by Dan Resciniti
This author told Speece’s guys that, “the best birthday present ever would be to beat GAR.”  The freshman Warriors played a fantastic game, but came up a little short.  Either way, the Warriors hung into this game against the GAR Grenadiers (their 6W – 1L opponent) on Saturday morning in Wilkes-Barre, and the defense never let the “speedy” GAR offense open-up the game.  I think that this was a very hard-fought loss, but should remain a victory in the hearts of the players, coaches, and fans. 

GAR won the opening toss, and elected to receive the ball.  The initial K Michaels kickoff traveled out of bounds and GAR began the game at their own 35 yard line.  In the first series, GAR attempted to open the passing attack.  A long pass from GAR QB #12 to WR #21 took the Grenadiers to the 35 of Wyoming Area.  Three plays later, the same GAR combination connected near the end-zone on the right side.  The WR #21 took the ball into the end zone for a GAR score.  The PAT was a pitch-play to the right side of the field, and was converted.  Score: WA – 0 and GAR – 8.  Wyoming Area began their first possession at their 31 yard line.  After a big 4th and 2 yards to go conversion by RB Skursky, the Warriors faced a 3rd and 12.  QB Michael Lumley was unable to complete a pass to his TE, and was intercepted by the Grenadiers.  The return took GAR to the WA 42 yard line, and brought an end to the first quarter.  GAR, facing a 2nd and 10 yards to go, hit a “bubble-screen” in the right flat and took the ball to the end-zone.  The 30 yard pass play resulted in a GAR touchdown and PAT rush attempt failed, leaving a 14-point GAR edge.  The Warriors took the ensuing kickoff to the GAR 46 yard line.  Starting with good field position, RB Marty Michaels trudged ahead on first down with a 12 yard run.  However, facing a 3rd down and 16 yards to go, the Warriors were forced to punt and attempt to gain field position.  But, the punt return was brought to the WA 40 by the Grenadiers.  On the second play from scrimmage, the GAR RB fumbled the ball, and was recovered by NT LaFratte at the WA 47 yard line.  The Warriors took over with 1:45 left in the half at the WA 47 yard line.  During the series, a back-side screen pass gave the Warriors a 21 yard gain.  However, trying to move the ball with little time left in the half, another Lumley pass attempt was intercepted and brought back by the Grenadiers to the GAR 41 yard line.  After the tackle, the referee signaled the halftime break, with the score: Wyoming Area – 0 and GAR – 14.

The Warriors received the second half kickoff, and took the ball to their 41 yard line.  On first and 10 on the GAR 25 yard line, the Wyoming Area RB was unable to handle the ball and fumbled.  GAR recovered at their 25 yard line, and began their first offensive possession of the second half.  The Warrior defense came out huge and the entire defense played a part in issuing a big “three and out.”  The punt was returned by KR Michaels to the 50 yard line.  The Warriors were able to bring the ball down to the GAR 28 yard line, with 1 minute remaining in the 3rd quarter.  Facing a 3rd down and 20 yards to go, the Warriors entered the fourth quarter of this contest.  After a good 7 yard Skursky rush, the Warriors were looking at 4th and 13 yards to go.  Behind great pass protection from his O-line, Lumley connected with TE J. Seabridge on a TE-pass, and he took the ball to the GAR 12 yard line.  On 3rd down from the 6 yard line, O-linemen Resciniti, Vincent, LaFratte, and Seabridge got off the ball and gave RB Skursky an alley to the end-zone.  A facemask penalty was called against GAR, and Coach Speece elected to have the penalty assessed on the kickoff.  The PAT was converted by RB Michaels as he blasted into the end-zone behind his Right Offensive Guard.  Score: WA – 8 and GAR – 14.  GAR took the ensuing kickoff to their 32 yard line and tried to offset the Warrior touchdown, but the WA defense would not be denied.  On first down, DT Resciniti “batted-away” a GAR QB pass attempt.  On 2nd down and 10 yards to go, the GAR WR #21 was able to beat the outside containment of the Warriors on the wide-side of the field and took the ball to the WA 48 yard line.  A GAR holding call, on the next play, put the Grenadiers at 1st and 20 yards to go at the GAR 40 yard line.  That gave the Warriors defense the edge that they needed.  DT D. Vincent “swam” through the GAR offensive line, and corralled the GAR QB.  The unassisted Vincent sack was good for a 7 yard loss.  Not to be outdone, LaFratte wanted a piece of the action.  On 2nd down and 27 yards to go, a screen was “snuffed-out” by DT Vincent and NT LaFratte.  The play was good for a 4 yard GAR gain, but left the Grenadiers with 3rd and 23 yards to go.  A well-covered pass attempt in DB Lumley’s direction fell incomplete and facing a 4th and 23 yards to go, the Grenadiers decide to punt.  Seeing that the entire D-line got a piece of the action, DE J. Seabridge finished the job for the Warriors.  Seabridge got the right corner and laid-out for the punt attempt.  Getting “all-ball,” the blocked punt was recovered by LaFratte at the GAR 33 yard line.  This was the break that the Warriors needed, but they were unable to capitalize.  After 3 rushes for small gain, the Warriors faced 4th and 2 yards to go at the GAR 25 yard line.  Speece called Skursky’s number, but his O-line was having trouble with gap-run-blitz calls made by GAR.  The Grenadiers were able to bring Skursky down, after a gain of 1 yard, and took over at their 24 yard line.  On the first play from scrimmage, LB Skursky and DT Vincent were able to combine for a sack of the GAR QB.  On second down, the WA DB could not keep up with GAR WR #21 and he” hauled-in” a pass that he took to the WA 25 yard line.  The WA defense stiffened, and tried to give their offense a second chance to tie this game.  After two delay-of-game penalties, the Grenadiers turned the ball over on downs at the 7 yard line, with 44 seconds left in the game.  Warrior pass-attempts to move up-field were unsuccessful and after three plays from scrimmage, and the referee signaled the end of the game.  Final Score: Wyoming Area – 8 and GAR – 0.

