Cougartown, USA

The fall season was a highly anticipated one, especially in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The beauty of nature was clearly in the eyes of the beholder. The ominous mountaintops and abundant ranges of pine, spruce and evergreen trees served as a backdrop for the most breathtaking yet quaint views in the entire world. This is a best-kept secret by all of the residents. This is not to say that the residents of this beautiful section of America are in anyway embarrassed or fearful of revealing their cherished abode. It was the type of information you kept to yourself. Some considered the area a hidden treasure. Tucked away deep in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, COUGAR TOWN was the perfect host for its happy families. COUGAR TOWN was not a huge and imposing town. Rather, it was a small, cozy town with an accent on comfort and good conversation. The conversation was not your standard, ordinary, run-of-the-mill gossip or neighborhood chatter. It was just good old fashioned storytelling flavored with true hospitality. Everyone looked after one another, as well. COUGAR TOWN was host to a close-knit bunch. There was another reason that kept this town together and united the residents as close and as tight as any other community in the United States. A force so strong it could defeat the likes of the greatest combination of glue, cement or chewing gum. This was the football team. Ah, yes, the Cougars, the mighty, mighty Cougars of Valley View High School, or more appropriately nicknamed, "Victory Valley."

Valley View or Victory Valley enjoys a great tradition of football success. It is often considered the dean, mentor or even grandfather of neighboring high school football programs. Much of the Cougars' success is attributed to a lovable, likable fellow, who steered the Cougars to numerous, conference championships at an unbelievable and unmatched amount of victories, namely the late John "Papa Cat" Heart. Known affectionately as Papa Cat, the late John Heart was the grandest, most famous Cougar of them all. In fact, that remains true at the present time, as well. Papa Cat led the Cougars to numerous victories over the years, including countless, stellar performances and memories to last a lifetime. Papa Cat's accomplishments could fill even the biggest souvenir book and then some. His reign of stardom and popular feats and milestones would last in excess of thirty years. His memory will last forever.

The late Papa Cat Heart could not be matched, neither in his lifetime nor up to and including the present time. His achievements, however, go far beyond the football field.

The players he coached went on to become great men of life and learned valuable lessons using football and their experiences with Coach Papa Cat to serve as the light in the storm of life. Papa Cat taught them more than just football. He taught them about life and encouraged his players by showing them the way to hone and perfect their skills, attitudes, desires and ambitions to become winners in the great game of life. In his words, life itself was perhaps the greatest opponent, always present and at times insurmountable. Papa Cat guided his players along the way to ascertain and identify the true purposes of competition, success, teamwork, hard work, education, intelligence, respect, talent, dedication, loyalty, perseverance, attitude and yes, friendship. His players would truly become great players in life.

As much as he did for and meant to his team, Papa Cat, John Heart was very much liked and respected by the fans, as well. Football fans can be very tough and at times downright nasty. Some may say that Cougar fans are especially demanding and often unforgiving. Papa Cat seemed to bring the best out in everybody. However, as fans will be fans, Papa Cat's record at winning, including total perfection at times was not hard to swallow. Things always seemed to go a lot better with Papa Cat. Some say that Papa Cat’s methods were easy on the stomach. Just like a good meal, it was pleasing to the appetite, similar to a seven-course dinner. Papa Cat Heart was the master chef in preparing delectable dishes and sumptuous meals for all Cougar fans to enjoy. Papa Cat's Cougars would satisfy the appetite of the hungriest fan. Cougar fans were hungry and grew to expect great feasts under the tutelage of Papa Cat. He never left them disappointed or hungry for a great football game. You might say Papa Cat was the perfect host.

The crisp, cool, sweet air of autumn brought yet another football season; one with great hope and anticipation for a winning season. Noisy sounds of summer with children running, jumping and playing games throughout the hot summer months would soon end. In its place, were the screams, yells, chants, cheers, boos, insults, pleas, demands and other colorful comments associated with the great sport of football. It is an emotional roller coaster with each game and every week representing a new turn or bend in the track. Emotions ranged from the very tearful and elated to the very somber and defeated. One play could turn an entire game around. One tackle could save the game and the team's playoff chances. One big run could send a player into the end zone for a score and into the minds and memories of fans to be cherished forever.