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Welcome to the official forum on high school football for the 2018 season.
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Welcome to the official blog on high school football for the 2013 season.
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Welcome to the official blog on high school football for the 2012 season.
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North Allegheny (15-0), three-time defending WPIAL AAAA champions and the 2010 PIAA AAAA champion, will face Coatesville (13-2) for the PIAA AAAA state championship Saturday night at Hersheypark Stadium, with kickoff slated for 6 p.m. NA will try for its third PIAA title and look to become the fifth WPIAL program to win three state football championships.
A North Allegheny victory would improve the Tigers’ record at Hersheypark Stadium to 3-0 all-time and also help the Tigers become just the third PIAA program with an undefeated mark while having won a minimum of three state crowns. Allentown Central Catholic, of District 11, and Thomas Jefferson, a WPIAL AAA program, are the only other teams with that distinction. Both the Vikings and Jaguars are 3-0 in state title games.
NA is also looking to join Pittsburgh Central Catholic, TJ, Rochester and Clairton as the only WPIAL programs with three or more PIAA titles. NA is already one of 10 WPIAL programs who have claimed multiple state championships, a list which includes two-time champions like McKeesport, South Park, Aliquippa, Farrell (during the 1990s) and Upper St. Clair.
Over the course of the last three years, North Allegheny has been on quite the impressive roll. NA went 15-1 in 2010; 14-1 in 2011 and is 15-0 in 2012, giving the Tigers a total of 43 victories in their last 45 games.
The Tigers, though, have never posted a season of 16 wins and zero losses in school history. There have been a total of eight 16-0 seasons in WPIAL history since Pennsylvania began playing 16-game seasons in the 2004 season. Clairton and Pittsburgh Central Catholic each have two 16-0 seasons, while Upper St. Clair, Thomas Jefferson, South Park and Jeannette each have one. As a head coach, Art Walker would mark his second 16-0 season of his career. He was the head coach of PCC’s 2004 PIAA championship team, the first to go 16-0 in state history.
As a WPIAL head coach, Walker would become the second with multiple 16-0 seasons (Clairton’s Tom Nola is the other) and just the third overall coach with multiple undefeated and untied seasons ending in a state championship (Upper St. Clair’s Jim Render had teams which went 15-0 in 1988 and 16-0 in 2006).
With its 45-point outburst against Wilson-West Lawn in the PIAA semifinals Saturday, North Allegheny became the 17th WPIAL team to score 600 points or more in a season. NA’s 608 points rank 16th all-time in the WPIAL and are tied with the 2011 Allentown Central Catholic Vikings for 46th in state history. Of those 17 WPIAL teams to score 600 points, 16 reached the PIAA finals (the 17th, Mt. Pleasant-Hurst, scored 615 points in 1927, a full 61 years before the PIAA playoff era) and eight of the 16 won PIAA titles.
In each of its PIAA championship victories (1990 and 2010), NA scored 21 points, defeating Ridley by a touchdown in ’90 and shutting out LaSalle in 2010.
North Allegheny’s athletic success, however, doesn’t only remain on the gridiron. The school, located in Wexford in northern Allegheny County, is home to more than 125 individual and team PIAA championships in a variety of sports. To say that North Allegheny is the winningest WPIAL high school really isn’t a stretch. Oh, and the Tigers’ “12th man,” its marching band, performed for President Barack Obama’s Inaguration parade in January 2009, representing the state of Pennsylvania.
Walker, the head football coach at North Allegheny since 2005, has built up quite an impressive resume. He will be making his fourth appearance in a PIAA championship game (2003, 2004, 2010, 2012) and already has two titles to his credit. In addition to his time at North Allegheny, Walker also coached at Pittsburgh Central Catholic from 1998-2004. He owns a career record entering Saturday’s PIAA championship game of 145-41, to go along with four WPIAL championships in five appearances and the pair of PIAA titles.
North Allegheny is currently ranked nationally by the USA-Today Super 25 prep football poll (15th – a jump of seven slots for the Tigers from the previous week), and national rankings are nothing new for teams led by Walker. His 2004 Central Catholic team finished No. 6 in the nation and claimed the No. 1 slot in the USA-Today’s East Regional top-10 poll. Walker’s 2010 North Allegheny Tigers finished 19th in the nation. North Allegheny ended the 1982 and 1990 seasons ranked No. 11 and 13, respectively. No NA football team has ever been ranked higher than No. 11 nationally.
The Tigers have reached this point leaning on its physical offensive line, a trademark of any Art Walker-coached team. That line, led by senior behemoth Pat Kugler, a Michigan recruit who weighs 280 pounds, has fronted a balanced NA offensive unit which, entering the PIAA semifinals, averaged 409.5 yards (215.6 passing, 193.9 rushing) and 40.2 points per game. The Tigers have scored a total of 79 total offensive touchdowns (44 passing, 35 rushing).
Like its District 1 counterpart, North Allegheny does throw the ball well. Senior quarterback Mack Leftwich, a UTEP recruit, has completed 161-of-248 passes for 3,116 yards and 43 touchdowns against only four interceptions. Leftwich has thrown for 5,339 yards and 63 touchdowns in his two-year career at North Allegheny and owns an overall record of 29-1. Leftwich is one of nine WPIAL quarterbacks to throw 60 touchdown passes or more in a scholastic football career.
Six Tiger receivers have double-digit reception totals. Gregg Garrity leads the way with more than 1,100 yards receiving and is the first player in NA history to post a 1,000-yard season for receiving yards. Richmond recruit Brendan Coniker, junior and rising D1 prospect Elijah Zeise and tight end Zach Lyon round out the primary features of the Tigers’ receiving corps, but Skylar Cox and Alex DiCiantis also contribute a combined 22 receptions.
North Allegheny also runs the ball very well, too. Senior DiCiantis has run for 1,175 yards and 13 touchdowns. Leftwich adds 465 yards rushing and nine touchdowns and Sean Idowu and Josh Bergman each also have more than 300 yards rushing for the Tigers.
Defensively, Jack Henderson, Chas Smith, Ben Schweiger, Layne Skundrich, Mark Schulthies, Jeremy Gonzalez, Kugler, Coniker and Lyon have all contributed to a unit which allows an average of 7.5 points per game, having limited 10 of 15 opponents to 10 points or less with a trio of shutouts.
Can North Allegheny make it 3-for-3 in state title appearances and become the fifth WPIAL program with three state titles?
Find out Saturday night.
Sixty-two up. Sixty-two down.
That’s been the story facing the opposition since September 2009, when Clairton began its winning streak following a surprising season-opening loss.
Only a small percentage of those last 62 opponents have come close to Clairton – take Riverside jumping out to a 24-0 lead in the 2010 state championship game, before falling, 36-30. Or Southern Columbia, who trailed by two points in the 2011 PIAA championship game before Clairton revved up its engines and pulled away. Or Chartiers-Houston to open the 2012 season – the Bucs lost to mighty Clairton by two points.
Clairton’s been like an iPod programmed on repeat, but it’s only playing one tune over and over and over – winning.
Ten-time WPIAL champion Clairton (15-0) seeks to add to its state-record winning streak of 62 games when it faces District 2 champion Dunmore (14-1) Friday afternoon in the PIAA A championship game at Hersheypark Stadium, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m.
Something notable will happen when the Bucks and Bears toe the pigskin and kick off Friday’s state title game. It will mark a pair of 600-game winning programs facing off in the biggest game of the state’s smallest classification. Dunmore has won 618 games in its history and Clairton, who joined the 600-win club this year, has 612 victories. It is believed to be the first time that a pair of 600-win programs have ever met before in a PIAA A title game.
While that statistic is certainly remarkable, Clairton has put on a show for the last handful of years that has also been quite remarkable. Of course the first thing that jumps to the forefront of discussion when talking about these Bears is “the streak”. Sitting at 62 consecutive victories, Clairton’s streak is of course a state record, but it is also the longest active winning streak of any high school football team in the nation. Clairton’s streak became the longest active streak when it claimed PIAA gold last December over Southern Columbia, moving it to 47 wins in a row, surpassing Don Bosco Prep’s 46-game streak.
Then, there’s the fact that Clairton is gunning for its third consecutive 16-0 season. Only one other program has multiple 16-0 seasons – Pittsburgh Central Catholic, in AAAA (2004 & 2007). No coach has ever had multiple 16-0 seasons, until Tom Nola accomplished the feat last year. Nola would become the first coach with three 16-0 seasons in school history with a win Friday.
Even though the Bears rested its starters in many games, the team is still putting up ridiculous scoring numbers. The Bears have scored 720 points this season, the third straight 700+-point season in program history and fifth straight season with 600+ points scored. Both streaks are state records. Clairton is also a mere 26 points shy of its school single-season record for points scored in a season, which is 746. That record was set in 2010. The 2011 team scored 705.
Clairton is eyeing up a fourth consecutive PIAA championship, a feat only matched once before in Class A, when Southern Columbia won a state-record five consecutive crowns from 2002-06. Only one other program, Berwick, a AAA school, won four consecutive state football titles, doing so in a span from 1994-97.
In the Bears’ three prior state title victories, the final scores haven’t been of the runaway variety, even though they’ve been especially dominant in the western half of the state. The team’s average margin of victory in those three wins has been 11.3 points (final margins of 12 in 2009, 6 in 2010 and 16 in 2011).
Nola, the Bears’ head coach, enters the PIAA championship game Friday with an overall record of 145-47. He’s spent most of his coaching career at Clairton, but has also coached briefly at Serra Catholic, a Class A school located in McKeesport. Nola has won six WPIAL championships as a coach (2006, 2008-12) and joins a list of active WPIAL coaches including Bob Palko (West Allegheny) and George Novak (Woodland Hills) who have won six championships.