This game had the over-tone of a conference championship game, and “our” boys matched-up well against the Grenadiers.  The loss brought the overall record of the freshman team to five (5) wins and three (3) losses.  Come join us this Saturday morning, as our freshman Warriors will travel to Northwest Area in Huntington Mills (just outside of Shickshinny) to battle the Rangers.
WE ARE … W A !!!

by Dan Resciniti

The Wyoming Area Freshman Football Team (WA) continued their season on Saturday morning against the Nanticoke Trojans (NA) at the Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Stadium in West Pittston.  The Warriors showed excellent team work ethic, as they were able to edge the Trojans by the score of 30 – 14.  The victory brought the freshman team record to 3W – 2L, and showed continued improvement on both sides of the ball.  In particular, DE #99 Jeremy Seabridge had a breakout game on defense.

Nanticoke won the opening toss and elected to receive the ball.  They started their first offensive possession at their 37 yard line.  On the second play from scrimmage, DB Farrod Condry was able to recover a fumble; giving the Warriors a huge early edge with great field position.  On 2nd down and 2 yards to go, RB Jeff Skursky was able to “get the corner” off a left side pitch and ease into the end-zone.  The run was good for a 12 yard touchdown rush.  The PAT was also converted by Skursky on a dive play up-the-middle, leaving the score WA – 8 and NA – 0.  After the ensuing kickoff, Nanticoke began at their 41 yard line.  On 3rd and 4 yards to go, Seabridge issued his first tackle for loss of 8 yards by bringing the NA RB down for an 8 yard loss; forcing a punt.  After the “3 and out”, the Warriors started at their 35 yard line.  After a couple of big runs by WA RB Michaels to the 41 yard line, the Warriors were unable to convert and turned the ball over on downs.  During the next defensive series, with NA starting at their 41 yard line, Jeremy Seabridge again made his presence known.  He again issued another 5 yard tackle-for-loss, and placed the Trojans into a punting situation.  The punt snap was not a good long-snap and was mishandled by the punter.  Wyoming Area recovered the loose ball at the NA 18 yard line, and put them into great position to make this a two possession game.  However, on the second play from scrimmage RB Quinnan was unable to maintain control of a hand-off and fumbled; where NA recovered the ball at their 12 yard line.  Unable to get their offense going, the Trojans again faced a big 4th down.  Deep in their territory and needing to punt, the NA long-snapper made an excellent snap to get the ball to the punter.  The kick, however, hit one of the NA backfield blockers in the back and was recovered by the Warriors at the NA 8 yard line.  On the first play from scrimmage, and behind his huge O-line, Skursky found the end-zone.  His second touchdown of the game was good for an 8 yd score.  The PAT was converted by Skursky off the right side, leaving a 16 point edge for the Warriors.  The Warrior kickoff was received by NA RB #40 and was taken down the Trojan side of the field to the Wyoming Area 6 yard line, giving the Trojans some signs of life before the halftime break.  After a Warrior penalty during the return, the Trojans had 1st and goal-to-go from the WA 3 yard line.  On the second play of this short drive, #40 was able to squeak into the end-zone for a 2 yard Nanticoke touchdown.  The PAT failed, leaving the score:  Wyoming Area – 16 and Nanticoke Area – 6.  With seconds prior to the end-of-the-half, KR Lumley received the kickoff and was able to get the ball to the NA 35 yard line; bringing an end to the first half of play.  The score:  Wyoming Area – 16 and Nanticoke Area – 6.

