Easton

Freedom coach has motivation in mind

In the 1970s, Artie Owens often gained inspiration to run hills and practice sprints from watching the Philadelphia Pioneers track team and U.S. Olympic speedster Bob Hayes on Wide World of Sports. The means of motivation worked as Owens went from a three-sport star athlete at…

May 7, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Price helps Vols grab gold in 4×800

— Chanelle Price beat Usain Bolt around the Franklin Field track on Saturday. Amazing, huh? But Price, a sophomore distance standout with the University of Tennessee and former Easton All-American, got to take a victory lap an hour before Bolt after she helped lead the…

Apr 25, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Price recovers from illness to win relay

She was not vintage Chanelle Price. She was strategical. Competing in her first race since suffering a chest infection 10 days ago, Price ran a solid opening leg for Tennessee in the Championships of America 4×1,500-meter relay at the Penn Relays on Friday at Franklin Field. The…

Apr 24, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

TRACK AND FIELD: Danielle Smith is Whitehall’s speedy flyweight.

“I’m 5-3, between 105, 109 pounds,” she said following a blowout win in the 400-meter dash in a tri-meet at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium Monday afternoon. A junior, Smith is in her first year running track and she has quickly gone from a sprinter nobody knew anything…

Apr 23, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty’s Lewis threatening records

Liberty senior Stephen Lewis had an unusual Thursday by most early-season track and field standards. But Lewis has his own expectations and they are high and will rise even higher as the PIAA Track and Field Championship weekend nears. On Thursday, during a dual meet against…

Apr 9, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Hurdlers point toward states

Liberty’s Stephen Lewis is lean and fast. Parkland’s Andre Williams is lean, fast and powerful. Both are outstanding senior hurdlers coming off top five finishes in the Class 3A 110-meter hurdles in the PIAA Track and Field Championships last year. Lewis was fourth in the 110 in…

Mar 31, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh’s Hall, Carrington leaders on and off the court

One game, albeit the biggest of their careers, will not define Lehigh seniors Marquis Hall and Zahir Carrington, All-Patriot League players and all-around good guys away from the court. Sure, Hall and Carrington want to lead Lehigh (21-10) to a victory over Lafayette (19-12) in…

Mar 12, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Mountain Hawks roll over American in semis

LEHIGH79 AMERICAN57 Lehigh senior Dave Buchberger was on from downtown. Freshman C.J. McCollum was on from everywhere. Then, there was senior guard Marquis Hall simply playing an all-around smooth game and senior forward Zahir Carrington rebounding with force. The sensational…

Mar 8, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

McCollum, O’Hanlon honored

Lehigh freshman C.J. McCollum was rewarded for his end-to-end domination and Lafayette coach Fran O’Hanlon was honored for leading a team not expected to do well to a third-place finish in the Patriot League regular season. McCollum averaged a league-best 27.8 points over the…

Mar 2, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Moravian women to host NCAA first-round games

The Moravian women’s players and coaches were presented with long stem red roses on Monday for winning the school’s first Landmark Conference title. On Friday, Moravian (25-2) will begin chase after the school’s first NCAA Division III title. The DeSales men and women, both…

Mar 2, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Mountain Hawks face Bison in key Patriot League game

The numbers 94, 81, 85 and 90 were not pulled out of a lottery drawing. They represent the trials of defeat for the Lehigh men in Patriot League play. The Mountain Hawks gave up those point-totals in their four league losses. Lehigh also has eight league wins, tops with…

Feb 24, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Local football stars make their college choices official

The decision of where they wanted to play college football had long been made by Parkland’s Andre Williams, The Morning Call’s player of the year, and star quarterbacks Anthony Gonzalez of Liberty and Tyler Smith of Wilson. But there’s still nothing like the day of unrestrained…

Feb 4, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Stars make it official **Parkland’s Williams, Wilson’s Smith, and Liberty’s Gonzalez, West lead bevy of local football players signing with colleges **NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

The decision of where they wanted to play college football had long been made by Parkland’s Andre Williams, The Morning Call’s player of the year, and star quarterbacks Anthony Gonzalez of Liberty and Tyler Smith of Wilson. But there’s still nothing like the day of unrestrained…

Feb 4, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Already a memorable season for area teams

It seeme d like the Lehigh Valley’s Division II and III men’s and women’s college basketball teams could not top what they combined to accomplish during 2008-09 season. It’s still to be determined since it’s only January and it’s tough to top a season in which the DeSales men…

Jan 21, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Already a memorable season for area teams

It seemed like the Lehigh Valley’s Division II and III men’s and women’s college basketball teams could not top what they combined to accomplish during 2008-09 season. It’s still to be determined since it’s only January and it’s tough to top a season in which the DeSales men…

Jan 21, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Five make first team **Freedom’s Webb, Parkland’s Williams, Liberty’s Gonzalez and West, ES-South’s Cason all-state selections **CLASS 4A ALL-STATE TEAM

Freedom senior Darrius Webb was one of the most exciting and effective running backs in the Lehigh Valley over the last two seasons. On Wednesday, Webb joined a cast of star players from around the state with his selection to the Pennsylvania sports writers’ Class 4A all-state…

Jan 14, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Price’s decade of dominance **Easton grad owns Pa., national high school records, part of world-record relays in college. **2000 – 2009 THE DECADE **DARK DAYS AND BRIGHT MOMENTS **FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE DECADE

Chanelle Price won with grace and speed. She won everywhere, except the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials. But Price, the greatest female track and field athlete to ever come out of the Lehigh Valley, will likely get another chance at the Olympics in 2012. “I want to run 1:56, 1:57,”…

Dec 28, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Many locals look to play in bowls **However, Lehighton product Robbie Frey will sit out UConn’s game with injury.

The football bowl season is in full swing and several area products will be participating in the college version of the postseason. Robbie Frey, a former all-state running back from Lehighton, is a redshirt freshman running back at Connecticut, who played in a bowl game last…

Dec 25, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

A history-making season for Easton’s coach **Three wins by the Red Rovers in eight days among the team’s accomplishments. ** 2009 MORNING CALL ALL-AREA FOOTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR

Steve Shiffert is a retired teacher, who has no plans of retiring soon as Easton’s football coach. He still enjoys teaching and building, and of course, winning. Easton went 13-2 this season, twice beating Nazareth and Parkland. A share of the Lehigh Valley Conference title and…

Dec 20, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Smith, Schubach definition of team players

E mily Smith dives to the floor, fearless of knee bruises, bent on getting her hands on the ball by any means. Rough pla y and intense demeanor defines the junior forward on Moravian’s women’s basketball team. Scoring points is nice and the nationally ranked Greyhounds have five…

Dec 9, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Smith, Schubach definition of team players

Emily Smith dives to the floor, fearless of knee bruises, bent on getting her hands on the ball by any means. Rough play and intense demeanor defines the junior forward on Moravian’s women’s basketball team. Scoring points is nice and the nationally ranked Greyhounds have five…

Dec 9, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Easton has its hands full with La Salle ** Red Rovers are first District 11 team to meet a Philadelphia Catholic opponent in playoffs. ** PIAA CLASS 4A QUARTERFINALS

Easton was the first District 11 team to play a Philadelphia team in a PIAA playoff game — in 2004 — and the result was a 15-10 victory over Public League champion George Washington. Five years later, Easton will become the first area team to play a Philadelphia Catholic League…

Dec 4, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

ENERGETIC EASTON PREVAILS **Red Rovers, playing their third game in eight days, claim District 11 Class 4A championship

Easton extended its decade of playoff domination over Parkland Saturday night. And the way the Red Rovers did it was with a punishing attack on both sides of the ball. The Easton defense, tops in the Lehigh Valley Conference with an 8.5 per game scoring average, stopped Parkland…

Nov 29, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Easton ‘punishes’ P’burg **Led by Justin Pacchioli on offense and Patrick Murphy on defense, Easton wins fourth straight in series, 26-10

It was two-sided domination by Easton. On offense, junior quarterback Justin Pacchioli picked apart rival Phillipsburg with his passing and outslicked the Stateliners’ defense with swift runs in the 103rd Thanksgiving Day meeting between the rivals. On defense, senior linebacker…

Nov 27, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland expects Red Rovers to be ready **Trojans in D-11 4A title game against Easton, which will be playing on short rest.

Parkland again knocks on destiny’s door, hoping another star running back can crash through and carry the Trojans to the District 11 Class 4A title. A mean, stubborn Easton defense awaits, fresh off a punishing effort against rival Phillipsburg on Thanksgiving Day. But punishing…

Nov 27, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Practice on Thanksgiving just fine for Vikes

O utside of playing in a traditional rivalry game today, the next best thing is practicing for a Thanksgiving weekend playoff game. That’s what Central Catholic, the District 11 Class 3A champion, and Parkland, which is in the District 11 Class 4A title game, are doing this…

Nov 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Practice on Thanksgiving just fine for Vikes

O utside of playing in a traditional rivalry game today, the next best thing is practicing for a Thanksgiving weekend playoff game. That’s what Central Catholic, the District 11 Class 3A champion, and Parkland, which is in the District 11 Class 4A title game, are doing this…

Nov 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Practice on Thanksgiving just fine for Vikes

Outside of playing in a traditional rivalry game today, the next best thing is practicing for a Thanksgiving weekend playoff game. That’s what Central Catholic, the District 11 Class 3A champion, and Parkland, which is in the District 11 Class 4A title game, are doing this…

Nov 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Hot On The Gridiron

ARMY 5-6 (Independent) Beat North Texas 17-13 Mike McDermott (Bethlehem Catholic) So. OT, 6-6, 255. Game: Played. BOSTON COLLEGE 7-3, 4-2 (ACC) Lost to North Carolina 31-13 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10,. 193. Game: 1-for-1 on PATs; 2-for-2 on FGs, 28 and 20 yards.…

Nov 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 5-6(Independent) Beat North Texas 17-13 Mike McDermott (Bethlehem Catholic) So. OT, 6-6, 255. Game: Played. BOSTON COLLEGE 7-3, 4-2 (ACC) Lost to North Carolina 31-13 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10,. 193. Game: 1-for-1 on PATs; 2-for-2 on FGs, 28 and 20 yards.…

Nov 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Easton puts away Hazleton, preps for P’burg **Red Rovers face annual Thanksgiving game, title bout against Parkland in a week.

Top-seeded Easton battered and wore down No. 4 Hazleton en route to a 28-6 victory in the District 11-2-4 Class 4A subregional semifinals Friday night at Cottingham Stadium. Easton (11-1) is now faced with its annual improbable task: trying to win three games in eight days. The…

Nov 21, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Rovers still remember Eachus, Hazleton ** Two years ago, Cougars knocked off Easton in playoff. Tonight, the Red Rovers get a chance for payback. ** DISTRICT FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Only two running backs since 2002 have run rampant on the Easton defense. One was Parkland’s Austin Scott in 2002, who carried the Trojans to the PIAA Class 4A title. Two years ago, a less flashy, but more bulldozing back from Hazleton named Nate Eachus ran for 263 yards and…

Nov 20, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Need a coaching model? Try Bob Mitchell

Bob Mitchell will retire as Northwestern’s football coach Friday and will take with him the blueprint for success both on and off the field. It’s a blueprint any athletic director in the Lehigh Valley looking to hire a football coach might want Mitchell to share with them. It’s…

Nov 19, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Need a coaching model? Try Bob Mitchell

Bob Mitchell will retire as Northwestern’s football coach Friday and will take with him the blueprint for success both on and off the field. It’s a blueprint any athletic director in the Lehigh Valley looking to hire a football coach might want Mitchell to share with them. It’s…

Nov 19, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Moravian women feature talent, depth, experience **COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Five starters and 14 letterwinners are back, providing one of the most successful Division III women’s basketball coaches with a potent arsenal and high expectations that include winning the Landmark Conference title and returning to the NCAA Tournament. Moravian College, coming…

Nov 17, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 4-6 (Independent) Beat VMI 2-17 Mike McDermott (Bethlehem Catholic) So. OT, 6-6, 255. Game: Played. BOSTON COLLEGE 7-3, 4-2 (ACC) Beat Virginia 14-10 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10, 193. Game: 2-for-2 on PATs. Season: 34-for-34 on PATs; 7-for-7 on FGs. BROWN 6-3,…

Nov 17, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Easton overpowers Nazareth **Top-seeded Red Rovers came out strong in 28-0 win.

Easton bulldozed on offense, bone-crushed on defense and coasted to a 28-0 victory over Nazareth in a District 11-2-4 Class 4A quarterfinal matchup Friday night at Cottingham Stadium. The top-seeded Red Rovers (10-1) have won their last four games by a 132-21 margin, their only…

Nov 14, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Second season begins **The Class 4A district subregional playoffs get under way tonight with four games, three of which involve LVC teams. No. 8 Nazareth meets No. 1 Easton in an LVC rematch.

Back in the 1960s Nazareth High’s football team filled up the school’s trophy case. “Back them we won championships pretty regularly,” said Easton coach Steve Shiffert, a 1969 Nazareth grad. “Nazareth was the big school. We played Wilson, Bangor, East Stroudsburg. “I think…

Nov 13, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Martell strives to keep building on a legacy

Shawn Martell, the son of an established local college football coach, began his inevitable climb up the coaching ranks when he was hired as the wide receivers coach at Nazareth last year. The 24-year-old Martell, a 2002 Morning Call all-area wide receiver from Bethlehem…

Nov 12, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 3-6(Independent) Lost to Air Force 35-7 Mike McDermott (Bethlehem Catholic) So. OT, 6-6, 255. Game: Played. BROWN 5-3, 3-2 (Ivy League) Beat Yale 35-21 Brendan Gallagher (Parkland) Sr. LB, 6-1, 225. Game: 1 assisted tackle. Season: 8 solo tackles,10 assisted, 2 INTs, 43…

Nov 10, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty heads to playoffs after Freedom win **Senior Anthony Gonzalez has stellar final game against rival to end high school career.

