Big Jim Hawbaker's Huntin' Lodge recently sponsored a round-table discussion on the big Portville-Salamanca
Alumni Football Game. WOBI-AM 1305 was there to record the pre-game mentations of Big Jim and his illuminary guests
- Bob Connell, Bud Fenton, and Milt Latimer, all former Panther coaches.
BIG JIM: I wanna start this bull session off by thankin you gentlemen of the gridiron for
participating in this Lodge event. Turkey season's a month away, and I gotta get out there to sniff the land, so let's
get down to business. Latimer, what say you?
LATIMER: We had 23 kids out for the team back in '41, so I think the old Panthers are in good
shape number-wise, and that can translate into fresh bodies.
CONNELL: We had 90 young men on the squad in 1968, but we still didn't go undefeated
like I wanted. But with 15-minute quarters in this match-up, you want those bodies...especially for this tackle game.
FENTON: Dammit! If we can keep down the turnovers and penalties, we gotta helluva good
chance. Purposeful execution, that's what we need. Salamanca's gonna ram it in there, you know it!
BIG JIM: Careful with the swearing, Bud. Teenagers are listening in. But anyway,
Bear, what are some of your initial thoughts about the game plan?
CONNELL: I'd run that Popcorn Trap a couple times for sure. Why not try a fake punt
as well. Catch them off guard. But generally, you gotta be able to run the ball and stop the run. And you
know that the Warriors will try to pound it inside and out...early.
LATIMER: Is that Hellwig kid playing? Judas, he might change the environment.
BIG JIM: Doggone if I know. I want to know if Bartozcak..Bartozak, whatever, and Dustin
Ross are going for them.
FENTON: Hawbaker, you should know this information. Get to it soldier!
BIG JIM: I'm trying to keep up with my inside sources, but we gotta huntin business to operate
round here. Them gobblers are waitin for us.
CONNELL: I know Gary has some things up his sleeve.
LATIMER: I have a feeling that it'll be a competitive contest. Just hope the weather
cooperates.
FENTON: I just want some hard hittin football without mistakes!
CONNELL: Them backs better hold onto that pigskin.
(to be continued)