The second half opened with an on-side kick attempt by the Trojans.  The ball was recovered and pulled down by STL #74 Elijah LaFratte at the 50 yard line.  After converting one first down on this drive, RB Marty Michaels found a huge running lane that was opened by his interior O-linemen.  Once he got to the “second-level” Michaels cruised for a 34 yard touchdown run.  The PAT failed, leaving the Warriors up 16 points early in the third quarter.  The ensuing kickoff was taken by the Trojans to their 45 yard line.  Facing a 4th and 30 yards to go, a punt was received by Skursky and taken to the NA 27 yard line.  Facing a 3rd and 3 yards to go and knowing a score would probably “ice” this game, the Warriors offense stepped-up.  After a lead-pull-block by RG Resciniti and an excellent lead-block by RB Michaels, RB Skursky easily pulled down another 11 yards; giving the Warriors 1st and 10 at the NA 12 yard line.  Trying to “even the Warrior RB touchdown race,” Michaels would not be denied in the “red-zone.”  #23 blasted into the end-zone off the right side, good for a Warrior 7 yard touchdown run.  On the PAT, QB Michael Lumley took a rollout to the right side and saw “nothing but green grass.”  After the PAT conversion, the score is: Wyoming Area – 30 and Nanticoke Area – 6.  This score gave the Warriors the breathing room that they needed, but the defense would not relax.  After the kickoff, NA took over at their 27 yard line.  DL T. Resciniti and DL D. Vincent combined for a sack of the NA QB, and a gross loss of yardage.  NT P. Sidari would not be left out of the picture, and issued a tackle-for-loss on the next play.  After a short dive play on 3rd down, the Trojans faced another 4th and 30 and the end of the third quarter.  Facing 4th and 30 at their 8 yard line, the Trojans punted.  The Warriors took over at the NA 37.  Having a comfortable lead, the Warriors were able to play some of their younger Warriors.  After “3 and out,” the Warriors punted, and NA took over at their 26 yard line.  During this offensive drive, #99 DE J. Seabridge again became noticed, issuing an unassisted sack of the NA QB.  The younger Warrior players did their best to stop the Nanticoke offensive effort, but were unsuccessful.  On 1st and goal from the 5 yard line, NA RB #5 made it into the end-zone good for a Nanticoke score.  The PAT was converted by NA #7, as he took an option play off the right side.  The resulting score:  Wyoming Area – 30 and Nanticoke Area – 14.  Coach Eric Speece knew that the Warriors had to “kill the clock,” and that is exactly what they did.  A huge second down run was the key.  After a huge block by RT Joe Campbell, RB J. Quinnan rattled off a 25 yard gainer to the Nanticoke 26 yard line.  On first down and under two minutes to play, the Warriors lined-up in “victory formation” and took two “knees” to end the game.  The final score in this contest was:  Wyoming Area – 30 and Nanticoke Area – 14.
This was a fantastic win for the Warrior freshmen, and it was great to see some of the teams’ youth get a chance to get some good game experience.  Come join Warrior Nation this Saturday morning, as Wyoming Area will travel to Wilkes Barre Memorial Stadium and face the Meyers Mohawks at 9:30 a.m. 
WE ARE …. W A!!!  

