1983 Recap

Written by: Big 33 Staff on July 23, 1983.

Matt Knizner of Hempfield ran for one touchdown and passed for another in leading the West’s 17-8 victory over the East at Johnstown.

The West took the opening kickoff and moved 80 yards in 10 plays. Knizner showed his versatility by turning a broken play into an 18-yard scoring run.

Some fine running by Tony McKnight of New Castle put the West into position for a 23-yard field goal by Charlie Swink of Connellsville early in the third quarter.

The East had moved with the second half kickoff until Dave DeMore of Baldwin intercepted a Harry Chapman pass at the West 28. Chapman, of Cumberland Valley, was intercepted to stop another drive on the next series.

The West boosted its lead to 17-0 on a six-yard pass from Knizner to Tom Crawford of Sharon early in the final period. Chapman finally got the East on the board with a 37-yard pass to Matt Hynoski of Council Rock and a two-point conversion pass to Matt Lavigna of Crestwood.

McKnight had 64 yards rushing and West teammate Tom Brown of Burrell had 43. The best the East could do was 25 yards by Tony Tolbert of Wilkes-Barre. Dan Tanczos of Bethlehem was the game’s top receiver with three for 56 yards.