www.jeannettejayhawksfootball.blogspot.com

2008What a year! It brought us back to back champions, in football and basketball. What a ride that was, huh? WOW!! It showed us a much improved baseball and softball team, and although they didn't see the playoffs, they sure gave it a hell of a run! How about that band, and the cheerleaders? There was a year to remember by itself. Yeah, 2008 brought attention to our town, through some truly gifted kids, and showed us how proud our little town can be!

But with that same pride we have to turn them loose as well!

As with many of you, I also have a son graduating this year. And I clearly remember the day he was born. I cried folks, I can't lie to you, I cried. But it was tears of pure joy in knowing that he was healthy and well just knowing that he was my son. You know that feeling, I know you do!

So tomorrow he'll graduate, and move on in life. And as proud as I am of him, I'm also a little sad. But I'm sure that's because I'm only feeling a little older today, than I normally feel. And I'm sure you all know that feeling, also.

I want to wish the Jeannette Senior High Class of 2008, all the best that life has to offer. But getting to know most of you this year, I can rest easy in knowing that, that won't be a problem for any of you. My father always told me to stand up for what I thought was right, no matter what the consequences were, because in the end, I would be a happier man. And although it's been tough at times, he was right!

Congratulations to all of you and I'll leave you with this:

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

Steve Jobs(CEO of Apple Computers)

The schedule said Norwin, the jersey's read Irwin. Didn't much matter though, the senior legion wasn't about to lose 2 in a row. No matter what team they faced!

Mike Mash started strong on the mound, and Kenny finished it off, giving the Jeannette Sr. Legion a 7-4 victory over Irwin Legion. Justin smacked 2 home runs out of the park. One with 2 runners on and a solo shot later in the game.

The boys got an extended road trip coming up with Kiski on June 1st, Murrysville on the 5th, Valley on the 10th of June and Greensburg on the 13th.

What started out to be a promising looking game, quickly turned into a,... let's say "soggy mess". Jeannette Sr. Legion found themselves down 10-0 by the end of 3 1/2 innings only to also have to deal with the rain. I left in the top of 6th, still raining, and things weren't looking any better.

The boys started their season off with a 9-8 victory over Valley, with the fantastic pitching of Mike Mash. But Murrysville had the Legion bring 3 different pitchers to the mound today, Kenny, Brian and Zack.

Next up, the legion will host Norwin, Wednesday at 6:00pm. Hopefully without the rain!

Kirstie's softball team, the Hurricanes,(from yesterday) managed to acquire the State Runner Up title for the tournament.

That's VERY, impressive folks, in case your wondering!

300 hurdles: 8, Nick Spino, Jeannette, 42.68.

Nick finished last in both races, but it wasn't because he was slow. No, the only thing capable of defeating Nick, was an injury. Nick tripped on a hurdle during the 110's and then popped his right hamstring on the first hurdle of the 300's.

"It's a shame to go out like this", Nick told reporters. But I disagree Nick. You hold your head high, because #1 - you've gotten further than most have ever gotten in track, and #2 - your a Jayhawk!

And to show you how right I am I want to bring up a track star from 1935, Jesse Owens.

On this date in 1935, in Ann Arbor, MI, Owens, recuperating from a back injury, competed in the Big Ten Track and Field Championships and made history. In 45 minutes, he tied the world record for the 100-meter dash and broke three others, including a 26 foot, 8 1/4 inch (8.2 meter) broad jump — a record that was not broken for 25 years.

So don't you dare be ashamed of your accomplishments, Nick! All of Jeannette, is proud of you, and anyone who knows your mom and dad can see that they are bursting at the seams with pride. You just got to shake off the injury, and concentrate on Seton Hill now.

"7 - gold WPIAL medals, ain't too bad,.....not bad at all!"

It was like I died and went to softball heaven! Or at least to the all-stars game, at the gates anyway.

The NSA-WPA held their State Champions Tournament today at Penn Trafford. Which continues into tomorrow. Teams from all over come to play in this tournament. The Tigers of Mississauga North, which is in Canada, even made the journey to Penn Trafford today.