Clairton has rolled into the PIAA finals averaging exactly 48 points per game. The Bears once again boast a lineup loaded with talented athletes, including a trio of Division-1 FBS prospects in WR/DBs Terrish Webb (Kent State recruit) and Titus Howard (Pitt), and, most notably, senior standout and star running back Tyler Boyd.
Boyd, Clairton’s biggest of all of their home run threats, stands poised to rewrite the Clairton record books. He already broke his own school single-season rushing record last weekend against Port Allegany and now boasts 2,450 yards rushing on 195 carries while adding 9 receptions for 168 yards. He’s rushed for 5,885 yards (easily Clairton’s career rushing yardage record) and scored 117 total touchdowns in his career, a new WPIAL record. He’s also broken Clairton’s single-season record for total individual touchdowns scored (50 – he previously held the record of 48 in 2011) and is just four points shy of tying his school record for individual points scored in a season (324, set in 2011. Boyd currently has 320 points).
In all, Boyd has scored 50 total touchdowns for the Bears. Forty-one of those have come by way of rushing touchdowns, but he adds four receiving scores, three punts returns for touchdowns, an interception return and a fumble return. He’s also added 10 successful two-point conversions either rushing or receiving.
But Clairton’s bevy of talent doesn’t stop with Boyd. Quarterback Armani Ford has completed 78-of-118 passes for 1,853 yards and 24 touchdowns. Byron Clifford is the team’s second-leading rusher with 716 yards on 64 carries. Webb has a combined 51 touches between rushes and receptions – he has 835 receiving yards and 370 yards rushing with 14 total touchdowns. Howard has rushed for 189 yards and caught 20 passes for 510 yards, scoring six total touchdowns. Clifford doubles as the team’s kicker and has converted 31 extra points and two field goals.
Defensively, Robert Boatright, Webb, Howard and Boyd anchor a unit which has notched five shutouts and allowed an average of 7.2 points per game.
Can Clairton defeat Dunmore and make it a 63rd consecutive victory and fourth consecutive PIAA championship in a row?
Find out Friday.
Who will be this year’s surprise and who will dominate football this year. It’s never too early to talk High School Football.
Who are your top players in 2012? Who do you think will be the top teams going into the 2012 season?
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Once again EasternPAFootball.com will recognize the top players in Pennsylvania. Class A and AA players are listed under All-EasternPAFootball.com’s Small School team. Class AAA and AAAA players are listed under All-EasternPAFootball.com’s Big School team.
Once your season is complete please nominate your outstanding players by filling out this form completely. When you nominate your player(s) please include the following information: height, weight, position, graduation year and stats of all players nominated. Thanks!
Deadline for nominations is December 31st, 2011.
We know your time is valuable. Filling out this nomination page will help us provide correct information about your players.
We appreciate your support. It is all about promoting you and your kids!! Please contact me for the form and I will email it to you. Click here: Email
NOTE: You must be a coach or athletic director from the team
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District 1 used to be a frequent participant in PIAA championship games, making a total of 12 appearances from 1990 to 2004. But since 2004, D1 hasn’t sent a team on to compete for a state title in the state’s largest classification. District 11 took a stranglehold on PIAA final appearances before a two-year run by La Salle College High School of the Philadelphia Catholic League.
Now, District 1 is back. And, surprise surprise, the title game rep hails from the Suburban One League.
North Penn (13-2) will mark the Suburban One League’s 10th PIAA finals appearance when the Knights battle with Mid-Penn Conference rep Central Dauphin (14-1) Saturday night in the PIAA AAAA championship game from Hersheypark Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.
The North Penn-Central Dauphin matchup is probably the one few saw coming. La Salle, for all intents and purposes, had North Penn’s number over the last three meetings, dropping 109 points in three consecutive victories over the Knights. And, since shifting to the western half of the PIAA AAAA bracket in 2004, District 3 reps had been 0-for-6 in semifinal games.
Don’t look for either the Rams or Knights among the national rankings. Or, for that matter, even the USA-Today’s regional rankings, which have both Archbishop Wood and Bishop McDevitt, a pair of Class AAA programs, among the top-10 in the east.
Prior to 2011, District 1’s last two big school teams to earn berths in the PIAA finals weren’t all that memorable. Neshaminy is still probably haunted by the 2004 Pittsburgh Central Catholic team which demolished the traditional District 1 power, 49-14, scoring touchdowns on each of its seven first half possessions. Then, in 2007, Garnet Valley, a AAA school from Delaware County, fell to a powerful Thomas Jefferson team, 28-3. District 1’s only state championship since Neshaminy’s 2001 triumph over highly touted Woodland Hills belonged to then-AA and Pioneer Athletic Conference rep Lansdale Catholic.
In the SOL’s nine previous PIAA finals appearances, its representatives have posted a 6-3 overall record. Central Bucks West won four titles and lost two others; North Penn won its only appearance; and Neshaminy split its two appearances in a four-year span. In all, District 1 is 10-8 in PIAA final appearances.
Should North Penn win Saturday night, it would move to 2-0 all-time in PIAA championship games, joining a list of schools which includes Bethlehem Catholic, North Allegheny, Allentown Central Catholic, South Park, McKeesport Area, Thomas Jefferson and Steelton-Highspire as programs with unblemished records in two or more PIAA title games. Both ACC and TJ are 3-0.
The Knights have been on a pretty dominant run over the last decade. Including the 2011 season, North Penn has won 128 games against 23 losses (.847), claimed six District 1 championships and the 2003 PIAA title, finishing No. 8 in the nation that season. Head coach Dick Beck has a record of 119-20, a position he’s held since the 2002 season.
This edition of the Knights doesn’t boast some four- or five-star recruit or umpteen million Division-1 collegiate football prospects. In a way, North Penn is very much like that of its opponent – hard-nosed and physical on both lines and defensively, with respectable ground attacks and an effective passing attack.
Corey Ernst, a two-year varsity starter at quarterback, operates the controls of North Penn’s offense which is averaging 383.7 yards (238 rush, 145.7 pass) and 32.6 points per game. Ernst has had a solid senior season, connecting on 146-of-232 passes (62.9 percent) for 2,069 yards and 25 touchdowns against five interceptions. He’s proven one of the most accurate passers in school history, completing 281-of-441 (63.7 percent) for 4,162 yards and 47 touchdowns. He owns North Penn records for career passing yardage, single-season passing yardage, career completion percentage, career touchdown passes and single-season touchdown passes.
North Penn has a steady bevy of running backs it can use at its disposal. Kyle Mayfield has a team-leading 1,352 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns on 195 carries, but he has been dinged up in recent weeks. James Fielder, who ran for 755 yards and seven scores, has also been hurt at times, allowing leading receiver Dan Gevirtz (56 rec., 918 yards, 9 TD; 602 rush yards, 6 TD) to make an impact on the ground game. But if high school football had a fantasy football league, it would Ralph Reeves who you want in your corner. The Knights’ “ace-in-the-hole”, Reeves plays fullback and tight end, and he’s scored 16 rushing touchdowns on only 39 carries and hauled in another 14 passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns. Reeves also plays linebacker on defense.
Eddie Posavec (19 rec., 253 yards, 2 TD) and Shayne Watson (18 rec., 226 yards, 4 TD) are also reliable targets in the Knights’ aerial assault.
The Knights’ skill postion players have enjoyed the protection of a beefy and physical offensive line fronted by John Garland (6’4, 325), T.J. Smink (6’2, 285), Josh Cook (6’0, 235), Derek Brandt (6’0, 235) and George Shipp (6’2, 230), an average of 262 pounds per man.
Defensively, North Penn has steadied itself following two season-opening thumpings by La Salle and St. Joseph’s Prep. In its 13 victories, North Penn has allowed a miniscule 115 points, or 8.8 per game. The Knights’ first-string and reserve units have held 12 of those 13 opponents to 14 points or less and posted three shutouts along the way. The Knights have gotten key contributions on the defensive side of the ball from players like Cook, Shipp, Jeff Gozur, Reeves, Watson, Danny Wynne and Gevirtz, among others.
Does North Penn have the necessary ingredients to bring District 1 its 11th PIAA football championship? Or will Central Dauphin claim District 3’s second PIAA AAAA title?
Find out Saturday night.
EasternPAFootball.com’s Armand “The Godfather” Vanore has contributed some of the information appearing in the story.
It’s been a long, long time since the WPIAL has seen a team have a run of dominance like the Clairton Bears have had these last few years. And really, in some facets, Clairton’s dominance is unlike anything the WPIAL or state has ever seen.
Clairton can add yet another notch in their caps to the dominance with a victory over a traditional eastern Pennsylvania powerhouse Friday afternoon in Chocolatetown.
Clairton (15-0) faces 20-time District 4 champion and 13-time PIAA A finalist Southern Columbia Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. from Hersheypark Stadium. Clairton is trying to do what no other WPIAL program – not Aliquippa, not Rochester, not Thomas Jefferson, not Upper St. Clair – not any of them – have done in program history – win three consecutive PIAA championships in a row. The Bears are also shooting for their 47th consecutive victory. Southern Columbia, meanwhile, is making its first PIAA finals appearance since 2006.
It used to be that Southern Columbia wore the big bullseye. But for the longest time, few could dethrone the Tigers. Now, Clairton has the bullseye painted on them – and Southern could be considered the underdog entering Friday’s showdown – but hardly anybody in the state has been able to do anything about it. Clairton has simply been that good.
