Injury

The Scan Drew the Line

He played a full game with a clot in his calf. Now the hardest snap is the one he won't take.

Oct 18, 2026 · Andre D. Williams

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

Liberty athletes pick their colleges LETTERS OF INTENT

A standout Liberty swimmer is headed to Duke and two star women’s basketball players have decided to extend their athletic and academic careers at Lehigh and Bloomsburg, respectively. The college decisions were announced at a press conference at Liberty’s art gallery Tuesday…

Apr 28, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty athletes pick their colleges

A standout Liberty swimmer is headed to Duke and two star women’s basketball players have decided to extend their athletic and academic careers at Lehigh and Bloomsburg, respectively. The college decisions were announced at a press conference at Liberty’s art gallery Tuesday…

Apr 28, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Heavyweight looking for redemption tonight

King’s Promotions is having an all-in-one boxing show in Allentown tonight, featuring Allentown against Reading amateurs and two pro fighters from Reading who have a combined 29-2 record. One of them, 24-year-old heavyweight Travis Kauffman, appeared to be on his way to a big…

Feb 27, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

DeSales’ Coval closing in on 300th win

Just four regular-season games remain and DeSales men’s coach Scott Coval is three wins shy of his 300th victory. He seems guaranteed to reach the milestone this winter. If he doesn’t, then the close to his 17th season in Center Valley will be a bad one. But the chances are…

Feb 10, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Muhlenberg rally ruins DeSales’ upset bid

Star guard Alex Chili had been silenced and Muhlenberg, ranked No. 9 by d3hoops.com, trailed rival DeSales by 15 points in the second half. The alarm clock then sounded. Chili, a sophomore who turned down Division I offers to come to Muhlenberg, got on target and stayed…

Jan 19, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Muhlenberg rally ruins DeSales’ upset bid **Nationally ranked Mules erase 15-point second-half deficit and post 74-68 victory.

Star guard Alex Chili had been silenced and Muhlenberg, ranked No. 9 by d3hoops.com, trailed rival DeSales by 15 points in the second half. The alarm clock then sounded. Chili, a sophomore who turned down Division I offers to come to Muhlenberg, got on target and stayed…

Jan 19, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

OK, what now?

Will Witherspoon expressed the feelings of a battered boxer who needs time to heal. It’s not what the Eagles linebacker expected, but there he was on Sunday at his locker at the team’s NovaCare Complex, emotional pain rooted in his heart. “I live and die by the 24-hour rule and…

Jan 11, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

OK, what now? **Instead of preparing for the next round of the playoffs, the Eagles clean out their lockers and search for answers

Will Witherspoon expressed the feelings of a battered boxer who needs time to heal. It’s not what the Eagles linebacker expected, but there he was on Sunday at his locker at the team’s NovaCare Complex, emotional pain rooted in his heart. “I live and die by the 24-hour rule and…

Jan 11, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles’ coordinators on the spot in rematch with Dallas

Fly, Eagles, fly, back to Cowboys Stadium and come away with a victory. Sounds like a song, but it’s not. It’s the Eagles’ mission entering Saturday’s NFC wild-card game against Dallas in a matchup of 11-5 teams that played last Sunday — Dallas won 24-0 and clinched the NFC East…

Jan 7, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Birds’ coordinators on the spot **Mornhinweg, McDermott have a lot to correct before rematch with Dallas.

Fly, Eagles, fly, back to Cowboys Stadium and come away with a victory. Sounds like a song, but it’s not. It’s the Eagles’ mission entering Saturday’s NFC wild-card game against Dallas in a matchup of 11-5 teams that played last Sunday — Dallas won 24-0 and clinched the NFC East…

Jan 7, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

McNabb confident Eagles can bounce back against Dallas

The road to termination is not easy to accept. There is too much disappointment, emotional pain that lingers, questions about if this or that was done a different way. In the Eagles’ 24-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the regular-season final on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium, not…

Jan 6, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

‘It all starts with me’ **McNabb feeling no pressure after Sunday’s debacle, but says in playoffs, ‘bring your A-game … or it will be over for you’

The road to termination is not easy to accept. There is too much disappointment, emotional pain that lingers, questions about if this or that was done a different way. In the Eagles’ 24-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the regular-season final on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium, not…

Jan 6, 2010 · Andre D. Williams

Nazareth’s Kroboth corners job **Sophomore starts on defense for 9-3 Temple, which plays on ESPN today in EagleBank Bowl.

College football has a new darling — and it’s the Temple Owls. It’s a pretty easy choice. Temple, after all, has not played in a bowl game in 30 years. That drought ends at 4:30 today when the Owls (9-3) play UCLA (6-5) in the EagleBank Bowl at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.…

Dec 29, 2009 · 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

Confident youngsters bolster Birds

The Eagles are loaded with young bucks. Baggy jeans, smokin’ warm-up suits, stylish sneakers, expensive jewelry. They sport it all. Aside from all the bling-bling, the Eagles’ young players, led by second-year pro DeSean Jackson, also play with enthusiasm and beg-for . It’s all…

Dec 14, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Confident youngster bolster Birds

The Eagles are loaded with young bucks. Baggy jeans, smokin’ warm-up suits, stylish sneakers, expensive jewelry. They sport it all. Aside from all the bling-bling, the Eagles’ young players, led by second-year pro DeSean Jackson, also play with enthusiasm and beg-for it. It’s…

Dec 14, 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

Reid, Eagles bask in afterglow **The coach, reportedly on the verge of contract extension, still excited about Michael Vick’s performance in Sunday’s win.

Andy Reid reached a coaching milestone on Sunday as he joined Miami’s Don Shula (1970s), Dallas’ Tom Landry (1970s) and New England’s Bill Belichick (this decade) as the only coaches to lead their teams to 100 regular-season victories in a decade. Reid, now in his 11th season…

Dec 8, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Reid, Eagles bask in afterglow

Andy Reid reached a coaching milestone on Sunday as he joined Miami’s Don Shula (1970s), Dallas’ Tom Landry (1970s) and New England’s Bill Belichick (this decade) as the only coaches to lead their teams to 100 regular-season victories in a decade. Reid, now in his 11th season…

Dec 8, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Signing Iverson a smart move

A llen Ive rson returned to the Sixers on Wednesday, the team he deserves to eventually retire from, right before his No. 3 jersey is retired. He’s back where chapter upon chapter of his great shots, drives, hard falls and unyielding fight were scripted over 10 memorable…

Dec 3, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Signing Iverson a smart move

Allen Iverson returned to the Sixers on Wednesday, the team he deserves to eventually retire from, right before his No. 3 jersey is retired. He’s back where chapter upon chapter of his great shots, drives, hard falls and unyielding fight were scripted over 10 memorable seasons.…

Dec 3, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Samuel backs up his talking

Asante Samuel makes a lot of noise on the field in practice and in games. His teammates want him to talk, especially since the Eagles’ two-time Pro Bowl cornerback often backs it up. “A silent defense is a scared defense,” Eagles rookie free safety Macho Harris said. “You want…

Nov 30, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Philadelphia Eagles injuries hurt so good **Sheldon Brown shows his mettle, plays 122nd straight game despite the pain.

It wasn’t hard to notice that Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown was in some pain Sunday. Sometimes the eight-year veteran pulled up slow, sometimes hobbled, but never did he ask to be taken out of the Eagles road game against the Chicago Bears at Soldiers Field. Bothered by a…

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

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

Philadelphia Eagles injuries hurt so good

It wasn’t hard to notice that Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown was in some pain Sunday. Sometimes the eight-year veteran pulled up slow, sometimes hobbled, but never did he ask to be taken out of the Eagles road game against the Chicago Bears at Soldiers Field. Bothered by a…

Nov 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles taking cautious approach with Brian Westbrook

A helmet-to-helmet hit made Eagles running back Brian Westbrook groggy on Sunday afternoon in San Diego, forcing him to leave the game early in the third quarter with a concussion that could possibly be a season-ending injury. The hit, by San Diego safety Eric Weddle, happened…

Nov 17, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Down for the count? **Severity of Eagles running back Brian Westbrook’s second concussion of season yet to be determined

A helmet-to-helmet hit made Eagles running back Brian Westbrook groggy on Sunday afternoon in San Diego, forcing him to leave the game early in the third quarter with a concussion that could possibly be a season-ending injury. The hit, by San Diego safety Eric Weddle, happened…

Nov 17, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Brown, Birds’ secondary face imposing challenge **Chargers QB Phillip Rivers has a bevy of tall receivers to throw to.

It was a Friday the 13th that had a whole lot of playfulness for many of the Eagles’ younger players. Cornerback Sheldon Brown, an eight-year veteran, wasn’t as loose as his teammates following a short practice. He remained quiet as he dressed and finished packing key belongings…

Nov 14, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles’ secondary faces big challenge in Chargers

— It was a Friday the 13th that had a whole lot of playfulness for many of the Eagles’ younger players. Cornerback Sheldon Brown, an eight-year veteran, wasn’t as loose as his teammates following a short practice. He remained quiet as he dressed and finished packing key…

Nov 14, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh men hope to be in title race ** Mountain Hawks have veteran team, but must find way to win close games.

Lehigh senior guard Marquis Hall, the Patriot League preseason men’s basketball player of the year, has added muscle, which is a good thing because he’ll have more weight on his shoulders this season. Hall joins senior forward Zahir Carrington in a quest to lead the Mountain…

Nov 12, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles’ offensive line woes put Donovan McNabb in jeopardy

Sometimes when Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb turns over in his bed he feels a little pain from the cracked rib he suffered running for a 3-yard touchdown late in the third quarter against Carolina in the season opener in September. Sometimes he’s reminded that he’s not fully…

Nov 9, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles’ offensive line woes put Donovan McNabb in jeopardy

Sometimes when Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb turns over in his bed he feels a little pain from the cracked rib he suffered running for a 3-yard touchdown late in the third quarter against Carolina in the season opener in September. Sometimes he’s reminded that he’s not fully…

Nov 9, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Reid praises a ‘good combination’ in blowout **Coach credits his players and assistants for win over Giants. Westbrook still recovering.

Eagles coach Andy Reid was full of compliments and no complaints at his press conference on Monday at the team’s NovaCare Complex, less than 24 hours after the Eagles dismantled the New York Giants 40-17 at Lincoln Financial Field. The coach also gave an update on running back…

Nov 3, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Birds come up big to stomp Giants **Weaver makes the most of his opportunity

Leonard Weaver has a typical brickhouse body for a fullback, blocks with force and appreciates every time he gets a handoff because he knows he won’t get many opportunities. The Eagles coaches love his attitude, his teammates cherish him and the New York Giants found out more…

Nov 2, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Whitehall is looking ahead to the future

As the season turned into a rollercoaster ride, Whitehall essentially stared in the mirror and readjusted its goal. Not many teams do that because the mentality is often all-or-nothing. Can’t argue with that, but there probably isn’t a football player in the Lehigh Valley…

Oct 29, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Jackson’s TD run set the tone **Witherspoon just what the Eagles needed

The hitting seemed a little harder, especially from new middle linebacker Will Witherspoon, who made an impact early and stayed on a seek-and-destroy mission throughout a Monday Night Football matchup against the Washington Redskins. He had a 9-yard interception return in the…

Oct 27, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Jackson’s TD run sets the tone **Witherspoon just what the Eagles needed

The Eagles’ hitting seemed a little harder, especially from new middle linebacker Will Witherspoon, who made an impact early and stayed on a seek-and-destroy mission throughout a Monday Night Football matchup against the Washington Redskins. He had a 9-yard interception return…

Oct 27, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles welcome back Trotter to the nest **The four-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker has his first practice since being signed.

