55th UNICO Classic

(November 24th, Thanksgiving, WB Memorial)

Stefansky, Jones lead East over West

By Frank Kastreva, WVCD2.com

GAR's Joe Stefansky scored on a 60 yard TD strike from Coughlin's Jim Depetro, while Meyers' Brent Jones rushed for over 100 yards with a TD to help the East knock off the West in this year's UNICO Classic held at WB Memorial Stadium. Depetro also scored for the East, finding paydirt on a 12 yard QB keeper. Berwick's Brant Quick and Dallas' Mike Race scored for the West. Quick's TD would come on a 6 yard scamper to open the scoring in the game, while Race scored the last TD of the contest on a 45 yard TD strike from Pittston Area's Charlie Salvo.

As for Stefansky, he was voted MVP of the game by the local press, which was a pleasant surprise for the GAR senior.

"I never imagined this could happen to me, this is the biggest trophy I have now. It will be nice to add this one to the mantle", said the MVP Stefansky.

Quick got the West out to the early lead with a TD on their first drive, which went 58 yards on 7 plays capped by Quick's 6 yard dash to the goldzone.

The West would answer back with on their ensuing drive, going 64 yards on 11 plays capped off by Depetro on a 9 yard keeper. The PAT was missed with the score West 7 East 6.

The West would take the lead with 4:21 left in the 1st half on a 60 yard pass play from Depetro to Stefansky, with the score East 13 West 7.

The score would hold at 13-7 until the 3rd quarter. Jones would score on a 19 yard scamper to paydirt, capping a 10 play drive going 65 yards. Jones also got a 1st down on a 4th and 1 play to keep the drive alive for the East. The score was now East 20 West 7 and things were looking good for the green team.

The West would score the last TD of the game with 1:59 left in the 4th quarter on a 45 yard TD strike to Race from Salvo to pull the East closer, with the score East 20 West 14.

The West would try the onsides kick, with hopes of getting a bounce and the recovery. East' Marc McDonough of Bishop Hoban ended up being the "good hands man" recovering the onside kick and salting the win away for the East.

With the win the East extends their win streak to 6 years straight and owns the series record at 33-16.