High School Football Playoffs 
Dallas `d' Makes 
Offense's Job Easy 
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Photo 
Times Leader File Photo

Alfa 164 Rekindles Legendary Memories

By BOB NOCEK; Times Leader Sports Writer
 Tuesday, November 24, 1992 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 5C QUICK WORDS: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 





HOMETOWN -- Marian Catholic. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Panther Valley. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thanksgiving weekend. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 An Eastern Conference title on the line. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Who could ask for anything more? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "This is a fan's dream," said Marian Catholic coach Stan Dick, whose Colts
(11-1) will host Panther Valley (10-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday for the Eastern
Conference Division I title. "In this area, the intensity of this rivalry is
second to none." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Not too long ago, they were both in the running for the Region I Class A
berth in the PIAA state playoffs. That ended Friday, when the top two teams
won, and Marian and Panther Valley were elminated from contention. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 While that may mean something to the Colts and Panthers, it certainly
doesn't mean much to the game they'll play Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 They don't need any incentives to make this a big game. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "There's a great tradition there," Dick said. "It's the big show in town." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 League rivals from the now defunct Anthracite Football League, and
neighboring rivals from opposite sides of Tamaqua, the Colts and Panthers have
played some classic contests over the years, including this one. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 When they met in Lansford back in late September, the Colts held on for a
30-28 win. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 With just 19 seconds left in the game, the Colts' Joe Svetz knocked away a
desperation pass that preserved Marian's victory. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "That game was called, by some, a classic," said Dick. "We were lucky
enough to come out on top." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Once again, the Colts will face the unenviable challenge presented by
Panther Valley quarterback Cazzie Kosciolek, who's thrown for well over 2,200
yards this season, and is coming off a 262-yard, three-touchdown pass effort
against Susquehanna Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A senior, he's been touted as a Division I prospect for years. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Just ask the Colts, who get to see him more often then they'd like to. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "We haven't faced anybody like him, other than playing against him," Dick
said. "He's a great quarterback, and they've got outstanding recivers. That's
the key right there. If he puts it anywhere near these guys, they're going to
catch it. They have an outstanding passing attack and they spread you out all
over the field." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Which can open things up for Justin Malaska, who's a 1,000-yard rusher. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "He'll tear you apart inside," Dick said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 But it's not like the Colts are lacking any offense, either. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Quarterback Brian Kennedy's 1200-plus passing yards have been the key to
Marian's success, but the rushing of Jason Fegley and Mark Makovec certainly
hasn't hurt. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "We have the offense to put the points up," Dick said. "We've been
successful offensively. The weapons are there." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The last time they met there were 58 points scored, but it was the defense
that saved the game for the Colts. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 It may come down to the defense again. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "I think the team that plays the best defense will win the ball game," Dick
said. "I don't think we'll shut them down completely." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Then again, Panther Valley probably won't shut Marian down completely
either. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Which is why this rivalry has been so exciting. There may not be a better
game played this weekend. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "I think these are two of the best Class A teams in the state, if not the
two best," Dick said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 And they're likely to give us one more classic contest. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "We're playing this rivalry for a championship," Dick said. "I don't think
a state championship game could have this kind of excitement."

For Marian, Panther Valley Holiday Feast Is On The Field