BERWICK — Berwick’s football team is preparing to play in a state semifinal football game.
Blue and white signs are hanging all throughout the town. The community is proud of its Bulldogs and is ready to cheer them on to victory.
Take a walk down Front Street in Berwick and you’ll see this community has school spirit. Almost everywhere you look there are blue and white streamers and signs cheering on the Berwick Bulldogs.
“The enthusiasm is back in Dawg football, no doubt about it!” said booster president Bob Beiter.
Berwick is set to play in the AAA state semifinal game against Archbishop Wood from the Philadelphia area. Fans stopped by The Locker Room on Front Street to pick up shirts for the big game.
“Berwick football is back! There are banners everywhere, signs, ribbons. The community, we’re all here for the kids. The boys are doing awesome this year,” said Rudelle Schechterly.
The Bulldogs are coming off a win last week against Clearfield and fans hope the team can get another win and earn a trip to the state final.
Football boosters club president Bob Beiter says five chartered buses will take fans to see the game at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown.
“On a Friday night in Berwick, if you go to a home game, you could probably knock on doors and you’ll get no answer because they’re all at the game. I mean, the support’s just fantastic. We average probably 8,000 (or) 9,000 people a game,” Beiter said.
The last time Berwick made it this far was 1998. Bulldog fans say it’s so exciting to see streamers and signs around “Bulldog Country” once again.
“It’s great that the fans in Berwick look up to the kids and help them out. (It) gives them enthusiasm so they can play good,” said Don Armitage of Berwick.
Brenda Grasley says the fans’ enthusiasm helps the players. Her son plays on the football team and enjoys seeing the signs around Berwick.
“My son says it’s great. When he hears how everyone is supporting the team, I think it gives him that extra boost to go all the way,” Grasley said.
Kickoff for Berwick’s state semifinal game is set for 5 p.m. in Allentown.