Liberty quarterback Anthony Gonzalez displayed elusiveness and speed on his first carry, which he ran 70 yards for a touchdown against rival Freedom Saturday afternoon at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. More impressive dashes followed for Gonzalez in a must-win game for…

Nov 8, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Playoff picture comes into focus **Easton earns No. 1 seed with win over Bethlehem Catholic

Easton no longer has a chip on its shoulder. Instead, the Red Rovers have a bulls-eye on their chest. That’s because a year after having a 10-year district playoff run ended, Easton bullied to a 9-1 regular season record and finished as Lehigh Valley Conference co-champs with…

Nov 7, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Something at stake in all final weekend games **Only Allen-Dieruff meeting is without playoff implications, and that one is for pride.

All six Lehigh Valley Conference games this weekend have importance, including the Doughnut Bowl Saturday at J. Birney Crum Stadium between Allen and Dieruff. Both those teams are 0-9. All the other games have playoff implications. Central Catholic (8-1, 7-1) and Easton (8-1,…

Nov 6, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

It’s been a wild ride in the topsy-turvy LVC

Creating a “Wild, Wild East” slogan for Lehigh Valley Conference football may not be a bad idea, especially for this season. It’s been a wild and entertaining season in the LVC and it could end with Easton (8-1 overall, 7-1 LVC), Central Catholic (8-1, 7-1) and Parkland (7-2,…

Nov 5, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

BOSTON COLLEGE 6-3(ACC) Beat Central Michigan 31-10 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10,. 193. Game: 3-for-3 on PATs, 18-yard FG. Season: 32-for-32 on PATs; 7-for-7 on FGs. BROWN 4-3, 2-2 (Ivy League) Lost to Penn 14-7 Brendan Gallagher (Parkland) Sr. LB, 6-1, 225. Game: 1…

Nov 3, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Easton, Catty grind out wins **Red Rovers trounce Liberty to stay atop district, LVC standings

Easton boiled with emotion and played with unstoppable force on both sides of the ball to thwart Lehigh Valley Conference rival Liberty 28-7 on Senior Night Friday at Cottingham Stadium. Statistically, Liberty outgained Easton, 293-135. But Easton worked on a short field most of…

Oct 31, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

A lot on the line at Cottingham tonight **Easton hosts Liberty in game with huge implications. Parkland and Emmaus will also square off in an important game.

I t’s Easton vs. Liberty tonight at Cottingham Stadium in what could be the first of two meetings between the Lehigh Valley Conference powerhouses this season. They could meet again in come in the District 11-2-4 Class 4A subregional playoffs as they did in 2005 and 2006. Easton…

Oct 30, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Friday highlights: An upset, a blowout **Liberty in control from the beginning in rout of Nazareth.

Liberty played with punch on both sides of the ball to knock Nazareth out of a much-hyped Lehigh Valley Conference game early in the first quarter Friday night. Ahead 21-0 after the first, Liberty added 14 more points in the second quarter and breezed through the rain and chill…

Oct 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Looking ahead could be very costly **With rivalry week looming and playoffs berths on the line, teams can’t afford to lose focus.

Trap games do exist in high school football. Emmaus, Easton and Liberty will try to avoid them tonight in Lehigh Valley Conference matchups that have District 11-2-4 Class 4A subregional playoff implications. Next week is the traditional rivalry showdowns, featuring Emmaus…

Oct 23, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Nazareth is a force to be reckoned with

Following six straight seasons of three wins or less, Nazareth’s football team is displaying a new mental and physical toughness this season. Already a winner of four games in 2009, Nazareth is playing tougher football because second-year coach Rob Melosky has refused to listen…

Oct 22, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Desopite the cold, LVC heats up **Easton’s late drive gives Rovers first-place tie in LVC

Easton deflated Freedom’s defense with a 19-play, 66-yard scoring drive that took up most of the fourth quarter Friday night at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. Then the Red Rovers clinched a 14-10 Lehigh Valley Conference victory because of their own rugged defense.…

Oct 17, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Easton-Freedom winner will be in district driver’s seat ** Red Rovers, Patriots are tied for first place in Class 4A subregional standings.

The intensity level in the Easton vs. Freedom Lehigh Valley Conference matchup tonight at Bethlehem Area school District Stadium will be so high that a lot of players may be very sore when they wake up Saturday morning. “When Bethlehem [schools] and Easton get together the kids…

Oct 16, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 3-3 (Independent) Beat Vanderbilt 16-13 (OT) Mike McDermott (Bethlehem Catholic) So. OT, 6-6, 255. Game: Played. BOSTON COLLEGE 4-2, 2-2 (ACC) Lost to Virginia Tech 48-14 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10,. 193. Game: 2-for-2 on PATs. Season: 20-for-20 on PATs;…

Oct 13, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

High-scoring homecomings **Liberty seniors enjoy satisfying moments as Becahi falls

The top two playmakers, Liberty seniors Anthony Gonzalez and Jarrod West, had already made their share of standout plays in their final homecoming game Friday night at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. Senior kicker Jordan Roman then joined in the fun when he booted a…

Oct 10, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Surging Central looks to remain unbeaten **Vikings host Whitehall. Meanwhile, Liberty and Becahi open Bethlehem city series.

Central Catholic’s bid for the perfect season continues Saturday night at J. Birney Crum Stadium. The Vikings (5-0, 4-0) are the lone undefeated Lehigh Valley Conference team and will rely on sophomore quarterback Brendan Nosovitch, a threat running and passing, to try to topple…

Oct 9, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 2-3 (Independent) Lost to Tulane 17-16 Mike McDermott (Bethlehem Catholic) So. OT, 6-6, 255. Game: Started. BOSTON COL. 4-1, 2-1 (ACC) Beat Florida State 28-21 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10,. 193. Game: 4-for-4 on PATs. Season: 18-for-18 on PATs; 5-for-5 on FGs.…

Oct 6, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Valley crowds thrill to big plays ** Freedom’s Webb runs wild in win over Parkland

Freedom senior tailback Darrius Webb ran left, then reversed field, cut inside, sidestepped a defender, dashed right and kept on running. That was one dazzling run. Many more followed in a memorable 19-carry, 367-yard performance in the Patriots’ 34-14 homecoming win over…

Oct 3, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Freedom’s Webb rising to his challenges this year **The speedy back has been racking up yardage and looks forward to the Parkland game.

Freedom senior tailback Darrius Webb is always only one missed tackle at the line of scrimmage from going the distance. That’s because trying to tackle the speedy, elusive Webb is tough once he gets into the open field. He displayed his talents over the previous two seasons at…

Oct 2, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 2-2 (Independent) Lost to Iowa State 31-10 Mike McDermott (Bethlehem Catholic) So. OT, 6-6, 255. Game: Played. BOSTON COLLEGE 3-1, 1-1 (ACC) Beat Wake Forest 27-24 (2 OT) Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10, 193. Game: 3-for-3 on PAT, 2-for-2 on FGs of 32, 23 yards.…

Sep 29, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Tenacious defense tops Valley teams **Easton succumbs to Emmaus’ physicality, determination

It was 48 minutes of grueling, smashmouth, hard-hitting football for Emmaus. And it was at Cottingham Stadium, where the ghosts of storied years past are not supposed to turn against Easton. Not when the Red Rovers are first-and-goal inside the 5-yard line. Actually, Easton…

Sep 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Intriguing logjam atop conference standings **Four LVC teams have 2-0 marks heading into a weekend of interesting matchups.

It’s Allentown vs. Bethlehem weekend and contender or pretender night in Orefield. There are also Lehigh Valley Conference matchups in Easton and Northampton that figure to be highly competitive. Easton (3-0 overall, 2-0 LVC), Central Catholic (3-0, 2-0), Nazareth (3-0, 2-0) and…

Sep 25, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Easton discovers that revenge tastes sweet

No Lehigh Valley Conference team is going to pick on Easton this season. Sounds weird saying “pick on” and “Easton” in the same sentence, but last season the Red Rovers lost five games to LVC opponents by a 112-0 margin. Luckily for the Easton players, coach Steve Shiffert…

Sep 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

BOSTON COLLEGE 2-1, 0-1 (ACC) Lost to Clemson 25-7 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10, 193. Game: 1-for-1 on PATs. Season: 11-for-11 on PATs; 3-for-3 on FGs. BUCKNELL 1-2 (Patriot League) Lost to Cornell 33-9 Anthony Carter (Freedom) So. OL, 6-0, 275. Game: Started. BUFFALO…

Sep 22, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Top teams proving they’re worthy **Easton, with a long memory, avenges ’08 loss to Parkland

Easton has a chip on its shoulder. Blame it on Parkland, Emmaus and Liberty. All three Lehigh Valley Conference opponents beat the then-inexperienced, mistake-prone Red Rovers by a combined 89-0 margin last season. The chip is still there, despite Easton holding Parkland to 98…

Sep 19, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Undefeated Easton, Parkland meet **The visiting Red Rovers are out to avenge a 26-0 loss to the Trojans last season.

In the previous two seasons, Easton was not a serious contender for the Lehigh Valley Conference title. Last season, without four-year starter and four-year Morning Call all-area defensive back Jarred Holley — now a redshirt freshman at Pittsburgh — Easton didn’t even post a…

Sep 18, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Chance to be QB leads Gonzalez to Pitt **The Liberty High senior chooses the improving program over PSU, others.

Liberty senior quarterback Anthony Gonzalez got to see a classic Miami and Florida State college football game in person in on Sept. 7. Florida State lost, 38-34, but that’s not the reason Gonzalez won’t be packing his bags and relocating to Tallahassee next fall to play for the…

Sep 17, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Wet and wild games for LVC openers ** Parkland topples Liberty

Parkland backup defensive back Dan Castillo has been called nicknames that no football player wants to be called. “I get it all,” he said. “Tiny, midget, munchkin.” Well, he is only 5 feet, 5 inches tall. But he probably felt taller than the PPL building in Allentown after…

Sep 12, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Getting stress relief **Night out with Larry Holmes and Fan Appreciation Day give Eagles a good feeling. **PHILADELPHIA EAGLES TRAINING CAMP

Former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes is the only man in the Lehigh Valley who almost made Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive lineman Jamaal Jackson melt in his place. Jackson is 6-foot-4, 330 pounds. That would have been a lot of melting. “I had never met a professional boxer,”…

Aug 12, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Defense is Golden **A goal-line stand in the final minutes gives Gold team 7-3 win over Red team.

It was 1 yard and no more. But it was “no mas.” A stop by Northampton’s Aaron Chamberlain on a fourth-and-3 with the help of other gang-tacklers, was the game-saving play of the 39th annual McDonald’s Lehigh Valley Football Classic Thursday night. Only 10 points had been scored…

Jun 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Rivals finally on the same team **Liberty’s Brandon Brader, Freedom’s Eddie Mateo teammates for all-star game.

For one game, their last as high school football players, Liberty’s Brandon Brader and Freedom’s Eddie Mateo will compete as teammates. And the two star running backs hope to put on a show. No better showcase than an all-star game. Mateo, who’s headed to Stony Brook University…

Jun 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

After an eventful year, this Street is on the map ** Liberty receiver, an unknown as a junior, earns a scholarship and championships as a senior.

Liberty’s Devin Street has done a lot of eating, socializing and building confidence this week. Tonight, the 6-foot-4 wideout hopes to help Pennsylvania extend its winning streak against Ohio in the Big 33 Football Classic to four games. Kickoff of the 52nd annual game is at 7…

Jun 20, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Gatorade gushes over Replay game **Easton and Phillipsburg players get together to celebrate the event.

The Gatorade Replay Team invited Easton and Phillipsburg players to The Club at Morgan Hill in Easton Monday night for an encore. The game, organized to help settle a 7-7 tie from Thanksgiving day in 1993, was won 27-12 by Phillipsburg before 14,000 on April 26 at Lafayette…

Jun 16, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Becahi, Lombardo strike gold **Hawks capture first place in 400-meter relay

— Bethlehem Catholic sprinter Hansol Song had one thing on his mind before the start of the Class 2A 400-meter relay final in the PIAA Track and Field Championships on Saturday at Seth Grove Stadium. It might have seemed crazy to some. “I was thinking I will break my legs just…

May 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Emmaus, Parkland cruise to boys title game **Southern Lehigh, Nazareth win semifinal games to reach girls final.

Top-seeded Emmaus unleashed shots on goal fast, building a 6-0 lead before the concession stand had even opened up Wednesday at J. Birney Crum Stadium. The Green Hornets stayed on strong attack, led by Dan Kinek and Will Scott, to bombard Easton 15-4 in a District 11 boys…

May 21, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Henninger, Hightower, Gillette sparkle **Seniors, from Whitehall, Easton and Parkland respectively, win gold.

Whitehall’s Doug Henninger won with strength and Easton’s David Hightower won with speed and crisp hurdling. Then, there was Parkland’s Matt Gillette, who used long strides and a solid finishing kick to anchor the Trojans to victory in the 3,200-meter relay before closing out…

May 7, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Six inducted into football Hall ** Cortez, Diorio, Silock, LaMontagne, Sniscak, Rudelitsch honored.

