Bridgeport High School Football 40 for 40 Presented by The Prescription Shop: #32
By Jeff Toquinto on July 25, 2012
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When thinking back to players on the football team at Bridgeport High School, many may remember Gary Lhotsky as being one of the taller players to suit up for Coach Wayne Jamison during the mid to late 1980s. Some may remember him as a gifted end, a talented player in the secondary or his ability to boom punts whenever the Indians needed good field position.
Heck, some may even remember that crisp as a burnt Hot Pocket hair style.
There is one thing, though, they all remember; even if they don’t remember Gary Lhotsky’s name. And that is that Gary Lhotsky scored the points on arguably not only the biggest play in Bridgeport High School football history, but arguably the biggest play in state championship game football history.
“That was one of the greatest plays ever, and he is one of the guys most people remember for it,” a 40 for 40 analyst said.
While it’s highly likely Lhotsky doesn’t mind having his name associated with that play, to limit his value to the program to just that would be selling his performance during that 1988 season short. Lhotsky wasn’t just a contributor on that Class AA state title team, he was a
major contributor.
major contributor.
Along with his offensive end duties, which actually included catching passes, Lhotsky more than held his own in the defensive secondary. As for special teams, Lhotsky was a dominant punter. He was good enough as a punter, in fact, to be named to the Class AA All-State team. He also was honored in the postseason as All-Monon Valley, All-North Central, and All-Harrison County.
“He was a big, tall lanky kid and I remember thinking that was odd for someone so tall to play in the secondary. I guess I shouldn’t have felt that way because Coach Jamison felt good with him back there,” said the analyst. “Offensively, like every other year, Bridgeport didn’t throw a lot, but when they did throw they went to him and he could catch the ball.
“On special teams he was just a really solid punter and that helped him make all-state,” the analyst continued. “He deserved that, but he was such a well-rounded player that the sports writers figured he had to be on the team and that’s where he ended up. That’s not selling him short as a punter, but he was solid everywhere he played.”
Lhotsky was, though, a very good punter. He punted collegiately at Edinboro University. Today, he finds himself working at East Tennessee State University.
It’s hard to imagine that any conversation involving that BHS football team in general and Lhotsky in particular, doesn’t include the 1988 Class AA title 
game and that game's final play. And it’s probably a safe bet that Lhotsky doesn’t mind. The play was huge. No, make that HUGE.
game and that game's final play. And it’s probably a safe bet that Lhotsky doesn’t mind. The play was huge. No, make that HUGE.
The moment was huge for multiple reasons. Forget for the moment that the game was for the Class AA state championship at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown. Forget for the moment that the Indians and Winfield were in the fourth overtime. And forget for the moment that Coach Wayne Jamison’s move to pass may have been the result that he just felt that the Indians were too worn out to go further.
What everyone should remember is that in the biggest moment, in the biggest game on the biggest stage, Jamison not only passed the ball, but he passed the ball on a trick play. And he didn’t pass the ball with his starting quarterback, but rather used the holder on the extra point – Pete Curry – to do the honors.
Even more impressive is that Jamison didn’t call a timeout to get everyone organized. Instead, the play came in with Kevin Fleming and no one outside of the players on the field and the coaches knew what was coming.
“It completely caught me off guard,” said junior Chad Fowler who was watching the game from the sidelines. “I didn’t know that the play was called, which is the beauty of that moment. Only the extra point team knew it because they just sent the play in and ran it. I was waiting for Cam Devericks to kick the extra point and get ready for the fifth overtime.”
Then, Fowler said, it unfolded in slow motion. Curry, he said, took the snap and threw it high.
“All I can remember is that Gary went up high and caught it. Then he’s got his arms up in a big v after he caught the pass. After that, the
place just went absolutely crazy,” Fowler said.
place just went absolutely crazy,” Fowler said.
In the Bridgeport High School yearbook, Ki-Cu-Wa 1989, Lhotsky talks about the play.
