Notice how quiet it’s been!
Last year at this time, District 9 was buzzing over Bradford’s joining the Allegheny Mountain League.
Newspapers were filled with both positive and negative responses from sports writers and armchair quarterbacks. Most felt that the Owls would dominate.
Coudersport pulled off the shocker in overtime and proved Bradford wasn’t unbeatable. The Owls finished the season with a 4-6 record, far from domination.
Where do they stand this season? Nobody is sticking their neck out.
There seems to be a wait-and-see feeling.
I will say that I was impressed with Bradford’s final defensive series against DuBois’ first-string offense last week in their scrimmage. It was the down-and-distance portion of the three-team session which included Punxsutawney, and the Owls were absolutely focused on not allowing the Beavers to move the ball for a first down.
Without a doubt it was the hardest and most determined I’ve seen the Owls play in the last couple of seasons.
CHANGEOVER: After several decades of doing the weekly “Midweek Report” during football season, I’ve turned the reins over to Pete (Sirianni) who wrote this week’s report and will be doing it most of the season. If he can’t, my guess is that Nick (Richardson) will be given the honor.
It’s been interesting and I’ve enjoyed my conversations with the men who have served as the Owls’ head coaches. All of them have been gracious and willing to recap a game win or lose.
MY RECORD: Although I’ve given up the “Midweek Report,” my weekly picks column will still be in the paper on Friday. I promised readers last season that I would give them weekly updates on my win-loss record, but just didn’t make the time to do it. I’ll try to do better this year.
Again this year the Pennsylvania Big 30 teams get a week head start over their New York counterparts, so the number of games to pick today is limited.
TONIGHT’S GAMES
Smethport at Bradford
Bradford will be without quarterback Kyle Kirk, who set the program’s single-season passing record, but the Owls have other weapons. A key will be senior John Eakin an explosive and powerful running back with deceptive speed who can control a game. Smethport, meanwhile, has also gone through some changes including getting a new head coach in Adam Jack. The Hubbers struggled against the Owls last season, but I’m certain will put up a better battle tonight. Bradford by 14
Curwensville at Cameron County
The Red Raiders have to come up with a way to put the clamps on the Tide’s Nick Stewart Easier said than done! Curwensville by 21
Ridgway at Coudersport
Tom Storey is the new head coach of the Falcons and he’s been busy filling holes left by the loss of several key players from last year. Listening to Pete (Sirianni) talk just before this was written, it looks like Ridgway could be a team to watch this season. I’m gonna go with Pete. Ridgway by 12
Brockway at Otto-Eldred
The Terrors are always scrappy, but scrappy doesn’t always win a ballgame. The Rovers, on the other hand, seem to find a way to win and I think that will be the case again tonight. Brockway by 10
Port Allegany at Kane
If you think that the Wolves have had their run, I would say don’t put any hotdogs on it! New Gators’ new head coach Pat Warnick and his troops will have their hands full. Kane by 18
Sheffield at Elk Catholic
Another year of struggling for the Wolverines. They just can’t seem to put it all together. Maybe later this season some of the parts to the puzzle will fall in place. ECCH by 24
THE OTHER GAME
Armstrong at Karns City, Karns City by 16
