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By Jack Smiles jsmiles@psdispatch.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
The local football teams are having down seasons as far as the ‘Ws’ and ‘Ls’ go, but that shouldn’t diminish the value of the rivalry game Friday. In fact it could be argued that not having titles or playoff berths at stake make the game more compelling for the players than if there was a next week to worry about. Friday’s game is the end of the season for both teams and all that’s left is to win that game.

From left, PA coach Tony Donato, Sam Falcone with trophy, WA coach Randy Spencer.
Then there is the annual Falcone MVP Trophy to add a little luster.
Officially the Carmello Falcone Memorial Most Valuable Player Trophy, it was inaugurated in 1978 and won by WA’s Charlie McDermott who is on the WA staff. One other winner, Rich Musinski ’98, is also on the WA staff. One pair of brothers, Gary and Greg Dolhan, won in ’80 and ’88. One winner, Leo Malsky, has a son by the same name who is a senior on the Warriors this season.
The thirty-second trophy will be awarded after the game Friday.
PA’s Sam Parente won it last season, as PA won the game 28-14.
1978 - Charlie McDermott WA
1979 – Mike Sobeski PA
1980 - Gary Dolhan WA
1981 – Mark Sickler WA
1982 – Jamie Kutzer WA
1983 – Nick Biscontini PA
1984 – Leo Malsky WA
1985 - Ken Scalpi PA
1986 - Tom Musto PA
1987 - J.R. Richards PA
1988 – Greg Dolhan WA
1989 – Charlie Kabalka PA
1990 – John Nocito WA
1991 – Jim Pizano WA
1992 – Jamie Kudrako WA
1993 - Jim Pizano WA
1994 – Mike Owens PA
1995 – Tony Scatena WA
1996 – Ben Kopka WA
1997 – B. J. Stelacone WA
1998 – Rich Musinski WA
1999 – Kevin Shotwell PA
2000 - Jim Norris PA
2001 – Matt Williams WA
2002 – Matt Pisano PA
2003 – Tony Avvisato PA
2004 – Gennaro Zangardi PA
2005 – Ryan McDonnell WA
2006 – Tyler Serbin WA
2007 – Nick Bellanco WA
2008 – Sam Parente PA
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