Bienkowski making his fourth Big 30 appearance
When the Big 30 Charities Classic kicks off at Parkway Field in Bradford on Saturday, Aug. 6, Pennsylvania head coach Justin Bienkowski will make his fourth appearance. The 1998 Johnsonburg graduate played, assisted (2013), and refereed (2017) in the PA vs. New York allstar affair.
The Port Allegany head coach and his staff led the North in the 2021 Frank Varischetti All-Star Football game. He feels that experience makes things a bit smoother preparing his team.
"I think as coaches were more confident on how it works and getting kids accustomed to our terms. We learned when it's too much of a game plan or not enough. We have these kids for two hours a night for two weeks, so our objective is to use our terms and have all eleven guys on both sides of the ball know what to do."
So far, so good. "After a couple days, everybody is coming along well and, most importantly, having fun, which makes coaching this a joy."
The PA leader has 18 years of experience - seven as head coach. Port assistants Chad Saltsman, Cliff Fillhart, Kyle Bachman, Brian Neal, and Seth Lowery will be on the sideline with him for the Classic.
"The Big 30 is a wonderful and charitable organization, so it's great to be a part of this," said Bienkowski. "And, anytime we can represent Gator football and the state of Pennsylvania, we're going to do it to the best of our ability."
Coaching former rivals and the area's most talented athletes is a wonderful experience, according to the PA mentor.
"That's the best part. We had to figure out and game plan how to stop many of these kids, so it's nice now to coach them and not worry about them beating us. Then there are guys from teams we haven't played like Ridgway and St. Marys that are really good and fun to be around."
Bienkowski credits area coaches for developing said talent.
"You can see why some teams are always proverbial favorites every year. They're wellschooled and know where to be and what to do. And, by the way, it's cool to see how well they can run, throw, catch, and jump."
With the series against New York tied 22-22-3, a win would put Pennsylvania in the series lead for the first time since the game started in 1974 with a 22-8 New York win. The Keystone State has won four of the last five starting in 2016. The 2019 contest ended 27-27. There was no game in 2020 due to COVID. PA won 35-0 last year, with Mark Heindl and his Ridgway staff leading the way.
"Let's be honest, wins are always important, but it would be big to take the lead and have bragging rights for three-hundred-sixty-some days, and that's our goal," the coach said.
Bienkowski and staff remind the players of the importance of positively representing their school and state.
"I don't remember much from when I played but the intensity against the New York guys was high. So, I'm sure the kids will chirp and get after it emotionally. But, still, at the end of the day, we just want to play a football game while taking pride in representing this [charitable organization]."
Tonight's practice is being held at Dutch Country Stadium in St. Marys (6 p.m.). They'll resume on Monday in Kane.