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The Cheerleaders
The 1980 Brookline Knights cheerleaders
were: Donna Bucci, Nikki Marunich, Keri Deemer, Lisa Cambest, Roseanne Moffat,
Debbie Pribik, Sue Pribik, Lisa Glotzbach, Linda Mierzwa, Maureen Maloney,
Jennifer Dye, Judy Lutes, Lisa Tallat, Renee Hart, Madeline Sciulli,
Dawn Schilling, Michelle Egers, Lori Bova, Danielle Rose, Denise Schilling,
Lori Zucco, Kathy McConnell, Dianne Stauffer, Mary McCarthy, Tracy McKeever,
Christine Malley, Patti McDonough, Annie McDonough, Bobbilynn Mahoska,
Kelly Wallace and Shelly A'Hearn. The coaches were Patti Marunich and
Dina Griffith.
Championship Game
Cubs Capture Crown
Brookline 14 - West Mifflin 0
It all started last August. Long
practices, planned strategy, positive attitudes and dreams of glory were
key ingredients in piecing together this championship squad. A strong offensive
line to open holes and a staunch defensive wall to stop the opposition was
molded. A big, strong fullback, slashing halfback and fleet tailback was
essential. Linebackers to plug the gaps, in addition to accepting pass
coverage responsibility, were necessary. Safeties who could pass cover and come
up on the run had to come forward.
Last Saturday afternoon, at Honus Wagner
Field in Carnegie, the Brookline Knights Cub Football Team added the largest
jewel to their crown as champions of the Western Pennsylvania Midget Football
Conference with a dominating 14-0 victory over an inspired West Mifflin team.
The stars were out in the daytime once again as the amazing Cubs overwhelmed
the Trojans with yet another display of football expertise. The club was
inspired by a multitude of fans, including Bill Lonero with his colorful signs
and traveling fireworks show.
First quarter action found Billy "White
Shoes" Lonero streaking to the outside, eluding tacklers and weaving his way
twenty yards for a touchdown. On the first play after the kickoff, West Mifflin's
quarterback was crunched by Billy Joe Spratt, resulting in an errant throw which
was alertly picked off by John "Mad Dog" Barker at the West Mifflin thirty-seven
yard line.
Brookline moved the ball downfield on a
thirteen yard pass from quarterback "Galloping Gus" Manfredo to "White Shoes"
Lonero, and a penalty that put the ball on the Trojan thirteen yard line. From
there, Billy Joe Spratt blasted off right guard, pushing off tacklers and
spinning all the way to the one yard line. Billy Joe then bulled his way into
the endzone for a touchdown. "Tough" Tony Falce added the two point conversion
on a slashing burst over left tackle for a 14-0 lead as the first quarter
ended.
Although the Knights were shut out the
rest of the afternoon, they were able to provide some additional offensive
fireworks. Near the end of the first half, "Galloping" Gus hit fullback Billy
Joe with a perfect pass that was good for twenty-three yards and left the ball
on the West Mifflin forty-three, but unfortunately there was time for only one
more play.
"Tough" Tony intimidated runners all
day long in addition to covering on pass plays. "Mad Dog" Barker and "Rough"
Bob Leonard played outstanding outside linebacker. Safety men "White Shoes"
Lonero and Augie Manfredo were sterling on passes and made several tackles
against the run. Give that defense fourteen points and the game is
over.
Bob Vengilio, Joey Tonkovich and J.J.
Scholl keyed the kick coverage team, which was led by "Mad Dog" Barker on nearly
every occasion.
The least glamorous life in any football
league is the life of the offensive lineman. Without them, the backs don't run
to glory, the ends don't have time to get downfield for spectacular receptions
and the quarterback gets sacked. They are the unsung heroes who block but
rarely get noticed by the fans. The linemen hear the cheers which are hardly
ever directed at their effort. Here then is a tribute to the boys in the
trenches who are vital to any successful team. At Center: Rough" Bob Leonard.
Right Guard: "Dangerous" Dan Kovacs. Left Guard: "Mean" Mike Spath. Right
Tackle: "Jarring" Jason Viglietta. Left Tackle: "Killer" Kenny Deemer along
with ends Jeff Coury and Walter Daley. Those boys did a great job all year long.
"Bronco" Bill Talerico was super.
