This is one of the best (and busiest times) of the year. Aside from the Christmas and holiday shopping (I wait until December 20) and everything else going in December, it’s incredibly exciting to follow the teams in our coverage area of the HS State Football Playoffs (when we can root—at least quietly—for teams). It’s also hectic for everyone involved as the winter sports season is gaining momentum and league play gets underway. I think it’s tremendous that the winter sports coaches are not only patient in having to put their season’s plans on hold while the football teams continue to play, but they genuinely look to cheer on their players on the football field—even if it does put certain teams well behind the eight-ball.
Both Parkland and Pen Arygl were a bit “un-herald” by some media personalities during this season. Our “SportsTalk” preseason poll had those teams #2 and #1 respectively in their respective classes, but both schools received some grief—Parkland started the year 0-2 and Pen Argyl unexplainably was overlooked by some in both pre-season and post-season expectations. Both the Trojans and the Knights lose some special kids, but return a ton of talent and look to be among the top teams once again in 2013. And Central Catholic—once again—was the last team standing from the Lehigh Valley in 2012. John Cupples and his tremendous coaching staff really deserve credit when not much was expected from them by outsides…but certainly not by the list of talented players headed up by Colin McDermott, who will go down as one of the premiere running backs in the area.
One other great note about the fall sports season—a special shoutout to the Parkland volleyball team for getting to the state championship round for the second consecutive year. It was very enjoyable to stop by their practices this fall and interview them for “SportsTalk” and, after winning their first–ever title a year ago, they have now established themselves as one of the premiere programs in Pennsylvania.
Now, with the winter sports season underway, it’s time to turn the page and look ahead to playing/wrestling/swimming indoors. What were your top moments from this past football season and which other teams deserve credit for their work? And don’t forget to share your picks for the top players and coaches during the fall sports season. Email them to RCNSportsTalk@rcn.com or leave a comment on this post and we’ll read and respond to them on our next show.