Rich Sniscak listened in amazement as one inspiring story after another was told. Then Sniscak, the former star Dieruff High football-player-turned-Parkland High football coach/administrator, got his chance to tell stories Friday night at the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the…

May 2, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Freedom’s McLaughlin zoned in as a top sprinter

Freedom senior Dan McLaughlin prepared for the Liberty-Freedom track and field meet Monday by isolating himself before heading to Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. “I went home, listened to my music, tried to get myself psyched for it,” he said. “I was trying to get myself…

May 1, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

P’burg passes Easton **Kullman, Luke impress Mannings in Gatorade win, 27-12.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning didn’t have to give Phillipsburg quarterback Keith Kullman any tips. “Our guys had it going on,” Manning said Sunday, following Gatorade’s Replay football game between Easton and Phillipsburg at Lafayette College’s Fisher Stadium. Indeed.…

Apr 27, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Price part of an American record-setting relay

A nip-and-tuck 3,200-meter relay turned lopsided once University of Tennessee freshman sensation Chanelle Price took the baton for the second leg Saturday. The former Easton High middle distance state and national champion has a history of racing away from the pack. Fueled by…

Apr 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Price, Lady Vols win, Koons anchors ‘Nova to 3rd **PENN RELAYS

It was Tennessee’s Chanelle Price, then Villanova’s Frances Koons, one former Lehigh Valley high school track and field All-American following another. Both had memorable runs in the college women’s distance medley Championship of America relay Thursday at the Penn Relays. It…

Apr 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

High school dual meets are for all the athletes **TRACK AND FIELD

Take your pick, dual meets, tri-meets or relay carnivals. Dual meets involve athletes of all abilities, while relay carnivals, generally, are for the more talented athletes, athletes who have usually received an invitation to compete. Dual meets can be more draining, especially…

Apr 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Gatorade looking for another replay **Second shot: A successful game could mean others in future.

Gatorade may have picked the right two high schools, the right two communities and the right time of year to stage a replay of a football game between Easton and Phillipsburg that ended in a 7-7 tie in 1993. Many players who competed to the disappointing deadlock in that…

Apr 23, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

‘The most fun since high school’ **Settling the score … the tie score: P’Burg’s Tim Flynn having a ‘blast’ preparing for Replay game.

Editor’s note: Today is the final article in a weekly series of Q&As;, including video, with participants in Gatorade’s Easton-Phillipsburg Replay football game at 3 p.m. Sunday at Lafayette College’s Fisher Field. Gatorade required The Morning Call to submit questions to…

Apr 21, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Hochman getting a second chance **Redemption: Easton kicker wants to get back field goal that got away in 1993.

Editor’s note: Today is the third article in a weekly series of Q&As;, including video, with participants in Gatorade’s Easton-Phillipsburg Replay football game to be held at 3 p.m., April 26, at Lafayette College’s Fisher Field. Gatorade required The Morning Call to submit…

Apr 15, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Pros feel the passion **Eagles’ Westbrook, Reid can relate to Rovers, ‘Liners.

Brian Westbrook recalled the one high school football game he wished he could play again. The Eagles running back also expressed envy over the Easton and Phillipsburg players who will get the chance to settle the score over their Thanksgiving Day game 16 years ago that ended in…

Apr 9, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Health weighing on mind of Phillipsburg’s Lebitz **Back into shape: Lineman has lost 50 pounds in training.

Editor’s note: Today is the second article in a weekly series of Q&As;, including video, with participants in Gatorade’s Easton-Phillipsburg Replay football game at 3 p.m., April 26, at Lafayette College’s Fisher Field. Gatorade required The Morning Call to submit questions to…

Apr 7, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

A traditional choice **Geiger has committed himself to game next month vs. archrival.

Editor’s note: Today we begin a weekly series of Q&As;, including video, on participants in Gatorade’s Easton-Phillipsburg Replay football game at 3 p.m., April 26 at Lafayette College’s Fisher Field. Gatorade required The Morning Call to submit questions to players in advance…

Mar 31, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Valley-area boys track teams loaded with talent

Wilson senior Anthony Davidson, the 2008 PIAA Class 2A track and field champion in the 400-meter dash, and Palmerton senior Austin Cseh, the state runner-up to Davidson, headline the top boys returners this spring. Newcomer Andre Williams, a junior at Parkland who transferred…

Mar 27, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

An unlikely Valley showdown **Patriot League final: Lehigh, Lafayette women have taken different roads to title game.

It’s Brown and White against Maroon and White. It’s Bethlehem against Easton. For the first time since 1997, it’s Lehigh against Lafayette for the Patriot League women’s basketball tournament title at 6 tonight at Stabler Arena. It seemed like an unlikely showdown when the…

Mar 11, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Lafayette and Lehigh facing a long road **Patriot games: Both teams have poor finishes and must go on the road to advance in tourney.

The men’s basketball teams at Lehigh and Lafayette both ended the regular season in a way coaches fret about and in a way players wish they could have back. Lehigh, considered a preseason Patriot League title contender, lost its final three games and lost six of its last eight…

Mar 4, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Muhlenberg set for long trek to Polar Bear country

For spring break entertainment the Muhlenberg women’s team gets to take a 430-mile bus trip to Brunswick, Maine, for at least one NCAA Division III tournament game Friday. “Outside of maybe going to Alaska, I’m not sure if there is a place farther away that they would not want…

Mar 4, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Inconsistent Leopards fall to Black Knights **Mistakes hamper Lafayette in 79-59 loss to Army.

Lafayette has a young basketball team that has been on a seesaw ride all season. Four days after an emotional win over rival Lehigh, the Leopards missed a barrage of jumpers, layups and free throws against Army Wednesday night at Kirby Sports Center. The lethargic shooting — not…

Feb 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Inconsistent Leopards fall to Black Knights **Mistakes hamper Lafayette in 79-55 loss to Army.

Lafayette has a young basketball team that has been on a seesaw ride all season. Four days after an emotional win over rival Lehigh, the Leopards missed a barrage of jumpers, layups and free throws against Army Wednesday night at Kirby Sports Center. The lethargic shooting — not…

Feb 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Leopards tame Hawks in wild one **Stabler barnburner: Brown leads Lafayette with 26.

March is not here yet. It just seemed like it Sunday afternoon as rivals Lehigh and Lafayette played a March Madness-like game at Stabler Arena. It featured a momentum shifts galore, fierce scrambles for loose balls, five ties, six lead changes, and spirited taunts…

Feb 23, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

PL women’s event getting local support

Women’s college basketball is at its all-time best in the Lehigh Valley this winter and Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan hopes his city will bank on Lehigh’s success. The Patriot League women’s basketball tournament, hosted by Lehigh, is March 7-8 at Stabler Arena, and will be…

Feb 20, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Lafayette falters in 2nd half against Holy Cross

Lafayette experienced a 10-minute stretch in the second half of its Patriot League contest against Holy Cross where shots did not fall, where defensive stops were not made, and where a game that was tied just got away Saturday afternoon in Easton. The Leopards, who played…

Feb 8, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Three area women’s teams have high aspirations **COLLEGE BASKETBALL

February essentially is the nitty-gritty time of the college basketball season. Every game carries significantly more magnitude than the previous one. Every win enhances NCAA Tournament aspirations and top seeding possibilities for teams who are nationally ranked, including the…

Feb 4, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Moravian women leaving opponents in a ‘foul’ mood this season **COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Moravian women’s opponents need to be careful which Greyhounds player they foul when the game is on the line. Actually, not fouling at all is the safest bet. That’s because Moravian, under 400-plus game winner Mary Beth Spirk, is Division III’s top free throw-shooting team.…

Jan 28, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Hawks make FTs, hold off Leopards **Milestone: Lehigh’s Hall hits 1,000-point plateau in win.

The final 10 seconds of a wild game between rivals Lehigh and Lafayette was decided by free throws Saturday in Easton. Lafayette’s Jared Mintz missed his two foul shots, but Lehigh’s Zahir Carrington converted his two attempts with 3.0 seconds left to lift the Mountain Hawks to…

Jan 25, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Tough travels for Mountain Hawks and Leopards

Lehigh and Lafayette are both winless on the road in Patriot League games and that does not bode well for Lehigh on Saturday afternoon, because that’s when the Mountain Hawks will visit the Leopards at Kirby Sports Center. Lafayette is 2-0 at home and beat expected Patriot…

Jan 23, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Bedics wants to end career right **12 other locals trying to end their year on a winning note

John Bedics wants one more graduation gift. Bedics, a starting offensive lineman for the North Carolina State Wolfpack and former Bethlehem Catholic standout, plays his final college game Monday night. North Carolina (6-6) meets Rutgers (7-5) in the PapaJohns.com Bowl in…

Dec 27, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Gonzalez, Moncman best in Pa. **Sweet ‘Canes: Liberty duo named 4A player and coach of the year. Brown, Mateo and Clark also named first-team.

A week after Liberty High coach Tim Moncman and his star player Anthony Gonzalez shared tears, hugs and the glory of winning the school’s first state football title, the dynamic duo made a sweep of the Associated Press’ All-State Class 4A top honors. Moncman, who has managed the…

Dec 21, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty expects to reload for 2009 **X-factor: Gonzalez should lead another district playoff team.

Hours after Liberty’s dramatic 28-21 overtime win over Bethel Park in the PIAA Class 4A title game in Hershey on Saturday night, Hurricanes coach Tim Moncman had a gift from his neighbor waiting for him when he came home. “I got home at 2:30 and the next-door neighbor had taped…

Dec 15, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Opportunistic and lucky ** According to its coach, Bethel Park has been fortunate to get to 15-0. ** PIAA CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP HERSHEYPARK STADIUM 7 TONIGHT

Bethel Park High has advanced to its first PIAA Class 4A football final, helped by fundamentally sound play and luck, according to its coach, Jeff Metheny. The Black Hawks, after all, are 15-0 and have won each of their last three playoff games by four points or less. “There are…

Dec 13, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

GW has history on its mind ** PIAA mark: Trying to beat Liberty today to become first Philly Public League team to win a state playoff game.

Liberty today tries to extend its winning streak to 13 games and prevent a Philadelphia Public League team from achieving history. Liberty (12-1), coming off a 28-14 win over Freedom for the District 11 title last Saturday, plays District 12 champion George Washington (10-1) in…

Nov 29, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Hurricanes ready for more trench warfare **Liberty’s offensive linemen to face formidable task vs. George Washington’s defensive counterparts.

Liberty has dominated 50 out of 52 quarters it has played this season. The only two quarters it has not owned was in the first half against North Penn. Blocking assignments were missed and it caused the high-powered Hurricanes to stay out of sync and trail 20-0 at halftime. Levi…

Nov 28, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

BOSTON COLLEGE 8-3, 4-3 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Wake Forest 24-21 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10, 198. Game: 1-for-1 on PATs; 3-for-3 on FGs. Season: 34-for-34 on PATs; 13-for-20 on FGs. BROWN 7-3 6-1 (Ivy League) Beat Columbia 41-10 Brendan Gallagher…

Nov 25, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Running for a title **Liberty and Freedom, with standout rushing attacks, are playing for highest stakes in series history.

Senior running backs Brandon Brader of Liberty and Eddie Mateo of Freedom have been rivals since middle school. They’ve also been good friends and admired each other’s feats. But it wasn’t until last week when one of them decided to nickname the other. “He’s Superman,” Mateo…

Nov 21, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ALBANY 8-3, 7-0 (Northeast Conference) Beat Wagner 30-11 Justin Peterson (Palmerton) Fr. RB 6-0, 225. Game: 1 carry, 0 yards. Season: 8 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD; 1 carry, 0 yards; 1 solo tackle, 3 assisted tackles, 1 forced fumble. BOSTON COLLEGE 7-3, 3-3 (Atlantic Coast…

Nov 18, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Experience puts ‘Hound women atop Landmark **But coach Mary Beth Spirk isn’t claiming the title just yet.

It’s hard to down lay a team that returns four starters, each a double-figure scorer, but Moravian women’s basketball coach Mary Beth Spirk is still attempting it. Good try coach, but it won’t work. Moravian, coming off a 16-11 season, was picked to finish first in the Landmark…

Nov 16, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ALBANY 7-3, 6-0 (Northeast Conference) Beat Robert Morris 41-7 Justin Peterson (Palmerton) Fr. RB 2-0, 225. Game: 3 catches, 33 yards. Season: 8 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD; 1 solo tackle, 3 assisted tackles, 1 forced fumble. BOSTON COLLEGE 6-3 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Notre…

Nov 11, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Easton not too proud to keep playing

Easton is a proud football program with a winning tradition that’s much longer than any other Lehigh Valley Conference team, but the Red Rovers’ administration and coaches did not let their pride get in the way of making a smart decision that will benefit their players. Which is…

Nov 4, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ALBANY 6-3, 5-0 (Northeast Conference) Beat Monmouth 35-17 Justin Peterson (Palmerton) Fr. RB 6-0, 225. Game: 1 solo tackle, 1 assisted, 1 forced fumble. Season: 5 catches, 25 yards, 1 TD; 1 solo tackle, 3 assisted tackles, 1 forced fumble. BOSTON COLLEGE 5-3, 2-3 (Atlantic…

Nov 4, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Pacchiolo and Easton beat Becahi in keeper ** Straight up: Rovers clinch EC spot as QB scampers for TD with 17 ticks left. ** HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Easton’s future stars stole the show on Senior Night to help the Red Rovers close out the regular season with a dramatic 38-31 Lehigh Valley Conference victory over Bethlehem Catholic Friday night at Cottingham Stadium. The game-clinching play was like a Larry Holmes left hook.…

Nov 1, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty, Freedom set to slug it out ** Lots of things — for both teams — ride on the outcome.