The coaching staff must also be
congratulated for long hours of teaching, pleading, applauding and overall
bringing out the best in a group of highly skilled youngsters. Head Coach
Jim Sestili frequently took time to realize that underneath that thick
helmet was a young mind and behind that forbidding face mask was the angelic
smile of an enthusiastic ten-year old. Dan Kovacs worked hard with the
offensive line while Frank Battista molded a superior defense. Pat Reilly
and Tony Viglietta, along with Jim Scholl, added to the skilled
staff.
The team is now "10 and Oh with none
to go." They were undefeated and unscored on. They gave up an average of less
than one first down per game. The Brookline Knights Cub Football Team are
the 1980 champions of the Western Pennsylvania Midget Football
Conference.
* Reprinted from the Brookline Journal -
November 13, 1980 - Written by Jim Spratt *
Billy "White Shoes" Lonero, who scored the
Knights first touchdown,
and his grandfather Joe Lonero after the championship game.
Cubs Capture Conference
Brookline 14 - East Allegheny 0
The Brookline Knights Cub Football
Team finished its regular season with a perfect record of eight consecutive
wins and one forfeit for a 9-0 record. The greatest Cub team of all time
wound up the season undefeated, untied and unscored on.
It didn't take long for the Knights
to assert their superiority. On the first play from scrimmage, Billy Joe
made a super sixty-three yard run, blasting off guard, running over tacklers,
cutting expertly to the outside and racing out of the grasp of the frustrated
East Allegheny players. For all practical purposes the game was over after
that initial gem.
In the second quarter, Billy "Whiteshoes"
Lonero took a handoff from "Galloping Gus" Manfredo and ran twenty-one yards
for another touchdown, his nineteenth of the year, a new Cub record. With the
score 12-0, Billy Joe "Dallas" and "Mean" Mike Spath crunched the East
Allegheny quarterback in the endzone to bring the final score to a convincing
14-0 over a team that had yielded only eighteen points for the entire
season.
The offensive line was led by "Dangerous"
Dan Kovacs, "Rough" Rob Leonard, "Mean" Mike Spath, Walter Daley, "Killer"
Kenny Deamer, Jason Viglietta, Jeff Coury, "Blastin'" Billy Talerico and
Ron DelDuca. The coaching staff has been well pleased with the steady progress
of the offensive front wall.
Defensively it would be easy to run
out of superlatives for the brilliant "Green Gang." Billy Joe Spratt led the
charge with three quarterback sacks while "Tough" Tony Falce had a sack and
made several key stops. Outside linebackers "Mad Dog" Barker and Rob Leonard
were outstanding, while "Mean" Mike, Walter Daley, "Joltin'" Jeff Kobistek,
Demetrius Rau, Ron DelDuca, Jeff Coury, Augie Manfredo and Billy "Whiteshoes"
stopped the East Allegheny team cold. "Mad Dog" Barker was credited with a
touchdown saving tackle on East Allegheny's only successful offensive
play.
The fans have been great all year and a
focal point has been Bill Lonero's signs, which add fire to the crowd's
enthusiasm. The Cubs appreciate all the moral support from their fans and will
need them more than ever in the championship game.
J.J. Scholl led the "special" teams with
some fine kick coverage and John Ryan also played well on the kickoff teams.
The Cubs motto for the rest of the year will be "Nine and Oh with one to
go."
* Reprinted from the Brookline Journal -
October 30, 1980 - Written by Jim Spratt *
Brookline 38 - Steel Valley 0
The greatest group of talent ever to
represent Brookline on a Cub Football level had their own way with Steel
Valley this past Saturday afternoon. Even the muddy field conditions could
not deter a galaxy of stars that illuminated the dreary day with an expert
display of football skill. The halftime score of 30-0 was achieved with ease
because of a total team effort.
The final score of 38-0 exhibited a mature
sense of controlled football. The Cub Knights had no reason to "rub it in"
and resorted to a ball control offense that showcased the blocking of
"Dangerous" Dan Kovacs, "Mean" Mike Spath, "Rough" Robbie Leonard, "Joltin'"
Jeff Kobistek and "Killer" Kenny Deamer.
The fullback, Billy Joe Spratt, has
been outstanding as a bone crunching blocker and continues to lead the other
backs into daylight. Walter Daley must also be credited with fine blocking
from his end position, and Jeff "The Jet" Coury continues to catch everything
thrown his way.