And let me tell you, all these girls are truly, the best of the best, and it showed in their playing today. And of course 3 of Jeannette's finest softball players, participate in this tournament:

Chelsea - Evolution:


Katherine - Diamonds:


Kirstie - Hurricanes:


Why not check it out for yourselves tomorrow? It all begins again tomorrow morning with Katherine and the Diamonds at Level Greens Complex at 8:00 AM. Kirstie and the Hurricanes can be seen at Penn Trafford on field 6 at 9:30 AM, and Chelsea and the Evolution are playing at PT also, on field 3 also at 9:30 AM.

More info on the NSA/WPA and these tournaments can be checked out, right here.

You aren't telling me anything I haven't already experienced! Fuel prices are absolutely outrageous. I alone just yesterday, filled my tank at a cost of $54.00. And I know most of you are gonna say, "Dave, that ain't nothing, you ought to fill my tanks up." So I've devised a Memorial Day Weekend plan to limit your expenses and help relieve that hit at the pumps.

It's a beauty too, folks!

First step head only right up to Penn Trafford on Saturday Morning. This is only 3 maybe 5 miles away. If your SUV gets 14 mpg, then this will have a minimal cost of about 1/4 of a gal. of gas, not bad!! Now most of you are saying, "why would I want to spend my holiday weekend in P.T.?" And I say, "Why not?"

And here's why I would say that. Starting at 9:30AM, you can witness some of the best softball players in the country, right there in Penn Trafford! And this will feature 3 of our very own, Kirstie, Katherine, and Chelsea:

• Kirstie - 9:30, 12:30 & 3:30 All on Field #6 At PT Complex
• Katherine - 9:30, 12:30 & 3:30 All at Trafford Middle School
• Chelsea 11:00, 3:30 @ PT complex field #7 & 8:00 at PT Complex field #3

They will also be playing on Sunday, and these times and fields will depend on the outcome of Saturdays games!

Not a bad way to start your weekend, huh? That's not all though, on Saturday at 5:00pm the senior legion team will play Valley at Valley, so this driving distance which is further, I will leave up to you. But don't fret, cause on Monday, Memorial Day, at 6:00pm the Jeannette Senior Legion team will have their home opener against Murrysville at Clarkson Field.

I'm sure you'll be able to get food at all locations, and I know this doesn't replace the traditional family cookout, but at least you'll be able to still eat with friends. Which leads me to my next money saving tip for you. Pile your car, truck, or SUV with your friends and go to the games and save even more money!

And one big note folks, and by far the most important, take some time this weekend to remember the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives, so that we can all enjoy this freedom.

It's really what Memorial Day is all about!!

This was in today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

As expected, the PIAA voted yesterday against a proposal ---- originally brought forth by the WPIAL -- to tighten rules and inconsistencies in school transfers concerning athletics intent.

The vote was 17-13 against the proposal with one abstention. The proposal needed 21 affirmative votes to pass.

The PIAA will begin consideration of another transfer-rule proposal, which continues to allow school principals to be decision-makers, even though their perceived failures prompted WPIAL officials to attempt to change the rules.

"It is one of those rules where no one has the perfect rule, no state association has the perfect rule," said Brad Cashman, PIAA executive director. "So we stayed with what we have and we are going to work on improving it. But we will still look long range at making it a more strict and less subjective process."

Yesterday, Jeannette held their community day at Kennywood. The days events though, kicked off with a parade in town first. And although these kids are proudly marching in the parade, I'd bet anything, that they are really thinking about getting on down to Kennywood!

I thought this would be of great interest to you. I'm not sure if most of you are aware of this or not, but single A - Serra Catholic Eagles are in a position to capture a third consecutive WPIAL title, and possibly a second PIAA title in a single school year.

As you football nuts all ready know, Serra was crowned, WPIAL A football champs back on Nov. 23, 2007 at Heinz Field with a 10-6 defensive battle over Springdale. They later would lose the state title to Steelton Highspire by a score of 34-15, but at least they made it to the finals.

