With autumn in the air, the black and gold football uniformed clad youngsters from Coplay are now represented on the Hokey Eagle teams, from flag football through the various weight teams.

As in past years, the Hokey teams have always had a good representation when it comes to its football program.

Football programs cost a large sum of money to operate, which is probably the reason why Fullerton and Hokey are the only two youth programs.

Coplay Sports and its counterparts in Whitehall Township have baseball, softball and basketball teams, but leave football to the two programs. The football programs for decades have excelled in teaching children the basics of the game and good sportsmanship on the field.

Many decades ago, there was a semi-pro football team in Coplay which had the attention of not only those in the borough, but other teams as far away as Philadelphia. The afternoon games in the early and mid 50s were played at the athletic field, where now Coplay Legion plays baseball at Sammy Balliet Stadium, and Coplay Sports on baseball diamonds east of the legion grounds.

Coplay Athletic Club, know as Coplay A.C., was a big draw Sunday afternoon, following church and dinners. For many, the rest of the day was spent watching the green and white on the gridiron, winning more than losing. Coached by Sam Klucharich, the post high-school team was feared for their tenacity when lining up on the field. It was more of a punishing running game than the aerial bombardment quarterbacks these days display, particularly at the pro level.

With names such as Rayme Sommers, Tommy Sodl and many others, the team boasted a lineup on both sides of the ball that premiered local stars with bragging rights.

A rivalry was established with Northampton, which also had a semi-pro football team. The game offered the passion and fervor similar to the Turkey Day clash between the Northampton Konkrete Kids and the Catasauqua Rough Riders.

When the games ended, the team gathered in its club house, a one-time ban structure with a masonry type exterior. The guys made some improvements, like a small basketball floor limited to one basket because of its size and a large room where boxing gloves were laced up by fighters from time to time. Longtime A.C. President Lou Bodish had a well-deserved boxing reputation for wins in the ring while he served in the military.

While semi-pro football is a memory, as is the Coplay High Wildcat football teams, Coplay A.C. is alive and well, offering a fitness center on the top floor of the municipal building, formerly Coplay High School.