TOP 7 MALE FALL SPORTS COACHES: JACK YOUNG TURNS ATHENS FOOTBALL AROUND IN 2020 (2020-12-12)

Valley Sports Report
It was a tough season for coaches as they had to deal with things they never could imagine. However, many of them were able to rise above it, and produce a memorable season for the players and fans.

7. John Loziere, NEB
In his first season Loziere was able to take a rebuilt Panther squad to districts as they finished fourth (7-7) in the NTL standings.

6. Jim Smith, Troy
Troy (4-2), once again, was near the top of the NTL football standings, beating NP-Mansfield (twice), Wellsboro and Towanda in a short season. Even in their losses the Trojans had leads during the games as they sported one of the toughest defense and consistent runs in the NTL.

5. Jim Schools, Wyalusing
The Rams won their third straight NTL division title, their third straight NTL Invitational title and had a state medalist in Zion Laudermilch.

4. Jake Lezak, Athens
Despite losing quite a few players from last season the Wildcats were able to contend for the NTL title, finishing second at 10-2, while also qualifying for district play.

3. Mike Bronson, Athens
Bronson led the Wildcats to an undefeated NTL dual meet season and a top five finish in the District IV, Class AA championships. In a normal year he would have seen his top three runners qualify for the state tournament.

2. Tyler Sechrist, Canton
The Warriors had a very strong regular season, rallying to beat Troy to reclaim the Old Shoe, while going 4-0 to earn the top seed in the district playoffs. They fell to Muncy in the District IV final but led late and were missing several key players.

1. Jack Young, Athens
Young had the biggest turnaround in fall sports this season, going from 1-win a year ago to 5-1 in the regular season. Victories over Sayre, Wyalusing and South Williamsport were the highlight as well as earning a district berth in the competitive Class AAA field of District IV.