Shamokin Area Week 4 Preview Against Selinsgrove

Going into Week 4, the Shamokin Area Indians are winless and face an uphill battle this week against Selinsgrove. It is not that the Seals have a team expected to make a deep run in the playoffs, but the fact that Shamokin hasn't won in Selinsgrove since 2003.

Last season, the Indians gave the Seals all they could handle at Kemp Memorial, but mistakes cost Shamokin the victory.  When they faced off in Week 11 at Harold Bolig Memorial Field, it seemed like the Indians couldn't wait to get the winter sports season started. 

Last week Shamokin couldn't capitalize on an early turnover and were down 21-0 to a good Danville squad with 11:25 left in the 2nd quarter.  From that point on the Indian played great defense and didn't allow an Ironman touchdown until 5 minutes left in the game.  Offensively, Shamokin was able to put together a 14-play drive for a touchdown and had another touchdown called back.

What Shamokin team will show up?  Will it be the one that went toe to toe with one of the better teams in the Heartland or will Selinsgrove's 3-5 defense prove itself again at home against the Indians?

Winners Never Quit

It has been an interesting last 5 weeks for Shamokin Area football.  The Indians were sitting with a 2-6 record going into week 9.  They were to square off against a Shikellamy team who at that time was the number one seed for the playoffs.  Flash forward five weeks.  Not only did Shamokin beat the Braves that night, but they are 4-1 since including two 4th quarter come-from-behind wins in the playoffs. In high school football, one 4th quarter comeback is rare. Completing the task twice in the playoffs in consecutive weeks is a miracle.

Five weeks ago, the only ones left believing that this was possible were the players and coaches left in the lockeroom plugging away week by week.  The town, the fans, the students, teacher and even this writer had given up hope.

The Shamokin Indian football team may not finish the season with a winning record, but for the community, fans, students, teachers and this writer, they have taught us that anything is possible upon this journey if you believe in yourself and stick together.  They have inspired a community.

Good luck Indians!!!!!!

Shamokin to Face Unbeaten Danville

In week 5 of 2009, having a 2-2 record and coming off a 62-6 loss to Selinsgrove, the Danville Ironmen were looking for something to turn that campaign around.  Tied at 10 at the half with Shamokin, Danville scored two second half touchdowns and shut out the Indian's in the second half for a 24-10 win.

Danville would go on to win 5 straight before getting knocked out of the playoffs by Loyalsock in Week 11.  Since the Shamokin game, the Ironmen are 12-1.  They feature a strong running, attack, good passing, and a defense with speed.

How will this one play out?  Shamokin nearly got caught taking a half off, but managed to beat Montoursville for their first road win of the year.  Danville turned in a great performance at home beating longtime rival Southern 28-18.  Will Danville have a letdown?

Jared Montgomery could become the first Shamokin back since Tim Krebs in 2005 to rush for over 1000 yards.  A win by Ironmen will give the outright championship of the HAC-1.  A solid game by Indians could add some confidence heading on the road to Shikellamy and Mount Carmel in the last two weeks of the season.

With Jared Montgomery returning a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown last week.  We were wondering who was the last Indian to do it? Tim Boussan returned the second half kick in 2009 against Warrior Run in Turbotville.  I guess the soggy conditions and mud took most of my memory of that game.