The Lehigh Valley Conference’s version of boxing’s “Main Event” takes place Saturday afternoon at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. That’s when Liberty (8-1, 8-0) and Freedom (8-1, 7-1) clash on the Frank Banko Field turf. “As everybody knows, there’s a lot at stake,…

Oct 31, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty, Freedom set to slug it out ** Lots of things — for both teams — ride on the outcome.

The Lehigh Valley Conference’s version of boxing’s “Main Event” takes place Saturday afternoon at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. That’s when Liberty (8-1, 8-0) and Freedom (8-1, 7-1) clash on the Frank Banko Field turf. “As everybody knows, there’s a lot at stake,…

Oct 31, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ALBANY 5-3, 4-0 (Northeast Conference) Beat St. Francis (N.Y.) 27-3 Justin Peterson (Palmerton) Fr. RB 2-0, 225. Game: One catch, 5 yards. Season: Five catches, 25 yards, one TD; two assisted tackles. BOSTON COLLEGE 5-2, 2-2 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Lost to North Carolina…

Oct 28, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Improved K-Kids still battling

Northampton had its shot at Emmaus, Freedom and Liberty, but lost. The defeats were in successive weeks, knocking the Konkrete Kids out of contention for the Lehigh Valley Conference title and jeopardizing their chances at qualifying for the District 11-2 Class 4A subregional…

Oct 28, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

K-Kids persevere, put Becahi away in 4th quarter **Northampton scores 17 points in the final 12 minutes in 17-0 win.

A slug-it-out affair between two Lehigh Valley Conference teams, an affair that was scoreless after three quarters, turned lopsided in the fourth quarter Saturday night. That’s because Northampton, backed by a defense that continued to attack and a run-oriented Wing-T offense…

Oct 26, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Rovers, Trojans need wins **Easton and Parkland in danger of missing playoffs.

Two regular season games remain and Easton and Parkland are both trying to avoid something that has not happened since 1994. And that’s the District 11 playoffs being held without either of them being involved. But the traditionally strong Lehigh Valley Conference teams still…

Oct 24, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ALBANY 4-3, 3-0 (Northeast) Beat Sacred Heart 26-21 Justin Peterson (Palmerton) Fr. RB 2-0, 225. Game: One catch, 2 yards. Season: Four catches, 20 yards, one TD; two assisted tackles. BOSTON COLLEGE 5-1, 2-1 (ACC) Beat Virginia Tech 28-23 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK,…

Oct 21, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Taylor kicks away city rival **Freedom beats Becahi on junior’s last-second field goal.

Freedom kicker Gregory Taylor settled his nerves with the help of his teammates, then zoned in on the goal post 22 yards away Friday night. Less than five seconds remained in the Lehigh Valley Conference classic between Bethlehem city rivals and the game was tied. Taylor, a…

Oct 18, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Plenty of playmakers at BASD tonight **Freedom, Becahi feature high-powered offenses.

The scoreboard operator at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium figures to be busy tonight. That’s because high-scoring city rivals Freedom (31.4 ppg) and Bethlehem Catholic (29 ppg) meet in a Lehigh Valley Conference matchup that has playoff implications with just three…

Oct 17, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Mateo: 2nd big decision is looming

Some high-profile athletes have transferred from one Lehigh Valley Conference school to another in recent years for athletic reasons. A fuss was made about most, and rightfully so since they were blatant, which has put District 11 officials under the gun more to try to stop…

Oct 14, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ALBANY 3-3, 2-0 (Northeast Conference) Beat Central Conn. St. 24-22 Justin Peterson (Palmerton) Fr. RB 2-0, 225. Game: Two catches, 16 yards; one assisted tackle. Season: Three catches, 18 yards, one TD; two assisted tackles. BROWN 2-2 (Ivy League) Lost to Holy Cross 41-34…

Oct 14, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Patriots race past Red Rovers ** Fast lane: Mateo rushes for 159 yds. to pace Freedom.

Easton and Freedom engaged in a shootout Friday night at Cottingham Stadium. It played to Freedom’s advantage — especially in the first and third quarters — when the Patriots unleashed their speed. But Freedom’s 36-28 Lehigh Valley Conference victory was not manufactured solely…

Oct 11, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Pates want to end Rovers’ playoff run **Mateo, speed keys to Freedom’s chances at Cottingham.

Freedom senior tailback Eddie Mateo ran for season highs of 198 yards and four touchdowns last week. He ran rampant on synthetic turf against a Northampton defense that’s one of the Lehigh Valley Conference’s best. Now Mateo, who transferred from Bethlehem Catholic during the…

Oct 10, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Nazareth building up its program

The Lehigh Valley Conference is a tough conference and will be even tougher once Nazareth starts posting winning seasons on a consistent basis. Winning the LVC title probably won’t happen anytime soon because the Blue Eagles do not draw from a talent pool that’s similar to the…

Oct 7, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

BOSTON COLLEGE 4-1, 1-1 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat N.C. State 38-31 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10, 198. Game: 5-for-5 on PATs; 1-for-1 on FGs, 17-yarder. Season: 18-for-18 on PATs; 6-for-8 on FGs. BROWN 2-1 (Ivy League) Lost to Rhode Island 37-13 Brendan…

Oct 7, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Patriots, Kids on collision course **Big test: Freedom’s offense squares off with Northampton’s defense.

Freedom snapped a 12-game losing streak against Parkland last week, which raised the Patriots’ confidence level entering tonight’s Lehigh Valley Conference showdown against Northampton at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. Both teams are 4-1, 3-1 in conference play, but…

Oct 3, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

BOSTON COLLEGE 3-1 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Rhode Island 42-0 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10,. 198. Game: 5-for-5 on PATs. Season: 13-for-13 on PATs; 5-for-7 on FGs. BROWN 2-0, 1-0 (Ivy League) Beat Harvard 24-22 Brendan Gallagher (Parkland) Jr. LB, 6-1, 225.…

Sep 30, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Bottigkieri, Hornets look to stinf another ‘student’ this week

The mark of a good coach is not only winning and making the playoffs on a consistent basis, but how well he teaches and develops other men to become just as successful as he is when they’re in charge of their own programs. Emmaus coach Joe Bottiglieri is a frontrunner in that…

Sep 30, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Kids, Hornets ready to play for 1st place

No longer overlooked, Northampton is excited to welcome Emmaus to Al Erdosy Field tonight for a showdown between undefeated teams battling for first place in the Lehigh Valley Conference. Both teams are 4-0 overall, 3-0 in league play. “This is certainly a big game for us,”…

Sep 26, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Kids, Hornets ready to play for 1st place ** LVC’s two unbeatens not surprised to be where they are 1 month into the season.

No longer overlooked, Northampton is excited to welcome Emmaus to Al Erdosy Field tonight for a showdown between undefeated teams battling for first place in the Lehigh Valley Conference. Both teams are 4-0 overall, 3-0 in league play. “This is certainly a big game for us,”…

Sep 26, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

BOSTON COLLEGE 2-1 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Central Florida 34-7 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10, 198. Game: 4-for-4 on PATs; 2-for-3 on FGs of 22 and 25 yards. Season: 8-for-8 on PATs; 5-for-7 on FGs. BROWN 1-0 (Ivy League) Beat Stony Brook 17-7 Brendan…

Sep 23, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Stingy Kids share first with Hornets

Surprise, surprise, that’s what Northampton (4-0, 3-0 LVC) has been in posting a perfect record out of the gate to remain tied with Emmaus (4-0, 3-0) for first-place in the Lehigh Valley Conference entering their showdown Friday at Al Erdosy Field. Elsewhere in the conference,…

Sep 23, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Emmaus ends the drought ** Eureka! Hornets beat Easton for the first time since 1981.

One streak was extended and another one ended for Emmaus Friday night. Both were huge. Both streaks further validated Emmaus as a Lehigh Valley Conference and District 11 title contender. That’s because Emmaus blew Easton off the line of scrimmage and bent little on defense —…

Sep 20, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Emmaus faces major test tonight vs. Easton **The unbeaten Green Hornets take on the Red Rovers, whom they haven’t beaten since 1981.

Something disturbingly different happened to Easton last week against Parkland. It wasn’t the lopsided score of Parkland 26, Easton 0. Every team gets crushed once in a while, but Easton coach Steve Shiffert wasn’t as concerned about the final score as he was about the way his…

Sep 19, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Miller pushing self, Trojans to the limit

Every strong defense is keyed by an impact player, one who’ll go to any limit to try and punish the opponent each down he’s on the field. Parkland has that player in defensive end Clint Miller, a 6-3, 235-pound Division I recruit, who came into his own last season en route to…

Sep 16, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland back after shutting out Easton ** Getting defensive: Trojans wear down the Red Rovers on both sides of the ball in the 2nd half.

And now Parkland can take a breather. Its toughest three-game stretch to open a season is over and the Trojans capped it off with a dominating second-half performance in a 26-0 victory over rival Easton Friday night at Cottingham Stadium. Entering with an 0-2 record, following…

Sep 13, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Battle of contenders in Emmaus **Freedom faces Green Hornets in early showdown.

Something new in Week 3 of the Lehigh Valley Conference: Neither Liberty, Parkland nor Easton is involved in the top game. Easton (2-0, 1-0) opens its home schedule against Parkland (0-2, 0-1) at 7 tonight at Cottingham Stadium, and it promises to be a festive atmosphere as the…

Sep 12, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Sizable stakes again in matchup of rivals Easton, Parkland

Easton has played two teams it was supposed to crush. The Red Rovers did just that, beating Stroudsburg by 27 points and Dieruff by 35. Now Easton (2-0, 1-0) hosts two-time defending Lehigh Valley Conference champion Parkland on Friday night at Cottingham Stadium. It’s Easton’s…

Sep 11, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

BOSTON COLLEGE 1-1, 0-1 (ACC) Lost to Georgia Tech 19-16 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Sr. PK, 5-10,. 198. Game: 1-for-1 on PATs; 3-for-3 on FGs of 36, 34 and 26 yards. Season: 4-for-4 on PATs; 3-for-3 on FGs. CONNECTICUT 2-0, 0-0 (Big East) Beat Temple 12-9 Robbie Frey (Lehighton)…

Sep 9, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland and Liberty renew rivalry **Trojans, Hurricanes meet for first time since 2005.

It’s a Week 2 matchup that would have even more hype had it been scheduled for later in the season with the Lehigh Valley Conference title and possibly the No. 1 seed in the district playoffs on the line. But after not playing the last two seasons, Liberty and Parkland are…

Sep 5, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Melosky doing just fine so far

Fair or not, Nazareth football coach Rob Melosky knows that he can’t prevent people from judging his every move because that’s expected when you are a high-profile coach. Melosky’s public perception soared, perhaps more so in the negative than positive last month, when he was on…

Sep 4, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Freedom opens with big game vs. C.B. West

The wait is over for Freedom. Tonight, the defending Eastern Conference Class 4A champion will try to extend its winning streak in season openers under coach Jason Roeder to four games. “There is not a whole lot of room for error,” said Roeder, whose Patriots open at Central…

Aug 29, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh Valley Conference Team Capsules

ALLEN Coach: Chris Kinane (first year) Last year: 0-10 (0-9, LVC) Impact players: QB Justin Quaye, sr.; QB Nick Rhodes, jr.; WR Matt Wingler, sr.; WR Nik Davis, sr.; WR/RB David Gibbs, sr.; WR Siddiq Shabazz, sr.; OL Lance Troxell, sr.; OL Eddy Torres, sr.; RB/LB Luciano…

Aug 24, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

EASTERN DOMOINATION **With 10 recent trips to Hershey, District 11 is the new beast of the east in Pennsylvania football

It’s been a decade of memorable games and streaks, of championship glory and the agony of defeat in state title games for District 11 football teams. History was made in 2002 when Parkland, behind Austin Scott’s state-record 53 touchdowns and 3,846 yards rushing, became the…

Aug 24, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

TEAM-BY-TEAM CAPSULES

ALLEN Coach: Chris Kinane (first year) Last year: 0-10 (0-9, LVC) Impact players: QB Justin Quaye, sr.; QB Nick Rhodes, jr.; WR Matt Wingler, sr.; WR Nik Davis, sr.; WR/RB David Gibbs, sr.; WR Siddiq Shabazz, sr.; OL Lance Troxell, sr.; OL Eddy Torres, sr.; RB/LB Luciano…

Aug 24, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty’s Street takes uncoventional road to scholarship **Summer star: Rising senior, headed to Pitt, opens eyes at camps.

Devin Street is no sleeper pickup for the University of Pittsburgh. Never mind that Street, entering his senior year at Liberty, only had five catches last season, turning three into touchdowns. This summer, the 6-4 Street has attended the Nike Camp at Penn State, the U.S. Army…

Jul 2, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Chasing a dream

Fantasy baseball and football camps are cool, but nobody is supposed to get hurt. In fantasy boxing, well, that may not be the case, if NBC 10 (WCAU) sports anchor and ex-Philadelphia Eagles return man Vai Sikahema is able to sneak inside on the much larger Jose Canseco and…

Jul 1, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Holley goes out with a bang ** Ex-Rovers star picks off two passes, makes TD-saving tackle to help beat Ohio.