And then in February of 2008, they were crowned WPIAL A basketball champions with a 76-61 victory over Wilkinsburg at the AJ Palumbo Center. However, this time they followed through to be crowned PIAA A State Champions in basketball with a come from behind 67-66 win, over a very good Freire Charter team out of the Philadelphia area.

And now with a very impressive 19-1 baseball record, they are in an excellent position to advance and pursue the baseball titles in the WPIAL and the PIAA.

Yesterday I caught the tail end of their 6-2 victory over Geibel at Seton Hill and today at 4:00, they will return to Seton Hill to pursue these titles against Carmichaels, who are sporting their own impressive record of 17-1.

You don't need to love the sport to understand the tension, involved here. But if your looking for a great ball game to attend, then head to Seton Hill today!

Best of luck to Serra Catholic!!

MSA will broadcast this game on the internet, and you can listen to it right here.

It just wasn't a good day for Greensburg Central Catholic today, not at all.

I'm not one to take joy in others sorrows, but when GCC has a day like today, you can't help but put that little smile on your face, especially if your from Jeannette.

Earlier today the GCC boys lost in the quarterfinal round against Bishop Canevin by a score of 5 - 4. They were leading 2-0 when I left the house for another game. And as I'm typing this the girls from GCC are losing 8-2 to Riverside. They are threatening a little in the bottom of the 7th with bases loaded and 1 out...wait a minute there's a strike out, 2 down now...... And there's the final out! Riverside wins 8 - 2 and sends GCC home for the season.....Your smiling right now, aren't you?

I did witness a very impressive pitcher today though, by the name of Pat Capatolla from Seton LaSalle. I had to go see what all the hype was about Seton LaSalle since they were playing right up here at Seton Hill U. Pat was throwing some major heat the entire game, not giving Ford City a chance to figure him out, they finally did though in the bottom of the 7th, but it was too late. Ford City hit a solo shot over the left field fence. But Seton LaSalle's head coach wasn't about to let this slip away, after Pat gave up that homer and walked the next batter, the coach pulled him and brought in a very good closer in the name of Derek Law. Derek bagged the last 2 outs to give the Rebel's a 3 - 2 win. And maintain the undefeated record, which is now 18-0. They will advance to meet Bishop Canevin tomorrow at 4:30.

Looking for game photos? Maybe you wanted some photos of your son or daughter playing sports, but was unable to get any, for what ever reason? Or maybe you'd just like to have some game photos?

Well, I can help you out, and at the same time, you can help me out!

I've recently done some CD's, for other parents. They were a collection of photos of their son or daughter, from all the games I attended. And in return, I accepted donations for the CD's to help upgrade the site, (ex: "flickr", is a paid upgrade) and purchase accessories for the camera.

If this is something that interest you, please send me an email, with the name or number of your child, or the games that you would like copies from. Any photo arrangements can be put together, they will then be burnt onto a CD for your keepsake. We can then make arrangements to get the CD to you, depending on where you live.

Thanks for your support!

Tell us who you think will be crowned WPIAL Champs in baseball and softball, in the polls on the right. And don't worry, I'll update them again, after the quarter final rounds are done!

Here's some AA Baseball playoff results for you:

• Ford City stuns Shady Side Academy, with a 7th inning 3 run rally. To win by a final of 4-3. Ford City advances to meet Seton LaSalle (17-0) who beat Southmoreland 5-1
  
• GCC handles Brownsville with ease, in a 5 inning 10-0 win. GCC advances to meet Bishop Canevin who beat a (15-4) Neshannock team by a final of 9-4
• Riverview lost to Burrell, 10-0.
  

The entire AA Playoff Bracket can be viewed right here

I went in to Nancy's Grille in town for some take out lunch yesterday, for Sue and I, 2 burgers and 2 fry (which was fantastic, by the way). But while I was waiting for the order, I noticed a photo of Buster Clarkson on the wall behind the counter, and started to wonder about his history. After all, Jeannette has a ball field dedicated to him. So I did a little research and below is what I found:

James Clarkson (March 13, 1915-January 18, 1989), (some historians believe he was born in 1918), better known as Buster Clarkson, was a baseball player who played briefly in the major leagues and had a long career in the Negro leagues, the minor leagues, and the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League. He is also known as Buzz or Bus Clarkson.

