Before I get to the predictions on the three big games involving our local teams tonight, let me say how much I enjoyed talking with Parkland assistant coach Frank Lane the other night.
You have to understand that most of the high school football coaches -- and this carries right through the collegiate and professional ranks -- are about as colorful as the neighborhood sidewalk when it comes to their comments. I would much rather shovel snow off a sidewalk for a living than have to deal with Bill Belichick day in and day out.
These guys are so guarded, so trained to be vanilla and not reveal anything about their game plans or provide bulletin-board material for the other team, that they say virtually nothing. They just spew out the cliches we've heard over and over again.
That's why I wish Lane was a head coach again because he -- in the words of the late, great Howard Cosell -- tells it like it is.
Of course, he might make people like his own principal and athletic director nervous with what he might say, but too bad. I find his candor refreshing.
I wish I could have included more of his comments in the story I did for today's newspaper.
Bottom line is I like someone who doesn't treat this stuff like the world is depending on it or make football Xs and Os seem like they are the secret formula to a nuclear bomb.
He does, indeed, wear his heart on his sleeve, and I've been known to express myself in that fashion from time to time myself, sometimes in public settings like the radio show. Sometimes no matter how hard you try to suppress your thoughts and say only the most kind, diplomatic things, the truth seeps out.
In our conversation the other night, he admitted that before he got to Parkland he thought they were nothing but "rich, spoiled kids." He, of course, has changed his opinion on that since he has now seen for about a decade how hard those kids work and how they dedicate themselves throughout the course of the year. Now, he understands, and relies on the fact that the Parkland kids work as hard, if not harder, than anyone.
He also said it's amazing how well he gets along with Parkland defensive coordinator Tim Moncman because when Moncman was at Liberty he intensely disliked Moncman. It wasn't personal, just that an Easton guy coaching at Parkland is not going to be overly fond of people at Liberty. And, remember, the Hurricanes were very good when Moncman were there. Rivalries tend to taint perceptions and success by a rival can lead to animosity.
There are many other examples of Lane's honesty. He even called his college recruiter from Susquehanna, Emmaus-area resident Jim Dal Pezzo "a pain in the butt."
"He was persistent and that broke down my resistance and I finally said yes just so he'd stop driving me nuts," Lane said.
Having dealt with Dal Pezzo over the years, I understand Lane all too well on this one.
Even with his own selection into the Phillipsburg/Easton Hall of Fame, Lane said he was shocked, especially when he heard Chuck Amato was going in as a fellow inductee.
"Are you kidding me?" Lane said. "He was the coach at N.C. State and Florida State and I'm just a measly high school coach who played Division III football. But I am very honored, very grateful to the committee."
This is a guy who calls his own two sons Satan and Judas.
But my guess is no father dotes more, or loves his kids more, than Frank loves 7-year-old Landon and 4-year-old Bobby.
"I'm sure Steve Shiffert is thinking, keep those kids out of the Easton school district," Lane said, noting that Shiffert probably doesn't want to have to coach any more Lanes.
Great stuff.
We also had good stuff with last week's picks, going 7-2 and bringing the seasonal total up to 194-54.
My personal "Dandy Dozen"
- Parkland
- Whitehall
- Easton
- Catasauqua
- Bethlehem Catholic
- Southern Lehigh
- Emmaus
- ES South
- Stroudsburg
- Northwestern
- Saucon Valley
- Nazareth
And now tonight's games:
Parkland 21, Easton 14 -- Yes, I know that Easton shut out Parkland back on Sept. 6. But the Trojans didn't have Jarey Elder in that game and hadn't settled on a quarterback or firm up its offensive line to that point. The Trojans have been waiting for this rematch for more than two months. Seldom in life do you get a second chance. Parkland is determined to make the most of its second opportunity and the Rovers are unbeaten at home in district finals while Easton has never won a district final on the road. Easton is Easton, which is to say they will compete to the last whistle. Just don't think the Rovers have the same number of weapons as the Trojans. Nazareth's Andy Weaver is picking his second favorite team, Easton, 33-21.
Berwick 34, Bethlehem Catholic 21 -- It will be great to have George Curry back in the Valley. Some people have never liked George, but through Craig Waters, his son-in-law and a Parkland coach, I've gotten to see a different side of him. One of the greatest coaches and most colorful characters in Pennsylvania football history. You know if the Bulldogs don't win, it won't be because they didn't prepare. Becahi is coming off a lackluster offensive performance against Southern Lehigh and will have to raise its game to have a chance in this one.
Catasauqua 41, Lake-Lehman 20 -- I still think the Roughies are on a mission. I still think they possess more offensive talent than maybe any area team with the possible exception of Parkland. I realize that things get tougher from here and Lake-Lehman is probably a fundamentally-sound, disciplined football team that will battle Catty tough. Ultimately, though, I believe in Tom Falzone and Catty's overall speed.
That's it. Enjoy the games and we'll be back with more predictions on Wednesday night for your Turkey Day.
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