West Shamokin's football field officially will be named Jack E. Boyer Field prior to the Wolves' homecoming game against Ford City on Friday night.
It's fitting that Ford City is West Shamokin's opponent, because Sabers coach John Bartolovic coached Shannock Valley's team for eight years.
"Jack announced for us when I was there," Bartolovic said. "He was a big part of the community."
Boyer, 72, was the game announcer for Shannock Valley for 28 years (1952-1980), and he helped start Shannock Valley Midget Football in 1975. He also announced football games for the Midget Football league.
Boyer also is one of the founders of the Ding-A-Lings Sports Club, a charitable organization that has raised more than $200,000 for local youth. Ding-A-Lings was created in 1969, and Boyer served as president for 13 years.
West Shamokin coach Shawn Liotta said he has not had the pleasure of meeting Boyer, but he has heard a lot about him.
"I'm happy for him," Liotta said. "It's deserving."
The field has been referred to as West Shamokin Field, and Liotta, now in his second year coaching the Wolves, is happy the field has a name.
"It brings a nice atmosphere," Liotta said. "It says West Shamokin is here to stay. It starts to bring a tradition here, and my hope is that we can start to win some games and bring a winning tradition to the school."
Starting that winning tradition tomorrow night might prove to be difficult. The Sabers are ranked No. 3 in Class AA, according to the Tribune-Review News Service. Ford City has won five games in a row and has shut out its past two opponents.
Defense is not the only aspect of the game where Ford City is firing on all cylinders. In the past two weeks, the Sabers have outscored their opponents, 89-0.
Liotta recognizes how good Ford City is, saying, "I'm very impressed with them. They're going to be a team that goes deep into the playoffs."
However, Liotta said that his players are not going to "lay down" for the Sabers, who are in first place in the Allegheny Conference.
"We're coming to win, and we want to shock the WPIAL," Liotta said. "The kids get it. This is a big stage. This will be one of the biggest crowds at West Shamokin in a while. Ford City is playing us, there's the dedication, and it's homecoming. We have to use that stage and show off where we're headed."
Conversely, Bartolovic said that his players are not taking the Wolves lightly.
"We never do that to anybody," he said.
However, Bartolovic did admit that "we haven't had the same intensity level (at practice) this week.
"Our kids are intelligent and experienced. I'm sure they'll come to play."
Boyer dedication
Who : Ford City at West Shamokin
What : Dedication of Jack E. Boyer Field
When : 7 p.m. Friday
Where : West Shamokin High School