The Bears last lost a game in September 2009, to Laurel, a school located near New Castle, 15-8. Since then, 46 games – 46 straight victories, three WPIAL titles, two PIAA titles and now a tie for the WPIAL’s longest winning streak with Braddock, who won 46 straight games during the 1950s. Braddock’s unbeaten streak actually extended to 56 games (55 wins and one tie), but the tie, which came in a WPIAL championship game against Midland (a school in Beaver County) dashed the winning streak.
What is especially notable about the 46-game win streak is that it has tied the nation’s longest active winning streak – owned also by New Jersey football powerhouse Don Bosco Prep, which figures to win its second consecutive (albeit, mythical) USA-Today national football championship. A victory over Southern Columbia would also give Clairton the longest active winning streak in the nation.
Focusing back in-state, Clairton’s run of dominance has been incredible. The Bears are an impressive 109-15 overall (.879) since the start of the 2003 season. They’ve won five WPIAL Class A titles in six years – the only other Class A team to come close to that feat was Rochester’s five WPIAL crowns in a seven year span from 1998 to 2004. The only WPIAL programs with at least five WPIAL titles in a six year span include Aliquippa (five AAA titles from 1984-’89) and the aforementioned Braddock team (six titles, five outright, from 1954-’59).
Clairton is one of only three WPIAL programs to play in three straight PIAA finals – West Allegheny (1999-2001) and Rochester (2000-’02) are the others. Three straight PIAA titles would give the Bears as many crowns as Rochester, Pittsburgh Central Catholic and Thomas Jefferson and move them ahead of programs like Aliquippa, Upper St. Clair, Farrell, North Allegheny and McKeesport, who have won two PIAA titles each in the WPIAL.
Also, during this 46-game winning streak, the Bears have scored an impressive 2,036 points, or an average of 44.3 points per game. They’ve scored 612 points or more each of the last four seasons (2011 included), a feat unmatched by any program. Senior offensive lineman Carvan Thompson will make his state-record 64th varsity football start Friday – over his four years as a Clairton Bear, the team is 61-2 and has averaged 42.2 points per game. Thompson has blocked for two 2,000-yard rushers and four 1,600+-yard passers in that time.
Clairton also has a little bit of pressure on it from a historical standpoint, too. It is the only WPIAL representative at Hershey this year. The last time the WPIAL only sent one representative to Hershey – 1989 – when Upper St. Clair took down Wilson-West Lawn. The WPIAL has not gone without a football state championship since 1992, when the four eastern representatives all claimed gold. Since 1993, the WPIAL has won at least one PIAA title. 2011 marks the 20th anniversary since the WPIAL’s championship blanking. It’s three reps that year – Upper St. Clair, Blackhawk and East Allegheny – were outscored a combined 82-31 over the three games.
The Bears have gotten it done with some home run hitters this year – junior running back Tyler Boyd, speedy junior wide receiver Terrish Webb and efficient passer and field general Capri Thompson (a senior).
Webb leads the team with more than 600 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. Thompson has thrown for 1,701 yards and 15 touchdowns while connecting on 79-of-125 passes (63.2 percent) and run for 451 yards and seven additional touchdowns on 73 carries. Pitt recruit Trenton Coles has hauled in 20 passes for 388 yards, though Coles missed a portion of the regular season with an ankle injury. Coles, a senior, also has kicked extra points on special teams this season, and is second on the Bears’ team in scoring, with 93 points.
Coles is second to Tyler Boyd – who has put up astronomical numbers as the team’s feature tailback. A junior who is getting looks and interest from Michigan State, Virginia, Southern California, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt and West Virginia, among others, Boyd has carved up the opposition for 2,182 yards on 172 carries (12.7 yards per carry). He also has hauled in 16 passes for 386 yards. Between rushing, receiving, defensive and special teams touchdowns, Boyd has tallied 46 scores and also added 18 successful two-point conversions. He’s scored 312 of Clairton’s 670 points this season – 46.5 percent of the team’s scoring. Boyd enters the PIAA title game needing just 53 rushing yards to set Clairton’s single-season rushing yardage record (2,234), set by Deontae Howard in 2009.
Clairton’s offense, which averages more than 300 yards per game, is fronted by a line consisting of seniors Erik Walker (6’3, 245), Carvan Thompson (5’10, 215) and Garnett Gallmore (6’2, 235) and juniors Dyran Davenport (5’10, 215) and Devontae Harvey (6’1, 210). If Harvey doesn’t start, then senior Donte Thomas – all 6’1, 282 pounds of him – will get the nod.
The Bears’ defense sees a 5-3 formation – Thompson, Walker, Gallmore, Remondo Williams and Devante Gardlock hold down the line positions while Reuben Kelly, Davenport and Webb take the controls at linebacker. Coles, junior Titus Howard and Boyd round out the secondary. The Bears’ first-string and reserve defenses have combined to allow just 59 points – 3.9 points per game average – and have posted nine shutouts. Only Springdale scored 20 points on Clairton this season.
Can Clairton keep its dominance going and earn both the WPIAL’s all-time winning streak and potentially the longest active winning streak in the nation? Or will Southern Columbia be able to do what 46 other opponents have tried – and failed – to do?
Find out Friday afternoon.
Clairton High School athletic director James Wessel has contributed some of the information appearing in this story.
MILL HALL, PA: Southern Columbia faced an unfamiliar foe in the Eastern State Final game played at Central Mountain High School’s Don Malinak Stadium. The Comets of Penns Manor High School had come farther than ever before to reach the state semi-final game, but found themselves battling a team, the likes of which, they have not seen before. With a great fan base supporting both schools, and spirits running high, the teams took to the field. The questions about whether or not the run-heavy offense of the Comets, led by 2,000 yard rushing quarterback, Danny Ferens, could overcome the balanced attack of a powerful Southern Tiger team would soon be answered.
Penns Manor received the ball to start, but were quickly shut down after only five yards on three plays. The Tigers first touch of the night went to their workhorse fullback, Tyler Levan, who weaved through traffic and raced 64 yards for the quick score. Dylan Swank, who was perfect on the night with five PAT kicks, extended the lead to 7 – 0 for the Tigers.
Southern’s defense continued to be stifling, forcing the stunned Comets into another three-and-out series after only three yards gained. Starting at mid-field the Tigers marched forward again, largely on the arm of Brad Fegley. He connected with Matt Moore for 30 yards, then Keith Day for 12 yards to set up a first-and-goal at the two. However, Casey Savitski had the ball jarred loose at the goal-line on the following play and the Tigers were stymied…for awhile.
Four plays later, a Vodopevic pass was intercepted by Joe Kleman and SoCo was back in business again at the 50 yard-line. Fegley launched a quick strike to Moore for 47 yards to the three, and Levan punched it in from there to go up 14 – 0.
Another defensive stand and the Tigers regained possession at their own 28. This drive lasted ten plays, culminating in passes for 12 yards to Day and 27 yards to Moore, who then dove in from the three for the touchdown. The drive was bitter-sweet though with Levan leaving the game due to a knee injury.
In response, Penns Manor could only muster two yards of offense on three plays before punting the ball away. From this point on the officials took it upon themselves to disrupt the flow of the game for the duration. With flags flying every few plays, the Tigers were only given extra yards to run. Savitski took a reverse 33 yards into Comet territory, then a screen pass to Day was taken 15 more yards for a first-and-ten at the 21. Then Levan’s replacement, Adam Feudale, got to show his abilities. Spinning and clawing, while breaking at least four tackles, he would not be denied the endzone on a 21-yard rumble.
Trailing 28 – 0, the Comets got their first break of the night when Joey Vodopevic broke free for a long return on the ensuing kick-off to the Tiger 22 yard-line. However, Southern’s defense stayed true and came up with another stop, forcing PM over on downs at the 13.
With time dwindling in the first half, Southern went to the two minute drill. However, on the fourth play, a 12-yard reception by Day, the ball was apparently stripped loose as he hit the ground and the Comets had one more shot. Lining up in a wildcat formation Vodopevic got the snap and threw to his QB, Ferens, who caught the ball in traffic and slipped a tackle on his way to a 33 yard touchdown. The first half ended at 28 – 6.
Penns Manor forced the Tigers’ only punt of the night to open the second half, but they fared much worse on their possession. After a sack by Fegley, and another by Moore set up a fourth-and-17, a high snap sailed over the punter and through the endzone for the safety. The free-kick gave Southern good field position. Solid running by all four backs got them to the goal-line, where Moore broke through to put the score out of reach at 37 – 6 at the end of the third quarter.
The next series held one of the most bizarre calls I’ve ever witnessed. SoCo’s defense forced a punt after only three plays on fourth-and-six. The punt was blocked and sailed straight into the air, coming down at the original line of scrimmage where it glanced off a Southern lineman and was jumped on by a Comet player well short of a first-down. The officials gave them the ball and a fresh set of downs along with assessing an unsportsmanlike penalty against the coaches for complaining about the call…
In all, it made little difference when Dylan Eck registered a sack for a loss of 13, then Moore got another, five yards deeper. Then, on fourth-and-28, Kleman came up with his second pick of the night and ran it back to near mid-field. Southern’s reserves ran out the clock and the game came to an end with Southern Columbia the victors by a score of 37 – 6. Following the hand-shakes, coach Roth brought his team into focus, “We didn’t get this far for a second place trophy” he encouraged them as they set their sights on Hershey Park Stadium and the upcoming showdown with the Clairton Bears.
