Outstanding Players to Join Easton-Phillipsburg Hall of Fame

The Easton-Phillipsburg Football Hall of Fame will welcome a new class of inductees on November 23, 2023, during a ceremony at Lafayette College’s Kirby Sports Center. This event, part of the pregame festivities for the 118th Easton-Phillipsburg football game, honors exceptional former players from both schools.

At 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, the Hall of Fame will induct three players from each side, celebrating their achievements in high school football. The selection process involved extensive research, with candidates assessed based on their performance during their high school careers. Notably, there is a 10-year waiting period before players can be considered for induction.

Inductees from Phillipsburg

The inductees from Phillipsburg include:

– **Gene Pambianchi (1945)**: A formidable lineman, Pambianchi played from 1943 to 1945, contributing to a record of 23 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws. His defensive prowess helped secure 14 shutouts in the final two seasons. Pambianchi earned first-team all-state Group 4 honors and continued his legacy by dedicating 33 years to teaching and coaching in Phillipsburg.

– **Mike Stocker (1976)**: Stocker showcased his talent as a quarterback, throwing two touchdown passes in his sophomore debut in 1974. By his senior year, he set a single-season passing record with 83 completions for 993 yards and 12 touchdowns. Stocker graduated as the school’s career leader in touchdown passes and yards passing.

– **Manni Romero (2015)**: A three-year starter, Romero excelled on offense and defense, scoring nine touchdowns during his junior year on a championship team. In his senior season, he rushed for 933 yards and recorded six touchdowns, along with 17 receptions for 478 yards and six touchdowns. Romero’s defensive skills netted him eight interceptions, making him a standout player recognized by multiple all-state selections.

Inductees from Easton

Easton’s inductees are:

– **Carl Florindi (1939)**: As a guard, Florindi played a crucial role in Easton’s perfect 10-0 season in 1939, helping the team become Big 34 champions. His defensive contributions were instrumental in limiting opponents to only two scores that season. Florindi received numerous accolades, including selections to the Philadelphia Record All-Pennsylvania Scholastic Football team.

– **Justin Rouse (1994)**: A two-year starter at tackle, Rouse contributed to an impressive 11-2-1 record during his junior year. He earned multiple honors, including an Associated Press third-team all-state selection. Rouse’s performance was pivotal in Easton’s continued success, culminating in an honorable mention all-star selection in his senior year.

– **Lee Holmes (1995)**: Holmes made his mark as a cornerback, helping Easton achieve a 9-3 record in 1995. His efforts earned him acclaim as an AP third-team all-state player and a first-team all-EPC selection. Holmes also shone as a kick returner, being named a SuperPrep Gridiron Great and earning a spot on the Pennsylvania Big 33 team.

The Hall of Fame Committee, comprising 14 members from both schools, has curated this list of inductees. Each honoree will receive a personal plaque commemorating their induction, which will be displayed prominently in their respective schools.

As part of the ceremony, the inductees will also be recognized on the field before the game, celebrating their contributions to the rich tradition of football in the Easton-Phillipsburg area. The plaques are sponsored by the Garnet Booster Club Foundation of Phillipsburg and the Alumni Varsity “E” Club of Easton, ensuring that the legacies of these outstanding players are honored for years to come.