by Dan Resciniti

The Wyoming Area Freshman Football team (1W – 2L) evened their season record to 2 – 2 on Monday afternoon against the Hanover Area Hawkeyes (3W – 0L) at the Hanover Area Football Stadium off of St. Mary’s Road in Lee Park, Hanover Twp.  “When you play like animals, you get animal crackers!” and that is exactly what the Warriors did.  At the rain soaked venue, the Warriors unleashed a ground attack behind their offensive and defensive lines that was un-halted and un-wavering.  Their somewhat mistake free play (2 false starts) and ability to get off the ball secured the Warrior victory.  In the wet conditions, this battle was won “in the trenches” and, in particular, we are going to recognize our starting linemen: C E. LaFratte, RG/DT T. Resciniti, LG/DT D. Vincent, RT/NT M. Dimick, LT/DE N. Shedlock, and DE J. Seabridge.  Also, to be mentioned in key plays are: DE R. Stepanski, DT J. Campbell, and DT S. Hughes.  The freshman horses came to work today, and post-game Coach Eric Speece said, “It’s about time we finish a game with a drive like that!”  The posted final score was: Wyoming Area – 20 and Hanover Area – 8
Hanover wins the opening toss, and defers the ball until the second half.  The opening kickoff and first play were crucial.  KR #35 Skursky took the ball at the WA 37 yard line and returned the kick to the HA 48 yard line.  On the first play from scrimmage, the Warrior linemen “owned” their opponents.  After opening a “2-hole” running lane that you could drive a Mack truck through, RB Skursky coasted to a 48 yard Warrior touchdown.  The PAT was converted after a rollout pass from QB Lumley was brought down in the end-zone by TE #99 J. Seabridge.  Score: WA – 8 and HA – 0.  Hanover Area was unsuccessful on their first offensive series.  Starting at their own 30 yard line and after a huge tackle, for no gain, on 3rd and 10 from NT Dimick, the Hawkeyes were forced to punt.  Wyoming Area took over at their 12 yard line.  Behind his O-line, RB Marty Michaels was able to “rack-up” over 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns (1 rushing and 1 special team) in this contest.  On their second offensive possession, Michaels had 2 “huge” third down runs; allowing the Warriors to convert a “fresh set of downs” and the end of the first quarter of play.  Wyoming Area started the second quarter at the Hanover Area 20 yard line and later facing a 4th and 8 yards-to-go, elected to utilize a timeout.  The next rollout play showed good coverage by the Hawkeyes, and they were able to bring down QB Lumley for a sack and a turnover-on-downs.  The Hawkeyes took over at their 15 yard line. But, on the second play from scrimmage, were unable to maintain possession as a wet fumble exchange was recovered by the Warriors.  The Warriors, however, faced similar problems with the conditions after taking over in the HA red-zone.  Facing a 4th and 18, the wet snap was fumbled, and the result was a turnover-on-downs.  Hanover Area took possession at their 19 yard line, and on the first play from scrimmage, HA RB #34 was able to squeak through the Warrior defense for an 81 yard TD score.  The PAT was converted on a rollout pass to the right, leaving the score: Wyoming Area – 8 and Hanover Area – 8.  The ensuing kickoff was an on-side attempt by the Hawkeyes, and was recovered by STL #5 R. Stepanski; setting up the Warriors with excellent field position (HA 45-yl) prior to the halftime break.  The Warriors were able to march down to the HA 10 yard line, where they faced 1st and goal-to-go.  On 4th and goal from the 5 yard line, there seemed to be some confusion on the formation.  With only 25 seconds left in the half, the Warriors were stopped for no gain and turned the ball over on downs; with little to no time left.  The Hawkeyes were content with an 8 – 8 contest, and “took a knee” to end the half.
The Hawkeyes elected to receive the ball, in the second half, after winning the opening kickoff and began their first second half offensive possession at their 33 yard line.  The Warrior defense came out of the gate “huge” and placed the Hawkeyes into a 4th down and 12 yards-to-go.  After the punt, the Warriors took over at the 50 yard line, and also faced a “3 and out” after only gaining 5 yards.  Long-snapper T. Resciniti put an excellent snap into the hands of K J. Skursky, who made and excellent kick to the 12 yard line.  The punt was “muffed” by the Hanover KR and rolled into the end-zone.  Hustling to the “live-ball,” #23 Marty Michaels recovered the ball in the end-zone, which was good for a Warrior touchdown.  The PAT was converted by Skursky.  However, was called back on a holding penalty.  The 12-yard conversion try, in the pouring rain, proved difficult as a Lumley pass to WR B. Clark fell incomplete.  Score: Wyoming Area – 14 and Hanover Area – 8.  The Hawkeyes began their next possession at the 50 yard line.  After little, to no, gain HA faced a 3rd and 10 yards-to-go.  A pass attempt from the HA QB was “batted-away” by DE Seabridge, putting the Hawkeyes in 4th and long.  The ensuing punt was fair-caught by Michaels at the WA 12 yard line.  The Warriors, looking at 3rd and 5, got a huge 12-yard run from Michaels; which helped to continue to “chew-up-the-clock.”  After this run, the third quarter ended.  Looking to convert another crucial 3rd down, a Lumley drop-back was unprotected on his blind-side.  The resulting sack and forced-fumble put the Hawkeyes into position for a “go-ahead” score, with the recovered at the WA 15 yard line.  The Warrior defense stiffened and with big-stops by DT J. Campbell, other D-linemen, and linebackers.  On second and goal, from the 5 yard line, the HA RB became victim of a forced fumble; which was recovered by LB Skursky on the WA 9 yard line.  Skursky wasn’t done yet, as he took position in the Wyoming Area offensive back-field.   On first down, Skursky gave the Warriors some breathing room and plowed ahead to the 25 yard line.  The Warriors “dynamic-duo” (Skursky and Michaels) went back to work behind their O-line.  With four (4) minutes remaining in the game, the big “between the tackles” gains just about “iced-it” for the Warriors.  Facing 3rd and 7, Hanover used a time-out; trying to stop the Warrior momentum.  The Warriors, however, would not be denied.  RB Skursky is back-in and rattles off a 10 yard gainer, which gave the Warriors a much needed first down.  Wyoming Area continued to plow through the red-zone, and finally arrived at the HA 2 yard line.  A Hanover timeout gave Coach Speece a chance to challenge his boys to finish this contest.  RB Marty Michaels bladed into the end-zone, behind C E. LaFratte and RG T. Resciniti, from the 2 yard line.  The PAT failed, leaving the score: Wyoming Area – 20 and Hanover Area – 8.  An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against HA’s #34 was enforced on the kickoff.  Deep in their territory and with the score and time remaining working against them, Hanover was able to get two plays off prior to the expiration of this contest.  The Final Score:  Wyoming Area – 20 and Hanover Area – 8.
Come and join us at “The Jake,” this Saturday morning, October 2nd at 9:30 a.m. and cheer our boys to victory.  It really looks like the freshmen are starting to get their stuff together, and they should be a formidable opponent for the Nanticoke Trojans.  “All In” for Warrior Nation, and we will see you there! WE ARE … W A!    

