Miners Join EFA

The Elite Football Association (EFA) and the Beyond Sports Network (BSN) are proud to introduce the new EFA league web site at www.EFA1.com. The EFA league web site provides the fans, media, owners, coaches and players with the information they need and an ELITE fan experience! Enjoy the new EFA site and keep checking back for more EFA news and content coming soon! http://ow.ly/8wqg1

The NEPA Miners are proud of their role in pioneering change in the semi-professional ranks. There is a lot of work yet to be done, butthe EFA is one big step in that direction!

A rich tradition of minor league sports exists in North Eastern Pennsylvania.  The North East PA Miners continue that tradition entering their sixth season in 2012 and are taking their next step in offering fans an Elite brand of Minor League Football entertainment. The best new organization on the East Coast in 2007 by Minor League Football News continues to expand and will elevate their game in 2012 on and off the field.

We are proud to announce the signing of Gary Haase (pronounced Hayes) as the new Head Coach of the NEPA Miners. Coach Haase most recently held a 16-5 record in two seasons (2010-2011) as the Head Coach with the minor league New Jersey Stags and is the Defensive Coordinator at High Point Regional High School in New Jersey.  Coach Haase was first introduced to the NEPA Miners in 2009 with a brief stint as the NEPA Miners Offensive Coordinator under Donnie Jackson-Bey. Coach Haase has held various coaching titles at North Warren Regional High School since 2003. Coach Haase was the winning Head Coach this past November as part of the East Preps National Bowl Game. The Miners know Coach Haase brings a lot to the table and believes he can take the Miners to the next level on the football field. “Coach Haase is a proven winner and a highly experienced recruiter of talent at this level”, stated Miners Co-Owner and Director of Business Operations Jason Muskey. “Gary is a great fit for the Miners as he shares our values for business and possesses the hard working blue collar mentality of the Miners.”  Coach Haase is a Senior Probation Officer in Sussex County and has a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University. Coach resides in Blairstown, New Jersey with his wife Kerry, two children Zach and Luke and with their first daughter on the way.  “I am honored to become part of such a great franchise.  The Miners truly are a first class organization; everything from their front office, stadium, community presence and team marketing made my decision an easy one. Northeast Pennsylvania is rich in football talent, I have been recruiting players from the minute I accepted the head coaching position.  Expect big things from the Miners in 2012,” said the Miners new Head Coach Gary Haase.

The addition of Coach Haase allows former Head Coach Dan LaMagna to assume a full time role in the Front Office as Co-Owner and Director of Marketing and Public Relations. Mr. LaMagna is also assisting in pioneering the newly formed Elite Football Association (EFA) as the President of its Board of Directors. “We can be another semi-ball football team playing in one of numerous leagues throughout the country or the Miners can be in the EFA with great organizations and change the landscape of minor league football”, stated Dan LaMagna. The NEPA Miners and all EFA teams are members of the American Football Association (AFA) and have strict standards to be a member of the EFA. NEPA Miners fans will only watch the best football teams on the East Coast and see a competitive football game every weekend including a renewed rivalry with the Central Penn Piranha. Fans will also now experience an enhanced minor league environment with additional entertainment and fan contests at every home game.

Coach Haase will be introduced with new player signings and more EFA updates at a future press conference. Visit www.nepaminers.com for more information on the Miners and www.EFA1.com.

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An Elite Brand of Football is Launched

The world of Minor League Football is being introduced to a new brand of football. The Elite Football Association (EFA) is proud to announce the launching of their league.  Organizations sharing a common vision to conduct a new way of business at the adult amateur football level will pioneer the EFA into 2012 and beyond.  The EFA has an opportunity to change the landscape of minor league football nationwide.

Elite Football Association Mission Statement

The Elite Football Association is dedicated to creating the best teaching environment for all of its players to learn the skills in football and life, in order to reach their personal and professional goals. We strive to have each person associated with the league to be a success on and off the field.

In FOOTBALL, we are an adult amateur league operating at the minor league level.  It is open to ages 18 on up, with the primary focus on being the premier developmental league for players ages 18-26.  Our teams will consist of players with previous playing experience in high school, college, minor league, CFL, and NFL.  Teams will focus on assisting players in developing the skills and techniques necessary to earn their way into college to get an education and possibly pursue a career in professional football. 

In LIFE, we are committed to teaching life skills, such as:  Goal Setting, Positive Mental Attitude, Developing a Passion, Time Management, How to Find and Keep Personal Motivation and the 17 Success Principles.

