(EDITOR’S NOTE: Since May of 1999, the Times News Sports Department has featured an On This Date practically every day, highlighting an event that happened in the past. With the coronavirus putting a halt to sports locally and nationally, the On This Dates have been expanded to the stories that actually ran in the next edition’s newspaper. Today’s On This Date story is from June 23, 2007).

By Mike Feifel

mfeifel@tnonline.com

ALTOONA - It isn’t the final score in All-Star Games that counts.

Everyone who plays gains a great experience they can take with them.

This was the case in the 7th annual PSFCA East-West All-Star Game where the West upended the heavily favored East squad, 24-14.

It’s an excellent experience meeting and playing against other kids from all over the state.

“You make new friends,” defensive back Craig Zurn of Jim Thorpe said. The Lehigh-bound cornerback helped keep the downfield passing game of the West under wraps.

Robbie Frey of Lehighton led the East in rushing, which wasn’t unusual for the Connecticut-bound halfback, but he did so with just 22 yards on seven carries.

Frey was able to get a taste of playing with former foe and future teammate in Marian’s Mike Ryan.

“I got to play with Josh Marks, too,” Frey said of the 6-5, 290-pound guard headed to Penn State. “Those two big guys playing next to each other, it was fun.”

“I really love playing football, but to play with a future teammate is a great experience,” Ryan said. “We’ve really become friends since we (verbally committed to Connecticut).”

Frey was honored at the banquet the night before the game as the East’s offensive recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award.

This prestigious award is given to one offensive and one defensive player on both the East and West teams, as recognized by the coaches and players for their attitude, hustle, ability, dedication, honor, leadership and hospitality.

“It’s his whole demeanor about the game,” East head coach Steve Shiffert (Easton) said of Frey. “The kid comes out and works hard every single play. He asks questions not only about his position but also about other positions and how the game is played. Above all, he is a total gentleman.”

“We all had a good week,” the always humble Frey stated. “Anyone could have gotten that award.”

The game started out well for the East. Wilson’s D.J. Lenehan led the opening drive with two big completions to give his squad a first down at the West’s 18. Lenehan’s second down pitch on the option missed its mark forcing Becahi’s Terrell Dobbins to fall on it for an 11-yard loss. The East’s drive ended with a missed 52-yard field goal attempt.

“I think the biggest thing in the game was the first drive when we botched the option,” Shiffert said. “I think that had a lot to do with getting the West excited and getting them moving.”

The West scored early in the second quarter on a 4-yard run by Matt Wimbush (Hollidaysburg).

After an interception on the next drive, the West’s Maurice Williams (Strong Vincent) took a reverse 33 yards down to the 1-yard line. Scott Lewis (Bishop McCourt) scored on the next play for a 14-0 West halftime advantage.

The East played catch up the rest of the game.

Lenehan, the Toledo-bound quarterback, used his legs and his arm to lead the East back into the game. His two touchdown passes to Penn Wood’s Kamar Jordan weren’t enough.

“All of them are excellent football players and being on the same team with them instead of playing against them is an amazing feeling,” Zurn said.

Marian’s Travis John was the only casualty of the evening, as he was not allowed to finish the game due to a concussion.

“It’s a great learning experience,” John said. “It was a blessing to play one more game with Mike (Ryan). Obviously, it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to. It was a great time.”

“Hey, each kid got 40 new friends,” Shiffert said. “That’s what this game’s all about.”