The Cubs first touchdown was set up by
"Amazing" Augie Manfredo, who returned a punt to the opposition's six yard
line, setting up the first of "Tough" Tony Falce's three touchdowns. "TD"
Tony electrified the overflowing stands with additional bursts of fifty-nine
and forty-seven yards. Pitt had it's own "TD" Dorsett and now Brookline lays
claim to young Falce.
"Whiteshoes" Billy Lonero added scores on
runs of twenty-seven and eight yards, increasing his season touchdown total to
seventeen. Extra-point conversions went to Walter Daley on a pass from Amazin'
Augie. "Touchdown" Tony and Billy "Whiteshoes" also added two-pointers. Billy Joe
Spratt wrapped up the scoring with a jarring smash up the middle for the final
two points of the contest.
The "Green Gang" defense went through
their fifth game without allowing a first down. Frank Battista, defensive
coach, has assembled a group of youngsters who take away more yardage than they
allow. Demetrius Rau, "Mean" Mike, Walter Daley, Jeff "The Jet," "Mad Dog" Barker,
"Rough" Robbie, "Amazing" Augie, "Tough" Tony, "Joltin'" Jeff Kobistek,
Billy "Whiteshoes" and "Bad News" Billy Joe amaze spectators with their refined
skills.
J.J. Scholl, Ron DelDuca, Jason Viglietta
and Joey Tonkovich have been the leaders of the "special" teams, which is vital
to any successful team.
* Reprinted from the Brookline Journal -
October 16, 1980 - Written by Jim Spratt *
Brookline 38 - West Jefferson 0
The Brookline Knights Cub Football
Team rolled over an out-manned West Jefferson squad, coming away with a
rewarding 38-0 victory. The Knights coaching staff admired the outstanding
effort from a determined group of players. The first score came on runs of
six yards by Tony Falce and Billy Joe Spratt that set up a thirty yard
scamper by Billy Lonero. The second touchdown came a minute later when Billy
Joe Spratt tipped a pass into the hands of Lonero, who raced untouched for a
twenty yard score.
West Jefferson's offense was unable to
move the ball. After a short punt, Brookline moved the ball to the West
Jefferson six yard line, where Billy Joe Spratt blasted up the middle for yet
another Knight touchdown. Three successful extra point conversions came on
passes from quarterback Augie Manfredo to Walt Daley (1) and
Tony Falce (2).
A well designed pass play from Tony
Falce to a wide open Billy Lonero produced the fourth touchdown, with Billy
Joe Spratt bursting up the middle for the extra points to leave the score
at 28-0. A short time later, Billy Lonero returned a punt twenty-nine yards
for another six points. The conversion attempt was again successful, leaving
the final score at 38-0.
The offensive line play of Billy Talerico
and Dan Kovacs led the way for the Cub backs to pile up yardage in large chunks.
Jeff Kobistek, Jason Viglietta, Mike Spath and Walt Daley added punishing blocks
to free the backs.
The defense was devastating as they held
West Jefferson in check. Billy Joe Spratt and Tony Falce plugged up the middle
from their linebacking positions while Walt Daley, Jeff Coury and Jeff Kobistek
stopped anything from going around the ends. Demetrius Rau contained anything
coming his way along with able assistance from J.J. Scholl.
* Reprinted from the Brookline Journal -
October 9, 1980 - Written by Jim Spratt *
Brookline 12 - Clairton 0
Billy "Whiteshoes" Lonero raced
forty-seven yards for a first period touchdown and Augie Manfredo proved
to be a successful "bandito" while picking off a pass and returning it
forty yards for another Brookline touchdown as the undefeated, untied,
unscored on Brookline Knights Football Team overwhelmed Clairton,
12-0.
The offensive line of the Knights
was led by strong blocking by Danny Kovacs from his right guard
position.
"Kovacs was opening holes all day
for the running backs," fullback Billy Joe Spratt related after the
game.
For his part, Billy Joe took advantage
of Kovac's blocking for an eight yard burst up the middle while Tough Tony
Falce blasted off tackle for steady yardage. Robby Leonard cleared out the
defensive linemen from his center positions. Ron DelDuca, Billy Talerico,
Kenny Deamer and Walter Daley also blocked well.
Kovacs picked up where he left off in
the Elizabeth Forward victory a week ago during the Knights 8-0 shutout. If
it's what's up front that counts, Kovacs and his mates on the offensive line
will continue to show the way so the running backs can find their way to the
opponents endzone.
The Cub dee-fense has been nothing
short of fantastic. For the second week in a row they did not yield a
first down to the opposition. Clairton never crossed midfield and when they
decided to pass, Augie Manfredo and K.C. Kalbaugh were around to intercept.
