The game that was and then wasn’t is finally here.
Perennial state power Southern Columbia at state-ranked Wyoming Area at 7 p.m. Friday in a battle of 7-0 teams.
The game was in jeopardy when the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference wouldn’t grant Southern Columbia’s request to drop fellow conference member Shikellamy (1-6) from the schedule to play Wyoming Area. PHAC officials relented on Monday and the switch was made.
This is the third time this season nine-time state champion Southern Columbia has made a schedule switch. The Tigers dropped Bloomsburg as its season-opening game in order to play Hammond, a South Carolina state champion, on ESPN. Next week, Southern Columbia will play unbeaten Montoursville instead of winless Hughesville.
The teams’ original opponents, Holy Redeemer (0-6) and Shikellamy, will play at 7 p.m. today at Berwick’s Crispin Field. Bloomsburg and Hughesville also found alternate opponents.
“It’s always a little more interesting to play the unknown, like in a state playoff game or playing Hammond,” Southern Columbia coach Jim Roth said. “Without the long trip, this is similar to that in way. We’ve never played (Wyoming Area), there’s no history, so we don’t know a lot about them.
“This situation translates as a good piece of experience for the players in respect to the playoffs. It feels more like a playoff game.”
Southern Columbia is the state’s top Class 2A team in the pennlive.com rankings. Wyoming Area climbed one notch this week to third in the state in Class 3A.
The starting point with Southern Columbia is receiver Julian Fleming, who has verbally committed to Ohio State. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder is ranked as the third best recruit in the country by 247sports.com and has over 4,500 receiving yards and 64 TD catches in his career.
Then there is running back Gaige Garcia, who holds the state record with 122 career touchdowns. He’s heading to Michigan where he’ll play football and wrestle. The defense is paced by linebacker Cal Haladay, who will play at Michigan State, and Preston Zachman, who has committed to Wisconsin.
With talent like that, it’s easy to see why Southern Columbia’s 78-game regular-season winning streak is a state record. The Tigers have won 39 in row, with their last loss a 49-7 setback to Steel Valley in the 2016 PIAA Class 2A state championship game.
“It’s a great competitive opportunity,” Wyoming Area coach Randy Spencer said. “We’re very excited. It’s kind of unknown to (my players) what the environment is going to be like. We talked as a staff and to people that have been in that environment at different times that this may come close to.
“Our message to (our players) is they have no idea what they’re in store with the experience of the crowd at our place and the experience of playing in that environment and the energy that goes along with playing that.”
Wyoming Area is expected its biggest crowd in years and has made provisions to accommodate fans.
The Warriors have also been making plans to win.
Even though the game looked dead last Thursday when the PHAC wouldn’t allow Southern Columbia to drop yet another conference game, Wyoming Area and Southern Columbia went ahead and exchanged game tapes just in case.
“Certainly, there is no higher level of competition we can have than what will be there this Friday,” Spencer said. “It’s an opportunity to raise your level to the level of the competition and feed off the energy. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the crowd and the energy of that crowd.”
Wyoming Area certainly need to come out with more energy than in its past two games. The Warriors trailed Lake-Lehman 24-14 at halftime before rallying for a 35-30 victory. Last Friday, Dunmore dominated early, but the Warriors recovered for a 35-14 victory.
In both games, the athleticism of quarterback Dominic DeLuca and the running of Darren Rodney were the catalysts. Wyoming Area, though, will probably deviate from the norm on both sides of the ball to catch Southern Columbia off guard. Others have tried it.
“A lot of teams will change things up,” Roth said. “They feel they have to do some different things to slow down our offense or stop certain areas of our game. That’s a good thing, really, because that comes with having a lot of success, so teams feel they can’t just sit there and play their base defense.”
Southern Columbia last played a Wyoming Valley Conference team in 2009 when it defeated Northwest 60-7 in the first round of the PIAA Class A state playoffs. The Tigers last appeared on the WVC regular-season schedule in 2003 when they defeated Crestwood 55-14.
COACHES SCOUT SOUTHERN
Here is a sampling of what opposing coaches have said before playing Southern Columbia this year.
Hammond (S.C.) coach Scott Kimrey
“We’re playing probably the best team we’ve ever played here. To play a team from Pennsylvania which has such a respected and strong reputation is going to be a huge challenge for all of us.”
Shamokin coach Henry Hynoski (Southern’s all-time leading rusher)
“A lot of people ask me. People talk about that all the time, the comparisons with my years and this team and what would be the outcome between the two. I guess we’ll never know. A lot of similarities. They have tremendous talent, like when I was there. They’re just playing well in all three phases of the game. But this could be the best linebacking corps to ever come out of the area.”
