September 7, 1973 — Rick Johnson, whose father was killed in an accident three days before Tamaqua’s season opener, catches a touchdown pass to help the Blue Raiders gain an emotional 35-6 victory over Minersville. Johnson, who plays because he said his father would have wanted it that way, snares a 6-yard scoring strike from Brad Geiger late in the second quarter. The winners, coached by Walt Ligenza, also receive a 52-yard touchdown run and a field goal from Paul James. Jim Welsh adds a pair of short TD runs, while Geiger also connects with Tom Gill on a 48-yard scoring pass.