record: 19-33

    2011 Schedule
    Sept. 2: Wilkes-Barre G.A.R., 7 p.m.
    Sept. 9: at Lakeland, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 16: Hanover, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 23: Western Wayne, 7 p.m.
    Sept. 30: at Dunmore, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 7: at Lackawanna Trail, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 14: Holy Cross, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 21: Old Forge, 7 p.m.
    Oct. 29: at Susquehanna Community, 1 p.m.
    Nov. 4: at Montrose, 7 p.m.

    Returning Team Leaders
    Passing: Matt Tanner, JR. (0-2, 00.0 Comp%, INT)
    Rushing: Antonio Russo, SR. (4.5 avg, 581 yds, 3 TDs)
    Receiving: Ronny Tomasetti, JR. (29 rec, 17.3 avg, 4 TDs)
    Tackles: Chris Merenich, SR. (84)

    Mid-Valley saw a decrease of four wins from 2009 (7-4) to 2010 (3-7). The Spartans hope 2011 will be a bounce back year for the program.

    Head coach Frank Pazzaglia will have to find a quarterback to take over an offense which averaged just over two touchdowns per game (16.4) a year ago. Quarterback Chris Washo (48.3 Comp%, 779 yards, 10 TDs) has since graduated leaving the helm to possibly junior Matt Tanner, who was the only other player to attempt a pass besides Washo.

    The rushing attack will need to improve this year with a new signal caller in place. The Spartans’ leading rusher, Antonio Russo, returns for his senior campaign after running the ball for an average of 4.5 yards per carry (129-581) and crossing the goalline three times. Among sophomores, Ronny Tomasetti had the second-most catches in all of District II last season with 29 grabs for 502 yards and 4 scores (behind Pittston’s Jordan Houseman who had 41). Tomasetti will try and improve on his 17.3 yards per catch this fall as a junior.

    On the defensive side of the ball, Mid-Valley’s top tackler Chris Merenich returns for his senior year. In 2010, Merenich made 84 stops, recovered 2 fumbles and intercepted one pass. Chris also performs the Spartans’ punting duties. He booted the ball 26 times for an average of 32.7 yards as he pinned the opposition within the 20-yard line seven times. The defense allowed 28.0 points per game in 2010. Mid-Valley will want to improve on that figure if they hope to secure their spot in the District Tournament this November.

  • WVW’s Lewis Ranked #162 by Rivals

    The 2012 high school football prospect rankings were released today by Rivals.com.

    Wyoming Valley West’s Eugene Lewis was listed as the 162nd top prospect among all soon-to-be-seniors in the nation. The 6’2, 181-pound athlete accounted for 30 touchdowns a year ago. Lewis threw the ball and ran the ball for over 1,000 yards respectively. Eugene has been offered scholarships from sixteen different higher education institutions including Boston College, Michigan State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin.

    Number 7 paced an offense which averaged 28.3 points per game last season. The Spartans finished with a record of 7-4 and punched their ticket to the District II playoffs.

    2012 Rivals.com Top-250 from PA

    Rank Name Pos High School
    13 Noah Spence DE Bishop McDevitt
    33 Rushel Shell RB Hopewell
    69 Chris Muller OL Boyertown
    162 Eugene Lewis WR Wyoming Valley West
    177 Adam Bisnowaty OL Fox Chapel
    184 Greg Garmon RB Erie McDowell
    197 Colin Thompson TE Archbishop Wood Catholic
    242 J.J. Denman OL Pennsbury
    247 Deaysean Rippy LB Sto-Rox

  • Riverside Will Attempt to Dethrone Clairton

    Tom Nola’s Clairton Bears return to Hershey Park Stadium after their first ever state championship last year over Bishop McCort, 15-3. This campaign could not have gone any smoother for the Bears winning each of their fifteen contests including last Friday’s victory over Farrell, 48-8. The defense held Farrell to just 93 total yards. In the previous game against North Star (52-0), the Bears clamped down to hold the Cougars to negative five yards of offense. Clairton’s defense has applied pressure on the gas pedal all year as the Bears have allowed just 2.3 points per game (1st in the state).

    The Bear offense hasn’t been too shabby either racking up 47.3 points per outing. Only second to Brockway (47.9) in Pennsylvania.

    The Bears are led by quarterback Desimon Green, who had committed to play at Pittsburgh until Dave Wannstedt resigned on December 7. Clairton has won thirty consecutive contests and are hopeful to repeat this Friday. Standing in their way, however, is the Riverside Vikings from Taylor (near Scranton).

    Riverside (14-1), coached by Harry Armstrong, has rolled through the post-season. The Viking defense has been stout permitting just 6.8 points during their five-game run through the playoffs. Riverside has been led by quarterback Corey Talerico and the team’s leading rusher, Nick Rossi, who has committed to play football next Fall as an Akron Zip. Rossi led the Vikings in yards gained on the ground (83) in their Eastern Final win over Bishop Carroll, 34-20. Talerico scored four total touchdowns and threw for 165 yards. Senior wideout Skylar Lavarge gained 158 of Riverside’s 165 yards receiving on five catches. The Vikings topped District 2 in points scored (36.7) and points against (11.6) this season.

    The 2010 PIAA Class A State Championship game will take place at 2:00 on Friday at Hershey Park Stadium.

  • Riverside Cruises Past Schuylkill Haven

    Riverside has outscored their playoff opponents by an average of 33.3 to 3.5 after their, 41-0, victory over Schuylkill Haven tonight. The District II champs outgained the ‘Canes, 448-130, in total yards. Harry Armstrong’s Viking group (13-1) now advances to the Eastern Finals to battle Bishop Carroll after their, 34-21, win over Holy Name.

    Riverside’s quarterback Corey Talerico continued to impress as he ran for 176 yards on 7 carries and threw for another 162 stripes while contributing four total touchdowns (3 rushing/1 passing). Talerico even caused a fumble late in the first quarter as he forced Schuylkill Haven’s wideout Matt Naftzinger to lose control of the ball as LaQuan Jackson picked up the pigskin and rumbled all the way down to the goal line setting up the Vikings second score. Future Akron Zip Nick Rossi plunged in from a yard out to make the score, 14-0, Riverside.

    Talerico completed a 70-yard dart to Skyler Lavage to increase the Viking lead to 28-0 at the half. In the second half, Riverside scored twice more on long gainers. First, a Rossi 50-yard scamper and then Talerico raced 75-yards to close out the scoring and a Riverside win, 41-0. 

    With Riverside looking forward to their game against the Huskies next week in the Final Four, on the other half of the state, the defending champ Clairton (14-0) faces Farrell (13-1) in the Western Finals. Clairton has won twenty-nine consecutive games. The Bears eliminated Farrell the past two seasons in the state tournament. The Steelers are led by senior standout Kevin Brodie (who has scored 30 touchdowns) and Syracuse’s recuit Robert Trudo, a massive lineman.

  • Riverside’s Defense Tames Tigers

    When one thinks of Southern Columbia, one reflects back on their five consecutive state championships (2002-06). Only Berwick has won just as many PIAA titles as the Tigers have won (six). Dating back to Southern Columbia’s first crown in 1994, the Tigers had appeared in twelve of thirteen championship contests. That’s almost unheard of in any state.

    The fans of Southern Columbia endured through close losses in the state championship games over the years. Tigers lost to Farrell in back-to-back seasons (1995, 1996) by 6-0 and then 14-12. Southern Columbia had never suffered through a game that they were just manhandled like the Tigers were on Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

    Harry Armstrong’s Riverside Vikings went up early and often to take a, 30-0, lead at the half. The Vikings’ defense held the Tigers vaunted rushing attack to -10 yards on the ground. Southern Columbia accumulated just 92 total yards.

    Riverside was led by quarterback Corey Talerico, who completed 8 of 17 for 146 yards and four scores. Talerico connected with Skylar Lavage and Nicholas Dranchak for two aerial touchdowns a piece. Nick Rossi, future Akron Zip, ran for 109 yards on 20 carries for the Vikings.

    Riverside (12-1) rolled to a, 36-0, win over Southern Columbia. Next up for Riverside will be Schuykill Haven (11-2) in the Class A State Quarterfinals.

