Quick Facts
— New York WR Jake Swan (Southwestern) was the offensive star of the game, catching nine passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, a 29-yard connection from Colt Lowe (Portville) in the first quarter and a 16-yarder from Lowe in the fourth quarter. The 158 yards receiving is a new Big 30 game record.
— Pennsylvania scored all 15 of their points on defense. David Aul (St. Marys) had a 50-yard interception return in the first quarter and Zach Vleminckx (Bradford) a 50-yard pick-six in the fourth. The other two points came on a safety courtesy of Aaron Burnside (Cameron County). Vleminckx and Aul are now tied for the longest interception return for TD in Big 30 game history.
— Pennsylvania turned the ball over four times in the first half and five for the game.
— The time of game was three hours and thirty minutes, which, if it isn’t a record, has to be close.
Pregame Festivities
— A moment of silence was held in honor of Staff Sergeant Ken VanGiesen, who played in the 26th classic as a member of the Kane Wolves. VanGiesen’s father Tom, mother Sue and girlfriend Erin Sirianni were presented with Ken’s Big 30 game jersey during halftime festivities.
— A brief rain shower passed over Parkway Field during player introductions, causing many to reach for their umbrellas.
— 2012 Bradford High graduate and three-sport star Emily Marshall performed a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.
— Kevin Lord (Smethport), Ike Nearing (Sheffield), Jimmy Werner (St. Marys) and Brock Taylor served as the Pennsylvania captains.
— Colt Lowe (Portville), Preston Wiltsie (Frewsburg), Anthony Schwartz (Randolph) and Zanaid Marra (New York) served as the captains for New York.
What was it like to be a part of the Big 30 game?
— Bryan Gould, Sheffield head coach: It was a lot of fun. When Paul Pfaff asked me to do it back in December, I talked to our staff and it was within five minutes where we said we’re in. It’s a great honor to represent Sheffield. I was very thankful that the Big 30 committee gave us the opportunity to work with these 42 seniors. It was a lot of fun the past two weeks.
— Kalil Slaughter (Sheffield): It’s been awesome, besides the loss, the two weeks have been great running with a lot of guys that know what your doing that you don’t have to tell twice what to do. It’s been a great ride. I was happy to get in it because I wasn’t in it at first. Win, lose or draw its been awesome.
— David Aul (St. Marys): It’s been great. I’ve met a lot of new friends and had a lot of fun getting to play one more time.
— Zach Vleminckx (Bradford): The whole experience goes back to the first game I ever saw and I knew I wanted to be in it. I worked out every year and made myself better year by year. Once it got here I couldn’t believe it. After my last home game here I found out that I made the team. It was a life-changing experience for me. It just flew by, I can’t believe it’s over already.
— Dan Rinfrette (Bradford: It was an honor. It was fun getting to play with all these different kids from different schools that are the best at each school. Getting to play in an actual all-star game, my last football game ever in my home stadium. Couldn’t ask for anything better. Worked hard to get here and glad we got here.
— Check out Monday’s addition of The Era for complete game coverage.