by Dan Resciniti

The Wyoming Area Freshman Football team continued their 2010 campaign against the Lake Lehman Black Knights at the Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Stadium in West Pittston on Saturday morning (9/28/2010). The woes for the young Warriors continued, as they were somewhat “hamstringed” by injury from the previous week.  The posted final score was: Lake Lehman – 22 and Wyoming Area – 6.

The Knights won the opening toss and elected to defer reception until the second-half.  The Warriors start the game from their own 32 yard line.  After some excellent rushing by RB Jeff Skursky, including one that he “ripped-off” for 42 yards, and excellent blocking from his offensive linemen, the Warriors faced a 4th and goal from the 1 yard line.  RB Skursky tore into the end-zone off the right side, good for a 1-yd touchdown run.  The attempt for PAT was converted to WR Musto, however the play was penalized for holding and brought back to the 12 yard line.  From the LL 12 yard line, QB Kyle Borton attempted to connect with WR Condry, but the WR was brought down short of the goal-line.  Score: Wyoming Area – 6 and Lake Lehman – 0.  The Knights began their first possession on their own 31 yard line.  The Warrior defense “stepped-up” and issued a “3 and out,” after which the Knights elected to punt; ending the first quarter.  The Warriors started the second quarter at their 47 yard line and after 2 “hard” runs, Skursky was unable to maintain control of the ball and the Knights recovered.  Lake Lehman was able to march the ball to the WA 3 yard line, where the LL RB was able to reach the end-zone.  The PAT was not converted, as DB Bryant Clark was able to contain the Knights run-off-the-right-corner and bring their RB down; issuing a tackle-for-loss.  Score: Wyoming Area – 6 and LL – 6.  After the ensuing kickoff, the Warriors started at their own 39 yard line.  After LL issued their first “3 and out,” the Warriors were forced to punt.  After a bad punt traveled off of the Knights sideline at the WA 37, the Knights took over with good field position.  The Warrior defense issued their second “3 and out,” forcing the Black Knights to punt.  The punt traveled into the north end-zone good for a Warrior touchback, and a starting field position at their own 20 yard line.  On 2nd down, with time running out before the half, the Warriors used a timeout.  After the timeout, QB Borton’s pass was intercepted by the LL #5 DB.  Facing 1st and goal from the 2 yard line, the Warriors needed a goal-line-stand to take a 6 – 6 tie ball-game to the locker room.  They almost succeeded.  After two, “QB-sneak” attempts up the middle were snuffed by the WA D-line and Linebackers.  On 3rd and goal, DL #64 David Vincent “plugged-the-1-hole” and crashed the LL QB to the ground short of the goal line.  On 4th and goal, a left-side pitch found the end-zone for Lake Lehman.  The PAT try was converted as Lehman’s QB connected on a short-yardage-slant to the right-side to WR #82.  The clock expired on the first half, with the score: Lake Lehman – 14 and Wyoming Area – 6.