  • Comets’ Goal Line Stand Avoids Upset

    Just four weeks ago, Abington Heights had no trouble from the Invaders in a, 62-14, romp. This afternoon was much different. West Scranton hung with the Comets as if the crowd was watching a Rocky Balboa-Apollo Creed bout. Back-and-forth they went. Trading punches until the very end.

    With 5:37 left in the game, Abington’s James Fruehan burst through the line of scrimmage for a four-yard score to give the Comets a 28-21 lead. Back came the Invaders. West Scranton traveled all the way down to the goal line with less than fifteen seconds remaining. On a fourth-and-goal play, Invader quarterback Tyler Hughes rolled out of the pocket with the option of keeping it himself or tossing the ball into the endzone. The Comet defense was up to the task as they had good pressure on the signal caller and made him make a throw towards Malcolm Sweeting in the endzone. Abington’s defender J.C. Snow dove and swatted the ball away to secure a Comet victory with seven seconds remaining. Abington Heights (12-0) wins the District II Class AAA Championship as they now advance to the first round of the PIAA Tournament against Allentown Central Catholic on Friday.

    Comets’ running game was led by Fruehan’s 91 stripes on 22 carries. Dante Pasqualichio, who was making his first career varsity start, threw for over 160 yards on 7 of 11 passing.

    The Invaders (9-3) were led by the passing and running of Tyler Hughes. West’s quarterback ran for over 160 yards and threw for another 182 while scoring three combined touchdowns. Wideout Malcolm Sweeting had another big day as he caught 7 passes for 146 yards and 2 scores.

  • Abington Heights D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Abington Heights Comets

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class AAA Championship: 1 (2009)

    District 2 Class AAA Finalist: 1 (2008)

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 4 (2010, 2009, 2008, 2005)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 3-2

  • Dallas D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Dallas Mountaineers

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class AAA Championship: None

    District 2 Class AAA Finalist: 1 (2009)

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 5 (2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2001)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 1-4

  • West Scranton D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    West Scranton Invaders

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class AAA Championship: 2 (2007, 2006)

    District 2 Class AAA Finalist: None

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 5 (2010, 2007, 2006, 2001, 2000)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 4-2

  • North Pocono D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    North Pocono Trojans

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class AAA Championship: None

    District 2 Class AAA Finalist: None

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 2 (2010, 2009)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 0-1

  • Susquehanna D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Susquehanna Sabers

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class AA Championship: None

    District 2 Class AA Finalist: None

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 2 (2010, 2001)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 0-1

  • Lakeland D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Lakeland Chiefs

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class AA Championship: 5 (2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000)

    District 2 Class AA Finalist: 2 (2009, 2005)

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 11 (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 15-5

  • Lake-Lehman D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Lake-Lehman Black Knights

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class AA Championship: None

    District 2 Class AA Finalist: None

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 2 (2010, 2008)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 0-1

  • G.A.R. D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Wilkes-Barre G.A.R. Grenadiers

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class AA Championship: None

    District 2 Class AA Finalist: 1 (2008)

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 6 (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 2-5

  • Dunmore D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Dunmore Bucks

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class A Championship: None

    District 2 Class AA Championship: 3 (2009, 2008, 2007)

    District 2 Class A Finalist: None

    District 2 Class AA Finalist: 2 (2004, 2003)

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 8 (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2000)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 10-4

  • Old Forge District 2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Old Forge Blue Devils

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class A Championship: 1 (2006)

    District 2 Class A Finalist: 2 (2008, 2002)

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 8 (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002, 2001)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 4-6

  • Northwest District 2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Northwest Rangers

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class A Championship: 1 (2009)

    District 2 Class A Finalist: 3 (2007, 2006, 2004)

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 8 (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 4-6

  • Riverside D2 Playoff History (Since 2000)

    Riverside Vikings

    District 2 Playoff History Since 2000

    DISTRICT 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS

    District 2 Class A Championship: 1 (2008)

    District 2 Class AA Championship: None

    District 2 Class A Finalist: 2 (2009, 2003)

    District 2 Class AA Finalist: 1 (2007)

    District 2 Playoff Appearances: 8 (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2001)

    District 2 Playoff Record: 6-6

  • Berwick’s High Powered Offense Rolls Past Cougars

    In the 70th meeting of this storied rivalry, the Bulldogs own a 44-23-2 advantage over Hazleton. However, the Cougars have won the last three meetings, outscoring the Dawgs 88-34.

    In the opening quarter of the game, the Cougars’ junior quarterback Chad Hoffman found Dean McKernan on a 4th-and-14 play for a touchdown pass (two-point conversion, failed).

    Then, the Bulldogs scored two-points on a safety to close the Hazleton lead to 6-2. Off of the kick after the safety, Berwick’s senior Matt Witchey returned the ball 40-yards to put the Dawgs into excellent field position. Bulldogs’ junior running back Jeremy Freeman rumbled three yards for the score. To follow up Freeman’s score, he ran in the two-point conversion to give Berwick a 10-6 lead.

    Later in the second quarter, Hazleton’s Desmond Johnson scampered ten yards for a touchdown to hand the Cougars a 12-10 lead (two-point attempted pass was incomplete).

    With less than one minute left in the first half, Berwick quarterback Jared Pierce completed three passes to Sean Ridall setting up a 20-yard touchdown toss to Eric Schleich. The Bulldogs lead at halftime, 18-12.

    In the third quarter, Luke McDanel caught a 14-yard pass from Jared Pierce to double up the Cougars, 24-12. Then, the Cougars’ Dean McKernan scored his second touchdown of the game on a long 46-yard touchdown run to give Hazleton some life as the former Mountaineers  trailed, 24-20.

    Early in the fourth, Berwick’s Tony Goodson rushed in from three-yards out to give his ‘Dawgs a 32-20 lead on senior night at Crispin Field.

    Following an Austin Thomas interception, with 7:14 remaining in the game, Caleb Fetterolf rumbled two-yards into the endzone for Berwick to increase the lead to, 39-20. On the Bulldogs’ next drive, Sean Ridall took the ball from 10-yards away for another touchdown to take a 45-20 lead.

    Berwick (5-5) cruised to a, 45-26, win over Hazleton (3-7).

    NOTES: At the end of the first half, Hazleton senior lineman Mike Gale suffered an undisclosed injury that halted the contest for sometime as he was placed into an ambulance after a collision…Berwick’s senior tight end/linebacker, Casey Davenport, did not play due to injury…The first meeting between these two schools was in 1901.

  • Chiefs Rally to Win LFC Division II

    The Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall”. The Lakeland Chiefs fell behind 20-0 before rallying back and claiming at least a share of the Lackawanna Football Conference Division II crown.

    Both Lakeland (AA) and Riverside (A) were eliminated from the District playoffs in the championship game a year ago. Last night, Riverside’s quarterback Corey Talerico began the scoring with a 68-yard touchdown run to put the Vikings up 6-0 in the first quarter. Talerico connected with Tommy Armillay to put the Vikes ahead, 12-0, and then Nick Rossi dashed 19-yards for Riverside’s final score midway through the second frame. At this point, Veterans’ Memorial Stadium seemed like the logical place for Riverside to acquire their ninth win of the season.

    All of a sudden, the Chiefs began their comeback. Running back Al Tuzze dove in from a yard away to close the gap to 20-14. Riverside, then, had the ball deep in Lakeland territory. On a fourth-and-goal play, Talerico was picked off by #8 Jim Noldy – who ran back the return 82-yards before being tackled on the 17-yard line. On the next play, Tyler Brady scampered 17-yards to give Lakeland their first lead of the contest, 21-20.

    On the ensuing drive, Riverside’s Talerico was picked off by Chief defensive back, Tony Peregrin. After a Lakeland fumble, the Chiefs defense held the Vikings on downs. Lakeland (8-1) walked away with the first conference title since 2006.

    Riverside (8-1) will travel to Dunmore next Friday as the Chiefs will battle at Western Wayne.

  • Week 9 Preview: Lakeland at Riverside

    The top spot in the Lackawanna Football Conference’s Division 2 will be on the line this Friday when the Chiefs of Lakeland travel to Taylor to take on Riverside.

