Memorable night at CARP

Emotion replaced football drama Friday night at Coudersport Area Recreation Park.

After the Falcons buried hapless Sheffield early, the school held a special halftime tribute to their veteran head coach, Paul Simcoe.

With more than 125 current and former football players forming a tunnel along the sideline, Simcoe walked through, exchanging handshakes, back pats and an occasional hug.

The ceremony marked his 200th career coaching victory the previous week, coupled with Simcoe's acknowledgement that he plans to retire.

On the gridiron, Coudersport (5-1) rolled to a 28-0 lead in less than nine minutes and coasted to a 40- 16 win, with second- and third-teamers playing for most of the game.

Brian Wetzel's 10-yard touchdown pass to Justen Kinder closed out an opening drive.

Sheffield fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Colton Corey scored from 10 yards out.

Kinder's interception set up Kyle Gee's 12-yard touchdown run.

Then, after a Wolverine punt, Dirk Cowburn broke loose for a 32-yard TD run. Freshman Cooper Bonczar's fourth extra point made it 28- 0 at the 3:03 mark.

Gee and Nick Reddick carved through the Sheffield defense to set up Bonczar's 20-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Bonczar also nailed a 30-yarder just before halftime, putting the score at 34-0.

An interception by Gee put Coudersport in business after the break. Reddick had a couple of big gainers to set up Dakota Dehn's one-yard touchdown run.

Sheffield scored twice against the Falcon reserves.

Coudersport got its ground game ungrounded, rushing for 303 yards. Reddick had 17 carries for 89 yards, while Cowburn gained 76 yards and Gee added 58. Falcon junior tailback Tim Thomas was sidelined with an ankle injury.

Simcoe's boys head to Johnsonburg Friday night, then host Smethport Oct. 19 in the final home game of the regular season. They will face a major test the following week, with an Oct. 26 trip to Kane.