PCNTV SCHEDULE
---SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE---
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
10:00 AM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (from Tuesday)
PA Gaming Control Board
12:45 PM It's History! Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum in South Williamsport, PA
1:00 PM PCN Call-In: Gettysburg Casino Licensing (Recorded)
Keith Miller, No Casino Gettysburg
Jeff Klein, Pro Casino Adams County
2:10 PM It's History! The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in Pittsburgh
2:30 PM It's History! Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Museum of Rural Life in Avella, PA
3:00 PM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (from Today)
PA Gaming Control Board
5:55 PM Weather World
6:10 PM PCN Tours PA Precision Cast Parts
Lebanon, PA
7:00 PM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (from Today)
PA Gaming Control Board
9:55 PM Gov. Ed Rendell Press Conference
August Revenues
Energy Investments
10:35 PM Election 2010: Marcellus Shale Development
Dan Onorato, Democrat for Governor
11:15 PM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (from Today)
PA Gaming Control Board
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
6:00 AM PCN Profiles Kenneth Melani
President and CEO of Highmark, Inc.
7:00 AM PCN Tours PA State Police Academy
Hershey, PA
8:00 AM PA Books "Dorney Park"
Authors: Wally Ely and Bob Ott
9:00 AM Gov. Ed Rendell Press Conference
August Revenues
Energy Investments
9:45 AM Election 2010: Marcellus Shale Development
Dan Onorato, Democrat for Governor
10:30 AM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (from Wednesday)
PA Gaming Control Board
1:30 PM Gov. Ed Rendell Press Conference
August Revenues
Energy Investments
2:15 PM Election 2010: Marcellus Shale Development
Dan Onorato, Democrat for Governor
2:55 PM Election 2010: Tom Corbett, Republican for PA Governor
Tours Ask Foods of Palmyra, PA
3:50 PM 90th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote
Women's Equality Coalition
5:45 PM Weather World
6:00 PM PCN Tours PA State Police Academy
Hershey, PA
7:00 PM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (Tuesday)
PA Gaming Control Board
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
6:00 AM PCN Profiles Fred Miles
Cartoonist
7:00 AM PCN Tours Pacific Coast Pillow Factory
Lebanon, PA
8:00 AM PA Books "Double Buckeyes"
Author: Bud Shuster
9:00 AM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (Wednesday)
http://pcntv.com/
On this page I will have all information on sports events from Nazareth High School and all other sports events in the country. I will also have news about myself and other people.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
TUESDAY AUGUST 31ST RCN TALK SHOW FROM THE FAIR
Tuesday August 31, 2010
Thursday at 6 pm from the Allentown Fair on RCN TV-4 and WGPA 1100-AM radio.
Live on WGPA Sunny 1100am Radio"Sports Talk Call-in Show with Chris Michaels & Joe Craig.
A Allen-Dieruff Reunion is the topic on Tonight's Show!
Sports fans can email us questions/opinions at any time at rcnsportstalk@rcn.com
Our panelists will respond to viewers comments live on our next show.
Thanks for any mention you can give us.
Please call me at 610-476-0895 if I can provide you with any addition information.
Chris Michaels
Thursday at 6 pm from the Allentown Fair on RCN TV-4 and WGPA 1100-AM radio.
Live on WGPA Sunny 1100am Radio"Sports Talk Call-in Show with Chris Michaels & Joe Craig.
A Allen-Dieruff Reunion is the topic on Tonight's Show!
Sports fans can email us questions/opinions at any time at rcnsportstalk@rcn.com
Our panelists will respond to viewers comments live on our next show.
Thanks for any mention you can give us.
Please call me at 610-476-0895 if I can provide you with any addition information.
Chris Michaels
"Time Out For Mom''
FROM ROSS NUNAMAKER
"Time Out For Mom":
Are you looking for some social time with your peers to sit back and relax? If so, please consider joining "Time Out For Mom", a woman's group that meets weekly to provide friendship, guidance and support to women with children of all ages from newborn, to pre-school, to high school. Meetings are held every Wednesday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am in the Wortmann Center at Holy Family Parish, Nazareth. All women within the local communities are invited to join the group. For those mothers with young children, childcare is available. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th. For more information, please feel free to contact the Holy Family Parish office at (610) 759-0870.
Posted via email from Ross Nunamaker
"Time Out For Mom":
Are you looking for some social time with your peers to sit back and relax? If so, please consider joining "Time Out For Mom", a woman's group that meets weekly to provide friendship, guidance and support to women with children of all ages from newborn, to pre-school, to high school. Meetings are held every Wednesday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am in the Wortmann Center at Holy Family Parish, Nazareth. All women within the local communities are invited to join the group. For those mothers with young children, childcare is available. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th. For more information, please feel free to contact the Holy Family Parish office at (610) 759-0870.
Posted via email from Ross Nunamaker
Insomniak Theatre Events
FROM ROSS NUNAMAKER
Received this note via Facebook for Insomniak Theatre:
Subject: CLOSER seeks Stage Manager
CLOSER by Patrick Marber
Insomniak Theatre Company
Seeks a Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager
Show dates are October 5,6,7,8,9 @ 8pm, October 9, 10 @ 2pm
If interested please phone 610-217-7962. Rehearsals have begun. Cast includes: Michelle Reider, Pete Sanchez, Jen Santos and Daniel Sottile..
--------------------
Posted via email from Ross Nunamaker
Received this note via Facebook for Insomniak Theatre:
Subject: CLOSER seeks Stage Manager
CLOSER by Patrick Marber
Insomniak Theatre Company
Seeks a Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager
Show dates are October 5,6,7,8,9 @ 8pm, October 9, 10 @ 2pm
If interested please phone 610-217-7962. Rehearsals have begun. Cast includes: Michelle Reider, Pete Sanchez, Jen Santos and Daniel Sottile..
--------------------
Posted via email from Ross Nunamaker
ESPN college football analysts look at Big Ten, BCS contenders
FROM KEITH GROLLER
The releases keep coming into my inbox as all of the sports networks, at least the ones covering football, have their preseason teleconferences and media functions.
Here's the latest from ESPN, a look at how their college football analysts handicap the Big Ten and BCS title pictures.
Big Ten
ESPN Analyst
Winner
Comments
Kirk Herbstreit
Ohio State
(Over Boston College) Terrelle Pryor will use the Rose Bowl as kind of a balancing opportunity to get into 2010 and really showcase his talents. I think Jim Tressel will trust him more and really attack on the offensive side.
Lee Corso
Iowa
They’ve got Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin all at home, and Ricky Stanzi has never lost a game that he started and finished.
Desmond Howard
Wisconsin
This is the year that they finally get over that hump; they have Ohio State at home, they’ve got to travel to play Iowa.
Ed Cunningham
Wisconsin
Call me after October 16 and make fun of this pick.
Bob Davie
Ohio State
Confidence again in winning big games after last year’s Rose Bowl.
Lou Holtz
Ohio State
They are a complete team. They can run and throw, good offense and good defense, plus an excellent QB in Terrelle Pryor.
Craig James
Ohio State
Loads of talent and an offensive line that I expect to make Terrelle Pryor and the rest of the offensive players look great. All great offenses have one thing in common: great offensive lines.
Jesse Palmer
Ohio State
Terrelle Pryor demonstrated his potential during last season's Rose Bowl victory and he's surrounded by gifted and experienced playmakers at the skill positions.
BCS Championship Game
ESPN Analyst
Winner
Comments
Kirk Herbstreit
Ohio State
(Over Oklahoma) I like Oklahoma coming out of the Big 12 but I think Jim Tressel will open up the playbook this year for Terrelle Pryor.
Lee Corso
Nebraska
Beating Florida, just like in 1995. Nebraska’s defense wins it.
Desmond Howard
Alabama
The trend right now is whoever wins the SEC championship game, they go to the BCS championship game, so I’ve got Alabama beating the team who I say will be there in 2010, Miami.
Ed Cunningham
Wisconsin
(Over TCU) TCU overtakes Boise State in the standings because of tougher in-conference play at the end of the season and Wisconsin’s schedule sets up pretty well.
Bob Davie
Alabama
Over Ohio State, Alabama is a back-to-back champ.
Lou Holtz
Ohio State
(Over Boise State) The Big 10 wins the championship. Boise State loses their first game. Ohio State is not the best team, Alabama is – but they lose to Florida in Tuscaloosa. With a target on your back, it’s hard not to get wounded when everyone is shooting at you.
Craig James
Alabama
(Over Ohio State) The balance of the Tide’s offense and their speed on defense will allow them to somewhat contain Pryor. There’s nothing like experience when it comes to playing BIG games, and the Tide has lots of experience to pull from.
Jesse Palmer
Alabama
(Over Ohio State) SEC wins fifth straight national championship behind physical running and aggressive defense.
http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
The releases keep coming into my inbox as all of the sports networks, at least the ones covering football, have their preseason teleconferences and media functions.
Here's the latest from ESPN, a look at how their college football analysts handicap the Big Ten and BCS title pictures.
Big Ten
ESPN Analyst
Winner
Comments
Kirk Herbstreit
Ohio State
(Over Boston College) Terrelle Pryor will use the Rose Bowl as kind of a balancing opportunity to get into 2010 and really showcase his talents. I think Jim Tressel will trust him more and really attack on the offensive side.
Lee Corso
Iowa
They’ve got Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin all at home, and Ricky Stanzi has never lost a game that he started and finished.
Desmond Howard
Wisconsin
This is the year that they finally get over that hump; they have Ohio State at home, they’ve got to travel to play Iowa.
Ed Cunningham
Wisconsin
Call me after October 16 and make fun of this pick.
Bob Davie
Ohio State
Confidence again in winning big games after last year’s Rose Bowl.
Lou Holtz
Ohio State
They are a complete team. They can run and throw, good offense and good defense, plus an excellent QB in Terrelle Pryor.
Craig James
Ohio State
Loads of talent and an offensive line that I expect to make Terrelle Pryor and the rest of the offensive players look great. All great offenses have one thing in common: great offensive lines.
Jesse Palmer
Ohio State
Terrelle Pryor demonstrated his potential during last season's Rose Bowl victory and he's surrounded by gifted and experienced playmakers at the skill positions.
BCS Championship Game
ESPN Analyst
Winner
Comments
Kirk Herbstreit
Ohio State
(Over Oklahoma) I like Oklahoma coming out of the Big 12 but I think Jim Tressel will open up the playbook this year for Terrelle Pryor.
Lee Corso
Nebraska
Beating Florida, just like in 1995. Nebraska’s defense wins it.
Desmond Howard
Alabama
The trend right now is whoever wins the SEC championship game, they go to the BCS championship game, so I’ve got Alabama beating the team who I say will be there in 2010, Miami.
Ed Cunningham
Wisconsin
(Over TCU) TCU overtakes Boise State in the standings because of tougher in-conference play at the end of the season and Wisconsin’s schedule sets up pretty well.
Bob Davie
Alabama
Over Ohio State, Alabama is a back-to-back champ.
Lou Holtz
Ohio State
(Over Boise State) The Big 10 wins the championship. Boise State loses their first game. Ohio State is not the best team, Alabama is – but they lose to Florida in Tuscaloosa. With a target on your back, it’s hard not to get wounded when everyone is shooting at you.
Craig James
Alabama
(Over Ohio State) The balance of the Tide’s offense and their speed on defense will allow them to somewhat contain Pryor. There’s nothing like experience when it comes to playing BIG games, and the Tide has lots of experience to pull from.
Jesse Palmer
Alabama
(Over Ohio State) SEC wins fifth straight national championship behind physical running and aggressive defense.
http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
Tuesday!
Wednesday September 1, 2010
I am Here!!
Late Today!
Welcome to September!!!!
Already 2pm!!
I Been having stomach problems the last couple days.
It KILLING me.
Probably because of all the excitement lately!!
Too many exciting things lately!!
I Am really excited about my 1st JOB Ever!!!!!!!!!
It a big thing for me!!
1st step of many great things in my life!!!!!!
Can't wait until September 17th the 1st HOME FOOTBALL GAME!!!!!
Collecting Tickets at Mitchell Entrance!!!!!!
A NAZARETH EMPLOYEE!!!!!!!!
Also on Saturdays helping Ross Nunamaker at the Arts Center!!!!!!
I Signed my name at Nazareth Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How are you?
How your week?
What have you been up to?
It really HOT Out there.
92 Today.
I Think that Killing my Stomach too.
Phillies been playing 10:00 games lately.
That been keeping me up late too!
The Allentown Fair this week!!
RCN SPORTS TALK LIVE FROM THE FAIR
6PM-7PM ON RCN4
Wednesday: Race Car Drivers
Thursday: Celticfest Guests and the Allen High School Cheerleaders.
Monday at 11am did my Radio Show and at 10pm did the Phillies Game on Comcast.
Tuesday at 9:30am SIGNED MY NAME AT NAZARETH and at 11am did my Radio Show and at 10pm did the Phillies Game on Comcast.
When will we have FALL WEATHER?
It too HOT FOR ME.
I Been going to Nazareth Football Practices!
They been looking great!
They will be at Pleasant Valley Teachers.
I Hope my HIGH SCHOOL Friends had a great 1st week of School!
Closed Friday and Monday.
To all my High School Teachers:
Any Labor Day Plans?
Going anywhere?
I Will be announcing the MDA Telethon Sunday night and Monday!!!!!!!
Schedule:
Wednesday:
8:30am-10:30am DIANA
10am-3pm GLEN MAC AND ANTHONY GARGANO ON 610 WIP
11am RADIO SHOW ON WEEX 1230
1pm-3pm Jody Mac and Brandon Tierney on 1050am NEW YORK
4pm-6:30pm HAPPY HOUR ON WEEX 1230
4pm-6pm DIANA
4:40pm-5:20pm FOOTBALL PRACTICE
5:20pm-5:50pm SANDY PHILLIPS
7pm IRONPIGS BASEBALL ON WEEX 1230
3pm Announce Phillies Baseball on Comcast
NO ANNOUNCING TONIGHT
OFF TONIGHT
10pm Anchor the news on CW57
Thursday:
8:30am-10:30am DIANA
10am-3pm GLEN MAC AND ANTHONY GARGANO ON 610 WIP
11am RADIO SHOW ON WEEX 1230
1pm-3pm Jody Mac and Brandon Tierney on 1050am NEW YORK
4pm-6:30pm HAPPY HOUR ON WEEX 1230
4pm-6pm DIANA
4:40pm-5:20pm FOOTBALL PRACTICE
5:20pm-5:50pm SANDY PHILLIPS
6pm RCN SPORTS TALK ON RCN4
7pm IRONPIGS BASEBALL ON WEEX 1230
7pm Announce Phillies Baseball on Comcast
10pm Anchor the news on CW57
Friday:
8:30am-10:30am DIANA
10am-3pm GLEN MAC AND ANTHONY GARGANO ON 610 WIP
11am RADIO SHOW ON WEEX 1230
1pm-3pm Jody Mac and Brandon Tierney on 1050am NEW YORK
4pm-6:30pm HAPPY HOUR ON WEEX 1230
4pm-6pm DIANA
4:40pm-5:20pm FOOTBALL PRACTICE
5:20pm-5:50pm SANDY PHILLIPS
6PM AT THE NAZARETH AT PLEASANT VALLEY FOOTBALL GAME
11pm Announce the BIG TICKET on WFMZ
10pm Anchor the news on CW57
Saturday:
8:30-9:30am DIANA
9-11am KEITH GROLLER ON 1470AM
11am 69 Sports Saturday on WEEX 1230
NOON-5PM NED RICHARDS ON WGPA 1100
NOON PENN STATE FOOTBALL VS YOUNGSTOWN STATE
5pm-8:45pm Dennis Christman on WGPA 1100
7pm Announce Phillies Baseball on Comcast
10pm Anchor 10pm news on CW57
Sunday:
9:30am-NOON Jolly Joe Timmer on 1100am WGPA
9am-Noon John Richetta on 1470 THE FOX
11am RADIO SHOW ON WEEX 1230
12-3pm Jeff Dean on 1100am WGPA
12:30pm Announce the CHHARLIE MANUEL SHOW ON MYPHL17
1:30pm Announce Phillies Baseball on MYPHL17
5:30pm IRONPIGS BASEBALL ON WEEX 1230
9pm-1am Announce the MDA Telethon on WNEP 16
10pm Anchor 10pm news on CW57
RIP:
Dale Earenhardt SR.
Davey Allison
COURTNEY DIACONT
GRANDMA WEAVER
JAMIE LINTZ
JOHN VUKOVCICH
KRISTEN
BENNY PARSONS
DEREK KEHOE
JOSH HANCOCK
Joe Schneider
Frank Klepeisz
Mary Mutchler
Jene Flick
Frank Jenny
Jennifer Jacksits
Donald Williams
John Marzano
Andrew Millheim
Harold Rrenyold
Todd Rothrock
Wayne Grube
Catherine Baker Knoll
Josh Booth
Francesco Tolerico
Craig Borst
George Williams
Deborah Ed
Phil Newbaker
Harry Kalas
Dan Ozark
Chuck Daly
Brenton Krouse
Joshua Miller
Gary Pappa
Farrah Facett
Irv Homer
Michael Jackson
Steve Mcnair
Paul Marcinkowski
Walt Cronkite
Henry Tomkowski (Who raised a great and fun Daughter)
Tom Partridge
Angelica Fox
Melissa Kinsella
Joey Beers
Ben Yorgy
Brooke Stephens
Ryan Zawada
Frank Silfries
Pumpkin Groller
Al Alberts
Morgan Mcginis
Jason Gilligan
Harriet Lindenmoyer
Barbara Johnson
Chris Henry
Oral Roberts
Patti Heffner
Britney Murphy
Glen W. Bell Jr
Vince Heinlein
Heather Miller
John Murtha
Julio Rivera
Aaaron Groff
Jack Lapos
Tom Ochs
Mario Donnagelo
Sally Murphy
Owens Thomas
Ernie Harwell
Robin Roberts
Luke Hahn
Bob Shephard
Michael Yakemik
Donald Fritz
George Steinbrenner
Teko Johnson
SHOUT OUT TO MY J-TOWN ATTENDANT PAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Miss all my Johnstown Folks out there!!!!!!
Every Saturday I Think about how I Would be at LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL All
Day!!!!!!!!
President of the Alan Davis, Gary Laubach, Dream Kids and Keith Groller, Ray
Kaminski Fan Clubs!
Keep It real!
Stay Safe and always remember to Smile and Think about all the Heroes!!!!
Thanks for your Time!
My blog Website with lots of INFO:
http://nazoeagle.blogspot.com/
CHECK OUT THE NAZARETH'S ART CENTER WEBSITE AND ROSS NUNAMAKER RUNS THE CENTER!
His Website for the Arts Center:
http://www.thenunamakergroup.com/projects/market/nazareth-center-for-the-arts/
I Highly suggest you check out one of his upcoming events at the Arts Center!
SEE YOU FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
STAY COOL THIS WEEK, ITS A HOT ONE!!!!!!!!!
I am Here!!
Late Today!
Welcome to September!!!!
Already 2pm!!
I Been having stomach problems the last couple days.
It KILLING me.
Probably because of all the excitement lately!!
Too many exciting things lately!!
I Am really excited about my 1st JOB Ever!!!!!!!!!
It a big thing for me!!
1st step of many great things in my life!!!!!!
Can't wait until September 17th the 1st HOME FOOTBALL GAME!!!!!
Collecting Tickets at Mitchell Entrance!!!!!!
A NAZARETH EMPLOYEE!!!!!!!!
Also on Saturdays helping Ross Nunamaker at the Arts Center!!!!!!
I Signed my name at Nazareth Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How are you?
How your week?
What have you been up to?
It really HOT Out there.
92 Today.
I Think that Killing my Stomach too.
Phillies been playing 10:00 games lately.
That been keeping me up late too!
The Allentown Fair this week!!
RCN SPORTS TALK LIVE FROM THE FAIR
6PM-7PM ON RCN4
Wednesday: Race Car Drivers
Thursday: Celticfest Guests and the Allen High School Cheerleaders.
Monday at 11am did my Radio Show and at 10pm did the Phillies Game on Comcast.
Tuesday at 9:30am SIGNED MY NAME AT NAZARETH and at 11am did my Radio Show and at 10pm did the Phillies Game on Comcast.
When will we have FALL WEATHER?
It too HOT FOR ME.
I Been going to Nazareth Football Practices!
They been looking great!
They will be at Pleasant Valley Teachers.
I Hope my HIGH SCHOOL Friends had a great 1st week of School!
Closed Friday and Monday.
To all my High School Teachers:
Any Labor Day Plans?
Going anywhere?
I Will be announcing the MDA Telethon Sunday night and Monday!!!!!!!