Central Columbia coach Scott Dennis
“They’re the best football team I’ve seen in my 26 years of coaching. … People in Berwick are saying those old Berwick teams with (Ron) Powlus in the 90s would crush this team. I said, ‘Don’t be so sure.’”
South Williamsport coach Chris Eiswerth
“Southern Columbia is one of the best high school programs in the country. Period. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just fooling themselves. Right now, Southern is an elite program. They’re doing it better than just about everyone in the country.”
Jersey Shore coach Tom Gravish
“They’re bringing a lot of respect to our district, statewide. When the rest of the state looks at District 4, you could say look at how many state championships Southern has won. We’ll get a great crowd for them. I know a lot of people in this town are looking forward to seeing some of these players, those superstars there.”
— Paul Sokoloski
ELSEWHERE …
Friday marks the busiest night this season with 13 games on tap. Plus, there are two more on Saturday.
• In a battle of unbeatens, Dallas travels to Valley View in a game that will ultimately decide D2-4A playoff seedings.
• A pair of one-win teams play as Abington Heights is at Wyoming Valley West.
• A surging Delaware Valley team makes a three-hour bus ride to play at a slumping Williamsport squad.
• Crestwood goes for four wins in a row, but it will be tough as Berwick pays a visit.
• Visiting Hanover Area tries to ruin defending D2-A champion Lackawanna Trail’s playoff hopes.
• Berwick’s historic Crispin Field will be the site when Holy Redeemer clashes with Shikellamy.
• Lake-Lehman looks to move closer to a D2-3A home playoff game when it visits occassionally dangerous and unpredictable Mid Valley.
• Lakeland tries to win two in a row for the first time this season when it plays at Nanticoke.
• An intriguing matchup takes place in the Endless Mountains as Tunkhannock hosts North Pocono.
• Scranton tries to run its win streak to six at Hazleton Area, which has lost five straight.
• Wilkes-Barre Area is at Wallenpaupack as both teams try to improve their District 2 postseason seedings.
• Northwest host Wyalusing, which has given up a bundle of points the last three weeks.
• In a Saturday matinee, Pittston Area is at four-time defending D2-3A champion Scranton Prep.
• Also on Saturday, Wyoming Seminary travels to the outskirts of Pittsburgh to play the Kiski School.
WEEK 8 AT A GLANCE
Shikellamy (1-6) vs. Holy Redeemer (0-6)
7 p.m. Friday, Crispin Field, Berwick
The Coaches: Shikellamy’s Todd Tilford (86-70, 14th year); Redeemer’s Tyson Kelley (0-6, 1st year)
Last Meeting: never played
All-Time Series: never played
Scouting Shikellamy: The Braves were down by one in the second quarter when the wheels came off, resulting in a 49-30 loss to Lewisburg. QB Drew Balestrini threw for a TD and ran for one for Shikellamy, which has lost 15 of its last 17 games.
Scouting Redeemer: The secondary was torched for six TD passes in the first half in a 41-6 loss to Lake-Lehman, which took its foot off the gas in the second half. The Royals have lost 17 consecutive games and snapping the streak this season looks doubtful.
What To Expect: Shik in a game more competitive than either had this week going into the season.
Wyalusing (2-5) at Northwest (3-3)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: Wyalusing’s Jordan Clark (8-22, 3rd year); Northwest’s Lon Hazlet (113-107, 21st year)
Last Meeting: Northwest 35-8 in 2018
All-Time Series: Wyalusing leads 3-1
Scouting Wyalusing: Since a 36-29 victory over Athens in Week 4, Wyalusing has been on the losing end of three lopsided outcomes. The Rams lost 62-22 to Troy last Friday and have surrendered a tick over 50 points per game the last three weeks.
Scouting Northwest: Despite losing three of their last four games, the Rangers are clinging to the final D2-A playoff spot since pursuer Lackawanna Trail hasn’t been able to gain any footing. Still, Northwest can’t afford another loss since Trail’s remaining schedule is easier.
What To Expect: Northwest to hang on to the playoff spot … for now.
Scranton (5-2) at Hazleton Area (1-6)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: Scranton’s Steve Shumbres (6-12, 2nd year); Hazleton Area’s Mike Brennan (135-102, 18th year)
Last Meeting: Hazleton Area 38-14 in 2018
All-Time Series: Scranton leads 5-4
Scouting Scranton: After two close losses, Scranton has ripped off five consecutive wins. The Knights have allowed 32 points in their last four games. The offense has been passable except for the season opener and scored a season-high 44 points vs. West Scranton on Sunday.
Scouting Hazleton Area: The Cougars finished with 4 yards of offense in last Friday’s 40-7 loss to Berwick. They were missing starting QB Kellen Warner and started about a half-dozen freshmen. Still kicking for a D2/4-6A playoff spot, but time is running out.
What To Expect: Scranton to run its win streak to six.
