Elkers reflect Big 30, careers, and the future
Former Elkers Dan Park, Hunter Wall, Eric Salberg, and Tyler Merritt from Ridgway and Johnsonburg's Camron Marciniak and Kenny McKenna left Parkway Field in Bradford on Saturday night, winners of their final high school game.
The sextet was integral to Pennsylvania's 27-13 Big 30 Charities Classic victory over New York, giving the Keystone State a lead (23-22-3) for the first time since the contest began in 1974.
Marciniak put PA ahead 20-7 when he took a short pass from Smethport QB Noah Lent and broke three tackles on his way to a 49-yards for a TD. A few minutes later, Salberg caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Christian Coudriet of St. Marys putting his team in front 27-7.
Park, Wall, McKenna, and Merritt were on the defensive unit that limited NY to one touchdown – an 80-yard drive to open the second half making it 14-7. The Empire State's second score came on a fumble return late in the game. Park had a part of three sacks, McKenna helped clog the line, and Wall wreaked havoc at linebacker. Merritt was part of the secondary that gave up just 38 yards and had two interceptions. Minus the 80-yards rushing accumulated on the scoring drive, New York amassed just an additional 23 yards on the ground.
Always an intense affair, Saturday's game featured several unsportsmanlike penalties by New York. However, credit must be given to PA head coach Justin Bienkowski and his Port Allegany staff for keeping their players in control emotionally.
Ridgway head coach Mark Heindl and assistants Rick Viglione, Mickey Delhunty, Jack Kifer, and Tony Defilippi led Pennsylvania to a 35-0 win in 2021. The head coach enjoyed seeing his players excel Saturday night.
"It was neat to sit in the stands to watch the game as a fan and not a coach. But, obviously, being a little biased, hearing our kids' names announced during the game was bittersweet since it was their last game."
Practice for the 2022 season started Monday. Heindl looks at the Big 30 game as the closing of a chapter and the start of a new one.
"To watch the kids playing on Saturday definitely gave me goosebumps. It was a great way for our guys to end their careers. Of course, we'll miss them, but with practicing starting now, it's our time to go back to work."
The six Elkers will be moving on to college. Wall will play football at Geneva and Marciniak baseball at Gannon. Park is going to Penn State Behrend, Salberg will run track at Slippery Rock. Merritt will also attend "The Rock," and McKenna will further his education at Louisville.
The following are quotes from the players' final high school interview. Photos by Bob Parana.