PSFCA Hall of Fame Class of 2024
 

PSFCA Hall of Fame - Class of 2024

Carmen DeFrancesco

Carmen DeFrancesco

Carmen DeFrancesco is a 1971 graduate of Mount Carmel High School. As a starting running back, MCA posted a record of 23-1. During his High School career, Mount Carmel Area football was 44-3, winning 3 Southern division Championships and 1 Eastern Conference Championship. Coach DeFrancesco was a star running back for Juniata College. He graduated in 1975 with a B.S. in Psychology in 1975. During his junior year, 1973, Juniata was selected to play in the 1st ever Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the national championship showdown for Division III teams in the NCAA. His senior year he was elected team captain, was an All-Mac 1st Team Tailback, and led his team in rushing and total offense.

Carm was inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pa. Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Juniata College Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Coach Carm's coaching career consisted of 14 years as an assistant coach and 25 years as a head coach winning 171 games at 5 different schools. The schools included Cardinal Brennan, Danville, Shamokin, Upper Dauphin, Mount Carmel, and Berwick. He had the great honor of coaching the Mount Carmel Red Tornadoes and the Berwick Bulldogs, the #1 and #3 winningest programs in the history of PA. football. His teams won 5 conference championships, 5 District gold medals with 3 different schools, 5 District silver medals, and 1 sub-regional championship. He received 10 Coach of the Year awards including District IV Coach of the year in 1997. Coach Carm is one of only 2 coaches in Pennsylvania High School history to have led 5 different schools into District playoffs.

He is the father of 3 children, Coryn, Carmen, and Cheryl, and currently resides with his wife Virginia, in Sunbury, Pa.

 

Carmen DeFrancesco

Carmen DeFrancesco
 
 

Carmen DeFrancesco is a 1971 graduate of Mount Carmel High School. As a starting running back, MCA posted a record of 23-1. During his High School career, Mount Carmel Area football was 44-3, winning 3 Southern division Championships and 1 Eastern Conference Championship. Coach DeFrancesco was a star running back for Juniata College. He graduated in 1975 with a B.S. in Psychology in 1975. During his junior year, 1973, Juniata was selected to play in the 1st ever Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the national championship showdown for Division III teams in the NCAA. His senior year he was elected team captain, was an All-Mac 1st Team Tailback, and led his team in rushing and total offense.

Carm was inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pa. Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Juniata College Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Coach Carm's coaching career consisted of 14 years as an assistant coach and 25 years as a head coach winning 171 games at 5 different schools. The schools included Cardinal Brennan, Danville, Shamokin, Upper Dauphin, Mount Carmel, and Berwick. He had the great honor of coaching the Mount Carmel Red Tornadoes and the Berwick Bulldogs, the #1 and #3 winningest programs in the history of PA. football. His teams won 5 conference championships, 5 District gold medals with 3 different schools, 5 District silver medals, and 1 sub-regional championship. He received 10 Coach of the Year awards including District IV Coach of the year in 1997. Coach Carm is one of only 2 coaches in Pennsylvania High School history to have led 5 different schools into District playoffs.

He is the father of 3 children, Coryn, Carmen, and Cheryl, and currently resides with his wife Virginia, in Sunbury, Pa.

Dave Gingrich

Dave Gingrich

Dave Gingrich is a 1987 graduate of Annville-Cleona HS where he was a four-sport athlete, excelling in football, wrestling, ice hockey, and baseball where he helped his team to the 1986 AA state title. Following HS, he went onto Shippensburg University graduating in 1991 with a degree in Mathematics Education along with a minor in coaching. He started his career in the fall of 1991 at Cocalico HS teaching Math while coaching football. He was a member of Hall of Famer Phil Kauffman's staff for 13 years before taking over head coaching duties prior to the 2004 season. During his 16 years at the helm, his teams won 130 games and lost 60. The Eagles won 10 or more games seven times during that span, were District 3 Finalists in 2010, 2014, and 2018, before winning that allusive District 3 5A Championship in 2019. He was L-L League Section 2 Coach of the Year five times during his tenure culminating with the PIAA District 3 Coach of the Year in his final season, 2019. Additionally, Dave was inducted into the Central Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Much more than wins and losses was the influence that Coach "G", as both his students and players called him, would have on his student-athletes. He would push them to achieve on and off the field; to represent their family, school and community; and to strive to be the best versions of themselves. During this time, Dave has been blessed to have excellent mentors and assistant coaches in his corner. These great men have coached beside him and given him insights and knowledge of the game that he may not have gotten without them. He always gave them the credit for his successes as together they achieved a cohesive family inside the locker room and on the field. Dave and Sue, his wife of 30 years are the proud parents of Marissa (fiancé to Grant Fisher), Megan (wife of Matt Achille), and Brock (a student-athlete at University of Delaware).

