The good news of any season ending report is the success and accomplishments, including State Titles and individual milestones enjoyed by many together with the excitement and memories of so many great moments of action and competition seen by all in our great sport of high school football in Pennsylvania. On a sad note, it does mark the end of the 2008 campaign and a wait until August for the 2009 season. A Happy New Year to all and much hope and best wishes for the off season and may we all enjoy a great College Bowl Game season, as well as the NFL Playoffs and the drive for Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida.
As I prepare this column, Congratulations again to all of our outstanding athletes who competed this past season, including the coaches, cheerleaders, schools and all representatives, including the PIAA, the many media reporters and photographers, especially Eastern Pa Football.com; Pa Football News; and PCN Television for outstanding coverage throughout the year.
This past weekend, Saturday January 3, 2009, two of PA’s exceptional players were fortunate to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. Offensive Lineman, ERIC SHRIVE of WEST SCRANTON and Linebacker, DORIAN BELL of GATEWAY joined some of the nation’s finest in leading the EAST team in competition. SHRIVE is bound for Penn State in the fall, while BELL will add significantly to the Ohio State program. No doubt the Penn State – Ohio State will heat up even more so, especially for these fine competitors.
As a recap of State Title action, in AAAA it was BETHLEHEM LIBERTY finally hoisting the championship hardware with an exciting overtime victory over BETHEL PARK. It marked the Hurricanes first state title despite several runnerup finishes in recent years. In the AA game, another overtime thriller was witnessed by all in a game for the ages. The final result saw WILMINGTON pulling off the upset over heralded WEST CATHOLIC. On Friday, THOMAS JEFFERSON repeated as the AAA champion with a convincing win over ARCHBISHOP WOOD. Finally, in the A game, it was STEELTON HIGHSPIRE repeating as well with an impressive victory over CLAIRTON. Congratulations to all teams on a fine season!
As a final note for the 2008 season, thanks to all who made this year a memorable one for many years to come. Also, thanks to the many who extended best wishes for my Dad, who unfortunately suffered a stroke in mid October. Dad has been through some tough times and hospitalizations, but he has gotten better and came home for the Holidays as of December 23. He has a long road of rehabilitation ahead of him but is taking day by day and continues to improve. Thank you all and again Best Wishes to Everyone for a Happy New Year 2009!
See You Next Season…..On The Sidelines!!!
