So we've been to the West, Midwest, South, and now we are up in the East, Pennsylvania to be exact. I can finally conclude that there are crazy football fans, great coaches, and awesome talent from the Pacific to the Atlantic and everywhere in between. Today we hung out with the Berwick Bulldogs and the Wyoming Valley West Spartans and got a taste of how they do things on the gridiron up here.
Berwick is one of the most storied programs in the region, winning multiple state championships along with three USA Today National Championships. This year has been a down year for the Bulldogs who are 2-4 and relying on a lineup loaded with juniors and several sophomores. Even more significant is the loss of legendary coach George Curry after a 35 year stint of leading the Bulldogs onto the field. During his tenure Curry was selected as the coach on the All-Century team by Pennsylvania Football News. A few of the players selected include fellas by the name of Montana and Dorsett. You could say Coach Curry has a bit of a reputation in this state.
Unfortunately for Berwick, Coach Curry has taken over the reigns at a neighboring rival and the usual doormat of the Bulldogs, Wyoming Valley West. The Spartans have only managed three victories in the past 20 years by a collective 10 points over Berwick. But wouldn't you know it, the Spartans have caught fire under Curry and sport an undefeated 6-0 record. Their roster is a polar opposite of the youthful Bulldogs, the Spartans will take the field with a seasoned group of seniors who battled for a 5-5 record a year ago and have postseason hopes this year.
So the question I have for you all is what is the most important ingredient for a premier program? Mediocre talent with a great coach or an average coach with great talent? Sound off please.