 

Dave Gingrich

Dave Gingrich
 
 

Dave Gingrich is a 1987 graduate of Annville-Cleona HS where he was a four-sport athlete, excelling in football, wrestling, ice hockey, and baseball where he helped his team to the 1986 AA state title. Following HS, he went onto Shippensburg University graduating in 1991 with a degree in Mathematics Education along with a minor in coaching. He started his career in the fall of 1991 at Cocalico HS teaching Math while coaching football. He was a member of Hall of Famer Phil Kauffman's staff for 13 years before taking over head coaching duties prior to the 2004 season. During his 16 years at the helm, his teams won 130 games and lost 60. The Eagles won 10 or more games seven times during that span, were District 3 Finalists in 2010, 2014, and 2018, before winning that allusive District 3 5A Championship in 2019. He was L-L League Section 2 Coach of the Year five times during his tenure culminating with the PIAA District 3 Coach of the Year in his final season, 2019. Additionally, Dave was inducted into the Central Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Much more than wins and losses was the influence that Coach "G", as both his students and players called him, would have on his student-athletes. He would push them to achieve on and off the field; to represent their family, school and community; and to strive to be the best versions of themselves. During this time, Dave has been blessed to have excellent mentors and assistant coaches in his corner. These great men have coached beside him and given him insights and knowledge of the game that he may not have gotten without them. He always gave them the credit for his successes as together they achieved a cohesive family inside the locker room and on the field. Dave and Sue, his wife of 30 years are the proud parents of Marissa (fiancé to Grant Fisher), Megan (wife of Matt Achille), and Brock (a student-athlete at University of Delaware).

Dennis Iezzi

Dennis Iezzi

Dennis Iezzi embarked on a career as an educator, football coach and leader that allowed his student-athletes to learn more than just football. His players have become leaders in all venues,learning life skills to ensure their future success. Iezzi has made such a lasting impact that to this day, players continue to be a part of his life.

A 1968 graduate of Daniel Boone HS in Birdsboro, PA, Iezzi earned 9 varsity letters in Football,Basketball and Baseball, winning championships in football and basketball. His junior and senior year, Iezzi served as team captain and was selected All-Berks County in Football and Basketball. He matriculated at Albright College, earning 4 varsity letters in Football being selected Offensive Player of the Game at Homecoming in 1969.

Upon graduation, Iezzi became a teacher and football coach at Donegal High School where he met his mentor, Gayne Deshler, whom he credits for laying the foundation for his coaching career. As Defensive Coordinator he helped guide an undefeated Donegal team to the championship in 1978. In 1980, he became head coach at Bermudian Springs High School securing 8 wins his first season, a feat not yet achieved in the program's history.

In 1982, Iezzi became head football coach at Middletown Area High School. Middletown had experienced eight losing seasons in a row. Under his leadership, three years later the Blue Raiders won the conference championship. The Blue Raiders were "continuing a tradition" built by Coach Dave Yohn in the 70's, Iezzi's players and coaches lived by the mantra "whatever it takes" to achieve great heights. Middletown won the district championship in 1986 and 1988,district runner up in 1991, and five conference championships. In 1988, they finished the season ranked 2nd in the state and in 1989 recorded an undefeated regular season. Iezzi was named Coach of the Year five times and in 1989 was selected Defensive Coordinator for the Big33. He would finish his career at Middletown with 109 wins, the most wins by a head coach in the school's history.

While at Middletown, Iezzi was Assistant High School Principal for 13 years then Principal for five years. As Principal, his school wide P.R.I.D.E./T.E.A.M. program gained national recognition as one of the top 6-character education programs in the country. All students were held to the standard "discipline is organization" and understood that faculty and staff seriously cared for them.