    Harry Armstrong’s Vikings are unbeaten (8-0) this year after brushing off a tough 2009 season which saw Riverside post a 4-8 record. Last year, the Vikes qualified for the District II playoffs and dropped undefeated Old Forge, 30-14. The red and blue are coming off of a, 49-6, thumping of Carbondale. Nick Rossi, 6’1, 235-lb senior running back, scampered for three scores in their lopsided win over the Chargers. Over the course of the Vikings last three contests, Riverside’s offense has produced 45 points per game. Riverside (8-0) is not only ranked #6 in the EasternPAFootball.com’s Small School Ranking this week but they are also #5 in WNEP Channel 16’s Super Sixteen Countdown.

    Lakeland (7-1) led Honesdale, 35-0, at intermission a week ago as they rolled to a 35-7 win. Jeff Wasilchak’s group has won five consecutive games. This week on the WNEP Channel 16 Super Sixteen Countdown, the Chiefs register at #15. Lakeland has the highest winning percentage of any school in District II since 2000 (109-25) with a 81.3% victory rate.

    Lakeland (7-1) at Riverside (8-0)

    Last Three Meetings

    10/16/09: Lakeland, 28-20

    10/10/08: Riverside, 42-20

    10/26/07: Riverside, 33-7

    Points Scored Per Game

    Riverside – 40.3 (#1 in District II)

    Lakeland – 27.8 (#8 in District II)

    Points Allowed Per Game

    Riverside – 12.4 (#4 in District II)

    Lakeland – 13.1 (#6 in District II)

  • Abington Heights Clobbers Invaders

    SCRANTON, PA – Abington Heights (8-0) sits atop the Lackawanna Football Conference Division 1 all alone after their, 62-14, rout of West Scranton. The Comets have now outscored West Scranton, 158-34, over the course of their last three meetings.

    Abington Heights’ rushing attack of James Fruehan and Paul Gallagher accounted for six touchdowns. Fruehan rushed for 180 yards on 13 carries (3 TDs) and Gallagher compiled 76 stripes on 13 attempts (3 TDs). Joe Repshis’ crew totaled 471 yards of offense tonight. The Comets now have North Pocono (5-3) in their sights for next Saturday’s tilt.

    West Scranton (6-2) has won their previous six games since losing their season opener to Riverside, 32-19. Invaders quarterback Tyler Hughes passed for 152 yards on 13 of 29. Hughes also ran for close to 100 yards. Next week, West Scranton travels to Valley View to take on the Cougars (5-2) on Friday. Valley View has a short week as they will be in action tomorrow when they take on Scranton Prep at 1:30 p.m.

  • Week 8 Preview: Abington Hts-W.Scranton

    West Scranton (6-1) welcomes undefeated, 7-0, Abington Heights this Friday for a huge Lackawanna Football Conference showdown.

    The Invaders, coached by Joe Gerek, have won each game since losing their season opener to Riverside, 32-19. West Scranton has scored 34-points or more in their last four contests. This past Friday, the Invaders defeated Wallenpaupak, 35-21. Gerek’s bunch is third in District II in scoring (34.0) but the defense has allowed 24.7 points per game.

    Abington Heights has defeated West Scranton by a combined score of 96-20 over their last two meetings. On Saturday, the Comets shut out Scranton Prep, 28-0. In their seven games, the Comet defense has held their opponents to single digits four times as Abington Heights ranks first in points allowed (9.4) in District II. Coach Joe Repshis’ crew has also done it on offense scoring an average of 34.3 points (2nd in District II).

  • Black Knights Rally for Top Spot in Conference

    Lake-Lehman is making comebacks from double-digit deficits a habit. Almost one month to the day, the Knights were trailing Wyoming Area, 26-0, in the first quarter, but thanks to a monster second half  Lake-Lehman scored 35 to propel the Black Knights to a 42-39 victory.

    Tonight was more of the same as G.A.R. led 16-0 in the second quarter. Back came the Knights on a Jared Novitski 42-yard connection with Brandon Roberts to close the gap to 16-14. Then a little over two minutes into the fourth session, Bryan Mathers scampered 32-yards to pay dirt as the Knights took a, 20-16, lead that they would not give up.

    Lake-Lehman (5-0, 7-0) takes sole control of first place in the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2. The Knights’ garnered their first victory over G.A.R. since 2005. The loss drops the Grenadiers to 3-1 in conference play and 6-1 overall. G.A.R. was led in rushing by Darrell Crawford who tallied 114 yards. The Grenadier offense was missing a key piece as they played without their leading rusher, Kurtis Thomas, who sat out the game due to disciplinary reasons.

    Next week, Lake-Lehman will try and keep their winning streak going as they welcome Nanticoke. G.A.R. will travel to Wyoming Area on Friday.

  • Week 7 Preview: GAR at Lake-Lehman

    The top spot in the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 is on the line when Wilkes-Barre G.A.R. (3-0, 6-0) travels to Lake-Lehman to take on the Black Knights (4-0, 5-1) this Friday.

    Wilkes-Barre G.A.R. at Lake-Lehman

    Last Three Meetings

    10/30/09: G.A.R., 35-0

    10/24/08: G.A.R., 21-15

    10/6/07: G.A.R., 17-14

    Wilkes-Barre G.A.R. Grenadiers

    Head Coach: Paul Wiedlich, Jr.

    Notes: G.A.R. have won both of their contests away from home this season. The Grenadiers begin a three-game road stretch against Lake-Lehman. G.A.R. nipped Hanover, 21-20, last Friday. Quarterback Darrell Crawford ran for 100 yards on 20 carries (5.0 ypc) while throwing for 43 yards (4 of 11) and a score. G.A.R. has dropped Lake-Lehman the last four meetings.

    Lake-Lehman Black Knights

    Head Coach: Jerry Gilsky

    Notes: All six of the Knights games have been decided by fourteen points or less. Lake-Lehman is 3-1 in contests that have a margin of nine points or less. The team’s signal caller Jared Novitski tossed the pigskin for 113 yards on 11 of 16 passing and scampered in for two touchdowns as the Knights defeated Northwest, 21-12, last weekend. Lake-Lehman last beat G.A.R. in 2005 (35-6).

  • Abington Heights Holds On to Stay Unbeaten

    A scoreless first half saw a defensive struggle which was won by the play of special teams.

    The Lackawanna Division rushing leader James Fruehan was held in check by the Cougar defense all night surging out of the backfield for only 19-yards on 10 carries. However, minutes into the second half, Fruehan would not be denied as he put Abington Heights on the board first with a 69-yard punt return for a score.

    Abington Heights would add to their lead by posting a Charlie Armetta 25-yard field goal to expand their grip to 10-0.

    Valley View marched down the field and found pay dirt on a 22-yard touchdown strike from Liam Gallejas to Brian Lalli.

    Late in the contest, the Cougars down 10-7, on fourth down Gallejas looking for Lalli in the right corner of the endzone but Fruehan gets his hand on the ball and bats the ball away. Abington Heights (6-0) snaps Valley View’s four-game win streak by a score of 10-7.

    The Comets rushing attack was led by Paul Gallagher’s 77 yards on 15 totes.

    Valley View’s top rusher was Pat Jeffers who compiled 67 yards on 24 carries. Lalli caught three of Gallejas’ five completions.

    Next week, Abington will welcome Scranton Prep on Saturday as Valley View (4-2) hosts Delaware Valley on Friday.

  • Week 6 Preview: Abington Heights at Valley View

    The 2010 season is fast approaching the finish line with teams positioning themselves for a playoff push whileothers are trying to play the part of spoiler. The two schools facing off in this week six District II matchup are far from spoilers. Both Abington Heights and Valley View  have visions of playing deep into the month of November.

    The Comets (5-0) will travel to Valley View to take on the Cougars (4-1) this Friday. Abington Heights has not lost to the Cougars since October 3, 2003. Abington Heights’ head coach Joe Repshis has seen his Comets post ten-plus win seasons in four of the last five years. At the rate they’re going this year should be another double digit win season. Last week, the Comets crushed Delaware Valley, 39-10. The Comets top District II in scoring (40.4) and are fourth in points allowed (11.8). AHHS seeks their twelfth win in the last thirteen tries on the road.  

