November 2005

Wyoming Area’s Ryan McDonnell was named the Carmello Falcone Most Valuable Player as the Warriors took down rival Pittston Area, 41-28.

McDonnell carried the ball 32 times for 170 yards and four touchdowns, most of them as a tailback. In his limited number of snaps at quarterback, McDonnell completed one pass for four yards. Wyoming Area rushed for 275 yards in the game.

Pittston Area, however, scored the first touchdown of the game when Charlie Salvo scooped up a WA fumble and returned it 30 yards.

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November 1995

In one of the closest games in the history of the rivalry, Wyoming Area held off Pittston Area, 14-13.

Ben Kopka’s two-point conversion following a late third-quarter touchdown by Carmello Falcone MVP Tony Scatena proved to be the difference in the game.

Scatena completed eight passes for 111 yards and scored a touchdown. Pittston Area’s Mike Owens rushed for 125 yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns. Both of Pittston Area’s third-quarter touchdowns led to Wyoming Area’s two scores.

November 1985

Mike Ristagno hit John Baloga for the deciding two-point conversion as Pittston Area edge Pottsville, 11-10.

The Patriots trailed 10-3 with just eight minutes left in the game. After a four-minute drive, Baloga scored from eight yards out to make the score, 10-9. It was then decision time for coach Bob Barbieri. Barbieri decided to go for the win with just four minutes remaining.

Ristagno rolled to his right and hit Baloga streaking across the back of the end zone for the lead, and eventually the win.

November 1975

Pittston Area’s John Adonizio scored two touchdowns, including a 54-yarder, in a win over GAR.

The Patriots found themselves down 7-0 after the first quarter. After that, however, Pittston Area’s defense buckled down and held GAR scoreless the rest of the way. Adonizio scored his first TD and tied the game on a seven-yard keeper just before the half.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Adonizio went in from 54 yards to seal the game.

Wyoming Area’s Ryan McDonnell holds the Carmello Falcone MVP trophy following the Warriors’ 41-28 win over Pittston Area in 2005.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_PSD05History.jpg.optimal.jpgWyoming Area’s Ryan McDonnell holds the Carmello Falcone MVP trophy following the Warriors’ 41-28 win over Pittston Area in 2005. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

Pittston Area’s Mark Justick eludes would-be tacklers during a game against GAR in 1975.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_PSD75history.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston Area’s Mark Justick eludes would-be tacklers during a game against GAR in 1975. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

Wyoming Area’s Nick Carsia slips a tackle against Pittston Area during a game in 1995.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_PSD95history.jpg.optimal.jpgWyoming Area’s Nick Carsia slips a tackle against Pittston Area during a game in 1995. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

By Nick Wagner

nwagner@timesleader.com

Reach Nick Wagner at 570-991-6406 or on Twitter @Dispatch_Nick