On cue, Panasuk, Howard play like all-stars
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

Nothing was going to stop Stephen Panasuk from competing in the prestigious North-South football game last week.

The New Egypt High School senior, who will play football at LaSalle University in the fall, injured his knee early in the week during practice. While waiting for the results of an MRI test, Panasuk strapped on a brace and played anyway. That's how bad he wanted to be a part of his last high school football game.

"He hurt it in a freak accident at practice," New Egypt coach Tom Farrell said. "At first we weren't sure if he would be able to go on it. He still needs to have an MRI done on it to see exactly how damaged the knee is. He was fitted with a brace and made up his mind to play anyway."

Panasuk looked sharp as the South registered a 14-7 win. Panasuk helped his team by tossing a seven-yard touchdown pass. Panasuk split time with Howell standout Sean Reilly.

"He did a nice job for them," Farrell said. "He played about half of the game and looked real good. He had been looking forward to playing in the game. He wasn't going to let anything get in his way. That's just the kind of kid he is."

He finished the game 3-for-5 for about 30 yards. Last season at New Egypt, Panasuk caught the eye of college recruiters by passing for more than 1,200 yards in just seven games for the Warriors. He also tossed 11 TDs. He set the school record in passing yardage and touchdowns in a single season.

"He had a good year for us," Farrell said. "He is a big, strong kid with a great arm. I feel LaSalle is going to be a good place for him. He should get a chance to compete there right away."

Another New Egypt player, Josh Howard, competed in the annual Sunshine Classic, which pits the best players from the Delaware Valley area against each other.

Howard was selected as the defensive MVP for the East squad, which suffered a 14-6 defeat to the West.

Farrell feels that at 6 foot 4, 245 pounds, Howard is going to make a fine college player. Howard will play at Kean University in the fall.

"They are getting a real good football player," Farrell said. "This kid works hard and is very talented. He is going to make an impact on their program right away."

Howard played most of the game and recorded five tackles for a loss of yardage as well as a pair of sacks.

"He has got great strength and speed," Farrell said. "He is only going to continue to get better as a football player. I'll be anxious to see how things play out for him at Kean. I think it is going to be a great experience for him."