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Former Friendly High School football coach George Earley walked on to the field at Crawford-Knode Stadium Friday evening for the first time since last season. All he knew was that he was asked to attend Friday's game between the Patriots and Central High, but he was unsure why.

At halftime of the Patriots' 31-6 homecoming victory against the Falcons, he was presented a plaque by Friendly Principal Edward Ryans in the middle of the field and it was announced that the stadium will be renamed George Earley Sr. Field at Crawford-Knode Stadium.

"I didn't know this was going to happen," said Earley. "They just told me to come. I was on my way to Tampa to watch my grandson Elias play in the 110-pound Florida championship game [on Saturday]. I didn't know what they were doing. It's an honor, it really is. It's nice, I really appreciate it. I couldn't ask for anything better."

Earley took time during the ceremony to acknowledge new football coach John Morgan Jr. and his staff and he also expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the Friendly student body and staff.

Earley was the Fort Washington school's third football coach, preceded by Dick Knode and Jim Crawford. Earley held the position for 12 years, winning state championships in 1998 and 2006, and had been with the program since 1986. More than 120 of his former players have received college football scholarships.

Earley's teams had an 87-43 record, though the Patriots were forced to forfeit six wins last year for using an ineligible player. Morgan was hired to replace Earley on June 9.

E-mail Adam Rubenstein at arubenstein@gazette.net.