    George Howanitz’ Cougars have already matched their 2009 win total. Valley View is seeking their sixth win in the past seven home dates since last October. A week ago, the Cougars coasted to a, 22-9, victory over Wallenpaupack. Valley View enters their sixth week contest as second in the district in points against (11.2).

    Abington Heights has won the last six meetings. Can Valley View send their faithful home pleased?

    Abington Heights (5-0) at Valley View (4-1)

    Last Three Meetings

    9/19/09: Abington Heights, 13-6

    9/12/08: Abington Heights, 16-14

    9/29/07: Abington Heights, 21-6

  • WVW’s Lewis Shines in Victory over Coughlin

    Wyoming Valley West, dressed in their road white shirts with maroon pants, entered the contest in must-win mode. The Spartans’ played with a certain ferocity on defense and on offense that paved the way to their, 27-13, victory tonight over Coughlin.

    Wyoming Valley West’s junior sensational quarterback Eugene Lewis threw for 158 yards and 3 scores on 6 of 12 passing. Lewis connected with Jalen McClary (60-yards) on his first touchdown strike and his next would land in the hands of Derrick Simms for 57-yards. Eugene rushed the ball 15 times as he gained 66 yards and the game’s opening 7-yard touchdown scamper. Running back George Simms ran for almost 200 yards (189) on 23 carries for an average of 8.2 stripes per tote.

    The win was redemption from last year’s, 14-0, loss to the Crusaders. Now, the Spartans have defeated Coughlin, six of their last seven meetings.

    The Spartan defense bottled up Coughlin all night. Charles Roman led the Crusaders in rushing with 57 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.

    Wyoming Valley West (3-2) returns home next Friday to take on undefeated Dallas. While Coughlin (2-3) will regroup and head to Stroudsburg to take on the 1-4 Mounties.

  • Week 5 Preview: Wyoming Valley West….

    Week 5 Preview: Wyoming Valley West at Coughlin

    Playmaker versus Playmaker. Two juniors are on display when the Spartans travel to Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium to take on the Crusaders.

    The dynamic junior quarterback Eugene Lewis has had many highlight reel plays throughout his career at Wyoming Valley West. This year, Lewis has gained 438 yards on the ground on 74 carries and has crossed the goal line three times. The 6’2 standout has been receiving interest from Big East schools, as well as, the Big Ten. Lewis is projected as a receiver in college but this year he has been a jack of all trades. Playing quarterback and throwing for 365 yards and 3 scores on 22 of 46 passing. In the two road games against Abington Heights and Pleasant Valley, the defenses were able to bottle up Lewis and restrain him from making big play after big play against them. That is the task that sits in front of Coughlin this Friday. Can the Crusaders’ defense stop Lewis?

    For Coughlin, tailback turned quarterback Joe Parsnik has gained 490 yards rushing and has scored 4 touchdowns this season. The Crusaders does not throw the ball much but the junior signal caller has completed 6 of 18 for 88 yards.

    The Spartans have won five of the last six meetings between these two programs. Over the last six years, this matchup has come on the first Friday of November.

    Wyoming Valley West (2-2) at Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (2-2)

    Week Five: Friday, October 2, 2010 at 7 p.m.

    Last Three Meetings

    11/6/09: Coughlin, 14-0

    11/1/08: Wyoming Valley West, 28-13

    11/2/07: Wyoming Valley West, 20-13

    Wyoming Valley West Spartans

    2010 Record: 2-2

    Head Coach: Pat Keating

    Points Scored Per Game: 24.3

    Points Allowed Per Game: 19.8

    Trend: The Spartans are 0-2 on the road this year. To finish the 2009 season, Wyoming Valley West was 3-0 since September 18.

    Wilkes-Barre Coughlin Crusaders

    2010 Record: 2-2

    Head Coach: Ciro Cinti

    Points Scored Per Game: 10.3

    Points Allowed Per Game: 19.3

    Trend: The Crusaders have won just two of their last five home games.

  • West Scranton’s Sweeting Dives for the Victory

    West Scranton 35 Delaware Valley 34

    Delaware Valley  jumped out to a 13-0 lead and it appeared as if the Warriors were going to cruise to the finish line. Not so fast, the Invaders would not be out done. In a most exciting second half of football, West Scranton outscored the Warriors by a count of 21-8.

    Trailing in the fourth quarter 34-27, West Scranton’s quarterback Tyler Hughes connected with Malcolm Sweeting on a 68-yard strike to bring the Invaders within one point, 34-33. Instead of attempting an extra point kick, West Scranton relied in Sweeting to get them into the endzone for a two-point conversion. Tyler Hughes threw a screen pass to the right side of the field and Malcolm took care of the rest as Sweeting dove in for the two-points to give the Invaders a 35-34 lead. One last chance for Delaware Valley on fourth and three, the Warriors could not convert the first down as West Scranton outlasts the Valley, 35-34.

    West handed Delaware Valley (3-1) their first loss of the season.  The Invaders (3-1) were led by the arm of Tyler Hughes, who completed 18 of 29 for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back Josh Shroeder accounted for 134 yards on 12 carries including West Scranton’s first score (50-yard run) of the game.

    Delaware Valley got a monster night from Chris Cohen. The stud running back gained 240 yards on 42 carries. Cohen scored twice on the ground.

  • Week 4 Preview: Delaware Valley at West Scranton

    Week 4 Preview: Delaware Valley (3-0) at West Scranton (2-1)

    Scranton Memorial Stadium will be electric this Friday night when West Scranton hosts the Warriors of Delaware Valley. Joe Gerek’s Invader bunch are 2-1 after defeating Dunmore last weekend, 27-24. The Invaders jumped out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter only to survive a Dunmore rally. DeVaughn Chollette rushed the ball 17 times for 96 yards and scored 2 touchdowns for West Scranton in the third game of the season.

    The Invaders have been led by senior quarterback Tyler Hughes, who has been a versatile stud all year. Hughes has gained 460 yards on the ground (10.2 ypc) and threw for another 524 stripes through the air (52.8%).

    For the visiting Warriors, they are led by sophomore quarterback Bryan Schor. He threw for 292 yards last Friday in a, 40-20, win over Hazleton. Schor has completed 32 of 53 (60.4%) for 626 yards and 5 scores this campaign. Bryan’s main target in the week three win was to Connor Decker. The tight end caught 4 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Delaware Valley enters the contest with a 3-0 record.

    Last Three Meetings

    10/23/09: Delaware Valley, 28-24

    10/17/08: Delaware Valley, 31-7

    11/02/07: West Scranton, 33-13

  • GAR Gets Payback Versus Lakeland

    Wilkes-Barre GAR 28 Lakeland 7

    GAR got some redemption tonight in their contest against Lakeland (2-1). The Grenadiers lost last November in the district playoffs, 26-21, but that would not be the case tonight. GAR (3-0) made a resounding statement by defeating the Chiefs.

    The Grenadier first-year head coach Paul Wiedlich, Jr. handed Lakeland their first loss against Wyoming Valley Conference opposition in the last nine games.

    Lakeland’s Tyler Brady scampered in to cut the score to 14-7. Brady finished the night with 58 rushing yards on 11 carries. Chiefs’ other runner Al Tuzze led the team in rushing with 92 yards. However, GAR’s tandem of quarterback Darrell Crawford and stud running back Kurtis Thomas were too much. Both scored two touchdowns a piece. Crawford led the way with 168 yards on the ground while Thomas had 136 stripes. GAR wins, 28-7.

    GAR will be back in action next Saturday when the Grenadiers host Northwest. Lakeland will try and get back on track when they welcome Susquehanna Community on Friday.

  • Week 3 Preview: Dallas at Berwick

    Week 3 Preview: Dallas (2-0) at Berwick (1-1)

    Friday, September 17, 2010 at 7 p.m.

    The Bulldogs are attempting to rebound after this past Friday’s heartbreaking loss to North Pocono, 21-20. Berwick has been able to do so more often than not on their home turf of Crispin Field. The Bulldogs are 14-4 inside the borough since November 3, 2006.