Clarkson was a native of Hopkins, South Carolina, where he grew up practicing baseball. In the Negro leagues, he played shortstop for the Crawfords in Pittsburgh in 1937–38, in Toledo in 1939, and in Indianapolis in early 1940, where the team folded. He also briefly played in 1940 for the Newark Eagles before signing with the Mexican League, where he played in 1940–41 and 1946–47. In 1942 he returned to the Negro leagues, playing for the Philadelphia Stars and hitting .360. He spent 1943–45 in the military service. He played part of the 1946 season with Philadelphia and returned to play with them again in 1949-50. In 1948, he played in the independent Canadian Provincial League.

In 1950 at age 35, Clarkson entered the minor leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association. He played third base and shortstop, hitting .302 in 1950 and .343 in 1951.

In 1952, five years after Jackie Robinson became the first African American major leagues baseball player, Clarkson at age 37 had his only opportunity to play in the major leagues when he played fourteen games for the Boston Braves. He managed to connect five hits in 25 at bats, with one RBI.

He spent the rest of 1952 in Milwaukee, hitting .318. In 1953–54, he played with Dallas in the Texas League, hitting .330 and .324. In 1954 he led the league with 42 home runs. In 1955 he played with the Los Angeles Angels in the Pacific Coast League and hit .294. The next year was his final season in the minors, as he played with Los Angeles, Tulsa in the Texas League, and Des Moines in the Western League.

As a younger man, Clarkson went to the Caribbean, where he became very well known, particularly in Puerto Rico. Clarkson played in Puerto Rico's winter baseball league until he was in his 40s. It was at the age of 39, in early 1955, that he participated in the Caribbean Series, with the Santurce Crabbers. During the 1940s and 1950s, Clarkson was a resident of Puerto Rico, leading the Crabbers to a number of championships. The Crabbers took five years to win a new national title when the Caribbean Series was first played, in 1950.

With the Crabbers, Clarkson played alongside two young stars in the making: Roberto Clemente and Willie Mays. Clarkson helped the team win the 1955 national title, and become the first team representing Puerto Rico to win a Caribbean Series championship.

After his retirement, Buster Clarkson led a relatively quiet life in Pennsylvania, until his death, on January 18, 1989, in the small town of Jeannette. His remains are buried at the Brush Creek cemetery, in nearby Irwin.

Some of the artifacts he used as a baseball player are on exhibition at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Buster was a right-handed power hitter who played all infield positions. He was a two-time all-star (1940 and 1949) and finished his 14 year black-ball career with a .359 lifetime batting average. Bus made it to professional baseball in 1952 with the Boston Braves where he batted .200 with only 25 at-bats.

Pittsburg Crawfords - 1937-38
Toledo Crawfords- 1939
Indianapolis Crawfords - 1940
Newark Eagles - 1940 and 1942
Mexican League - 1941, 1946-47
Philadelphia Stars - 1942, 1946, 1949-50
Canadian League - 1948
Minor Leagues - 1950-56
Major Leagues - 1952 (Boston Braves)

Pretty much all of western Pa. has heard or read the gripping story about John Challis and his battle with cancer. Back on May 4, Mike White from the Post Gazette here in Pittsburgh, introduced us to John in a way that touched the hearts and minds of many, here and abroad.

I just wanted to relay some links on this story so that those of you who don't know about John can read Mike's article, and reflect on your own blessings in life.

Mike's May 4th article can be seen here. Also on the left of that page you will find photos and videos of John
Some of you may have seen John on VS's coverage of the Pens/Flyers game. That article can be seen here.
And over in the Varsity Blog, I believe Mike himself, was taken back, by the overwhelming response to his article. And you can read about it right here.

If your into following the baseball playoffs, or at least the AA division.

