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WEST PITTSTON — The stands were packed at Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Field, with just as many fans turning out to see Wyoming Area as there were to see Southern Columbia.
There was an exciting buzz Friday evening around the field, as fans waited to see who would come out on top between the two area heavyweights.
The excitement started early Friday afternoon, with shuttle buses beginning to transport fans from designated parking areas to the stadium a full three hours before kickoff.
The game had been hyped up for some time before the start. Both teams have been undefeated this season, and Southern Columbia are the current state champions and ranked as the best small-school team in the nation.
West Pittston Mayor Tom Blaskiewicz said it was a great thing for the community.
“I think it’s tremendous, not just for the town, but for the whole school district,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Blaskiewicz wasn’t the only public official there, though; he was standing along the sidelines with U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, who seemed thrilled to be a part of it.
“Look at how happy everyone looks,” he said, pointing at the Wyoming Area student section, which was chanting exuberantly — despite the game not having started yet.
Cartwright joked about a phone conversation he had with fellow U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas. According to Cartwright, Meuser was also headed to a football game Friday. When Meuser said he’d be rooting against Wyoming Area since Southern Columbia is in his district, Cartwright joked he’d be rooting against Meuser’s team.
Friday’s game wasn’t only about the game, though. For Wyoming Area students, it’s homecoming weekend, and before kickoff, the homecoming court was introduced while the sun set.
Many of the fans that came out, though, weren’t even from either district. William Cost, of Dickson City, came to the game with his son Jake, 11. The pair said they go to high school football games very often, but he said Jake has wanted to see Southern Columbia play for a while.
“He likes to watch their videos,” Cost said. “He’s kind of amped about it.”
Kevin Mee, 25, of Dunmore, came out to see the game since his girlfriend, Melissa Dolhon, is a substitute teacher with the Wyoming Area School District. He said he was excited to see how the game turned out.
“Southern Columbia is basically the (New England) Patriots of Pennsylvania,” he said. “But you gotta root for the underdogs.”