PENNS MANOR(12-2) completed their best season in the school’s history by clinching the District VI crown, and advancing to the eastern final. Congratulations Comets on a fine 2011 season.
SOUTHERN COLUMBIA(14-1) advances to the State Championship game in Hershey for the first time since winning gold in 2006. This Tiger team has battled hard to get back to championship form and is seeking to regain the program’s claim to the pride of winning its seventh State Title.
What did you think of week 14 games? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of week thirteen games? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of week twelve games? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of the eleventh week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of the tenth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of the ninth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of the eighth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of the seventh week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of the sixth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of the fifth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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What did you think of the fourth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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Who are your top football games for Week 4? Here is my list.
District 1
Coatesville vs. Downingtown East:
Downingtown West vs. Quakertown Community:
Neshaminy vs. Abington:
District 2
Abington Heights vs. Wallenpaupack:
Riverside vs. Lackawanna Trail:
District 3
Hershey vs. Cedar Cliff:
Chambersburg vs. Central Dauphin East:
York Suburban vs. Delone Catholic:
District 4
Mifflinburg vs. Danville:
Towanda vs. North Penn:
District 11
Whitehall vs. Bethlehem Liberty:
Parkland vs. Easton Area:
Bethlehem Freedom vs. Emmaus
District 12
St. Joseph’s Prep vs. Archbishop Wood
Roman Catholic vs. Cardinal O’Hara
What did you think of the third week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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Philadelphia, Pa.-Council Rock South senior quarterback Brian Donnelly made the difference in a game that featured two very explosive offenses and one that went to the last play as the Golden Hawks prevailed 35-34 over the Father Judge Crusaders in a non league affair at Lincoln High’s barefoot bowl.
Judge is not used to seeing a team that primarily uses the triple option offense. Not only did they see it all day, but it was run by a guy that does it about better than anyone in the state of Pennsylvania. Donnelly caught the Judge defense out of position on a couple plays that turned into long touchdowns by the quarterback. Donnelly used his magnificent play faking as well throughout.
Rock fell behind 14-0 before the first quarter ended when Crusader senior quarterback Rob Daniels hit Raul Quinones with a perfectly executed screen play and a 41 yard touchdown followed by Matt Smalley’s 87 TD run down the left sideline. The Hawks Ryan Hickey took the ensuing kickoff 90 yards to pay dirt and suddenly this game had the makings of a see saw affair. Judge then executed a seven play, 62 yard drive that ended with Daniels hitting Timmy Mills with a 24 yard touchdown pass.
Down 21-7 Donnelly decided to get in on the act with runs of 55 and 4 yards (for the touchdown) then after a Judge fumble, he directed a five play drive ending with Ian McDermott’s 19 yard run and the halftime score was knotted at 21 apiece. The Hawk quarterback began to take control of the game in the second half with touchdown runs of 79 and 45 yards.
Entering the fourth quarter, Judge now found themselves behind 35-28 and Daniels provided more heroics by hitting on completions of 23 yards and a 32 yard touchdown pass to John Landis with six minutes left. At that point, Crusader coach Tom Coyle decided to roll the dice with a kick fake by holder Mills on the extra point and a pass for the two point conversion and the lead. The play worked almost perfectly, but this is where Maryland commit P.J. Gallo made the first of two great game changing plays. The Hawk defensive end recognized the fake and put himself in position to shield receiver Anthony Walker on the play causing Walker to lose the ball. Gallo then sacked Daniels on a fourth down on Judge’s last drive to end the game.
Donnelly had 213 yards on 15 carries; three touchdowns and mastered the triple option to perfection. Daniels finished unofficially with 14 of 24 completions for 237 yards, three touchdowns, four dropped passes and completions to five different receivers. Smalley had 145 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown.
The Hawks (D1 , AAAA, Suburban One National) travel to Pennridge next week at 2-0 while Judge (D12, AAAA, PCL) drops to 1-1 and a date looming with State College and a game with the Lions.
Scoring by Quarter
1st Quarter
Judge- Quinones 41 pass from Daniels- Kick Good- 4:30
Judge- Smalley 87 run- Kick Good- 2:02
CRS- Hickey 90 KO return- Kick Good- 1:40
2nd Quarter
Judge- Mills 24 pass from Daniels- Kick Good- 10:43
CRS- Donnelly- 4 run- Kick Good- 9:19
CRS- McDermott- 19 run- Kick Good- 6:11
3rd Quarter
Donnelly- 79 run- Kick Good- 6:15
Judge- Quinones- 2 run- Kick Good- 4:45
Donnelly- 45 run- Kick Good- 2:15
4th Quarter
Judge- Landis 32 pass from Daniels- Two Pt no good-3:20
Notes
What game(s) are you going to attend week one? Break down the matchup of your game. What are some of the marquee match-ups this weekend?
I will be covering the West Catholic vs. Archbishop Wood game on Saturday.
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What did you think of the first week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Friday Night Feats is a video contest from State Farm® that honors big moments in high school football. We’re back for 2011 and the contest launches August 25! A total of $160,000 in prize money will be awarded to schools across the U.S. and parts of Canada to use however they’d like. A new football field? Books? Classroom supplies? The field is wide open. Just submit your video of a great football play and encourage your community to vote it to victory.
Fans will vote for two finalist nominees per zone per half. With 13 State Farm® zones, that totals 52 finalist nominees. Each will be awarded $2,500 for their school. Once finalists are chosen by our panel of experts, fans will vote again on which big moment earns the top three prizes:
For more information click here CONTEST
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Aaron Allison, Senior TE/DE, Frankford – A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2012 recruiting class at tight end, Allison had a solid junior season, leading the Pioneers in receptions and receiving yards and tying for the team lead in receiving touchdowns. He hauled in 23 passes for 443 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 19.3 yards per catch, finishing 10 of Frankford’s 12 games with at least two catches and four games with at least 53 receiving yards. Allison has received interest from schools like UCONN, Purdue, Temple and UCLA.
Ackeno Robertson, Senior RB, Germantown – The second-leading rusher in the Bears’ offensive arsenal last season, Robertson ran for 570 yards and four touchdowns on 114 carries and caught another three passes for 37 yards, averaging exactly five yards per carry and 12.3 yards per catch. He ran for a season-best 114 yards against Furness and also posted two other games with at least 94 rushing yards.
Adrian Johnson-Pope, Senior TE/LB, Roxborough – One of the Indians’ top returning receivers from an aerial assault which averaged 78.4 yards per game, Johnson-Pope caught 10 passes for 162 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 16.2 yards per reception. Johnson-Pope was one of three Indian receivers with 10 or more receptions in 2010. Defensively, Johnson-Pope led Roxborough in interceptions, with three.
Anthony Johnson, Senior ATH, Roman Catholic – Trying to pinpoint Johnson’s job description to just one or two positions wouldn’t do it justice. He was a threat in all three phases of the game. Offensively, Johnson amassed 469 total yards (266 rushing, 116 receiving, 87 passing) and accounted for six total touchdowns (3 rushing, 2 passing, 1 receiving). He completed 7-of-15 passes (46.7 percent) and averaged 6.3 yards per carry and 23.2 yards per reception. Johnson also returned an interception for a touchdown and also returned a punt for a touchdown.
Anthony Wyche, Jr., Junior RB/DB, Prep Charter – The featured rusher in Prep Charter’s offensive arsenal, Wyche ran for 529 yards on 95 carries and caught another nine passes for 133 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and 14.8 yards per reception. He scored seven total touchdowns (4 rushing, 3 receiving), finishing three games with at least 80 rushing yards and one game with at least 50 receiving yards.
Aron Morgan, Junior K, Haverford School – Morgan was a 1st Team Coaches All Inter-AC selection at kicker/punter, one of eight Ford players selected to either the 1st Team offensive or defensive units. Morgan converted 19 extra points and four field goals to finish as Ford’s leading scorer, with 31 total points. He helped HS win its first outright Inter-AC football championship since 1971.
Asa Brooker, Junior ATH, George School – The second-leading rusher for GS, Brooker finished his sophomore season with 371 yards and five touchdowns on 47 carries and caught another five passes for 61 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per carry and 12.2 yards per reception. Brooker posted a pair of 100-yard rushing performances against Perkiomen School and Country Day School (Riverdale, N.Y.).
Ben Coulibaly, Junior RB, Boys Latin Charter – The Warriors’ featured tailback from a season ago, Coulibaly finished his sophomore season with 990 yards and seven touchdowns on 173 carries and caught another three passes for 26 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 8.7 yards per reception. Coulibaly ran for 100+ yards in four of Boys Latin Charter’s 12 games, including a pair of 145+-yard performances against Martin Luther King and Fitzsimmons.
Blaise Schieler, Senior DB, West Catholic – A key returning presence in the Burrs’ defensive backfield last season, Schieler posted 24 tackles (18 solo) and six deflected passes.
Bobby Keyes, Junior RB/LB, Chestnut Hill Academy – Keyes wound up leading the Blue Devils in receptions, finishing with 17 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown and adding 84 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries, averaging 12.3 yards per catch and 3.8 yards per carry. He finished six games with at least two receptions and three games with at least 40 receiving yards.
Brandon Arcidiacono, Senior OL, Archbishop Wood – A potential Division-1 prospect in the trenches for the Vikings, the 240-pound Arcidiacono has attracted attention from programs like UCONN, Notre Dame, Purdue, Rutgers and West Virginia. Arcidiacono helped pave the way for a Viking offensive unit that produced a pair of backs with 1,100+ rushing yards and a 1,500+ yard passer. Wood averaged 229 rushing yards, 119 passing yards, 36.5 points per game and scored 62 offensive touchdowns (47 rushing, 15 passing).