Schedule:
Wednesday:
8:30am-10:30am DIANA
10am-3pm GLEN MAC AND ANTHONY GARGANO ON 610 WIP
11am RADIO SHOW ON WEEX 1230
1pm-3pm Jody Mac and Brandon Tierney on 1050am NEW YORK
4pm-6:30pm HAPPY HOUR ON WEEX 1230
4pm-6pm DIANA
4:40pm-5:20pm FOOTBALL PRACTICE
5:20pm-5:50pm SANDY PHILLIPS
7pm IRONPIGS BASEBALL ON WEEX 1230
3pm Announce Phillies Baseball on Comcast
NO ANNOUNCING TONIGHT
OFF TONIGHT
10pm Anchor the news on CW57
Thursday:
8:30am-10:30am DIANA
10am-3pm GLEN MAC AND ANTHONY GARGANO ON 610 WIP
11am RADIO SHOW ON WEEX 1230
1pm-3pm Jody Mac and Brandon Tierney on 1050am NEW YORK
4pm-6:30pm HAPPY HOUR ON WEEX 1230
4pm-6pm DIANA
4:40pm-5:20pm FOOTBALL PRACTICE
5:20pm-5:50pm SANDY PHILLIPS
6pm RCN SPORTS TALK ON RCN4
7pm IRONPIGS BASEBALL ON WEEX 1230
7pm Announce Phillies Baseball on Comcast
10pm Anchor the news on CW57
Friday:
8:30am-10:30am DIANA
10am-3pm GLEN MAC AND ANTHONY GARGANO ON 610 WIP
11am RADIO SHOW ON WEEX 1230
1pm-3pm Jody Mac and Brandon Tierney on 1050am NEW YORK
4pm-6:30pm HAPPY HOUR ON WEEX 1230
4pm-6pm DIANA
4:40pm-5:20pm FOOTBALL PRACTICE
5:20pm-5:50pm SANDY PHILLIPS
6PM AT THE NAZARETH AT PLEASANT VALLEY FOOTBALL GAME
11pm Announce the BIG TICKET on WFMZ
10pm Anchor the news on CW57
Saturday:
8:30-9:30am DIANA
9-11am KEITH GROLLER ON 1470AM
11am 69 Sports Saturday on WEEX 1230
NOON-5PM NED RICHARDS ON WGPA 1100
NOON PENN STATE FOOTBALL VS YOUNGSTOWN STATE
5pm-8:45pm Dennis Christman on WGPA 1100
7pm Announce Phillies Baseball on Comcast
10pm Anchor 10pm news on CW57
Sunday:
9:30am-NOON Jolly Joe Timmer on 1100am WGPA
9am-Noon John Richetta on 1470 THE FOX
11am RADIO SHOW ON WEEX 1230
12-3pm Jeff Dean on 1100am WGPA
12:30pm Announce the CHHARLIE MANUEL SHOW ON MYPHL17
1:30pm Announce Phillies Baseball on MYPHL17
5:30pm IRONPIGS BASEBALL ON WEEX 1230
9pm-1am Announce the MDA Telethon on WNEP 16
10pm Anchor 10pm news on CW57
RIP:
Dale Earenhardt SR.
Davey Allison
COURTNEY DIACONT
GRANDMA WEAVER
JAMIE LINTZ
JOHN VUKOVCICH
KRISTEN
BENNY PARSONS
DEREK KEHOE
JOSH HANCOCK
Joe Schneider
Frank Klepeisz
Mary Mutchler
Jene Flick
Frank Jenny
Jennifer Jacksits
Donald Williams
John Marzano
Andrew Millheim
Harold Rrenyold
Todd Rothrock
Wayne Grube
Catherine Baker Knoll
Josh Booth
Francesco Tolerico
Craig Borst
George Williams
Deborah Ed
Phil Newbaker
Harry Kalas
Dan Ozark
Chuck Daly
Brenton Krouse
Joshua Miller
Gary Pappa
Farrah Facett
Irv Homer
Michael Jackson
Steve Mcnair
Paul Marcinkowski
Walt Cronkite
Henry Tomkowski (Who raised a great and fun Daughter)
Tom Partridge
Angelica Fox
Melissa Kinsella
Joey Beers
Ben Yorgy
Brooke Stephens
Ryan Zawada
Frank Silfries
Pumpkin Groller
Al Alberts
Morgan Mcginis
Jason Gilligan
Harriet Lindenmoyer
Barbara Johnson
Chris Henry
Oral Roberts
Patti Heffner
Britney Murphy
Glen W. Bell Jr
Vince Heinlein
Heather Miller
John Murtha
Julio Rivera
Aaaron Groff
Jack Lapos
Tom Ochs
Mario Donnagelo
Sally Murphy
Owens Thomas
Ernie Harwell
Robin Roberts
Luke Hahn
Bob Shephard
Michael Yakemik
Donald Fritz
George Steinbrenner
Teko Johnson
SHOUT OUT TO MY J-TOWN ATTENDANT PAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Miss all my Johnstown Folks out there!!!!!!
Every Saturday I Think about how I Would be at LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL All
Day!!!!!!!!
President of the Alan Davis, Gary Laubach, Dream Kids and Keith Groller, Ray
Kaminski Fan Clubs!
Keep It real!
Stay Safe and always remember to Smile and Think about all the Heroes!!!!
Thanks for your Time!
My blog Website with lots of INFO:
http://nazoeagle.blogspot.com/
CHECK OUT THE NAZARETH'S ART CENTER WEBSITE AND ROSS NUNAMAKER RUNS THE CENTER!
His Website for the Arts Center:
http://www.thenunamakergroup.com/projects/market/nazareth-center-for-the-arts/
I Highly suggest you check out one of his upcoming events at the Arts Center!
SEE YOU FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
STAY COOL THIS WEEK, ITS A HOT ONE!!!!!!!!!
Ransom caps IronPigs' eighth-inning rally
FROM THE MORNING CALL
There hasn't been a whole lot to smile about around Coca-Cola Park this summer.
But Monday was one of those nights to savor.
The IronPigs squandered a four-run lead and fell behind by three runs before roaring back for an 8-7 win over newly crowned Northern Division champion Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, capping the rally on Cody Ransom's clutch RBI double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Lehigh Valley (54-83) overcame a season-high 10 walks -- four of whom scored as the Yankees (92-53) scored seven uanswered runs -- by rapping seven of its 13 hits to score four runs in its final three at-bats to send the leftovers from the crowd of 9,132 home happy.
"We might not have the best record in the league but I'll tell you what -- they play hard," IronPigs manager Dave Huppert, whose team needs to go 3-4 in the final seven games to finish with a better record than the inaugural season.
"I don't think anybody in this clubhouse is looking at our record," said Paul Hoover, whose leadoff triple in the sixth inning started the comeback. "We know we haven't had the year we expected, but we've battled all the way through the season, and there's a lot of pride in this clubhouse."
Trailing 7-4, the IronPigs got single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, then a pair of two-out runs in the eighth on an RBI triple by Andy Tracy and a game-winning double by Ransom.
Greg Dobbs started the eighth with a bunt single, his third hit of the game. John Mayberry Jr. followed with a grounder up the middle that kicked off the mound and nearly got past shortstop Kevin Russo, who managed to make a reaction play on the ball and flip to second baseman Robby Hammond for a force at second.
A few pitches later Mayberry was on third after stealing second on a 1-2 pitch to Andy Tracy and moving up on a 2-2 wild pitch by Royce Ring (2-1), and Tracy delivered with a game-tying single to right.
That brought on former Phillies prospect Zach Segovia, and Ransom followed with a line drive the opposite way into the left-field corner. As Tracy rumbled toward third Huppert frantically waved him home and the veteran first baseman slid to the outside of Chad Huffman's tag with the go-ahead run.
"He was going no matter what," Huppert said. "We can't look for another two-out hit."
"I just wanted to keep the line moving with a runner on first," said Ransom, who had made a two-out error in the fifth to help Scranton take the lead. "Andy Tracy had a great at-bat against the lefthander [Ring], and it was awfully nice to get redemption [for the error] at the end."
Hoover's triple, a sinking liner that got by a diving attempt by Yankee center fielder Reid Gorecki in right center and rolled to the wall, led to Brian Bocock's RBI single that cut the deficit to 7-5. An ining later, Singles by Ransom and Joe Savery and an error set up Hoover's RBI groundout.
"That got us a spark," Huppert said of Hoover's triple, "and we didn't shut it down. We just kept grinding it out."
Dobbs singled home Rich Thompson after a leadoff triple in the first, then followed a pair of two-out walks with a three-run homer to right, his first with the IronPigs and first since July 19 with the Phillies.
"Hopefully this is exactly what Dobber needed, to have consistent at-bats and to get out there and play every day," Huppert said of Dobbs, who boosted his average to .192. "For two years he was the best pinch-hitter in the major leagues and hopefully this helps him get back on track."
Scott Mathieson came on in the ninth and struck out two of the three batters he faced for his 26th save, preserving the win for Oscar Villarreal (4-3). Villarreal pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
Brian Mazone issued an uncharacteristic five of those 10 walks, matching his career high (last done in 2003), as he threw 92 pitches in his four innings; he had five walks combined in his last eight starts, a span covering 491/3 innings. And it was only the 13th time in his 12-year career he's walked four or more batters in his game.
Brandon Duckworth issued four more in his three innings, and Villarreal one in his inning as the IronPigs got within one of the franchise record.
"Home plate was on wheels for our pitching staff," Huppert quipped, taking a back-hand stab at umpire Mark Lollo's strike zone. "I told them tomorrow we'll bring some nails and we'll nail it down."
Chad Huffman hit a three-run homer off Mazone in the third (after two walks), and former Phillies prospect Greg Golson, who had doubled and walked in his first two at-bats, tied the game with a solo shot, his 10th, onto the lawn in left center.
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-ironpigs-0830-20100830,0,4383718.story
There hasn't been a whole lot to smile about around Coca-Cola Park this summer.
But Monday was one of those nights to savor.
The IronPigs squandered a four-run lead and fell behind by three runs before roaring back for an 8-7 win over newly crowned Northern Division champion Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, capping the rally on Cody Ransom's clutch RBI double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Lehigh Valley (54-83) overcame a season-high 10 walks -- four of whom scored as the Yankees (92-53) scored seven uanswered runs -- by rapping seven of its 13 hits to score four runs in its final three at-bats to send the leftovers from the crowd of 9,132 home happy.
"We might not have the best record in the league but I'll tell you what -- they play hard," IronPigs manager Dave Huppert, whose team needs to go 3-4 in the final seven games to finish with a better record than the inaugural season.
"I don't think anybody in this clubhouse is looking at our record," said Paul Hoover, whose leadoff triple in the sixth inning started the comeback. "We know we haven't had the year we expected, but we've battled all the way through the season, and there's a lot of pride in this clubhouse."
Trailing 7-4, the IronPigs got single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, then a pair of two-out runs in the eighth on an RBI triple by Andy Tracy and a game-winning double by Ransom.
Greg Dobbs started the eighth with a bunt single, his third hit of the game. John Mayberry Jr. followed with a grounder up the middle that kicked off the mound and nearly got past shortstop Kevin Russo, who managed to make a reaction play on the ball and flip to second baseman Robby Hammond for a force at second.
A few pitches later Mayberry was on third after stealing second on a 1-2 pitch to Andy Tracy and moving up on a 2-2 wild pitch by Royce Ring (2-1), and Tracy delivered with a game-tying single to right.
That brought on former Phillies prospect Zach Segovia, and Ransom followed with a line drive the opposite way into the left-field corner. As Tracy rumbled toward third Huppert frantically waved him home and the veteran first baseman slid to the outside of Chad Huffman's tag with the go-ahead run.
"He was going no matter what," Huppert said. "We can't look for another two-out hit."
"I just wanted to keep the line moving with a runner on first," said Ransom, who had made a two-out error in the fifth to help Scranton take the lead. "Andy Tracy had a great at-bat against the lefthander [Ring], and it was awfully nice to get redemption [for the error] at the end."
Hoover's triple, a sinking liner that got by a diving attempt by Yankee center fielder Reid Gorecki in right center and rolled to the wall, led to Brian Bocock's RBI single that cut the deficit to 7-5. An ining later, Singles by Ransom and Joe Savery and an error set up Hoover's RBI groundout.
"That got us a spark," Huppert said of Hoover's triple, "and we didn't shut it down. We just kept grinding it out."
Dobbs singled home Rich Thompson after a leadoff triple in the first, then followed a pair of two-out walks with a three-run homer to right, his first with the IronPigs and first since July 19 with the Phillies.
"Hopefully this is exactly what Dobber needed, to have consistent at-bats and to get out there and play every day," Huppert said of Dobbs, who boosted his average to .192. "For two years he was the best pinch-hitter in the major leagues and hopefully this helps him get back on track."
Scott Mathieson came on in the ninth and struck out two of the three batters he faced for his 26th save, preserving the win for Oscar Villarreal (4-3). Villarreal pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
Brian Mazone issued an uncharacteristic five of those 10 walks, matching his career high (last done in 2003), as he threw 92 pitches in his four innings; he had five walks combined in his last eight starts, a span covering 491/3 innings. And it was only the 13th time in his 12-year career he's walked four or more batters in his game.
Brandon Duckworth issued four more in his three innings, and Villarreal one in his inning as the IronPigs got within one of the franchise record.
"Home plate was on wheels for our pitching staff," Huppert quipped, taking a back-hand stab at umpire Mark Lollo's strike zone. "I told them tomorrow we'll bring some nails and we'll nail it down."
Chad Huffman hit a three-run homer off Mazone in the third (after two walks), and former Phillies prospect Greg Golson, who had doubled and walked in his first two at-bats, tied the game with a solo shot, his 10th, onto the lawn in left center.
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-ironpigs-0830-20100830,0,4383718.story
Dodgers beat Phillies 3-0 behind Kuroda's 1-hitter
FROM THE MORNING CALL
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hiroki Kuroda didn't realize he had a no-hitter going until the fifth inning. It should have come as no surprise, though. He's been at his best against Philadelphia.
Kuroda took his no-hit bid into the eighth and Rod Barajas homered in his home debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won 3-0 Monday night to move within 5 1 / 2 games of the Phillies in the NL wild-card race.
Kuroda walked Jayson Werth in the eighth before Raul Ibanez reached on a fielder's choice groundout. Shane Victorino, hitless in seven career at-bats against Kuroda, hit a clean line-drive single to right field on Kuroda's 97th pitch of the game to break up the no-hitter.
"I got a good fastball to hit over the middle of the plate and belt-high, something I could handle," Victorino said. "Every other guy was going up there trying to get a base hit, too, but it just didn't happen."
Kuroda received a standing ovation from the announced crowd of 44,896 when he left one batter later.
"I knew the fans wanted it and I knew my teammates wanted it. I felt I betrayed the fans and my teammates," he said through a translator.
Before that, Kuroda hit Werth with a pitch in the second and walked Carlos Ruiz in the sixth.
The 35-year-old right-hander from Japan beat Roy Halladay, who tossed a perfect game against Florida on May 29, winning 1-0.
Kuroda (10-11) struck out seven in 7 2-3 innings for his second straight win, reaching double digits in victories for the first time in the majors.
"I was hoping he was going to get it," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. "His stuff was electric. He had great location, he mixed it up, he overpowered some and finessed others. He had them swinging early in the count because he was throwing a lot of strikes."
Kuroda has a 0.68 ERA and limited the Phillies to a .084 average in each of his four starts against them. Each time, he's tossed at least six innings and allowed less than two hits.
"We waited a long time before we got a hit, didn't we?" Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "If that lineup doesn't hit, then we're in trouble. That was the lineup we wanted to put on the field from day one."
Halladay (16-10) allowed three runs and 10 hits in seven innings, struck out four and walked one. It was the fourth time he gave up 10 or more hits this season, and the most since he allowed 13 at Cincinnati on June 30.
"I felt like I was a little sloppy all night. I made a couple of good pitches and I made some bad pitches along the way, too," he said. "I knew early on it was going to be a little bit of a grind for me. My location wasn't as good and in the first couple of innings I was kind of struggling to get the ball where I wanted to."
Kuroda hasn't pitched a complete game since his one-hit shutout against Atlanta on July 7, 2008, at home.
"Two years ago, I didn't think I was able to make such an achievement, so I was doubting myself," he said. "Today, I trusted myself and said, `I'm a great pitcher."'
He notched his first hit of the season in 45 at-bats when he singled to center in the seventh.
"I'm so glad I was able to hit off one of the greatest pitchers in the game," Kuroda said.
Hong-Chih Kuo relieved Kuroda with two out and two on in the eighth and retired all four batters he faced for his seventh save.
"I wasn't disappointed at all," Kuroda said. "We're not playing for my record. We're here to win the game."
It was the 15th shutout victory by the Dodgers' staff this season, and the 11th shutout loss for the Phillies, who dropped three games behind Atlanta in the NL East standings.
The Dodgers' offense accounted for 11 hits on the same day slugger Manny Ramirez left to join the Chicago White Sox on a waiver claim.
"I don't think our goal has changed at all," Kuroda said. "Manny is gone, but we have a great team."
Los Angeles led 1-0 in the first on James Loney's RBI single.
They added a run in the second when Casey Blake singled to lead off and scored on a double-play grounder by Barajas, who joined the Dodgers last Tuesday after being traded from the New York Mets. He has three homers in five games with the team.
The Dodgers extended their lead to 3-0 when Barajas led off the fifth with a homer over the wall in left field on a 1-0 pitch from Halladay.
"This is the biggest thing that's ever happened to me in Dodger Stadium," Barajas said. "To be part of a well-pitched effort and hit a home run off one of the game's greatest pitchers is special."
Notes: The Dodgers held an opponent to a season-low one hit. … Dodgers RHP Vicente Padilla threw 33 pitches in his first rehab start for Class A Inland Empire, allowing two hits and striking out one in three scoreless innings Monday night. … The attendance pushed the Dodgers over 3 million for the 15th straight season. … The last Dodgers' no-hitter was by Hideo Nomo of Japan at Colorado on Sept. 17, 1996, a 9-0 victory. … On July 10, the Phillies were no-hit through eight innings by Cincinnati's Travis Wood before Ruiz got a leadoff double in the ninth. The Phillies won 1-0 in 11 innings.
http://www.mcall.com/sports/baseball/phillies/mc-phillies-dodgers-083110-20100831,0,934499.story
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hiroki Kuroda didn't realize he had a no-hitter going until the fifth inning. It should have come as no surprise, though. He's been at his best against Philadelphia.
Kuroda took his no-hit bid into the eighth and Rod Barajas homered in his home debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won 3-0 Monday night to move within 5 1 / 2 games of the Phillies in the NL wild-card race.
Kuroda walked Jayson Werth in the eighth before Raul Ibanez reached on a fielder's choice groundout. Shane Victorino, hitless in seven career at-bats against Kuroda, hit a clean line-drive single to right field on Kuroda's 97th pitch of the game to break up the no-hitter.
"I got a good fastball to hit over the middle of the plate and belt-high, something I could handle," Victorino said. "Every other guy was going up there trying to get a base hit, too, but it just didn't happen."
Kuroda received a standing ovation from the announced crowd of 44,896 when he left one batter later.
"I knew the fans wanted it and I knew my teammates wanted it. I felt I betrayed the fans and my teammates," he said through a translator.
Before that, Kuroda hit Werth with a pitch in the second and walked Carlos Ruiz in the sixth.
The 35-year-old right-hander from Japan beat Roy Halladay, who tossed a perfect game against Florida on May 29, winning 1-0.
Kuroda (10-11) struck out seven in 7 2-3 innings for his second straight win, reaching double digits in victories for the first time in the majors.
"I was hoping he was going to get it," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. "His stuff was electric. He had great location, he mixed it up, he overpowered some and finessed others. He had them swinging early in the count because he was throwing a lot of strikes."
Kuroda has a 0.68 ERA and limited the Phillies to a .084 average in each of his four starts against them. Each time, he's tossed at least six innings and allowed less than two hits.
"We waited a long time before we got a hit, didn't we?" Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "If that lineup doesn't hit, then we're in trouble. That was the lineup we wanted to put on the field from day one."
Halladay (16-10) allowed three runs and 10 hits in seven innings, struck out four and walked one. It was the fourth time he gave up 10 or more hits this season, and the most since he allowed 13 at Cincinnati on June 30.
"I felt like I was a little sloppy all night. I made a couple of good pitches and I made some bad pitches along the way, too," he said. "I knew early on it was going to be a little bit of a grind for me. My location wasn't as good and in the first couple of innings I was kind of struggling to get the ball where I wanted to."
Kuroda hasn't pitched a complete game since his one-hit shutout against Atlanta on July 7, 2008, at home.
"Two years ago, I didn't think I was able to make such an achievement, so I was doubting myself," he said. "Today, I trusted myself and said, `I'm a great pitcher."'
He notched his first hit of the season in 45 at-bats when he singled to center in the seventh.
"I'm so glad I was able to hit off one of the greatest pitchers in the game," Kuroda said.
Hong-Chih Kuo relieved Kuroda with two out and two on in the eighth and retired all four batters he faced for his seventh save.
"I wasn't disappointed at all," Kuroda said. "We're not playing for my record. We're here to win the game."
It was the 15th shutout victory by the Dodgers' staff this season, and the 11th shutout loss for the Phillies, who dropped three games behind Atlanta in the NL East standings.
The Dodgers' offense accounted for 11 hits on the same day slugger Manny Ramirez left to join the Chicago White Sox on a waiver claim.
"I don't think our goal has changed at all," Kuroda said. "Manny is gone, but we have a great team."
Los Angeles led 1-0 in the first on James Loney's RBI single.
They added a run in the second when Casey Blake singled to lead off and scored on a double-play grounder by Barajas, who joined the Dodgers last Tuesday after being traded from the New York Mets. He has three homers in five games with the team.
The Dodgers extended their lead to 3-0 when Barajas led off the fifth with a homer over the wall in left field on a 1-0 pitch from Halladay.
"This is the biggest thing that's ever happened to me in Dodger Stadium," Barajas said. "To be part of a well-pitched effort and hit a home run off one of the game's greatest pitchers is special."
