From the Sidelines by Larry Spegar Week 15

Written by: David Mika on Friday, December 12th, 2008. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

                       

 

                      WEEK NO. 15 and STATE FINAL PREDICTIONS

 

 

     Congratulations first to all contestants, teams, players, coaches and fans throughout PA on another successful, exciting season of high school football.  Thank you for making the 2008 campaign another great one in the long tradition of great football in PA.

 

     In recent news, ERIC SHRIVE of WEST SCRANTON was named as a U.S. Army All-American and will play in the prestigious bowl game on January 3, 2009 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.  The hulking 6’ 7” offensive lineman is moving on the Penn State for next fall.  SHRIVE is joined on the East All-Star Team in San Antonio by DORIAN BELL, the multi-talented LB from GATEWAY, who is headed to OHIO STATE.

 

     Also, ZACH BARKET of SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, who recently set the new PA State Career rushing mark of over 7, 000 yards in a career, was named the PA State Gatorade Player of the Year.  Additionally, WYOMING VALLEY WEST Head Coach, GEORGE CURRY has finally called it a career.  Enjoying great success with the BERWICK BULLDOGS for 30 plus years, including multiple State Titles and National Rankings, and turning around a now improved SPARTAN program at WYOMING VALLEY WEST, Coach CURRY is the all-time leader in the State of PA with career coaching victories.

 

     Finally, thanks to all who sent their well wishes for my Dad, Michael Spegar, who is doing better and continues his rehabilitation after suffering a stroke in early October.  Dad and I will surely watch all the great action this coming weekend from Hershey.

 

                                     STATE FINAL PREDICTIONS

 

     After 15 exciting weeks, here we go with the big Finals Weekend beginning this Friday.

 

     In A action, a battle of small school unbeatens should liven up the weekend in a hurry.  Look for a good, hard hitting physical game but the STEAMROLLERS of STEELTON HIGHSPIRE have just too much Offense and Defense and should edge the BEARS for their second consecutive A State Title.

 

     In the AA game, WEST CATHOLIC, of District 12, is enjoying its first appearance in the State Tournament and has looked very impressive, including big wins over both DUNMORE and LANCASTER CATHOLIC.  WILMINGTON, the Western representative from District 10 is a relative newcomer to the Finals as well, including a dramatic overtime victory over perennial powerhouse ALIQUIPPA.  With multiple Division I recruits and talent, including QB, CHRIS DRAKE, look for WEST CATHOLIC to continue its winning way in the AA Title Game.

 

     THOMAS JEFFERSON returns again in the AAA competition to seek a back to back State Championship, as well as an impressive State Title in 2004 beating MANHEIM CENTRAL in the Finals.  The JAGUARS’ opponent, ARCHBISHOP WOOD, is a newcomer to this stage.  ARCHBISHOP WOOD has beaten good competition, but THOMAS JEFFERSON will prove too much and the experience of the JAGUARS should rule the day and the AAA Title.

 

     Finally, in the AAAA finale on Saturday night, two heavyweights will certainly slug it out for all the marbles in the big school division.  BETHLEHEM LIBERTY will look to erase some prior disappointments in the State Finals.  Despite tremendous success in past seasons, the HURRICANES were denied the ultimate prize in recent years at the expense of UPPER SAINT CLAIR and MCKEESPORT.  BETHEL PARK, on the other hand, is truly a new face to this competition.  BETHEL PARK’s impressive and surprising win over nationally ranked, GATEWAY, has given BETHEL PARK the edge to continue its mission for a State Title in a hard fought contest and a valiant effort and season for BETHLEHEM LIBERTY.

 

     Good Luck to All and Enjoy the Finals.

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