The Warriors opened the second half off their kickoff squad.  The opening kick was fumbled by the Knights and recovered by the Warriors, who took over at the LL 45 yard line.  After a false start on 1st down, RB Skursky blasted a 30-yard rushing effort to the LL 20 yard line.  After a few unsuccessful attempts to gain additional positive yardage in the red-zone, the Warriors were up against a 4th and 5 and were unable to convert for a “fresh-set of downs.”  The T-o-D left the Black Knights taking over deep in their own territory.  Two great defensive plays, one being an unassisted sack of the LL QB by DE Richard Stepanski , put the Knights in a 4th and 25 situation at the WA 45 yard line.  The Knights pinned the Warriors at their own 10 yard line.  During the course of this drive, Wyoming Area faced a 4 th and 15 yards-to-go deep in their territory.  The Warriors punt, to gain field position, but were unable to bring down Lehman’s KR #89; who finally stopped at the WA 17 yard line and brought the end of the third quarter.  The Knights start and are looking at a 2nd down and 6 at the WA 13 yard line.  The Warrior defense, again, “steps-up” and forces a Turnover-on-downs at the WA 9 yard line.  Coach Speece knew that he had to keep the productive ground-game “running-on-all-cylinders,” and elected to have his RB pound-out power runs.  After his 3rd rushing attempt, which brought the Warriors to their own 45 yard line, an unsportsmanlike conduct for a “late-hit-out-of-bounds” was charged to the Knights; which caused injury to the Wyoming Area starting running back.  With their “backs-against-the-wall,” the Warriors were forced to punt.  Taking over at the 37 yard line, the Knight RB took a 63 yard rushing attempt to the end-zone; good for a LL score. 

During the play, another personal foul was committed by the same player that was just warned for unsportsmanlike conduct on the previous Wyoming Area drive and that player was ejected from the game.  The penalty was enforced on the PAT.  The conversion try was good, however, as the LL QB was able to cross the goal-line on a right-side rollout; leaving the score: Lake Lehman – 22 and Wyoming Area – 6.  After the ensuing kickoff, with time running out in the 4th quarter, the Warriors took over at their own 23 yard line.  QB Michael Lumley was called upon to start the second –half of this contest and, after a few offensive series, seemed more comfortable in the Wyoming Area offense; after his return from injury.  With under two-minutes to go in the ball-game, Wyoming Area was looking at a 4th and 7 yards to go to continue their drive.  An intended pass from Lumley was intercepted by LL DB #89, who was brought down at the WA 22 yard line; where the Knights took over.  After two rushing attempts and no real reason to stop the clock, the Knights were able to end the contest.  The posted final score was: Lake Lehman – 22 and Wyoming Area – 6.

The young Warriors have a 1 – 2 record early in the season, and will be looking to rebound to .500 in Hanover Area on Monday afternoon.  Come on out, cheer our boys to victory, and show everybody what Warrior Nation is all about.  The Monday contest will be held behind the Hanover Middle School off of St. Mary’s Rd., in Lee Park at 4 p.m.  See you there!  We Are…. W A!  

The Wyoming Area Freshman Football team continued their season on Saturday morning at Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Stadium in West Pittston against the West Scranton Invaders (WS).  In their second game of the season, the young Warriors seemed to be unable to overcome a few mental errors; which ultimately cost them a chance at victory.  The posted final score was West Scranton – 20 and Wyoming Area – 6. 