EFA Website Coming Soon!

The EFA is proud to have five well-known teams leading the way for the upcoming season.  The Central Penn Piranha, New Jersey Lions, NEPA Miners, Lehigh Valley Storm, and Philadelphia Phoenix have all chosen to be an Elite team.  Additional teams joining the EFA will be announced in the near future.  Official league play will begin in 2012.

EFA teams will receive the ultimate minor league football experience, as well as guidance and league support.  Players will compete at quality venues against competitive programs, thus creating a true minor league football experience for themselves and their fans. 

More information, sponsor news and an Elite website will be coming soon at:  WWW.EFA1.COM.

Head Coach Dan LaMagna resigns from Coaching post.      

Scranton, PA – November  18, 2011 – NEPA Miners Head Coach Dan LaMagna has hung up the coaching whistle as the NEPA Miners are reorganizing for the 2012 football season. The Miners have begun the search for a new Head Coach. Starting in 2007 LaMagna coached four of the NEPA Miners five seasons winning 13 games in the first two seasons making the playoffs both times before Donnie-Jackson-Bey coached the 2009 team to a 5-5 record. The following year Donnie pursued coaching High School football with the West Scranton Invaders. The Miners would expand business operations that season with Jason Muskey, a team sponsor and local business owner. The NEPA Miners attempted to bring in a new Head Coach from Tennessee in 2010 only to have LaMagna return to Coaching as the new coach did not materialize. The Miners won only 9 games the past two seasons fielding a very young nucleus of players after rebuilding in 2010 as the area’s talent was spread between two teams in the same area. “I had a wonderful experience coaching great local talent over four seasons with the Miners. I would consider a Head Coaching position at the High School level but most likely I will focus on the Miners front office with Jason, my work at Lackawanna College and family,” stated LaMagna. Coach LaMagna also coached the Scranton Eagles and Southern Tier Green Machine to the playoffs in 2004 and 2005 and was an assistant coach at Valley View High School and Lackawanna College when he was not coaching semi-professional football.

Jason Muskey added the Miners game day trailer, expanded the team merchandise line and added an additional televised game last season. Dan LaMagna will now handle the Miners Public Relations and Marketing while Dan, Jason and board member TJ Finley will look to expand the organizations Non-Profit Board of Directors and sponsorships in 2012. The NEPA Miners will look to have a new Head Coach in place before the new year. Jason Muskey has set an agenda of expanding the board of directors, sponsorship and making a league decision by February. Dan LaMagna is working on enhancing the game day experience making it a true minor league event in 2012 with more entertainment, fan giveaways and game day music. Stay tuned Miners fans, this off season will be the busiest yet. The Miners will announce tryouts for 2012 shortly after they name their next Head Coach.

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The NEPA Miners have concluded their Fifth Anniversary football season. The New Jersey Wolves defeated the NEPA Miners 21-7 at Scranton Memorial Stadium in round one of the Major League Football (MLF) playoffs. The Miners came out blazing at home with a 70 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Scranton High School graduate Jesse Hinkley. New Jersey Wolves Quarterback  Immanuel Cabassa would tie the game up with an 11 yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The score would remain deadlocked at seven until a muffed Miners punt return led to an 8 yard touchdown pass from Cabassa to Wolves leading receiver Adrian Rodriguez early in the third quarter. Cabassa would later sneak in his second rushing touchdown of the game that would secure the Wolves win. The New Jersey Wolves will now face the New Jersey Lions for the Empire Conference title with the winner either facing the Central Penn Piranha or the Lehigh Valley Storm for the MLF title.

Our hometown football team finished 2011 with a disappointing 6-7 overall record but have many positives to build on for 2012. The Miners new young core now has two years of experience under their belt and the team believes this will result in more wins with a big recruiting offseason ahead. The Miners found a stud Linebacker in Brandon Mackey to join All- Star Cornerback Anthony Bodtmann and lineman Jesse Hinkley (who had a successful conversion from offensive to defensive line) to lead the defense. Running Back Dodson Waterton took his game to a higher level at the running back position while the versatile Russell Fredrick gives them the big Tight End they need in the run game. Many other players have the Miners front office encouraged but they know they need to boost a struggling Offense to compete with the top teams in the league,

So what is next you ask? Well the rumor mill is swirling with rumors of a possible merger with a cross town rival? Will a new domed practice facility be ready for 2012? Coaching and front office changes?  New sponsors? Player recruits with professional experience?  A new minor league interactive game day experience for the fans? Only time will tell for Miners fans, keep checking back at www.nepaminers.com and on the Miners Facebook Fan Page or Twitter for more updates.  Team tryouts will be announced by January the latest as season six has already begun!