Trying to run up the middle proved futile with Billy Joe Spratt and Tony
Falce crashing over the center.
Mike Spath had another outstandng
defensive effort. John Barker and Robby Leonard trapped Clairton runners in
their own backfield on several occasions. Leonard and Barker, both outside
linebackers, were jewels in the defensive treasure of talent. Billy
"Whiteshoes" Lonero supported well from his safety position while Jeff
Kobistek was super on defense.
* Reprinted from the Brookline Journal -
September 25, 1980 - Written by Jim Spratt *
Brookline 28 - Crafton 0
The Brookline Knights Cub Football
Team raced around and through the Crafton Green Hornets on their way to an
impressive 28-0 victory. After the initial kickoff was returned to the
Crafton forty-four yard line, the little Knights marched down the field,
where Tough Tony Falce blasted off right tackle for a nine yard score.
Billy "Whiteshoes" Lonero glided around left end for the two-point
conversion.
Augie Manfredo and John Barker made
two key interceptions that led to touchdown runs of forty-two and thirty-seven
yards by Lonero. Late in the third quarter, "Whiteshoes" raced for another
touchdown run of twenty-six yards as the crowd cheered his efforts, which
resulted in three touchdowns for the afternoon. Walt Daley caught a pass for
the final score of 28-0. It was a well deserved result for a fine game
plan.
The defense was keyed by Jeff Coury,
who made several hard tackles from his defensive end position. Tough Tony
was solid in the middle linebacking slot.
Field position played a very important
role in the battle. Brookline never allowed themselves to be backed into a
hole. The first interception by Barker could have resulted in a touchdown
had it not been called back by a clipping penalty. Still, it gave Brookline
great field position. The second interception allowed them the ball on the
Green Hornet thirty-seven yard line.
The offensive line play of Robbie
Leonard, Billy Talerico, Danny Kovacs, Jason Viglietta, Rob DelDuca and Mike
Spath was encouraging to the coaching staff. If they continue to improve
with each passing game, it could be a very good year for the Cubs.
* Reprinted from the Brookline Journal -
September 4, 1980 - Written by Jim Spratt *
The Twerps practiced hard all season
long. They proved the old adage that "Practice Makes Perfect."
 
 
Brookline 10 - Greentree 0
Cub "A" Team
Brookline's Cub Team opened its
football season with a fine defensive effort. The Knights defeated the
Greentree Vikings 10-0, while holding their opponent to minus yardage
for the game. The tough defense was led by middle linebackers Billy
Joe Spratt and Tony Falce. Defensive end Walt Daley made several tackles
and also blocked a punt that resulted in a safety for Brookline's final
two points. Augie Manfredo and Billy Lonero made key hits from their
safety positions.
Offensively, the team marched
fifty-seven yards on its first possession, with Tony Falce going in from
the twelve yard line. Billy Lonero then swept right end for a two-point
conversion. Billy Joe Spratt did some fine blocking from his fullback spot
and the offensive line of Rob Leonard at center, Billy Talerico and Dan
Kovacs at guard, Jason Viglietta and Ron DelDuca at tackle, Walt Daley
and Jeff Coury at end, played very well. Head Coach Jim Sestili and his
assistants feel the key to a winning season is good offensive line
play.
The Brookline Knights celebrate after
winning their first regular season game.
Cub "B" Team
The Knights "B" Team is off to a
fine start. Led by Coach Bill Lonero, they defeated Greentree 8-0. Coach
Lonero is dedicated to instilling confidence in his chargers.
On offense, Mike Yeoman sprinted
eighteen yards on an end around in the first quarter. Subsequently, Mike
scored again but the touchdown was not allowed due to an unfortunate
penalty. An offensive line consisting of Cary Ball, P.J. McDonough, Brian
McNeil, John Ryan, Marco Fusaro, Chris Hynes and Jody Self opened the holes
for quarterback Mike Mercuri and running backs Jason Greb, Mike Yeoman and
Greg Sestili. Al Sickman and Marco Fusaro also filled in capably at running
back.
The defense owed its shutout to the
fine play of John Mannerino, Jimmy Mooney, Steve Tallat and Anthony White,
Jr.
* Reprinted from the Brookline Journal -
August 28, 1980 - Written by Jim Spratt *
* Photos and information
provided by Billy "White Shoes" Lonero* |