Then you can do so over at MSA Sports Network.com. Tomorrow at 4:00 you can listen to Brownsville & GCC right here

And then again at 6:00 you can listen to the Ford City & Shady Side Academy game right here

front·run·ner n. - A competitor who performs best when in the lead.

Nick claims the 110 and 300 meter hurdles at South Side Beaver yesterday, in convincing time. He ran the 110 hurdles in 14.91, 0.97 secs ahead of the closest competition and then the 300 hurdles in 40.04, 0.81 secs. ahead of the closest competition in that race. The full story from the Trib can be seen here.

High school baseball might be over for the season, but Legion ball is just beginning.

I've added the 2008 Jeannette American Sr. Legion Baseball Schedule on the right, scroll down a little and plan your summer!

Preliminary Round

May 13

Southmoreland (9-9) vs. Valley (8-6) at Mount Pleasant, 4 p.m.
Riverview (9-9) vs. New Brighton (10-9) at Seneca Valley, 2 p.m.
Riverside (12-6) vs. South Fayette (10-5) at Seneca Valley 4 p.m.

First Round

May 15

Seton-LaSalle (17-0) vs. Southmoreland-Valley winner at Burkett Complex, Robinson Township, 5 p.m.
Shady Side Academy (13-6) vs. Ford City (11-5) at Highlands, 6 p.m.
Neshannock (16-4) vs. Bishop Canevin (10-7) at Chippewa Park, 2 p.m.
Greensburg Central Catholic (15-3) vs. Brownsville (12-4) at California University, 4 p.m. Burrell (15-1) vs. Riverview-New Brighton winner at Shaler, 4 p.m.
Center (14-5) vs. Washington (10-5) at Burkett Complex, Robinson Township, 4 p.m.
Beaver (14-4) vs. Riverside-South Fayette winner at Chippewa Park, 4 p.m.
Charleroi (10-4) vs. Mohawk (10-7) at Highlands, 4 p.m.

Now is a good time to cash in on some of those gold necklaces & rings that you have. The price of gold is rising almost as fast as gas prices. But I know why, it is! The gold is needed to produce medals for Nick's upcoming track meets.

Nick is favored to win both races at the WPIAL championships this Tuesday at South Side Beaver and add to his collection of gold medals. And he can even pick up a couple more medals in the 110 and 300 hurdles at the PIAA championships May 23-24 at Shippensburg University.

The full article on Nicks most recent accomplishments, and what lies ahead for him can be viewed right here.

Good luck in both meets, Nick!

I got a few changes to pass on to you, involving the site here. Nothing major!!! Don't run off.

1. First off I've installed a program for you guys to tell me what you'd like to see or hear about on the site. It's called "skribit". If you scroll down on the right you'll see it. It does require that you have an account with them, which is all free. Your suggestions will be posted, and everyone can then vote on the one that they would like to see the most. Doesn't sound too bad, but it does require your involvement. This idea was a suggestion from the site survey we took a while back. Check it out, what do you got to lose? If it doesn't take too well, I'll just remove it from the site.
   
2. I've also deleted the softball and baseball rosters, so if anyone still needs those, just send me over an email.
3. And finally, that fine lookin' little Jayhawk you see in the bottom right hand corner of your computer screen is there for more than just good looks. And let me tell ya, it looks good!! Yeah he actually serves 2 purposes, the first is, the ability to take you back to the top of this page at the speed of a Jayhawk. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and then click on him! And the other reason he's there..., because it's a fine lookin' proud Jayhawk!!
   

Yesterdays game was at the least, one of the best performances of the Hawks this season. They were aware of the situation in front of them, and confronted it head on.

Starting with the top of the 1st inning where Kenny, Jordan, Brett, & Chris were able to get the first look at this GCC pitcher. It didn't take long for the Hawks to apply their learning's of him in a positive way, though. In the top of the 2nd, and Nick's first time facing him, resulted in a base hit, and a stolen base. Which obviously rattled the cage of this mighty man on the mound, cause the next batter, Mike P. would reach first, off a base on balls. Ryan then grounded out over to first, but not before advancing Nick and Mike. This also obviously rattled his cage, because Tom would then reach the bag, on a base on balls also, to load them up for Kenny.