Piontkowski and offensive line must be poised in the Playoffs!

NEPA Miners final home game will feature a big screen TV giveaway!

After a September month full of surprises and bad weather the NEPA Miners welcome fall football and the opportunity to compete for the Major League Football (MLF) championship. The Miners have concluded the regular season with a 5-5 record in season and 6-6 overall.  Despite a roller coaster of a season the Miners like their recent team chemistry and heart as the team has had more transition on this year’s roster than years past. The NEPA Miners will host the New Jersey Wolves, last year’s Empire Conference Champions 7PM Saturday October 15^th at Scranton Memorial Stadium. The Wolves finished the season 5-5 also and beat the Miners 22-0 early this season in New Jersey. The Miners believe their team has grown since and have something to prove in the playoffs. The Miners are led by a stingy and fast defense that includes sacks leader Brandon Mackey and All-American defensive back Anthony Bodtman. Defensive coaches Scott Carey, Mike Goodwin and Jeff Phelps have done a great job of calling plays to create pressure all season on opposing offenses. The offense will be the x factor for the Miners as it is led by a backfield consisting of second year quarterback Justin Piontowski and running back Dodson Waterton. Piontkowski has many targets in Ronal Grayson, Cleveland Cook, Brian Slater, Tyler Serbin, Paul Pruce and Russell Fredrick that are working hard to get the passing game going. The Wolves have many playmakers themselves with a dynamic trio consisting of running back Darryl Luck, wide receiver Adrian Rodriguez and quarterback Immanuel Cabassa. Dareyl Kennedy Sr. and Chi Adams are leaders of an aggressive Wolves defense.  The winner of this game will travel to New Jersey for the Conference Title game versus either the number one seed New Jersey Lions or the New Jersey Spartans.

October 15^th will be the final home game of the 2011 season for the Miners and game night will feature a big screen television giveaway from Endless Mountain Security, FREE to one lucky fan in attendance. The Miners will also dedicate the evening to supporting the United Way of North East PA through awareness and a special 50/50 raffle.  For more information on the Miners visit www.nepaminers.com.

Miners Running Back Tyler Serbin fighting for yards

The NEPA Miners are battling through a very competitive Major League Football (MLF) season.  The miners are 3-4 in MLF action (4-5 overall) and are fighting to gain momentum going into a probable post season. The Empire Conference has been a close race as the New Jersey Lions are in first at 5-2 followed by the New Jersey Wolves at 4-3, and the Tri State Bulldogs at 3-3. The New Jersey Spartans are chasing the Miners at 1-3-1. The top four teams in each conference make the post season. Coming off of a 6-20 challenging defeat to the Philadelphia Phoenix, the Miners will face off Sunday 5PM versus a Pennsylvania rival in the 5-1 Lehigh Valley Storm out of the Keystone Conference.  The timing may be good as the Storm received their first loss two weeks ago 6-52 versus the undefeated Central Penn Piranha. The Storm defeated the Miners 0-28 in the season opener. The Miners will be waiting to see if Storm Quarterback James Lahue returns to action, he was knocked out of their game versus Central Penn. Lahue manages football games very well and is led by a strong Lehigh Valley Storm running attack.

The Miners believe if they can start better in games and get hot they have a chance. Last weekend the Miners had some positives despite the loss as they continue to create turnovers with four team sacks and an interception by Shawn Palmiter in his return to action. The Miners had their fourth straight game of 100 plus yards on the ground and Quarterback Justin Piontkowski finished 8 of his last 11 throwing, hitting five different receivers. The Miners hope to put it all together down the stretch and play the role of spoiler. After the Storm matchup the Miners will return home to Scranton Memorial Stadium September 24^th, 7pm against the Tri State Bulldogs. One lucky fan will leave the stadium winning a free big screen television, given away by Miners sponsor Endless Mountain Security! Who knows how this season will end but we do know the Miners will fight to the finish!

Miners host Philadelphia Phoenix, Scranton Police, Scranton Fire Departments and Military Sunday!
     