Jarred Holley could have been mistaken for Krazy Glue on a hot Saturday night at HersheyPark Stadium. The Easton High defensive back started at left cornerback for Pennsylvania against Ohio in the Big 33 Football Classic and made two sensational plays in the end zone — one an…

Jun 15, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Sticking it to Buckeye State ** Ex-Rovers star Holley picks off 2 passes, makes TD-saving stop to lead Pa. to third straight win.

Jarred Holley could have been mistaken for Krazy Glue on a hot Saturday night at Hersheypark Stadium. The Easton High defensive back started at left cornerback for Pennsylvania against Ohio in the Big 33 Football Classic and made two sensational plays in the end zone — one an…

Jun 15, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Doing what he does best ** Get defensive: Jarred Holley to play DB only in tonight’s game.

Jarred Holley will not be a utilityman in tonight’s Big 33 Football Classic. Which means he will not play quarterback, running back, wide receiver, kick returner or punt returner when Pennsylvania meets Ohio at Hersheypark Stadium. He played all those positions in four stellar…

Jun 14, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Laub ready to prove he belongs ** Late addition: Former Parkland QB to play in Big 33 game.

He’s a Big 33 replacement player, but Parkland quarterback John Laub is also a proven winner. Last season, he led Parkland to a 15-1 record and PIAA Class 4A runner-up finish. It was his first season as a starter, and Laub ran coach Jim Morgans’ Wing-T offense to near perfection…

Jun 12, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Larry Holmes finally gets his due ** Standing ovation Ex-heavyweight champ joins greats in Hall of Fame.

Speaking with passion and nearly breaking down throughout his marathon speech, former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes thrilled the crowd on the museum grounds of the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday. He was frank and funny as he talked about life, family, career and…

Jun 9, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

A nice ring to it ** Holmes ready to take his place among boxing’s immortals.

Larry Holmes returned to the spotlight Saturday, signing autographs, pictures, posters and other boxing memorabilia. This afternoon, the former heavyweight champion will brave the heat to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The buildup to the moment has been…

Jun 8, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

“Assassin’ laments that one target eluded him ** Lone regret Soon-to-be HOF Holmes wishes he’d fought Foreman.

Larry Holmes fought 581 rounds during his legendary boxing career. Along the way, he persevered in a classic 15-round bout against Ken Norton on June 9, 1978, to win the heavyweight title. He also beat Muhammad Ali, Earnie Shavers and Gerry Cooney. But there is one heavyweight…

Jun 6, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

“Easton Assassin’ replays greatest hits ** He ‘got into boxing to make some money.’ Hard work, dedication made him a legend.

Larry Holmes fought until age 52, beating Muhammad Ali once and Earnie Shavers twice along the way before retiring for good with a 10-round unanimous decision over Eric “Butterbean” Esch on July 27, 2002. Now, six years after whipping the fat off Butterbean in Norfolk, Va.,…

Jun 2, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

PIAAs hold historic promise for D-11 boys ** Wilson team could help this meet rank among best ever.

The two-day PIAA Track and Field Championships begins at Shippensburg University this morning with one major question for District 11. Can it get any better for the district than in 2003, when Bethlehem Catholic won the Class 2A team title, becoming the first school in the…

May 23, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Sell, Price prove that hard work does pay off ** Duo among Lehigh Valley Conference’s best student-athletes.

Jesse Sell would prefer to smash a volleyball over crashing the books any day of the week. But the Emmaus senior never lost sight of the fact that he needed to be successful in both. On Wednesday, Sell was rewarded for his hard work in both at the Lehigh Valley Conference…

May 22, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Cseh wins 400 dash in record time ** Nudges Wilson’s Davidson at Colonial League meet.

He’s not all hulked up, but Palmerton sprinter Austin Cseh had all the speed and endurance necessary to prevail over Wilson’s Anthony Davidson in a thrilling race to the finish line in the finals of the 400-meter dash at the Colonial League Track and Field Championships on…

May 9, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Becahi’s Brandon now a champion ** He sheds underdog label by winning 100 dash. VanAckeren is back.

Bethlehem Catholic junior sprinter Tevrin Brandon is an underdog no more. Fast and confident since his freshman year, Brandon still entered this spring unfulfilled because he had yet to win the 100-meter dash at the Lehigh Valley Conference Track and Field Championships. But…

May 8, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Hoffman’s anchor leg helps lift Liberty ** Win in 3,200 relay key as Hurricanes take lead in team standings.

For two laps, Liberty junior Tom Hoffman maintained a lead that was established from the outset of the 3,200-meter relay Tuesday at J. Birney Crum Stadium. Then, after crossing the finish line, Hoffman wobbled off the track and flopped to the turf. He was fatigued, but…

May 7, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Kroboth, Street success stories to keep playing out

It’s finally time to get down to serious business in track and field. Next week’s Lehigh Valley Conference, Colonial League and Mountain Valley Conference championship meets will weed out the pretenders and establish the boys’ athletes who are most likely to contend for district…

May 2, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Quakertown sets school mark in 1,600 relay

Steve Roberts and his Quakertown teammates didn’t worry about the blazing times being posted by the Jamaicans and other superfast 1,600-meter relay runners Saturday at the Penn Relays. All Roberts concentrated on was the 400 meters he had to run in his anchor leg of the 1,600…

Apr 27, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Speed to Burn ** Nazareth senior sprinter Kevin Kroboth, a football player in his first year of track competition, has put up the area’s fastes sprint times.

Nazareth High senior Kevin Kroboth has had an easier time sprinting to 100- and 200-meter dash victories than he did breaking away for touchdowns during the football season. A first-year track and field athlete, Kroboth has used the dual-meet season to prove himself as a league,…

Apr 25, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty’s Street is really jumping

Devin Street appears to be a natural in track and field. A first-year participant for Liberty, Street established himself as the top long jumper in the Lehigh Valley Conference before the weather even turned warm. He entered the week with an area-high mark of 22 feet, 51/2…

Apr 11, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty’s VanAckeren will be a force in yet another sport

Distance runner Trevor VanAckeren of Liberty and sprinter Aneurys Santos of Salisbury figure to dominate the headlines in boys track and field this spring. Never mind that both began the season injured — the long-legged Princeton-bound VanAckeren with a tweaked left knee and the…

Apr 2, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

‘Hound men seek “A’ game on “D’

Revitalized after receiving a surprise NCAA Division III tournament bid, Moravian hopes to make amends for its play of late when it meets John Jay College tonight. The Greyhounds lost their final three games, including a conference semifinal playoff game, but the the NCAA…

Mar 6, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh buffalos Bison ** Mountain Hawks hold Bucknell to 33% shooting, stay in running for home game in PL tournament.

Lehigh is one of the most unpredictable teams, playing in one of the most unpredictable conferences in America. But in a season of ups and downs galore in the Patriot League, Lehigh pieced together a 50-39 victory over Bucknell on Wednesday night at Stabler Arena that rekindled…

Feb 28, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Moravian men looking for redemption against Royals

Losing the final regular season game is not good for any team hoping to enter the playoffs with momentum. But the Moravian men, who were routed 82-60 by Landmark Conference foe Scranton on Saturday, will get a chance to bounce back on their home court. The second-seeded…

Feb 27, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

NCC’s Wolfe on the hunt for players who rode the pine

Couldn’t make it off your high school team’s bench to get playing time but still want to play college basketball? Don’t worry, Northampton Community College women’s coach Art Wolfe may have a spot for you on his team. And it’s not riding the pine. Wolfe, who finished his 19th…

Feb 20, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Colgate feeling “extra’ nervous until Betley’s miss at the line

After losing back-to-back overtime games, Colgate appeared headed for what it feared most Wednesday night at Lafayette’s Kirby Sports Center. And that was another overtime. That’s what would have happened if Lafayette’s Matt Betley had converted all three of his free-throw…

Feb 15, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Lafayette needs to regroup

Lafayette has to play five more Patriot League war games, which is the way conference games tend to be throughout the country this time of season. Once the surprise team in the league after starting 5-1 for the first time since 1998-99, Lafayette has now lost three straight…

Feb 15, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Signings show importance of academic success

Every high school athlete should have winning a championship — whether league, district or state — as one of their main goals because they cannot legitimately compete without drive. Making good grades should be an even higher goal. It would only be an excuse for an athlete to…

Feb 8, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

A red-letter day ** Red Rovers’ stellar five; area football recruits highlight Signing Day.

Easton celebrated its biggest Signing Day since 1968 with football star Jarred Holley and U.S. Olympic track and field hopeful Chanelle Price heading the list of five Red Rover athletes who signed national letters of intent to Division I-A schools on Wednesday. Holley, a…

Feb 7, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

DeSales’ Richter closing in on another 20-win season

Fred Richter has never coached on the Division I level, but he’s learned a lot from the legendary Bobby Knight, who resigned Monday at Texas Tech, ending his illustrious 42-year coaching career. Richter, the DeSales women’s coach, prescribed years ago to Knight’s defensive…

Feb 6, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Freshman fills gap for Moravian men ** Guard Maurice Young scores 9 late in win over Susquehanna.

Moravian guard Maurice Young didn’t make any freshman mistakes in the rematch against Susquehanna on Friday night at Johnston Hall. He was just too quick to be trapped, too confident to be rattled, and eager to step up and make big plays after the Greyhounds’ best post player,…

Feb 2, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

More kudos for Liberty’s Beal ** School’s outstanding linebacker to be named Parade All-American.

Brendan Beal’s postseason parade of high school football honors has continued even though Beal has already begun taking classes and participating in strength and conditioning drills at the University of Florida. Beal, a standout linebacker at Liberty High School last season, has…

Jan 28, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

With four wins already, Cedar Crest in search of respectability

The odds are stacked against the Cedar Crest College women’s team winning more than a game each season. The Falcons are a Division III program that has posted a 5-115 record in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference this decade, which includes 0-16 records in league play in…

Jan 23, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Morgans honored to lead Pa. team in Big 33 ** Parkland mentor will be Pennsylvania’s head coach for the annual all-star game.

The reward for Parkland football coach Jim Morgans leading his team to a 15-1 season and finishing as PIAA Class 4A runner-up is a fourth trip to Hersheypark Stadium to coach in a big game. Morgans, 60, has been named Pennsylvania’s head coach against Ohio all-stars in the Big…

Jan 17, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Pitt is it for Holley ** Easton football star announces he will play for coach Dave Wannstedt’s Panthers.

Easton football star Jarred Holley intercepted passes with apparent ease the last four years, but making his college choice wasn’t so easy. He had narrowed 30 scholarship offers from every conference in America to Pittsburgh, Iowa and Virginia. Wednesday morning, Holley decided…

Jan 17, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh Valley pipeline prosperous for East Stroudsburg

If you are a local player, have game and can’t seem to obtain a Division I scholarship, don’t worry. East Stroudsburg coach Jeff Wilson can probably find a spot for you on his Division II team. And not just to work hard in practice and then ride the bench on game night. No,…

Jan 15, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Greyhounds streak past Mules ** Earley, Miller spark Moravian to its seventh straight win.

Chris Earley grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds, Ryan Miller hit some hard-to-believe shots, and their teammates followed perfect suit as Moravian routed Muhlenberg 67-52 Thursday night at Johnston Hall. It was a case of the hot staying hot as Moravian (8-2) extended its winning…

Jan 4, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Figner makes best of dreary December ** West Virginia O-lineman, a Northwestern grad, sees his team miss chance at title game, lose coach.

West Virginia offensive lineman Jake Figner was credited with 20 knockdown blocks last season, which was impressive enough for the Northwestern High graduate to remain a starter. The number of pancake blocks Figner had this season has not been released, but he’s confident that…

Jan 2, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Aponavicius and BC hope to end inconsistent season with win

Boston College kicker Steve Aponavicius has a simple game plan for tonight’s Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla. “Just to go out and put the ball through the uprights,” said Aponavicius, an Easton High graduate, who’ll be making his 22nd career start when the Eagles (10-3) meet…

Dec 28, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Five from area named 4A all-state ** They are Parkland’s Jaleel Clark, Clint Miller, Easton’s Jarred Holley, Liberty’s Brendan Beal, and ESS’s Casey Smith.

Parkland junior wide receiver Jaleel Clark was unstoppable, gracefully and effortlessly racing downfield to make tough catches and score touchdowns. Easton senior Jarred Holley once again played the role of lockdown defensive back, Liberty senior Brendan Beal was a hard-hitting…

Dec 23, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Not this year ** Parkland’s undefeated season ends with loss in state final

Some Parkland players stood frozen in place, some cried and many embraced as the state championship they dreamed of winning ended on a bittersweet note Saturday night. Unable to manufacture the offensive plays or make the defensive stops that had been the cornerstones to its…

Dec 16, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland puts together season to remember ** The 15-0 Trojans prove themselves to be cream of area’s crop. ** Team of the Year

Parkland is one win away from a perfect 16-0 season and its first PIAA Class 4A championship since 2002. Win or lose against powerful Pittsburgh Central Catholic Saturday night at Hersheypark Stadium, Parkland has already surpassed the accomplishments of any other team in the…

Dec 14, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Larry Holmes’ big payday ** He started boxing for the money, and now he’s headed to Hall of Fame.

Larry Holmes celebrated being chosen for the 2008 class of the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Tuesday at his A Step Up Restaurant and Lounge in Easton, recounting the $63 he won in his first pro fight in 1973 in Scranton and the millions he’s earned since. “Every time I…

Dec 12, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland impresses GW’s coach ** He says Eagles will have to play “perfect game.’

