A Look Ahead at the Weekend

The weekend looks to be a washout. Weathermen are calling for scattered thunderstorms, clouds—the works.

But that doesn't mean they're always right. So don't build an ark yet.

Instead, hope for sunshine so you can enjoy this weekend's activities. Saturday seems slow on town events. But check out what's going on Sunday.

Sunday

The NFL's Punt, Pass and Kick will take place at Hopatcong High School at 9 a.m.

And while there won't be any NFL players this time around, children ages 6-15 will be able to compete against each other in punting, passing and kicking events on the high school's football field. The kids will be separated into five age groups.

Children must bring birth certificates to the event.

It's a great way for kids to get out of the house and enjoy a Sunday morning. Whether you're a football player or just a fan, you could have lots of fun. And you might even learn something from the coaches.

Later in the afternoon, at noon, the Hopatcong Pirates will face the Jersey Rage at Senior Field in the Amateur Baseball Association's firs round.

The Pirates, comprised of Hopatcong High School graduates, are the No. 2 seed. The Rage, which the Pirates have beaten three times this season, are seeded seventh.

Right-hander Frank Gibney will take the mound for Hopatcong. The hard-thrower has been strong all season, working both sides of the plate to lead the league in strikeouts. He brings a lot of experience, having pitched in junior college and Division III.

Bill Lounsbery [.517 batting average] and Ricky Gathen [.583] have led a potent Hopatcong lineup as they are first and second in the league in RBIs with 18 and 16, respectively. Gathen's two home runs also lead the league.

But Lounsbery and Gathan have plenty of help powering the Hopatcong lineup as the Pirates have five players ranking in the league's top ten in hits. Joining Lounsbery [2nd] and Gathan [3rd] on the hits leaderboard are Casey Lakicevic [12 hits, 5th place], Steve Serocke [10; tied 7th], and Matt Wenneis [10; tied 7th].