Upon leaving Middletown, Iezzi became head football coach and Assistant Principal at Exeter High School where he ended his high school career with an overall record of 150 wins, 83 losses and 3 ties. Iezzi left secondary education for Kutztown University as their Secondary coach, and later became the Defensive Coordinator for three years going 28-8, winning the PSAC State Championship and qualifying for the National Playoffs in 2010 and 2011. After stops at Albright College and Alvernia University he finished his coaching career in 2023 as the Head Coach at Thaddeus Stevens College in Lancaster after three consecutive championship seasons. Iezzi has also been inducted into the Capitol Area Coach's Hall of Fame, Daniel Boone High School Hall of Fame, Berks County Hall of Fame, and Middletown Area High School Hall of Fame.

Iezzi resides in Exeter Township with his fiancée Rose, and has a daughter Casey, a professor at Boise State, a son Michael, a psychologist in Durham, North Carolina and five grandchildren.

 

Dennis Iezzi

Dennis Iezzi
 
 

Dennis Iezzi embarked on a career as an educator, football coach and leader that allowed his student-athletes to learn more than just football. His players have become leaders in all venues,learning life skills to ensure their future success. Iezzi has made such a lasting impact that to this day, players continue to be a part of his life.

A 1968 graduate of Daniel Boone HS in Birdsboro, PA, Iezzi earned 9 varsity letters in Football,Basketball and Baseball, winning championships in football and basketball. His junior and senior year, Iezzi served as team captain and was selected All-Berks County in Football and Basketball. He matriculated at Albright College, earning 4 varsity letters in Football being selected Offensive Player of the Game at Homecoming in 1969.

Upon graduation, Iezzi became a teacher and football coach at Donegal High School where he met his mentor, Gayne Deshler, whom he credits for laying the foundation for his coaching career. As Defensive Coordinator he helped guide an undefeated Donegal team to the championship in 1978. In 1980, he became head coach at Bermudian Springs High School securing 8 wins his first season, a feat not yet achieved in the program's history.

In 1982, Iezzi became head football coach at Middletown Area High School. Middletown had experienced eight losing seasons in a row. Under his leadership, three years later the Blue Raiders won the conference championship. The Blue Raiders were "continuing a tradition" built by Coach Dave Yohn in the 70's, Iezzi's players and coaches lived by the mantra "whatever it takes" to achieve great heights. Middletown won the district championship in 1986 and 1988,district runner up in 1991, and five conference championships. In 1988, they finished the season ranked 2nd in the state and in 1989 recorded an undefeated regular season. Iezzi was named Coach of the Year five times and in 1989 was selected Defensive Coordinator for the Big33. He would finish his career at Middletown with 109 wins, the most wins by a head coach in the school's history.

While at Middletown, Iezzi was Assistant High School Principal for 13 years then Principal for five years. As Principal, his school wide P.R.I.D.E./T.E.A.M. program gained national recognition as one of the top 6-character education programs in the country. All students were held to the standard "discipline is organization" and understood that faculty and staff seriously cared for them.

Upon leaving Middletown, Iezzi became head football coach and Assistant Principal at Exeter High School where he ended his high school career with an overall record of 150 wins, 83 losses and 3 ties. Iezzi left secondary education for Kutztown University as their Secondary coach, and later became the Defensive Coordinator for three years going 28-8, winning the PSAC State Championship and qualifying for the National Playoffs in 2010 and 2011. After stops at Albright College and Alvernia University he finished his coaching career in 2023 as the Head Coach at Thaddeus Stevens College in Lancaster after three consecutive championship seasons. Iezzi has also been inducted into the Capitol Area Coach's Hall of Fame, Daniel Boone High School Hall of Fame, Berks County Hall of Fame, and Middletown Area High School Hall of Fame.

Iezzi resides in Exeter Township with his fiancée Rose, and has a daughter Casey, a professor at Boise State, a son Michael, a psychologist in Durham, North Carolina and five grandchildren.