Thump , crack, smack. Get ready Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jeremiah Trotter can’t wait to prove that he’s still a forceful middle linebacker. On Monday, six days after being signed to a contract to rejoin the Eagles for the third time in his career, Trotter practiced at the team’s…

Oct 6, 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

Birds bring back Garcia **With McNabb ailing, veteran quarterback, who played for the Eagles in 2006, is signed as an insurance policy.

Donovan McNabb now has two backups who’ve played in multiple Pro Bowls. But it’s unknown how long McNabb, Michael Vick and Jeff Garcia, who was signed to a one-year deal on Monday, will be “Three’s Company.” For now, with Vick not eligible to return until Week 3 and with McNabb…

Sep 15, 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

Can Eagles put pieces together? **After a preseason filled with injuries and inconsistency, they prepare for the Panthers.

Donovan McNabb only had two touchdown passes in the preseason, Brian Westbrook didn’t play at all, and all the starting offensive linemen never played a game together. On Thursday, just three days before the season opener against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., right…

Sep 11, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Westbrook shaking off the rust **Eagles running back did not play in the preseason, but says he’s ready for opener.

All the talk about his touches being limited, about him now being 30, about his numerous injuries and whether he can still be an effective running back has motivated Eagles running back Brian Westbrook. The way Westbrook knows how to end all that talk is by proving that he’s…

Sep 10, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Andrews says he’s ready for the ‘beasting’ to begin **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

His rap career is not necessarily put on hold, but Eagles right tackle Shawn Andrews is focused and determined to make an impact now on the football field. He did not practice for most of the preseason because of back problems, but the two-time Pro Bowl lineman is again healthy…

Sep 9, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles put Vick on exempt list **They keep Feeley, along with seven wide receivers in trimming roster to 53 players.

Suspended Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was placed on the exempt/commissioner’s list on Saturday, a move that was not surprising since he’s not eligible to play until the third week of the regular season. It also would not be surprising if Vick is removed from the…

Sep 6, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Get ready for a healthy dose of Vick, backups **With Eagles starters sitting out, Michael Vick, Kevin Kolb and others will take over tonight.

Tonight’s first half could be just as uneventful as last week’s for Michael Vick. But in the second half, Vick will be more than just a wildcat experiment in the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense for their final preseason game against the New York Jets tonight in the Meadowlands. He…

Sep 3, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Demps, Harris in battle to start at free safety **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Quintin Demps is frustrated. Macho Harris is thrilled. Both will be given an opportunity to win the Eagles’ starting free safety position in the final preseason game at the New York Jets Thursday night in the Meadowlands. On Monday, following practice at the team’s NovaCare…

Sep 2, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

In limbo, Feeley says loyalties are in Philly **Nonetheless, the quarterback could be showcased Thursday night for a possible trade.

Passion to play for the Eagles burns deep in the heart of backup quarterback A.J. Feeley. But with three-time Pro Bowler Michael Vick now on the team and with Kevin Kolb coach Andy Reid’s designated No. 2 quarterback for now, Feeley’s second tenure with the Eagles appears to be…

Sep 2, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles’ Andrews: ‘My body feels great’ **Starting right tackle, coming off an injury, practices with pads for second straight day.

There is no nightclub near the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex, but right tackle Shawn Andrews doesn’t need one to get his groove on. The practice field is good enough for Andrews, who had a back injury that prevented him from practicing during the 17-day training camp at Lehigh’s…

Sep 1, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Middle LB spot the center of attention ** Gaither runs with Eagles’ first team in battle with Mays that could take spotlight off Vick.

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick is not the Eagles’ center of attention this week. The offense as a whole may get overshadowed this week by the intense battle between Omar Gaither and Joe Mays for the starting middle linebacker position. Mays, a second-year pro from North Dakota…

Aug 31, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

McCoy willing to learn by watching Westbrook **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Running back LeSean McCoy has had one really good preseason game, which he followed up with just an average showing. Tonight, the rookie from Pittsburgh probably won’t start against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field since veteran Brian Westbrook is cleared to…

Aug 27, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles’ No. 1 pick has focus on the future, not fumbles **Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin says he wants to go out and make plays in 2nd home game.

Jeremy Maclin has a short memory. It’s better that way for the Eagles’ No. 1 draft pick, who has fumbled in both preseason games and has yet to demonstrate his breakaway speed in a game. But Maclin’s confidence has not been shaken. He was too much of a playmaker at Missouri for…

Aug 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Reid ready to let Vick loose **The Eagles coach says the beleaguered quarterback will see meaningful action in his first game in nearly 3 years

Michael Vick’s speed and flash are back. His arm strength also has looked good during practices at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex. But can he still play quarterback in the NFL? Thursday night, we’ll begin to find the answer. That’s when Vick — wearing a No. 7 jersey and with what…

Aug 26, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Shawn Andrews wants to play in opener **The offensive lineman has yet to practice.

Shawn Andrews recalled sitting at his desk as a third-grader, beating on it as if it were a set of drums. “Making beats, getting in trouble, getting whippings, then football came along and that’s a passion,” the Eagles’ injured Pro Bowl right tackle said before practice Monday…

Aug 25, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

McDermott seeking improvement **Eagles defensive coordinator looking for progress from his players — and himself.

His defense has been exploited in back-to-back games by two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but Eagles first-year defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has not started to second-guess himself. All rookies need time to develop and that also includes rookie coaches. “I feel…

Aug 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Kolb says he’s healthy, looking forward to playing **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Kevin Kolb has not been forgotten. He’s still considered the Philadelphia Eagles second-string quarterback, even though Michael Vick is now here. Vick was signed while Kolb was sidelined with a medial collateral sprain in his left knee. The injury forced the third-year pro from…

Aug 24, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Reid: Vick could see action Thursday **Eagles coach will base decision on how the QB feels in practice this week.

A state of panic has not emerged. Instead, the Philadelphia Eagles returned to the practice fields at their NovaCare Complex on Saturday eager to make amends for their sloppy play in a 23-15 preseason road loss to the Indianapolis Colts last Thursday night. And, before going out…

Aug 23, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Shawn Andrews itching to get back **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Shawn Andrews has an itch to play football and it’s intense. The Philadelphia Eagles right tackle, sidelined all summer because of a back injury, has no idea when he might return to action and is not allowed to discuss his degree of pain and discomfort. But he is working out in…

Aug 23, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Peyton picks defense apart **Manning sharp in dissecting Philly’s normally strong unit. ‘We need to work on a lot of things,’ says Birds’ Mikell.

The hard, attacking style of defense the Philadelphia Eagles pride themselves in playing backfired in the first half against Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning on Thursday night at Lucas Oil Field. One week after being sacked three times in six plays against the…

Aug 21, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Peyton picks defense apart **Manning sharp in dissecting Philly’s normally strong unit. ‘We need to work on a lot of things,’ says Birds’ Mikell.

The list of breakdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles is long. In fact, it is so long it could stretch a good distance on Broad Street in South Philly. Frustrated and perhaps winded from a marathon preseason game, Philadelphia coach Andy Reid broke down the Eagles’ 23-15 loss to…

Aug 21, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Mays making all the right moves at middle linebacker **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Linebacker Joe Mays has drawn attention to himself for all the right reasons ever since the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting middle linebacker spot became open, following Stewart Bradley’s season-ending knee injury on Aug. 2. There’s his confident, but not cocky, attitude. There’s…

Aug 20, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Westbrook easing his way back **Eagles running back is practicing with the team, but won’t make the trip to Indy.

Brian Westbrook has returned to practicing with the Philadelphia Eagles, but rookie LeSean McCoy will start with the first team offense in the Eagles’ preseason road game against the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night. A slap in the face to the Pro Bowl running back? Not even…

Aug 19, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Samuel a very vocal member of the secondary **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Wide receiver Brandon Gibson put on a slick open-field move. Stunned, cornerback Asante Samuel slipped and went down. His teammates laughed. Samuel fired back. It was verbal sparring in a jokingly manner, something the Pro Bowl cornerback has been doing a lot of this preseason.…

Aug 19, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Shawn Andrews to have back examined in California **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

The offensive line woes may not end anytime soon. Shawn Andrews, the Eagles’ two-time Pro Bowl right tackle, has flown to California to have his back examined again by the doctor who performed surgery on it last Oct. 21, coach Andy Reid said on WIP radio on Monday. Andrews did…

Aug 18, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Birds’ defense, offensive line looking for cohesiveness **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Tom Brady engineered three first-half scoring drives and misfired on just five passes in 15 attempts against the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense in the preseason opener last Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field. But it cannot be overlooked that Brady only passed for 100 yards,…

Aug 17, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

BIRDS VICK-TORIOUS **The Eagles drop their preseason opener to the Pats but pick up the quarterback enigma named Michael Vick

Donovan McNabb now has a backup quarterback with credentials that he believes gives the Philadelphia Eagles another big weapon in their offense. Never mind that animal rights groups might protest the shocking news, announced at halftime of the Eagles’ preseason opener against…

Aug 14, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles leave Lehigh on wounded wings **They end training camp, begin preseason play at less than full strength, especially on offensive line.

Lehigh’s football team can now have the Goodman Campus practice fields back to itself. The Philadelphia Eagles ended training camp Wednesday and returned to South Philly, carrying back with them truckloads of equipment following a 17-day stay in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, the…

Aug 13, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

It’s preseason, but still intriguing **The ‘rematch’ of Super Bowl XXXIX could help answer questions for both teams.

It’s only a preseason game, but tonight’s meeting of the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots at Lincoln Financial Field has a lot of intrigue. The showdown between Donovan McNabb, the yet-to-win-a-Super Bowl quarterback against Tom Brady, the two-time Super Bowl MVP, is…

Aug 13, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles tight end Celek catching on **The third-year player is expected to be a bigger part of the passing attack this year.

At the University of Cincinnati, the game plan for tight end Brent Celek was to block first then block again. That’s usually the main job of a tight end. But the Philadelphia Eagles have discovered that the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Celek also has good hands and can make a nifty…

Aug 11, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

McCoy eager for chance to shine against Patriots

It’s three days and counting before Philadelphia Eagles rookie running back LeSean McCoy gets to try to juke and elude New England Patriots defenders with the same effectiveness he’s had against his teammates throughout training camp at Lehigh’s Goodman Campus. Never mind that…

Aug 10, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

No need to panic **PHILADELPHIA EAGLES TRAINING CAMP

A season of high expectations for the Philadelphia Eagles’ is not totally lost because of the rash of injuries in training camp which may have prevented total chemistry and consistency from being developed. It’s three days before the first preseason game and not three days…

Aug 10, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Rookie Ingram likely to miss season **Tight end suffers ACL injury; Birds cut former ESU punter Ken Parrish.