The Invaders won the opening coin toss and chose to defer receiving the ball until the second half.  The deep opening kickoff was received by Wyoming Area at the 1 yard line and taken to the 20.  A couple of key rushes by FB Marty Michaels and RB Jeff Skursky allowed the Warriors to get into the “red-zone.”  Facing a 4th down and 6 yards to go at the 18 yard-line, a pass from QB Lumley intended for WR Evan Musto was interfered with by the Invaders, giving the Warriors in a 1st and goal-to-go situation.  On the second play from scrimmage, after the penalty, RB Skursky was able to plow into the end-zone for 4- yard touchdown run.  The PAT failed, as Lumley was brought to the ground short of the line-of-scrimmage.  The Warriors executed excellent ball control and text-book blocking on the first drive, “chewing up the clock” leaving under 1 minute remaining in the first quarter.  The ensuing kickoff was received by the Invaders and taken to the WS 45-yardline; ending the first quarter.  On 1st and 10 at the WA 20-yardline, WS elected to use a timeout.  After which, the Invaders QB attempt to the end-zone was intercepted by DB Farrod Condry at the WA 1-yardline.  Starting on their own 1-yardline, the Warriors were unable to convert on 3rd down and 8 yards to go.  Facing a 4th and 1, deep in their territory, Coach Speece had his Warriors punt from formation.  The Invaders fielded the kick and took possession at the WA 40-yardline.  On 3rd down and 12 yards-to-go, DB Condry was able to corral the WS RB on a tackle-for-loss of 8 yards.  Facing a 4th and 20, just outside of the WA “red-zone,” the Invaders tied the score off a “corner”-route touchdown pass to the end-zone.  The PAT attempt failed, leaving the score WA – 6 and WS – 6.  The next kickoff was an attempted on-side kick, which was fielded by a “front-linemen.”  The Warriors were unable to maintain possession of the ball, and the kick was recovered by the Invaders at the WA 48-yardline.  The Invaders were able to work their way to the WA 16-yardline, just prior to the halftime break.  The West Scranton QB threw a “fade-pass” off his “3-step drop” and connected with his WR, good for a WS touchdown.  The PAT attempt failed, after two “dead-ball” false starts left the invaders with a 12 yard conversion try.  The halftime break score was Wyoming Area – 6 and West Scranton – 12.

The 3rd quarter started with a kickoff out-of-bounds.  After which, the Invaders elected to have the ball re-kicked.  West Scranton took possession at their own 26-yardline.  After moving the ball to the WA 38-yardline, the Invaders faced a 4th down and 8 yards-to-go.  The “shotgun-snap” traveled over the WS QB’s head for about 10 yards.  He was able to retrieve the ball, beat the Warrior “contain” effort on the left side, and cruise for a 38-yard touchdown run.  The PAT was converted on a right-side run, leaving the score WS – 20 and WA – 6.  The ensuing Invader kickoff traveled out-of-bounds and the Warriors took over at their own 35-yardline.  Prior to the half, QB Michael Lumley suffered injury which removed him from competitive play.  Hence, Warrior QB Kyle Borton was called upon to manufacture a “come-from-behind” victory.  The 3rd quarter expired after the first play from scrimmage, on this drive.  Facing 4th down and 6 yards-to-go on their own 47-yardline, the Warriors were forced to punt.  The Invaders took possession at their own 20-yardline.  The Invaders on an unsuccessful drive were also forced to punt on this drive.  This, however, was not until after they managed to expire over 3 minutes off of the game-clock.  The Warriors retained possession with exactly 4 minutes to play.  Wyoming Area made every attempt to confuse the West Scranton defense and gain a scoring opportunity, to no avail.  QB Borton and his O-line were unable to avoid the “left-side” blitz package of West Scranton’s OLB on 3rd and 4th down.  The Warriors turnover-on-downs gave the Invaders a chance to secure a victory, by “taking-a-knee” on 1st and 2nd down.  The final score was:  West Scranton – 20 and Wyoming Area – 6.

Facing a team, that in recent years, had been a scrimmage opponent proved difficult for the Warriors.  An even tougher test may be their next opponent, Lake Lehman.  Come join us at “The Jake” next Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. and help “Warrior Nation” cheer our Freshman Team to victory!! WE ARE… W A!!!     

The Wyoming Area Freshman Football Team opened their 2010 campaign, at Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Stadium on Saturday morning in West Pittston, by edging the Western Wayne Wildcats in a victory.  The Final Score was Wyoming Area Warriors 22 and the Western Wayne (WW) Wildcats 14.  In pursuit of an opening game win, the Wyoming Area “ground attack” seemed unstoppable.