Michael Matta

Michael Matta

Michael Matta is a 1978 graduate of Shawnee High School in South Jersey where he played Football and Captain his senior year. He played his college football at Susquehanna University and was a three-year starter and Captain his senior year. Upon Graduation Michael spent the next 16 years coaching football at several colleges and various capacities. Michael came to Downingtown High School in 1997 and was the defensive coordinator for six years. In 2003 when the school split, he became the Head Coach of Downingtown East High School. He is also a school counselor at the High School. Matta also coached both the East/West and Big 33 game as an assistant coach and as a Head Coach.

While at Downingtown Michael is involved with Best Buddies; Stop the R Word Campaign including selecting Life Skills students to serve as game captains. His program has also been involved with Polar Plunge and both Unified Bocce and Spring Track.

Downingtown has been extremely successful 6A District 1 and Ches-Mont League program over the 21years it has been in existence. Michael is most proud about the transformative relationship the program has developed. With the help of his tremendous coaching staff (currently 11 former players on staff) and Administration there has been many young men who have come through this program.

Michael and his wife Anne Marie have been married for 36 years and the proud parents of Ed (Wife Kathleen), Elizabeth (husband Michael) Mary Cate and Patrick. They are also proud grandparents of granddaughters Kiera and Bridget.

 

Michael Matta

Michael Matta
 
 

Michael Matta is a 1978 graduate of Shawnee High School in South Jersey where he played Football and Captain his senior year. He played his college football at Susquehanna University and was a three-year starter and Captain his senior year. Upon Graduation Michael spent the next 16 years coaching football at several colleges and various capacities. Michael came to Downingtown High School in 1997 and was the defensive coordinator for six years. In 2003 when the school split, he became the Head Coach of Downingtown East High School. He is also a school counselor at the High School. Matta also coached both the East/West and Big 33 game as an assistant coach and as a Head Coach.

While at Downingtown Michael is involved with Best Buddies; Stop the R Word Campaign including selecting Life Skills students to serve as game captains. His program has also been involved with Polar Plunge and both Unified Bocce and Spring Track.

Downingtown has been extremely successful 6A District 1 and Ches-Mont League program over the 21years it has been in existence. Michael is most proud about the transformative relationship the program has developed. With the help of his tremendous coaching staff (currently 11 former players on staff) and Administration there has been many young men who have come through this program.

Michael and his wife Anne Marie have been married for 36 years and the proud parents of Ed (Wife Kathleen), Elizabeth (husband Michael) Mary Cate and Patrick. They are also proud grandparents of granddaughters Kiera and Bridget.

Jim Roth

Jim Roth

Ever since Jim Roth was given the keys to the Southern Columbia football program prior to the1984 season, there has been nothing but success. Roth attended Shikellamy High School. There he was a three-sport athlete competing in football, wrestling, and baseball. He holds the single-game record for the Braves to this day with four interceptions in a football game against Pottsville. After high school graduation he went to what was then Lock Haven State College where he played football.

Flash forward to present day and Roth has accomplished more than any other coach in Pennsylvania high school football history and is regarded as one of the top coaches in the history of the United States. His coaching career began at Southern Columbia in 1980 and he served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for four years before becoming the head coach. During that time, he helped turn around a program that was struggling for years. Prior to Roth's arrival, the school district was considering dropping the program. The 2023 season marked the 40th year that Roth has been the head coach at Southern Columbia. He has won more games than any other coach in PIAA history. His career record as the leader of the Tigers is an astounding 499-68-2.

His Tigers have state records that include 14 PIAA Championships, 22 state title appearances, and 31 District 4 titles. After defeating a previous unbeaten Westinghouse out of Pittsburgh last season to win the PIAA Class 2A Championship, the program set another state record. From 2002-2006, SCA won five consecutive state championships and in 2022 the Tigers broke their own state mark with six PIAA titles in a row. This past season they topped it again winning their seventh consecutive title after pulling off the longest game-winning drive in the history of the PIAA Championships.

In three consecutive seasons from 2018-2020, Southern Columbia was recognized by High School Football America as the number one small school in the nation. In 2020, Roth's program additionally was tabbed as the MaxPreps Small School National Champions. Starting with a regular season win in 2011, and continuing through the middle of the 2021 season, Southern Columbia set a state record by winning 93-consecutive regular season games. During that run, Roth's team rolled off 65 straight wins to lead the country at the time. In 2020, Roth was given the prestigious honor of the MaxPreps National Coach of the Year, adding another coaching honor to his list to go with being named the state coach of the year numerous times.

