5 things to take from Friday night, including proof Allen is getting better

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/ FROM KEITH GROLLER Five things to take from what may have been the last perfect weather night for high school football: 1. ALLEN IS, INDEED, GETTING BETTER -- George Clay has been saying it. So have others. Allen is getting better as a football program. And now, finally, we have some proof. The Canaries losing 17-6 to Pocono Montain West is, indeed, a sign of improvement. Yes, it's a moral victory and while Allen wants more than moral victories, it's a start. West quarterback Jeff Krisiak is one of the top passers in the district and the Canaries limited him to 153 yards on 16-for-22 passing. The disappointing thing from the Allen perspective is that they were only able to score one touchdown -- a 2-yard run by Jaleel Ennis. Lehighton is next for Allen. The Indians probably don't mind coming back to J. Birney Crum Stadium after their 42-0 win over Dieruff last week. But this one won't be that easy for Lehighton. 2. EASTON IS STILL TOUGH WHEN IT COUNTS -- Easton is not a great football team. There have been stretches in the past couple of weeks when you wonder how this team is ranked among the best in the state. But when the game is on the line and plays have to be made, Easton makes them. I see them beating Northampton and Liberty handily the next two weeks, but have tough ones against Whitehall and Nazareth to close it out. I don't think the Rovers go unbeaten through the LVC season, but at a minimum, they're going to the playoffs as a high seed. 3. NOT BAD BEING GREEN -- The Green Hornets of Emmaus took care of business against Northampton as did the Green Knights of Pen Argyl. Both teams are a bit off the radar right now, and will probably not win league titles, but they're well-coached programs and headed toward winning records. Pen Argyl hosting Catty next week should be a dandy. We're hoping to get the Rough Riders on our "Calling All Sports" TV show this week. 4. STROUDSBURG IS NOW LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS -- The Mounties are one of three Mountain Valley Conference teams that might be a very tough out come subregional playoff time -- Pleasant Valley and East Stroudsburg South are the other two. The Mounties were the pick to win the MVC before the season, but some people began to question how good they are once they lost their opener to Northampton. But that was a good Wyoming Valley West they destroyed 38-15 on Friday night, coming up with nearly 500 yards of offense in the process. 5. NICE CROWD AT FREEDOM -- It was good to see that the Freedom students are still coming out to games in large numbers. Remember, the Freedom Family or Riot Squad, had a great impact on last basketball season and it's encouraging o see there's plenty of school spirit still left with the kids. Easton also brought a lot of fans to BASD and why not? It was a gorgeous night and it's not as if it's more than a 20-minute ride from one school to the next. And kudos to both bands. It was good the kids out there in large numbers and sounding real good. A little loud maybe, but very enjoyable. Is Freedom the only band playing the "Chicken Dance?" If so, nice touch.