A second Eagles player has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee, another blow to the team during a training camp in which there have been season-ending injuries, a death and an arrest. Rookie tight end Cornelius Ingram, a fifth-round draft pick from the…

Aug 9, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Passing the torch **Sean McDermott now has the responsibility of maintaining the Eagles’ tradition of aggressive defense.

Attack at will. That was the mentality of the Eagles defense under Jim Johnson the previous 10 seasons and nothing figures to change now that his understudy, Sean McDermott, is the defensive coordinator. McDermott is not yet the mastermind Johnson was considered around the NFL,…

Aug 9, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

DeSean Jackson is showing he deserves the top spot **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Watch out for wide receiver DeSean Jackson when he cuts to the inside or curls to the outside. Be even more alert when the game is on the line and the Eagles have to go deep and you’re a cornerback trying to cover the speedy Jackson one-on-one. Since his first practice at…

Aug 7, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Maclin looks sharp following absence **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Nothing has changed in the way Jeremy Maclin dashes into the heart of the secondary to make a spectacular catch-and-run. The Philadelphia Eagles’ first-round draft pick from the University of Missouri missed the first nine days of training camp while his contract was being…

Aug 6, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Cornerback Samuel happy to be back on the field **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Asante Samuel has returned to being a menace on the field. Good thing for the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, bad for wide receivers who have to try to break free from the Pro Bowl cornerback, who’s in his second season with the team. The tweaked hamstring that forced Samuels to…

Aug 5, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

These are crucial days for Joe Mays **Second-year linebacker will get the chance to replace the injured Stewart Bradley.

Don’t start thinking the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense will be exposed in the middle with the loss of Stewart Bradley to an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee. First, give Joe Mays a chance. Safety Quintin Mikell believes that Mays is ready to start in the middle…

Aug 4, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles finally reach deal with Maclin **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Philadelphia Eagles No. 1 draft pick Jeremy Maclin was finally signed to a contract late Monday night and can now make plans to fly back from Missouri to join his new teammates in Bethlehem. Maclin, a two-year standout at the University of Missouri, has missed eight days of…

Aug 4, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Penn State product gains notice with pick **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

His teammates gave him props, fans cheered, but former Penn State defensive lineman Josh Gaines is not getting overly excited about his 15-yard interception return of a lazy A.J. Feeley pass Sunday night at Lincoln Financial Field. But it was the last big play in the Eagles’…

Aug 4, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Flight Night was alright **Practicing at home in front of 31,786 fans benefits players, Eagles Youth Partnership.

Remember Allen Iverson’s famous practice quote from 2002? “We’re talking about practice,” the former Philadelphia Sixers’ guard said in response to being criticized by then-coach Larry Brown about his practice habits after the Sixers’ were eliminated in the first-round of the…

Aug 3, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

No. 1 pick Maclin remains a no-show **EAGLES NOTEBOOK

Rain forced the Philadelphia Eagles to shorten their Sunday morning practice, limiting what they could work on at Lehigh University’s Goodman Campus. The team, however, also practiced Sunday night at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Earlier Sunday, one note of discontent…

Aug 3, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles’ Curtis finally feeling healthy **Veteran wide receiver back in form after battling sports hernia injury.

Kevin Curtis refuses to become the forgotten wide receiver in the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense. He wants to return to the level he reached in 2007, his first season with the team, when he excelled with career highs in catches (77) and touchdowns (8). On Thursday at Lehigh…

Jul 31, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Eagles now getting a good look at Ingram **The University of Florida tight end has fully recovered from his knee injury and is ready to vie for a spot on the squad.

The University of Florida won the national football championship last season and all tight end Cornelius Ingram could do was watch from the sidelines because of an injury. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during practice — on a noncontact play — before the…

Jul 29, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Minus Maclin **Eagles arrive at Lehigh without first-round draft pick Jeremy Maclin, who has yet to sign a contract.

It rained so hard Sunday that it seemed Eagles coach Andy Reid was going to have to take a boat to his first news conference of training camp at Lehigh University’s Goodman Campus. Then the sun came back out and Reid appeared. The coach, entering his 11th training camp, would…

Jul 27, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

5 questions heading into training camp **Westbrook’s injuries, the defense … how will it all play out?

The Philadelphia Eagles fell one game shy of playing in the franchise’s third Super Bowl last season. That they even made it to the NFC Championship Game, following a 5-4-1 start that included a midseason benching of quarterback Donovan McNabb, was impressive. Though they lost…

Jul 23, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

For Creamer, disaster strikes at 10th hole

It was disaster at hole No. 10 for Paula Creamer, the American star and Pink Panther of women’s pro golf. After a triple-bogey on 10, Creamer dropped her head, her eyes watered and her game continued to go south in third-round play of the U.S. Women’s Open on Saturday at Saucon…

Jul 12, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Pink Panther gets lion’s share of attention Friday

The U.S. Women’s Open was stirred by Creamermania on Friday. And Ochoamania. And Kerrmania. Paula Creamer, though, had the most frenzied support as the 22-year-old from Pleasanton, Calif., played with flamboyance during the second round at Saucon Valley Country Club. She was…

Jul 11, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Tour veteran Jones making rare appearance **The retired 49-year-old wants to raise awareness of fact that there is no Women’s Senior Open.

Since retiring from the LPGA Tour in 2006 with more than $8 million in career earnings, Rosie Jones has been content to walk around her home with “hammer and nails” to fix things or build bird houses. Often she cooks Mexican food, a specialty, or grills ribs, one of her…

Jul 8, 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

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

Saucon’s Lombardo takes four gold medals **Allison Vanek of Wilson breaks school and meet record in the pole vault.

Make no mistake, Saucon Valley’s Alyssa Lombardo is young. Just not as young as she was listed in the program for the Colonial League Track and Field Championships on Thursday at Bangor Memorial Park. “They have me listed as a freshman” Lombardo said in a calm and composed…

May 8, 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

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

Hawks hope to soar higher next year **Lehigh looks ahead: Team has plenty of talent returning.

Repeating as Patriot League champs and making it back to the NCAA Tournament is now the primary focus of the Lehigh women. It didn’t take long after the Mountain Hawks’ 85-49 loss to Auburn in an Oklahoma City Region first-round game on Saturday for coach Sue Troyan, the Patriot…

Mar 23, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Troyan is better prepared ** Lehigh’s coach says she’s learned a lot since 1997 blowout. ** NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The Lehigh University women’s basketball team went on a sightseeing tour of New York City Thursday night. Something unexpected happened. “We went to David and Buster’s and watched American play Villanova,” said sophomore guard Erica Prosser with a sparkle in her eyes on Friday…

Mar 21, 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

Lehigh outmuscles Lafayette with inside depth **Hawks cruise, 73-58, despite missing one of their top players.

It was a Lehigh and Lafayette women’s basketball game that had more falls than a professional wrestling battle royal Saturday afternoon at Kirby Sports Center. The roughhouse play better suited Lehigh, which relied on its height, bench and overall talent advantages to prevail…

Feb 22, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Burke ‘in a zone’ to set DeSales record **Bulldog senior poured in 46 pts. Tuesday vs. Del. Val.

She felt it from beyond the arc, felt it off drives, was on target at the free throw line. DeSales senior guard LeighAnn Burke just felt like she could score every time she had the ball in her hands in the second half against Delaware Valley Tuesday night at Billera Hall. Held…

Feb 19, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Canada’s Mintz enjoys freedom of America’s game

Even before Canadian-born Jared Mintz could crawl, his father, Irv, decided what sport his son was going to play. “My dad put the [basket]ball in my crib,” Mintz, now a Lafayette College sophomore, recalled. Mintz was not going to be a great hockey player, even though Canada has…

Feb 13, 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

A day of pride for coaches, players **Many area football standouts sign on with Division I programs.

Levi Brown, an all-state defensive lineman at Liberty, pointed jubilantly to the Temple Owls’ hat on his head, then smiled as he looked out into the standing room-only crowd inside the school’s Arts Gallery on Wednesday. Liberty football coach Tim Moncman then came up and rubbed…

Feb 5, 2009 · Andre D. Williams

Remembering ’34 and ’40 ** Bethlehem High’s 1934 squad used a stifling defense to capture part of a state championship and the team in 1940 didn’t lose a game ** LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY LESSON

Daniel Curatola suffered a broken collarbone while playing pick-up football during his sophomore year at Bethlehem High and his parents refused to let him play on the school’s varsity team — in 1935. He had hoped to play because he wanted to be part of a program that he said…

Dec 12, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Nivins, Saint Joe’s keep Lehigh at bay **Senior standout: A-10 stud dominant in 77-64 victory.

Before tip-off, Lehigh appeared to face an imposing challenge, trying to beat Saint Joseph’s for the first time ever Tuesday night. Then, 6-foot-9 Ahmad Nivins, an Atlantic 10 player of the year candidate, made the challenge even more imposing not long after the game clock…

Dec 3, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty passes test in Philly **Plan B: Forced to pass, Gonzalez does so with flying colors.

Having to pick a poison is never a good thing. It’s usually devastating either way you look at it. George Washington High, the Philadelphia city champion, swarmed to the line of scrimmage and contained the rushing attack that has made Liberty so potent all season. No problem for…

Nov 30, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Senior Brown will need to lead young Leopards **The Patriot League first-teamer expected to carry the load.

One senior is better than none. Fortunately for Lafayette, its one senior is fourth-year starting guard Andrew Brown, who is one of the best players in the Patriot League. Brown led the Leopards in scoring last season at 15.9 points per game and he’ll have a bunch of baby-faced…

Nov 15, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Hawks are well-guarded **Backcourt a strength for highly touted Lehigh.

Lehigh returns with what no other Patriot League team has. Junior guard Marquis Hall and sophomore guard Rob Keefer have won the league’s last two Rookie of the Year awards. This season, the guard duo will be depended on to help the Mountain Hawks contend for the league title in…

Nov 13, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty dominates Parkland ** The Hurricanes’ defense holds the Trojans to 95 yards. ** HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Liberty controlled the line of scrimmage and the clock, which put Parkland in an essentially no-win situation in the rematch between Lehigh Valley Conference foes Friday night at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. Liberty has now made a habit of dominating opponents. Last…

Nov 8, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty linebackers not fun for foes **Klotz, Latimer use instincts and passion to dominate this year.

Liberty enters its first-ever district playoff game against Parkland tonight with two senior linebackers who are determined to have fun. Never mind that fun for Daryl Klotz and Horvin Latimer is administering punishment. “We like to tackle and hit people,” Latimer said. “Yeah,…

Nov 7, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

City Hawks coming to Lehigh **Benchmark game: Saint Joe’s coming to Bethlehem on Dec. 2. Great prep for league play.

Lehigh basketball fans, circle Dec. 2 on your calendar. Saint Joseph’s University and its colorful coach Phil Martelli will be visiting Stabler Arena in one of the Mountain Hawks’ biggest non-league home game in years. Fittingly, Saint Joe’s bus trip to Bethlehem comes during a…

Nov 7, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty bulls past Freedom for LVC title **Hurricanes secure another Christmas City crown, 20-14

It was about control. Liberty had it in the trenches, led by big Levi Brown, whose emphatic blocking helped clear the way for quarterback Anthony Gonzalez and tailback Brandon Brader to run effectively against rival Freedom in a 20-14 Lehigh Valley Conference victory Saturday…

Nov 2, 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

Parkland ends Emmaus’ streak ** Playoffs: Trojans secure D-11 4A berth with 14-10 victory.