Brandon Chatmon, Junior FB/LB, Cardinal O’Hara – A future Division-1 prospect as a linebacker, Chatmon was part of an O’Hara defensive unit, including reserves, which held seven of 11 opponents to seven points or less, with five shutouts. Offensively, Chatmon finished with 45 rushing yards and 52 receiving yards on 17 total touches (12 rushes, five receptions) and scored a receiving touchdown against Archbishop Carroll. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry and 10.4 yards per reception. Chatmon has received interest from several Division-1 football programs, including Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame, North Carolina, Ohio State, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers and South Carolina.
Brandon Peoples, Senior RB, Archbishop Wood – Peoples had a very solid junior season for the powerful Vikings, running for 1,113 yards and 13 touchdowns on 138 carries and caught another nine passes for 57 yards and one additional touchdown, averaging 8.1 yards per carry and 6.3 yards per reception. He ran for 100+ yards in six of Wood’s 14 games, including Wood’s final three games of the season when his cousin Desmon Peoples was sidelined with an injury. In those three games, #3 ran for 510 yards and scored six total touchdowns. Before selecting Temple as the D-1 program where he will continue his football career, Peoples received attention from D-1 programs like Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers and Wisconsin, among others.
Brian Hennessey, Senior QB, Father Judge – Hennessey began the 2010 season as Judge’s field general, and, in nine games, connected on 42-of-113 passes for 656 yards and four touchdowns, throwing for 100+ yards in three games and multiple touchdown passes once. He helped lead the blue, red and white to a five-game winning streak to open up the season.
Byron Cooper, Senior TE/DE, Imhotep Charter – One of the key returning fixtures from an Imhotep Charter defensive unit, including reserves, which allowed an average of 12.5 points per game, Cooper posted 36 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles, averaging 2.6 tackles and a little more than half a sack. Cooper was second on the team in sacks, and has generated some Division-1 interest, but no offers, from Florida, Illinois, Tennessee and Texas.
Cedric Madden, Senior RB, Chestnut Hill Academy – A 1st Team Coaches All Inter-AC selection at running back, Madden posted a team-best 1,108 yards and four touchdowns on 227 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in a game four times for the Blue Devils, including a pair of 200-yard performances against Conwell-Egan and Episcopal Academy.
Chuck Boddy, Senior OL/DL, Germantown Academy – Boddy helped to pave the way for a Germantown offensive arsenal which averaged 231 yards (129 rushing, 102.1 passing) and 21.8 points per game, producing four backs with season rushing totals between 153 to 421 yards and an 880-yard passer. GA scored 26 total offensive touchdowns (16 rushing, 10 passing).
Colin Buckley, Senior TE, La Salle College High School – A 2nd Team Coaches’ All-Catholic selection at tight end, Buckley played an intricate role in La Salle’s multi-faceted spread offense both as a blocker and receiver. He snared 18 passes for 260 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 14.4 yards per catch. As a blocker, Buckley helped pave the way for an Explorer offensive attack that averaged 324.7 yards (217.6 rushing) and 31 points per game, scoring 60 total touchdowns (43 rushing, 17 passing).
Colin Thompson, Senior TE, Archbishop Wood – Thompson, who plans to attend Florida, helped Wood�s offensive unit both as a receiver and a blocker. Blocking-wise, he helped pave the way for a Viking offensive unit that produced a pair of backs with 1,100+ rushing yards and a 1,500+ yard passer. Wood averaged 229 rushing yards, 119 passing yards, 36.5 points per game and scored 62 offensive touchdowns (47 rushing, 15 passing). As a receiver, Thompson snagged 13 passes for 208 yards (16 yds./rec.) and four touchdowns. He finished with four catches for 79 yards and a score in Wood�s come-from-behind victory against Washington D.C.-based Friendship Academy and had a pair of touchdown receptions against Archbishop Carroll. For his career, Thompson has caught 24 passes for 321 yards (13.4 yds./rec.) and scored 10 touchdowns.
Connor Foley, Sophomore K, Father Judge – A 1st Team Coaches All-Catholic selection at kicker, Foley had quite a respectable freshman season for Judge, converting 30 extra points and five field goals and accounting for 45 of the team’s 269 total points. Foley was one of nine underclassmen selected to the All-Catholic 1st Team offensive or defensive units, and the only player selected to the 1st Team that was a sophomore or younger.
Connor Mahoney, Senior OL, Malvern Prep – A potential Division-1 prospect on the offensive line for the Friars, Mooney helped to pave the way for a Malvern Prep offensive arsenal which averaged 263.5 yards (177.4 rushing, 86.1 passing) and 17.9 points per game in 2010. The Friars finished the season with two 500+-yard rushers and a 940+-yard passer. Mahoney has received nine total FBS and FCS offers combined through his recruiting process.
Crusito Cruise, Junior RB, Benjamin Franklin – The Electrons’ featured running back in 2010, Cruise ran for 863 yards and five touchdowns on 137 carries (despite missing four of Franklin’s first five games) and added another four receptions for 52 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry and 13 yards per reception. Cruise surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in five of eight games in which he played.
Damiere Shaw, Senior RB/WR, Cardinal O’Hara – A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2012 class, Shaw has picked up offers from Buffalo, Temple and Stony Brook to date. He had 35 total offensive touches between rushes and receptions in his junior season, and he made the most of them, rushing for 216 yards on 26 carries and hauling in nine passes for 265 yards, averaging 8.3 yards per carry and an impressive 29.4 yards per reception. He scored six total touchdowns (1 rushing, 4 receiving, 1 punt return) and surpassed 100 yards rushing once and 100 yards receiving once as a junior.
Daryl Worley, Junior WR, Penn Charter – Benefitting from the presence of career 4,700-yard passer John Loughery in the backfield chucking the pigskin around, Worley hauled in a team-leading 45 passes for 653 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 14.5 yards per reception. The junior-to-be finished six games with four or more receptions and two games with more than 100 receiving yards. Worley was one of two Quaker receivers to surpass the 40-reception total in 2010 – the other was senior Joel Sankey.
David Williams, Junior RB, West Catholic – A lightning-quick athlete with unlimited potential, Williams has already received verbal scholarship offers from Connecticut and Pitt, with more likely to follow, as well as interest from programs like Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Rutgers and Tennesse, among others. Williams burst onto the scene in a big way in his sophomore season, running for 924 yards and 17 touchdowns on 100 carries, averaging 9.2 yards per carry. He ran for 100+ yards three times, including an impressive 181-yard, two-touchdown performance in the PIAA AA championship game against South Fayette.
Desmon Peoples, Senior RB, Archbishop Wood – Peoples was on pace to have an incredible junior season (1,717 rush yards, 29 touchdowns) before sustaining a season-ending lower leg injury. He played in Wood’s first 11 games, and torched the opposition for 1,349 yards on 165 carries and caught 11 passes for 179 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per carry and 16.3 yards per catch. He scored 25 total touchdowns (23 rushing, 1 receiving, 1 kickoff return) and finished the season as Wood’s leading scorer (150 total points). For his career, Peoples has run for 2,399 yards and 33 touchdowns. He ran for 100+ yards in six of 11 games and had two games with 50+ receiving yards. Peoples plans to attend Rutgers.
Desmond Sams, Junior RB, West Philadelphia – The second-leading rusher in the Speedboys’ offensive arsenal from a season ago, Sams piled up 404 yards on 42 carries and scored one touchdown, averaging 9.6 yards per carry. Sams twice surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in a game, accomplishing the feat in games against University City and Simon Gratz.
Dom DiGalbo, Senior OL/DL, West Catholic – DiGalbo & company helped to pave the way for a powerful West Catholic rushing attack that produced three 920+ yard rushers and a 1,400-yard passer. The Burrs averaged 386.7 yards of offense (285 rushing) and 36.5 points per game, scoring 79 total touchdowns (62 rushing, 17 passing). In the Burrs’ final four playoff games (Bok Vo-Tech, Northern Lehigh, Lewisburg and South Fayette), the team ran for 1,538 yards (384.5 rush yards per game), including 400-yard outputs against Northern Lehigh and South Fayette. Defensively, DiGalbo tallied 32 tackles (19 solo, 4 for loss), a sack, a deflected pass and a fumble recovery.
Dre’von Williams, Senior WB/CB, Roxborough – An all-around athlete for the Indians, Williams finished his junior season with 579 all-purpose yards of offense (349 rushing, 11 passing, 219 receiving) and scored nine total touchdowns (5 rushing, 3 receiving, 1 punt return). He averaged 3.3 yards per carry on 104 rushes; 8.1 yards per catch on 27 receptions; and completed 2-of-6 pass attempts. He finished as the Indians’ second-leading scorer, with 54 total points.
Eerin Young, Junior ATH, Imhotep Charter – The second-leading rusher in the Panthers’ ground attack last season, Young ran for 467 yards and three touchdowns on 78 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He also caught five passes for 49 yards as a receiver out of the backfield. Young finished the season as the third-leading scorer on the IC team, converting five two-point conversions in addition to his three touchdowns.
Elijah Anthony, Senior SS, Imhotep Charter – Named to the 2010 Philadelphia All Public League team, Anthony finished his junior season as the team’s leader in sacks, with nine. He also posted 35 tackles and three fumble recoveries, returning one of the three recoveries for a touchdown. Anthony was part of a Panther defensive unit which allowed an average of 12.5 points per game and reached the Public League Class AA title game.