Scranton, PA – September 7, 2011 -
 
NEPA Miners football players and coaches, more than ever, realize how important their football game is this Sunday. But this one runs deeper than the playoff implications the game will have versus the Philadelphioa Phoenix. The Miners know they have a responsibility to perform at their highest level as they pay tribute and honor the ten year anniversary of September 11th. The NEPA Miners will have a pre-game ceremony with the Scranton Police K-9 Units and Fire Departments along with the Tobyhanna Army Reserve. Also scheduled is a military flyover from the United States Air Force. After the ceremony, the Miners and Phoenix will take the field for a 3pm kickoff at Scranton Memorial Stadium
 
The Miners are 4-4 overall, 3-3 in Major League Football action. The 3-3 record leaves them a half game behind the 4-3 New Jersey Lions. The Phoenix is 1-5 but upset the Miners in Philadelphia 7-28 taking advantage of Miners injuries led by electric Brandon Sanders who is third in the league in passing. with 729 yards, 7 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Sanders also has 272 yards on the ground and is a threat to run. The Miners have been led by Dodson Waterton who is third in the league in rushing with 339 yards on 50 carries. Brandon Mackey leads a stingy Miners defense with a league leading 7.5 sacks.The Miners believe they have some players ready to break out and help the team get over the hump and into the playoffs. Justin Piontkowski returns as the Miners starting quarterback and Mike Berry will be off the injured reserve and back at kicker. Miners fans, you are in for a treat on and off the field Sunday!
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NEPA Miners Honor 9 11

The NEPA Miners set to honor Anniversary of 9/11  
     
Scranton, PA – August 31, 2011 -

The NEPA Miners are 3-3 (4-4 overall) in Major League Football (MLF) in what has been an up and down season. Despite some bumps in the road the Miners are in the thick of the playoff race in MLF action. The Miners have a bye Labor Day Weekend giving them two weeks to prepare for their rematch versus the Philadelphia Phoenix. The Miners offense struggled in the first half of their last battle, digging a 0-21 hole before QB Justin Piontkowski entered the game and managed the Miners to a 7-7 second half battle. Linebacker Brandon Mackey added two sacks and leads Major League Football with 7.5 sacks on the season. Mackey and defensive linemen Jesse Hinkley are both in the MLF top 20 in tackles to lead the Miners defense. On offense the Miners have been steady on the ground as Dodson Waterton in third in the MLF with 339 yards off of 50 carries. Waterton is only 44 yards behind Tundea Ogun of the Virginia Hornets and 41 yards behind Corey Lane of the Tri State Bulldogs. Tyler Serbin has also been helping the offense with 189 yards of total offense on the ground and receiving since joining the team a month ago. The Miners hope to rebound versus the Phoenix at Scranton Memorial Stadium Sunday September 11th 3pm as the Miners are 2-1 and tough to beat at home.
 
Not only will the rematch of the Miners and Phoenix be an exciting one but the Miners are proud to honor the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. The NEPA Miners football team is a nonprofit organization committed to community service and providing wholesome family entertainment. The NEPA Miners will be partnering with Applebee’s to raise funds on 9/11 to continue fulfilling their commitments to the community and local families.

Come join us for a delicious breakfast that will precede our commemorative 9/11 home game at Scranton Memorial Stadium later that day at 3:00 pm. $7 a ticket will provide you with unlimited pancakes, sausage, condiments and breakfast beverages. The Miners have scheduled a military flyover to honor 9/11 at the stadium and will be joined by Scranton Firefighters and police and PA State Trooopers.

We hope to see you for breakfast along with your family and friends and then at our home game at 3PM.
 
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The NEPA Miners host the New Jersey Spartans Saturday 3PM at Scranton Memorial Stadium. The originally scheduled night game has been moved to 3PM as the lights at Scranton Memorial Stadium are still being worked on due to recent storm damage. The Miners and Spartans will be battling for third place with both teams eying up the opportunity to return to a .500 winning percentage and to sneak into second place with some help. The Miners are coming off of a 19-8 victory last weekend versus the Westchester Steelers in a league cross over game while the Spartans tied two weeks ago in a battle versus the Brooklyn Mariners and had an extra week to prepare for the Miners. This is the first match up in the history of the two organizations.This game will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton.

It has been a few crazy weeks for our management staff as the last week of July we had the New Jersey Wolves lose there home stadium and we had to shuffle our schedules to accommodate a new game time and location at the last minute because of their mistake. The following weekend a storm damages our stadium, the opponent won’t play earlier and the game is postponed to October 1st messing up our planning. Last week we won on the road but the showers and locker rooms we were promised were not there and we had to rough it on the road. This weekend we are home but are scrambling to notify our fans of the time change of our game as  the lights are still not fixed. the following day we are scheduled to have a camp for charity. Hopefully life as an owner/coach/employer/husband/Dad will become easier starting the following week!