Middle-School `Hawks Hope to Be Playoff Bound
Armstrong County District Attorney Scott Andreassi proudly shows off his new Armstrong River Hawks jersey after last week’s middle school win versus Franklin Regional.
by Jonathan Weaver
A River Hawks middle school hockey team won its last regular season game on home ice Friday.
After a slow start, the Middle School ‘Blue’ team won 5-1 against Tier 1 East rival Franklin Regional.
Head Coach David Bowser wishes he knew why the team started out flat and gave up a first-period goal.
“I don’t know if we were nervous or what the deal was, but we just played very tight,” Coach Bowser said.
Armstrong’s Maddox Rearic tied the game at 1 about a minute before the end of second period.
“And, it was off to the races from there,” Coach Bowser said. “I was real-proud of my guys tonight.”
But, Rearic would also score the last goal of the game, in addition to third-period goals by Teammates Eli Schrekengost, Kade Contrael and Ethan Prugh.
Goaltender R.T. Bowser knew what changed after the first goal – himself.
“I was just thinking I have to pick up my game and not let another one get past me,” R.T. said. “It was more of a mental thing I changed.”
Bowser – an eighth-grader – will try out for the junior varsity or varsity team next season.
Armstrong tied with Franklin Regional just earlier this month for their second tie of the season.
With the win, Coach Bowser expected to qualify for the Tier III playoffs
R.T. and first-year Captain Spencer Wood said the team would not be disappointed with the playoff result even though they currently sit in fourth place.
“It’ll just give us a better chance to keep winning,” Wood said.
After the game, County District Attorney Scott Andreassi was presented a team jersey.
Earlier this month, sixth, seventh and eighth grade hockey players on the Blue or Orange middle school teams toured the Armstrong County Jail as part of their new partnership with the Drugs Kill Dreams Jail Experience team.
Andreassi praised the team for their off-the-ice dedication to the battle against drug use.
“I think it’s an outstanding opportunity to reach a group of kids we wouldn’t otherwise reach. I can’t thank their booster club enough for everything they’ve done this year,” Andreassi said. “It was more successful than we ever thought it would be, and we’re looking forward to next year.”
He plans to put the River Hawks jersey in his Armstrong County Courthouse office.
Coordinator Debby Fazekas said boosters contacted Jail Experience organizers in November and the River Hawks are the first sports team to partner with the program.
The second Armstrong middle school team – the Orange team – plays in their regular season finale this Friday night at 6:30PM versus Norwin.
Local Sports | jweaver February 22, 2016
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