It's All In The Family
Second generation players are ample on OVAC rostersBy RICK THORP, Staff Writer
Of the 66 players participating in Sunday's Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Charity Football Classic, nine of them have relatives who played in the event before.
But one - Edison's Cory Johnson - has a grandfather who played in the game.
And it just so happens that his grandfather - Don Johnson - is one of the players from the 1947, '48 and '49 games being honored during Sunday's contest.
For Don Johnson, who was the Defensive Most Valuable Player representing Springfield in the 1949 game, it couldn't have been scripted any better.
''I can hardly wait,'' he said Tuesday following an OVAC-sponsored luncheon at WesBanco Arena detailing Sunday's ceremonies. ''I'm as happy as could be.
''To have this happen ... and I played 59 years ago ... It's a really big honor.''
The OVAC recognized players from the 1945 and 1946 games last season. And the event went so well the conference decided to make it an annual occurrence.
That was welcome news for Jim Sperlazza, who represented Wellsburg High School in the '49 game.
''You want to talk about being elated,'' he said. ''As an old jock, it's very enriching to know that you are remembered.
''I'm glad to be able to participate. I'm just sad that so many of my buddies have passed away and won't be able to enjoy this.''
Sperlazza won't be the only one with that surname on the field at Wheeling Island Stadium. He will be joined by his grandson, also Jim Sperlazza, who will serve as the back judge for the game.
''You talk about a treat,'' the elder Sperlazza said.
Sperlazza and Don Johnson were on opposing sidelines that night 59 years ago. And Don Johnson, who played linebacker during West Virginia's 6-0 triumph, remembers the Mountaineers being an intimidating force.
''They had a good team,'' he said. ''This one boy from St. Marys - Billy Reynolds - was good, and then they had another big guy from Triadelphia.
''They were good runners and I played linebacker and I hit those guys pretty hard. They were hard to bring down.''
Don Johnson's memory is sharp as ever. And through his grandson he's stayed active in the game he loves so much.
''This is something special ... for him and me,'' he said.
Cory Johnson, during a break in practice Tuesday, said he's looking forward to being on the same field as his grandfather.
''It's great that they're honoring him,'' he said. ''There will be a lot of people down for the game.''
Don Johnson is bringing a motorhome down for the contest and plans to park it hours before the game starts.
''We're gonna taligate,'' he said excitedly. ''We're going to bring down a big contingent.''
Cory Johnson's specialty is long-snapping, and he and his grandfather have spent many hours working on it.
''If he has to help me, he'll help me,'' Cory Johnson said.
Don Johnson said it's no surprise the University of Houston came calling for his grandson's services.
''It's hard for me to catch it,'' Don Johnson said. ''That ball comes back there and, boy, I've been wearing good-sized gloves.
''Once in a while I'll get hit in the jaw, or the head or someplace.''
All of the hard work has paid off, according to the grandfather. And the grandson said his grandfather has played large role in who he is today.
''He told me to go down there and have fun,'' Cory Johnson said.
''He said it was of the best memories of his life, and hopefully it will be one of mine.''
