HS FOOTBALL: Scranton Prep players visit Buffalo Bills at Blue and Red Practice
Aug. 6—Scranton Prep football players had the opportunity to visit the Buffalo Bills and make memories of a lifetime.
The Cavaliers were the guests of Bills owner Terry Pegula, a Carbondale native and Scranton Prep graduate.
"I just want to thank Mr. Pegula for this opportunity to tour the practice field and facilities and meet the players," Scranton Prep senior quarterback Tyler Mackrell said. "It was surreal. I honestly couldn't believe how extensive the tour was. We got to see the weight room, sideline for the scrimmage, and that was amazing. We were really close to the players."
Players and coaches boarded buses early Friday morning and arrived at Highmark Stadium for "The Return of the Blue and Red" practice. There were more than 35,000 fans in attendance, and the Cavaliers were able to watch the action up close and personal along the sidelines.
"It was a great experience," Scranton Prep defensive lineman Max Shnipes said. "Overall, it was a great day. I enjoyed seeing all the players. We all appreciate that Mr. Pegula and the Bills had us out there. I was just amazed at how the players performed. Their hard work and dedication, as well as how they play, are just amazing.
"They are superstars. I was amazed at how big and fast they are and how agile the linemen are."
Pegula spoke with the team before they attended the practice. Then Scranton Prep players received a tour of the facilities and weight room, and watched the practice. They interacted with the Bills, including Josh Allen, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Damar Hamlin, and the coaching staff, and then lined the stadium tunnel as the players exited to the locker room.
"It really puts into perspective just how athletic and special these players are," said Mackrell, who received an autograph from Allen. "I am so appreciative of the players for taking the time to interact with us. It was truly amazing."
Pegula, who is also a graduate of Penn State, has owned the Bills since 2014. A petroleum engineer, he founded East Resources, a natural gas drilling company that he sold for approximately $6 billion. He owns Greater Rocky Mountain Regional Oil & Gas in Colorado and Wyoming, JKLM Energy in Pennsylvania and several other sports franchises as part of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, including the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League.
The Bills have won three straight AFC East championships, but have lost in the last two divisional rounds of the playoffs. Their first preseason game is set for Aug. 12 against the Indianapolis Colts at 1 p.m. at Highmark Stadium.
Preparing for heat
High school football players hit the practice field Monday for heat acclimatization ahead of the start of two-a-day practices next week.
Practice sessions may be no longer than three hours in length, and teams must have two hours of rest (recovery period) between sessions. Days 1, 3 and 5 are limited to five hours per day, and Days 2 and 4 are limited to three hours per day, according to the PIAA guidelines.
Around the camps
With the start of heat acclimatization, The Times-Tribune begins to visit practices to preview all 19 teams in the Lackawanna Football Conference.
West Scranton and Scranton are on the schedule for Monday.
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