Notes: The Dodgers held an opponent to a season-low one hit. … Dodgers RHP Vicente Padilla threw 33 pitches in his first rehab start for Class A Inland Empire, allowing two hits and striking out one in three scoreless innings Monday night. … The attendance pushed the Dodgers over 3 million for the 15th straight season. … The last Dodgers' no-hitter was by Hideo Nomo of Japan at Colorado on Sept. 17, 1996, a 9-0 victory. … On July 10, the Phillies were no-hit through eight innings by Cincinnati's Travis Wood before Ruiz got a leadoff double in the ninth. The Phillies won 1-0 in 11 innings.
http://www.mcall.com/sports/baseball/phillies/mc-phillies-dodgers-083110-20100831,0,934499.story
Monday, August 30, 2010
ESPN dives deep into college football season this weekend
FROM KEITH GROLLER
Thanks to the ESPN/ABC family of networks, college football gets a week's jump on the NFL when it comes to capturing the sports fan's attention.
The all-sports network has 31 games covered over five days beginning on Thursday night.
It's an impressive list.
The highlights from an ESPN release:
ESPN will kick off the 2010 college football season with 31 games in five days across ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3.com, ESPN 3D and ESPN Radio beginning Thursday, Sept. 2. ESPN’s opening weekend of action will conclude with a Labor Day doubleheader Monday, Sept. 6, highlighted by No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 10 Virginia Tech from FedEx Field, home of the Washington Redskins, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN Radio and ESPN 3D, ESPN’s newest outlet and the first 3D network to launch in the industry.
ESPN and ABC will each televise a matchup between ranked teams in prime time Saturday, Sept. 4: No. 24 Oregon State vs. No. 6 TCU in the Cowboys Classic from Arlington, Texas, at 7:45 p.m. on ESPN, and No. 21 LSU vs. No. 18 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game from Atlanta at 8 p.m. on Saturday Night Football on ABC.
Other ranked teams in action include:
· No. 4 Florida against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, Sept. 4, at noon on ESPN and ESPN3.com;
· No. 5 Texas at Rice on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN3.com
· No. 13 Miami against Florida A&M on Thursday, Sept. 2, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN3.com;
· No. 14 USC at Hawaii on Thursday, Sept. 2, at 11 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN3.com;
· No. 16 Georgia Tech against South Carolina State on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 1 p.m. on ESPN3.com;
· No. 20 Florida State against Samford on Saturday, Sept. 4, at noon on ESPNU.
In terms of announcing teams, Warrick Dunn (I didn't even know he retired) will be doing Presbyterian at Wake Forest on Thursday night.
Whitehall native Matt Millen will work UConn at Michigan on Saturday afternoon at 3:30, working with Sean McDonough.
Another former Penn Stater, Todd Blackledge works with Brad Nessler on the Oregon State-TCU game on Saturday night.
The lead ESPN/ABC team of Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit will work LSU at North Carolina Saturday night and Boise State-Virginia Tech from Landover, Maryland, on Monday night.
Former Phillies broadcaster Scott Graham does the play-by-play of the Temple-Villanova game at 5 p.m. Friday.
http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
Thanks to the ESPN/ABC family of networks, college football gets a week's jump on the NFL when it comes to capturing the sports fan's attention.
The all-sports network has 31 games covered over five days beginning on Thursday night.
It's an impressive list.
The highlights from an ESPN release:
ESPN will kick off the 2010 college football season with 31 games in five days across ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3.com, ESPN 3D and ESPN Radio beginning Thursday, Sept. 2. ESPN’s opening weekend of action will conclude with a Labor Day doubleheader Monday, Sept. 6, highlighted by No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 10 Virginia Tech from FedEx Field, home of the Washington Redskins, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN Radio and ESPN 3D, ESPN’s newest outlet and the first 3D network to launch in the industry.
ESPN and ABC will each televise a matchup between ranked teams in prime time Saturday, Sept. 4: No. 24 Oregon State vs. No. 6 TCU in the Cowboys Classic from Arlington, Texas, at 7:45 p.m. on ESPN, and No. 21 LSU vs. No. 18 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game from Atlanta at 8 p.m. on Saturday Night Football on ABC.
Other ranked teams in action include:
· No. 4 Florida against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, Sept. 4, at noon on ESPN and ESPN3.com;
· No. 5 Texas at Rice on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN3.com
· No. 13 Miami against Florida A&M on Thursday, Sept. 2, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN3.com;
· No. 14 USC at Hawaii on Thursday, Sept. 2, at 11 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN3.com;
· No. 16 Georgia Tech against South Carolina State on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 1 p.m. on ESPN3.com;
· No. 20 Florida State against Samford on Saturday, Sept. 4, at noon on ESPNU.
In terms of announcing teams, Warrick Dunn (I didn't even know he retired) will be doing Presbyterian at Wake Forest on Thursday night.
Whitehall native Matt Millen will work UConn at Michigan on Saturday afternoon at 3:30, working with Sean McDonough.
Another former Penn Stater, Todd Blackledge works with Brad Nessler on the Oregon State-TCU game on Saturday night.
The lead ESPN/ABC team of Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit will work LSU at North Carolina Saturday night and Boise State-Virginia Tech from Landover, Maryland, on Monday night.
Former Phillies broadcaster Scott Graham does the play-by-play of the Temple-Villanova game at 5 p.m. Friday.
http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
High school football not the attendance king it used to be
FROM KEITH GROLLER
This is a reprint of a column that appeared in our football section on Sunday. Evidently many of you have not seen it, but I think it's a concern that many schools share and there are some interesting comments from area athletic directors as we look ahead to the start of another school year and high school sports season:
Here is the column:
Friday night games are still an attraction, but don’t draw crowds of other eras
The Friday night lights still burn bright at area stadiums throughout the fall.
But the crowds gathering under those lights aren’t as large as they used to be.
Football is still the attendance king when it comes to high school athletics, but the king’s crown has lost some its luster in recent years as society in general, and the landscape of high school sports in particular,have changed.
The days of high school football generating enough revenue to support the rest of a school’s athletic program are long over, although it still is the best money producer.
“I looked at our numbers over the last three years and our total of football tickets sold has decreased every year,” said Whitehall athletic director Bob Hartman. “We went from about 11,000 tickets sold in 2007 to 7,500 last year. Since we try to balance our budget with our football receipts, that’s a significant drop.”
And it’s not just at Whitehall.
Northampton athletic director Mike Schneider said football attendance is down “about 25 percent over the last 10 years,” but adds that football is the one sport in his program that comes close to breaking even.
“Football is still big, but it’s not like it was,” Schneider said. “Across the board, attendance isn’t it what it used to be, and there are a number of factors for that. For one, there are many more sports now, and kids and families are going to their own games.”
Other factors include increased TV coverage of high school games and all college and pro sports, financial concerns and increased entertainment options for how kids and their families spend Friday nights. There also is a societal shift away from tradition and community pride and spirit.
If you don’t have a child or a relative playing in the game, you’re more likely to stay at home.
Times have changed dramatically from the 1950s when Allentown High, for example, was drawing 12,000 or better on Friday nights.
“We were the only show in town, and our games were a happening,” former Canary star and local football icon Bruce Trotter said in a 2007 Morning Call story.
Schneider said football “still comes the closest to being the hometown team,” but fewer and fewer people in the towns really identify with the “hometown team.”
Easton still packs ’em in
The one place where things haven’t changed, it seems, is Easton.
Red Rovers athletic director Jim Pokrivsak said Easton home games averaged 5,000 fans last season, including 1,700 student tickets.
Easton sells 1,500 season tickets annually, which, as Hartman said, “Is more tickets than many of us sell in general admission tickets.”
Of course, the Easton-Phillipsburg game remains the biggest single event in Lehigh Valley athletics, annually drawing 15,000 at Lafayette College’s Fisher Stadium.
“We’ve sold out of our allotment of tickets for the Thanksgiving game in each of the seven years I’ve been the AD at Easton,” Pokrivsak said. “We’ve never had to open up our ticket window to sell our tickets. They’re gone a couple of weeks before the game.”
Pokrivsak said the Easton football program produces $125,000 or more every year. The Thanksgiving morning contest generates nearly $35,000 alone each year, and overall, sports revenue comes close to $200,000.
Those are interesting figures considering the Easton Area School Board reduced the sports budget, along with many teacher positions and other things in its controversial, much-talked about cuts.
“I don’t know about how comparable schools around the area are doing, but my guess is that we’re at the top, or close to it, in terms of ticket sales and revenue generated,” Pokrivsak said. “Tradition still matters here.”
Pokrivsak said that all revenue generated by sports goes back to the district and has nothing to do with his sports budget.
“It’s not like we get more for sports when we have a good year,” Pokrivsak said.
Retain ‘neighborhood rivalries’
Good years in local sports are often like good years in major college and professional sports. Winning teams that earn additional playoff dates generate more revenue. Attractive matchups and weather also have an impact on the gate, of course.
That’s why the Lehigh Valley Conference is making sure that certain “neighborhood rivalries” take place every year in football.
The LVC is not going to three divisions for football, drawn on geographical lines, as it has in basketball, baseball, softball and other sports.
But the league is using those divisions to a degree, making sure that those teams play each other year. That means the four North Division members — Parkland, Whitehall, Northampton and Nazareth — play each other every year. So do West Division members Allen, Central Catholic, Dieruff and Emmaus and East Division teams Easton, Freedom, Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic.
“For many years, Whitehall and Northampton weren’t playing each other and we felt strongly that they should and that’s why we made the change,” Hartman said. “Our games with Northampton, Parkland and Nazareth are generally our best gates of the season.”
Hartman admitted that if bad weather is going to keep people away on a potential big night at the gate, schools may be more inclined to postpone. Remember, schools have just five home dates per season.
“I am fundamentally opposed to letting the gate affect our decision on a postponement, but football attendance remains very important to our budget,” he said. “We need to make the bottom line. So, sometimes it does come into play on a decision.”
When it comes to revenue, many options may be explored in the future. Some schools already have adopted pay-to-play policies.
Hartman said that while admission is charged only for football, boys and girls basketball and wrestling, more events could require a fee in the future.
Decline across all sports
Hartman, Schneider and Northwestern athletic director Jason Zimmerman are members of the District 11 Committee, and they see the decline in attendance across the board in all sports, at virtually all schools.
“We see that when it comes to district and state playoffs, certain schools and certain venues draw better than others,” Schneider said. “We had two Philadelphia-area 4A schools play in the state boys basketball finals this year in State College and nobody came to the game.
“Some schools will always draw better than others. Some schools travel better than others. But if weather comes into the picture, people just would prefer to stay home and watch on TV. We see that in football and basketball.”
High school sports have always had their largest appeal in small-town, rural communities such as Hickory High in the movie “Hoosiers.”
But Zimmerman has seen a decline in attendance at Northwestern Lehigh, a school in a rural setting where the school is the centerpiece of the community.
“Basketball attendance has been down, but football has pretty much remained steady,” Zimmerman said. “We are fortunate enough to be in a community where the school is the hub and come Friday night in New Tripoli, you usually find everyone gathered in our stadium to not only experience a high school football game, but also break bread and socialize with their neighbors.
“We’re still lucky enough to have kept the interest of our local residents who may not necessarily have a child or grandchild in our program, but simply love seeing our kids put forth their best on a Friday night.”
Zimmerman, however, sees what everybody else is seeing — and that’s that people are into their own things now, and unless they have a family member serving as a magnet, they are not going to go the game in their neighborhood.
“Success of the teams is important, but not nearly as much as the fact that life seems to be so busy now where folks just don’t have the time to do leisurely things, let alone come see a bunch of hard-working teenagers play the sport of football,” Zimmerman said. “Plus, it seems like most, but not all, communities in the Lehigh Valley have lost that community spirit.
“You see young adults moving out of the area, you see new people moving in, and I’m not sure how many of them ever catch the spirit of their local school or community.”
http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
This is a reprint of a column that appeared in our football section on Sunday. Evidently many of you have not seen it, but I think it's a concern that many schools share and there are some interesting comments from area athletic directors as we look ahead to the start of another school year and high school sports season:
Here is the column:
Friday night games are still an attraction, but don’t draw crowds of other eras
The Friday night lights still burn bright at area stadiums throughout the fall.
But the crowds gathering under those lights aren’t as large as they used to be.
Football is still the attendance king when it comes to high school athletics, but the king’s crown has lost some its luster in recent years as society in general, and the landscape of high school sports in particular,have changed.
The days of high school football generating enough revenue to support the rest of a school’s athletic program are long over, although it still is the best money producer.
“I looked at our numbers over the last three years and our total of football tickets sold has decreased every year,” said Whitehall athletic director Bob Hartman. “We went from about 11,000 tickets sold in 2007 to 7,500 last year. Since we try to balance our budget with our football receipts, that’s a significant drop.”
And it’s not just at Whitehall.
Northampton athletic director Mike Schneider said football attendance is down “about 25 percent over the last 10 years,” but adds that football is the one sport in his program that comes close to breaking even.
“Football is still big, but it’s not like it was,” Schneider said. “Across the board, attendance isn’t it what it used to be, and there are a number of factors for that. For one, there are many more sports now, and kids and families are going to their own games.”
Other factors include increased TV coverage of high school games and all college and pro sports, financial concerns and increased entertainment options for how kids and their families spend Friday nights. There also is a societal shift away from tradition and community pride and spirit.
If you don’t have a child or a relative playing in the game, you’re more likely to stay at home.
Times have changed dramatically from the 1950s when Allentown High, for example, was drawing 12,000 or better on Friday nights.
“We were the only show in town, and our games were a happening,” former Canary star and local football icon Bruce Trotter said in a 2007 Morning Call story.
Schneider said football “still comes the closest to being the hometown team,” but fewer and fewer people in the towns really identify with the “hometown team.”
Easton still packs ’em in
The one place where things haven’t changed, it seems, is Easton.
Red Rovers athletic director Jim Pokrivsak said Easton home games averaged 5,000 fans last season, including 1,700 student tickets.
Easton sells 1,500 season tickets annually, which, as Hartman said, “Is more tickets than many of us sell in general admission tickets.”
Of course, the Easton-Phillipsburg game remains the biggest single event in Lehigh Valley athletics, annually drawing 15,000 at Lafayette College’s Fisher Stadium.
“We’ve sold out of our allotment of tickets for the Thanksgiving game in each of the seven years I’ve been the AD at Easton,” Pokrivsak said. “We’ve never had to open up our ticket window to sell our tickets. They’re gone a couple of weeks before the game.”
Pokrivsak said the Easton football program produces $125,000 or more every year. The Thanksgiving morning contest generates nearly $35,000 alone each year, and overall, sports revenue comes close to $200,000.
Those are interesting figures considering the Easton Area School Board reduced the sports budget, along with many teacher positions and other things in its controversial, much-talked about cuts.
“I don’t know about how comparable schools around the area are doing, but my guess is that we’re at the top, or close to it, in terms of ticket sales and revenue generated,” Pokrivsak said. “Tradition still matters here.”
Pokrivsak said that all revenue generated by sports goes back to the district and has nothing to do with his sports budget.
“It’s not like we get more for sports when we have a good year,” Pokrivsak said.
Retain ‘neighborhood rivalries’
Good years in local sports are often like good years in major college and professional sports. Winning teams that earn additional playoff dates generate more revenue. Attractive matchups and weather also have an impact on the gate, of course.
That’s why the Lehigh Valley Conference is making sure that certain “neighborhood rivalries” take place every year in football.
The LVC is not going to three divisions for football, drawn on geographical lines, as it has in basketball, baseball, softball and other sports.
But the league is using those divisions to a degree, making sure that those teams play each other year. That means the four North Division members — Parkland, Whitehall, Northampton and Nazareth — play each other every year. So do West Division members Allen, Central Catholic, Dieruff and Emmaus and East Division teams Easton, Freedom, Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic.
“For many years, Whitehall and Northampton weren’t playing each other and we felt strongly that they should and that’s why we made the change,” Hartman said. “Our games with Northampton, Parkland and Nazareth are generally our best gates of the season.”
Hartman admitted that if bad weather is going to keep people away on a potential big night at the gate, schools may be more inclined to postpone. Remember, schools have just five home dates per season.
“I am fundamentally opposed to letting the gate affect our decision on a postponement, but football attendance remains very important to our budget,” he said. “We need to make the bottom line. So, sometimes it does come into play on a decision.”
When it comes to revenue, many options may be explored in the future. Some schools already have adopted pay-to-play policies.
Hartman said that while admission is charged only for football, boys and girls basketball and wrestling, more events could require a fee in the future.
Decline across all sports
Hartman, Schneider and Northwestern athletic director Jason Zimmerman are members of the District 11 Committee, and they see the decline in attendance across the board in all sports, at virtually all schools.
“We see that when it comes to district and state playoffs, certain schools and certain venues draw better than others,” Schneider said. “We had two Philadelphia-area 4A schools play in the state boys basketball finals this year in State College and nobody came to the game.
“Some schools will always draw better than others. Some schools travel better than others. But if weather comes into the picture, people just would prefer to stay home and watch on TV. We see that in football and basketball.”
High school sports have always had their largest appeal in small-town, rural communities such as Hickory High in the movie “Hoosiers.”
But Zimmerman has seen a decline in attendance at Northwestern Lehigh, a school in a rural setting where the school is the centerpiece of the community.
“Basketball attendance has been down, but football has pretty much remained steady,” Zimmerman said. “We are fortunate enough to be in a community where the school is the hub and come Friday night in New Tripoli, you usually find everyone gathered in our stadium to not only experience a high school football game, but also break bread and socialize with their neighbors.
“We’re still lucky enough to have kept the interest of our local residents who may not necessarily have a child or grandchild in our program, but simply love seeing our kids put forth their best on a Friday night.”
Zimmerman, however, sees what everybody else is seeing — and that’s that people are into their own things now, and unless they have a family member serving as a magnet, they are not going to go the game in their neighborhood.
“Success of the teams is important, but not nearly as much as the fact that life seems to be so busy now where folks just don’t have the time to do leisurely things, let alone come see a bunch of hard-working teenagers play the sport of football,” Zimmerman said. “Plus, it seems like most, but not all, communities in the Lehigh Valley have lost that community spirit.
“You see young adults moving out of the area, you see new people moving in, and I’m not sure how many of them ever catch the spirit of their local school or community.”
http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
Easton, Central Catholic return as LVC favorites
FROM THE MORNING CALL
Last year ended with every Lehigh Valley Conference football team idle the weekend the PIAA held its state finals.
"Then [the league] wasn't that good," joked Easton coach Steve Shiffert two weeks ago.
Well, not quite.
Despite not sending a team to Hershey for the first time since 2004, the LVC featured plenty of power last season. Easton (Class 4A) and Central Catholic (Class 3A) shared the league title and reached the state quarterfinals in their classification. Parkland advanced to the District 11 Class 4A final, losing to Easton. Nazareth and Liberty both qualified for districts in 4A, while Whitehall (4A) and Bethlehem Catholic (3A) won Eastern Conference titles.
In surveying the league's coaches during the preseason, no one expects a drop-off this season.
"We got the league schedule a few weeks ago," Freedom coach Jason Roeder said. "When you look at it, it's hard to even pick the marquee games of the week, there's so many. I say it all the time — it's just gotten so competitive. The players and the coaches in the league are working so hard. To keep up with everyone else, it's just gotten so competitive."
Most of the LVC's teams enter the season trying to catch up to Central Catholic and Easton. Easton has an experienced senior quarterback in Justin Pacchioli, a returning league co-MVP in defensive lineman Dave Caldwell and a winning tradition.
Central Catholic brings back Morning Call all-area quarterback Brendan Nosovitch. He leads a talented junior class that will complement senior standouts such as tight end/defensive end Shane McNeely and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Jared Pitts.
Central Catholic coach Harold Fairclough won't take any LVC team lightly no matter how his Vikings are viewed. They proved last year how much can change in one season, going from the bottom third of the league standings in 2008 to co-champs in 2009.
"If we start talking about state championships right now and talk about winning championships, we're in for a rude awakening," he said. "I respect this conference too much to start thinking about that type of stuff."
While Central Catholic and Easton figure to stay near the top of the standings this fall, they expect challengers aplenty to step forward. Parkland graduated running back and Morning Call player of the year Andre Williams but never seems to have a down year.
Two teams that missed districts last season — Whitehall and Freedom — were also mentioned as LVC contenders by multiple coaches. Whitehall has perhaps the league's best quarterback-running back-wide receiver trio in Chris Polony, Eric Fiore and Tyler Artim. Freedom will try to follow the path Central Catholic and Nazareth took last year in making the jump from the bottom half of the league standings one season to a district playoff berth the next year.
Noticeably lacking from the list of expected contenders is Liberty. The Hurricanes qualified for districts for a sixth straight season last year but face a season of change with a new coach (Dave Brown takes over for Tim Moncman) and a young group of skill players.
Liberty, Nazareth, Emmaus, Northampton and Bethlehem Catholic form the second tier of LVC teams who will be trying to surprise and crack the league's top group.
"It's a good league every year," Pacchioli said. "You can't really look down on that. I think the league's going to do really well this year."
stephen.miller@mcall.com
610-820-6750
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-hs-football-tab-lvc-preview-20100830,0,6248987.story
Last year ended with every Lehigh Valley Conference football team idle the weekend the PIAA held its state finals.
"Then [the league] wasn't that good," joked Easton coach Steve Shiffert two weeks ago.
Well, not quite.
