Huskies seek to avenge original loss
LEWISTOWN — History has a way of repeating itself, especially in the realm of sports. The undeniable proof of this is not lost on a Mifflin County football program preparing for tonight’s Colonial League matchup with West Perry.
Not so long ago, five years to be precise, the Huskies suited up for the very first time as a high school to face — you guessed it — West Perry, in the 2011 season opener.
The Huskies, a merger of Lewistown and Indian Valley high schools, lost in overtime, 27-21, in that first game. Mifflin County went on to a 7-4 record and a berth in the Districts 6-9-10 playoffs, losing to Erie Strong Vincent 42-21.
George Miskinis, defensive coordinator at the time and head coach of the Huskies for more than three seasons, has fond memories of that first game against the Mustangs.
“It was an exciting time because we got the players from both schools together beginning in May for workouts and began to slowly to install the offense and defensive systems. We were moderately successful against Altoona in the first scrimmage and had dominated the second scrimmage with Jersey Shore,” Miskinis said. “I think our players felt confident entering the game, but we had to make adjustments when a starter was diagnosed with an illness, which required replacing him at numerous positions. Our players were uptight to begin the game — we trailed at halftime, relaxed in the second half, and played much better. We lost the game in overtime, but left feeling we were the better team.”
John Michael Maclay was a sophomore defensive back on the inaugural Husky squad. He went on to help lead Mifflin County to a district championship as a senior in 2013. Maclay, now a junior playing football for Juniata College, had 34 tackles and an interception in his first season as a Husky.
“It was awesome to be a part of the first ever team and game in the history of Mifflin County High School. Playing at West Perry was cool and now we are playing them again, which is kind of neat,” Maclay said. “It was a great feeling and a great experience. I remember it was a back-and-forth game. There were a lot of turnovers; it was kind of a slop fest out there. We were still learning our system. I rotated in at safety and played special teams. We lost a tough one in overtime, but we knew after the game we had what it takes to have a good year. We went on to a 7-4 season and made the playoffs.
“The other thing I remember was the great fan base we had. They really supported us and we were surprised how many Mifflin County fans showed up at West Perry. I wish the kids today had the fan base that we did. The community needs to get together and support this team. That’s where it starts, even before going on the field. I’ve been following them. My brother Isaac is on the team. They are in a new league but it’s still Mid-Penn football. Even though things are different five years later, I hope they can go out and exact some revenge for us.”
This week’s contest will be much different from the game of five seasons ago. Mifflin County is a heavy favorite despite its 2-5 record. West Perry snapped a 25-game losing streak last week by beating woeful James Buchanan, 61-22.
“We have a lot of guys banged up and now we have to go down to West Perry and they are having some troubles too. Hopefully, we can go down there and get things together,” Mifflin County coach Brent Hartman said.
And win one for the original Husky team that took the field five years ago.
COMMENTS