Week One:

BY DOYLE DIETZ

Pottsville REPUBLICAN & Herald

During his playing days at Schuylkill Haven, Mike Farr quarterback, shot and pitched the Hurricanes to titles in football, basketball and baseball.

For the last 15 years, Farr helped the ‘Canes continue their winning tradition in football as quarterbacks coach. An important clog in the staff assembled by John Davis, the coach he had played under, Farr’s long-range goal was to coach his alma mater.

Unfortunately, that goal was realized in the second week of preseason practice. Davis, who had compiled a 180-88-2 record in 23 seasons, died of an aneurysm while boating with his wife after returning home from evening practice.

In Friday’s non-league season opener at Hamburg, Farr showed in his first game as head coach that he has what it takes to have a team believe in his leadership. It had been that way for him as a player, leading the ‘Canes to the 1982 Eastern Conference Class A title, and as an assistant, helping them win the ’91 PIAA title.

With the ‘Canes facing a fourth-and-1 at their 34 on the opening play of the fourth quarter, Farr made the decision to go for the first down. When Greg Sterner turned a toss into a 5-yard gain, he moved the chains and key what became a 20-play drive Eric Fryer capped with a 22-yard field goal for a 10-0 victory.

"I have this opportunity because of the most unfortunate of circumstances, and what I want to do is play John Davis football with a Mike Farr twist," said Farr. "Hey, all I want to do is make sure these kids understand that I believe in them.

"On that fourth down, we called the kids over and told it was their game and it’s their team. Our running back by committee had moved the ball all night, so, unless we made a mistake and stopped ourselves, we were confident in our kids."

Haven took a 7-0 lead with 32 seconds left in the first quarter on a 23-yard pass from Mookie Miller to tight end Joe McCarthy. Two plays earlier, the ‘Canes started the drive at the Hamburg 25 when Greg Sterner intercepted a pass that deflected off a receiver.

Other than giving up the scoring play, the Hawks contained Haven’s passing game, sacking Miller six times for minus-49 yards. In addition, one completion lost yardage and another resulted in a lost fumble.

"We wanted to play them tough, and that’s our goal against everyone we play," said first-year Hamburg coach Joe Sinkovich, the former Mount Carmel standout. "It’s tough to get kids who are used to losing to believe in themselves, but we aren’t going to be intimidated."

Hamburg never backed down, but the Hawks were clearly worn down. In the second half, the ‘Canes had a 32-11 advantage in plays and a 115-minus-15 advantage in rushing yardage.

Six backs had positive yardage for the ‘Canes, with Jared Barket leading the pack with 11 carries for 77 yards. Leroy Turner and Sterner combined for 19 carries for 84 yards.

"We decided to take the ball right at them in the second half," said Farr. "We didn’t get a lot of points, but we moved the ball.

"I’m just as pleased with the defense because Hamburg had moved the ball well in both scrimmages we saw. Our kids did a good job."

They are probably saying the same thing about their new coach.