Despite not sending a team to Hershey for the first time since 2004, the LVC featured plenty of power last season. Easton (Class 4A) and Central Catholic (Class 3A) shared the league title and reached the state quarterfinals in their classification. Parkland advanced to the District 11 Class 4A final, losing to Easton. Nazareth and Liberty both qualified for districts in 4A, while Whitehall (4A) and Bethlehem Catholic (3A) won Eastern Conference titles.
In surveying the league's coaches during the preseason, no one expects a drop-off this season.
"We got the league schedule a few weeks ago," Freedom coach Jason Roeder said. "When you look at it, it's hard to even pick the marquee games of the week, there's so many. I say it all the time — it's just gotten so competitive. The players and the coaches in the league are working so hard. To keep up with everyone else, it's just gotten so competitive."
Most of the LVC's teams enter the season trying to catch up to Central Catholic and Easton. Easton has an experienced senior quarterback in Justin Pacchioli, a returning league co-MVP in defensive lineman Dave Caldwell and a winning tradition.
Central Catholic brings back Morning Call all-area quarterback Brendan Nosovitch. He leads a talented junior class that will complement senior standouts such as tight end/defensive end Shane McNeely and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Jared Pitts.
Central Catholic coach Harold Fairclough won't take any LVC team lightly no matter how his Vikings are viewed. They proved last year how much can change in one season, going from the bottom third of the league standings in 2008 to co-champs in 2009.
"If we start talking about state championships right now and talk about winning championships, we're in for a rude awakening," he said. "I respect this conference too much to start thinking about that type of stuff."
While Central Catholic and Easton figure to stay near the top of the standings this fall, they expect challengers aplenty to step forward. Parkland graduated running back and Morning Call player of the year Andre Williams but never seems to have a down year.
Two teams that missed districts last season — Whitehall and Freedom — were also mentioned as LVC contenders by multiple coaches. Whitehall has perhaps the league's best quarterback-running back-wide receiver trio in Chris Polony, Eric Fiore and Tyler Artim. Freedom will try to follow the path Central Catholic and Nazareth took last year in making the jump from the bottom half of the league standings one season to a district playoff berth the next year.
Noticeably lacking from the list of expected contenders is Liberty. The Hurricanes qualified for districts for a sixth straight season last year but face a season of change with a new coach (Dave Brown takes over for Tim Moncman) and a young group of skill players.
Liberty, Nazareth, Emmaus, Northampton and Bethlehem Catholic form the second tier of LVC teams who will be trying to surprise and crack the league's top group.
"It's a good league every year," Pacchioli said. "You can't really look down on that. I think the league's going to do really well this year."
stephen.miller@mcall.com
610-820-6750
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-hs-football-tab-lvc-preview-20100830,0,6248987.story
Team-by-team LVC capsules
FROM THE MORNING CALL
ALLEN
•Coach: Cedric Lloyd (first year; sixth overall).
•Last year: 1-9 overall, 1-8 LVC.
•Impact players: Jr. QB Tajmire Flood; sr. WR Alex Cruz.
•Biggest question: Can Lloyd bring the young Canaries together in his first season and get them headed in the right direction?
•Outlook: With two wins in their last 40 games, the Canaries have a lot of work ahead to compete in the LVC. Lloyd has brought enthusiasm into the program. Keeping his players believing through the inevitable rough spots on the schedule will be his biggest task this season.
BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC
•Coach: Mike Palos (second year, 7-5).
•Last year: 7-5 overall, 5-4 LVC; beat Northwestern to win Eastern Conference Class 3A title.
•Impact players: Sr. QB/SS Luke Petro; sr. RG/ILB Ron Check; sr. LG/DE Nick Gray; sr. WR/FS Austin Vasko; sr. C/NG Mike Boures; sr. OLB Collin Casey.
•Biggest question: Who will emerge as the Golden Hawks' vocal leader on and off the field?
•Outlook: Bethlehem Catholic enjoyed a strong finish in Palos' first season. Can the Golden Hawks' build on it? They seem unlikely to join the league's top tier this season but should compete for another postseason berth. Jumping into the four-team District 11 Class 3A playoff field would signal progress.
CENTRAL CATHOLIC
•Coach: Harold Fairclough (fifth year, 24-21).
•Last year: 12-2 overall, 8-1 LVC (co-champion); beat Wilson to win District 11 Class 3A title; lost to Selinsgrove in PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals.
•Impact players: Sr. TE/LB Shane McNeely; jr. QB/FS Brendan Nosovitch; jr. WR/CB Kevin Gulyas; sr. OL/DL Jared Pitts; sr. WR/OLB Jack Sandherr; jr. OL/DL Tad McNeely; jr. WR/CB Noah Robb; jr. WR/CB Jalen Scipio.
•Biggest question: Can the Vikings find two solid running backs to complement their explosive passing attack?
•Outlook: Last year's return to prominence has people pegging the Vikings as a state-title threat in Class 3A. Depth could be a problem — they already have lost star fullback/linebacker Connor Faust to a knee injury — but they begin the season as one of the top league title contenders. They also are a prohibitive favorite to win another District 11 Class 3A title.
DIERUFF
•Coach: John McDowell (second year, 0-10).
•Last year: 0-10 overall, 0-9 LVC.
•Impact players: Sr. OL/DL Christian Alfonso; so. DB/RB Chris Negron.
•Biggest question: Can the Huskies overcome any off-field distractions to nab a win or two after last year's winless campaign?
•Outlook: McDowell thinks the Huskies are headed in the right direction but expects them to continue to take lumps as he tries to build the program. Numbers are always a challenge for Dieruff, and it won't find the going easy in a league where the best teams hope to contend for not just district titles, but also state championships.
EASTON
•Coach: Steve Shiffert (18th year, 144-66-1).
•Last year: 13-2 overall, 8-1 LVC (co-champion); won District 11 Class 4A title over Parkland; lost to La Salle in PIAA 4A quarterfinals.
•Impact players: Sr. QB/S Justin Pacchioli; sr. DT Dave Caldwell; sr. TE/LB Jonathan Bisci; sr. TE Justin Souders; RT Jeff Hall; RG Ben Lorigan; sr. LT/DE Tyler Thomas; sr. DE Conor Mulrine; sr. OLB/RB Zack Bambary; sr. OLB/RB Zach Rohrbach.
•Biggest question: Can the Red Rovers replace the running production of Quran Hughes and Jashaad Gaddy, who combined for more than 2,000 yards last season?
•Outlook: Heavy losses in the offensive backfield and the back seven on defense won't decrease the Red Rovers' expectations. With Pacchioli back at quarterback and Caldwell anchoring the defensive line, Easton should again contend for league and district titles. How far it goes may hinge on how good the defense becomes.
EMMAUS
•Coach: Joe Bottiglieri (eighth year, 52-36; ninth overall, 58-41).
•Last year: 6-6 overall, 4-5 LVC; lost to Whitehall in Eastern Conference 4A final.
•Impact players: Sr. WR/DB Derrick Watkins; sr. OG Colt Binder; sr. TE/LB Trevor Davidson; sr. RB/LB Mason Spangler; sr. RB/FS Brian Velasco; sr. RB/SS Nick Billera; sr. C/LB Nick Klass.
•Biggest question: Will a quarterback step forward to replace Brady Knerr?
•Outlook: The Green Hornets boast a good group of running backs and speed on offense. Whether they move up from the middle of the league standings will depend on their defensive line and quarterback play. They figure to at least be a team capable of playing with the league's best.
FREEDOM
•Coach: Jason Roeder (sixth year, 31-24).
•Last year: 5-5 overall, 4-5 LVC.
•Impact players: Sr. OL Nick Cecala; sr. OL/DL Rich Karb; sr. OL Zach Mazur; sr. OL/DL Josh Kreidler; jr. DB Okezie Alozie; sr. OLB/RB Gedeon Rene; sr. QB Luke Giovarelli; jr. RB Eddie Elliot; jr. WR/DB JJ Schaeffer; jr. DB/WR Frank Busci; sr. TE/LB Robert Decker; jr. FB/LB AJ Santiago.
•Biggest question: How will the Patriots adjust to the new offensive and defensive system they installed during the preseason?
••Outlook: Freedom suffered a disappointing ending to last season — it lost its last four games — and graduated two-time league rushing champion Darrius Webb. The Patriots also return most of their offensive line and have talented young backs, marking them as a potential league-title contender. Count them among the many teams in the league hoping a new quarterback will come along quickly.
LIBERTY
•Coach: Dave Brown (first year; fourth overall, 10-20).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
» SIGN UP FOR MOBILE ALERTS ... AND WIN!! The latest news, sports & more, plus a chance to win a new DROID X!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•Last year: 6-5 overall, 6-3 LVC; lost to East Stroudsburg South in District 2-4-11 Class 4A quarterfinals.
•Impact players: Sr. DL Dante Holmes; sr. LB Drew Persa; sr. OL/DL William Duffy; sr. DL Nick Pastor.
•Biggest question: Can the Hurricanes overcome youth and inexperience at the skill positions to continue their winning ways?
•Outlook: With a new coach and just five returning starters, the Hurricanes could be headed for a step back this season. Brown does like their athleticism and work ethic, though. The chance to carry on the recent winning ways should also provide motivation for the newcomers.
NAZARETH
•Coach: Rob Melosky (third year, 9-12; eighth year overall, 49-31).
•Last year: 6-5 overall, 5-4 LVC; lost to Easton in District 2-4-11 quarterfinals.
•Impact players: Sr. RB Chuck Dibilio; sr. QB/FS Ben Bradley; jr. QB Dan Harding; sr. WR/DB Kris Kent; sr. OL/DL Brandon Smith; sr. OL/DL Erik Hothouse; sr. OL/DL Brandon Krock; sr. WR/DB Jeremy Klump; sr. WR/DB Bryce Higgs; so. OL/DL Aaron Bradley; sr. RB/SS Richard Tonnies.
•Biggest question: Can the Blue Eagles overcome their inexperience to remain a district playoff contender?
•Outlook: Melosky's second season at Nazareth featured a leap in the standings, and the presence of Dibilio gives the Blue Eagles a home-run threat. Nazareth will need other playmakers to emerge to remain among the league's top half for a second straight season.
NORTHAMPTON
•Coach: Bob Steckel (fourth year, 18-17).
•Last year: 4-7 overall, 2-7 LVC.
•Impact players: Sr. WR/DB Nick Wilson; sr. RB/LB Chad Fenon; sr. LB/RB Andrew Bunting; sr. TE/DE Dan Riley; sr. WR/DB John Lambert; jr. OL/DL Ian Diehl; jr. OL/LB Nick Sharga; sr. OL/DL Justin Kulhamer; jr. OL/DL Ben Muschlitz; sr. OL/DL Nate Bruch; sr. OL/DL Tyler Bauer; jr. FB/LB Marcus Newsom; sr. RB/DB Jeremy Cummings; sr. WR/DB Tony DiClemente.
•Biggest question: How will the Konkrete Kids replace the leadership of graduated quarterback Zach Szoke?
•Outlook: Northampton is loaded with experience, but will that translate to wins? The Konkrete Kids must develop a passing attack to move up in the LVC standings. If they do, they will have a chance to climb into the league's second tier.
PARKLAND
•Coach: Jim Morgans (sixth year, 51-13; 201-117-1 overall).
•Last year: 10-3 overall, 7-2 LVC; lost to Easton in District 11 Class 4A final.
•Impact players: Sr. HB Kurt Kaunas; jr. FB Rob Dvoracek; sr. TE Tarik Haddad; sr. OL Tuneet Kuhman; sr. DL Dave Emerick; sr. SE/FS Toby Salako.
•Biggest question: Can the Trojans' collection of running backs replace the production of departed Morning Call player of the year Andre Williams?
•Outlook: Parkland may not begin the year with a marquee player, but don't let that fool you. The Trojans are almost always in the league title picture, and this year should be no different. One position to watch is quarterback, where Kyle Stinner, Anthony Gristick and Timmy Baranek were still competing for the starting job during the second week of practice.
WHITEHALL
•Coach: Tony Trisciani (fourth year, 19-14).
•Last year: 7-5 overall, 4-5 LVC; beat Emmaus for Eastern Conference Class 4A title.
•Impact players: Sr. QB Chris Polony; sr. WR/DB Tyler Artim; sr. RB/LB Eric Fiore; sr. OL/DL Braden Zeiner; jr. RB/LB Andrew Harris.
•Biggest question: Can the Zephyrs' young offensive line grow up in time to give a talented group of skill players room to operate?
•Outlook: Just four senior starters return, but internal expectations are running high at Whitehall. Trisciani sees the Zephyrs as LVC title contenders as long as his talented underclassmen mature. The defensive line will have to join the offensive line in growing up for Whitehall to realize its potential.
Compiled by Stephen Miller
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-hs-football-tab-lvc-caps-20100830,0,6159308.story?page=4
ALLEN
•Coach: Cedric Lloyd (first year; sixth overall).
•Last year: 1-9 overall, 1-8 LVC.
•Impact players: Jr. QB Tajmire Flood; sr. WR Alex Cruz.
•Biggest question: Can Lloyd bring the young Canaries together in his first season and get them headed in the right direction?
•Outlook: With two wins in their last 40 games, the Canaries have a lot of work ahead to compete in the LVC. Lloyd has brought enthusiasm into the program. Keeping his players believing through the inevitable rough spots on the schedule will be his biggest task this season.
BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC
•Coach: Mike Palos (second year, 7-5).
•Last year: 7-5 overall, 5-4 LVC; beat Northwestern to win Eastern Conference Class 3A title.
•Impact players: Sr. QB/SS Luke Petro; sr. RG/ILB Ron Check; sr. LG/DE Nick Gray; sr. WR/FS Austin Vasko; sr. C/NG Mike Boures; sr. OLB Collin Casey.
•Biggest question: Who will emerge as the Golden Hawks' vocal leader on and off the field?
•Outlook: Bethlehem Catholic enjoyed a strong finish in Palos' first season. Can the Golden Hawks' build on it? They seem unlikely to join the league's top tier this season but should compete for another postseason berth. Jumping into the four-team District 11 Class 3A playoff field would signal progress.
CENTRAL CATHOLIC
•Coach: Harold Fairclough (fifth year, 24-21).
•Last year: 12-2 overall, 8-1 LVC (co-champion); beat Wilson to win District 11 Class 3A title; lost to Selinsgrove in PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals.
•Impact players: Sr. TE/LB Shane McNeely; jr. QB/FS Brendan Nosovitch; jr. WR/CB Kevin Gulyas; sr. OL/DL Jared Pitts; sr. WR/OLB Jack Sandherr; jr. OL/DL Tad McNeely; jr. WR/CB Noah Robb; jr. WR/CB Jalen Scipio.
•Biggest question: Can the Vikings find two solid running backs to complement their explosive passing attack?
•Outlook: Last year's return to prominence has people pegging the Vikings as a state-title threat in Class 3A. Depth could be a problem — they already have lost star fullback/linebacker Connor Faust to a knee injury — but they begin the season as one of the top league title contenders. They also are a prohibitive favorite to win another District 11 Class 3A title.
DIERUFF
•Coach: John McDowell (second year, 0-10).
•Last year: 0-10 overall, 0-9 LVC.
•Impact players: Sr. OL/DL Christian Alfonso; so. DB/RB Chris Negron.
•Biggest question: Can the Huskies overcome any off-field distractions to nab a win or two after last year's winless campaign?
•Outlook: McDowell thinks the Huskies are headed in the right direction but expects them to continue to take lumps as he tries to build the program. Numbers are always a challenge for Dieruff, and it won't find the going easy in a league where the best teams hope to contend for not just district titles, but also state championships.
EASTON
•Coach: Steve Shiffert (18th year, 144-66-1).
•Last year: 13-2 overall, 8-1 LVC (co-champion); won District 11 Class 4A title over Parkland; lost to La Salle in PIAA 4A quarterfinals.
•Impact players: Sr. QB/S Justin Pacchioli; sr. DT Dave Caldwell; sr. TE/LB Jonathan Bisci; sr. TE Justin Souders; RT Jeff Hall; RG Ben Lorigan; sr. LT/DE Tyler Thomas; sr. DE Conor Mulrine; sr. OLB/RB Zack Bambary; sr. OLB/RB Zach Rohrbach.
•Biggest question: Can the Red Rovers replace the running production of Quran Hughes and Jashaad Gaddy, who combined for more than 2,000 yards last season?
•Outlook: Heavy losses in the offensive backfield and the back seven on defense won't decrease the Red Rovers' expectations. With Pacchioli back at quarterback and Caldwell anchoring the defensive line, Easton should again contend for league and district titles. How far it goes may hinge on how good the defense becomes.
EMMAUS
•Coach: Joe Bottiglieri (eighth year, 52-36; ninth overall, 58-41).
•Last year: 6-6 overall, 4-5 LVC; lost to Whitehall in Eastern Conference 4A final.
•Impact players: Sr. WR/DB Derrick Watkins; sr. OG Colt Binder; sr. TE/LB Trevor Davidson; sr. RB/LB Mason Spangler; sr. RB/FS Brian Velasco; sr. RB/SS Nick Billera; sr. C/LB Nick Klass.
•Biggest question: Will a quarterback step forward to replace Brady Knerr?
•Outlook: The Green Hornets boast a good group of running backs and speed on offense. Whether they move up from the middle of the league standings will depend on their defensive line and quarterback play. They figure to at least be a team capable of playing with the league's best.
FREEDOM
•Coach: Jason Roeder (sixth year, 31-24).
•Last year: 5-5 overall, 4-5 LVC.
•Impact players: Sr. OL Nick Cecala; sr. OL/DL Rich Karb; sr. OL Zach Mazur; sr. OL/DL Josh Kreidler; jr. DB Okezie Alozie; sr. OLB/RB Gedeon Rene; sr. QB Luke Giovarelli; jr. RB Eddie Elliot; jr. WR/DB JJ Schaeffer; jr. DB/WR Frank Busci; sr. TE/LB Robert Decker; jr. FB/LB AJ Santiago.
•Biggest question: How will the Patriots adjust to the new offensive and defensive system they installed during the preseason?
••Outlook: Freedom suffered a disappointing ending to last season — it lost its last four games — and graduated two-time league rushing champion Darrius Webb. The Patriots also return most of their offensive line and have talented young backs, marking them as a potential league-title contender. Count them among the many teams in the league hoping a new quarterback will come along quickly.
LIBERTY
•Coach: Dave Brown (first year; fourth overall, 10-20).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
» SIGN UP FOR MOBILE ALERTS ... AND WIN!! The latest news, sports & more, plus a chance to win a new DROID X!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•Last year: 6-5 overall, 6-3 LVC; lost to East Stroudsburg South in District 2-4-11 Class 4A quarterfinals.
•Impact players: Sr. DL Dante Holmes; sr. LB Drew Persa; sr. OL/DL William Duffy; sr. DL Nick Pastor.
•Biggest question: Can the Hurricanes overcome youth and inexperience at the skill positions to continue their winning ways?
•Outlook: With a new coach and just five returning starters, the Hurricanes could be headed for a step back this season. Brown does like their athleticism and work ethic, though. The chance to carry on the recent winning ways should also provide motivation for the newcomers.
NAZARETH
•Coach: Rob Melosky (third year, 9-12; eighth year overall, 49-31).
•Last year: 6-5 overall, 5-4 LVC; lost to Easton in District 2-4-11 quarterfinals.
•Impact players: Sr. RB Chuck Dibilio; sr. QB/FS Ben Bradley; jr. QB Dan Harding; sr. WR/DB Kris Kent; sr. OL/DL Brandon Smith; sr. OL/DL Erik Hothouse; sr. OL/DL Brandon Krock; sr. WR/DB Jeremy Klump; sr. WR/DB Bryce Higgs; so. OL/DL Aaron Bradley; sr. RB/SS Richard Tonnies.
•Biggest question: Can the Blue Eagles overcome their inexperience to remain a district playoff contender?
•Outlook: Melosky's second season at Nazareth featured a leap in the standings, and the presence of Dibilio gives the Blue Eagles a home-run threat. Nazareth will need other playmakers to emerge to remain among the league's top half for a second straight season.
NORTHAMPTON
•Coach: Bob Steckel (fourth year, 18-17).
•Last year: 4-7 overall, 2-7 LVC.
•Impact players: Sr. WR/DB Nick Wilson; sr. RB/LB Chad Fenon; sr. LB/RB Andrew Bunting; sr. TE/DE Dan Riley; sr. WR/DB John Lambert; jr. OL/DL Ian Diehl; jr. OL/LB Nick Sharga; sr. OL/DL Justin Kulhamer; jr. OL/DL Ben Muschlitz; sr. OL/DL Nate Bruch; sr. OL/DL Tyler Bauer; jr. FB/LB Marcus Newsom; sr. RB/DB Jeremy Cummings; sr. WR/DB Tony DiClemente.
•Biggest question: How will the Konkrete Kids replace the leadership of graduated quarterback Zach Szoke?
•Outlook: Northampton is loaded with experience, but will that translate to wins? The Konkrete Kids must develop a passing attack to move up in the LVC standings. If they do, they will have a chance to climb into the league's second tier.
PARKLAND
•Coach: Jim Morgans (sixth year, 51-13; 201-117-1 overall).
•Last year: 10-3 overall, 7-2 LVC; lost to Easton in District 11 Class 4A final.
•Impact players: Sr. HB Kurt Kaunas; jr. FB Rob Dvoracek; sr. TE Tarik Haddad; sr. OL Tuneet Kuhman; sr. DL Dave Emerick; sr. SE/FS Toby Salako.