Eric Condron, Senior OL, Father Judge – Condron helped to pave the way for a Judge offensive arsenal that averaged 280.7 yards of offense (175.6 rushing, 105.1 passing) and 24.5 points per game. Judge’s offense yielded two 690+-yard rushers and two 450+-yard passers and topped the 27-point mark six times. Judge finished 8-3 overall, losing in the Philadelphia Catholic League AAAA semifinals to La Salle, 34-7.
Eric Leslie, Junior WR, West Philadelphia – One of the top statistical returning receivers in the entire Public League, Leslie had himself quite the sophmore season wearing the Speedboys’ orange and white. In 11 games, Leslie snagged a team-best 29 passes for a Public League record 861 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging a whopping 29.7 yards per reception and a touchdown every third catch. He finished five games with 100+ receiving yards. Leslie accounted for 44.6 percent of West Philly’s receptions, 74.9 percent of the team’s receiving yards and 66.7 percent of the team’s touchdown receptions.
Eric Neefe, Junior RB, Penn Charter – The featured rusher in a Quaker rushing attack which averaged just under 121 yards per game, Neefe finished his sophomore season with 523 yards and four touchdowns on 116 carries and caught another five passes for 12 yards. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry and ran for more than 100 yards once. In fact, Neefe’s season was vastly improved with a 31-carry, 140-yard, three-touchdown performance against Archbishop Carroll. Neefe did not play in the Quakers’ final three games of the season.
Eric Wyant, Senior OL, West Catholic – Wyant & company helped to pave the way for a powerful West Catholic rushing attack that produced three 920+ yard rushers and a 1,400-yard passer. The Burrs averaged 386.7 yards of offense (285 rushing) and 36.5 points per game, scoring 79 total touchdowns (62 rushing, 17 passing). In the Burrs’ final four playoff games (Bok Vo-Tech, Northern Lehigh, Lewisburg and South Fayette), the team ran for 1,538 yards (384.5 rush yards per game), including 400-yard outputs against Northern Lehigh and South Fayette.
Erik Lark, Junior QB, Boys Latin Charter – The top returning field general, statistically speaking, from the 2010 season, Lark was one of three different Warriors who saw time at the helm of an offense which averaged 76.3 passing yards and 16.4 points per game. Lark wound up connecting on 39-of-125 passes (31.2 percent) for 618 yards and six touchdowns over BLC’s final nine games, throwing for 100+ yards once and posting two games with at least two touchdown passes. At his current pace of 68.7 passing yards per game, Lark is on pace to throw for nearly 2,300 yards in his career.
Frank Taylor, Senior OL, Archbishop Wood – A returning starter in the trenches for the Vikings who plans to attend Boston College, the 285-pound Taylor attracted numerous offers and attention from programs like Illinois, Michigan State, Pitt, Rutgers, Temple and West Virginia, among others, before making his college selection. Taylor helped pave the way for a Viking offensive unit that produced a pair of backs with 1,100+ rushing yards and a 1,500+ yard passer. Wood averaged 229 rushing yards, 119 passing yards, 36.5 points per game and scored 62 offensive touchdowns (47 rushing, 15 passing).
Gordon Thomas, Sophomore OL, Imhotep Charter – Thomas helped to pave the way for an Imhotep offensive arsenal which averaged 204 yards (134.5 rushing, 69.5 passing) and 21.3 points per game, reaching the Public League Class AA title game opposite Edward Bok Vo-Tech. The Panthers’ offensive unit included two 450+-yard rushers and an 850-yard passer and scored 38 total touchdowns (24 rushing, 14 passing).
Hakeem Sillman, Senior RB/DB, George Washington – Sillman only played in eight of Washington’s 11 games in 2010, but he had quite a productive season in those eight games, running for a team-best 911 yards and six touchdowns on 109 carries and catching another seven passes for 70 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per carry and 10 yards per reception. Sillman ran for no fewer than 83 yards in a game last year, including a quintet of 100-yard performances.
Hakim McCain, Senior RB, High School of the Future – The Firebirds’ leading rusher, McCain ran for 805 yards and two touchdowns on 185 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. McCain ran for 100+ yards in four of SOTF’s 10 games, including a season-best 160 yards against Southern and 156 yards against Edward Bok Vo-Tech.
Hanif Dockery, Junior QB/DB, Germantown – A dual-threat quarterback for the Bears, Dockery amassed a total of 540 yards of offense (358 passing, 182 rushing) and accounted for five total touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing). He completed 25-of-81 passes (30.8 percent) and averaged 3.5 yards per carry.
Harold Lynn, Senior K, Philadelphia Northeast – The second-leading scorer on a Vikings’ team which finished 9-3 overall and reached the District 12 AAAA championship game opposite La Salle, Lynn converted 20 extra points and three field goals, scoring 29 total points. He accounted for 13.5 percent of Northeast’s season scoring total of 215 points.
Ismir Gibson, Senior RB, Monsignor Bonner – The featured back in Bonner’s rushing offense which averaged 125 yards per game, Gibson ran for 547 yards and seven touchdowns on 100 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He finished as the team’s leading scorer with 42 total points, accounting for 23.4 percent of the Friars’ season scoring total of 179 points. Gibson posted a season-best 135 yards against Chestnut Hill Academy and finished three other games with at least 60 rushing yards.
Jalal Timmons, Senior QB, Archbishop Carroll – The field general at the reins of Carroll’s Wing-T offense which averaged 239 yards and 17.8 points per game last season, Timmons amassed 901 yards of total offense (582 passing, 319 rushing) and had a hand in eight total Patriot touchdowns (6 rushing, 2 passing). Timmons averaged 3.9 yards per carry and connected on 35 percent of his passes (35-of-100). He threw for 100+ yards once and also posted a 100-yard rushing performance.
Jake Peabody, Senior WB, Archbishop Carroll – One of three backs to rush for at least 300 yards in a Carroll offense which averaged 171.4 rushing yards per game, Peabody finished with 354 yards and a touchdown on 88 carries, averaging more than four yards per carry.
James Chakey, Senior QB/CB, Haverford School – The back-up field general to Vince Garman last season, Chakey saw action in Haverford School’s final six games, connecting on 26-of-51 passes (50.9 percent) for 312 yards and three touchdowns and adding 70 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. He threw for 70+ yards on three occasions and averaged 3.5 yards per carry.
James Johnson, Junior QB, Overbrook – The field general from a Panther squad which went 7-4 and averaged more than 20 points per game last season, Johnson connected on 45-of-92 passes for 542 yards and also added five rushing touchdowns on 74 keepers. Johnson ended the season on a very strong note, throwing seven of his eight touchdown passes in Overbrook’s final three games. His only 100-yard passing performance of the season also came in that final three game span – 166 yards against Edison.
Jamiel Hines, Junior WR/DB, Samual Fels – Hines enjoyed a successful season in the Panthers’ defensive backfield, intercepting a team-leading five passes. Offensively, he was part of a Fels aerial assault which averaged 166.2 yards per game, hauling in six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 19.7 yards per catch.
Jay Watkins, Senior WR/DB, Cardinal O’Hara – A multi-purpose rushing and receiving threat, Watkins finished his junior season by amassing 522 all-purpose yards of offense (254 rushing, 268 receiving), averaging 7.9 yards per carry and 12.8 yards per reception. He ran for a season-best 124 yards against Archbishop Carroll and posted two 50+-yard receiving performances. Watkins scored seven total touchdowns (4 rushing, 2 receiving, 1 kickoff return).
Jeremy Tyson, Senior ATH, George School – The featured back in a George School rushing attack which averaged 128 yards per game, Tyson ran for 512 yards on 108 carries and caught another 10 passes for 69 yards, scoring seven total touchdowns (6 rushing, 1 receiving). He averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 6.9 yards per reception, running for more than 100 yards against New Jersey-based Emily Fisher Charter.
Jihad Ward, Senior TE/DE, Edward Bok Vo-Tech – One of two Bok receivers with double-digit reception totals in 2010, Ward hauled in 10 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown, averaging 18.8 yards per reception. Ward was a 2010 Coaches’ All-Public team selection and a 2nd team Daily News All-City team selection at defensive end. He was part of a Wildcat defensive unit that held eight of 11 opponents to 14 points or less with two shutouts.
Jim Hurley, Senior WR/DB, St. Joseph’s Prep – The Hawks’ top returning receiver, Hurley hauled in 17 passes for 250 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 14.7 yards per catch. Hurley was one of four Prep receivers with at least 10 catches and 200 yards receiving last year. SJP’s aerial assault averaged just under 140 yards per game.
Joey Monaghan, Senior QB, Archbishop Wood – The field general operating the reins of a pretty proficient Viking arsenal, Monaghan connected on 97-of-162 passes (59.8 percent) for 1,534 yards and 15 touchdowns, throwing for 100+ yards in eight of the Vikes’ 14 games and finishing five games with multiple touchdown passes. He owns a career varsity record of 15-1 overall – the only loss came to Allentown Central Catholic in last year’s PIAA AAA semifinals. For his career, Monaghan has thrown for 1,782 yards and 19 touchdowns.
John Landis, Senior WR, Father Judge – One of three Judge receivers with at least 11 receptions, Landis was the featured target in an aerial assault that averaged 105.1 yards per game, snagging 19 passes for 391 yards and one touchdown, averaging 20.6 yards per reception. Landis twice topped 100 yards receiving in a game, doing so against Roman Catholic and Lansdale Catholic.