Coach Roth's most impressive stat is his consistency of producing a winning program every year regardless of who comes and goes with graduation. Since his first season in 1984, the Tigers have not once had a losing season on the gridiron in his 40-year tenure. Southern Columbia also has won 10 or more games in 37 of the 40 years. As a result of his achievements, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. Entering the 2024 season, Roth's 499 wins are the fifth most in the nation for career wins in high school football history.

 

Jim Roth

Jim Roth
 
 

Ever since Jim Roth was given the keys to the Southern Columbia football program prior to the1984 season, there has been nothing but success. Roth attended Shikellamy High School. There he was a three-sport athlete competing in football, wrestling, and baseball. He holds the single-game record for the Braves to this day with four interceptions in a football game against Pottsville. After high school graduation he went to what was then Lock Haven State College where he played football.

Flash forward to present day and Roth has accomplished more than any other coach in Pennsylvania high school football history and is regarded as one of the top coaches in the history of the United States. His coaching career began at Southern Columbia in 1980 and he served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for four years before becoming the head coach. During that time, he helped turn around a program that was struggling for years. Prior to Roth's arrival, the school district was considering dropping the program. The 2023 season marked the 40th year that Roth has been the head coach at Southern Columbia. He has won more games than any other coach in PIAA history. His career record as the leader of the Tigers is an astounding 499-68-2.

His Tigers have state records that include 14 PIAA Championships, 22 state title appearances, and 31 District 4 titles. After defeating a previous unbeaten Westinghouse out of Pittsburgh last season to win the PIAA Class 2A Championship, the program set another state record. From 2002-2006, SCA won five consecutive state championships and in 2022 the Tigers broke their own state mark with six PIAA titles in a row. This past season they topped it again winning their seventh consecutive title after pulling off the longest game-winning drive in the history of the PIAA Championships.

In three consecutive seasons from 2018-2020, Southern Columbia was recognized by High School Football America as the number one small school in the nation. In 2020, Roth's program additionally was tabbed as the MaxPreps Small School National Champions. Starting with a regular season win in 2011, and continuing through the middle of the 2021 season, Southern Columbia set a state record by winning 93-consecutive regular season games. During that run, Roth's team rolled off 65 straight wins to lead the country at the time. In 2020, Roth was given the prestigious honor of the MaxPreps National Coach of the Year, adding another coaching honor to his list to go with being named the state coach of the year numerous times.

Coach Roth's most impressive stat is his consistency of producing a winning program every year regardless of who comes and goes with graduation. Since his first season in 1984, the Tigers have not once had a losing season on the gridiron in his 40-year tenure. Southern Columbia also has won 10 or more games in 37 of the 40 years. As a result of his achievements, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. Entering the 2024 season, Roth's 499 wins are the fifth most in the nation for career wins in high school football history.

Bret Stover

Bret Stover

Bret Stover is a 1984 graduate of Upper Dublin High School where he was a three-sport letterman (football, basketball, and baseball). He attended Millersville University (1984-88) where he was Quarterback and captain for legendary coach Dr. Gene A. Carpenter. During his time at Millersville, he posted a 17-1 record as a starter and in 1988 led the Marauders to their first-ever Division II playoff win at IUP and nearly upset #1 Nationally Ranked North Dakota State in Fargo, ND, the following week. His team was also named the recipient of the Lambert Meadowlands Cup in 1988.

Bret graduated from Millersville University in 1988 with a BA in Economics. In 1990, Bret landed his first coaching job at his high school alma mater under PSFCA Hall of Fame coach John Pavlick and has been a coach at Upper Dublin to this day. In 2003, Bret took over as head coach and has accumulated a record of 156-79 - even after beginning his coaching career with a less-than-stellar 4-27 record. His teams have accounted for eight Suburban 1 American and Continental League Championships, one PIAA District 1 4A Championship (2015), and three PIAA 5A Championships (2018, 2020 & 2022). In 2015, on their way to the school's first-ever District1 Championship, his team knocked off the three largest enrollment schools in District 1: Upper Darby, Pennsbury, and North Penn. With the four District 1 Championships came four Eastern Final appearances, but the elusive trip to the state championship game is an opportunity for another season.