The George Washington High School football team has never traveled up the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to play a game, but the Eagles were scheduled to board a bus in Philadelphia at about 6:30 this morning bound for Allentown and J. Birney Crum Stadium. The…

Dec 1, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Veteran Greyhounds eye playoffs ** Four seniors, including Easton’s Miller, pace high-powered offense.

Playoffs, playoffs, playoffs. That’s all Moravian men’s coach Jim Walker is thinking about — and he has four experienced and talented seniors to rely on most to accomplish that goal. The Greyhounds went 11-14 and missed the playoffs in their final year in the Commonwealth…

Nov 30, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Young women’s team faces uphill climb ** ‘Hounds hit early with injuries; veteran coach aims for winning record.

Moravian coach Mary Beth Spirk has what can be considered a platinum resume. She led the Greyhounds to six NCAA Division III Tournaments and posted winning seasons in 18 of her 20 seasons at Moravian. Her last NCAA Tournament appearance was in the 2005-06 season. “It seems like…

Nov 30, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

BOSTON COLLEGE 10-2, 6-2 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Miami 28-14 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Jr. PK, 5-10, 183. Game: 4-for-4 on PATs, 0-for-1 on FGs. Season; 42-for-45 on PATs; 9-for-14 on FGs, long 45 yards. BRIGHAM YOUNG 9-2, 7-0 (Mountain West) Beat Utah 17-10 Joe…

Nov 27, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Trojans hold off Hazleton ** Sam Tajiri’s go-ahead TD, game-saving block of FG the difference. ** PIAA Class 4A Football Playoffs: Parkland 16, Hazleton 14

It was like the final seconds of the 15th round of a heavyweight title fight and it was close. For Parkland, it was also all too similar to the last time it went came down to the final seconds of a playoff game, and it lost on a field goal. But 371 days after suffering…

Nov 24, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland’s “D’ to face toughest test ** Stingy Trojans charged with containing Hazleton star RB Nate Eachus.

His name is Nate Eachus and Parkland’s defense will see a lot of him in the District 11-2 Class 4A subregional final tonight in Orefield. The Hazleton senior running back figures to be the challenge of all challenges for the Trojans, who have posted shutouts in seven of their…

Nov 23, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Easton’s Holley goes out with a bang ** The senior collects three interceptions in 17-6 win over P’burg.

Easton senior Jarred Holley had just finished a memorable Thanksgiving Day game against Phillipsburg when the realization that he’ll never wear the Red Rovers’ red and white uniform again hit his father Lincoln. “We’ll move on and he’ll have the memories, but something that…

Nov 23, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Even at 101, Easton-P’burg never gets old ** It’s last hurrah for Jarred Holley and (maybe) Bob Stem.

It’s the year after the 100th Thanksgiving Day meeting between Easton and Phillipsburg and everything surrounding the game is different. “Yeah, quite a bit,” Easton coach Steve Shiffert said. “I think it’s to be expected … that the build up is not the same, but I think you have…

Nov 22, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Easton’s Holley finishing up great career

Jarred Holley was the last Easton player standing on the Bensalem High field on a cold December afternoon in 2004, answering questions and putting a season that had finally ended with a playoff loss to Neshaminy in proper perspective. You would have thought that he was a senior…

Nov 21, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 3-8 (Independent) Lost to Tulsa 49-39 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: Played. Season: Four solo tackles, two assisted. BOSTON COLLEGE 9-2, 5-2 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Clemson 30-17 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Jr. PK, 5-10, 183. Game: 2-for-2 on PATs,…

Nov 20, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Trojans ride balancing act ** Their dual-threat offense, tough defense lead them to win, District 11 4A title.

The District 11 Class 4A trophy is owned once again by Parkland, but the Trojans want more hardware for their awards case before this season ends. They sure played like it Friday night. Behind a balanced offensive attack, led by seniors John Laub and Kale Sweeney, Parkland…

Nov 17, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Freedom looking for first football championship of any kind ** EASTERN CONF. FOOTBALL

Any team that’s still playing football past the first week of November has something to treasure, which is why Freedom and Whitehall plan to go all out tonight when they meet for the Eastern Conference Class 4A title. Kickoff is at 7 at Whitehall. Both teams are 8-4. They did…

Nov 16, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland, Liberty on possible collision course

A showdown between two Lehigh Valley Conference powerhouse teams could be only one week away. Liberty and Parkland need to win tonight in District 11-2 Class 4A subregional semifinal games to set up a battle between the two stalwarts. Neither team will admit that they’re looking…

Nov 16, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 3-7 (Independent) Lost to Rutgers 41-6 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: Played. Season: Four solo tackles, two assisted. BOSTON COLLEGE 8-2, 4-2 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Lost to Maryland 42-35 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Jr. 5-10, 183. Game: 5-for-5 on PATs,…

Nov 13, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Some LVC football teams already have a wish list for ’08

How many Lehigh Valley Conference teams already have a wish list for next season? Five teams are still playing — Liberty and Parkland in the District 11-2 Class 4A playoffs; Freedom and Whitehall in the Eastern Conference 4A title game Friday night. Easton lost to Hazleton,…

Nov 13, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Green Hornets, Falcons take flight ** Emmaus’ Davis brings intensity ** Football playoffs

It was a failed defensive stop that frustrated young defensive lineman Joe Davis more than the average flag football player. His mother, Lisa, still remembers the play that America’s Funniest Videos would have loved. “Joey was running downfield trying to get the kid’s flag, but…

Nov 9, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty looking for hat trick at districts

Parkland has put together back-to-back undefeated regular seasons and the PIAA Class 4A title in 2002, which will forever warm Trojan hearts. Easton has nine straight district playoff appearances, the second most wins in state history, and, of course, that 100th game…

Nov 7, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 3-6 (Independent) Lost to Air Force 30-10 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: One solo tackle, one assist. Season: Four solo tackles, two assisted. BOSTON COLLEGE 8-1, 4-1 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Lost to Florida State 27 -17 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Jr. K…

Nov 6, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty lays it on the line, beats Freedom handily ** The Hurricanes head to district playoffs and the Patriots do not.

Liberty quarterback Anthony Gonzalez accounted for more than 200 yards of offense, wideout Joey Orlando made circus catches and tailback Ahkeem Smith gained the tough yards. All three owe gratitude to big Levi Brown and the other Hurricane offensive linemen for the way they…

Nov 4, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Rovers prevail against Hawks ** Easton defeats Becahi to earn district playoff berth.

Bethlehem Catholic and Easton entertained fans at Bethlehem Area School District Friday night with a back-and-forth second half that featured one breakaway run after another. But the play that helped Easton prevail 28-24 in the Lehigh Valley Conference matchup was a forced…

Nov 3, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty-Freedom rivalry reaches pinnacle Saturday ** With playoff spots up for grabs, both teams have a lot on the line.

A player from Freedom High apparently said something that offended players from Liberty. “This is the first time that we’re the underdogs in a game, which is pretty surprising, but let the best team win,” said Liberty senior linebacker Brendan Beal, who verbally committed to the…

Nov 2, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Now it’s time for Andre’s LVC all-stars

The Lehigh Valley Conference all-star team won’t be announced until the regular season ends, but I don’t have to wait that long to make my selections. The final regular season games won’t prove who’s the best because anybody can have a really good game. But the best do it week…

Oct 31, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Each team still has something to play for

All 12 Lehigh Valley Conference teams have something important to play for in the final regular season games Friday and Saturday. In alphabetical order: Allen (0-9, 0-8): The Canaries, who’ve scored just 18 points all season, will try to get out of the last place by beating…

Oct 30, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Hot on the Gridiron

ARMY 3-5 (Independent) Lost to Georgia Tech 34-10 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: One solo tackle. Season: Three solo tackles, one assist. Jake Walsh (Liberty) Jr. DT 6-3, 269. Game: Played. Season: No stats. BOSTON COLLEGE 8-0, 4-0 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat…

Oct 30, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Trojans slip by Green Hornets ** Kevin Herod’s 20-yard TD run in the second quarter saves the day.

Parkland finally played a team it could not run over and run away from Friday night. Horrendous weather conditions played a factor, but so too did the hard-sticking defensive effort of Emmaus in a Lehigh Valley Conference game that was decided by three plays. Parkland made all…

Oct 27, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Hurricane Beal heading to Florida ** Liberty linebacker makes announcement on national TV.

Liberty senior linebacker Brendan Beal figured he was in a no-lose situation. He had scholarship offers from defending national champion Florida, perennial powerhouses USC, LSU and Boston College, which is currently ranked No. 2 in the Bowl Championship Series and No. 2 by the…

Oct 26, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

It could be a night to remember

The intensity level among certain teams figures to exceed that of any other Friday night of the season. The increased shift in adrenaline is because of showdowns between rival Lehigh Valley Conference teams. Pick a game: Parkland (8-0, 7-0 LVC) at Emmaus (6-2, 5-2) or Liberty…

Oct 26, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Emmaus football getting the headlines

The Emmaus boys soccer, field hockey and swim teams may have reasons to be jealous of football stars C.J. Billera, Joe Davis and their teammates. That’s because Emmaus football is starting to steal the spotlight those winning programs have long enjoyed, and it may stay that way,…

Oct 24, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Easton’s Aponavicius helps BC Eagles soar ** The former walk-on has a scholarship and is kicking well for 7-0 club.

Boston College kicker Steve Aponavicius is still waiting for the perfect scenario: Final play of the game, win or lose on his field-goal attempt. Maybe that moment of make-or-break pressure will come Thursday night when Boston College, ranked No. 2 in both the Associated Press…

Oct 24, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

If: The biggest 2-letter word in the language

Next week’s final regular-season games in the Lehigh Valley Conference will have even more suspense, if certain things happen this Friday. And the No. 1 if? If Parkland (8-0, 7-0) beats Emmaus in the battle between Cedar Crest Boulevard teams Friday, then the Trojans can clinch…

Oct 23, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Hot on the Gridiron

ARMY 3-5 (Independent) Lost to Georgia Tech 34-10 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: One solo tackle. Season: Three solo tackles, one assist. Jake Walsh (Liberty) Jr. DT 6-3, 269. Game: Played. Season: No stats. BRIGHAM YOUNG 5-2 (Mountain West) Beat Eastern…

Oct 23, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Hornets punish Whitehall ** Emmaus’ physical play results in 28-0 win over Zephyrs.

Emmaus junior tailback C.J. Billera hurt Whitehall with hard up-the-gut runs Friday night. More punishment was administered by the Green Hornets defense, which intercepted two passes, forced a fumble and cut off all penetration to the outside in holding Whitehall to 39 yards…

Oct 20, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 3-4 (Independent) Lost to Central Michigan 47-23 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: Played. Season: Two solo tackles, one assist. Jake Walsh (Liberty) Jr. DT 6-3, 269. Game: Played. Season: No stats. BOSTON COLLEGE 7-0 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Notre Dame…

Oct 16, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Freedom fetches win over Rovers ** The Patriots beat Easton for the first time since 2000.

It was the backbreaker in a game filled with backbending plays, most of which were administered by Freedom on Friday night. Determined to finally put Easton away, Freedom’s Yusef Reddick broke across the middle to catch a quick pass from Joe Weaver. Then, before Easton could…

Oct 13, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Trojans taking nothing for granted

Parkland coach Jim Morgans doesn’t want to hear any talk about his team being unbeatable. Some people thought that of Liberty, which unraveled on both sides of the ball in losing 28-14 to Bethlehem Catholic last Friday night. “We don’t concern ourselves with other teams, except…

Oct 12, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 3-3 (independent) Beat Tulane 20-17 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: One solo tackle. Season: Two solo tackles, one assist. BOSTON COLLEGE 6-0(Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Bowling Green 55-24 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Jr. 5-10, 183. Game: 7-for-7 on PATs;…

Oct 9, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Freedom needs a signature win over Easton

Freedom has pummeled all the teams it was supposed to beat by 28, 48, 49 and 21 points this season, but obliterating weak teams does not bring the same pleasure as posting a signature win against one of the Lehigh Valley Conference’s top teams. So far, Freedom is 0-2 against the…

Oct 9, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty using last year as motivation against Becahi

Liberty seniors Ahkeem Smith and Justin Rivera have been haunted for the last 364 days over what happened the last time they played city rival Bethlehem Catholic. Terrell Dobbins ran for 162 yards and Kyle John blocked an extra point attempt in helping Bethlehem Catholic…

Oct 5, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Stats don’t tell the whole story on Holley

Statistics hardly show the impact Easton senior Jarred Holley has had in the first five games. But he is the best player in the Lehigh Valley Conference, probably the whole area and already a strong candidate to be named to the Associated Press Class 4A first team as a defensive…

Oct 3, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Hot on the Gridiron

ARMY 2-3 (independent) Beat Temple 37-21 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: Played. Season: One solo tackle, one assist. BOSTON COLLEGE 5-0 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat UMass 24-14 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Jr. 5-10, 183. Game: 3-for-3 on PATs; 1-for-1 on FGs, 37…

Oct 2, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Moncman hopes ‘Canes grow, learn

The punishment for skipping a class at Liberty for the average student is nothing more than a detention for a first-time offender. But Liberty coach Tim Moncman enforced a much harsher punishment on seniors Brendan Beal, Ahkeem Smith, Michael Fritz, Justin Rivera and junior…

Oct 2, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Easton enjoys another Holley day, stifles CCHS ** Pressed into service at QB, Holley completes 11 of 13 passes in win.