Now this situation of the loaded bases, has come up several times this season for the Hawks. I've seen it explode into several runs and even turn into a grand slam, twice! I've also seen it turn up much of nothing for the Hawks. But to make a long story short, in this situation, it was truly a "slide up to the edge of your seat moment", (and I'm sure I'm not alone on this) to see Kenny step to the plate. You could almost feel that something good was gonna happen, literally!

And something good did happen, Kenny smacked a base hit scoring Nick and Mike to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead. This was the turning moment for GCC's coach, he had to take that ever dreaded walk to the mound, to calm down his "A-#1" pitcher. This didn't bother Jordan any though, he was still able to lay the lumber down, with a solid but unfortunate line drive right to the right fielder to end the inning.

Top of the 4th brought another great chance for the Hawks to add to the scoreboard, and the first of 2 very controversial calls to steal that chance away. Nick (and I apologize if this is incorrect, my notes were a little confusing because of the action) was caught in a rundown between 2nd and 3rd, and was called out when attempting a slide into 3rd. And from the simultaneous reaction from the, oh 30 or 40 fans sitting at 3rd base, I would have to agree that it was the wrong call!

Bottom of the 4th would bring run 1 for the Centurions, but a beautiful throw from Mike on a steal attempt would stop the tying run, dead in it's track. Awesome throw, and great heads up playing Mike!!

The remaining couple innings would prove to be a defensive battle, from both teams, at least until the bottom of the 6th inning when GCC would eventually push the tying run across the plate. But it was at that point also when Jordan would nail another runner trying to make it home to give GCC the lead. This had to be the most perfect executed cutoff throw I've witnessed in some time. There was no hesitation, Jordan knew exactly what had to be done to preserve the tie, and he did just that! Those kind of plays can't be planned, even with a choreographer!

But a small rally in the bottom of the 7th and the last of 2 controversial calls, would give GCC the go ahead run and a final score of 3-2.

So, if this season ending performance from the boys, is just a taste of what's to come next year, then I can only "slide to the edge of my seat" in anticipation, for it to begin all over!

Thanks for the best baseball season ever Hawks!!!

For the second straight year Jeannette graduate Mike Dent has been named a preseason finalist for the Rimington Trophy. The award is given out each season to the top center in all of college football. Mike is a 2004 graduate of Jeannette and he was 2nd team All Big East a year ago, in his first year as a starter for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Entering his senior season, Mike is considered one of the top center prospects for the 2009 NFL Draft.

More on the Rimington Trophy award and the complete list can be found right here. And some great info on how Mike is doing as a Mountaineer can be viewed right here.

If you put your best pitcher and your best batter up against me out on the field, and you kick my ass all over the place because you played better than I did, I would be left with nothing but pure respect for you. That's just a part of sportsmanship. But if you use the same pitcher and batter and get opposite results would you have the same respect for my performance as I had for yours? Think about it, before you answer!

Here's another troubling statement that I am having difficulties with, why is it when a player is called out in a controversial call, do the umps always walk away from the play. And then you here someone later say, "well it was the call that was made and now we just have to live with it"? That has got to be the lamest statement ever! People who use that statement are only using it to help disguise the bad call that was made in the first place, and the umps always walk away to make themselves appear, like they made the right call!

Today's game was won by GCC of a final score of 3-2, but it wasn't the outstanding power playing of either team that won it. Oh no folks, this one was neck in neck right down to the very end. Both teams played very outstanding ball today. No, this one was lost because there was only 1 umpire behind the plate, making all the calls on the field. The other umpire I guess figured he didn't need to show for the game. The Hawks turned a beautiful double play to end the bottom of the 7th inning tied at 2 a piece, but the ump called the runner on first safe. From 90 feet away, at the wrong angle!!

This wasn't the only questionable call, there was a similar one over at 3rd base as well, earlier in the game.

This all leads back to my opening statement, I would rather you win by kicking my ass all over the field because your team was better than mine, than to lose because you incorporated the help of a blind umpire!! I find no respect in the latter!!