Crunch, crunch. That’s what the Parkland defense, fueled by the return of star lineman Clint Miller from a knee injury, did to Emmaus in a grueling Lehigh Valley Conference matchup Friday night. Miller, a 2007 Associated Press all-state first-team selection, missed the previous…

Oct 25, 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

Brusko has become jack of all trades for Maine **While he would prefer to play QB, he has done much more.

Mike Brusko has played almost every position at the University of Maine this season. He hasn’t played the offensive and defensive lines, field goal kicker or holder, but, if asked, the former Emmaus High star would probably accept the challenge. Brusko, a 6-foot-3, 226-pound…

Oct 18, 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

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

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

Beal not in sunshine state of mind ** Plans dashed: The former Liberty star tears ACL in practice.

Brendan Beal was tackled from behind in an awkward way and it caused more pain and eventually more disappointment than the 2007-08 Parade All-American linebacker from Liberty High had ever experienced. That’s because Beal, a freshman at the University of Florida, suffered an…

Aug 14, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

Area boys have a down year at state meet

Wilson teammates Anthony Davidson and Adam Eckhart were the only District 11 male athletes to win gold medals in the PIAA Track and Field Championships last weekend at Shippensburg University. Davidson won the Class 2A 400-meter dash and Eckhart won the triple jump. Catasauqua’s…

May 30, 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

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

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

Passed over by D-I, senior is Easley one of ESU’s all-time best

Channon Easley may have been overlooked by Division I college basketball recruiters. But four years into his career at D-II East Stroudsburg, Easley is not complaining. His coach, Jeff Wilson, is thrilled to have worked with the agile, 6-8 forward, who has proved himself to be…

Feb 13, 2008 · Andre D. Williams

After dud, Ben hits bomb to keep KU men in first ** Guard atones for air ball with late 3. Drought does in Kutztown women.

Kutztown guard Dave Ben had an open look again from beyond the arc, and his focus was a whole lot better than in the final seconds of the first half. After air-balling that earlier try, Ben dialed up and connected on a 3 with 1:05 remaining, putting Kutztown ahead for good in a…

Feb 10, 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

Mules’ Roth proves good things come to those who wait

Darrell Roth quit the Muhlenberg College football team following his freshman year, determined to earn a spot on the Mules’ varsity basketball team. It didn’t immediately happen. Instead, the former Nazareth High two-sport athlete played on the Mules’ junior varsity team as a…

Jan 30, 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

Ex-Liberty star’s switch pays off with starting role at Rutgers ** Morales mans fullback for Knights, blocking for All-American Rice.

Rutgers redshirt freshman Andres Morales has entered 2008 doing what he most loves to do. “It’s kind of cool because all we do is play football now, like a pro team,” Morales said. “School is over. You just relax and play ball.” A punishing all-state linebacker at Liberty High…

Jan 5, 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

Vikings have a history going ** PIttsburgh Central Catholic is getting compared to its 2004 PIAA 4A titlist. ** PIAA Class 4A Football Championship

Pro Bowl quarterbacks Dan Marino and Marc Bulger are part of the rich history of football at Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Parkland’s opponent today in the PIAA Class 4A title game. But so too is the 16-0 Viking team of 2004 that captured the school’s second state 4A title. Terry…

Dec 15, 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

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

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

Lehigh depending on a Hall of a player ** The sophomore guard is the only double-digit scorer who is returning.

As Billy Taylor’s top assistant coach the last five seasons, Brett Reed helped restore credibility to the Lehigh men’s basketball program. Now, Reed is the head coach succeeding Taylor, who left in August to take over the troubled Ball State program. With Reed’s new role also…

Nov 10, 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 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

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

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

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

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

Winless Polony keeping it all in perspective

Every coach is judged by wins and losses, but Allen first-year coach Andy Polony should be judged on his character, which is stronger than you might expect for a coach who is 0-for-his career. Allen (0-7) has scored just 12 points, a Lehigh Valley Conference low, and the…

Oct 17, 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

Golden Hawks stun the ‘Canes ** Becahi jumps to early lead, rolls to win over Bethlehem rival.

It was an upset only on paper. On the field, Bethlehem Catholic stymied rival Liberty with an attacking defense, and then raced through the Hurricanes behind tailback Eddie Mateo, who ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns Friday night. Ahead by 21 points at halftime, Bethlehem…

Oct 6, 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

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

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

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

Central Catholic is back after thwarting Becahi ** Vikes, behind Michael Milano, get their running game in gear.

Central Catholic’s Michael Milano went up the middle with power on most runs, dashed and sprinted away on others. On defense, he also smothered Bethlehem Catholic’s wideouts. He was making plays everywhere on a Saturday night in which he cramped up five times and had to briefly…

Sep 9, 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

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

Receiving a second chance? ** Bednarik wanted to be a QB, but may fulfill his dreams at WR.

Adam Bednarik enters his final year at West Virginia like a boxer trailing on points, but confident he can win the last round and still come out on top. “My family, as I was growing up, especially my dad, always instilled in me to never give up, never stop fighting, and ever…

Aug 24, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Kovacs mines more PIAA gold ** The Becahi thrower wins the 3A discus — his second field title of the weekend.

Bethlehem Catholic senior Joe Kovcs relaxed himself, then blew past the Class 2A discus field to win his second gold medal of the PIAA Track and Field Championships Saturday at Shippensburg University. His winning throw traveled 179 feet, 11 inches, which was five inches shorter…

May 27, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Becahi’s Kovacs establishes state 2A record in shot ** His throw of 64-103/4 also sets L.V. mark. Miller, Fahringer capture silver.

Bethlehem Catholic’s Joe Kovacs delivered his best-ever shot put to win the Class 2A gold medal and establish a record in the PIAA Track and Field Championships Friday at Shippensburg University. Whitehall’s Andy Fahringer, in the discus, and Catasauqua pole vaulter Kyle Miller…

May 26, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

VanAckeren chasing elusive state title ** Liberty junior has lettered in 5 sports and has gotten close to a gold medal, but hasn’t won one.

Liberty junior Trevor VanAckeren is participating in his fifth varsity sport this school year and he appears to be just as charged up running distance races as he was booting soccer balls and kicking footballs through the uprights in the fall. That’s because he’s still in the…

May 25, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Becahi’s Kovacs has shot at a gold haul in Shippensburg

Bethlehem Catholic senior Joe Kovacs is seeded No. 1 in the Class 2A shot put and discus by wide margins, which gives him a strong chance of winning two gold medals in the PIAA Track and Field Championships. Several other Lehigh Valley male athletes also appear to have strong…

May 25, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

A shot heard ’round the Valley ** Becahi’s Joe Kovacs broke Mike Hartenstine’s 36-year-old throwing mark.

Mike Hartenstine was an All-American defensive lineman at Penn State and a starter on the Chicago Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl team. He said both experiences were unbelievable. For years, Hartenstine, who lives in Chicago, also savored the area shot put record of 62 feet, 11 3/4…

May 21, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

VanAckeren digs deep for gold ** LVC Boys and Girls Track and Field Championships

The finish line was 100 meters away and Liberty junior Trevor VanAckeren was determined to make it there first Wednesday at J. Birney Crum Stadium. His legs were heavy, he was fatigued, and he was being pushed to the limit in the finals of the 800 run at the Lehigh Valley…

May 10, 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

‘Nova lays it on the line, tops DePaul

Scottie Reynolds and Curtis Sumpter, the freshman and the fifth-year senior, both played 37 minutes and demonstrated a strong will for Villanova Wednesday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. The play of both keyed Villanova’s gutsy 75-67 win over DePaul in the first round of the…

Mar 8, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Pitt’s Gray named first team Big East ** The 7-0 senior center from Emmaus is also a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award.

Aaron Gray has gone from back-up center in his first two seasons at Pittsburgh to being named to the Big East Conference first team in back-to-back seasons. Gray, a 7-0 senior and Emmaus High graduate, was a unanimous selection and the only first-team repeat on the Big East team…

Mar 6, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

‘Nova bound for success behind Fort Sumpter ** Wildcat senior grabs career-high 15 boards in huge win over Syracuse.

Winning battles for rebounds and loose balls, Villanova closed its regular season with an emotional 78-75 Big East Conference victory over Syracuse at the Wachovia Center Saturday afternoon. Senior forward Curtis Sumpter, plagued by knee and other injuries over the last three…

Mar 4, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

DeSales men and Muhlenberg women weren’t ready to call it a season

The Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Division III South tournament is the equivalent of the Division I NIT and WNIT tournaments. But that doesn’t mean that the games will be any less intense for the DeSales men’s and the Moravian women’s teams, who accepted ECAC playoff…

Feb 28, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Gray gives it his all in Pitt loss ** Despite a sore ankle, the senior center from Emmaus plays vs. Hoyas.

Aaron Gray took an extra-cold shower Saturday afternoon. It wasn’t just because of his disappointment over No. 10 Pittsburgh self-destructing in the closing minutes of a 61-53 loss to No. 12 Georgetown in a Big East matchup for first place, before a sellout crowd of 20,038 at…

Feb 25, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Bison brush aside Mountain Hawks ** Bucknell answers challenges in Patriot League victory.

Lehigh scrapped hard for every basket, rebound, and steal it got Wednesday night. But that determined effort didn’t result in victory against Bucknell, which prevailed in a 69-56 victory before a crowd of 2,530 at Stabler Arena. The Bison dominated Lehigh in most categories, but…

Feb 22, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Leopards recover, beat Lehigh in 2 OTs ** Two free throws by oft-injured Jamaal Hilliard ices 75-71 win.

Lehigh picked the wrong Lafayette player to foul Sunday afternoon with 1.6 seconds left in the second overtime. That’s because Lafayette senior guard Jamaal Hilliard is an 81-percent free-throw shooter, and was just waiting for the opportunity to close out his final home game at…

Feb 19, 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

Dickinson’s defense again bedevils Muhlenberg ** Red Devils force 24 turnovers in hard-fought 50-42 win over Mules.

Every offensive possession for Muhlenberg College seemed like a grueling task against Dickinson Tuesday night at Memorial Hall. But that wasn’t surprising. Dickinson, which has the fourth-ranked scoring defense among NCAA Division III women, drives its opponents insane with…

Feb 14, 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

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

DeSales’ Lutz tips Richter’s scale ** Coach admires Pen Argyl grad’s work ethic, passion for the game.

Recently, DeSales University senior Kirby Lutz and her parents laughed at length as they watched a videotape of Lutz when she played at Pen Argyl High School. “The game, overall, was so much slower, and my game, overall, was so much slower,” Lutz said. “We played a zone…

Jan 26, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

NCAA panel: Women’s sports not a man’s game

Debate continues as to whether college women’s basketball teams should be allowed to use male practice players. It probably wouldn’t be that much of a big deal now, if it were not for the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics calling for ban on male practice players in December.…

Jan 24, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Gray, Panthers blue after loss to Marquette ** The Pitt center from Emmaus has 16 points in a 77-74 loss in OT.

