TimesLeader.com

November 1

Thirty-second Falcone MVP trophy to be awarded Friday

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.

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.

Previous winners

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