John McGilligan, Senior WR, Monsignor Bonner – A key rushing and receiving threat for the Friars, McGilligan racked up 657 all-purpose yards of offense (461 receiving, 196 rushing) and scored six total touchdowns (4 rushing, 2 receiving). He averaged 8.2 yards per carry on 24 rushes and 20.9 yards per reception on 22 catches. He ran for 100+ yards against Chestnut Hill Academy and posted 145 receiving yards against Interboro. He was Bonner’s third-leading rusher and featured receiver.
Jonathan Parker, Senior SE/CB, Benjamin Franklin – A two-way threat for the Electrons, Parker finished his junior season as the second-leading receiver in a Franklin aerial assault which averaged 81.2 yards per game. He snagged 13 passes for 245 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 18.8 yards per reception. He surpassed the 100-yard mark with a six-catch, 135-yard performance in a 56-46 loss to Fels. Defensively, Parker intercepted a team-leading five passes.
Justin Moody, Junior DL, George Washington – A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2013 class at defensive tackle, Moody has already received a verbal scholarship offer from Rutgers and has attracted attention from programs like Alabama, LSU, North Carolina, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and West Virginia, among others. Moody was part of an Eagle defense which allowed an average of 10.2 points per game, holding 10 of 11 opponents to 13 points or less, with two shutouts.
Keith Corliss, Senior FB/ILB, Germantown Academy – A two-way threat for Germantown, Corliss racked up 498 total yards of offense (296 rushing, 202 receiving) and scored five total touchdowns (4 rushing, 1 receiving). He averaged 5.3 yards per carry and 12.6 yards per reception on 72 total touches (56 rushes, 16 receptions). Corliss was a 2010 1st Team Coaches’ All Inter-AC selection at linebacker.
Kelly Johnson, Senior RB/DB, Frankford – One of three Frankford running backs with at least 400 rushing yards in 2010, Johnson finished as the Pioneers’ third-leading rusher, racking up 400 yards and four touchdowns on 88 carries and caught another four passes for 54 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 13.5 yards per reception. He finished with a season-best 105 rushing yards in the Pioneers’ 34-6 victory over Lincoln.
Kevin Malone, Senior SS, West Catholic – A key returning presence in the Burrs’ defensive backfield, Malone posted 26 tackles (19 solo), one interception and seven deflected passes. Two of Malone’s 26 tackles were for losses.
Kyle Adkins, Senior WR/DB, Archbishop Wood – The second-leading receiver in Wood’s aerial assault that averaged more than 105 yards per game, Adkins snagged 15 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 20.1 yards per catch. He finished two games with 85+ receiving yards, including a six-catch, 87-yard, 1-touchdown performance in the PIAA AAA semifinals against Allentown Central Catholic.
Kyle Hambright, Senior OL/DL, Imhotep Charter – Hambright helped to pave the way for an Imhotep offensive arsenal which averaged 204 yards (134.5 rushing, 69.5 passing) and 21.3 points per game, reaching the Public League Class AA title game opposite Edward Bok Vo-Tech. The Panthers’ offensive unit included two 450+-yard rushers and an 850-yard passer and scored 38 total touchdowns (24 rushing, 14 passing). Defensively, Hambright tallied 45 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, returning one for a touchdown. He was a 2010 Philadelphia All Public selection.
Lou Moeller, Senior OL/DL, Haverford School – A 1st Team Coaches All Inter-AC selection on the offensive line, Moeller helped to pave the way for a Fords’ offensive arsenal that averaged 231.2 yards of offense (143.3 rushing, 87.9 passing) and 15.9 points per game. The Ford O-line helped pave the way for two 400+-yard rushers and two 300+-yard passers. Haverford School won its first Inter-AC football championship since 1971.
Luke Hutkin, Senior OL/DL, St. Joseph’s Prep – One of the key anchors in the trenches for the Hawks, Hutkin was a 1st Team Coaches All-Catholic selection. He helped to pave the way for an offensive arsenal that averaged 259.9 yards of offense (120.1 rushing, 139.8 passing) and 19.5 points per game, producing four rushers with at least 130 yards and a 1,500-yard passer. The Hawks’ offensive unit scored 28 touchdowns a season ago (15 rushing, 13 passing).
Marcus Lyles, Senior QB, University City – Lyles played in nine games for UC last season, including the Jaguars’ lone victory against Bracetti, connecting on 29-of-90 passes (32.2 percent) for 432 yards and four touchdowns, throwing for a season-best 186 yards against West Philadelphia and tossing a pair of scoring passes against Bracetti. Lyles also scored one rushing touchdown on 45 keepers.
Marcus Kelly, Senior RB, Roman Catholic – The featured running back in Roman Catholic’s offensive arsenal last season, Kelly ran for 1,057 yards and 12 touchdowns on 163 carries and catching another nine passes for 51 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and 5.7 yards per reception. Kelly ran for 100+ yards in five of Roman’s 12 games, including three games (St. Joe’s Prep, Father Judge and Chestnut Hill Academy) with at least 174 rushing yards. Kelly was a 1st Team Coaches All-Catholic selection at running back.
Mark Opaliski, Junior OL/DL, Penn Charter – Opaliski helped to pave the way for a Penn Charter offensive unit which averaged 292.2 yards (120.7 rushing, 171.5 passing) and 18.8 points per game, producing two backs with at least 370 yards rushing and a 1,700-yard passer. PC scored 25 total offensive touchdowns (10 rushing, 15 passing).
Marquis Edwards, Junior RB/SS, Philadelphia Northeast – The featured tailback in a Northeast Viking offensive arsenal which averaged 155.8 rushing yards per game last year, Edwards ran for 756 yards and nine touchdowns on 152 carries and caught another seven passes for 36 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and 5.1 yards per catch. He ran for a season-high 140 yards against Fels in the Public League AAAA semifinals, a 34-0 Northeast victory.
Marquise Brown, Senior QB, Edward Bok Vo-Tech – Passing was not necessarily the name of the game for the Wildcats, who averaged a little more than six pass attempts per game. But Brown was effective when called upon, connecting on 34-of-70 passes (48.6 percent) for 615 yards and four touchdowns. He finished six games with at least 50 passing yards and one game with multiple touchdown passes. Brown also added four rushing touchdowns on 33 keepers.
Marquise McFarland, Senior RB, Lincoln – The leading rusher for Lincoln last season, McFarland ran for 323 yards on 65 carries and caught another four passes for 60 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and 15 yards per reception. He scored eight total touchdowns (6 rushing, 1 punt return, 1 fumble return), and posted a season-best 127 rushing yards in a 32-14 Lincoln victory over Prep Charter.
Matt Magarity, Senior QB, La Salle College High School – Magarity posted a respectable junior season for the District 12 AAAA champion Explorers, playing in 11 of 15 games and posting an overall record of 9-2 in his first varsity football season. He finished the year connecting on 91-of-170 passes (53.5 percent) for 1,257 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging a little more than 114 yards per game through the air. Magarity threw for 100+ yards in a game six times and had some of his best play against District 1 AAAA champ North Penn, connecting on 23-of-41 passes for 386 yards and five touchdowns in two meetings. He also ran for 128 yards and scored three touchdowns on the ground.
Matt Maginnis, Senior OL, La Salle College High School – As a blocker, Maginnis helped pave the way for an Explorer offensive attack that averaged 324.7 yards (217.6 rushing) and 31 points per game, scoring 60 total touchdowns (43 rushing, 17 passing). La Salle produced a 1,700-yard rusher, 1,200-yard passer and reached the PIAA AAAA championship game for the second consecutive season, falling to North Allegheny, 21-0. In the last two seasons, La Salle is 27-3 overall (900), and 36-6 overall (.857) in the last three.
Michael Keir, Junior QB, Roman Catholic – A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2013 class at quarterback, Keir is already attracting interest from programs like Alabama, Boston College, Pitt, Rutgers and Virginia. He had a respectable sophomore season for Roman, starting 10 of 12 games and connecting on 70-of-148 passes (47.3 percent) for 1,207 yards and 13 touchdowns. He threw for 100+ yards six times and had five games with at least two touchdown passes. He is on pace to throw for more than 3,600 yards and close to 40 touchdowns in his career.
Michael Mooney, Senior OL, Malvern Prep – A potential Division-1 prospect on the offensive line for the Friars, Mooney helped to pave the way for a Malvern Prep offensive arsenal which averaged 263.5 yards (177.4 rushing, 86.1 passing) and 17.9 points per game in 2010. The Friars finished the season with two 500+-yard rushers and a 940+-yard passer. Mooney has received 11 total FBS and FCS offers combined through his recruiting process.
Miguel Sanchez, Junior QB, Lincoln – Sanchez finished his sophomore season by throwing for 780 yards and four touchdowns, connecting on 40.8 percent of his passes. Sanchez threw for more than 100 yards in a game twice and spearheaded a Rail Splitter aerial assault which averaged 65.8 yards per game. He is on pace to throw for 2,240 yards in his career.
Mike Anusky, Senior QB, Archbishop Ryan – A dual-threat field general for the Indian Raiders, Anusky amassed 645 yards of offense (512 passing, 132 rushing) and had a hand in six total touchdowns (5 passing, 1 rushing) as a junior. He connected on 42-of-99 passes (42.4 percent) and averaged 1.9 yards per carry on 67 rushes. Anusky twice threw for 100+ yards in a game and also posted a pair of games in which he threw multiple scoring passes.