Aaron Gray was unstoppable at the start of the game and in the opening minutes of overtime for No. 6 Pittsburgh Sunday afternoon. In both stretches, the Panthers’ 7-0 senior center from Emmaus High scored over smaller Marquette players with baby hooks, spin moves and just by…

Jan 22, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Cats’ defense stymies Texas ** Villanova clamps down on Longorns’ Durant in 76-69 victory.

Villanova brought winning and loud cheers back into the Wachovia Center on Saturday afternoon. With lockdown defense and aggressive drives to the basket, the Wildcats staggered No. 21 Texas 76-69. Even more impressively, Villanova hammered out the victory without leading scorer…

Jan 21, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Anderson boxes out and KOs American ** Putback by 6-10 soph gives Lehigh fifth straight league-opening win.

Lehigh finally got a lift from its centers, especially when it counted most Saturday night. Phil Anderson, a 6-10 sophomore, scored on a putback with 2.4 seconds left, and then Lehigh survived a close final shot attempt by American at the buzzer. The missed turnaround jumper by…

Jan 7, 2007 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh not playing up its big loss

Lehigh University senior guard Kyle Neptune grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and one of the things he discovered at a young age is that the game of basketball is not always easy. Blessed with solid leaping ability, Neptune had his share of high-flying dunks during his freshman season,…

Dec 22, 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

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

Liberty survives thriller, outlasts Pennsbury in 4 OTs ** Braxton Isaac’s tackle of QB on 4th down seals PIAA 4A semifinal win.

Enough. Everybody was spent, cold, and as several Liberty players admitted later, very sore. No matter what it took, Liberty defensive end Braxton Isaac was determined to finally put an end to the PIAA Class 4A Eastern final Saturday afternoon before a standing-room-only crowd…

Dec 10, 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

‘Hounds rally ’round Applegate, rally past Widener ** The senior center helps Moravian erase a 24-point deficit, win 58-55.

Moravian women’s coach Mary Beth Spirk is not ready to tab her team, “The Comeback Kids.” She’d rather just call them good. The Greyhounds were not good in the opening 20 minutes against Widener Tuesday night at Johnston, and as a result they trailed by 20 points at halftime and…

Nov 29, 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

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

Muhlenberg men laden with experience

More players have the freedom to shoot away at Muhlenberg this season. That’s what comes with experience, which the Mules certainly have with eight seniors back for its largest senior class in 25 years. In all, 84.8 percent of the offense has returned, which has created optimism…

Nov 23, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Mountain Hawk women hope to be a surprise team

The Lehigh women’s basketball team is picked to finish fourth in the Patriot League, which eliminates the pressure of great expectations. The Mountain Hawks were picked to be a contender last season, but ended the season as a team in disarray. They lost four non-league games by…

Nov 13, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Bortz is a cut above the rest ** A cut on his elbow resulted in surgery, pain and him missing almost two years of football. Now, he’s back.

Phil Bortz is back to running with power and back to cherishing every single down as if it could be his last. Bortz is a senior football player, who starts at fullback and outside linebacker for Parkland High, which enters the final regular-season weekend 9-0 and ranked No. 1 in…

Nov 3, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Persa hopes to be first to dent Easton’s “D’

Liberty senior quarterback Dan Persa will face the daunting prospect of trying to beat Easton standout defensive back Jarred Holley on deep throws Friday night at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. He’ll also be summoned to score points against Easton’s first-team defense,…

Oct 24, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Don’t overlook Allen, despite the record

You can win in basketball by having two really good, exciting players, especially if one is a 7-footer and the other a McDonald’s All-American guard. Not so in football. If that were the case, then Allen wouldn’t be 0-7 and looking at 0-7 Dieruff as possibly the only team it can…

Oct 17, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Former rivals look to help keep Liberty’s streak alive

No longer does Matt Rice have to worry about playing time. Like all good players, he wants to be on the field all the time. He didn’t get his wish at Bethlehem Catholic, but he transferred to Liberty after last fall and is now a two-way starter for the Hurricanes. “I was over…

Oct 6, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Casciole, Fish among Easton’s finest

Easton’s Chris Casciole and Gary Fish are two tough players. That’s something typically said of Red Rover players over the years, but these two have exemplified it beyond the norm. Nothing has been easy. Entering preseason, neither had a starting position locked up on the Red…

Oct 4, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

COLLEGES ARMY 2-3 (Independent) Lost to Rice 48-14 Marcus Millen (Easton) Jr. DE, 6-1, 230. Did not play. Julius Meyers (Pennridge) Sr. LB, 6-2, 232. Played. Jake Walsh (Liberty) So. DT, 6-4, 259. Did not play. BYU 3-2, 1-0 (Mtn West) Beat TCU 31-17-0) Joe Semanoff (Lehighton)…

Oct 3, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

His health intact, Johnson and his K-Kids host Parkland

Northampton coach Teko Johnson hasn’t flashed back to the last time he was in the heat of battle with Parkland. That was last Sept. 16 at Parkland Stadium in Orefield, when Johnson suddenly felt faint and short of breath. His left side became numb, and he felt pain in his upper…

Sep 29, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Beca’s Kushner thankful just to be playing

Bethlehem Catholic two-way lineman Joey Kushner lives to hear his name called over the stadium loudspeaker every time he makes a tackle. That’s true even in tough times, like Saturday night when the Golden Hawks were thoroughly dominated in a 35-0 loss to Parkland. Not a finger…

Sep 26, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland routs Bethlehem Catholic, stays unbeaten ** Trojans score on their first four possessions, then cruise.

The wait for a competitive Lehigh Valley Conference game continues. Blame it on Parkland for being too overpowering for Bethlehem Catholic to handle Saturday night before a stunned crowd at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. They each entered 3-0, which increased the hype…

Sep 24, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

COLLEGES ARMY 1-2 (Independent) Lost to Texas A&M; 28-24 Marcus Millen (Easton) Jr. DE, 6-1, 230. Did not play. Julius Meyers (Pennridge) Sr. LB, 6-2, 232. Played. Jake Walsh (Liberty) So. DT, 6-4, 259. Did not play. BRIGHAM YOUNG 1-2, 0-0 (Mountain West) Lost to Boston College…

Sep 19, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

COLLEGES ARMY 1-1 (Independent) Beat Kent State 17-14 Marcus Millen (Easton) Jr. DE, 6-1, 230 Did not play. Julius Meyers (Pennridge) Sr. LB, 6-2, 232. Did not play. Jake Walsh (Liberty) So. DT, 6-4, 259. Did not play. BYU 1-1 (Mountain West) Beat Tulsa 49-14 Joe Semanoff…

Sep 12, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

COLLEGES ARMY (Independent) Sept. 7 at Arkansas State Marcus Millen (Easton) Jr. DE, 6-1, 230. Last season: Did not play. Jake Walsh (Liberty) So. DT, 6-4, 259. Last season: Did not play. BRIGHAM YOUNG (Mountain West) Sept. 7 at Arizona Joe Semanoff (Lehighton) Jr. RB, 5-11,…

Sep 5, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

COLLEGES ARMY (Independent) Sept. 7 at Arkansas State Marcus Millen (Easton) Jr. DE, 6-1, 230. Last season: Did not play. Jake Walsh (Liberty) So. DT, 6-4, 259. Last season: Did not play. BRIGHAM YOUNG (Mountain West) Sept. 7 at Arizona Joe Semanoff (Lehighton) Jr. RB, 5-11,…

Aug 30, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Teams lining up to unseat Liberty ** Parkland, Easton, Whitehall all chasing conference title.

Nobody is going to overlook Whitehall this season. The Zephyrs have too much size to be ignored as a contender for the Lehigh Valley Conference title, along with Liberty, Easton and Parkland. “We think we have kids who can be competitive and that are powerful,” said Whitehall…

Aug 27, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Finding a familiar ring ** John Babb is drawn to contact sports: Football, rugby, and now boxing. ** 2006 Sports Fest

SportsFest X figures to be about fun and adventure, so some people may think that John Babb is joking around when he fights in a kilt at Cedar Beach this afternoon. It won’t seem like a joke once the bell rings. Though his attire will be unusual, Babb plans to demonstrate his…

Jul 7, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Mountaineers’ Nield, Bulldogs’ Tkach join Pa. squad in Hershey

Stroudsburg High’s version of the “Big House” has dominated on the field since he was 12 years old, when he was 5-5, 190 pounds. Chris Neild, an Associated Press Class 4A second-team all-state linebacker, is now 6-3, 305 pounds. Tonight, he’ll start at offensive guard for…

Jun 17, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Ex-Liberty star recalls “Classic’ memories ** For Smurfish Warren West, Big 33 game was a chance to live large.

Warren West is no longer nicknamed “Smurf,” though he’s still close friends with Ricky Watters and others whom he shared a memorable Big 33 Football Classic experience with 19 years ago. At 5-6, 190 pounds, West was the smallest Pennsylvania all-star player, however he had…

Jun 14, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Wilson’s Hunter wins 100, but may pay steep price ** He aggravates a pulled hamstring, raising doubts about districts.

Brad Walter refused to go to the pine, despite a right hamstring pull that he had suffered less than an hour earlier. His coach even pleaded with him, but to no avail. The Wilson sprinter, who has been the Colonial League’s best in the 100- and 200-meter dashes all spring, had…

May 12, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Raising the bar ** Parkland’s Tyrone Faverey already has a state high jump title. Now he’s eyeing 7-feet.

The greatest athletic accomplishment of his life was over, and Parkland’s Tyrone Faverey and his mother, Karen, were driving back to the Lehigh Valley from Shippensburg. There was no music blasting, no horns honking. “I fell asleep,” said Faverey, who won the PIAA Class 3A high…

Apr 7, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Returning stars abound on area track teams ** Parkland, Liberty, Northern Lehigh, Becahi boast some of the best. ** Boys Track and Field Preview

The deans of area track and field coaches are back. Freedom’s Ray Herman returns for his 41st season and Southern Lehigh’s Brian Souerwine is back for his 34th. While not a lot has changed since last spring, a whole lot has changed in general over the years. “It’s amazing,” said…

Mar 24, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Ray burns Arizona, ‘Nova moves on ** Guard scores 25 points, including four big ones down the stretch.

Everything was perfect for Allan Ray in the end — his vision, his foul shooting, and the situation. One year after being called for a controversial walk in the final seconds of Villanova’s 67-66 loss to eventual national champion North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in…

Mar 20, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Ray has everything in focus ** Villanova guard says his eye is fine on the eve of the tournament. ** NCAA Tournament

Villanova senior guard Allan Ray can see fine, and he’s ready to shoot. Past Monmouth and into the second round of the NCAA Tournament, that is. Ray practiced for two hours Wednesday afternoon at The Pavilion, on Villanova’s campus. His jump shot was on and so was his overall…

Mar 16, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

A grand finale for Holum ** He’s had an up-and-down career at Air Force, but with a berth in the NCAA tourney, he’s finishing in a blaze of glory. ** NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

Marc Holum has been able to forget about pain this week. Both the emotional and physical types. The former Saucon Valley High star is a backup senior center for Air Force, which plays Illinois in its fourth-ever NCAA Tournament game tonight in San Diego. “This was one of the…

Mar 16, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Wildcats go wild over being No. 1 ** Villanova is awarded its first-ever No. 1 NCAA Tourney seed.

