From the sidelines by Larry Spegar Week 14

Written by: David Mika on Sunday, November 30th, 2008. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

            FROM THE SIDELINES:  WITH LARRY SPEGAR:  WEEK NO. 14

 

 

     Peckville was the site for this past Friday’s showdown between RIVERSIDE and SCHUYLKILL HAVEN.  Two of the State’s premiere A football programs collided in a memorable game for the ages.  Both the VIKINGS and the HURRICANES provided plenty of excitement for fans alike in a classic PA high school football game representing everything that is great about the great fall sport and the magic time of playoff football.  It is obvious, especially now after Friday, to see why RIVERSIDE enjoyed a No. 2 rating in A schools across the State from early on in the season.  Equally deserving of their No. 4 ranking is SCHUYLKILL HAVEN who showed tremendous talent, poise and character in weathering a brutal RIVERSIDE onslaught of speed and grit to outlast the VIKINGS 43-38.  This was truly a heavyweight fight which went right down to the last possession with RIVERSIDE simply running out of gas and none other than SCHUYLKILL HAVEN’s Mr. Everything, Zach Barket sealing the deal for the HURRICANES courtesy of an interception which set off an enormous celebration for the SCHUYLKILL HAVEN faithful.

 

     RIVERSIDE jumped out to an impressive lead by way of their patented long ball speed.  QB, Jay Velehoski hit Nick Rossi for a 70 yard scoring strike, followed by a 21 yard strike to Ryan Chisdock for a 14-0 lead just 6 minutes into the game.  SCHUYLKILL HAVEN would answer with a nice 65 yard TD run by Barket, who on this run became the all time leading rusher in PA football history surpassing the prior mark held by PARKLAND’s Austin Scott.  RIVERSIDE would again capitalize on a 74 yard kickoff return and the VIKINGS again enjoyed a 22-7 lead with 4 minutes remaining in the first half.  It was at this time and notably scoring twice in the first 6 minutes of the 2^nd quarter which sparked the HURRICANES comeback.  Barket scored on consecutive runs of 1 and 3 yards.  The second score in the 2^nd quarter followed a timely onside kick recovery.    RIVERSIDE came right back and again the stalwart, Joe Klebon dashed in from 22 yards and added a 2 point conversion to put the Vikings back up 30-22.  SCHUYLKILL HAVEN again responded with an impressive drive which ended with a nifty over the middle pass conversion to Brandon Deylin for a 12 yard TD with under a minute remaining in the first half.  Barket scored on the 2 point conversion and the HURRICANES and VIKINGS were tied at the half 30-30.

 

     In the second half it was much of the same with both teams literally going right after one another in a crowd pleasing emotional game enjoyed by all.  Evan Fink scored on a 2 yard run with under 5 minutes remaining in the 3^rd quarter.  Joe Klebon would answer back for RIVERSIDE with a 16 yard TD run.  Jay Velehoski completed the 2 point conversion pass to Corey Schuster to give the VIKINGS a 38-37 lead.  The decisive score and the only score of the 4^th quarter came with just under 9 minutes remaining in the game courtesy once again of Mr. Barket’s 4 yard TD run.  A 2 point run for the conversion failed but the HURRICANES held the most important lead of 43-38 which held up as the final score.  With the win, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN moves on to the Eastern Final in A competition.  For RIVERSIDE, it was an incredible and exciting year which left many memories for players, families and friends alike to share and enjoy for many years to come.  After Friday’s game and with a SCHUYLKILL HAVEN win, somewhere the late John Davis, the legendary coach of the SCHUYLKILL HAVEN program was smiling along with all HURRICANE fans, including the Davis family.  As mentioned post game by current HURRICANE Head Coach Mike Farr, “Coach Davis was like a father to so many HURRICANE players over the years.  This would surely make him proud.”   Yes, we agree.  Anyone who ever had the pleasure to speak with or interview the late Coach Davis would describe his passion, interest, excitement and zeal for the game and his love and respect for his players and the families involved with this very storied and accomplished program in Schuylkill County.

 

     In AA competition, WEST CATHOLIC, of District 12 and a first time member to the PIAA State Tournament was simply too quick and powerful for the BUCKS and WEST CATHOLIC rolled to a 49-21 victory.  WEST CATHOLIC boasts tremendous talent in the likes of Penn State recruit, QB, Chris Drake.  For DUNMORE, the season may be over, but a 13-1 mark this season coupled with 15-1 from last year gives the BUCKS much to be proud of.

 

     In a AAA contest, SELINSGROVE outlasted BERWICK in a thrilling 17-7 finish.  The SEALS finally made it to the Eastern Finals despite being so close for so many years.  This fine representative from District 4 has nothing to feel bad about in prior years considering the fact that the earlier disappointments were to eventual State Champions, including THOMAS JEFFERSON.  Good Luck to SELINSGROVE in the Eastern Finals and to BERWICK Congratulations on a great season.

 

     Good Luck to all participants in the upcoming Week No. 15 of Competition… and See You On The Sidelines!!!  

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One Response to “From the sidelines by Larry Spegar Week 14”

1. Woodman says:
   November 30th, 2008 at 9:23 pm

   How come no one at this site covers WOOD’s games? The guy covering district 1 writes when there teams win but not about them losing or the team that beat them.
   Being overlooked is becoming our rallying cry!!!

   Keep up the good work!!!!