    Dallas will enter the Dawgs Den winners of six of their last seven games away from home. However, the Mountaineers have not been successful against Berwick since 2006 and have not been victorious at Crispin Field since 2002.

    Last Three Meetings

    10/30/09: Berwick, 14-13

    10/25/08: Berwick, 35-6

    11/9/07: Berwick, 42-20

    Statistical Leaders (Unofficial)

    Dallas

    RUSHING

    Jordan Richardson (Sr.): 14 carries, 113 yards (8.1 ypc), 2 TDs

    Adam Goeringer (Sr.): 21 carries, 112 yards (5.3 ypc)

    Jim Roccograndi (Jr.): 10 carries, 78 yards (7.8 ypc), 2 TDs

    PASSING

    Adam Goeringer (Sr.): 13 of 24, 189 yards, TD

    RECEIVING

    Paul Brace (Jr.): 8 catches, 137 yards (17.1 avg)

    Berwick

    RUSHING

    Tony Goodson (Sr.): 23 carries, 84 yards (3.7 ypc)

    Jeremy Freeman (Jr.): 15 carries, 75 yards (5.0 ypc)

    Jared Pierce (Jr.): 21 carries, 35 yards (1.7 ypc), 2 TDs

    PASSING

    Jared Pierce (Jr.): 25 of 48, 446 yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs

    RECEIVING

    Sean Ridall (Sr.): 12 catches, 205 yards (17.1 avg), 3 TDs

    Eric Schleich (Sr.): 6 catches, 213 yards (35.5 avg), 3 TDs

  • Week 3 Preview: Lakeland…..

    Week 3 Preview: Lakeland (2-0) at Wilkes-Barre GAR (2-0)

    Friday, September 17, 2010 at 7 p.m.

    The rematch of last year’s District II Class AA Championship contest between the Chiefs and the Grenadiers that saw Lakeland take home the title by a count of 26-21 at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium.

    Lakeland enters the game coming off of two impressive victories which saw the Chiefs average 34.5 and allow 14 points per contest. In week one, GAR’s Kurtis Thomas ran for four scores in their opening win against Mid Valley. The Grenadiers have won three straight at home and the Chiefs have been victorious in eight of their past nine road contests.

    Last Meeting

    11/13/09: Lakeland, 26-21

    Statistical Leaders (Unofficial)

    Lakeland

    RUSHING

    Ryan Nichols (Jr.): 17 carries, 117 yards (6.9 ypc)

    Tyler Brady (Soph.): 19 carries, 105 yards (5.5 ypc)

    PASSING

    Kyle Kiehart (Soph.): 11 of 19, 172 yards, TD

    Wilkes-Barre GAR

    RUSHING

    Kurtis Thomas (Sr.): 57 carries, 338 yards (5.9 ypc), 5 TDs

    Darrell Crawford (Jr.): 24 carries, 132 yards (5.5 ypc)

    PASSING

    Darrell Crawford (Jr.): 6 of 18, 89 yards

  • Trojans Deny Berwick’s Two-Point Attempt

    North Pocono 21 Berwick 20

    In one of the great games from week two in the district, North Pocono denied Berwick’s attempt for a gutsy two-point conversion with fifty-three ticks remaining on the clock.

    The game’s first score was on the legs of Trojan running back Marquill Eggleston, who scampered across the goal line from forty-seven yards away. Eggleston finished with 97 rushing yards. North Pocono went up 14-0 after Greg Sporko darted 37-yards for the score.

    Then Berwick began to come alive as junior quarterback Jared Pierce found Eric Schleich all alone along the sidelines for a 51-yard TD connection to pull the ‘Dawgs within two, 14-12. Berwick decided to go for two and Pierce’s toss to Casey Davenport in the end zone tied the game up at 14.

    Back came the boys from Moscow, North Pocono’s signal caller Jack Williams rushed for 30-yards on a 4th and five play down to Berwick’s four yard line late in the fourth quarter. Sporko carried the ball in on the next play to give the Trojans a 21-14 lead. Sporko rushed for 101 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns.

    However, the Bulldogs did not quit. On a 4th and long situation, Pierce aired out a 57-yard touchdown pass to Sean Ridall to close the gap to a 21-20 deficit for the ‘Dawgs with 53 seconds on the clock. Coach Gary Campbell, Jr. decided to roll the dice once again. This time, Pierce’s pass to the back of the end zone is not hauled in. North Pocono held on to win, 21-20, in a thrilling contest.

    Nuggets: Ridall caught 10 passes for 127 yards. Pierce finished the game with 242 yards passing and 3 TDs (2 passing & 1 rushing). However, Jared did throw five interceptions.

  • Trojans Host Bulldogs in a Week Two Showdown

    Week 2: September 10, 2010 at 7 p.m.

    Berwick (1-0) at North Pocono (1-0)

    The Bulldogs will make the trek up I-81 North to I-84 East this Friday to face the North Pocono Trojans. Both schools enjoyed week one success and now will attempt to secure a 2-0 start. These two programs have met five times in the post-season. This will mark the first meeting since 2001 though when the Trojans handed Berwick a week two defeat, 21-15.

    Last year, Berwick was knocked out of the post-season by a school which North Pocono beat in the regular season, as well as, the Trojans were ousted in the playoffs by a school that the Dawgs knocked off in the 2009 season. Berwick was handed a 53-19 loss by Abington Heights on November 14. That same Abington team was defeated by the Trojans on October 9, 29-21. Same goes for North Pocono, Jason Sepkowski’s club was dealt a crushing defeat on November 14 by Dallas, 21-14. The Mountaineers were edged by Berwick, 14-13, the day before Halloween.

    North Pocono enters their battle with Berwick coming off of a, 10-8, victory over Dunmore. Senior 300-pound kicker slash lineman Peter Calderone booted through the up rights a game-winning 25-yard field goal to seal the deal with just a tad bit over one minute left to go in the contest. The meeting marked the first time since September 2, 2005 that the Trojans met the Bucks.

    Junior quarterback Jared Pierce led a second half comeback against Crestwood which saw the Dawgs score 26 unanswered points to win their first contest on turf at Crispin Field, 32-14. Pierce threw for 202 yards and four touchdowns (also had one rushing). His main target was 6’5 receiver Eric Schleich, who caught a game-high 123 yards and two scores.

    This marks a top ten matchup according to WNEP’s (Channel 16) Super 16 Countdown. Berwick is the number one team in the area as North Pocono is #7 this week.

    Series History

    8th Meeting

    Berwick Leads, 5-2

    Last Meeting: 9/7/01 – North Pocono, 21-15

  • Strong Second Half Surges Berwick past Crestwood

    September 3, 2010

    Berwick 32 Crestwood 14

    Crestwood was looking to accomplish something that no other Comet team had done in school history – to defeat the mighty Berwick Bulldogs.

    In the first half of the contest, it appeared as if this feat may be accomplished as the Comets went into the intermission with a 7-6 lead. However, the final twenty-four minutes would be much different as Berwick blocked a 19-yard field goal attempt with twenty-seconds left in the first half.

    Momentum was on the side of the home team as the Bulldogs scored twenty-six unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Comets, 32-14. Berwick’s junior quarterback Jared Pierce combined to score 5 touchdowns (4 passing and 1 rushing). Pierce slung two of his four scores through the air to 6’5 senior Eric Schleich. Pierce threw for 202 yards while completing seven passes. On the defensive side of the ball, senior rush end Roy Dennis made a living in the backfield as he was charged with 7 tackles, 1 quarterback sacks, 1 forced fumble and a recovery.

    Berwick appeared to start sluggish but really turned it on in the second half where the Dawgs dominated the line of scrimmage. The Bulldogs are ranked #1 in WNEP’s (Channel 16) Super 16 Countdown.