Delaware Valley (6-1) at Williamsport (3-4)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: DelVal’s Keith Olsommer (148-86, 21st year); Williamsport’s Chuck Crews (45-49, 9th year)
Last Meeting: DelVal 41-0 in 2018
All-Time Series: Tied 3-3
Scouting DelVal: DelVal defeated Abington Heights 49-0 for its second shutout of the season. No opponent has scored more than 20 points vs. the Warriors. QB Zach Scillia and RB Josh Balcarcel are closing in on 1,000-yard seasons and could get them tonight.
Scouting Williamsport: The wheels haven’t come off, but they are wobbling after an unexpected 20-7 loss to Pittston Area. Minus their top-two offensive threats, the Millionaires were held to a season-low in points. Could be heading to DelVal in Week 11 for a D2/4-6A playoff game.
What To Expect: DelVal to make the laborious bus ride worth it.
Wilkes-Barre Area (4-3) at Wallenpaupack (3-4)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: WBA’s Ciro Cinti (75-76, 14th year); Wallenpaupack’s Mark Watson (68-76. 14th year)
Last Meeting: never played
All-Time Series: never played
Scouting WBA: The Wolfpack posted its second shutout in program history with a 28-0 victory vs. Wyoming Valley West. The defense held the Spartans to 68 yards rushing, its second best performance vs. the run this season. A home D2/4-6A playoff game is the Wolfpack’s to lose.
Scouting Wallenpaupack: The Buckhorns had their worst offense output of the season in an 18-3 loss to North Pocono. The game marked the fourth time they’ve scored 10 points or less, yet they are in position for a D2/11-5A playoff spot. This is a young bunch who should be better in 2020.
What To Expect: A Wolfpack victory in a competitive game.
Abington Heights (1-6) at Wyoming Valley West (1-6)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: Abington Heights’ Joe Repshis (103-66, 15th year); WVW’s Jack Baranski (1-6, 1st year)
Last Meeting: Abington Heights 35-21 in 2018
All-Time Series: Valley West leads 12-9
Scouting Abington: Once a perennial Lackawanna Conference power, Abington has struggled mightily since 2015. Last Friday’s 49-0 loss to DelVal was the Comets’ 25th in their last 29 games. The running game has been abysmal; the passing game just a notch better.
Scouting WVW: Starting QB Dontae Rhodes returned last Friday after missing four games with an injury, but the results looked too familiar. The Spartans were shut out for the third time in their last four games, 28-0 by Wilkes-Barre Area. Playoff hopes are grim.
What To Expect: A toss-up in a matchup that was once a premier game.
Dallas (7-0) at Valley View (7-0)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: Dallas’ Rich Mannello (33-20, 5th year); Valley View’s George Howanitz (87-58, 13th year)
Last Meeting: Valley View 49-14 in 2018
All-Time Series: Valley View leads 4-1
Scouting Dallas: RB Lenny Kelley went over 1,000 yards rushing in last Friday’s 62-7 pasting of Nanticoke Area. QB Michael Starbuck, who missed the second game last season vs. Valley View, is on the cusp of 1,000 yards passing. Dallas has the overall experience edge.
Scouting Valley View: The Cougars knocked Berwick and Western Wayne from the unbeaten ranks in consecutive weeks. QB Janaasah Boone must be stopped. He’s had his fingerprints on 24 of Valley View’s 39 offensive touchdowns. A excellent team but perhaps a notch below last season’s bunch.
What To Expect: A game that could come down to breaks.
Lakeland (4-3) at Nanticoke Area (1-6)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: Lakeland’s David Piwowarczyk (4-3, 1st year); Nanticoke Area’s Ron Bruza (39-61, 10th year)
Last Meeting: Lakeland 30-0 in 2018
All-Time Series: Lakeland leads 5-0
Scouting Lakeland: Lakeland all but clinched a D2-3A playoff spot with a 45-14 victory over Carbondale. Standout Giovanni Spataro, the running back not the Italian composer from the 1400s, didn’t have any carries so something might be up there. The Chiefs, though, should have enough in reserve to take care of Nanticoke Area.
Scouting Nanticoke Area: The Trojans were dominated 62-7 by unbeaten Dallas last Friday. They’ve scored seven points or less five times and topped 20 points just once, in a 27-7 victory over Holy Redeemer. Chances of getting a second win this season are dwindling.
What To Expect: Lakeland hasn’t won two in a row this season. That should change.
Berwick (6-1) at Crestwood (5-2)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: Berwick’s Carmen DeFrancesco (158-98, 23rd year); Crestwood’s Ryan Arcangeli (5-2, 1st year)
Last Meeting: Berwick 61-13 in 2018
All-Time Series: Berwick leads 13-3
Scouting Berwick: Berwick allowed Hazleton Area just 4 yards of offense in last Friday’s 40-7 victory over Hazleton Area. East Carolina recruit Teagan Wilk was all over the field on both sides of the ball. The offense has perked up after some concerns early in the season.
