Big Jim Hawbaker

The big game is just 2 weeks away, and no one can predict who will win this alumni football contest.

Port Allegany has been practicing full-pads with 40 players, and Portville is coming together quickly. Both squads are looking good, and there should be some memorable plays and moments in this contest.

We are all hoping and praying for no injuries, good weather, a fine large crowd, and a good gridiron ball-game.

Many players, coaches, and supporters are working hard to make this charity event a smash hit during the Port A Home Days and Reunion Weekend.

The big "Border War" alumni football game between Portville and Port Allegany is less than 2 months away, and the teams are gearing up for a huge event. It will take place during the annual Port A Home Days and Reunion Weekend, so a large crowd is expected.

The Gators have legendary head coach Bob Haskins at the helm, along with 50 of the greatest Port A players from the past 25 years playing against a mighty tight Panther squad from Portville, led by the PCS all-time winningest coach, Gary Swetland.

This will be classic Pennsy vs. New York full-pads gridiron, and the game is being promoted in all the border towns.

I recently acquired the rosters of the alumni football teams from Portville and Port Allegany, and I've been thinking about the players and coaches who are supposed to participate in the game.

Starting with the Gators, I am impressed that they have almost 50 guys on the squad. This shows me that the town is dedicated to this epic event. Everyone is very happy that legendary coach Bob Haskins has decided to take the helm in this huge challenge.

The Port A alumni association has rallied the troups, and QB Willie Bova should make this squad a formidable opponent fo the Panthers. If he can gel with former teammate and RB Cody Anderson, and all the older guys can block the right schemes, watch out Portville.

Since this game is being played at 2 pm in the middle of July, on a Saturday in Port A, give the home field advantage a big nod. Very few of the Panther men have ever played a football game in daylight.

Surprisingly, the Gators' unit has six players each from two monster classes, 1996 and 2001. They also have four dudes from the class of 2006 signed up and 10 players from the 1980s.

Interestingly, the Gator studs average out at 5 feet 11 inches and 215 pounds, led by the Moses, Griggs, Taylor, Hawver, and Saltsman clans.

All-Star FB Derick Morey will be a huge problem for the New York enemies, especially running behind and with Nate Zitnik and C Josh Saltsman. Ouch!

I wish #32 Bobby Nichols, The Train, was going to bowl over the defense. With four TEs in Gordon, Mickle, Gribbs, and Taylor, and WRs Hawver, Tanner, Daniels, and Rohrer, we wonder if a spread offense is not in the makings.

Of course, it ALL comes down to the linemen, and Port A has 12 men ready for these essental positions, both sides of the line.

I don't know who is starting at linebacker for Port A, but they had better be ready for Portville. The linebacker position may be the key to the whole game.

The Panthers are stacked at every position on offense, defense, and special teams...if all the players play, who said they would.