•Biggest question: Can the Trojans' collection of running backs replace the production of departed Morning Call player of the year Andre Williams?
•Outlook: Parkland may not begin the year with a marquee player, but don't let that fool you. The Trojans are almost always in the league title picture, and this year should be no different. One position to watch is quarterback, where Kyle Stinner, Anthony Gristick and Timmy Baranek were still competing for the starting job during the second week of practice.
WHITEHALL
•Coach: Tony Trisciani (fourth year, 19-14).
•Last year: 7-5 overall, 4-5 LVC; beat Emmaus for Eastern Conference Class 4A title.
•Impact players: Sr. QB Chris Polony; sr. WR/DB Tyler Artim; sr. RB/LB Eric Fiore; sr. OL/DL Braden Zeiner; jr. RB/LB Andrew Harris.
•Biggest question: Can the Zephyrs' young offensive line grow up in time to give a talented group of skill players room to operate?
•Outlook: Just four senior starters return, but internal expectations are running high at Whitehall. Trisciani sees the Zephyrs as LVC title contenders as long as his talented underclassmen mature. The defensive line will have to join the offensive line in growing up for Whitehall to realize its potential.
Compiled by Stephen Miller
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-hs-football-tab-lvc-caps-20100830,0,6159308.story?page=4
MVC, Bux-Mont, other previews
FROM THE MORNING CALL
Phil Stambaugh is old enough to remember when Pius X competed for a league championship.
The 32-year-old was a quarterback when the Royals were competing in the Mid-Penn League back in the 1990s.
If he weren't on the coaching staff at all in the last decade, he still would have known how difficult it was for Pius X to fill out an independent schedule.
Stambaugh's mother, Connie, is the school's athletic director. So the former Pius X and Lehigh University quarterback has seen her and former coach Rob Goffredo pull out their collective hairs.
So it came as a greater relief to Stambaugh that his first year as the Pius X head coach will be the school's first in the All-American Conference. The Royals are the sixth member of the league that also has Bucktail, East Juniata, Lourdes Regional, Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech and Carson Long Military Academy
"My mom has five games on the schedule already for next year," Stambaugh said. "The kids get to play for a league title and earn league honors. It adds another dimension to our season, more incentive."
The Royals will travel plenty to road games in the conference, with all of the five foes in the two-hour range (Bucktail is closer to three hours), but they are used to it.
What they had to get accustomed to in the past was an inconsistent schedule. Play two games in six days, and then have more than two weeks off.
"It became a nightmare at times," Stambaugh added, "especially trying to keep the kids focused. They were always on board with everything, though."
Stambaugh's first year in charge, after spending the previous decade as an assistant, doesn't figure to be horrible. But the Royals are young. Really young. There are nearly as many freshmen (19) on the roster as seniors and juniors combined (21).
"Even the juniors will be playing varsity for the first time," Stambaugh said. "Being a new head coach in the program, I can do things my way, mold them. I don't have to change them and win over the experienced players."
Stambaugh expects his defense to be better than the offense, especially early. That's where there are some veterans and athleticism and aggression can help.
"The offensive line is a major question mark," Stambaugh said. "Steve Juarbe is the only one with any experience. He started three games last year, including the two playoff games."
Senior leaders George Dalessandro, "who never leaves the field," and Zack Cinelli figure to help freshman quarterback A.J. Long ease into his role.
But Stambaugh doesn't expect Long to be timid for long.
"Long knew from when he came here and he was right into this," Stambaugh said. "He wanted to get after it right away. He's young, but he listens. He doesn't want to let me or himself down."
Stambaugh also has age on his side. The kids still can relate to the former standout.
"I'm not far removed from where they're at," he said. "I have a good rapport with them. I try to be a players' coach without being too soft. "I have a high level of respect for them for the way they are approaching things right now."
While Goffredo may have left the program, the name hasn't. Junior Nico Goffredo is a nephew. Freshman John Andrew Goffredo is a cousin.
Banas goes home again, too
Like any other first year head football coach, Quakertown's George Banas expects to have a stomach filled with butterflies when his Panthers step onto Alumni Field on Friday for their nonleague opener with Archbishop Wood.
For Banas, however, it isn't just the regular nervousness of taking over a team. No, Banas is back home, and now the team whose uniform he wore as a standout running back and defensive end in the early 1990s is his team.
"It's a big honor and privilege to coach at the school I attended," Banas noted. "It was very exciting to go out on the practice field on Day No. 1 of practice, knowing that this was my team."
The new coach admits, however, to feeling a bit weird about all the intangibles. Quakertown, after all, is the place where Banas scored five touchdowns in a 1993 game, when he rushed for 1,027 yards.
And now he's the coach. Banas succeeds John Donnelly, who compiled a 42-43 record before taking the head coaching position at Central Bucks East. For the record, the new coach and the old coach will bang heads on Oct. 23 at War Memorial Stadium in Doylestown.
"It feels surreal at the moment, and I know that it is really going to hit me walking out onto Alumni Field at our opener as the new coach," Banas said. "As a player or as a coach, you are always going to have nerves going into a contest, so I am sure that I will have some nervous feelings on game day.
"But once the kickoff is underway, I know that they will go away like normal," he added.
In some ways, Banas has inherited a tall order. Despite its status as the smallest-enrollment school in the Suburban One League's tough Continental Conference, Quakertown qualified for the District One Class 4A playoffs the last two seasons. And while North Penn is the perennial pre-season favorite, Banas — who served the last five seasons as the team's defensive coordinator — knows how tough the schedule looks.
"There is not one week, during the entire season, that you can have a letdown and still come out victorious," he said.
While the Panthers will look to start a new chapter, both Upper Perkiomen and Pennridge come into the season with high hopes under veteran leadership. Keith Leamer's Indians were a 3A district playoff team last year and return a talented offensive backfield, while Randy Cuthbert's Pennridge Rams return plenty of talent from last year's 6-6 squad.
MOUNTAIN VALLEY CONFERENCE
EAST STROUDSBURG NORTH
Coach: Chuck Dailey (11th year).
Last year: 5-5, 3-3.
Impact players: Adrian Sterling, RB-S, sr.; Saide Saddiq, T-ILB, sr.; Cody Johnson, G-DT, sr.; Danny Woods, WR-CB, sr.; Joe Clouse, FB-OLB, jr.; Joe Romano, QB, jr; Pete Romano, RB-OLB, jr.
Biggest question: Can the defense keep the scores down?
Outlook: "When you're averaging in the mid- to high-20s [on offense] and still losing five games, you have to step it up," Dailey said of his defense. "We're young and undersized. Our younger guys are actually pretty talented. They'll make some mistakes, but they will stick their noses in there." Dailey will continue to run the triple option with Sterling and the Romano twins, Joe and Pete, the top threats.
EAST STROUDSBURG SOUTH
Coach: Ed Christian (30th year).
Last year: 11-2 overall, 6-0 MVC, MVC champion, lost to Parkland in the District 11 Class 4A semis.
Impact players: Collin Hegarty, TB-LB, sr.; Kyshoen Jarrett (verbally committed to Pitt), HB-CB, sr.; James Coscia, TE-DE, sr.; Willie O'Brien G-DT, sr.
Biggest question: Will the youth mature in time to make another playoff run?
Outlook: Christian is quick to point out that there is no replacing Robbie Moyer and his 35 touchdown passes at quarterback, but senior Michael Carmella has the chance to be a sleeper with his speed and athleticism. "At this point, he's doing very, very well," the South coach said. "But the bullets haven't started flying yet." The Cavaliers will have seven new starters on each side of the ball, but none perhaps bigger than the offensive line that must give Carmella a chance to run the offense. "We have skill people," Christian added. "That's our plus. Our minus is that we have to work through the fact that we are limited with younger kids who have no game experience."
LEHIGHTON
Coach: George Ebbert (third year, 4-16).
•Last year: 1-9, 0-6.
•Impact players: Guiseppe Caruso, TB-S, sr.; Josh Agosto, QB, jr.; Mitchell Moyer, G-LB, jr.; Ian Christman, G-LB, sr.; Joe Oriel, T-DT, jr.; Jacen Nalesnik, TE-DE, so.; Zach Coleman, TB-LB, jr.
•Biggest question: Can the Indians find some success early to put 2009 behind them?
•Outlook: They were decimated by injuries last season. Ebbert believes they should be stronger for it in 2010. "The kids got some experience last year under their belts because they got thrown in there," he said. "If we can have some success early, I think we'll be OK." Caruso returns after missing all of last year after suffering a torn ACL on the second day of drills. A powerlifting club was started in the offseason, proving further that they are committed to improving.
PLEASANT VALLEY
•Coach: Jimmy Terwilliger (second year).
•Last year: 5-5, 4-2.
•Impact players: Rich Irving, WR-S, sr.; Derrik Walling, QB, sr.; Rob Getz, RB, jr; Gary Taaffe, OL-DL, sr.; Rich Hargrove, OL-DL, sr.
•Biggest question: Can the Bears play with consistency from game to game?
•Outlook: "The growing pains go both ways," Terwilliger said. "Especially with a first-year head coach, you find out certain things that work and things that don't. With the nucleus we have now, they are continuing to develop. We're finding out who we are. We're starting to get that identity." The Bears have a solid core group returning, which should allow them to be in the mix in a conference that should be more closely contested than last season.
POCONO MOUNTAIN EAST
Coach: Phil Dorn (fourth year).
•Last year: 4-6, 3-3.
•Impact players: Lamont Tillery, WR, sr.; Eddie Helm, TB, sr.; David Destefano, S, sr.; Daymon Singer, RB-LB, sr.; Jake Fritz, G, jr.; Mike Bryan, OL-DL, sr.; Parker Munson, TE-DE, sr.; Jake DeJohn, WR-DB, jr.; Andrew Gleason, OL-DL, sr.
•Biggest question: How will an inexperienced defense perform early on?
Outlook: The Cardinals return just three defensive starters and are pretty youthful up front on the offensive side of the ball, but Dorn believes they will get better with time and are shooting for the MVC title. "Each year, we've improved record-wise, with their work ethic and with their classroom discipline," he said. "We're looking to continue that. This year, we want to go over the .500 mark. We're doing all of the little things right. If we continue to do that, things will work out on the field."
POCONO MOUNTAIN WEST
•Coach: Jim McCarroll (ninth year).
•Last year: 3-7, 2-4.
•Impact players: QB Jeff Krisiak, so.; TB Terrance Quiteh, sr. TB Duane Elmore, sr; Josh Gonzalez, OL-DL, sr.; Joe Grant, OL-DL, sr.; Nick Tomol, TE-S, sr.; Austin Grim, FB-LB, sr.
•Biggest questions: Can holes be filled in on the offensive line and can the secondary be improved?
•Outlook: "We have two guys back up front," McCarroll said. "We have to put the other pieces together. Some guys have played, but it's a big step up from JV for them. When we won the league in 2007, our secondary was solid. Since then, it's been a weak point. We have better skills there this year. [Overall], you might see four or five sophomores starting for us, so a win early would be big for us to get some confidence. Last year, we lost close games in weeks 1 and 2 and ended up starting 0-5."
STROUDSBURG
•Coach: Fred Ross (41st year).
•Last year: 4-7, 3-3.
•Impact players: Mike Costanza, LB-TB, sr.; Robert Bennie, QB-S, jr.; Brandon Fenner, TE-DE, sr.; Javon Patterson, WR-CB, jr.; John Passmore, LT-DT, jr.; Ben Kloepping, WR-OLB, jr.; Jordon Ellison, K-P, so.; Ron Savoia, TE-OLB, jr.; Trevor Leh, WR-CB, jr.; Alex Leh, WR-CB, jr.; Rob Chiniewicz, FB-LB, sr.; Nick Forde, WR, jr.
•Biggest question: Can the juniors who were thrown into the mix last year as sophomores develop into quality players this season?
•Outlook: "We made a big investment in our younger players last year," Ross said. "We're going to see if that pays off this year." Ross is particularly interested in seeing how his offensive line and secondary hold up early in the year against nonleaguers Northampton, Pottsville and Williamsport. Costanza and Bennie are two outstanding players, Ross said. "Mike is probably the player we're the highest on. We think a lot of him. And Bennie we think is a guy down the road that will be sought after as a college player."
BUX-MONT
PENNRIDGE
Coach: Randy Cuthbert (sixth year at Pennridge, 29-31 record; 57-44 overall).
Last year: 6-6, 3-4 Suburban One Continental.
Key returnees: Sr. RB/LB Brandon Cope (6-0, 212), Sr. RB/DB Jesse Knepp (5-9, 175), Sr. TE/DL Cory Cowdery (6-3, 250), Sr. QB Kyle Peters (5-11, 180), Sr. WR/DB Dylan Moore (5-10, 170), Sr. OL/DL Chris Arnold (6-1, 230), Sr. K Dan Caya (6-3, 180), Jr. RB/LB Carter Peters (5-11, 200), Jr. OL/DL James Worthington (6-0, 240), Jr. OL/DL Anthony Fecondo (6-2, 232).
Outlook: Pennridge finished 2009 with a flourish, and with a loaded offensive backfield in QB Kyle Peters and RBs Knepp and Carter Peters, the Rams should be even better in 2010. "With so many returning players returning, including our entire offensive backfield, the expectations are much higher," Cuthbert said. "The players and coaches are excited about the outlook for the 2010 season. We played a bunch of underclassmen, and by the end of the season last year they started to really develop and mature." For the first time in several years, Pennridge has decent size to go along with greatly-improved strength, with Cowdery, Arnold and Fecondo all back up front. Watch for a strong defensive line in front of Cope, one of the area's top returning linebackers. Question marks are new faces on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield. That said, Cuthbert thinks his team has a strong shot at returning to the district playoffs and perhaps giving pre-season favorite North Penn a tussle for the SOL Continental crown in a conference that features several up-and-coming squads.
QUAKERTOWN
Coach: George Banas (first year).
Last year: 8-4, 4-3 Suburban One Continental. Lost 41-14 at Avon Grove in first round of District One 4A playoffs.
Key returnees: Sr. WR/RB/DB Nick Perrine (5-7, 165), Sr. RB/LB Joe Able (5-9, 180), Sr. OL/DL Joey Meehan (5-11, 215), Sr. OL/DL Jake Swearingen (6-1, 230), Sr. OL/DL Damon Lightner (5-11, 225).
Outlook: Last year's district playoff Panther squad was a senior-laden team, and almost everyone who threw or lugged the football is gone. Able is a noteworthy exception, but under offensive coordinator Dave Perrine, the Panthers will employ a multiple pro-style offense that seeks to spread the load, with junior Zac Gravelle the new quarterback. The presence of proven linemen such as Swearingen, Lightner and Meehan should provide stability. Defensively, Quakertown has traditionally played hard-nosed ball, and that shouldn't change much. For now, Banas is keeping his team's outlook basic. "Our goals for Quakertown this year are to produce solid young men and tough football players," he said.
UPPER PERKIOMEN
Coach: Keith Leamer (seventh year, 42-28).
Last year: 8-4 overall, 6-3 Pioneer Athletic Conference. Lost 46-0 to Bayard Rustin in first round of District One 3A playoffs.
•Key returnees: Sr. OL Jake Nyce (5-11, 215), Sr. OL Alex Zukowski (6-0, 205), Sr. OL/DL Mikey Paul (6-4, 22), Sr. QB Casey Perlstein (6-1, 190), Jr. RB/WR/DB Ronnie Gillespie (5-10, 165), Jr. DE Jody Peart (5-11, 195), Jr. LB Dalton Fleming (6-0, 195).
•Outlook: After a one-year downturn, Upper Perk returned to respectability in a big way, qualifying for the District One 3A playoffs and besting Boyertown on Thanksgiving to nail down third place in the Pioneer Athletic Conference. The Indians boast returning talent at the offensive skill positions, where QB Perlstein and versatile junior Gillespie give Leamer a pair of proven weapons. Much of this team, however, is young, with 10 juniors starting on defense and seven on offense. That said, a senior offensive line trio should provide stability, and Leamer likes what he sees of his team's offseason commitments. "Even though we are young in a lot of areas, most of these juniors got a tremendous amount of playing time last season. … They definitely are proud of getting us back on track last season and have worked hard to get better and build upon that success for this season," the coach said. Not much has changed at the top of the PAC-10. "Obviously, Pottsgrove and Owen J. [Roberts] are the teams to beat," Leamer said. "If we continue to get better every day and stay healthy, I think we can make some noise in the PAC-10."
ANTHRACITE 8
JIM THORPE
Coach: Mark Rosenberger (13th year).
Last year: 4-6.
Impact players: Shane Edwards, RB-LB, sr.; Phil Schron, FB-LB, jr.; Jon Fritz, WR-LB, sr.; Sean Green, WR-CB, sr.; P.J. Johnson, WR-CB, jr.; Tom Acker, TE-DE, sr.; Wes Hurley, T-DT, sr.; Ben Moore, TE-DE, jr.; Tyler Mangold, G-LB, sr.; Sean Leslie, G-DT, sr.; Steve Hayes, G-DE, sr.; Conner Jamison, FB-LB, sr.
Biggest question: Can Terry Moll step in for graduated QB Corey Cinicola, the school's all-time passing leader?
Outlook: The Olympians have a lot of experience in the skill positions and in the trenches. If Moll, a 6-foot, 175-pound senior, can run the offense, they can compete for a playoff berth.
MARIAN CATHOLIC
Coach: Stan Dakosty (34th year).
Last year: 3-7.
Impact players: Paul Martin, RB, jr. (1,000 yards rushing); Corey Quick, QB, so.; Evan Bellizia, DE, sr.; Eric Baker, WR, sr.; Dominick Richards, TE, sr.; Anthony Damiano, LB, jr.; Anthony Pilla, C-DE; Jordan Weber, FB-LB, jr.; Brett Befano, T, sr.; Brendan McGowan, OL, T, sr.; Mike Skotek, G-NG, jr; J.T. Keer, WR-DB, sr.
Biggest question: Will the Colts rebound from their fourth losing season in Dakosty's 33 years there?
Outlook: They are still young, with 51 of the players being underclassmen, and need a couple of areas to develop in order to return to their winning ways. "We're still a work in progress," Dakosty said. "We're bigger, stronger, more experienced. We have a chance to be a good team. Our line play has some experience, but it has to manifest itself. That's what we're looking for in the preseason. That's the key to any football team, the line on both sides of the ball."
PANTHER VALLEY
Coach: Frank Damian (fourth year).
Last year: 9-3, lost to North Schuylkill in overtime in District 11 2A semifinals.
Impact players: Josh Vega, RB-DB, sr.; Anthony Staivecki, T-DL, jr.; Mike Weaver, WR-DB, jr.; Brock Mitchell, TE-DE, jr.
Biggest question: How will the Panthers do with just eight seniors and four returning starters?
Outlook: Damian doesn't have to look back very far to recall a similar situation to what he and his staff face this season with so many fresh faces. "Two years ago, with the class that just graduated, the majority of them started as freshmen and sophomores. We thought they could be special kids if they stuck with it and worked hard in the weight room. That's how we're looking at this group." Joe Revel moves from wide receiver to quarterback this season to run the "pistol" offense.
TAMAQUA
Coach: Sam Bonner (fourth year).
Last year: 8-3, lost to Panther Valley in overtime in District 11 2A quarterfinals.
Impact players: Grif Griffiths (1,333 yards rushing, 14 TDs), TB-LB, sr.; Ryan Palsgrove, QB-CB, sr.; Garth Lakitsky, FB-LB (first-team All-Anthracite LB, 100 tackles last year, PA Football News second-team all-state), sr.; Jarred Muffley, FL-S, jr.; Matt Edmonds, TE-LB, sr.; Carl Wittig, G, sr.; Peter Conforti, C-DL, jr.; Jon Ansbach, TE-DE, sr.; Lance Williams, K, jr.
Biggest question: Can the Blue Raiders find the missing pieces up front on both sides of the ball to make the playoffs for a third consecutive season?
Outlook: "We pretty much have our whole backfield back and two or three kids up front," Bonner said. "But we need some underclassmen to step up. We don't win if we don't get on some people. We have playmakers who can do it from anyplace on the field. That's always a plus. There are a lot of good challenges ahead of us on our schedule we'll have to meet if we want to get back to a playoff situation again."
ALSO
PHILLIPSBURG
•Coach: Bob Stem (sixth year).
•Last year: 10-2, beat Ridge 34-7 to repeat as NJSIAA North 2 Group champion.
•Impact players: Justin Scourzo, QB, sr.; Gerald VanDeCruz, FB-NG, sr.; Dana Lee, TB-CB, sr. (nearly 1,200 yards rushing); Jeff Sullivan, DE, sr.; Sean McNerney, G-LB, sr.; Kyle Williams, TE-LB, sr.; Jason Herman, SS, sr.; Anthony Castro, K-P, sr.
•Biggest question: Can the Stateliners stay hungry and avoid complacency?
•Outlook: "That's my place not to allow that to happen," Stem said. "It's basically the same team. We lost nine seniors, seven of whom played. But some got hurt or had to sit for disciplinary reasons, so younger kids got the chance to start. We have experience at every position. For the first time, we have two linemen at each position who have played before. I'm kind of excited because we're stronger and bigger than we've been in a while."
PIUS X
•Coach: Phil Stambaugh (first year).
•Last year: 9-3, lost to Tri-Valley in District 11 A final.