Scouting Crestwood: Amazing stat in Crestwood’s 42-16 victory over Tunkhannock – the Comets ran 87 plays to 38 by Tunkhannock. A similar keep-away strategy would be useful tonight, but executing it against Berwick is going to take quite an effort.
What To Expect: Berwick to keep pace for one of the top three spots in D2-4A.
North Pocono (3-4) at Tunkhannoock (4-3)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: North Pocono’s Greg Dolhon (37-46, 8th year); Tunkhannock’s Mike Marabell (7-10, 2nd year)
Last Meeting: North Pocono 24-0 in 2001
All-Time Series: North Pocono leads 13-8
Scouting North Pocono: The Trojans snapped a two-game losing streak with an 18-3 victory over Wallenpaupack. RB Jacob Owens had a huge game and if North Pocono uses him effectively vs. Tunkhannock that will go a very long way to a victory.
Scouting Tunkhannock: The Tigers scored on runs of 85 and 67 yards vs. Crestwood, but just couldn’t get the Comets’ offense off the field. The result was a 42-16 loss where they ran 38 plays compared to 87 by Crestwood. Tunkhannock can strike quickly, but not without the ball.
What To Expect: A North Pocono win as long as it doesn’t become a track meet.
Southern Columbia (7-0) at Wyoming Area (7-0)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: Southern Columbia’s Jim Roth (402-63-2, 36th year); Wyoming Area’s Randy Spencer (67-50, 11th year)
Last Meeting: never played
All-Time Series: never played
Scouting Southern: A record nine state championships, four players committed to Big Ten programs, a 78-game regular-season winning streak, a 39-game winning streak, 416 points this season, five shutouts thus far. The list goes on and on, but you get the idea.
Scouting Wyoming Area: Wyoming Area defeated Dunmore 35-14 last Friday, but it marked a second consecutive slow start for the Warriors. They needed to rally to defeat Lake-Lehman 35-30 two weeks ago. Another slow start will be terminal.
What To Expect: Southern’s toughest game of the season, but another win.
Hanover Area (3-4) at Lackawanna Trail (4-3)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: Hanover Area’s Rick Hummer (3-4, 1st year); Trail’s Steve Jervis (97-87, 17th year)
Last Meeting: Trail 35-6 in 2018
All-Time Series: Trail leads 3-0
Scouting Hanover Area: The Hawkeyes pulled off a bit of a shocker, defeating Northwest 24-14. The running game has picked up over the last two games, while the passing game is entering off its two best performances. Moreover, the turnovers have been minimal, with three in the last five games.
Scouting Trail: The defending D2-A champ lost 26-7 to Old Forge and remains out of the district playoff picture, albeit not by much. A favorable schedule should allow the Lions to pass Northwest for the final spot, but they need to win this game or else.
What To Expect: Trail in a game closer than most people thought it would be back in August.
Lake-Lehman (5-2) at Mid Valley (2-4)
7 p.m. Friday
The Coaches: Lehman’s Jerry Gilsky (67-41, 10th year); Mid Valley’s Dave Rebar (42-69, 10th year)
Last Meeting: Lehman 34-7 in 2015
All-Time Series: Lehman leads 2-0
Scouting Lehman: QB Ethan Adams threw six first-half TDs and the Black Knights pulled in the reins at that point in a 41-6 victory over winless Holy Redeemer. DB/WR Casey Kaminski continues to make an impact after returning from an early-season injury. a legitimate D2-3A contender.
Scouting Mid Valley: The Spartans are the most unpredictable team in District 2. They get run off the field by Wyoming Area in their opener then dominate Dunmore, a team that battled Wyoming Area tough. Two losses have come by a combined three points.
What To Expect: Lehman has been more consistent and that will be the difference.
Pittston Area (3-4) at Scranton Prep (5-2)
1:30 p.m. Saturday
The Coaches: Pittston Area’s Nick Barbieri (13-16, 3rd year); Prep’s Terry Gallagher (43-7, 4th year)
Last Meeting: Prep 50-12 in 2018
All-Time Series: Prep leads 3-0
Scouting Pittston Area: The Patriots upset Williamsport 20-7, all but clinching a D2-4A playoff spot. They’re not in yet, but it’s unimaginable anyone from a struggling pack behind them changing that. The defense is coming off its best game, although Williamsport was missing some pieces.
Scouting Scranton Prep: The four-time D2-3A champs were written off after blowout losses to Wyoming Area and Valley View put them at 2-2. The Cavaliers, though, had plenty of the newcomers back then and they’ve grown over the past few weeks.
What To Expect: Prep to extend its win streak to four games.
