The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association was set to uphold its ruling to deny Phillipsburg a waiver of the "70 percent rule." That happened Wednesday. But before the state executive committee was to vote, the Phillipsburg School District chose to drop its four-year case. The District just wanted to drop its csae.
Phillipsburg wanted to return -- I should say wants, because that will not change -- wants to return to its longtime rivals in the Lehigh Valley, those schools in Allentown and Bethlehem. P'Burg wanted to do that, yet wanted to continue to play in the state tournaments in New Jersey. The state requires that the Statelineliners play at least 70 percent of its schedule against New Jersey teams. Phillipsburg has been in the Skyland Conference since 1995.
"You have to remember that Philipsburg played the schools in Allentown and Bethelem for 50 to 60 years," Phillipsburg head coach Bob Stem said. "The people know each other. There's nothing wrong with those teams (in the Skyland Conference), but the tradition is much greater in the (Lehigh) Valley. We've been playing football for 102 years and I think the Allentown schools have been playing for a lot more than that."
Stem also said that coaches across the board have complained about the long trips and hours it takes to get to most of their Skyland opponents.
"You're punishing the kids, honestly," Stemp said.
The same could be said for the schools that drive to Phillipsburg.
Franklin will be making the trip tomorrow afternoon for its game 7 p.m. game with the Stateliners.
Franklin coach Lou Solomon's wife is expecting twin boys. We wish the Solomon family all the best. Lou Solomon is expected to coach the game Friday night.
Central Catholic plays at Nazareth Friday night. Miss you guys.
Ridge coach Tony Mottola on playing powerhouse Immaculata: "First off, we have to make sure to wrap up our tackles and just play hard. They are an outstanding team."
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