Easton senior Jarred Holley started at quarterback for the first time in his career and experienced success both passing and running against the Central Catholic defense Saturday night. He completed his first five passes, a couple on spirals across the middle, and he stayed in…

Sep 30, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Easton will have its hands full with upstart CCHS

One week after losing its first game, Easton seeks redemption. But the Red Rovers have to beat Central Catholic to achieve it. It won’t be easy. Central Catholic has been one of the top early-season success stories in the Lehigh Valley Conference, helped by a strong…

Sep 28, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 1-3 (Independent) Lost to Boston College 37-17 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: Played. Season: One solo tackle, one assist. BOSTON COLLEGE 4-0 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Army 37-17 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Jr. 5-10, 183. Game: 2-for-3 on PATs; 1-for-2…

Sep 25, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

We’ll find out who has the answers

The high school football season reaches its midway point this weekend and the Lehigh Valley Conference has its share of teams with questions yet to be answered. The No. 1 question, of course, is who’s going to win the conference title? Liberty (4-0, 3-0) and Parkland (4-0, 3-0)…

Sep 25, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Kosciolek leads Central past Freedom, 31-28 ** His TD pass with 1:47 remaining is the gamewinner.

Central Catholic quarterback Thad Kosciolek was mesmerized the first time he walked into the Central Catholic athletic halls. “My first tine ever at Central I was walking through the coaches room, and they have all the state championship pictures of all the state championship…

Sep 23, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Emmaus no easy foe for Liberty

Emmaus can forget about being overlooked by high-powered Liberty in their Lehigh Valley Conference matchup tonight at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. That’s because one loss could be detrimental to the Hurricanes’ chances of earning the No. 1 seed and homefield advantage…

Sep 21, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty’s Beal finds it a bit tougher in Pa.

Liberty senior linebacker Brendan Beal has to wait until Oct. 26 to meet Easton and star defensive back Jarred Holley at Cottingham Stadium. Both players will probably make plays all over the field on that night. It will be the first game that Beal, a transfer from Roxbury High…

Sep 19, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Time has come for Herod brothers

Brothers Kevin and Daryl Herod arrived at Parkland High with enormous talent and unselfish attitudes to go with it. But, much like all Trojan players not named Austin Scott or Tim Massaquoi, the Herod brothers have had to wait their turn in line. And the line at Parkland is…

Sep 18, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ARMY 1-2 (Independent) Lost to Wake Forest 21-10 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: One solo tackle, one assist. Season: Same. BOSTON COLLEGE 3-0, 3-0 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Georgia Tech 24-10 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) Jr. 5-10, 183. Game: 3-for-3 on PATs;…

Sep 18, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

NORTHAMPTON FLASH ** Speedy senior Kevin Kowalishen is always a threat to go all the way.

Northampton senior tailback Kevin Kowalishen usually turns gaping holes opened by his linemen into big gains or touchdowns. Last season, Kowalishen averaged 9.4 yards per carry, which led the Lehigh Valley Conference. He’s gained 386 yards on 43 carries for an average of 9 yards…

Sep 14, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Patriots ready to test their mettle against Trojans

Over the last four years Freedom’s football team has produced three Division I players. Ryan Ehrie is a redshirt sophomore offensive lineman at Syracuse, Colin Neely a redshirt freshman at Michigan State, and Jeremy Kametz is in his final season at Delaware. The three of them…

Sep 14, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

ALBANY 1-1 (Northeast Conference) Beat Fordham 23-20 Terrell Dobbins (Bethlehem Catholic) Fr. RB, 5-10, 205. Game: Played. Season: One carry, 2 yards. ARMY 1-1 (independent) Beat Rhode Island 14-7 Marcus Millen (Easton) Sr. DE 6-0, 228. Game: Played: Season: No stats. Jake Walsh…

Sep 11, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

LVC teams can make a statement

It’s Validation Week in the Lehigh Valley Conference. Thrill-a-second Whitehall (2-0) and high-scoring Freedom (2-0) both play their toughest opponents. The circumstances couldn’t be any better for both. Whitehall, coming off a 31-28 double-overtime win over Northampton, plays…

Sep 11, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Green Hornets in search of elusive win in Easton ** Both teams are coming off impressive season-opening wins at home.

What happened in Emmaus last Friday night is not being be dwelled on. That’s because of the request Green Hornets coach Joe Bottiglieri made to his players. Bottiglieri, who’s in his sixth season at Emmaus, tells his players to only concentrate on the current challenge and not…

Sep 7, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Central shows spunk in loss to Liberty

Normally, you wouldn’t think that a team could set a positive tone for its season by losing, but Central Catholic did it Saturday afternoon. The Vikings did it by fighting back from a 20-3 second-half deficit to pull within seven points of powerhouse Liberty late in the fourth…

Sep 5, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Easton dominates Woodson ** But during win over team from D.C. Rovers star Holley is injured. ** Game of the Week: Easton 30, H.D. Woodson 8

Easton senior two-way star Jarred Holley was dazed after being gang-tackled out of bounds early in the second quarter and did not play the remainder of the Red Rovers’ season-opening game against H.D. Woodson Friday night at Cottingham Statium. No flag was dropped on the play,…

Sep 1, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

LVC teams face challenges near and far in openers

There’s no such thing as meaningless games for District 11 Class 4A teams anymore, considering the complicated points system used to determine qualifiers for the PIAA subregional playoffs. But some Lehigh Valley Conference teams aren’t worried about matters they can not control…

Aug 31, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Issuing another Hurricanes warning ** Liberty could be the team to beat in a loaded LVC.

Liberty is bent on trying to make it back to Hershey and finally win the PIAA Class 4A title, but first must earn its stripes against Easton and other tough Lehigh Valley Conference opponents. That’s because the LVC season figures to be another series of weekly dogfights.…

Aug 26, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

It’s Their Time: Jarred Holley ** Like a collector’s timepiece, Easton’s Jarred Holley has proven himself to be a rare find that’s perfect for display in front of appreciating audiences.

Jarred Holley is now buying shaving cream and razors regularly. He’s also looking at life a whole lot differently as he enters his final high school season at Easton. “I’m growing up a little bit. That’s always good,” said Holley, 17, who will start at defensive back for a…

Aug 26, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Beale brings big-time talent to Liberty

Liberty High senior linebacker Brendan Beale requested the No. 1 for his jersey and was granted his wish without debate or jealousy. “I’m not cocky, but I’m confident that I’m No. 1, and that’s how I want to represent,” said Beale, a transfer from Roxbury High in New Jersey,…

Aug 19, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Beale brings big-time talent to Liberty

Liberty High senior linebacker Brendan Beale requested the No. 1 for his jersey and was granted his wish without debate or jealousy. “I’m not cocky, but I’m confident that I’m No. 1, and that’s how I want to represent,” said Beale, a transfer from Roxbury High in New Jersey,…

Aug 19, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

West is best in PSFCA All-Star Game ** Wilson’s D.J. Lenehan throws for 2 touchdowns, but West wins 24-14.

Wilson quarterback D.J. Lenehan came alive in the second half of the PSFCA East West All-Star Game, rifling passes all over the field that led to touchdowns and stirred memories of his many feats last season. But the ending Saturday night wasn’t as rewarding as last December,…

Jun 24, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Dobbins, Frey — one last hurrah ** The all-star tailbacks from Becahi and Lehighton are hoping to close their scholastic careers with a bang.

Lehighton’s Robbie Frey has the speed, Bethlehem Catholic’s Terrell Dobbins the power. Together, they hope to be double-trouble tailbacks in the the seventh annual PSFCA East-West All-Star Game tonight in Altoona. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Mansion Park Stadium. Frey and Dobbins,…

Jun 23, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Fay’s secret leaking out during all-star workouts ** All business on the field, he’s got a funy side only his PHS teammates had seen.

Before this week, only Parkland teammates of the Trojans’ dominating offensive lineman Michael Fay had seen his humorous side. That’s because Fay, a Morning Call All Area first team pick and second-team Associated Press Class 4A selection, doesn’t play around when he’s…

Jun 22, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Lenehan looking to finish high school career with win ** The ex-Wilson QB leads the East in the Coaches All-Star game.

Wilson quarterback D.J. Lenehan isn’t ready to be reminded of what it’s like to lose a football game. He hasn’t lost a game since Dec. 10, 2005, and that was in the PIAA Class 2A title game. Since that defeat, Lenehan has gone 16-0 as a starter, winning each game during a…

Jun 21, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

State’s East-West game full of local flavor ** Easton’s Steve Shiffert to coach an East team that includes D.J. Lenehan.

For the second straight week, a record-breaking quarterback from the Lehigh Valley will showcase his talents in an all-star game. Wilson’s D.J. Lenehan, who’s headed to Toledo on a scholarship, will play his final high school game in the seventh annual Pennsylvania Football…

Jun 20, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Throwers have records in sights ** Becahi’s Joe Kovacs, Whitehall’s Andy Fahringer confident. ** District 1 Boys Track

The chase is on again for Bethlehem Catholic standout thrower Joe Kovacs. Kovacs, a senior, will attempt to break the area shot put record of 62-113/4 in the District 11 Track and Field Championships. The two-day event begins at 3 p.m. today at J. Birney Crum Stadium in…

May 16, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

LVC throwers put on a show ** Fahringer, Kovacs shine in boys meet ** LVC Boys and Girls Track and Field Championships

Standout throwers Joe Kovacs of Bethlehem Catholic and Andy Fahringer of Whitehall both faced immense pressure Tuesday afternoon. It was in different events, and the chase was also different for both in Day 1 of the Lehigh Valley Conference Track and Field Championships at J.…

May 9, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Kovacs and Fahringer are going gold fishing ** They’re two of the state’s best throwers and each is looking to win two gold medals at states.

Seniors Joe Kovacs of Bethlehem Catholic and Andy Fahringer of Whitehall have had as much attention paid to them in the throwing events as sprinters, the usual glamor grabbers, have had heeped on them this spring. It’s been hard not to pay attention to good pals Kovacs and…

May 4, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Smith trying to bring success back to Dieruff

Dieruff has not had a top-notch boys track and field athlete since Andrew Battle nine years ago and not a standout sprinter since Stacy McCarthy won the District 11 Class 3A title in the 100- and 200-meter dashes in 1996. There have been a lot of downs since then, but first-year…

May 4, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Getting selected more than hearing your school called

The state of college basketball players’ minds is different today. That’s because it’s NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday, a day that could bring jubilation to close to 800 players. They will find out tonight, when the NCAA Selection Committee reveals its field of 65,that they are…

Mar 11, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Mgebroff coming back slowly but surely

Lehigh University center Jason Mgebroff didn’t return with a bang in his first game of 2007 on Wednesday night. But coach Billy Taylor was not discouraged by the five points Mgebroff scored in the Mountain Hawks’ 56-53 overtime win over Colgate in a Patriot League matchup in…

Feb 16, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

ESU’s Antolick making the most of her “comeback’ season

You’ve probably heard of Michael Jordan coming out of retirement, Evander Holyfield repeatedly leaving his rocking chair to return to the ring, and Brett Favre declining to retire. But they are professional athletes. Alyssa Antolick, a former 1,000-point scorer at Bethlehem…

Feb 14, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Hail Lehigh’s Hall ** Guard Marquis Hall has made a huge impact in his first year of college ball.

It appears as if Lehigh freshman guard Marquis Hall has never lifted a weight to try and strengthen his upper and lower body. But Lehigh coach Billy Taylor’s isn’t worried about the look of Hall’s body because of the smooth way Hall has run the Mountain Hawks’ offense over the…

Feb 12, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Ingram lifts American over Lafayette ** Eagles guard scores 23 in 73-59 Patriot League win over Leopards.

American University guard Andre Ingram is one of those players who seems like he’s been playing college basketball for a lot longer than just four years. Lafayette probably wishes Ingram, a senior, had already graduated. That’s because once again the Leopards couldn’t contain…

Jan 28, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Kick-starting a dream ** Easton grad Steve Aponavicius wants either a game-winning field goal or a 40-yarder today against Navy.

Steve Aponavicius is looking to make big news again for the Boston College football team. His walk-on-to-stardom story — going from Easton High star soccer player who never played football to the starting placekicker at Boston College — was a national story. And he made his…

Dec 30, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Easton-P’burg: 100 games, lifetime of memories ** Local ** THE COUNTDOWN: On our list of the year’s Top 5 local and regional stories, these two made No. 3.

No high school football game was hyped more, garnered as many headlines or had a better atmosphere than the 100th Thanksgiving Day meeting between Easton and Phillipsburg, which is why this game ranks as The Morning Call’s No. 3 local sports story of the year. It also was the…

Dec 29, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Persa voted best in area, and state ** The Liberty senior QB is Morning Call big school, AP 4A player of year. ** The 2006 Morning Call Football Co-Players of the Year

Liberty senior quarterback Dan Persa got an early Christmas gift on Saturday. And it wasn’t gift-wrapped. But Persa, who recently capped off the best statistical season by a quarterback in school history, got the gift he’s coveted his entire career. He was named the Associated…

Dec 24, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

‘Canes say speed not the issue ** Liberty looked slow in loss, but coaches blame injuries, fatigue.