•Impact players: George Dalessandro, WR-DB, sr.; Zack Cinelli, OL-DL, sr.; R.J. Kolment, DE, sr.; Josh LaBar, WR-LB, sr.; Adrian Bernard, LB-TE, sr.; Nick DeRea, RB, jr.; Pat Douglas, LB, jr.; Matt Camilletti, WR, jr.; Matt Gist, OL, jr.; Nico Goffredo, OL-LB, jr; DuBois Ross, RB-DB, so.; Steve Juarbe, OL, so.; Petey Hernandez, WR-DB, so.; Jake Beltz, OL-DL, fr.; Dashon Russell, RB-LB, fr.; A.J. Long, QB, fr.; Tyler Saylor, LB, fr.
•Biggest question: Can an entirely new offensive line and a freshman quarterback lead the Royals back to the District 11 playoffs?
•Outlook: "We have a young and inexperienced team, especially in some key spots," Stambaugh said. "But we have some very talented players. How quickly we can have success will definitely influence our overall season."
Compiled by Tom Housenick and Ron Kohl
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-hs-football-tab-others-20100830,0,6565186.story?page=6&track=rss
Phil Stambaugh is old enough to remember when Pius X competed for a league championship.
The 32-year-old was a quarterback when the Royals were competing in the Mid-Penn League back in the 1990s.
If he weren't on the coaching staff at all in the last decade, he still would have known how difficult it was for Pius X to fill out an independent schedule.
Stambaugh's mother, Connie, is the school's athletic director. So the former Pius X and Lehigh University quarterback has seen her and former coach Rob Goffredo pull out their collective hairs.
So it came as a greater relief to Stambaugh that his first year as the Pius X head coach will be the school's first in the All-American Conference. The Royals are the sixth member of the league that also has Bucktail, East Juniata, Lourdes Regional, Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech and Carson Long Military Academy
"My mom has five games on the schedule already for next year," Stambaugh said. "The kids get to play for a league title and earn league honors. It adds another dimension to our season, more incentive."
The Royals will travel plenty to road games in the conference, with all of the five foes in the two-hour range (Bucktail is closer to three hours), but they are used to it.
What they had to get accustomed to in the past was an inconsistent schedule. Play two games in six days, and then have more than two weeks off.
"It became a nightmare at times," Stambaugh added, "especially trying to keep the kids focused. They were always on board with everything, though."
Stambaugh's first year in charge, after spending the previous decade as an assistant, doesn't figure to be horrible. But the Royals are young. Really young. There are nearly as many freshmen (19) on the roster as seniors and juniors combined (21).
"Even the juniors will be playing varsity for the first time," Stambaugh said. "Being a new head coach in the program, I can do things my way, mold them. I don't have to change them and win over the experienced players."
Stambaugh expects his defense to be better than the offense, especially early. That's where there are some veterans and athleticism and aggression can help.
"The offensive line is a major question mark," Stambaugh said. "Steve Juarbe is the only one with any experience. He started three games last year, including the two playoff games."
Senior leaders George Dalessandro, "who never leaves the field," and Zack Cinelli figure to help freshman quarterback A.J. Long ease into his role.
But Stambaugh doesn't expect Long to be timid for long.
"Long knew from when he came here and he was right into this," Stambaugh said. "He wanted to get after it right away. He's young, but he listens. He doesn't want to let me or himself down."
Stambaugh also has age on his side. The kids still can relate to the former standout.
"I'm not far removed from where they're at," he said. "I have a good rapport with them. I try to be a players' coach without being too soft. "I have a high level of respect for them for the way they are approaching things right now."
While Goffredo may have left the program, the name hasn't. Junior Nico Goffredo is a nephew. Freshman John Andrew Goffredo is a cousin.
Banas goes home again, too
Like any other first year head football coach, Quakertown's George Banas expects to have a stomach filled with butterflies when his Panthers step onto Alumni Field on Friday for their nonleague opener with Archbishop Wood.
For Banas, however, it isn't just the regular nervousness of taking over a team. No, Banas is back home, and now the team whose uniform he wore as a standout running back and defensive end in the early 1990s is his team.
"It's a big honor and privilege to coach at the school I attended," Banas noted. "It was very exciting to go out on the practice field on Day No. 1 of practice, knowing that this was my team."
The new coach admits, however, to feeling a bit weird about all the intangibles. Quakertown, after all, is the place where Banas scored five touchdowns in a 1993 game, when he rushed for 1,027 yards.
And now he's the coach. Banas succeeds John Donnelly, who compiled a 42-43 record before taking the head coaching position at Central Bucks East. For the record, the new coach and the old coach will bang heads on Oct. 23 at War Memorial Stadium in Doylestown.
"It feels surreal at the moment, and I know that it is really going to hit me walking out onto Alumni Field at our opener as the new coach," Banas said. "As a player or as a coach, you are always going to have nerves going into a contest, so I am sure that I will have some nervous feelings on game day.
"But once the kickoff is underway, I know that they will go away like normal," he added.
In some ways, Banas has inherited a tall order. Despite its status as the smallest-enrollment school in the Suburban One League's tough Continental Conference, Quakertown qualified for the District One Class 4A playoffs the last two seasons. And while North Penn is the perennial pre-season favorite, Banas — who served the last five seasons as the team's defensive coordinator — knows how tough the schedule looks.
"There is not one week, during the entire season, that you can have a letdown and still come out victorious," he said.
While the Panthers will look to start a new chapter, both Upper Perkiomen and Pennridge come into the season with high hopes under veteran leadership. Keith Leamer's Indians were a 3A district playoff team last year and return a talented offensive backfield, while Randy Cuthbert's Pennridge Rams return plenty of talent from last year's 6-6 squad.
MOUNTAIN VALLEY CONFERENCE
EAST STROUDSBURG NORTH
Coach: Chuck Dailey (11th year).
Last year: 5-5, 3-3.
Impact players: Adrian Sterling, RB-S, sr.; Saide Saddiq, T-ILB, sr.; Cody Johnson, G-DT, sr.; Danny Woods, WR-CB, sr.; Joe Clouse, FB-OLB, jr.; Joe Romano, QB, jr; Pete Romano, RB-OLB, jr.
Biggest question: Can the defense keep the scores down?
Outlook: "When you're averaging in the mid- to high-20s [on offense] and still losing five games, you have to step it up," Dailey said of his defense. "We're young and undersized. Our younger guys are actually pretty talented. They'll make some mistakes, but they will stick their noses in there." Dailey will continue to run the triple option with Sterling and the Romano twins, Joe and Pete, the top threats.
EAST STROUDSBURG SOUTH
Coach: Ed Christian (30th year).
Last year: 11-2 overall, 6-0 MVC, MVC champion, lost to Parkland in the District 11 Class 4A semis.
Impact players: Collin Hegarty, TB-LB, sr.; Kyshoen Jarrett (verbally committed to Pitt), HB-CB, sr.; James Coscia, TE-DE, sr.; Willie O'Brien G-DT, sr.
Biggest question: Will the youth mature in time to make another playoff run?
Outlook: Christian is quick to point out that there is no replacing Robbie Moyer and his 35 touchdown passes at quarterback, but senior Michael Carmella has the chance to be a sleeper with his speed and athleticism. "At this point, he's doing very, very well," the South coach said. "But the bullets haven't started flying yet." The Cavaliers will have seven new starters on each side of the ball, but none perhaps bigger than the offensive line that must give Carmella a chance to run the offense. "We have skill people," Christian added. "That's our plus. Our minus is that we have to work through the fact that we are limited with younger kids who have no game experience."
LEHIGHTON
Coach: George Ebbert (third year, 4-16).
•Last year: 1-9, 0-6.
•Impact players: Guiseppe Caruso, TB-S, sr.; Josh Agosto, QB, jr.; Mitchell Moyer, G-LB, jr.; Ian Christman, G-LB, sr.; Joe Oriel, T-DT, jr.; Jacen Nalesnik, TE-DE, so.; Zach Coleman, TB-LB, jr.
•Biggest question: Can the Indians find some success early to put 2009 behind them?
•Outlook: They were decimated by injuries last season. Ebbert believes they should be stronger for it in 2010. "The kids got some experience last year under their belts because they got thrown in there," he said. "If we can have some success early, I think we'll be OK." Caruso returns after missing all of last year after suffering a torn ACL on the second day of drills. A powerlifting club was started in the offseason, proving further that they are committed to improving.
PLEASANT VALLEY
•Coach: Jimmy Terwilliger (second year).
•Last year: 5-5, 4-2.
•Impact players: Rich Irving, WR-S, sr.; Derrik Walling, QB, sr.; Rob Getz, RB, jr; Gary Taaffe, OL-DL, sr.; Rich Hargrove, OL-DL, sr.
•Biggest question: Can the Bears play with consistency from game to game?
•Outlook: "The growing pains go both ways," Terwilliger said. "Especially with a first-year head coach, you find out certain things that work and things that don't. With the nucleus we have now, they are continuing to develop. We're finding out who we are. We're starting to get that identity." The Bears have a solid core group returning, which should allow them to be in the mix in a conference that should be more closely contested than last season.
POCONO MOUNTAIN EAST
Coach: Phil Dorn (fourth year).
•Last year: 4-6, 3-3.
•Impact players: Lamont Tillery, WR, sr.; Eddie Helm, TB, sr.; David Destefano, S, sr.; Daymon Singer, RB-LB, sr.; Jake Fritz, G, jr.; Mike Bryan, OL-DL, sr.; Parker Munson, TE-DE, sr.; Jake DeJohn, WR-DB, jr.; Andrew Gleason, OL-DL, sr.
•Biggest question: How will an inexperienced defense perform early on?
Outlook: The Cardinals return just three defensive starters and are pretty youthful up front on the offensive side of the ball, but Dorn believes they will get better with time and are shooting for the MVC title. "Each year, we've improved record-wise, with their work ethic and with their classroom discipline," he said. "We're looking to continue that. This year, we want to go over the .500 mark. We're doing all of the little things right. If we continue to do that, things will work out on the field."
POCONO MOUNTAIN WEST
•Coach: Jim McCarroll (ninth year).
•Last year: 3-7, 2-4.
•Impact players: QB Jeff Krisiak, so.; TB Terrance Quiteh, sr. TB Duane Elmore, sr; Josh Gonzalez, OL-DL, sr.; Joe Grant, OL-DL, sr.; Nick Tomol, TE-S, sr.; Austin Grim, FB-LB, sr.
•Biggest questions: Can holes be filled in on the offensive line and can the secondary be improved?
•Outlook: "We have two guys back up front," McCarroll said. "We have to put the other pieces together. Some guys have played, but it's a big step up from JV for them. When we won the league in 2007, our secondary was solid. Since then, it's been a weak point. We have better skills there this year. [Overall], you might see four or five sophomores starting for us, so a win early would be big for us to get some confidence. Last year, we lost close games in weeks 1 and 2 and ended up starting 0-5."
STROUDSBURG
•Coach: Fred Ross (41st year).
•Last year: 4-7, 3-3.
•Impact players: Mike Costanza, LB-TB, sr.; Robert Bennie, QB-S, jr.; Brandon Fenner, TE-DE, sr.; Javon Patterson, WR-CB, jr.; John Passmore, LT-DT, jr.; Ben Kloepping, WR-OLB, jr.; Jordon Ellison, K-P, so.; Ron Savoia, TE-OLB, jr.; Trevor Leh, WR-CB, jr.; Alex Leh, WR-CB, jr.; Rob Chiniewicz, FB-LB, sr.; Nick Forde, WR, jr.
•Biggest question: Can the juniors who were thrown into the mix last year as sophomores develop into quality players this season?
•Outlook: "We made a big investment in our younger players last year," Ross said. "We're going to see if that pays off this year." Ross is particularly interested in seeing how his offensive line and secondary hold up early in the year against nonleaguers Northampton, Pottsville and Williamsport. Costanza and Bennie are two outstanding players, Ross said. "Mike is probably the player we're the highest on. We think a lot of him. And Bennie we think is a guy down the road that will be sought after as a college player."
BUX-MONT
PENNRIDGE
Coach: Randy Cuthbert (sixth year at Pennridge, 29-31 record; 57-44 overall).
Last year: 6-6, 3-4 Suburban One Continental.
Key returnees: Sr. RB/LB Brandon Cope (6-0, 212), Sr. RB/DB Jesse Knepp (5-9, 175), Sr. TE/DL Cory Cowdery (6-3, 250), Sr. QB Kyle Peters (5-11, 180), Sr. WR/DB Dylan Moore (5-10, 170), Sr. OL/DL Chris Arnold (6-1, 230), Sr. K Dan Caya (6-3, 180), Jr. RB/LB Carter Peters (5-11, 200), Jr. OL/DL James Worthington (6-0, 240), Jr. OL/DL Anthony Fecondo (6-2, 232).
Outlook: Pennridge finished 2009 with a flourish, and with a loaded offensive backfield in QB Kyle Peters and RBs Knepp and Carter Peters, the Rams should be even better in 2010. "With so many returning players returning, including our entire offensive backfield, the expectations are much higher," Cuthbert said. "The players and coaches are excited about the outlook for the 2010 season. We played a bunch of underclassmen, and by the end of the season last year they started to really develop and mature." For the first time in several years, Pennridge has decent size to go along with greatly-improved strength, with Cowdery, Arnold and Fecondo all back up front. Watch for a strong defensive line in front of Cope, one of the area's top returning linebackers. Question marks are new faces on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield. That said, Cuthbert thinks his team has a strong shot at returning to the district playoffs and perhaps giving pre-season favorite North Penn a tussle for the SOL Continental crown in a conference that features several up-and-coming squads.
QUAKERTOWN
Coach: George Banas (first year).
Last year: 8-4, 4-3 Suburban One Continental. Lost 41-14 at Avon Grove in first round of District One 4A playoffs.
Key returnees: Sr. WR/RB/DB Nick Perrine (5-7, 165), Sr. RB/LB Joe Able (5-9, 180), Sr. OL/DL Joey Meehan (5-11, 215), Sr. OL/DL Jake Swearingen (6-1, 230), Sr. OL/DL Damon Lightner (5-11, 225).
Outlook: Last year's district playoff Panther squad was a senior-laden team, and almost everyone who threw or lugged the football is gone. Able is a noteworthy exception, but under offensive coordinator Dave Perrine, the Panthers will employ a multiple pro-style offense that seeks to spread the load, with junior Zac Gravelle the new quarterback. The presence of proven linemen such as Swearingen, Lightner and Meehan should provide stability. Defensively, Quakertown has traditionally played hard-nosed ball, and that shouldn't change much. For now, Banas is keeping his team's outlook basic. "Our goals for Quakertown this year are to produce solid young men and tough football players," he said.
UPPER PERKIOMEN
Coach: Keith Leamer (seventh year, 42-28).
Last year: 8-4 overall, 6-3 Pioneer Athletic Conference. Lost 46-0 to Bayard Rustin in first round of District One 3A playoffs.
•Key returnees: Sr. OL Jake Nyce (5-11, 215), Sr. OL Alex Zukowski (6-0, 205), Sr. OL/DL Mikey Paul (6-4, 22), Sr. QB Casey Perlstein (6-1, 190), Jr. RB/WR/DB Ronnie Gillespie (5-10, 165), Jr. DE Jody Peart (5-11, 195), Jr. LB Dalton Fleming (6-0, 195).
•Outlook: After a one-year downturn, Upper Perk returned to respectability in a big way, qualifying for the District One 3A playoffs and besting Boyertown on Thanksgiving to nail down third place in the Pioneer Athletic Conference. The Indians boast returning talent at the offensive skill positions, where QB Perlstein and versatile junior Gillespie give Leamer a pair of proven weapons. Much of this team, however, is young, with 10 juniors starting on defense and seven on offense. That said, a senior offensive line trio should provide stability, and Leamer likes what he sees of his team's offseason commitments. "Even though we are young in a lot of areas, most of these juniors got a tremendous amount of playing time last season. … They definitely are proud of getting us back on track last season and have worked hard to get better and build upon that success for this season," the coach said. Not much has changed at the top of the PAC-10. "Obviously, Pottsgrove and Owen J. [Roberts] are the teams to beat," Leamer said. "If we continue to get better every day and stay healthy, I think we can make some noise in the PAC-10."
ANTHRACITE 8
JIM THORPE
Coach: Mark Rosenberger (13th year).
Last year: 4-6.
Impact players: Shane Edwards, RB-LB, sr.; Phil Schron, FB-LB, jr.; Jon Fritz, WR-LB, sr.; Sean Green, WR-CB, sr.; P.J. Johnson, WR-CB, jr.; Tom Acker, TE-DE, sr.; Wes Hurley, T-DT, sr.; Ben Moore, TE-DE, jr.; Tyler Mangold, G-LB, sr.; Sean Leslie, G-DT, sr.; Steve Hayes, G-DE, sr.; Conner Jamison, FB-LB, sr.
Biggest question: Can Terry Moll step in for graduated QB Corey Cinicola, the school's all-time passing leader?
Outlook: The Olympians have a lot of experience in the skill positions and in the trenches. If Moll, a 6-foot, 175-pound senior, can run the offense, they can compete for a playoff berth.
MARIAN CATHOLIC
Coach: Stan Dakosty (34th year).
Last year: 3-7.
Impact players: Paul Martin, RB, jr. (1,000 yards rushing); Corey Quick, QB, so.; Evan Bellizia, DE, sr.; Eric Baker, WR, sr.; Dominick Richards, TE, sr.; Anthony Damiano, LB, jr.; Anthony Pilla, C-DE; Jordan Weber, FB-LB, jr.; Brett Befano, T, sr.; Brendan McGowan, OL, T, sr.; Mike Skotek, G-NG, jr; J.T. Keer, WR-DB, sr.
Biggest question: Will the Colts rebound from their fourth losing season in Dakosty's 33 years there?
Outlook: They are still young, with 51 of the players being underclassmen, and need a couple of areas to develop in order to return to their winning ways. "We're still a work in progress," Dakosty said. "We're bigger, stronger, more experienced. We have a chance to be a good team. Our line play has some experience, but it has to manifest itself. That's what we're looking for in the preseason. That's the key to any football team, the line on both sides of the ball."
PANTHER VALLEY
Coach: Frank Damian (fourth year).
Last year: 9-3, lost to North Schuylkill in overtime in District 11 2A semifinals.
Impact players: Josh Vega, RB-DB, sr.; Anthony Staivecki, T-DL, jr.; Mike Weaver, WR-DB, jr.; Brock Mitchell, TE-DE, jr.
Biggest question: How will the Panthers do with just eight seniors and four returning starters?
Outlook: Damian doesn't have to look back very far to recall a similar situation to what he and his staff face this season with so many fresh faces. "Two years ago, with the class that just graduated, the majority of them started as freshmen and sophomores. We thought they could be special kids if they stuck with it and worked hard in the weight room. That's how we're looking at this group." Joe Revel moves from wide receiver to quarterback this season to run the "pistol" offense.
TAMAQUA
Coach: Sam Bonner (fourth year).
Last year: 8-3, lost to Panther Valley in overtime in District 11 2A quarterfinals.
Impact players: Grif Griffiths (1,333 yards rushing, 14 TDs), TB-LB, sr.; Ryan Palsgrove, QB-CB, sr.; Garth Lakitsky, FB-LB (first-team All-Anthracite LB, 100 tackles last year, PA Football News second-team all-state), sr.; Jarred Muffley, FL-S, jr.; Matt Edmonds, TE-LB, sr.; Carl Wittig, G, sr.; Peter Conforti, C-DL, jr.; Jon Ansbach, TE-DE, sr.; Lance Williams, K, jr.
Biggest question: Can the Blue Raiders find the missing pieces up front on both sides of the ball to make the playoffs for a third consecutive season?
Outlook: "We pretty much have our whole backfield back and two or three kids up front," Bonner said. "But we need some underclassmen to step up. We don't win if we don't get on some people. We have playmakers who can do it from anyplace on the field. That's always a plus. There are a lot of good challenges ahead of us on our schedule we'll have to meet if we want to get back to a playoff situation again."
ALSO
PHILLIPSBURG
•Coach: Bob Stem (sixth year).
•Last year: 10-2, beat Ridge 34-7 to repeat as NJSIAA North 2 Group champion.
•Impact players: Justin Scourzo, QB, sr.; Gerald VanDeCruz, FB-NG, sr.; Dana Lee, TB-CB, sr. (nearly 1,200 yards rushing); Jeff Sullivan, DE, sr.; Sean McNerney, G-LB, sr.; Kyle Williams, TE-LB, sr.; Jason Herman, SS, sr.; Anthony Castro, K-P, sr.
•Biggest question: Can the Stateliners stay hungry and avoid complacency?
•Outlook: "That's my place not to allow that to happen," Stem said. "It's basically the same team. We lost nine seniors, seven of whom played. But some got hurt or had to sit for disciplinary reasons, so younger kids got the chance to start. We have experience at every position. For the first time, we have two linemen at each position who have played before. I'm kind of excited because we're stronger and bigger than we've been in a while."
PIUS X
•Coach: Phil Stambaugh (first year).
•Last year: 9-3, lost to Tri-Valley in District 11 A final.