  • District II Records Since 2000

    Most Wins: Lakeland, 102

    Most 10-Win Seasons: Lakeland, 6 (2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000)

    Winning Seasons from 2000-2009: (1) Lakeland

    Most Losses: Western Wayne, 88

    Most Losses in a Row: Western Wayne, 41 (2004-08)

    Losing Seasons from 2000-2009: (3) Nanticoke, Tunkhannock, Western Wayne

    Top Ten Winning Percentages (Since 2000)

    1. Lakeland, 102-24 (.810)
    2. Dunmore, 92-30 (.748)
    3. Berwick, 86-32 (.729)
    4. Hazleton, 83-31 (.728)
    5. Abington Heights, 80-33 (.708)
    6. Wyoming Valley West, 72-36 (.667)
    7. Dallas, 71-39 (.645)
    8. Old Forge, 73-41 (.640)
    9. Lackawanna Trail, 77-44 (.636)
    10. Hanover, 71-42 (.628)

    Top Ten Worst Winning Percentages (Since 2000)

    1. Western Wayne, 13-88 (.129)
    2. Nanticoke, 19-81 (.190)
    3. Susquehanna Community, 27-74 (.267)
    4. Montrose, 30-70 (.300)
    5. Tunkhannock, 31-71 (.304)
    6. Lake-Lehman, 34-67 (.337)
    7. North Pocono, 36-67 (.350)
    8. Honesdale, 38-66 (.365)
    9. Crestwood, 40-65 (.381)
    10. Coughlin, 40-64 (.385)

    D2’s PIAA Championship Games Since 2000

    • 2007: Class AA – Jeannette 49 Dunmore 21

  • 2010 Bloomsburg Football Capsule

    Bloomsburg Panthers

    Head Coach: Larry Sones

    2009 Record/Finish: 3-2, 6-5 (3rd Place)

    District/Conference: District 4/Heratland Athletic Conference

    Class: AA

    Last Playoff Appearance: 2009

    EasternPAFootball Players to Watch: Mike Recia Sr./OG-DL

    2009 Points Per Game

    Points Scored: 21.8

    Points Allowed: 21.5

    Notes: In 2007, Bloomsburg scored 446 points over 15 games. The Panther defense allowed just a shade under two scores (13.7).

    Head Coach Larry Sones is only three years removed from his team’s Class A Eastern Region Championship loss to Steelton-Highspire, 28-14, at Hershey Park Stadium. In recent history, the Panthers have been consistent winners.

    This year should be no different with the return of their junior quarterback Blake Rankin. The 6’4 signal caller threw for 1,504 yards and 12 scores as a sophomore. The offensive line will have to give Rankin time to throw the ball. Senior Mike Recia , 2009 First-Team All-Heartland, returns to lead the line into 2010. Last year, there were three Panthers who gained over 270 yards rushing. That’s a testament to the quintet up front.

    Bloomsburg finishes the year with three of their final four contests from Panther Stadium.

    2010 Schedule

    9/3/10: at South Williamsport, 7 p.m.

    9/10/10: Muncy, 7 p.m.

    9/17/10: at Montoursville, 7 p.m.

    9/24/10: Milton, 7 p.m.

    10/1/10: at Montgomery, 7 p.m.

    10/8/10: at Southern Columbia, 7 p.m.

    10/15/10: Hughesville, 7 p.m.

    10/22/10: at Warrior Run, 7 p.m.

    10/29/10: Danville, 7 p.m.

    11/5/10: Central Columbia, 7 p.m.

    2009 Results

    9/4/09: at Muncy, 28-14 (W)

    9/11/09: South Williamsport, 48-14 (W)

    9/18/09: at Montoursville, 13-35 (L)

    9/25/09: North Penn, 31-7 (W)

    10/2/09: at Loyalsock, 0-14 (L)

    10/9/09: Southern Columbia, 27-24 (W)

    10/16/09: Montgomery, 48-12 (W)

    10/23/09: at Hughesville, 0-41 (L)

    10/30/09: Lewisburg, 20-34 (L)

    11/6/09: at Central Columbia, 19-14 (W)

    11/13/09: Southern Columbia*, 6-28 (L)

    *Playoff Game

    Last 10 Years

    2009: 6-5

    2008: 8-3

    2007: 13-2

    2006: 6-5

    2005: 4-6

    2004: 8-4

    2003: 9-3

    2002: 5-6

    2001: 3-7

    2000: 5-5

  • 2010 Wyoming Area Football Capsule

    Wyoming Area Warriors

    Head Coach: Randy Spencer

    2009 Record/Finish: 1-2, 2-8 (6th Place)

    District/Conference: District 2/Wyoming Valley Conference

    Class: AA

    Last Playoff Appearance: 2007

    EasternPAFootball Players to Watch: Chris Murphy Sr./QB-CB. Larry Popovich Sr./WR. Julian Campenni Sr./OT-DT. Nick Perugini Sr./C-LB.

    2009 Points Per Game

    Points Scored: 18.2

    Points Allowed: 30.1

    Notes: During the Warriors’ last playoff run of 2007, Wyoming Area averaged 28.4 points and allowed 14.9.

    Head coach Randy Spencer enters his third season at the helm after replacing Paul Marranca who held that position for twenty-seven years. Coach Marranca stayed on as an assistant after stepping down from his head coaching position but in 2010 will take over the Hazleton football program.

    The team opened last year with a 2-0 mark but suffered setbacks in each of their final eight games. The Warriors return senior Julian Campenni (OT/DT) who has been receiving looks from Indiana and most Mid-American schools. The 5’11, 255-pound high energy defender had eleven sacks as a junior. Senior Nick Perugini (C/LB) comes back for his final season after snagging two picks a year ago. On the offensive side of the ball, Warrior quarterback Chris Murphy threw for over 1,400 yards in 2009. He will have a big target in 6’4 Larry Popovich to throw the ball up to.

    Wyoming Area closes out the 2010 season with two of their final three at home.

    2010 Schedule

    9/3/10: at Western Wayne, 7 p.m.

    9/10/10: West Scranton, 7 p.m.

    9/17/10: at Lake-Lehman, 7 p.m.

    9/24/10: Hanover, 7 p.m.

    10/1/10: at Nanticoke, 7 p.m.

    10/8/10: Wilkes-Barre Meyers, 7 p.m.

    10/16/10: at Holy Redeemer, 1 p.m.

    10/22/10: Wilkes-Barre G.A.R., 7 p.m.

    10/29/10: Northwest, 7 p.m.

    11/5/10: at Pittston, 7 p.m.

    2009 Results

    9/4/09: at Nanticoke, 42-6 (W)

    9/11/09: at Valley View, 21-20 (W)

    9/18/09: Berwick, 21-39 (L)

    9/25/09: Crestwood, 21-42 (L)

    10/3/09: at Dallas, 7-21 (L)

    10/9/09: at Wilkes-Barre G.A.R., 16-40 (L)

    10/16/09: Coughlin, 8-15 (L)

    10/23/09: Tunkhannock, 14-20 (L)

    10/30/09: at Wyoming Valley West, 13-58 (L)

    11/6/09: Pittston, 19-40 (L)

    Last 10 Years

    2009: 2-8

    2008: 4-6

    2007: 10-2

    2006: 10-3

    2005: 10-2

    2004: 6-6

    2003: 9-4

    2002: 9-3

    2001: 7-5

    2000: 4-6

  • 2010 Dallas Football Capsule

    Dallas Mountaineers

    Head Coach: Ted Jackson

    2009 Record/Finish: 3-0, 10-2 (T-1st Place)

    District/Conference: District 2/Wyoming Valley Conference

    Class: AAA

    Last Playoff Appearance: 2009

    2009 Points Per Game

    Points Scored: 23.8

    Points Allowed: 13.8

    Notes: Not sure which stat is more impressive. The fact that the Mountaineers improved on scoring offense (8.4 to 23.8) or in scoring defense (24.0 to 13.8) within one year.

    When a dependable playoff program like Dallas finishes a season at 2-8, it has a lot of people scratching their heads. However, as we all realized early on last year that the 2008 season was nothing more than a mirage. The Mountaineers jumped out to a 8-0 start. Dallas lost a heartbreaker to Berwick, 14-13, the day before Halloween.

    The defense was stellar as they only allowed two teams all year to score more than fourteen points in a game. Through week six, the Mountaineers defense had held their opponents to an average of 9.2 points.