Liberty seemed like it was moving in slow motion at times against Upper St. Clair on Saturday night. And the scoreboard reflected it. Upper St. Clair, led by five rushing touchdowns from Indiana University-bound tailback Dane Conwell, trounced the Hurricanes 47-13 in the PIAA…

Dec 18, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Can Dan Persa be stopped? ** Becahi did it, but Easton did not. Now, it’s Upper St. Clair’s turn to try. ** High School Football State Championships

Even though Bethlehem Catholic and Liberty are bitter rivals, Golden Hawks coach Tarik Haddad is not about to cheer for Upper St. Clair Saturday night. Haddad is also not willing to share information with the Panthers’ coaching staff about how to beat Liberty. Haddad and his…

Dec 15, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Moravian’s Miller continues to improve ** The junior has upped his scoring average to 13.9 points this season. ** College Basketball

Ryan Miller appears on the cover of the Moravian men’s basketball program book and he’s proven, through 10 games, exactly why he was selected. He’s the Greyhounds’ scoring leader at 13.9 points per game. He has also become a better ball handler and distributer. But Miller, a…

Dec 14, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty at less than full strength as it prepares for state title game ** A few players are out with injuries, others recovering from bruises.

A few Liberty players showed up at practice on Monday still sore, some really sore. “That will go away as the week goes on,” Liberty offensive coordinator Bill DeNofa said. “It’s OK to be a little dinged up after 17 weeks.” But it’s not OK to be on crutches, which is the way…

Dec 12, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Is it still Hurricane season? ** Pennsbury’s staunch defense stands in way of Liberty’s return to state championship football game.

Liberty senior quarterback Dan Persa has a lot on his mind, but having his career ended by Pennsbury today is not one of them. He’s ready to play, ready to lead the Hurricanes to their second straight appearance in the PIAA Class 4A Championship game. The ‘Canes (13-1) meet…

Dec 9, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Mules’ Rohn quietly, quickly wins 100

Ron Rohn is winning at a faster rate than any past Muhlenberg coaches, and sometime next season, he’ll be the school’s all-time winningest coach. It took Tammy Smith, now coaching at Lafayette, seven seasons to win 113 games at Muhlenberg. Smith also lost 68 games during her…

Dec 8, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Clearing a path ** The line, and fullback Ray Mamuzich, lead the way for Liberty’s offense. ** LIBERTY VS. PENNSBURY, 1 P.M. SATURDAY

Three seconds. That’s all Liberty junior tailback Ahkeem Smith said he needs to follow his lead blocker Ray Mamuzich and find a hole in the defense. “It’s a big deal,” Smith said. “Three seconds, that’s all you need.” With honor, Mamuzich helps clear the way, often against…

Dec 7, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Ahkeem the dream ** Liberty junior tailback Ahkeem Smith has scored 25 touchdowns. ** PIAA Class 4A Football Championships – 1 p.m. – Saturday – Northeast H.S.

With 22 seniors gone from last season’s PIAA Class 4A runner-up team, Liberty entered this season with only a few standout playmakers and vocal leaders. So it seemed. Senior quarterback Dan Persa figured to provide the playmaking, while seniors Oscar Rivera and Al Petros figured…

Nov 30, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Persa picks apart Easton ** The Liberty QB rushes for 113 yards, throws for 114 in 35-14 PIAA 4A win.

Liberty senior quarterback Dan Persa made his game against Easton a memorable one Saturday night. He did it with speed, swiftness, and in a testament to his overall toughness, Persa at times also went airborne and dove to pick up yards. Whatever it took, Persa willingly did it,…

Nov 26, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty knows all about Easton’s “three-in-eight’ ** Hurricanes not letting up on Red Rovers, who are playing 3 games in 8 days.

Liberty doesn’t want to hear any excuses about Easton being fatigued or too emotionally drained to play its best football. And Easton doesn’t plan to make any. “This is the icing on the cake for us,” Easton coach Steve Shiffert said. “Our kids will be just as determined…

Nov 25, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

MVP? For Walls, it’s “most vertical player’ ** Easton junior leapt at chance to be defensive hero of historic game.

Easton junior defensive end Keenan Walls may finally give in and play basketball, something his parents have been begging him to do for years. With his leaping ability, it might not be a bad idea, especially if he proves he can rise on the hardwood with the same tenacity he…

Nov 24, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Rovers sack Stateliners 21-7 ** Easton defense gives P’burg QB Justin Viscomi little room to breathe. ** 100 The Tradition Easton vs. Phillipsburg

Easton came from the right and left with blitzes and bulldozed through the middle, and each time the result was punishment for Phillipsburg on Thursday morning at Lafayette College’s Fisher Stadium. Often, it was Phillipsburg quarterback Justin Viscomi being swarmed, and on one…

Nov 24, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Sports often an oasis from life’s realities

Sports events that are rich in spirit and tradition can help ease the mind and soothe the heart when it is pained from personal tragedy. Perhaps, the 100th Thanksgiving Day meeting between Easton and Phillipsburg Thursday at Lafayette College’s Fisher Field will do that for…

Nov 22, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Easton QB stands tall in pocket ** Despite being just 5-9 and in his first year at the position, Jon Baltz has helped his team reach great heights. ** 100 The Tradition Easton vs. Phillipsburg

With the exception of playing quarterback in midget football in Palmer Township, the only other experience Easton senior Jon Baltz had throwing the ball before this season was when he used to goof off with friends in backyard games. But despite his lack of experience, he’s…

Nov 22, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Hurricanes wait for smoke to clear

Last week, all Liberty heard about was talk about the Easton-Parkland District 11 showdown. This week, the majority of attention throughout the Lehigh Valley is on the 100th Thanksgiving Day meeting between Easton and Phillipsburg at Lafayette College’s Fisher Field. There’s…

Nov 21, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Stem, Shiffert not all football ** Easton’s Shiffert hooed on finding time to relax ** 100: The Tradition Easton vs. Phillipsburg

The Steve Shiffert that Easton High fans see intensely pacing the sidelines with his trademark white towel either hanging on his shoulders or gripped tightly in his hands, has a different demeanor on Sundays. Sundays are not only his day of peace. They are his days to get out of…

Nov 21, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

‘COLLEGES ARMY 3-8 (Independent) Lost to Notre Dame 41-9 Marcus Millen (Easton) Jr. DE, 6-1, 230. Game: Played. No stats. Season: Same. Julius Meyers (Pennridge) Sr. LB, 6-2, 232. Game: Played. No stats. Season: Same. BOSTON COLLEGE 9-2, 5-2 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat…

Nov 21, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Face off BOB STEM

Phillipsburg coach Bob Stem has so many stories to tell, many of which will have you bent over laughing. He’s been involved in football as both a player and coach for more than 50 years. And though he was a center and linebacker on the Syracuse University team that beat Texas…

Nov 19, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Brain Game ** For the players, the 100th meeting between Easton and P’burg is more than just a game. It’s a memory that will live with them forever.

There will be television cameras at Fisher Field on Thanksgiving Day, and that alone tells you that this isn’t just another game, just another meeting between Easton and Phillipsburg. This is meeting No. 100, which in our psyche adds another layer to a rivalry that already means…

Nov 19, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty flexes its muscle vs. Abington ** ‘Canes’ 42-7 win sets up rematch with Easton for trip to state quarters.

Easton-Liberty II is now set. Liberty tuned up for the rematch with a 42-7 annihilation of Abington Heights in the District 11-2-4 Class 4A subregional semifinals Saturday afternoon before a standing-room only crowd at scenic Comets Stadium. Liberty’s main offensive star was…

Nov 19, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Heck of a win for Easton ** Ian Heck’s 36-yard field goal in closing seconds lifts Rovers over Parkland, 17-15.

Fans of legendary old boxing matches would likely call Easton and Parkland’s District 11-2-4 Class 4A subregional semifinal a 15-round cliff-hanger with a telling blow at the end Friday night before a capacity crowd of 9,000 in Orefield. Ian Heck’s 36-yard field goal with 2.7…

Nov 18, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Easton-Parkland highlights football card ** Their PIAA subregional is one of several involving local teams.

Two streaks will be on the line when Easton and Parkland meet in the District 11-2-4 Class 4A subregional semifinals tonight in Orefield. Parkland (11-0) will try to extend its winning streak to 16 games, dating back to Oct. 21, 2005. The other streak belongs to Easton (10-1),…

Nov 17, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Viscomi is perfect as P’burg QB

Don’t pay too much attention to Phillipsburg senior quarterback Justin Viscomi’s skinny body. It doesn’t matter that he’s only 5-11, 170, or that he played defensive back his first two years at Phillipsburg, seeing no action behind center. Bob Stem returned to Phillipsburg last…

Nov 15, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Northwestern prove critics wrong

Several Bethlehem Catholic players bent over, some crying, while others simply appeared dumbfounded Saturday night. The Golden Hawks had just lost 35-33 to heavy underdog Northwestern in a District 11 Class 3A semifinal at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. It may be one of…

Nov 14, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Hot On the Gridiron

COLLEGES BOSTON COLLEGE 8-2, 4-2 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Beat Duke 28-7 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) So. K, 5-11, 175. Game: 4-for-4 on PATs. Season: 15-for-15 on PATs; 5-for-6 on FGs; longest 36 yards. BROWN 3-6, 2-4 (Ivy League) Lost to Dartmouth 19-13 Justin Gallagher…

Nov 14, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

The leaders of the pack ** Parkland returns to districts for first time since 2002 ** PIAA Football Playoffs

Four years after winning the PIAA Class 4A championship, Parkland returns to the district playoffs with a balanced team that appears capable of making another run to Hershey. The Trojans don’t have a running back breaking school and state records as Austin Scott did in 2002 with…

Nov 10, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

LVC powers set to make PIAA runs

Parkland, Easton, Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic, start your engines. It’s time to begin the more serious chase on the road to Hershey. Each Lehigh Valley Conference team is heavily favored to win its first-round playoff game this weekend. Parkland (10-0), Easton (9-1) and…

Nov 7, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

COLLEGES ARMY 3-7 (Independent) Lost to Air Force 43-7 Marcus Millen (Easton) Jr. DE, 6-1, 230. Game: Played. No stats. Season: Same. Julius Meyers (Pennridge) Sr. LB, 6-2, 232. Game: Played. No stats. Season: Same. BOSTON COLLEGE 7-2, 3-2 (Atlantic Coast Conference) Lost to…

Nov 7, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Second-half rally lifts Liberty ** Hurricanes overcome strong effort by Freedom.

Liberty senior Oscar Rivera rushed to the locker room at halftime on Saturday afternoon, fumes seemingly blowing out of his ears. Rivera was frustrated that Liberty, the team with the high-powered offense and inflated confidence following an emotional victory over Easton last…

Nov 5, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Easton, Holley rout Becahi ** Red Rovers jump out to a 37-0 lead and coast on Holley’s 3 TDs. ** EASTON 44, BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC 27

With their demolition of Bethlehem Catholic finally over, Easton’s seniors lapped the field, and then, following a postgame speech from coach Steve Shiffert, they retreated outside into the cold to dig up pieces of the Cottingham Stadium grass field Friday night. It was a night…

Nov 4, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland has title, 10-0 season, top seed on the line

Parkland can complete it’s first 10-0 regular season since 1996 by beating rival Whitehall tonight. Even better, Parkland (9-0, 8-0 LVC) will clinch its first outright Lehigh Valley Conference title since 2002, the year the Trojans also won the PIAA Class 4A championship.…

Nov 3, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Building a foundation at Emmaus

Emmaus football coach Joe Bottiglieri grew up two blocks from Easton’s Cottingham Stadium and had early ambitions to play for the Red Rovers. He eventually did suit up for Easton and then went on to play at the collegiate level. After graduating from Easton in 1966, he played a…

Nov 1, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty staking its claim as LVC royalty

The Lehigh Valley Conference finally had a high school football game live up to the hype Friday night. It wasn’t because it was a shootout. It wasn’t because it went down the final seconds before being decided. It was because Easton and Liberty went toe-to-toe, each taking and…

Oct 31, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Hot on the Gridiron

COLLEGES ARMY 3-6 (Independent) Lost to Tulane 42-28 Marcus Millen (Easton) Jr. DE, 6-1, 230. Game: Played. No stats. Season: Same. BOSTON COLLEGE 7-1, 3-1 (ACC) Beat Buffalo 41-0 Steve Aponavicius (Easton) So. K, 5-11, 175. Game: 4-for-4 on PATs; 2-for-2 on FGs of 25 and 30…

Oct 31, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Eichman shines as Becahi clinches top seed in 3A ** Golden Hawks QB passes for career-high 261 yards in win over K-Kids.

Bethlehem Catholic has been in good hands this season with Ben Eichman as its starting quarterback. Eichman had not rolled up big numbers passing-wise, not until Saturday afternoon, that is, when he threw for a career-high 261 yards in leading the Golden Hawks to a 31-14…

Oct 29, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Hurricanes blow down Easton ** Liberty knocks vaunted Rovers from ranks of unbeatens. ** GAME OF THE WEEK: LIBERTY 17, EASTON 7

Dan Persa was bent backwards, his helmet driven hard into the NeXturf Friday night. Easton’s Connor Moore had just leveled Persa with the hit of the game, forcing Liberty into a fourth-and-four late in the fourth quarter. On the next play, Persa ran right back into the heart of…

Oct 28, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty-Easton: Expect the hits to keep coming

It’s no secret that Easton and Liberty want to hit each other hard. It’s still great hearing them say it. It will be even better seeing them do it when Easton (8-0, 7-0 LVC) and Liberty (7-1, 6-1) meet in the much-anticipated Lehigh Valley Conference showdown at 7 tonight at…

Oct 27, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

P’burg’s Stem still working his magic

Bob Stem was nearing his exit from a diner in Easton when an older woman walked by and expressed her high school football loyalty in a very sharp, yet also funny, tone. “Bad luck Thanksgiving,” the lady said. “I wouldn’t be an Easton rooter if I didn’t say that.” The man with…