FROM THE SIDELINES:  BY LARRY SPEGAR                                           

Friday marked the opening round of the 2005 PA State Playoffs.   At Southern Columbia High School,   Southern Columbia opened the defense of its “A” State Championship.   Southern has won the State Title the past 3 seasons and is looking to record a record tying 4th straight PA State Championship.  

The Tigers did so impressively on Friday by racking up close to 500 rushing yards en route to a convincing 56-7 runaway win against Muncy.   Southern opened the game with 301st quarter points and never looked back.   The Tiger assault was led by starters, Henry Hynoski and Kyle Connaghan.   Jeremy Sargent also scored for the Tigers.   The Tiger offensive line was dominant by leading the way for Southern ‘s talented running backs.

The Southern defense swarmed all night long making the difficult task next to impossible for Muncy, who finally managed some offensein the second half long after Southern had pulled most of its starting defense following the halftime break.

Southern Columbia registered a startling and incredible 15thstraight District 4 Title.   That ‘s 15straight titles since 1991.   The Tiger shave proved year in and out that they are the force to follow in District 4.   Their stellar performance throughout the state en route to 3 state titles in the last 3 seasons is proof that the Tigersare indeed one of the most elite and storied programs in the State of Pennsylvania!

Whitehall Upsets Abington Heights On Final Play

With just one second remaining in the game and down by three points and showing a potential game tying field goal, Whitehall faked a fieldgoal attempt and scored the go ahead and game winning touchdown with no time remaining to record one of the biggest upsets of the season and end a hardfought game with victory over the previously undefeated Abington Heights Comets.

This game was truly memorable and showed the high level of competition of PA playoff football.   Ina hard hitting and tight contest, it was Abington scoring first with a 33 yard field goal by Mike Byrne at 7:51 of the first quarter.   Neither team was able to do much for the remainder of the first half courtesy of two extremely stingy defenses.   In the third quarter, it was Whitehall‘s defense which stood up big time with a 73 yard interception return for a touchdown by Chad Lahue.   Ironically, Whitehall had turned the ball over just seconds before on one of four fumbles lost by Whitehall on the afternoon.   At the 2:39 mark of the third quarter, Whitehall had its first lead at 7-3.

Another Whitehall fumble gave Abington great possession deep in Whitehall territory.   The Comets would capitalize on a Jeremy Jayne touchdown pass to Frank Emmett, which gave Abington a 10-7 lead with 8:26 remaining in the game.   Whitehall would not surrender.  It would get the ball deep in its own territory with just over 2 minutes remaining.   The Zephyrs would convert on key plays and keep their slim but possible chances alive.   With just one second to go, Whitehall appeared to call for a game tying field goal.  But the play was a fake and holder-quarterback, Michael Gnall, who showed brilliant poise throughout the day, lofted a 20 yard pass to the leftcorner of the end zone and found the able hands of James Potocnie who exhibited great concentration to snare the ball just beyond the outstretched hands of anAbington defender.   Touchdown Whitehall!   Game over!   What a game!   What a finish!   What an exhibition of playoff football by both teams!  The elation and hopes of Abington fans at home turned to deafening silence, while the joyous celebration by Whitehall players and fans was underway.

For Abington, it was extremely disappointing.   A season of impressive victories, an undefeated season led by defensive dominance and breakaway plays ended with onefinal throw off a fake field goal attempt with no time remaining on the clock.   A season so fine and so great ending with one long tick of the clock.  For Whitehall, it just goes to show what character and poise can do no matter what the circumstances involve.  It was driving the ball in the final minutes and never letting the crowdor defense take away what they felt was truly their opportunity of making something big happen. They did just that.  A lesson to be learned by all; never stop believing for good things do happen to those who dare to be the best!!!

Predictions For Friday November 18

In A, Southern Columbia and Lackawanna Trail will lock horns for yet another contest.   Southern has beaten the Lions rather handily the past 2 seasons, and again in 2000.   While this year may be closer, I still look for the Tigers to continue on in their quest for a 4th straight A title.

In AA, Hanover will finally upend the Chiefs of Lakeland from the District 2 perch.   Always tough and ready, Lakeland is a perennial contender for any title, including theState.   This year though the Hawkeyes of Hanover appear to have the upper hand in talent and seem the likely hero of Friday ‘s encounter between these two fine AA powers.

In AAA, Pottsville may get all they can handle from the feisty Zephyrs of Whitehall.   Whitehall showed great character and poise, not to mention toughness in stopping analmost next to impossible to stop Abington Heights Express.   Whitehall did and it speaks volumes for their program and dedication to winning.  Pottsville will be at home and always seems to be a force to be reckoned with on the mighty battlefield of Pottsville Area.   This game will surely be a great one.   I like Pottsville at home and they always seem to find a way to get things done!

In AAAA, Bethlehem Liberty makes a visit to Hazleton Area.   In a fine showcase of AAAA talent, I believe Bethlehem Liberty has the potential to stop Hazleton en route to advancing in the District playoffs.  Liberty showed enormous strength by rolling over Easton last weekend.   Hazleton has played well all season, but may come up on the short end of this fne battle this weekend.   Good luck to all teams!!!

Friday marked the opening round of the 2005 PA State Playoffs.   At Southern Columbia High School,   Southern Columbia opened the defense of its A State Championship.   Southern has won the State Title the past 3 seasons and is looking to record a record-tying 4th straight PA State Championship.  

The Tigers did so impressively on Friday by racking up closeto 500 rushing yards en route to a convincing 56-7 runaway win against Muncy.   Southern opened the game with 301st quarter points and never looked back.   The Tiger assault was led by starters, Henry Hynoski and Kyle Connaghan.   Jeremy Sargent also scored for the Tigers.   The Tiger offensive line was dominant by leading the way for Southern's talented running backs.

The Southern defense swarmed all night long making the difficult task next to impossible for Muncy, who finally managed some offense in the second half long after Southern had pulled most of its starting defense following the halftime break.  

Southern Columbia registered a startling and incredible 15thstraight District 4 Title.   That ‘s 15straight titles since 1991.   The Tiger shave proved year in and out that they are the force to follow in District 4.   Their stellar performance throughout the state en route to 3 state titles in the last 3 seasons is proof that the Tigers are indeed one of the most elite and storied programs in the State of Pennsylvania!