    Year number twenty-six for head coach Ted Jackson will have to wait to begin until week five. Jackson was suspended by the PIAA after an incident in Tunkhannock last fall. The coach can not have any contact with his football team until the completion of the fourth game of the 2010 season.

    2010 Schedule

    9/4/10: Coughlin, 1 p.m.

    9/11/10: at Scranton, 1:30 p.m.

    9/17/10: at Berwick, 7 p.m.

    9/25/10: Pittston, 1 p.m.

    10/2/10: Williamsport, 1 p.m.

    10/8/10: at Wyoming Valley West, 7 p.m.

    10/15/10: at Crestwood, 7 p.m.

    10/22/10: at Pocono Mountain East, 7 p.m.

    10/30/10: Tunkhannock, 1:30 p.m.

    11/6/10: Lake Lehman, 1 p.m.

    2009 Results

    9/4/09: at Williamsport, 21-14 (W)

    9/12/09: Coughlin, 14-6 (W)

    9/18/09: at Tunkhannock, 21-14 (W)

    9/26/09: Pittston, 36-6 (W)

    10/3/09: Wyoming Area, 21-7 (W)

    10/10/09: Hanover, 15-8 (W)

    10/16/09: at Crestwood, 34-27 (W)

    10/25/09: Pocono Mountain East, 35-14 (W)

    10/30/09: at Berwick,  13-14 (L)

    11/6/09: at Lake Lehman, 48-6 (W)

    11/14/09: North Pocono*, 21-14 (W)

    11/21/09: Abington Heights*, 6-35 (L)

    *Playoff Game

    Last 10 Years

    2009: 10-2

    2008: 2-8

    2007: 8-3

    2006: 7-4

    2005: 6-4

    2004: 7-3

    2003: 9-3

    2002: 7-4

    2001: 7-4

    2000: 8-4

  • 2010 Hazleton Football Capsule

    Hazleton Cougars

    Head Coach: Paul Marranca

    2009 Record/Finish: 4-1, 8-4 (T-1st Place)

    District/Conference: District 2/Wyoming Valley Conference

    Class: AAAA

    Last Playoff Appearance: 2009

    2009 Points Per Game

    Points Scored: 20.6

    Points Allowed: 13.7

    Notes: The defense improved last season as the Cougars allowed just 13.7 compared to 2008 when they allowed an impressive 16.1 points per contest.

    Hazleton football will be in good hands with first-year head coach Paul Marranca patrolling the sidelines. Marranca has twenty-seven years of heading coaching experience mostly at Wyoming Area. He led the Warriors to three District 2 championships during his stay.

    The Cougars defense held six of their twelve opponents to single digits in 2009. As impressive as the defense was one year ago, the offense slipped a little as the scoring production decreased from 29.1 (2008) to 20.6 (2009).

    The Cougars last suffered through a losing season in 1999 (5-7). Since them, Hazleton has been impressive by amassing eighty-three victories since the turn of the century.

    2010 Schedule

    9/3/10: Abington Heights, 7 p.m.

    9/10/10: at Williamsport, 7 p.m.

    9/17/10: Delaware Valley, 7 p.m.

    9/24/10: at Tunkhannock, 7 p.m.

    10/1/10: at Pittston, 7 p.m.

    10/8/10: Crestwood, 7 p.m.

    10/15/10: Wyoming Valley West, 7 p.m.

    10/22/10: Coughlin, 7 p.m.

    10/29/10: at East Stroudsburg South, 7 p.m.

    11/5/10: at Berwick, 7 p.m.

    2009 Results

    9/5/09: at Abington Heights, 18-33 (L)

    9/11/09: at Stroudsburg, 39-6 (W)

    9/18/09: Pleasant Valley, 40-14 (W)

    9/25/09: Delaware Valley, 19-0 (W)

    10/2/09: at Williamsport, 7-21 (L)

    10/12/09: Pittston, 47-0 (W)

    10/17/09: at Wyoming Valley West, 14-7 (W)

    10/23/09: at Crestwood, 7-0 (W)

    10/30/09: East Stroudsburg South, 3-35 (L)

    11/6/09: Berwick, 28-6 (W)

    11/13/09: Williamsport, 19-14 (W)

    11/20/09: Easton*, 6-28 (L)

    *Playoff Game

    Last 10 Years

    2009: 8-4

    2008: 10-2

    2007: 11-2

    2006: 8-3

    2005: 10-2

    2004: 5-5

    2003: 10-2

    2002: 9-2

    2001: 7-4

    2000: 5-5

  • 2010 Crestwood Football Capsule

    Crestwood Comets

    Head Coach: Greg Myers

    2009 Record/Finish: 1-5, 4-6 (8th Place)

    District/Conference: District 2/Wyoming Valley Conference

    Class: AAA

    Last Playoff Appearance: 2007

    2009 Points Per Game

    Points Scored: 18.6

    Points Allowed: 23.9

    Notes: The Comet offense dropped from their scoring average of 25.3 in 2007 to 16.3 in 2008.

    The red and black attack from Mountain Top will attempt to get off on the right foot at Berwick for the season opener on the new surface at Crispin Field. The Dawgs have not been too kind to the Comets winning their early season meetings each of the last four years by combined score of 123-38.

    Dating back to the middle of the 2007 campaign, the Comets have won just once in twelve tries against teams who finished the season with a winning record (9/5/08: Pocono Mountain West, 21-14). Head Coach Greg Myers has reason to be optimistic though as his team played in five contests decided by ten points or less (2-3).

    Crestwood will begin their preseason schedule against West Scranton on August 21 (10 a.m.). The Trojans of Wyoming Valley West will come calling for a special Saturday contest in week eight for the annual Comets’ homecoming.

    2010 Schedule

    9/3/10: at Berwick, 7 p.m.

    9/10/10: Pocono Mountain West, 7 p.m.

    9/17/10: at Pittston, 7 p.m.

    9/24/10: East Stroudsburg North, 7 p.m.

    10/1/10: at Tunkhannock, 7 p.m.

    10/8/10: at Hazleton, 7 p.m.

    10/15/10: Dallas, 7 p.m.

    10/23/10: Wyoming Valley West, 7 p.m.

    10/29/10: at Williamsport, 7 p.m.

    11/5/10: Coughlin, 7 p.m.

    2009 Results

    9/4/09: at Berwick, 0-35 (L)

    9/11/09: at Pocono Mountain West, 16-14 (W)

    9/18/09: Pittston, 4-35 (L)

    9/25/09: at Wyoming Area, 42-21 (W)

    10/2/09: at Tunkhannock, 29-22 (W)

    10/9/09: Williamsport, 14-24 (L)

    10/16/09: Dallas, 27-34 (L)

    10/23/09: Hazleton, 0-7 (L)

    10/31/09: at Coughlin, 0-35 (L)

    11/6/09: Holy Redeemer, 54-12 (W)

    Last 10 Years

    2009: 4-6

    2008: 2-8

    2007: 5-6

    2006: 7-5

    2005: 4-6

    2004: 4-6

    2003: 5-6

    2002: 2-9

    2001: 3-7

    2000: 4-6

  • 2010 Berwick Football Capsule

    Berwick Bulldogs

    Head Coach: Gary Campbell, Jr.

    2009 Record/Finish: 4-2, 7-4 (3rd Place)

    District/Conference: District 2/Wyoming Valley Conference

    Class: AAA

    Last Playoff Appearance: 2009

    EasternPAFootball Players to Watch: Casey Davenport Sr./TE-DE

     

    2009 Points Per Game

    Points Scored: 21.9

    Points Allowed: 17.3

    Notes: Although posting three shutouts, the Berwick defense was down from 2008 (10.1 points allowed).

    Excitement in Berwick is building by the day in anticipation of the up and coming season. Crispin Field will have a new look as Berwick will play their home games on turf for the first time.

    The Bulldogs play against two perennial powers in the preseason (Bethlehem Liberty and Central Dauphin). Berwick will christen their new digs with a meeting from the Hurricanes on August 21 (11 am). The 2008 PIAA Class AAAA State Champions finished last year with a 6-5 record. The following week, the Dawgs will get a glimpse at one of the state’s top offensive linemen in Artie Rowell when Central Dauphin comes calling on August 27 (6 pm). The 6’2, 296-pound guard has verbally committed to Pittsburgh.