The only thing missing was a drum roll. Everything else was there — blowing trumpets and cheering fans and, as the moment of truth neared, heartbeats that raced off the charts. This was not the frenzied final seconds of a very big game. This was exuberance about the history made…

Mar 13, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Villanova’s Ray looking forward to return from eye injury

Villanova senior Allan Ray found out more about the New York City streets than he wanted to Friday night. He didn’t like it. Not even close, and the thing about it is he wasn’t driving. Instead, he was a passenger in an ambulance that was transporting him to St. Vincent Hospital…

Mar 13, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Pitt stuns ‘Nova, 68-54 ** Wildcats guard Allan Ray is hospitalized with an eye injury

Maybe, the Big East Tournament just wasn’t meant for Connecticut and Villanova, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams, respectively, to win. Maybe it’s just meant to be the G-Mac Show. Syracuse senior guard Gerry McNamara’s inspired play helped beat UConn in the…

Mar 11, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Pitt stuns ‘Nova, 68-54 ** Wildcats guard Allan Ray is hospitalized with an eye injury.

Maybe, the Big East Tournament just wasn’t meant for Connecticut and Villanova, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams, respectively, to win. Maybe it’s just meant to be the G-Mac Show. Syracuse senior guard Gerry McNamara’s inspired play helped beat UConn in the…

Mar 11, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Villanova’s Lowry doesn’t fear rejection ** He’s only 6-0, but his specialty is taking the ball to the hoop.

Kyle Lowry doesn’t mind getting his shot blocked. He’s not going to stop driving into the lane. He always thinks he can score, that he has the advantage over the giants manning the post. The boyish looking Lowry is just 6-0, but the Villanova sophomore guard believes he’s best…

Mar 9, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh goes cold, but survives ** Mountain Hawks nearly blow big lead in 48-44 toruney win over Colgate.

Lehigh was missing open shots. The Mountain Hawks were making bad passes. And what could have been the most costly bad pass came with eight seconds left, when star guard Jose Olivero tried to dump the ball inside. “I just made a wrong read,” said Olivero, a junior who two days…

Mar 4, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Dawkins and Jenkins: Educate to elevate ** Neither famous athlete went to college, but both say it’s important to others’ success.

Baseball Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins, a former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, and former Philadelphia 76ers center Darryl Dawkins both went straight from high school to their respective professional leagues. Neither got to experience college, something both men said Thursday…

Feb 24, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

It’s ‘February Madness’ for local Division II and III teams

“February Madness” has arrived for local teams at DeSales, Moravian and Muhlenberg. That’s because playoff seeds and berths are on the line. The DeSales women (14-9, 8-4) will have their chance to punch a Freedom Conference playoff ticket with a road victory over Delaware Valley…

Feb 13, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Leaving Cheyney for Kutztown is a big score for Hall

Bruce Hall’s talent as a scorer wasn’t being maximized at Cheyney University, so he transferred to Kutztown and is now having a high-scoring senior season. His passion for the game remained high even after he averaged just 10.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in two seasons at Cheyney,…

Jan 16, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Big-time reunion for CCHS stars ** Former Vikettes Adamshick and Antolick are now facing off in Division I.

Syracuse center Sara Antolick recalled an awesome highlight from a high school matchup with Villanova forward Jackie Adamshick. It was in Antolick’s sophomore year at Bethlehem Catholic. Adamshick was a senior at Central Catholic, the school Antolick transferred to for her…

Jan 12, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Understudy Bednarik ready if he’s called ** Former Becahi star and one-time WVU starter has had injury-plagued season.

Frank Trovato, the best friend of West Virginia sophomore quarterback Adam Bednarik, has drawn up the perfect scenario for tonight’s Nokia Sugar Bowl matchup between the Mountaineers and Georgia. It’s reminiscent of their senior season at Bethlehem Catholic in 2002, when…

Jan 2, 2006 · Andre D. Williams

Waldron, Frey named first-team all-state ** Central lineman, Lehighton running back cap seasons with 3A nominations.

Lehighton running back Robbie Frey often ran by, and away from, linemen during a 2,000-yard season. Central Catholic offensive lineman Chris Waldron bowled over opposing linemen, and as a result, exceeded his own expectations in helping to clear the way for an offense that…

Dec 20, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

All-state: Freedom’s Neely, Liberty’s Lee and Morales ** PIAA CLASS 4A ALL-STATE FOOTBALL

Andrew Lee took a few minutes away from watching King Kong at a movie theater Saturday night to reflect on some of the beast-like things he and co-defensive star, linebacker Andres Morales, did this season for Liberty. For Lee, there was the PIAA Class 4A Eastern final against…

Dec 18, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Hot on the Gridiron

COLLEGES NEW HAMPSHIRE 12-1, 7-1 (Atlantic 10) Lost to Northern Iowa 24-21 NCAA Division I-AA quarterfinals Jeff Pammer (Northampton) So. FS, 6-0, 210. Season: Team-high 53 solo tackles, 61 assists, one blocked kick, one interception, two pass break ups. WEST VIRGINIA 10-1, 7-0…

Dec 6, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty isn’t ready to relax ** The Hurricanes play North Penn today for the 4A Eastern title.

Uniform turn-in is not scheduled for next week at Liberty, and senior lineman Mike McClarin would like to keep it that way. “We never think like that,” McClarin said Friday before practice. “We have to think that we are going get a state championship, like we did all year.…

Dec 3, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Hot on the Gridiron

COLLEGES DELAWARE 6-5, 3-5 (Atlantic 10) Season completed Jeremy Kametz (Freedom) So. DL, 6-4, 243. Season: Five solo tackles, two for losses, four assists, two pass break ups, two sacks. DUQUESNE 7-3, 4-0 (MAAC) Season completed Travis Decker (Parkland) So. DL, 6-2, 225.…

Nov 29, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Upsets? Some teams are already queasy

This college basketball season will not be devoid of upsets. They’re already happening, and the biggest so far was Bucknell’s 74-69 win over Syracuse in the Carrier Dome last Tuesday. Lafayette pulled off another stunner on Sunday afternoon, beating favored Princeton on the…

Nov 28, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Villanova bombs Lehigh, 84-47 ** The No. 4 Wildcats drop 17 treys on the overmatched Hawks.

An uncontested dunk by Lehigh center Mike Fischman was the game’s first rim-rattler on Sunday night. Lehigh’s Bryan White had the next-best stuff, a dunk over Villanova’s Will Sheridan. And White followed it with a growl. But Lehigh’s first meeting with No. 4 Villanova since…

Nov 28, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Hot on the Gridiron

COLLEGES DELAWARE 6-5, 3-5 (Atlantic 10) Beat Villanova 38-13 Jeremy Kametz (Freedom) So. DL, 6-4, 243. Game: One assisted tackle. Season: Five solo tackles, two for losses, four assists, two pass break ups, two sacks. DUQUESNE 7-3, 4-0 (MAAC) Beat Saint Francis 44-17 Travis…

Nov 22, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty steamrolls Hazleton ** ‘Canes dominate offensively and defensively from outset. Class 4A: Liberty 42, Hazleton 7

Liberty missed no beats on offense, allowed only 20 first-half yards, and made its jubilant fans forget that it was below 30 degrees Friday night. Dominating play does that, and Liberty’s 42-7 bombarding of Hazleton in the PIAA District 2-11 Class 4A subregional final at…

Nov 19, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Hurricanes blow into Hazleton for subregional final ** Liberty is led by QB Dan Persa and tailback Charles Irvin. ** PIAA 4A Playoffs

Liberty’s 48-10 victory over Easton last Friday earned the Hurricanes their third District 11 Class 4A Championship, and gave them a 10-win season for the third time in school history. It also finally got the monkey off the ‘Canes’ backs. They had lost nine straight to Easton,…

Nov 18, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh needs consistency from big men to contend

Lehigh coach Billy Taylor upgraded his non-league schedule, adding Princeton of the Ivy League and Big East preseason favorite and national championship contender Villanova. And the Mountain Hawks competed in the Black Coaches Association Invitational preseason tournament in…

Nov 16, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

COLLEGES DELAWARE 5-5, 2-5 (Atlantic 10) Beat William & Mary 22-21 Jeremy Kametz (Freedom) So. DL, 6-4, 243. Season: Five solo tackles, two for losses, three assists, two pass break ups, two sacks. DUQUESNE 6-3, 4-0 (MAAC) Bye Travis Decker (Parkland) So. DL, 6-2, 225. Season:…

Nov 15, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Persa-verance: Liberty QB has erased doubts

The black and red bull-rushed, seeking once again to tackle, deflate and possibly sideline Liberty quarterback Dan Persa. Three times Persa was tackled for negative yards. Each time he rose quickly, apparently more determined to prove that he could survive every one of Easton’s…

Nov 15, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Implacable Easton again stands in Liberty’s way

Defending 4A district champion Easton appeared unbothered by the fiercely whipping wind Thursday afternoon, and focused on playing with the same fury in its rematch with Liberty tonight. Despite the heavy wind, passes sailed crisply through the air, most landing into eagerly…

Nov 11, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Hot on the Gridiron

COLLEGES DELAWARE 4-5, 1-5 (Atlantic 10) Lost to Massachusetts 35-7 Jeremy Kametz (Freedom) So. DL, 6-4, 243. Game: One assisted tackle. Season: Five solo tackles, two for losses, three assists, two pass break ups, two sacks. DUQUESNE 6-3, 4-0 (MAAC) Beat La Salle 56-14 Travis…

Nov 8, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty eases into rematch with Easton ** Hurricanes get their swagger back, wrap up third straight city title.

Liberty quarterback Dan Persa did not see black and red jerseys, or Jarred Holley blanketing his wideouts, or anything else on Freedom’s defense that served as a haunting reminder of his last game against Easton. Instead, Persa saw only open field, open receivers, and for the…

Nov 6, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Following in Dad’s footsteps ** Freedom senior Richie Villani is new to the craft that got his dad to the NFL.

