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The PCS Class of 1979 and Portville Football asked me to write something for their website, so I figured I'd just talk
about my latest thoughts on the Allegheny River, the Twin Tier Region, and football, of course.
I'm already thinking about the big Portville at Allegany alumni football game in 2007. In varsity play 2006, the
Gators whipped the Panthers 28-0, reviving one of the oldest rivalries in Western New York, which skipped a beat in 2005.
The teams had been playing each other since 1930.
NFL POWER RANKINGS
by Big Jim Hawbaker
After 12 weeks of play, I do predict that Chicago and New England will play in the Super Bowl, if Tom Brady is healthy and Coach Bill is allowed to wear what
he wants. Dallas vs. San Diego is another possibility.
I'm rootin for the Bills and Jets, but the only other
teams with a shot are Indy, Baltimore, and Seattle. Trust me.
Ha.
Ironically, at one time, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington, and the Giants used to dominate the NFL.
After 20 weeks of play, Big Jim got only one
of the Super Bowl teams correct.
1-31-07 Prediction by James T. Hawbaker:
Bears 38 Colts 27
Even though Big Jim would like to see the Colts win 31-30 in a thriller
as Manning drives for the victory with seconds to go, realistically and seriously, without the emotions, Jim's going
with the sound principle - "Defense wins championships".
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The PCS alumni games have been attracting over a thousand fans, which is alot in these days. But, I remember
back in the 70's, when there would be 4-5,000 packing big, local contests.
There are many reasons why football crowds are smaller in the new millenium, yet it's great seeing the old and new football
communities of these two towns coming together for this alumni fund-raiser. It makes me feel a sense of pride, tradition,
and history...history of the area. Come to think of it, football was invented nearby...during the heyday of the region.
Let me explain below.
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Football was invented just after the Civil War, and Pennsylvania soon became the epicenter of the new sport,
followed by Ohio, then beyond.
Not coincidently, the entire region was in the beginning of incredible prosperity. Stretching from
Chicago to New York City, the Great Lakes-Mid-Atlantic Industrial region was quickly becoming the most advanced society in
the world. Between 1850 and 1950, it was the most productive and prosperous region that human history had ever seen.
And the Twin Teirs was smack dab in the middle of all the action. Portville and Allegany.
(to be contiued...Big Jim had to go buck hunting)
NFL POWER RANKINGS
by Big Jim Hawbaker
After 12 weeks of play, I do predict that Chicago and New England will play in
the Super Bowl, if Tom Brady is healthy and Coach Bill is allowed to wear what he wants. Dallas vs. San Diego is another
possibility.
I'm rootin for the Bills and Jets, but the only other teams with a shot are Indy,
Baltimore, and Seattle. Trust me.
Ha.
Over the years, a few
folks have asked me, "Big Jim, I realize your love amd knowledge of football is the best I've known. You've worked at
all levels of the sport, including college and the pros. And, you could be making the big bucks as a consultant, coach,
announcer, odds-maker...why do you concentrate on high school football?
I reply with this statement:
I love the pro game. I've been
following it since the 1960's. I love ESPN and all the hoopla that goes with the NFL. I also enjoy the college
game more and more. It's all football, and I see it as civilized war...something we can learn from.
Yet. bottom line, after all the billions
and millions of dollars...I still see high school plays and players and teams that are just as exciting as the big boys.
And I believe it is my duty to promote
these young boys and teams and coaches and local schools as best as we can. You can give your hard-earned dollars and
TIME to these TV people...or you can give it to the kids who live on your street.
So, what I say is - put more of
your football time and energy toward local football, instead of giving all your money to millionaires and billionaires.
Doctor J has been traveling around New York State, checking out the local sports. Lo
and behold, pro hoops has returned to Buffalo and Rochester. A new American Basketball Association has teams spread
across the continent.
The Buffalo Silverbacks play their games at Buffalo State. Check out the videos Dr. J
produced for the team:
Top PCS Football Plays of All-Time
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