    Gary Campbell Jr enters his fifth season as head coach of the Bulldogs. Campbell needs one win to become the fifth most winningest coach in school history (passing Adam Sieminski). Junior Jared Pierce will get lots of reps at the quarterback position. Berwick also returns defensive ends Roy Dennis and Casey Davenport. Dennis is a high-motor guy. Seems like he always around the ball. At 6’3, 240-pounds Davenport is an elite athlete when healthy. He may be an even better tight end prospect. He has good hands and he is bruising blocker.

    2010 Schedule

    9/3/10: Crestwood, 7 p.m.

    9/10/10: at North Pocono, 7 p.m.

    9/17/10: Dallas, 7 p.m.

    9/24/10: at Wyoming Valley West, 7 p.m.

    10/1/10: at Selinsgrove, 7 p.m.

    10/8/10: Tukhannock, 7 p.m.

    10/15/10: Williamsport, 7 p.m.

    10/22/10: at Pittston, 7 p.m.

    10/29/10: at Coughlin, 7 p.m.

    11/5/10: Hazelton, 7 p.m.

    2009 Results

    9/4/09: Crestwood, 35-0 (W)

    9/12/09: Tunkhannock, 36-6 (W)

    9/18/09: at Wyoming Area, 39-21 (W)

    9/25/09: Wyoming Valley West, 7-14 (L)

    10/2/09: Selinsgrove, 6-34 (L)

    10/9/09: at West Scranton, 28-21 (W)

    10/19/09: at Pittston, 30-0 (W)

    10/23/09: at Coughlin, 21-0 (W)

    10/30/09: Dallas, 14-13 (W)

    11/6/09: at Hazleton, 6-28 (L)

    11/14/09: at Abington Heights*, 19-53 (L)

    *Playoff Game

    Last 10 Years

    2009: 7-4

    2008: 11-3

    2007: 9-3

    2006: 4-6

    2005: 7-3

    2004: 12-2

    2003: 9-2

    2002: 5-5

    2001: 10-3

    2000: 12-1

  • NFL Draft – Notable District II Draftees

    District II Notable NFL Draftees

    The National Football League has landed a number of talented players from the northeastern part of the Keystone state over the years. In the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region of the state, the game of football met such names as the Ismails, Munchak and Trippi. Charlie Trippi was not only a three-time All-Pro selection of the Chicago Cardinals but he is also enshrined in both the College Football Hall of Fame, as well as, the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

    At the end of Mike Munchak’s brilliant football career he was honored by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The former Penn State bruising guard was a nine-time Pro Bowl choice. Number 63 will go down in history as one of the best offensive linemen not only of the 1980s but of all-time.

    Notable District II NFL Draftees

    Year

    Rnd

    Pick

    Name

    High School

    College

    Team

    1945

    1

    1

    Charlie Trippi, HB

    Pittston/LaSalle Academy

    Georgia

    Cardinals

    1982

    1

    8

    Mike Munchak, G

    Scranton

    Penn St.

    Oilers

    1992

    2

    32

    Greg Skrepenak, T

    WB-GAR

    Michigan

    Raiders

    1993

    2

    52

    Qadry Ismail, WR

    WB-Meyers

    Syracuse

    Vikings

    1994

    2

    65

    Tim Ruddy, C

    Dunmore

    Notre Dame

    Dolphins

    1990

    3

    62

    Marc Spindler, DT

    West Scranton

    Pittsburgh

    Lions

    1983

    4

    96

    Mark Duda, DT

    Wyoming Valley West

    Maryland

    Cardinals

    1991

    4

    100

    Raghib Ismail, WR

    WB-Meyers

    Notre Dame

    Raiders

    1981

    5

    128

    Jerry Boyarsky, DT

    Lakeland

    Pittsburgh

    Saints

    1998

    5

    151

    Phil Ostrowski, G

    WB-Meyers

    Penn St.

    49ers

    1989

    6

    157

    Bo Orlando, S

    Berwick

    W. Virginia

    Oilers

    1961

    7

    94

    Al Bemiller, C

    Hanover

    Syracuse

    Cardinals

    1990

    7

    181

    Fred Deriggi, DT

    West Scranton

    Syracuse

    Bills

    1963

    8

    102

    Tom Woodeshick, RB

    Hanover

    W. Virginia

    Eagles

    1971

    9

    219

    Mike Fanucci, DE

    Dunmore

    Arizona St.

    Redskins

    1987

    9

    247

    Bob Ontko, LB

    Wyoming Valley West

    Penn St.

    Colts

    1948

    10

    78

    Mike Katrishen, G

    Hazleton

    Alabama/S.Miss

    Redskins

    1953

    15

    172

    Nick Chickillo, LB

    West Scranton

    Miami

    Cardinals

    1942

    19

    180

    Edgar Jones, HB

    Scranton

    Pittsburgh

    Bears

     

  • Northeast PA Pro Bowl Selections by Year

    Reported by: Vince Pellegrini

    For the first time since 1980, the NFL’s all-stars will not convene in Honolulu instead they will be playing later this month in Miami. On January 31, the NFL’s best will meet in the Pro Bowl at Dolphins Stadium.

    However, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area has produced many great football players including a number of stellar offensive linemen. Scranton Central High School’s Mike Munchack was a former first round selection of Houston in the 1982 draft. After starting 156 games at his guard position, Munchack was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. Mike was selected to play in the Pro Bowl nine times including seven straight trips (1987-93).

    In the 1951 NFL Draft, did the Cleveland Browns really know who they were getting in Walt Michaels in the 7th round from little Washington & Lee University? Chances are that they didn’t. Michaels was voted to five straight Pro Bowls (1955-59). He made 133 starts and recorded eleven interceptions over his eleven year career.

    Here is a glance at the Northeast Pennsylvanian contribution to the Pro Bowl. Many people compare Youngstown, Ohio to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. Here’s your chance to compare each region in terms of individual National Football League success:

    Northeast Pennsylvania High School Pro Bowl Selections by Year

    Year Name High School NFL Team Pos
    2000 Tim Ruddy Dunmore Dolphins C
    1993 Mike Munchack Scranton Central Oilers G
    1992 Mike Munchack Scranton Central Oilers G
    1991 Mike Munchack Scranton Central Oilers G
    1990 Mike Munchack Scranton Central Oilers G
    1989 Mike Munchack Scranton Central Oilers G
    1988 Mike Munchack Scranton Central Oilers G
    1987 Mike Munchack Scranton Central Oilers G
    1985 Mike Munchack Scranton Central Oilers G
    1984 Mike Munchack Scranton Central Oilers G
    1965 Ed Rutkowski Kingston Bills WR
    1964 John Paluck Swoyersville Redskins DE
    1963 Lou Michaels Swoyersville/Staunton Military Steelers DE
    1962 Lou Michaels Swoyersville/Staunton Military Steelers DE
    1959 Walt Michaels Swoyersville Browns LB
    1958 Walt Michaels Swoyersville Browns LB
    1957 Walt Michaels Swoyersville Browns LB
    1956 Walt Michaels Swoyersville Browns LB
    1955 Walt Michaels Swoyersville Browns LB
    1953 Charley Trippi Pittston/LaSalle Academy Cardinals HB
    1952 Charley Trippi Pittston/LaSalle Academy Cardinals QB
    1942 Chuck Cherundolo Old Forge Steelers C
    Chuck Drulis Girardville Bears G
    John Siegal Larksville Bears WR
    1941 Chuck Cherundolo Old Forge Steelers C
    Al Matuza Shenandoah/Staunton Military Bears C
    John Siegal Larksville Bears WR
    1940 John Siegal Larksville Bears WR/DE

    Northeast Pennsylvania College Pro Bowl Selections by Year

    Year Name College NFL Team Pos
    1942 Enio Conti Bucknell Eagles G
    1940 Clarke Hinkle Bucknell Packers FB/LB
    1939 Clarke Hinkle Bucknell Packers FB/LB
    1938 Clarke Hinkle Bucknell Packers FB/LB
    Stu Smith Bucknell Steelers FB/D