The Warriors won the toss, and elected to defer until the second-half.  Marty Michaels, who handled the Warriors kicking duties, sent the opening kickoff into the end-zone for a touchback.  Western Wayne started their first offensive possession at their 20-yardline.  During this possession the Wildcats faced a 4th and 5, on the 5th play of the drive.  Electing to “go-for-it,” the Warrior defense stiffened.  LB James Quinnan was able to corral the WW quarterback for an unassisted sack, and a turnover-on-downs.  The first possession for the Warriors did not fare much better.  A fumble on 2nd down, cost the Warriors possession.  WW took over at their own 48-yardline.  After a couple of tackles for loss and a penalty, te Wildcats were looking-at a 4th and 20, from their own 38 yard line.  Deciding to punt, Wyoming Area took their 2nd offensive possession at the WW 38-yardline.  After a WW encroachment penalty on their defense, WA RB Jeff Skursky cruised off the left side for a 33-yard score and the games’ first touchdown.  The PAT attempt for extra-point failed, leaving the score WA – 6 and WW – 0; ending the first quarter.  After the ensuing kickoff, the WW offense started their 3rd possession at their 30-yardline.  After two tackles-for-loss, by LB Skursky, the WW offense faced a 4th and 14.  A “fake-punt” attempt was snuffed out by the Warrior defense, who issued another turnover-on-downs.  After taking over at their own 45-yardline, the Warriors faced more offensive ball-control issues on their 3rd offensive possession.  On the second play of the drive, the ball was again fumbled and lost by the Warriors.  Taking over on their own 45-yardline, the Wildcats seemed unable to get their offense ignited, facing another 4th and 20 in Warriors territory.  The latter 4th offensive possession for the Warriors was stalled by another turnover.  After taking over at their own 35, and grinding the ball to the 50-yardline, QB Michael Lumley fumbled on a rollout and Wildcats #77 scooped the loose ball.  The DL carried the ball into the end-zone for a WW score, after which #26 converted the PAT 2-point try; leaving the score WW – 8 and WA – 6.  Western Wayne’s kickoff traveled out-of-bounds and just prior to the halftime break, the Warriors began their 5th offensive possession at their 40-yardline.  In an attempt to “take the lead into the locker room” at halftime, a Lumley pass was intercepted by WW #26.  The referees signaled the end of the 1st half, leaving the score Western Wayne – 8 and Wyoming Area – 6.

After receiving the kickoff to begin the second half, the Warriors assumed possession at their 43-yardline.  On the second play from scrimmage, a mishandled snap was recovered by the Wildcats.  Sensing “urgency and a will to win,” the Warrior defense stepped-up.  On the second play from scrimmage,  DT Tyler Resciniti “bull-rushed” into the backfield roping the WW quarterback for an unassisted sack; where the ball “came-loose” and was recovered by DE Peter Sidari.  The ensuing drive was “short and sweet.” On the second play from scrimmage, and under excellent blocking from the O-Line, Skursky blasted off the left-side for a 41-yard touchdown score.  The PAT 2-point conversion was converted as QB Lumley rolled-out to find a wide-open WR Evan Musto in the back corner of the end-zone.  The resulting 8 points made the score: Wyoming Area – 14 and Western Wayne – 8.  The Wildcats were able to answer on their next possession, as WW RB #26 took a 30 yard run into the Warrior end-zone.  The PAT attempt failed on a “bad-snap,” leaving the teams tied at 14 points apiece.  With Coach Eric Speece calling plays and all of the Wyoming Area coaches urging the Warriors to “drive-hard,” the offense and defense took control of this game in the 4th quarter.  On the next possession, the Warriors began at their own 37-yardline.  With FB Marty Michaels as his lead-blocker, RB Skursky galloped 44 yards to the WW 21-yardline.  Two plays later, the O-line and his lead-blocker were able to spring Skursky.  OT David Vincent anchored the left-side, while OG Resciniti made a fantastic “pull-block”.  Out-in-front, FB Michaels squared-away the Wildcats Safety with a huge downfield block, and sprung RB Skursky to the end-zone and an 18-yard touchdown score.  The resulting PAT was converted, after an encroachment penalty, by RB Skursky on a “dive-play.”  After these conversions and under four minutes to play, the resulting score was Wyoming Area – 22 and Western Wayne – 14.  The Wildcats took their next possession at their own 25-yardline, but the Warrior defense would not be denied.  On 3rd and 14, DE Jeremy Seabridge issued a huge 5 yard tackle-for-loss in the WW backfield.  The resulting 4th and 20 yards to go, put the Wildcats’ “backs-against-the-wall.”  On the next play, DE Peter Sidari blew into the WW backfield, and issued an unassisted sack at the WW 10-yardline.  The result gave the Warriors a 1st down and goal-to-go from the 10-yardline.  The attempt to preserve time-on-the-clock was unsuccessful for the Wildcats.  After three plays from scrimmage, the umpire signaled the end of the game.  Final Score: Wyoming Area – 22 and Western Wayne – 14.

The Wyoming Area Freshman Football Team and their Varsity counterparts are off to a fantastic start for the 2010 football season.  Please come out and cheer for kids, and show the world what “Warrior Nation” is about!  We Are… W A!