August 31

Daytime temperatures hit the 90s on Friday just in time for the start of high school football season. I was at McCaskey in the evening as I began my 25th year as the PA voice, the Red Tornado hosted Reading High in the first of three non-league games on the schedule. This is a series with a rich history, over the years JPM and RHS engaged in some memorable contests when Reading was a member of the L-L League. RHS now plays in the Berks County League, this meeting was the first between the teams since 2009. The Red Tornado lost 23-20 in a game that was very sloppy on both sides, you could tell it was the first game of the year as both teams made a lot of mistakes. JPM quarterback Collins Gantz (a member of the '11-12 undefeated JV basketball team) threw three touchdown passes, two to wideout Diante Cherry and one to running back Aaron Swinton. The defensive effort was improved but key penalties at the wrong times contributed to the end result. The boys play their next three games on the road, the next home game is not until September 28. Saw on the Internet where the Lancaster Catholic Crusaders opened their season with a win, for LCHS it's a whole new world as they move up to play in Section I of the L-L for the first time since 1988. The Crusaders only play four home games in 2012, I'll be able to work at Rossmere on September 21 and October 26. It's interesting to note that all of JPM's league opponents at home will be road opponents for LCHS (and vice versa), the two clubs will meet in the season's last week at McCaskey on November 2. Take care, thanks for reading.