Pocono News Section

Fans Pulling for State Playoff Teams

Fans Pulling for State Playoff Teams - Friday, June 13, 2008 at 5:33PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday, Jun 13, 2008 @ 05:33pm EST
Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County and Milton, Northumberland County-

Spring sports fever is in full swing in Central Pennsylvania. Three high school teams here advanced to the state championships.

The signs are everywhere along the Golden Strip, and of course at the high school, in Loyalsock Township. Silently, they encourage the Lancers baseball and softball teams in their quest to be the best in the state. And they're off to a good start as the boys will be heading home victorious after an 8-3 win over Burrell High School.

It's a proud accomplishment, and some say they expected nothing less. Alice Frye, of Loyalsock Township, explained, "We have a very fine school system, with very fine students, who do very well in whatever they choose to do."

The Milton softball team didn't have quite the same luck swinging the lumber as the Loyalsock boys. The Black Panthers lost to Susquehannock 3-1, but fans we caught up with say they're extremely proud of the team's achievements.

We found several people watching the game over a meal and drinks at Ye Olde Meeting Place in Milton. Owner Gary Smith knows the girls have worked hard to accomplish their playoff run. "Milton has been doing this for years. They've come up with incredible girl's teams, and I'm proud of them. The whole community is very proud of them," Smith noted.

Folks here say the entire area should be proud of the dedication of all the athletes that has allowed them to come so far. Scott Shiffer, of Milton, said, "It's great for the area, it's great for all of us actually. It gives us something to cheer about."

The Loyalsock softball team's championship was just getting underway as this article was posted.