Richie Villani did not have a meltdown before attempting his first-ever punt for Freedom, on Oct. 7 at Northampton, although his father, Jim, a former NFL reserve punter, was studying his every move from the sidelines. Oh, Villani was nervous, but not because dad was wide-eyed.…

Nov 4, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

For Whitehall, it’s eight down and one to go

Whitehall has won eight straight games, but may need to extend that streak to nine to secure a District 11/Sub-Regional Class 3A playoff spot. “It’s something the way things fell,” said Zephyrs coach Bob Panny. “After eight conference games we have a chance.” A chance to return…

Nov 4, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Easton, Holley have Liberty’s number

His teammates had walked somberly off the Cottingham Stadium field Friday night. Liberty junior Ray Olivo stayed back, reflecting on the Hurricanes’ fourth-quarter collapse and how his once pee-wee football rival and good friend, Eaton sophomore Jarred Holley, had managed to…

Nov 1, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Red Rovers dog Liberty again ** Easton scores all 28 of its points in the fourth quarter. ** Game of the Week: Easton 28, Liberty 21

Go ahead, if you will, and think of Easton as just some undersized, offensively-challenged team that wasn’t supposed to be within tail-light distance of Liberty Friday night at Cottingham Stadium. But don’t forget about Easton’s storied past: About the 718 all-time victories,…

Oct 29, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Tough sledding for Huskies’ first-year coach ** LVC Football

First-year Dieruff coach Jake Williams didn’t think he’d contend for the Lehigh Valley Conference title this season. He didn’t figure on finishing last, either, but that will be the harsh reality if Dieruff (0-8 overall, 0-6 LVC) doesn’t pull off an upset over the next two…

Oct 28, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Ready for an LVC showdown ** This is the game Liberty has been waiting for ** Game of the week — Easton vs. Liberty – 7 tonight – BASD

Getting mentally up for Dieruff on Sept. 16 at J. Birney Crum Stadium was no problem at all for Liberty, even though the Hurricanes knew they had major advantages on both sides of the ball. Liberty played Dieruff with the same tenacity it expects to have against Easton (5-2,…

Oct 28, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

‘Nova is No. 1 and liking the fit ** Big East Basketball

Fashionably dressed in suits, Villanova guards Randy Foye, Allan Ray and Mike Nardi, enthusiastically addressed the question they’ve waited so long to be asked. “How’s it feel to be No. 1?” “It’s a great honor to be chosen as No. 1 in preseason,” said Ray, who found out on…

Oct 27, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

COLLEGES BRIGHAM YOUNG 3-4, 2-2 (Mountain West) Lost to Notre Dame 49-23 Joe Semanoff (Lehighton) So. RB, 5-10, 215. Season: One carry, 6 yards; two catches, 25 yards, one touchdown. DELAWARE 4-3, 1-3 (Atlantic 10) Beat James Madison 34-28 Jeremy Kametz (Freedom) So. DL, 6-4,…

Oct 25, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Top LVC teams in control of their destinies

Liberty, Easton and Whitheall control their PIAA sub-regional playoff destinies with four regular-season games remaining. All each has to do is win, though somebody will lose when Liberty (6-0, 4-0) and Easton (5-1, 3-1) meet Oct. 28 at Cottingham Stadium. Whitehall (5-1, 4-0)…

Oct 14, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty runs away from Becahi ** Charles Irvin scores four touchdowns in a mercy-rule rout. ** GAME OF THE WEEK: LIBERTY 35, BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC 0

Alex Watty and Mike McClarin, two of Liberty’s grunts in the trenches, had fun plowing Bethlehem Catholic linemen Friday night. But they had even more fun watching tailback Charles Irvin turn their yeoman work into touchdowns in a Lehigh Valley Conference mismatch at Bethlehem…

Oct 8, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Liberty vs. Becahi: Bragging rights and more at stake ** LVC Notebook

Nobody is going to silence Rich Jarnagin, Liberty’s bullish tight end and linebacker. And he is particularly loud and animated when expressing his feelings about Bethlehem Catholic. The 6-1, 213-pound Jarnagin has had plenty to say this week because Liberty (5-0, 3-0) and…

Oct 7, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Hot on the Gridiron

COLLEGES DELAWARE 3-1, 0-1 (Atl. 10) Lost to Towson 35-31 Jeremy Kametz (Freedom) Soph. DL, 6-4, 243. Season: Three solo tackles, two for losses, one assisted, two pass break-ups. DUQUESNE 2-2, 0-0 (MAAC) Bye Travis Decker (Parkland) Soph. DL, 6-2, 225. Season: Five solo…

Oct 4, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

For Allen, hard work is paying off

The Lehigh Valley Conference has become more interesting thanks to Allen’s resurgence with consecutive victories over Freedom and Bethlehem Catholic. However, the Canaries (2-2) are in an uphill battle to advance to the PIAA Class 4A sub-regional playoffs because it’s difficult…

Sep 27, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

HOT ON THE GRIDIRON

COLLEGES BRIGHAM YOUNG 1-1, 0-0 (Mountain West) Bye Joe Semanoff (Lehighton) So. RB, 5-10, 215. DELAWARE 2-0, 0-0 (Atlantic 10) Beat West Chester 42-21 Jeremy Kametz (Freedom) So. DL, 6-4, 243. Game: Did not play. Season: Three solo tackles, two for losses, two pass breakups.…

Sep 20, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

K-Kids rallying behind their head coach

Teko Johnson has taught his Northampton players as much about how to deal with adversity as how to win football games. “He has a lot of phrases about life,” said Northampton quarterback Josh Harakal. “He talks about how everything is a test. He never stops teaching.” Johnson…

Sep 20, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Becahi makes statement in 28-16 win over Coatesville

Hold off on considering Liberty as the team to beat in Bethlehem. That’s because Bethlehem Catholic is again powerful and eager to continue proving that it may be the Christmas City’s best team. The Golden Hawks, sparked by punishing tackles by Joe Dancho and Cory McFadden,…

Sep 11, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Johnson knows getting win over Stem won’t be easy ** Northampton coach has yet to beat Phillipsburg’s new head coach. ** LVC Football

Bob Stem returns to coaching tonight against a man who admires him, but who’s also yet to beat him. That doesn’t mean that Northampton coach Teko Johnson has already conceded. It’s quite the opposite because Johnson’s Konkrete Kids, led by the multi-talented and dangerous Josh…

Sep 9, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Not a bad opening act ** Tonight’s Parkland-Becahi season-opener is intriguing on many levels.

He did not sleep with his helmet Thursday night and will not walk around school today with a football. But chances are Bethlehem Catholic quarterback Alex Atiyeh won’t take too long to get dressed in his brown and gold uniform for a Lehigh Valley Conference season-opener against…

Sep 2, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Loaded Liberty has all pieces in place ** ‘Canes lost only two games last year, and only three starters.

Liberty has “Hoagie,” which is what they call star senior linebacker Andres Morales, who’s being recruited by N.C. State, Duke and other Division I schools. It also has junior quarterback Dan Persa, an accurate passer and slick runner who’s healthy again and can pick apart…

Aug 28, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

McDonald’s Classic brings back memories ** Gold team coach Bob Goffredo, of Pius X, played in one.

Bob Goffredo was on the sidelines waiting to be transported to the hospital in his last high school football game, an all-star classic at Catasauqua in 1982. But he was cognizant enough to know the outcome. “Yeah, we won,” said Goffredo, now the Pius X football coach. “The boys…

Jun 7, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Newell, Barbosa let feats do talking ** Quiet Becahi senior excels on court, gridiron ** Morning Call Athletes of the Year

Kyle Newell has plowed and leaped over other athletes on the football field. He has rebounded, intimidated and dunked with ease on the hardwood. And he has been named to several all-star teams in his four years at Bethlehem Catholic. But Newell doesn’t consider himself any…

May 23, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Scott is getting better ** Boys Track and Field

Allen High junior Rushane Scott stunned his coach, Erika Smith, when he finished the 100-meter dash in 10.9 seconds on March 31. But Smith was stunned even more on April 14 when Scott clocked a 10.7 in a dual meet against Parkland. She won’t be surprised by anything else Scott…

Apr 29, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Taylor enjoys living in the Valley ** The hoop coach, under contract through 2006, likes building at Lehigh. ** Lehigh

Billy Taylor insists that he was not interested in the no-longer-available UNC-Greensboro job and that he’s not going to pursue any other vacancy. He’s excited about building for his fourth season, one that figures to be his most challenging as the Mountain Hawks try to rebound…

Apr 13, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Villanova ready to handle what Tar Heels dish out ** The Wildcats have weathered injuries, tough teams, before. ** College Basketball

They have no fear of North Carolina. Not of Sean May, the Tar Heels’ dominating wide-bodied center. Not of Rashad McCants, the guard with incredible speed and shooting range. In fact, the Villanova Wildcats fear no player that will be wearing the Carolina baby blue uniform in…

Mar 25, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Fraser gives ‘Cats a prayer ** Religious junior center is healthy enough to give Villanova a shot against top-seeded Carolina.

Jason Fraser was once the shorter, younger, skinnier cousin. He always got picked on, but he never got dispirited because he figured that one day he’d be taller, stronger, and — more importantly — possess the type of game that his older cousins from Harlem, and other parts of…

Mar 23, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Villanova ready to dance for 1st time since ’99 ** Wildcats enter tourney as a fifth seed and will face New Mexico.

Villanova’s players and coaches sat anxiously in front of a big screen television in the Connelly Center Sunday night on the Main Line campus waiting to see who their next opponent will be, where they will play and when they will play. A portion of “Nova Nation” was stationed in…

Mar 14, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Lafayette playing like a team ready to make a run

Teams that make postseason runs in March usually start to play harder and smarter and win more convincingly at this time of the season. Lafayette has done that in its last two Patriot League games. Teams that have short runs in March usually do what Lehigh has done over its last…

Feb 21, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Knee injury ends Hinds’ career ** The CCHS grad tears ligaments with five games left in season.

Drexel senior Danny Hinds experienced the worst drive to the basket of his life Monday night. He jump-stopped and was going up for a layup when his left knee buckled. Tears quickly welled in his eyes as he dropped to the floor during the second half of a Colonial Athletic…

Feb 16, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Kushner to join Newell at N.C. State ** The two Becahi standouts sign letters of intent. Easton’s Goulbourne is West Virginia-bound. ** Ntional Letter of Intent Day

Bethlehem Catholic senior two-way tackle Matt Kushner appeared to be an unlikely Division I product before last season. He’d made just 12 tackles in two previous seasons. He had played mostly as an offensive lineman and pancake blocks are not listed on any stats sheets. But…

Feb 3, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Wildcats healthy, happy and ranked ** No. 24 Villanova, ranked for the first time in eight years, takes on UConn.

Two starters on Villanova’s men’s basketball team are almost fully healed as the Wildcats prepare to play their first game as a nationally-ranked team since the 1996-97 season. Junior center Jason Fraser got the cast off his fractured right hand seven days ago and played 13…

Feb 2, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Hinds is playing his best ball while on the mend

Drexel University senior Danny Hinds is not about to let a fractured left wrist keep him out of the Dragons’ starting lineup. He’s worked too hard to get into it, so he’s not about to let discomfort in his non-shooting hand spoil his last season. Besides, Drexel coach Bruiser…

Jan 31, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Becahi’s Newell picks N.C. State ** The 6-5 senior two-way standout intends to join Chuck Amato’s team.

Tony Cocca had forecasted the future for Bethlehem Catholic two-way standout Kyle Newell long before Newell had even begun to assert himself on the football field. “Keep an eye on Newell,” Cocca said before the start of the 2002 season. “He’s a Division I player.” Good forecast.…

Jan 29, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Monserez, Lehigh rough up Army ** Mountain Hawks break it open early, snap two-game skid.

