Western Wayne to host archrival Honesdale in 31st Annual Shrine Bowl Classic
INDIAN ORCHARD — The 2023 Lackawanna Football Conference season will come to a close this weekend.
When Western Wayne puts out the proverbial welcome mat for Honesdale Friday night at Sharkey Rosetti Memorial Stadium, they’ll be center stage for one of the region’s longest-running traditions.
This year’s game between the Wildcats and Hornets will mark the 31st renewal of the Shrine Bowl Classic. The contest is hosted each season by the Wayne-Pike Shrine Club and serves as the organization’s biggest fundraiser.
“We are very excited about this year’s game,” said Noble Brian Wilken. “I can’t tell you how much we’re all looking forward to it. There’s a lot riding on the outcome, so it should be a great time.”
From last season: Wallenpaupack edges Honesdale in the 30th Annual Shrine Bowl Classic
Also by Kevin Edwards: Wayne-Pike Shrine Club set to host its 30th annual high school football extravaganza
Opening kickoff for Friday night’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Varden. A portion of the gate and all proceeds from the sale of souvenir programs go to the Shriners.
“We can’t thank the community and the school districts enough for allowing this game to take place each year,” Noble Wilken said. “Sick and injured children receive outstanding medical care because of the generosity of folks right here in Wayne and Pike counties.
Keeping hope alive
Honesdale has had what can best be described as a rollercoaster season.
The Hornets will arrive on the scene Friday night with a 3-6 record. Coach Paul Russick’s lads opened the season with four straight losses, then won three in a row before dropping the last two.
For the Red & Black to earn a spot in this year’s District 2 tournament, they’d need both a big win over the Wildcats and some help. They are currently ranked ninth overall in Class 4A, one spot out of the running.
“We are expecting a good old-fashioned, hard-nosed football game,” Coach Russick said. “We couldn't have picked a better team to be going up against. The Shrine Bowl Classic is always an awesome experience to be part of.”
Honesdale's offensive attack is spearheaded by Mason Avery. The junior tailback leads the team in rushing with 1,176 yards and has also scored nine touchdowns.
Playoff implications
Western Wayne will enter the fray Friday night with a 6-3 record fresh off a 41-14 thrashing of Lakeland.
The Wildcats have won four of their last five, including a 28-0 shutout of longtime rival Carbondale Area. The only blemishes on their resume so far are losses to Abington Heights, North Pocono and Dunmore.
Coach Shane Godack's squad is currently rated second among all District 2 teams in the Class AAA power rankings. The 'Cats trail only Scranton Prep (8-1) in the standings.
“I can definitely speak for the whole team when I say that we're excited to play in the Shrine Bowl,” Coach Grodack said. “This game means a lot to a lot of people due to the support it generates for Shriners Hospitals.
“It's important to me, to my staff and to all our players.”
Offensively, Western Wayne's assault revolves around running back Josh Vinton. The hard-nosed junior has piled up 1,288 yards rushing and tallied an eye-popping 20 TDs.
Balthaser honored
The Shrine Bowl Classic was first held back in 1992 and is now celebrating its 31st anniversary.
Over the course of the past three decades, Western Wayne, Honesdale, Wallenpaupack Area and Delaware Valley have competed in the annual event.
Last year’s contest featured Honesdale and Paupack in a Week 1 battle on the shores of The Big Lake. This one went right down to the wire before the Buckhorns finally escaped with a razor-thin 15-13 win.
Preparations for the 2023 game began months ago. Shrine Club officials have been pounding the pavement and working the phones in a concerted effort at spreading the word. All those efforts will once again culminate under the Friday Night Lights.
Men like Dick Osborne, Ken Dickinson, Ray Quiepo and Harrison “Hap” Balthaser were among the Shriners who laid the foundation for what's become a much-loved tradition..
Balthaser was the driving force in establishing this series back 1992 and has been a Shriner for more than half a century now. He’s a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper, loving father, devoted grandfather and tireless youth sports advocate.
In recognition for the countless hours Balthaser has spent volunteering in the community, his fellow Shriners are dedicating this year’s game to him.
“Hap was a huge part of starting the Shrine Bowl in the beginning,” Wilken said. “He was our club president when it all began.
“It was a natural extension of how he lives — always helping the community. Hap has a gift for raising money to help support the Shriners’ cause. He’s also taken many trips with patients to the hospitals.
“Hap has frequently told us about the fantastic care received by folks from right here in Wayne and Pike county. His passion for helping others has left an indelible mark on the lives of so many.”
A worthy cause
There are 22 Shriners Hospitals in the United States, each of which is fully dedicated to helping families in need.
No child is ever turned away due to lack of funds. Thousands of boys and girls who’ve been burned or suffer from other ailments and injuries receive cutting edge treatment each year.
Over the course of the past three decades, Wilken has seen firsthand what an incredible difference the Shriners can have in people’s lives.
“I've had the privilege helping to transport local kids to our hospitals," Brian said. "And I was forever changed by the experience.
“Once you see the miracles that happen at a Shriners Hospital, you just want to help out in any way that you can.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Shrine Bowl 31 pits Western Wayne and Honesdale in Week 10 LFC clash
