Well, I took a chance on Smethport and the Hubbers couldn’t pull
it off against the Sheffield Wolverines last week.
They couldn’t do it last season either, which put them well on
the way to a winless campaign.
Their most recent loss to Sheffield did get the attention of
Denny Ordiway, SAHS Class of 1965.
In his letter, Denny says in part, “What has happened to the
Smethport Hubbers football team? Two weeks ago, they had good
numbers, too many mistakes in the first half against Brockway. They
produced absolutely nothing in the second half.
“Last week Ron Kloss thought Hubber pride would show up in
Sheffield, but it didn’t.
“A lot of people would like to forget about what the Hubbers did
in the ’90s with Carl Defilippi at the helm. But you can’t deny
what that coaching staff did!
“A few schools outside of District 9 found out what Hubber
football was.”
Denny, I don’t believe we ever met, and you make some good
points, but there are other factors that have to be considered.
When Carl stepped down along with most of his staff, it began a
new era in Smethport football.
If you remember, John Petruzzi went 6-3 and there was a lot of
grumbling.
I said in a column at the time, that there were a lot of schools
in the Big 30 who would be delighted to be 6-3, including
Bradford.
I also stated that people may have gotten a little spoiled by
the Hubbers’ success in the ’90s. In a small community like
Smethport, it can’t go on forever. It was amazing what Defilippi,
his coaching staff and the Hubbers accomplished.
However, during that run they had outstanding athletes who could
have played for anyone in the state.
I mentioned that it all comes down to a cycle and Smethport was
headed toward the bottom of it. That by the way, got me crucified
by a lady from Smethport who could not believe that I dared hint
that the players at that time were not as talented as in the
past.
Well, it was true then and now. When a football program
collapses, it doesn’t come back overnight. Smethport fans who
expect it to return to where it was in the ’90s are wasting their
time.
I’m not saying it can’t happen, but I don’t think I’ll be
writing this column when it does.
Mr. Ordiway suggests a coaching change could improve things. I
don’t think so.
It starts with the kids. Some will always come out, but others
are not the least bit interested. Too many other things to do.
Smethport may one day be back on top, but it’s going to take a
lot of work, dedication and talent.
There’s an old saying among coaches: “You’ve got to have the
horses to win.”
JUST HELP: Through the gossip mill, I heard that I may have
stirred up some of the local oil producers when I suggested they
help with the cost of a new artificial surface at Bradford High’s
Parkway Field.
All I asked for was help, or, at least give the idea some
consideration.
I didn’t say local producers had to foot the bill for the whole
project.
There’s state and federal money out there, someone just has to
find out how and where to go after it.
Like I said last week, Warren managed to do it, so there’s no
reason why Bradford can’t and there is also no reason why local
businesses can’t get involved.
Remember, it’s your kids and your grandchildren who will be
using the facilities. Lets make them the best we possibly can.
UPDATE: In case you’re wondering what the breakdown of teams is
in District 9 for football. Here’s the list from largest to
smallest school based just on male enrollment for the top three
grades.
Teams are classified every two years and this season is the
second of the current rotation. New figures will be submitted to
the PIAA this fall for 2008.
Class A – Redbank Valley, Port Allegany, Kane, Smethport,
Curwensville, Keystone, Ridgway, Clarion-Limestone, Clarion,
Cameron County, Elk County Catholic, Otto-Eldred, Coudersport,
Johnsonburg and Union.
Class AA – Brookville, Moniteau, Karns City, Brockway, A-C
Valley and Sheffield.
Class AAA – Punxsutawney, Bradford, Clearfield, St. Marys.
Class AAAA – DuBois.
TEST RESULTS: I almost forgot to update every one on my test of
several specially selected students in Ms. Sylvia’s 2 o’clock
recess class.
The group was talking about the test, but I didn’t get any
answers. Maybe I made it too tough. I hope the next group will do
better. I’m putting Jeannie the “Super Souper” in charge.
THE RECORD: I missed a couple more games than I expected last
week, but still finished a respectable 21-7. That puts me right at
the century mark with a record of 100-34. With four weeks remaining
for most teams, including this weekend, I’m gonna see how close I
can get to 200.
Here’s what I see this weekend.
TONIGHT’S GAMES
Bradford at Brookville
The Raiders spoiled the Owls’ Homecoming last year, so this
could be payback time. Brookville is big again this year, but
Bradford is more physical than last season. Bradford by 12
Otto-Eldred at Smethport
This one is a coin toss. Otto has enough players to field a team
after forfeiting last week. The Hubbers just can’t seem to win, but
did score points last week. On a hunch, I’m gonna give’em one more
shot. Smethport by 6
Port Allegany at Cameron County
This could be a long night for the Gators. The Red Raiders are
on a roll and looking to run the table. Cameron County by 18
Curwensville at Kane
The Golden Tide got their win last week. No way this week. Kane
by 21
St. Marys at DuBois
Another tough game to pick. The Dutch lost and the Beavers won
last week. The game’s in DuBois, which is a concern, but I think
the Dutch will bounce back. St. Marys by 8
Sheffield at Coudersport
It’ll be a nice night for a trip to Potter County, but that’s
about it for the Wolverines. Coudersport by 24
Ridgway at Elk County Catholic
The Crusaders put up some impressive numbers last week. The
Elkers scored too, but I don’t think they will be able to match
their hosts. Elk County Catholic by 10
Brockway at Johnsonburg
I know the Rams can score, but can they score enough, that’s the
question. I’d like to go with them, but … Brockway by 8
THE OTHER GAMES
(Tonight)
Tyrone at Punxsutawney, Tyrone by 2
Eisenhower at Iroquois, Eisenhower by 4
Warren at Franklin, Franklin by 8
Central Mountain at Clearfield, Clearfield by 10
Bolivar-Richburg at Cuba-Rushford, B-R by 20
Canisteo-Greenwood at Wellsville, C-G by 16
Sherman at Franklinville, Franklinville by 1
Olean High at Dunkirk, Olean by 6
Randolph at Silver Creek, Randolph by 2
Iroquois at Pioneer, Iroquois by 16
Ellicottville at Brocton, Ellicottville by 4
Salamanca at Allegany-Limestone, Salamanca by 8
Cattaraugus-Little Valley at Portville, Portville by 4
Olean Walsh at Elmira Southside, Elmira Southside by 14
(Saturday)
Youngsville at Mercyhurst Prep, Mercyhurst Prep by 16
Gowanda at Cleveland Hill, Cleveland Hill by 10
Hinsdale at West Valley, Hinsdale by 16
