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Back to work after getaway weekend; Owls take on No.2
By RONALD KLOSS
Era Sports Writer
I’m back, re-energized and ready for the home stretch of the regular season.
Last week I turned the reins over to Greg (Clarkie) in hopes that he would keep Bradford’s win streak going while my wife, Molly, and I went away to celebrate our anniversary.
Both he and the Owls came through with a solid victory over Erie East for Bradford’s 5th straight win.
We, meanwhile, headed to Cook Forest over the weekend, an area we have enjoyed for nearly two decades. It was a chance to make new friends, we would find out, and visit with old ones.
In the early ‘90s we discovered the Gateway Lodge and instantly knew it was going to be our little secret. We spent several anniversaries there. In recent years, however, illness, the loss of our youngest son and numerous family commitments put things on hold.
Just recently, while scanning the net, we were intrigued by the fact that the lodge had been sold. That made us curious to find out what changes, if any, had taken place.
With tall pine trees and landscaped rock walls outside, plus its traditional rustic interior, the lodge has always offered the perfect blend of atmosphere and charm.
A walk-through, complete with a toast in honor of our 38 years together was the plan, and, if the opportunity presented itself, possibly a chance to meet the new owner.
While sipping our drinks and taking in the ambiance of the great room, we met Deb Adams, the new innkeeper and owner, who was a gracious host and welcomed us as though we had known each other for years.
Deb explained her love for the lodge and when she found it was for sale, purchased it. She plans no major changes, just improvements to an already near-perfect hideaway nestled in the forest just above the Clarion River.
We decided to stay for dinner and just reminisce about our years together. The food was excellent and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful, pleasant and accommodating, especially considering we had literally walked in off the highway, so-to-speak.
It truly felt like we were back on track.
A visit with two good friends, Doe and Ray Nemeth, owners of the Shiloh Resort, was also on our agenda.
We enjoyed a nice stay there, but were also saddened by the fact that the resort is on the market. The Nemeths have spent a good portion of their lives building the facility and feel it’s time to head south to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
I’m sure going to miss Mama Doe’s roast beef which is the featured entree on her Saturday buffets.
The Shiloh would certainly be a perfect business opportunity for some enterprising young couple!
Finally, on the way home, we stopped a SherLynn’s Crown Mercantile in Crown to visit Jerry and his wife Sherry. They have become good friends over the years.
Their son was the boys basketball coach at North Clarion High School when we first met and that gave Jerry and I something in common, especially with my position as a sports writer.
It was truly a perfect weekend. To bad it had to end, but now it’s back to football.
CONGRATULATIONS: A couple of kudos going out this week.
First, to Bradford High’s Mark Havers, who put on a show with his five touchdowns in the win over Erie East. Mark is one of those sophomores I was talking about last week who will be pushing the upperclassmen this year for berths on the Olean Times Herald’s Big 30 All-Star Team.
The second, goes to Mark Leous at Gowanda who reached the century mark in career coaching wins with his team’s victory over Royalton-Hartland. His record stands at 100-73-2.
Gary Swetland at Portville continued closing in on 100 career coaching wins with the Panthers 41-6 triumph over Chautauqua Lake. His record stands at 96-54-1.
THE GAMES: I’m always looking for an upset each week, but I sure didn’t see Kane’s win over Johnsonburg in the “crystal ball,” as Joe (Vinelli) puts it.
The Wolves’ domination of the Rams throws the Allegheny Mountain League South Division into a scramble down the stretch to determine who will make the conference championship game.
It should be interesting with Curwensville, Johnsonburg and Elk County Catholic all at 5-1 headed into this weekend.
In the North Division, unbeaten Cameron County is in the driver’s seat.
THE RECORD: After two weeks of cruising along with my picks, I was brought back to reality last week. I posted a mediocre 19-13 record. For the season I stand at 121-50. I was hoping to reach the 200 mark, but since I only pick regular season games, it doesn’t look good.
Now on to this weekend.
TONIGHT’S GAMES
Bradford at Strong Vincent
The No. 2 ranked Colonels are just plain good, but head coach Tom Cacchione isn’t taking the Owls lightly.
“I know a couple of the guys on their staff because we’ve played them before and Bradford is a well coached team,” he observed. “This game has a lot of implications with the championship (D-10 Region 6) on the line. They will be ready to go and we will be ready too.”
Bradford is riding a five-game win streak, but the Colonels have too much size and too many weapons for the Owls to handle. Strong Vincent by 18
Port Allegany at Cameron County
The Gators' two-game win streak is in jeopardy. Cameron County by 16
Otto-Eldred at Coudersport
The Falcons are still in the hunt for a possible district playoff berth and can’t afford another loss. Coudersport by 21
Sheffield at Smethport
I’m looking for a Hubbers victory in this one. Smethport by 10
Johnsonburg at Brockway
The Rams stumbled last week, but I don’t see it happening twice. J-burg by 12
Elk County Catholic at Curwensville
With the Golden Tide at home it’ll be tough for the Crusaders to come out with a “W”. Record-wise the teams share the top spot in the AML South with Johnsonburg. I’m gonna give the Crusaders a shot. ECC by 6
Kane at Ridgway
The Wolves can’t afford a letdown after upsetting Johnsonburg last week. Kane by 16.
THE OTHER GAMES
Tonight
Erie East at Warren, Warren by 4
Erie Central at General McLane, McLane by 8
DuBois at Chestnut Ridge, DuBois by 6
Youngsville at Iroquois, Iroquois by 14
Brookville at Moniteau, Brookville by 10
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