•Impact players: George Dalessandro, WR-DB, sr.; Zack Cinelli, OL-DL, sr.; R.J. Kolment, DE, sr.; Josh LaBar, WR-LB, sr.; Adrian Bernard, LB-TE, sr.; Nick DeRea, RB, jr.; Pat Douglas, LB, jr.; Matt Camilletti, WR, jr.; Matt Gist, OL, jr.; Nico Goffredo, OL-LB, jr; DuBois Ross, RB-DB, so.; Steve Juarbe, OL, so.; Petey Hernandez, WR-DB, so.; Jake Beltz, OL-DL, fr.; Dashon Russell, RB-LB, fr.; A.J. Long, QB, fr.; Tyler Saylor, LB, fr.
•Biggest question: Can an entirely new offensive line and a freshman quarterback lead the Royals back to the District 11 playoffs?
•Outlook: "We have a young and inexperienced team, especially in some key spots," Stambaugh said. "But we have some very talented players. How quickly we can have success will definitely influence our overall season."
Compiled by Tom Housenick and Ron Kohl
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-hs-football-tab-others-20100830,0,6565186.story?page=6&track=rss
INSIDE THE LVC
FROM THE MORNING CALL
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dave Caldwell
DL, Easton
The LVC's co-MVP a season ago, he finished with 70 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and three recovered fumbles. Easton coach Steve Shiffert expects his senior star to see plenty of double-teams this year.
Eric Fiore
RB, Whitehall
A threat whenever he touched the ball last season, he ran for more than 1,000 yards and scored 15 total touchdowns. The senior, a Morning Call first-team all-area pick, also recorded 32 tackles on defense.
Dante Holmes
DL, Liberty
He recorded 12 sacks among his 72 tackles and also knocked down four passes during his bust-out junior season. He was a first-team LVC and Morning Call all-area selection last year.
Chuck Dibilio
RB, Nazareth
The senior led Nazareth's resurgence last year, rushing for 1,484 yards and 18 touchdowns as the Blue Eagles qualified for the District 11 Class 4A playoffs. A spleen injury kept him out of their early preseason workouts.
Brendan Nosovitch
QB, Central Catholic
As a sophomore last year, he became just the second quarterback in state history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. With two years left to play, he should have plenty of college suitors.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Saturday, Sept. 11
Freedom at Central Catholic
Freedom fancies itself a league title threat. The Patriots face an immediate proving ground in Central Catholic, co-LVC champion a year ago.
Friday, Sept. 24
Easton at Parkland
Easton beat the Trojans twice last year, including in the District 11 Class 4A final, while allowing 17 points over the two games. Parkland will certainly want to improve on the three points it scored in last year's home loss to the Red Rovers.
Saturday, Oct. 9
Whitehall at Central Catholic
Want to see elite quarterback play? Whitehall's Chris Polony, a Villanova recruit, and Central Catholic's Brendan Nosovitch, a returning Morning Call all-area first-team pick, could stage a shootout on J. Birney Crum's turf.
Saturday, Nov. 6
Liberty at Freedom
Freedom's season ended in disappointment last year when it lost its finale to Liberty, missing out on a District 2-4-11 Class 4A playoff berth. Can the Patriots take the title of Bethlehem's best team this season?
STEPHEN MILLER'S 2010 PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Central Catholic
2. Easton
3. Parkland
4. Whitehall
5. Freedom
6. Emmaus
7. Liberty
8. Nazareth
9. Bethlehem Catholic
10. Northampton
11. Allen
12. Dieruff
2009 LVC STANDINGS
LeagueOverall
Central Catholic8-112-2
Easton 8-113-2
Parkland 7-210-3
Liberty 6-36-5
Nazareth5-46-5
Bethlehem Catholic5-4 7-5
Emmaus4-5 6-6
Whitehall4-5 7-5
Freedom 4-55-5
Northampton 2-74-7
Allen 1-81-9
Dieruff 0-90-10
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-hs-football-tab-inside-lvc-20100830,0,1016410.story?page=3&utm_medium=feed&track=rss&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20morningcall%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2Feagles%20%28Eagles%20News%29&utm_source=feedburner
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dave Caldwell
DL, Easton
The LVC's co-MVP a season ago, he finished with 70 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and three recovered fumbles. Easton coach Steve Shiffert expects his senior star to see plenty of double-teams this year.
Eric Fiore
RB, Whitehall
A threat whenever he touched the ball last season, he ran for more than 1,000 yards and scored 15 total touchdowns. The senior, a Morning Call first-team all-area pick, also recorded 32 tackles on defense.
Dante Holmes
DL, Liberty
He recorded 12 sacks among his 72 tackles and also knocked down four passes during his bust-out junior season. He was a first-team LVC and Morning Call all-area selection last year.
Chuck Dibilio
RB, Nazareth
The senior led Nazareth's resurgence last year, rushing for 1,484 yards and 18 touchdowns as the Blue Eagles qualified for the District 11 Class 4A playoffs. A spleen injury kept him out of their early preseason workouts.
Brendan Nosovitch
QB, Central Catholic
As a sophomore last year, he became just the second quarterback in state history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. With two years left to play, he should have plenty of college suitors.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Saturday, Sept. 11
Freedom at Central Catholic
Freedom fancies itself a league title threat. The Patriots face an immediate proving ground in Central Catholic, co-LVC champion a year ago.
Friday, Sept. 24
Easton at Parkland
Easton beat the Trojans twice last year, including in the District 11 Class 4A final, while allowing 17 points over the two games. Parkland will certainly want to improve on the three points it scored in last year's home loss to the Red Rovers.
Saturday, Oct. 9
Whitehall at Central Catholic
Want to see elite quarterback play? Whitehall's Chris Polony, a Villanova recruit, and Central Catholic's Brendan Nosovitch, a returning Morning Call all-area first-team pick, could stage a shootout on J. Birney Crum's turf.
Saturday, Nov. 6
Liberty at Freedom
Freedom's season ended in disappointment last year when it lost its finale to Liberty, missing out on a District 2-4-11 Class 4A playoff berth. Can the Patriots take the title of Bethlehem's best team this season?
STEPHEN MILLER'S 2010 PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Central Catholic
2. Easton
3. Parkland
4. Whitehall
5. Freedom
6. Emmaus
7. Liberty
8. Nazareth
9. Bethlehem Catholic
10. Northampton
11. Allen
12. Dieruff
2009 LVC STANDINGS
LeagueOverall
Central Catholic8-112-2
Easton 8-113-2
Parkland 7-210-3
Liberty 6-36-5
Nazareth5-46-5
Bethlehem Catholic5-4 7-5
Emmaus4-5 6-6
Whitehall4-5 7-5
Freedom 4-55-5
Northampton 2-74-7
Allen 1-81-9
Dieruff 0-90-10
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-hs-football-tab-inside-lvc-20100830,0,1016410.story?page=3&utm_medium=feed&track=rss&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20morningcall%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2Feagles%20%28Eagles%20News%29&utm_source=feedburner
Top Ten In '10: Millcreek Makes A Run
FROM THE PA LEGION BASEBALL WEBSITE
Millcreek has made a name for themselves throughout the western part of the state over the last several years by representing region eight at the annual PA Legion State Tournament. Despite their success locally, they've had a tough time breaking through on the state's biggest stage with an overall record of 1-8. Millcreek once again qualified for the state tournament this season by defeating St. Mary's in the region eight championship game.
When the bracket was handed to the team prior to July's tournament, they could not have been all that excited with the draw they had received. Looming in the first round was a matchup with Spring City, a team many believed to be destined for the state title. Despite trailing by four runs in the sixth inning, Millcreek rallied for five straight runs and the victory. The win certainly amounted to Erie County champs' biggest win in team history.
Millcreek ran in to a very good, and hot, Pennridge squad in game two. They were unable to hold Pennridge in check, allowing sixteen runs in a seven inning mercy rule defeate. Much like they had done the rest of the season, the team from northwest PA showed their resiliency by knocking off a very tough Upper Dauphin team in their third game of the tournament. The five run shutout cemented this year's tournament showing as the team's best ever, with the possibility to expand on that the following day.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Despite making it to Friday afternoon, Millcreek was unable to get by the four time defending state champion Boyertown. They were defeated 11-3 and eliminated from this year's tournament. Millcreek ended up going 2-2 in the tournament and was the only team to defeat eventual champion Spring City. Their performance was certainly worthy of a top ten in '10 award!
http://palegionbaseball.webs.com/apps/blog/show/4668933-top-ten-in-10-millcreek-makes-a-run
Millcreek has made a name for themselves throughout the western part of the state over the last several years by representing region eight at the annual PA Legion State Tournament. Despite their success locally, they've had a tough time breaking through on the state's biggest stage with an overall record of 1-8. Millcreek once again qualified for the state tournament this season by defeating St. Mary's in the region eight championship game.
When the bracket was handed to the team prior to July's tournament, they could not have been all that excited with the draw they had received. Looming in the first round was a matchup with Spring City, a team many believed to be destined for the state title. Despite trailing by four runs in the sixth inning, Millcreek rallied for five straight runs and the victory. The win certainly amounted to Erie County champs' biggest win in team history.
Millcreek ran in to a very good, and hot, Pennridge squad in game two. They were unable to hold Pennridge in check, allowing sixteen runs in a seven inning mercy rule defeate. Much like they had done the rest of the season, the team from northwest PA showed their resiliency by knocking off a very tough Upper Dauphin team in their third game of the tournament. The five run shutout cemented this year's tournament showing as the team's best ever, with the possibility to expand on that the following day.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Despite making it to Friday afternoon, Millcreek was unable to get by the four time defending state champion Boyertown. They were defeated 11-3 and eliminated from this year's tournament. Millcreek ended up going 2-2 in the tournament and was the only team to defeat eventual champion Spring City. Their performance was certainly worthy of a top ten in '10 award!
http://palegionbaseball.webs.com/apps/blog/show/4668933-top-ten-in-10-millcreek-makes-a-run
PCNTV SCHEDULE
PCNTV SCHEDULE
---SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE---
MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2010
5:30 PM Election 2010: Cambria County Rally
Pat Toomey, Republican for U.S. Senate
5:45 PM Weather World
6:00 PM PCN Tours BWP Bats
Brookville, PA
7:00 PM 90th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote
Women's Equality Coalition
8:55 PM Firearm Instant Check Systems
PA House Republican Policy Committee
11:15 PM 90th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote
Women's Equality Coalition
1:10 AM PCN Profiles Steve Pasquale
Actor
TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2010
6:00 AM PCN Profiles Rep. Keith McCall
Speaker of the PA House
7:00 AM PCN Tours PA Military Museum
Boalsburg, PA
8:00 AM PA Books "Disciples of Liberty"
The African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Age of Imperialism
Author: Lawrence Little
9:00 AM PA Books "The Paris of Appalachia"
Author: Brian O'Neill
10:00 AM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (LIVE)
PA Gaming Control Board
7:00 PM PCN Call-In: Gettysburg Casino Licensing (LIVE)
Keith Miller, No Casino Gettysburg
Jeff Klein, Pro casino Adams County
8:00 PM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (LIVE)
PA Gaming Control Board
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
6:00 AM PCN Profiles Frank McCourt
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author
7:00 AM PCN Tours PA Precision Cast Parts
Lebanon, PA
8:00 AM PA Books "Doo-dah! Stephen Foster and the Rise of American Popular Culture"
Author: Ken Emerson
9:00 AM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (LIVE)
PA Gaming Control Board
http://pcntv.com/
---SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE---
MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2010
5:30 PM Election 2010: Cambria County Rally
Pat Toomey, Republican for U.S. Senate
5:45 PM Weather World
6:00 PM PCN Tours BWP Bats
Brookville, PA
7:00 PM 90th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote
Women's Equality Coalition
8:55 PM Firearm Instant Check Systems
PA House Republican Policy Committee
11:15 PM 90th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote
Women's Equality Coalition
1:10 AM PCN Profiles Steve Pasquale
Actor
TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2010
6:00 AM PCN Profiles Rep. Keith McCall
Speaker of the PA House
7:00 AM PCN Tours PA Military Museum
Boalsburg, PA
8:00 AM PA Books "Disciples of Liberty"
The African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Age of Imperialism
Author: Lawrence Little
9:00 AM PA Books "The Paris of Appalachia"
Author: Brian O'Neill
10:00 AM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (LIVE)
PA Gaming Control Board
7:00 PM PCN Call-In: Gettysburg Casino Licensing (LIVE)
Keith Miller, No Casino Gettysburg
Jeff Klein, Pro casino Adams County
8:00 PM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (LIVE)
PA Gaming Control Board
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
6:00 AM PCN Profiles Frank McCourt
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author
7:00 AM PCN Tours PA Precision Cast Parts
Lebanon, PA
8:00 AM PA Books "Doo-dah! Stephen Foster and the Rise of American Popular Culture"
Author: Ken Emerson
9:00 AM Gettysburg Casino Licensing (LIVE)
PA Gaming Control Board
http://pcntv.com/
lawsuit filed against LNT
FROM ROSS NUNAMAKER
Both the Express-Times and the Morning Call have articles (from late last week) about Dr. Lesky’s comments regarding the lawsuit filed against LNT.
If I remember correctly, the school will save $50,000 (later revised to $80,000) per year on its electric bill (read previous post) at Lower Nazareth Elementary.
The current school budget is: $68,100,000. The amount of money the district is suing LNT over is one tenth of a percent of its total budget.
The Morning Call quotes, “"We're facing shortfalls in keeping our programs in effect," Lesky said after the conference. "Here is what we consider an excellent way to save a huge sum of dollars that will enable us to put those dollars toward education — all of this stands to be lost if the township supervisors don't change their minds."
The Express-Times quotes, “In a statement read this morning, Lesky said, "Implementation of this project would allow the dollars saved to be allocated toward maintaining current programs and services for our students, keeping class sizes at reasonable levels and allowing the current real estate tax millage to stay within state (standards)."
Posted via email from Ross Nunamaker
Both the Express-Times and the Morning Call have articles (from late last week) about Dr. Lesky’s comments regarding the lawsuit filed against LNT.
If I remember correctly, the school will save $50,000 (later revised to $80,000) per year on its electric bill (read previous post) at Lower Nazareth Elementary.
The current school budget is: $68,100,000. The amount of money the district is suing LNT over is one tenth of a percent of its total budget.
The Morning Call quotes, “"We're facing shortfalls in keeping our programs in effect," Lesky said after the conference. "Here is what we consider an excellent way to save a huge sum of dollars that will enable us to put those dollars toward education — all of this stands to be lost if the township supervisors don't change their minds."
The Express-Times quotes, “In a statement read this morning, Lesky said, "Implementation of this project would allow the dollars saved to be allocated toward maintaining current programs and services for our students, keeping class sizes at reasonable levels and allowing the current real estate tax millage to stay within state (standards)."
Posted via email from Ross Nunamaker
We would like to thank Everybody who attended our 1st Annual Thrill on the Hill Event Sunday!!!
FROM THE NAZARETH ARTS CENTER FACEBOOK PAGE
Nazareth Center for the Arts
We would like to thank Everybody who attended our 1st Annual Thrill on the Hill Event Sunday, we hope you had a great time! Hopefully we will have it again! A Special Thank you to people who came all the way from Binghamton New York who came! Thanks to them, Magic Bean and Tyler Grady for all performing Sunday at the Nazareth Boro Park!
Nazareth Center for the Arts
We would like to thank Everybody who attended our 1st Annual Thrill on the Hill Event Sunday, we hope you had a great time! Hopefully we will have it again! A Special Thank you to people who came all the way from Binghamton New York who came! Thanks to them, Magic Bean and Tyler Grady for all performing Sunday at the Nazareth Boro Park!
THE NAZARETH BOOSTER CLUB WANTS TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR FRIDAY'S NIGHT SUCESS!
FROM MY FACEBOOK PAGE
Jeremy Setzer August 29 at 10:30pm Reply
Thank you everyone who attended our first ever kick off celebration! we thought it was a great turn out for our first year and only hope to make it better in the future. yes, plans are already starting for next years Paint the town blue and kickoff celebration! please tell us what you thought. what do you want to see again next year, what should go and what should be added? thanks for your feedback. this is your event so lets make it the way you want it!
Jeremy Setzer
Jeremy Setzer August 29 at 10:30pm Reply
Thank you everyone who attended our first ever kick off celebration! we thought it was a great turn out for our first year and only hope to make it better in the future. yes, plans are already starting for next years Paint the town blue and kickoff celebration! please tell us what you thought. what do you want to see again next year, what should go and what should be added? thanks for your feedback. this is your event so lets make it the way you want it!
Jeremy Setzer
FLASHBACK: Dieruff's 13-game football unbeaten steak ended
FROM THE MORNING CALL
A weekly look back at sports — in anniversaries in multiples of five — in the Lehigh Valley.
AUG. 30
2000 — On the eve of his senior season at Parkland, all-state football player Tim Massaquoi announces he will attend the University of Michigan.
1990 — The Bicentennial Stars continue their Blue Mountain League baseball dynasty by beating Lehigh Township 15-2 in the fifth and deciding game of the championship series. It is Bicentennial's seventh title and 10th championship series appearance in the franchise's 11-year-history.
1980 — Despite one rushing touchdown and two TD passes by quarterback Andre Reed, Dieruff's 13-game unbeaten streak comes to an end when the Huskies drop a 28-20 non-league decision at Berwick.
AUG. 31
2000 — The San Francisco Giants call up former Kutztown University standout Ryan Vogelsong from the team's Double-A affiliate in Shreveport.
2000 — By a narrow and divisive 5-4 vote, the Whitehall School Board accepts Todd Painton's resignation as the school's girls basketball coach. Painton, hired a year earlier to bring discipline to a program that had suffered several off-court incidents in recent years, posted a 21-4 record in his only season but resigns as pressure from disgruntled parents grew over the summer.
1985 — Bob Heller's 79-yard interception return provides the game's only score as Palisades ends a 30-game winless streak (0-28-2) with a 7-0 victory at Kutztown.
SEPT. 1
2000 — Andre Reed, who signed with Denver seeking more playing time after the Buffalo Bills told the veteran he would have a reduced role, leaves the Broncos after coach Mike Shanahan tells the 36-year-old receiver he would be deactivated for the upcoming season opener. Denver ultimately releases the Allentown native.
2000 — In one of the longest road trips ever by a Lehigh Valley high school team, Bethlehem Catholic travels to Denver, Colo., where the Golden Hawks fall to nationally ranked Mullen Prep 34-13.
1995 — Upper Perkiomen junior Kyheim Tripp runs for 286 yards and two touchdowns in his first varsity start to help the Indians beat Quakertown, 22-15.
1995 — John Andretti, Mario's nephew and Michael's cousin, earns his first Winston Cup pole with a Southern 500 qualifying lap record of 167.379 mph at Darlington Speedway. Andretti would finish 12th in the race.
1980 — The Washington Redskins release former Allen and Lehigh star quarterback Kim McQuilken, who threw four passes in 1979 as Joe Theismann's backup.
1975 — Ty Stofflet allows two hits and strikes out 33 batters in Rising Sun Hotel's 2-1, 19-inning victory over Fox Hill in Hopewell, Va., a win that qualifies the Sunners for the upcoming ASA National Tournament in Hayward, Calif.
SEPT. 2
2005 — Junior Robbie Frey, making his first varsity start, sets a new Lehighton single-game rushing record with 324 yards on 27 carries in a 35-21 win at Marian Catholic. Frey, who had two touchdown runs, including one of 92 yards, breaks Joe Semanoff's 4-year-old mark of 315.
1955 — Billy McGhee's home run and seven RBIs help Allentown to a 15-4 win over Albany and assure the Redbirds their first-ever Eastern League playoff berth.
SEPT. 3
2005 — Bethlehem Catholic graduate Mark Borda ties Lehigh's school record with six touchdown passes in a 54-26 win over Monmouth, the Mountain Hawks' eighth straight season-opening win. Borda completes 22 of 31 passes for 399 yards.
1985 — Kevin Mikuta's hat trick leads Salisbury to a 5-2 soccer victory over Pleasant Valley, the 100th win by Falcons coach Jeff Person.
1960 — Allentown keeps its Eastern League playoff hopes alive with a 7-6, 3-2 sweep of Williamsport at Hess Stadium, the second of four straight doubleheaders the A-Sox will play to close out the season. Two days later, Allentown's playoff bid ends in a 5-4, 11-inning defeat at Springfield in the first game of a Labor Day doubleheader. The holiday crowd of 1,297 at Hess Stadium witnesses the last professional baseball game in Allentown for 37 years, until the Allentown Ambassadors begin play in the independent Northeast League in 1997.
SEPT. 4
1995 — Marty Nothstein suffers a fractured right patella during a training crash at the Lehigh County Velodrome, an injury that puts his status for the upcoming World Cycling Championships in jeopardy. Three weeks later, however, Nothstein is cleared to compete in the championships, which begin Sept. 26 in Bogota, Colombia.
SEPT. 5
1990 — After leading Lafayette to its first NCAA baseball tournament appearance in 24 years, Joe Hindelang leaves College Hill for Happy Valley, becoming Penn State's head coach. In eight seasons under Hindelang, the Leopards were 158-152-1.
1985 — After he leads the team with nine catches including four for touchdowns in the preseason, Buffalo names rookie Andre Reed a starter for the Bills upcoming regular-season opener against San Diego. The former Dieruff and Kutztown University star catches one pass for 35 yards in Buffalo's 14-9 loss.
1985 — Freedom ends Bethlehem Catholic's 91-match winning streak in girls volleyball with a 15-10, 8-15, 15-12 victory.
Contributions, subject to verification in The Morning Call's archives, can be submitted to sports@mcall.com or by mail to The Morning Call's sports department, marked to the attention of "Flashback." To be considered for inclusion, items must be submitted three weeks before publication date.