Bret was named the PSFCA District 1 Coach of the Year following the 2014, 2015, and 2022 seasons. The Philadelphia Inquirer also named him Coach of the Year in 2015. He has served as a PSFCA Director and Executive Committee member since 2010, serving as the President in 2019. He coached in the 2009 PSFCA East/West game, has been a coach of 15 Montgomery County All-Star Classics, and was an assistant coach for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl East Squad in San Antonio, TX, in 2016.In that game, he coached the defensive line and two future, first-round NFL draft picks: Dexter Lawrence and Javon Kinlaw. Bret was inducted into the Philadelphia Area Chapter of the National Football Foundations, and the College Hall of Fame in 2019.

Although honored to receive this award, he views this award as a program award, knowing that none of the accolades above would have been possible without the help of many assistant coaches and great players. In2007, Upper Dublin was the only team in the Suburban 1 to not have made the district one/state playoff system. Since 2007, Upper Dublin has been in the playoffs in 15 of the last 17 seasons.

For 32 years, Bret has been married to his wife Allyson, whose support through good and bad seasons has never wavered. They have been blessed with three outstanding sons - Ryan (26), Cory (24), and Drew (21) -and are both very proud of their accomplishments on and off the playing fields of Upper Dublin.

 

Bret Stover

Bret Stover
 
 

Bret Stover is a 1984 graduate of Upper Dublin High School where he was a three-sport letterman (football, basketball, and baseball). He attended Millersville University (1984-88) where he was Quarterback and captain for legendary coach Dr. Gene A. Carpenter. During his time at Millersville, he posted a 17-1 record as a starter and in 1988 led the Marauders to their first-ever Division II playoff win at IUP and nearly upset #1 Nationally Ranked North Dakota State in Fargo, ND, the following week. His team was also named the recipient of the Lambert Meadowlands Cup in 1988.

Bret graduated from Millersville University in 1988 with a BA in Economics. In 1990, Bret landed his first coaching job at his high school alma mater under PSFCA Hall of Fame coach John Pavlick and has been a coach at Upper Dublin to this day. In 2003, Bret took over as head coach and has accumulated a record of 156-79 - even after beginning his coaching career with a less-than-stellar 4-27 record. His teams have accounted for eight Suburban 1 American and Continental League Championships, one PIAA District 1 4A Championship (2015), and three PIAA 5A Championships (2018, 2020 & 2022). In 2015, on their way to the school's first-ever District1 Championship, his team knocked off the three largest enrollment schools in District 1: Upper Darby, Pennsbury, and North Penn. With the four District 1 Championships came four Eastern Final appearances, but the elusive trip to the state championship game is an opportunity for another season.

Bret was named the PSFCA District 1 Coach of the Year following the 2014, 2015, and 2022 seasons. The Philadelphia Inquirer also named him Coach of the Year in 2015. He has served as a PSFCA Director and Executive Committee member since 2010, serving as the President in 2019. He coached in the 2009 PSFCA East/West game, has been a coach of 15 Montgomery County All-Star Classics, and was an assistant coach for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl East Squad in San Antonio, TX, in 2016.In that game, he coached the defensive line and two future, first-round NFL draft picks: Dexter Lawrence and Javon Kinlaw. Bret was inducted into the Philadelphia Area Chapter of the National Football Foundations, and the College Hall of Fame in 2019.

Although honored to receive this award, he views this award as a program award, knowing that none of the accolades above would have been possible without the help of many assistant coaches and great players. In2007, Upper Dublin was the only team in the Suburban 1 to not have made the district one/state playoff system. Since 2007, Upper Dublin has been in the playoffs in 15 of the last 17 seasons.

For 32 years, Bret has been married to his wife Allyson, whose support through good and bad seasons has never wavered. They have been blessed with three outstanding sons - Ryan (26), Cory (24), and Drew (21) -and are both very proud of their accomplishments on and off the playing fields of Upper Dublin.

 
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