It’s no surprise that “The Sopranos” is Lehigh senior Nick Monserez’s favorite television show. He’s just tough, especially when he defends and rebounds as emphatically as he did in the Mountain Hawks’ 63-45 Patriot League victory over Army Friday at Stabler Arena. “He’s…

Jan 29, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Villanova was not intimidated playing No. 2 Kansas

Villanova’s non-league schedule had been nothing to boast about, except for games against Big 5 rivals Temple and Pennsylvania. But Saturday, the Wildcats took a break from from the Big East to play second-ranked Kansas at the Wachovia Center. There wasn’t supposed to be…

Jan 24, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Georgetown and Lisicky: good for each other ** College career winding down for youngest of the Whitehall hoop clan. ** College Basketball

Georgetown University senior guard Mary Lisicky is having more of a Washington, D.C., experience than she’d like her parents in Whitehall to know about. “Georgetown has a lot of shopping centers, and, of course, there’s always clubs and bars, but don’t tell Mom,” Lisicky said.…

Jan 21, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Adamshick, ‘Cats top Lisicky, Hoyas ** Villanova puts it away early. Adamshick scores 14, Lisicky seven. ** College Basketball

Jackie Adamshick did not shoot well, but the Villanova sophomore forward was solid in so many other ways against Georgetown in a Big East matchup Wednesday night at The Pavilion. Her defense was tough. Her rebounding and court awareness were also impressive, and she even had two…

Jan 20, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Knight having quite a few good days for Lehigh

Lehigh’s Patriot League opponents are not having many good nights trying to contain Mountain Hawks junior guard Joe Knight. The 6-1 transfer from High Point University has turned into a clutch late-game performer, hitting the game-winning shot with 25.4 seconds left in a 56-53…

Jan 17, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Hoyas turn table in 66-64 victory ** Georgetown beats ‘Nova by same 66-64 score 20 years later at the buzzer.

Will Sheridan’s game-tying dunk with 2.4 seconds left was followed by Villanova’s biggest defensive lapse of the season Saturday afternoon at The Pavilion. The Wildcats blinked. That’s all it took for Georgetown’s Darrel Owens to race down court, pull in a baseball-like pass…

Jan 16, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh “D’ dumps Lafayette ** Suffocating second-half defense allows Hawks to escape with a 63-55 win.

Neither Lehigh nor Lafayette won style points on offense, but they might have impressed a boxing promoter with the way they battled in their first Patriot League meeting of the season Wednesday night in Stabler Arena. In one fierce second-half flurry, Lehigh’s Nick Monserez and…

Jan 13, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Lehigh, Lafayette men meet tonight for 201st time ** Game is a matchup of Leopards’ offense vs. Mountain Hawks’ “D.’

Perhaps the person who makes up the Patriot League schedule overlooked the fact that Lehigh and Lafayette are two neighboring teams with a storied rivalry. Otherwise, the first league meeting between the two would not have been scheduled for 8 tonight at Stabler Arena while both…

Jan 12, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Lange makes sure Navy doesn’t have sinking feeling

The excitement is slowly returning to Navy basketball. Though the Midshipmen’s 4-9 start has included a 75-69 loss to Division III Gettysburg on Dec. 18 in Annapolis, first-year coach Billy Lange is not discouraged. A stale offense was the main reason the Midshipmen compiled a…

Jan 10, 2005 · Andre D. Williams

Leopards meet another quality foe, lose another game ** Drexel sends Lafayette to 1-3 with 78-67 win. Danny Hinds scores 8.

Lafayette may be in for a long and frustrating season. And the Leopards’ 78-67 non-league loss to Drexel Tuesday night at Kirby Sports Center may not be the worst of their woes. The Leopards (1-3) still have to play at No. 17 Louisville in the Cardinals’ home opener Saturday and…

Dec 1, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Red Rovers create own breaks, beat Liberty ** Blocked punt, four other turnovers in final 14 minutes lead to 14-7 win.

Easton’s defense bailed out its offense with a takeaway, life-sucking performance over the final 14 minutes, leaving Liberty devastated at the final whistle in the PIAA Class 4A sub-regional championship Friday night at Cottingham Stadium. In that time frame, Red Rovers…

Nov 20, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Villanova wants to become the team to beat in the Big 5 ** The Wildcats also want to make some noise in the Big East ** College Basketball

Villanova University has the best three-guard rotation in the Big 5 in juniors Allan Ray, Randy Foye and sophomore Mike Nardi. And the Wildcats also have the confidence that they will win the city title for the first time since 2001. The ‘Cats also want to contend for the Big…

Nov 16, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Persa’s TD run helps Liberty win ** The sophomore QB scores from 52 yards out in a 28-23 playoff win.

Liberty’s heart had appeared snatched out after a 7-yard punt had resulted in Wyoming Valley West getting field position at the 22, and scoring with relative ease to take command of a see-saw PIAA Class 4A sub-regional semifinal Saturday night. Then, Liberty’s “Kid Cool”…

Nov 14, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Undefeated, unyielding Easton is tops

Easton is the top Class 4A team in the Lehigh Valley Conference and in District 11 until proven otherwise. Seven teams have tried. Seven have failed. Now Liberty (8-0) will try to topple Easton (7-0) when the teams meet at 7 p.m. Friday at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium.…

Oct 26, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Easton cruises past K-Kids ** The Red Rovers score early and often in a 45-14 rout.

Easton only had one smashmouth drive. Most other scoring drives were easy. In fact, just about everything was easy as the Red Rovers turned Northampton’s Homecoming Friday into a disaster. “I don’t have anything to do with that,” Northampton coach Teko Johnson said when asked…

Oct 23, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Going undefeated in the LVC won’t be easy ** Easton and Liberty have a shot but play tough opponents tonight. ** LVC Football

Easton and Liberty are still undefeated in the Lehigh Valley Conference, but will probably have to battle hard tonight to stay that way. And again next week. Then, on Oct. 29, Easton (5-0) and Liberty (6-0) will meet each other at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium, but will…

Oct 15, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Northampton rides the running of Kline to victory ** He runs for 139 yards and five scores in a 35-14 win over Freedom.

Northampton didn’t use any trick plays. The Konkrete Kids just ran over Freedom. Northampton’s defense didn’t need to stunt or disguise its fronts or coverages. The K-Kids just mercilessly blitzed and bulled forward. It was a theme that has recently become familiar for Freedom,…

Oct 9, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Mules lose game, tailback ** They come up just short in a loss to F&M.; Spencer breaks leg.

When Muhlenberg reflects on Saturday’s Homecoming game with Franklin & Marshall in Allentown, it can find plenty of reasons for its 15-10 defeat. Although tight end Derek DiMattina was tackled by three Diplomat defenders at the 4-yard line as time expired, it was not one of…

Oct 3, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Stout defense preserves Mules’ win

Ever been hit by a brick? In his confused state, wobbly Kings Point wideout Peter Belford may have thought he had been after he was leveled and had his helmet knocked off by Muhlenberg inside linebacker Mark Bennett in the third quarter Saturday afternoon. The hit forced a…

Sep 5, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Central Catholic gets early test with Downingtown ** Several other LVC teams open with tough non-league foes.

Bethlehem Catholic, Easton and Parkland have had their runs of dominance in the previous two years of the Lehigh Valley Conference. Now, Central Catholic hopes to make its own run. The Vikings, who have gone 10-12 under coach Donnie Roberts the last two seasons, begin their…

Sep 3, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

There will be no easy route to playoffs ** PIAA has made it more difficult for teams with competitive schedules.

Must-win games will begin the second week of the season for Lehigh Valley Conference teams after they lose their season-openers. That’s because of the PIAA’s new sub-regional playoff format that has combined District 11 with District 2 and District 4 teams in a chase to secure…

Aug 29, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Ferguson turns up the heat on Kutztown ** Shippensburg receiver has two touchdowns in 35-0 victory.

Wide receiver Patrick Ferguson unleashed his speed in the second half as high-powered Shippensburg made the Kutztown secondary look ragged Saturday afternoon. Helped by Shippensburg’s missed field goals from 44 and 39 yards, Kutztown had trailed by only a touchdown at halftime…

Aug 29, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

‘Dawgs get title, want more fans ** The Lehigh Valley team hopes its second USBL crown will sell tickets.

The Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs have the United States Basketball League title again. Now they are in search of bandwagon jumpers in the Lehigh Valley. But they don’t plan on waiting until next season to find them. On Monday, less than 24 hours after beating the Brooklyn Kings for…

Jun 29, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Crispin’s hot second half grounds Flyers ** Ex-Penn Stater scores 28 of his 35 points after halftime in season finale.

Joe Crispin perked up and had the type of second-half shooting performance that brought a huge smile across the face of Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs general manager and vice president Sam Unera. Crispin had a season-high 35 points, including 28 in the second half of the ‘Dawgs’…

Jun 21, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

West decides to head to the NBA ** Being projected as a second-round pick doesn’t change his mind.

What could have been for Saint Joseph’s basketball next season is now what will not be. Guard Delonte West has decided to skip his senior season and remain in next Thursday’s NBA draft. His decision means that the Hawks, who went 27-0 in the regular season and 30-2 overall, will…

Jun 18, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Luff, Ryan, Stern run to medals at states ** Miller 2nd in discus; Carter 3rd in 200; a thrid bronze for Vymazal.

Parkland High senior Steve Stern pictured the place on his stacked bedroom wall where he could put his silver medal. Emmaus junior Sam Luff, also a silver medal winner, said he was going to hang his medal on a wall, too. Easton senior Rich Ryan said he was going to give his…

May 30, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Allen’s Clay grabs long-awaited gold in hurdles ** Parkland’s Stern, Ryan of Easton, Becahi’s and Solehi’s relays set marks.

His speed picked up and his head bobbed as the lead to the finish line narrowed. The previous two years, Allen High senior Eugene Clay had been denied victory in the Class 3A 110-meter high hurdles in the District 11 Track and Field Championships, placing second as a junior and…

May 21, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Nearing top form again, Carter poised to lead Becahi in districts

Seeds mean more than what’s on paper, at least according to Bethlehem Catholic track & field coach Gary Mohylsky. If he’s right, then the most accomplished sprinter in the Lehigh Valley over the last two years will dominate in the District 11 Track & Field Championships today…

May 19, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Stern leads Parkland to title ** The sprinter wins a gold and silver and leads a relay to silver. ** LVC Boys Track

The only individual race Parkland senior Steve Stern didn’t finish first or second in was a 10-meter sprint — half-jog actually — against a bunch of kids just having fun Wednesday at J. Birney Crum Stadium. That Stern even had the energy to play around seemed amazing considering…

May 13, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Parkland’s Carelli takes a great leap

Something about that attempt, his third and final at 6 feet, 6 inches, fueled Parkland sophomore Jon Carelli to accomplish a personal-best Tuesday at J. Birney Crum Stadium. Carelli cleared 6-6 to win the high jump event in the Lehigh Valley Conference track & field…

May 12, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Patience, knowledge are tools needed at seeding meetings

Easton High track and field coach Frank Messa looked down at a piece of paper crammed with times, distances, and lots of names Thursday night and uttered the words a college student would say this time of year. “I feel like I’m studying for a math exam,” Messa said. He wasn’t…

May 7, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Sutjak would rather beat opponents than records

Blowing out the field and breaking school records would not have been as special to Northern Lehigh senior Bob Sutjak had his team not won the meets. The success of the team means more to Sutjak than his personal triumphs. Lately, he’s been able to enjoy both. Last Thursday in a…

Apr 30, 2004 · Andre D. Williams

Spartan boys win 1,600 relay heat ** Justin Babich makes up distance in the third leg after a slow team start.

A 1,600-meter relay race that appeared dim after one lap turned into a success story for the Southern Lehigh boys Saturday at the Penn Relays at Franklin Field. That’s because junior Mike Snowden rallied the Spartans from near last place into third with a solid second leg.…