"I've never had a better feeling in my life, such a feeling of satisfaction. But it's important for everyone to realize that we won this game as a team," Lhotsky said.
More than a quarter century later, Fowler talks as if it were yesterday. He said the players were asked if they wanted a post-game meal or if they wanted to go home by Jamison as he entered the team bus in Morgantown. They opted to go home and had an informal celebration in the parking lot of the old Hardee’s (now King’s Pizza) in Bridgeport.
“I remember WDTV came down to the parking lot and interviewed Gary. He was like a celebrity. I still can’t forget what he said. He looked at the camera and said ‘I told Pete to throw it high and I’ll do the rest.’ That is as clear today as it was back in 1988. I can still see him doing that interview with a crooked hat on. I imagine that’s a pretty good thing Gary remembers.”
It’s also one of the reasons – certainly not the only one- that Lhotsky comes in at #32 on The Presciption Shop's 40 for 40 list.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Lhotsky hauling in a pass in the second overtime against Winfield. This wouldn't his last catch in the game, and it certainly wasn't the biggest. Middle photo, Anthony Maholic (36) provides protection for Lhotsky to get off an all-state level punt. Bottom photo, Lhotsky also had duties off the playing field. Here, Lhotsky, right, handles his duties as team co-captain along with Chris Oliverio as they recognize Miss Football Kelly Bollinger. Photos courtesy of the Bridgeport High School journalism department and teacher Mrs. Alice Rowe. Connect-Bridgeport would like to thank Mrs. Rowe for her cooperation in assisting with the 40 for 40 series and providing archives necessary to move the project forward. Information regarding number of letters earned, where listed, based on photos from former programs involving returning letter winners.
Congratulations, Gary, the most famous football alum of B-port Presby! I'm glad to say I was at the 1988 title game with my Uncle... a special evening to share with him. Seems like that mid- and late-1980's group had football fever. When we weren't playing organized ball, we were fooling around with some pick-up game - just don't tell Coach! I commented on Tim Randolph's profile also (#12) and used a quote from you. I hope I got it right; its been a few years.
Posted by Chuck Miller
Aug. 17, 2012 at 12:56 PM EST
Thanks Sis and Bro. So true Brad, we definitely tore some people up on that left side. Will never forget how we just ran at will on the left side against Lewis County. As for "The Play", will never forget it as long as I live. Just so blessed and lucky to be a part of it. Total team effort on the play, from the guys who blocked, to Spencer making a perfect snap, and to Pete for throwing the most perfect pass ever. I always tell Pete that he could throw that same pass 1000 times and not throw it as perfect as he did that night. Just an unbelievable moment and I can't believe that Coach Jamison had the confidence in us all to actually execute the play so perfectly with it all on the line. But I guess that is one of the things that made Coach Jamison so great. I love that man and can't believe how much impact he has had on my life. He believed in simplicity and I am amazed at how much I value simplicity in aspects of my life, other than just football. He definitely had an impact on me.
Jeff, great article and thanks for putting all of this 40 for 40 stuff together. Tradition is what separates Bridgeport football from so many other programs, glad to see it celebrated even more than it already is. Thanks again.
Posted by Gary Lhotsky
Jul. 29, 2012 at 9:27 PM EST
My big brother!!! Probably the only time I didn't mind being referred to Gary Lhotsky's little sister. That was an awesome game and so glad I was there! So proud of you Gary.
Posted by Janna Lowman
Jul. 25, 2012 at 11:27 PM EST
It was not only Gary's moment in the sun...but for me also..I remember being in the stands getting piled on by everyone after that play...Incredible evening up in Motown...congrats Gary!!!! That whole team was pretty special
Posted by Mike Lhotsky
Jul. 25, 2012 at 10:43 PM EST
loved being apart of this team!! many memories with my great friends! always remember, "left side, strong side". Me, Gary and Jason tore some people back in the day. Good times.
Posted by Brad Skinner
Jul. 25, 2012 at 8:27 PM EST
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