Big 33 cuts local stars from football team

Officials say Jeter, Pinkston displayed a 'lack of interest'

Thursday, April 13, 2006

By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Baldwin's Jason Pinkston and Beaver Falls' Lance Jeter have been removed from the Pennsylvania Big 33 all-star football team.

Big 33 officials and Pennsylvania's coaches made the decision on Pinkston and Jeter recently. Leigh Ann Urban, Big 33 director of operations, said the move was because of a "lack of interest" from Pinkston and Jeter.

The Big 33 game, which pits Pennsylvania against Ohio, will be June 17 in Hershey. Jeter, a receiver, and Pinkston, a lineman, were selected to Pennsylvania's team in January.

"We have deadlines for players to return paperwork," Urban said. "They didn't return anything."

Pinkston is a Pitt recruit; Jeter has not made a college decision. He might choose to play basketball in college.

Urban said neither Pinkston or Jeter showed up for a news conference to announce the Pennsylvania team. Jeter also did not attend a workout this past Sunday at Gateway High School.

"It was decided that they just didn't seem to want to play," Urban said.

Baldwin coach Mike Silianoff said Pinkston missed the news conference because of academics.

"It wasn't that Jason didn't want to play, he just didn't realize the sense of urgency needed to get his [paperwork] in," said Baldwin coach Mike Silianoff. "No one called us, either."

Stroudsburg's Chris Neild and Carlisle's Clem Johnson have replaced Pinkston and Jeter.

Also, Woodland Hills defensive back Darrin Walls will not play in the Big 33 because of an injured shoulder. Harrisburg's Jeremiha Hunter has replaced him.

Recruiting news

Hopewell junior Becky Novacek, projected to be one of the top girls' volleyball players in the state next season, has made a verbal commitment to the University of Dayton. Novacek, who will receive a full scholarship, also considered Kentucky and a few other schools. "Scholarships are offered a lot earlier in volleyball than basketball and football," Novacek said. "I liked Dayton a lot, so I figured I might as well get my decision out of the way."