Which preference would you have respect for?

Big, Big game today sports fans, it's a do or die situation for the Hawks as they travel to Greensburg to face the Centurions in the final regular season game. First pitch will be tossed at 4:00, see ya there!!

Over to the game now, it can be summed up in one word, stranded! The Lady Hawks left 2 stranded in the bottom of the 1st, 2 more in the 2nd, and even 2 more in the 3rd, but that's not it, they also left 1 stranded in the bottom of the 4th, 2 more in the bottom of the 5th, and another one in the bottom of the 6th for a grand total of 10 stranded runners. So if you were to eliminate the stranded runners, so to speak, our girls would have won 11-10. It all in how you look at it folks, it's all in how you look at it! There's always a positive in everything. So take that bit of info, girls, and apply it to next year.

And if all that was going on today wasn't enough, we even had a birthday to celebrate. Kirstie Cortazzo hit the big 16!

Above is the catch to end the 7th inning giving the Hawks an 8-6 victory, and moving them one step closer to a playoff spot. To show you how important this game was, take note to the little leaguer over on the next field watching "T" make this catch!

The game started off on a bad note, when Brett overthrew first base on a simple 6-3 ground play. That runner would later score Riverview's first run of the game. But Brett would later redeem himself by turning a beautiful DP to get out of that inning. Top of the 2nd would bring yet another run for the Raiders, and then again, even 2 more in the top of the 3rd to take a 4-0 lead.

And just when things were starting to look dismal, Tom was able to start off the bottom of the 3rd with an infield hit, which he turned into a double off a wild throw over to first. Kenny then steps in and cracks one deep for a 2 run homer. Jordan and Brett followed up with basehit's of their own and Jordan would later score off yet another wild throw. Brian walks and Nick gets an infield hit allowing Brett to score the 4th run of the inning. Mikey P. grounds out but was able to add an RBI to his list, scoring Brian from 3rd base. And Ryan added yet another run to the board for the Hawks with a hit and chasing home Nick to give the Hawks a 6-4 lead.

Riverview got one of those runs back in the top of the 4th. But the Hawks were able to add 2 more of their own in the bottom of the 5th off of a double by Nick and some walks, Riverview would bring in their 3rd pitcher, but the damage was already done. The Raiders would put one more run on the board, in the top of the 6th and that would be all they could do. Hawks defense, playing well the entire game, was able to finish off the Raiders in the top of the 7th allowing only 1 hit in 4 batters, by a final score of 8-6.

So you close one door and open another, in the chase for a playoff spot. The Hawks will practice hard tomorrow for the final regular season game on Wednesday at GCC.

The forums are looking better now, I've corrected the image host problem. If you come across an area where there is no image and you think that one should be there, just let me know.

Thanks and sorry!

Attention all Jeannette Jayhawk football nuts!!(that includes me)

Mark your calendars, reschedule those meetings, and get your babysitter lined up now!! Cause on Saturday, October 25th, 2008 at 7:00 PM the rival of all rivals, will take place at Hempfield High School.

That's right, Jeannette and Greensburg Central Catholic will face off at Hempfield High School, this has been rumored for quite a while, but is now official!!

Anyone planning a tailgate: I like my steaks well done!!

In this post here, I ask for a 3rd number to accommodate the 6 & 3 for the lottery tickets. I received an email suggesting that I use 9. So I did. Below are the numbers I played tonight, 639, straight and boxed.

Do you want to know what the numbers were here tonight in the Pa. lottery? Of course you do, they were 699!!!! We were very close Gina!! Very close!!

The Lady Hawks swept West Shamokin in the series, with a 3-0 win today at West Shamokin. This puts the girls at 7-7 in the conference. They'll now enjoy a long weekend off and will host GCC on Tuesday, May 6th. Get up to Altman field and cheer them on, as this will be the last game of the season for them. Highlands game for Wednesday the 7th, cancelled.

You can now purchase your Terrelle Pryor Highlights DVD, with a portion of the proceeds going to the family of Angela Rugh. Scroll down on the right to see full offer!