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-flashback-0829-20100829,0,6291175.story?page=2&utm_medium=feed&track=rss&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20morningcall%2Fsports%2Fbaseball%2Fphillies%20%28Phillies%20News%29&utm_source=feedburner
A weekly look back at sports — in anniversaries in multiples of five — in the Lehigh Valley.
AUG. 30
2000 — On the eve of his senior season at Parkland, all-state football player Tim Massaquoi announces he will attend the University of Michigan.
1990 — The Bicentennial Stars continue their Blue Mountain League baseball dynasty by beating Lehigh Township 15-2 in the fifth and deciding game of the championship series. It is Bicentennial's seventh title and 10th championship series appearance in the franchise's 11-year-history.
1980 — Despite one rushing touchdown and two TD passes by quarterback Andre Reed, Dieruff's 13-game unbeaten streak comes to an end when the Huskies drop a 28-20 non-league decision at Berwick.
AUG. 31
2000 — The San Francisco Giants call up former Kutztown University standout Ryan Vogelsong from the team's Double-A affiliate in Shreveport.
2000 — By a narrow and divisive 5-4 vote, the Whitehall School Board accepts Todd Painton's resignation as the school's girls basketball coach. Painton, hired a year earlier to bring discipline to a program that had suffered several off-court incidents in recent years, posted a 21-4 record in his only season but resigns as pressure from disgruntled parents grew over the summer.
1985 — Bob Heller's 79-yard interception return provides the game's only score as Palisades ends a 30-game winless streak (0-28-2) with a 7-0 victory at Kutztown.
SEPT. 1
2000 — Andre Reed, who signed with Denver seeking more playing time after the Buffalo Bills told the veteran he would have a reduced role, leaves the Broncos after coach Mike Shanahan tells the 36-year-old receiver he would be deactivated for the upcoming season opener. Denver ultimately releases the Allentown native.
2000 — In one of the longest road trips ever by a Lehigh Valley high school team, Bethlehem Catholic travels to Denver, Colo., where the Golden Hawks fall to nationally ranked Mullen Prep 34-13.
1995 — Upper Perkiomen junior Kyheim Tripp runs for 286 yards and two touchdowns in his first varsity start to help the Indians beat Quakertown, 22-15.
1995 — John Andretti, Mario's nephew and Michael's cousin, earns his first Winston Cup pole with a Southern 500 qualifying lap record of 167.379 mph at Darlington Speedway. Andretti would finish 12th in the race.
1980 — The Washington Redskins release former Allen and Lehigh star quarterback Kim McQuilken, who threw four passes in 1979 as Joe Theismann's backup.
1975 — Ty Stofflet allows two hits and strikes out 33 batters in Rising Sun Hotel's 2-1, 19-inning victory over Fox Hill in Hopewell, Va., a win that qualifies the Sunners for the upcoming ASA National Tournament in Hayward, Calif.
SEPT. 2
2005 — Junior Robbie Frey, making his first varsity start, sets a new Lehighton single-game rushing record with 324 yards on 27 carries in a 35-21 win at Marian Catholic. Frey, who had two touchdown runs, including one of 92 yards, breaks Joe Semanoff's 4-year-old mark of 315.
1955 — Billy McGhee's home run and seven RBIs help Allentown to a 15-4 win over Albany and assure the Redbirds their first-ever Eastern League playoff berth.
SEPT. 3
2005 — Bethlehem Catholic graduate Mark Borda ties Lehigh's school record with six touchdown passes in a 54-26 win over Monmouth, the Mountain Hawks' eighth straight season-opening win. Borda completes 22 of 31 passes for 399 yards.
1985 — Kevin Mikuta's hat trick leads Salisbury to a 5-2 soccer victory over Pleasant Valley, the 100th win by Falcons coach Jeff Person.
1960 — Allentown keeps its Eastern League playoff hopes alive with a 7-6, 3-2 sweep of Williamsport at Hess Stadium, the second of four straight doubleheaders the A-Sox will play to close out the season. Two days later, Allentown's playoff bid ends in a 5-4, 11-inning defeat at Springfield in the first game of a Labor Day doubleheader. The holiday crowd of 1,297 at Hess Stadium witnesses the last professional baseball game in Allentown for 37 years, until the Allentown Ambassadors begin play in the independent Northeast League in 1997.
SEPT. 4
1995 — Marty Nothstein suffers a fractured right patella during a training crash at the Lehigh County Velodrome, an injury that puts his status for the upcoming World Cycling Championships in jeopardy. Three weeks later, however, Nothstein is cleared to compete in the championships, which begin Sept. 26 in Bogota, Colombia.
SEPT. 5
1990 — After leading Lafayette to its first NCAA baseball tournament appearance in 24 years, Joe Hindelang leaves College Hill for Happy Valley, becoming Penn State's head coach. In eight seasons under Hindelang, the Leopards were 158-152-1.
1985 — After he leads the team with nine catches including four for touchdowns in the preseason, Buffalo names rookie Andre Reed a starter for the Bills upcoming regular-season opener against San Diego. The former Dieruff and Kutztown University star catches one pass for 35 yards in Buffalo's 14-9 loss.
1985 — Freedom ends Bethlehem Catholic's 91-match winning streak in girls volleyball with a 15-10, 8-15, 15-12 victory.
Contributions, subject to verification in The Morning Call's archives, can be submitted to sports@mcall.com or by mail to The Morning Call's sports department, marked to the attention of "Flashback." To be considered for inclusion, items must be submitted three weeks before publication date.
http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-flashback-0829-20100829,0,6291175.story?page=2&utm_medium=feed&track=rss&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20morningcall%2Fsports%2Fbaseball%2Fphillies%20%28Phillies%20News%29&utm_source=feedburner
Fans, former players embrace late "Pigapalooza"
FROM KEITH GROLLER
Kurt Landes said he wished he could turn the heat down a few degrees, but then quickly added, "But it's better than rain."
Landes, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs general manager, was beaming while talking on the busy concourse level of Coca-Cola Park Sunday afternoon as the organization finally got to hold its "Pigapalooza Fanfest" celebration seven weeks and one day later than scheduled.
It was originally set for July 10 and was supposed to serve as the lead-off event for the Triple-A All-Star Game.
» SIGN UP FOR MOBILE ALERTS ... AND WIN!! The latest news, sports & more, plus a chance to win a new DROID X!
Mother Nature ruined those plans, and Landes admitted that Sunday's gathering had more of a "Fan Appreciation," end-of-year feel to it rather than the start of a celebration as it was intended.
Still, the area's love affair with baseball, the IronPigs and Phillies was all on display throughout the nine-hour event which included attractions throughout the ballpark, even the parking lot.
The IronPigs are the top drawing minor-league team in all of baseball, drawing 9,206 fans per night to a ballpark that has about 8,100 permanent seats. With six home dates left, they are on target to set another attendance record, even though the team has never spent a day above .500.
The passion remains palpable.
"In the first half-hour, we had already had 2,500 in the ballpark," Landes said. "We'd love to keep it at that level throughout the day."
More than 10,000 tickets were sold for the event, which was packaged with the other All-Star attractions. After six hours, more than 6,000 had come through the gates with a late push expected for the fireworks show.
There was no game to watch —considering the IronPigs were 53-82 entering play on Sunday a few wise guys might have considered that a blessing — but still plenty to do.
"The activities are all the same," Landes said. "We have the same number of autograph signers, but the lineup changed because the Phillies are in San Diego and not at home as they would have been back in July."
Sunday's lineup of former Phillies featured Darren Daulton, Ricky Botallico, Tommy Greene, Milt Thompson, Marty Bystrom and Dickie Noles.
Daulton, a recent inductee into the Phillies Wall of Fame, was particularly popular with many female autograph-seekers, one of which wanted her shirt signed in the, a-hem, neck area.
"Everybody's in a good mood," Daulton said. "This is a nice place, the weather's great and people are having a good time."
It was Daulton's first visit to Coca-Cola Park and he was impressed.
"They didn't make these places like this when I was coming up," he said.
Greene and Thompson were having so much fun that they continued to sign autographs even after the line had been shut down.
They stood in the dugout suites and kept signing as long as fans kept hanging over the railing and flinging down baseballs, caps and anything else to be signed.
Thompson, demonstrating plenty of grace and class considering he was recently fired by the Phillies as their batting coach, enjoyed being around a ballpark again.
"I've been here a couple of times and it's a great baseball area," he said. "This is nothing like minor league parks used to be. These are big-league facilities with the weight rooms, batting cages, everything you need to get you prepared for the big leagues.
"This place is second to none. It's a great place to be, playing in front of a packed house every night. For a player, that's a great feeling."
Thompson said he had no hard feelings toward the Phillies, but understandably was reluctant to comment on them.
» SIGN UP FOR MOBILE ALERTS ... AND WIN!! The latest news, sports & more, plus a chance to win a new DROID X!
"I'm on the outside now," he said. "I pull for the guys. I was with them for seven years and there are relationships there. But the last few weeks I have backed away from baseball.
"I was in a uniform for 30 consecutive years, so this is a little weird. Of those 30 years, I spent 15 of them in a Phillies uniform. So I have nothing bad to say about the organization. I'm playing golf, spending time with my family and doing some different things to keep myself busy until I figure out where I am going to go."
You could also sense that guys like Noles and Bystrom, who have been out of a Phillies uniform for a much longer period of time than Thompson, enjoyed the interaction with the fans.
Bystrom, who was 5-0 for the Phillies' 1980 world championship team, was impressed with Coca-Cola Park.
"It's beautiful, just gorgeous," Bystrom said. "When I was in Triple-A, the Phillies affiliate was in Oklahoma City. It was a small clubhouse with a small training and that was about it."
Noles used to be a Scranton guy, having spent time with the Phillies' former Triple-A affiliate when it was located several exits away on the turnpike..
"I still work for the Phillies and I get to come in and out of this place quite often," said Noles, another member of the 1980 world title team. "The fans here are the best. They still thank me for knocking down George Brett in the 1980 World Series.
"I loved Scranton, too. I knew everybody up there, even in the restaurants, and did my drug and alcohol program up there. … played golf for free. I hated to see them leave. But once I found this place, it was like 'Never mind, Scranton.' I just love it here."
http://www.mcall.com/sports/columnists/groller/mc-allentown-pigapalooza-20100830,0,2808949.column?page=2
Kurt Landes said he wished he could turn the heat down a few degrees, but then quickly added, "But it's better than rain."
Landes, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs general manager, was beaming while talking on the busy concourse level of Coca-Cola Park Sunday afternoon as the organization finally got to hold its "Pigapalooza Fanfest" celebration seven weeks and one day later than scheduled.
It was originally set for July 10 and was supposed to serve as the lead-off event for the Triple-A All-Star Game.
» SIGN UP FOR MOBILE ALERTS ... AND WIN!! The latest news, sports & more, plus a chance to win a new DROID X!
Mother Nature ruined those plans, and Landes admitted that Sunday's gathering had more of a "Fan Appreciation," end-of-year feel to it rather than the start of a celebration as it was intended.
Still, the area's love affair with baseball, the IronPigs and Phillies was all on display throughout the nine-hour event which included attractions throughout the ballpark, even the parking lot.
The IronPigs are the top drawing minor-league team in all of baseball, drawing 9,206 fans per night to a ballpark that has about 8,100 permanent seats. With six home dates left, they are on target to set another attendance record, even though the team has never spent a day above .500.
The passion remains palpable.
"In the first half-hour, we had already had 2,500 in the ballpark," Landes said. "We'd love to keep it at that level throughout the day."
More than 10,000 tickets were sold for the event, which was packaged with the other All-Star attractions. After six hours, more than 6,000 had come through the gates with a late push expected for the fireworks show.
There was no game to watch —considering the IronPigs were 53-82 entering play on Sunday a few wise guys might have considered that a blessing — but still plenty to do.
"The activities are all the same," Landes said. "We have the same number of autograph signers, but the lineup changed because the Phillies are in San Diego and not at home as they would have been back in July."
Sunday's lineup of former Phillies featured Darren Daulton, Ricky Botallico, Tommy Greene, Milt Thompson, Marty Bystrom and Dickie Noles.
Daulton, a recent inductee into the Phillies Wall of Fame, was particularly popular with many female autograph-seekers, one of which wanted her shirt signed in the, a-hem, neck area.
"Everybody's in a good mood," Daulton said. "This is a nice place, the weather's great and people are having a good time."
It was Daulton's first visit to Coca-Cola Park and he was impressed.
"They didn't make these places like this when I was coming up," he said.
Greene and Thompson were having so much fun that they continued to sign autographs even after the line had been shut down.
They stood in the dugout suites and kept signing as long as fans kept hanging over the railing and flinging down baseballs, caps and anything else to be signed.
Thompson, demonstrating plenty of grace and class considering he was recently fired by the Phillies as their batting coach, enjoyed being around a ballpark again.
"I've been here a couple of times and it's a great baseball area," he said. "This is nothing like minor league parks used to be. These are big-league facilities with the weight rooms, batting cages, everything you need to get you prepared for the big leagues.
"This place is second to none. It's a great place to be, playing in front of a packed house every night. For a player, that's a great feeling."
Thompson said he had no hard feelings toward the Phillies, but understandably was reluctant to comment on them.
» SIGN UP FOR MOBILE ALERTS ... AND WIN!! The latest news, sports & more, plus a chance to win a new DROID X!
"I'm on the outside now," he said. "I pull for the guys. I was with them for seven years and there are relationships there. But the last few weeks I have backed away from baseball.
"I was in a uniform for 30 consecutive years, so this is a little weird. Of those 30 years, I spent 15 of them in a Phillies uniform. So I have nothing bad to say about the organization. I'm playing golf, spending time with my family and doing some different things to keep myself busy until I figure out where I am going to go."
You could also sense that guys like Noles and Bystrom, who have been out of a Phillies uniform for a much longer period of time than Thompson, enjoyed the interaction with the fans.
Bystrom, who was 5-0 for the Phillies' 1980 world championship team, was impressed with Coca-Cola Park.
"It's beautiful, just gorgeous," Bystrom said. "When I was in Triple-A, the Phillies affiliate was in Oklahoma City. It was a small clubhouse with a small training and that was about it."
Noles used to be a Scranton guy, having spent time with the Phillies' former Triple-A affiliate when it was located several exits away on the turnpike..
"I still work for the Phillies and I get to come in and out of this place quite often," said Noles, another member of the 1980 world title team. "The fans here are the best. They still thank me for knocking down George Brett in the 1980 World Series.
"I loved Scranton, too. I knew everybody up there, even in the restaurants, and did my drug and alcohol program up there. … played golf for free. I hated to see them leave. But once I found this place, it was like 'Never mind, Scranton.' I just love it here."
http://www.mcall.com/sports/columnists/groller/mc-allentown-pigapalooza-20100830,0,2808949.column?page=2
Yankees Come to Town Tonight
FROM THE IRONPIGS
ONLY SIX HOME GAMES REMAIN THIS SEASON
Purchase tickets to upcoming games
The IronPigs season may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun is! Come out to Coca-Cola Park and help the IronPigs celebrate another exciting season as only six home dates remain for the 2010 season! Two fireworks nights, three special giveaways and Fan Appreciation Day are all on tap for the final week of the season.
Tickets for the final six IronPigs home games are still available and can be purchased in-person at Coca-Cola Park, by calling (610) 841-PIGS or online at ironpigsbaseball.com. Prices for single-game tickets remain identical for the third consecutive season and start as low as $6 for General Admission, granting fans access to the Capital BlueCross Lawn seating area and standing room only areas. Field Level reserved seats are just $9.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees will visit the Valley for a two-game set against the IronPigs, August 30-31. Fans can enjoy the last few games of the 2010 campaign while looking forward to next season as Monday’s series opener features a 2011 IronPigs Wall Calendar courtesy of Nacci Printing to the first 7,500 adults through the gates. In addition, two IronPigs players will be signing autographs on the concourse for fans from 6:00-6:20 p.m. (players to be announced at a later date).
The first 5,000 fans in attendance for the series finale on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. will receive a 2011 Magnet Schedule presented by Sacred Heart Hospital.
As with every Tuesday home game, fans can play TD Bank Ballpark Bingo for a chance to win a $25 Visa Check Card and a team autographed baseball.
After a quick, two-day trip to Pawtucket, the IronPigs will return home on Friday, September 3 for the final homestand of the season at Coca-Cola Park.
The Labor Day weekend series lifts off with a Friday Night Fireworks extravaganza presented by Subarashii Kudamono following Friday’s 7:05 p.m. tilt against the Buffalo Bisons, the New York Mets top affiliate.
Saturday’s 6:35 p.m. game features the final Pre-Game Happy Hour and Concert series as well as the final giveaway of the 2010 season. From 4:30 to 5:30, fans will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs and $3 Bud and Bud Lights in the AT&T Plaza while enjoying live entertainment from the Todd Wolf Band.
The first 3,000 adults will receive a one-of-a-kind Coca-Cola Park Photo Frame thanks to the Finish Line Running Store and Back in Action in which fans can put their most cherished Coca-Cola Park memories from the 2010 season.
The first-place Yankees return for Sunday’s penultimate game at 5:35 p.m. Following the game, the final rendition of Eastern Pennsylvania’s premier fireworks show for the 2010 season will be on display courtesy of the Pennsylvania Lottery.
And lastly, the IronPigs 2010 season concludes on Monday, September 6 at 1:35 p.m. for Fan Appreciation Day at Coca-Cola Park. Fans won’t want to miss great raffles, prizes, giveaways and more during this action-packed final game on 2010!
With the exception of Saturday home games and other noted games, the Main Gates open 75 minutes prior to game time while the Club Level gates open 90 minutes before scheduled first pitch time.
Fans are reminded that there are three entry points for parking and are encouraged to use the Dauphin Street entrance when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.
The cost of parking for all IronPigs home games is $3 per vehicle.
Single-game tickets, mini-plan packages and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are dedicated to providing family-friendly entertainment and are the only Minor League team to offer bubbles to fans entering the AT&T Plaza and balloons for all children exiting Coca-Cola Park.
-- oink --
http://www.ironpigsbaseball.com/pressbox/news/?article_id=1069
ONLY SIX HOME GAMES REMAIN THIS SEASON
Purchase tickets to upcoming games
The IronPigs season may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun is! Come out to Coca-Cola Park and help the IronPigs celebrate another exciting season as only six home dates remain for the 2010 season! Two fireworks nights, three special giveaways and Fan Appreciation Day are all on tap for the final week of the season.
Tickets for the final six IronPigs home games are still available and can be purchased in-person at Coca-Cola Park, by calling (610) 841-PIGS or online at ironpigsbaseball.com. Prices for single-game tickets remain identical for the third consecutive season and start as low as $6 for General Admission, granting fans access to the Capital BlueCross Lawn seating area and standing room only areas. Field Level reserved seats are just $9.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees will visit the Valley for a two-game set against the IronPigs, August 30-31. Fans can enjoy the last few games of the 2010 campaign while looking forward to next season as Monday’s series opener features a 2011 IronPigs Wall Calendar courtesy of Nacci Printing to the first 7,500 adults through the gates. In addition, two IronPigs players will be signing autographs on the concourse for fans from 6:00-6:20 p.m. (players to be announced at a later date).
The first 5,000 fans in attendance for the series finale on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. will receive a 2011 Magnet Schedule presented by Sacred Heart Hospital.
As with every Tuesday home game, fans can play TD Bank Ballpark Bingo for a chance to win a $25 Visa Check Card and a team autographed baseball.
After a quick, two-day trip to Pawtucket, the IronPigs will return home on Friday, September 3 for the final homestand of the season at Coca-Cola Park.
The Labor Day weekend series lifts off with a Friday Night Fireworks extravaganza presented by Subarashii Kudamono following Friday’s 7:05 p.m. tilt against the Buffalo Bisons, the New York Mets top affiliate.
Saturday’s 6:35 p.m. game features the final Pre-Game Happy Hour and Concert series as well as the final giveaway of the 2010 season. From 4:30 to 5:30, fans will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs and $3 Bud and Bud Lights in the AT&T Plaza while enjoying live entertainment from the Todd Wolf Band.
The first 3,000 adults will receive a one-of-a-kind Coca-Cola Park Photo Frame thanks to the Finish Line Running Store and Back in Action in which fans can put their most cherished Coca-Cola Park memories from the 2010 season.
The first-place Yankees return for Sunday’s penultimate game at 5:35 p.m. Following the game, the final rendition of Eastern Pennsylvania’s premier fireworks show for the 2010 season will be on display courtesy of the Pennsylvania Lottery.
And lastly, the IronPigs 2010 season concludes on Monday, September 6 at 1:35 p.m. for Fan Appreciation Day at Coca-Cola Park. Fans won’t want to miss great raffles, prizes, giveaways and more during this action-packed final game on 2010!
With the exception of Saturday home games and other noted games, the Main Gates open 75 minutes prior to game time while the Club Level gates open 90 minutes before scheduled first pitch time.
Fans are reminded that there are three entry points for parking and are encouraged to use the Dauphin Street entrance when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.
The cost of parking for all IronPigs home games is $3 per vehicle.
Single-game tickets, mini-plan packages and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are dedicated to providing family-friendly entertainment and are the only Minor League team to offer bubbles to fans entering the AT&T Plaza and balloons for all children exiting Coca-Cola Park.
-- oink --
http://www.ironpigsbaseball.com/pressbox/news/?article_id=1069
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)