Mike Makor, Senior OL, West Catholic – Makor & company helped to pave the way for a powerful West Catholic rushing attack that produced three 920+ yard rushers and a 1,400-yard passer. The Burrs averaged 386.7 yards of offense (285 rushing) and 36.5 points per game, scoring 79 total touchdowns (62 rushing, 17 passing). In the Burrs’ final four playoff games (Bok Vo-Tech, Northern Lehigh, Lewisburg and South Fayette), the team ran for 1,538 yards (384.5 rush yards per game), including 400-yard outputs against Northern Lehigh and South Fayette. Makor is receiving Division-1 interest.
Mike McGlinchey, Junior OL/DL, Penn Charter – McGlinchey helped to pave the way for a Penn Charter offensive unit which averaged 292.2 yards (120.7 rushing, 171.5 passing) and 18.8 points per game, producing two backs with at least 370 yards rushing and a 1,700-yard passer. PC scored 25 total offensive touchdowns (10 rushing, 15 passing). A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2013 class at offensive tackle, the 285-pound McGlinchey already holds verbal offers from Boston College and Virginia and has received interest from Alabama.
Myles Brooker, Senior WR/DB, Germantown – The Bears’ featured receiving target in 2010, Brooker was the only pass catcher to finish with a season reception total in the double-digits. When the dust settled on the season, Brooker hauled in 15 passes for 408 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 27.2 yards per reception. He surpassed the 80-yard receiving mark in two Bear games. Brooker accounted for 80 percent of Germantown’s receiving touchdowns in 2010.
Nate Smith, Senior WR/CB, Archbishop Wood – One of six potential Division-1 prospects on the 2011 edition of the Vikings, Smith has heard from various programs, including LSU, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Rutgers, South Carolina, Texas and UCLA. He spent his first three varsity seasons playing for Washington, and, as a junior, was one of two Eagle receivers with at least 20 catches. Smith snared 22 passes for 376 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 17.1 yards per catch. He finished three games with three or more catches and four games with at least 50 receiving yards. In his career at Washington, Smith hauled in 51 passes for 867 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Nicholas Newman, Senior WR, Bishop McDevitt – The featured receiver in a seldom-utilized McDevitt aerial assault, Newman was the only Lancer to reach a double-digit total of receptions. Newman caught 14 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown, averaging 18 yards per reception.
Nick Butts, Senior QB, Roxborough – Butts had a respectable junior season for the Indians, leading the blue and white to a 7-5 overall record and berth in the Public League AAA championship game opposite Murrell Dobbins Tech. Butts connected on 66-of-143 passes (46.1 percent) for 917 yards and 14 touchdowns, spearheading a Roxborough passing attack which averaged 78.4 passing yards per game. Butts threw for 100+ yards three times and also posted three games with multiple scoring passes.
Nick Le Van, Senior WR/DB, Archbishop Ryan – The top returning receiver from the Indian Raiders’ 2010 football team, Le Van hauled in 20 passes for 278 yards and a team-leading four receiving touchdowns, averaging 13.9 yards per catch. Le Van’s best game came against District 1 rep. Bensalem – he snagged six passes for 89 yards. He was one of two Ryan receivers with at least 20 receptions on the season – the other was senior Tim Kane.
Nick Visco, Junior K, Archbishop Wood – Visco really should consider changing his name to “Mr. Automatic.” Of Wood’s 71 total touchdowns scored in 2010, Visco converted 65 extra points and also successfully booted six field goals, scoring a total of 83 of Wood’s school-record 548 points, or 15.1 percent of the Vikings’ season scoring output. Visco was Wood’s third-leading scorer in 2010, trailing only Desmon and Brandon Peoples. For his career, Visco has scored 145 points (106 extra points, 13 field goals), and accounted for 16.3 percent of the Vikings’ scoring output the last two seasons (890 total points).
Nijay Kelly, Senior WR/DB, Samual Fels – The second-leading receiver in a Panthers’ passing attack in which QB Tyree Rucker set a Public League single-season record for passing yardage (1,994), Kelly hauled in 23 passes for 472 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 20.5 yards per reception. Kelly posted a 143-yard peformance against Franklin, his only 100-yard receiving performance of the season.
Randy Siler, Junior WR, Martin Luther King – One of three Cougar receivers with at least 10 receptions on the season last year, Siler was the team leader, hauling in 13 passes for 350 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 26.9 yards per reception. Siler posted his only 100-yard performance against Murrell Dobbins Tech, hauling in four passes for 123 yards.
Raul Quinones, Senior RB/LB, Father Judge – Quinones finished as Judge’s leading rusher in 2010, registering 939 yards and 11 touchdowns on 173 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He finished five of Judge’s 11 games with at least 100 rushing yards, including two performances of 150+ yards in Judge’s first four games. Quinones also caught six passes for 14 yards and tied for the team lead in interceptions, with four. He was a 1st Team Coaches All-Catholic selection at running back, joining Roman’s Marcus Kelly and La Salle’s Jamal Abdur-Rahman.
Richard Drayton, Senior WR/LB, Philadelphia Central – The featured receiver in Central’s aerial assault that averaged nearly 87 yards per game in 2010, Drayton hauled in a team-best 32 passes for 514 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 16.1 yards per catch. He finished four games with at least four catches and ended games against Furness and Fels with more than 100 receiving yards. Drayton’s 514 receiving yards accounted for 49.3 percent of Central’s aerial assault, and his 32 receptions accounted for 48.4 percent of the team’s completed passes.
Rob Daniels, Senior QB, Father Judge – Daniels took over the helm of the Judge offense in the team’s final five games, and he responded well to the role, connecting on 29-of-52 passes (55.7 percent) for 450 yards and three touchdowns. He threw for no fewer than 63 yards in any of those five games, throwing for 100+ yards twice and multiple touchdowns once. Judge won three of its final five games, finishing 8-3 overall.
Rolando Ransom, Senior RB, Communications Tech – The key catalyst to the Phoenix’ offensive success in 2010, Ransom ran for 1,519 yards and 14 touchdowns on a whopping 321 carries and caught another five passes for 21 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and 4.2 yards per reception. He surpassed the 100-yard mark in six of Comm Tech’s 11 games, each time rushing for more than 150 yards, including a pair of 200-yard performances in consecutive weeks. For his career, Ransom has run for 2,973 yards and 31 touchdowns and is on pace to rush for more than 4,000 yards in his career.
Ryan Dydak, Senior QB, Philadelphia Central – Dydak assumed the reins of Central’s offense over its final two games, filling in for Dante Cobb. Dydak connected on 19-of-35 passes (54.2 percent) for 202 yards and two touchdowns, doing the bulk of his damage in a narrow 28-24 loss to Germantown. In that game, Dydak finished 14-of-25 for 142 yards and the two touchdowns. He averaged 101 yards passing per game.
Ryan Winslow, Junior K, La Salle College High School – Winslow became an important player in the Explorers’ special teams arsenal as the season progressed, and he finished the year converting 49 extra points and four field goals, winding up as La Salle’s second-leading scorer (trailing only Jamal Abdur-Rahman). Winslow scored 61 of La Salle’s 471 total points, or 12.9 percent of the Explorers’ season output.
Savoy Martin, Senior WR/DB, Frankford – Martin is one of the Pioneers’ best all-around returning players from the 2010 team. He literally did a little bit of everything for the red and gold. He hauled in eight passes for 339 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an impressive 42.4 yards per catch. Martin was the only Pioneer receiver to finish with a 100-yard receiving performance last season, but he didn’t stop there. He also ran for 149 yards on 28 carries (5.3 yards/rush), tied for the team lead in interceptions, with seven, and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Sean Burke, Senior LB, La Salle College High School – Burke is one of the Explorers’ returning starters at linebacker from a season ago, and he was part of a La Salle defensive unit, including reserves, that held 12 of 15 opponents to 17 points or less, with three shutouts. Entering the PIAA AAAA championship game against North Allegheny, the Explorers defense had allowed an average of 10.4 points per game. During an 11-game stretch of its 2010 season, La Salle held its opposition to an average of 6.8 points per game.
Sean Coleman, Junior WR/DB, La Salle College High School – The featured target in the Explorers’ aerial assault that averaged more than 107 yards per game, Coleman had quite the solid sophomore season, snagging a team-leading 33 passes for 539 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 16.3 yards per reception. Coleman finished five games with four or more catches and once surpassed 100 yards receiving in a game. In two games against District 1 AAAA champion North Penn, Coleman hauled in a combined nine passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns. He also picked off a pair of passes on defense.
Shakur Nesmith, Senior WR/DB, Imhotep Charter – Nesmith is a Temple commit returning from the Panthers’ 10-win football team a season ago. He caught five passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, which was the result of a 42-yard reception against Delaware Valley Charter. Nesmith averaged more than 21 yards per reception and was one of three Panther receivers with at least 100 yards receiving on the season.
Shaquil Sammons, Senior RB, Edward Bok Vo-Tech – The featured tailback in the Wildcats offensive arsenal that averaged more than 30 points per game in 2010, Sammons ran for 1,072 yards and 19 touchdowns on 177 carries and caught another five passes for 17 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and 3.4 yards per reception. Sammons ran for 100+ yards in seven of Bok’s 11 games and finished five games scoring multiple touchdowns. He scored 134 of Bok’s 345 points in 2010, or 38.8 percent of the team’s season scoring output.
Shane Carr, Senior K, William Penn Charter – The second-leading scorer on the Penn Charter team last season, Carr converted 15 extra points and five field goals, scoring 30 total points. He accounted for 15.9 percent of the team’s season scoring total (188 points).
Sharif Smith, Senior RB, Horace Furness – Smith is having quite a solid career for the Falcons, having already tallied 3,389 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns to date. Smith put the finishing touches on his second consecutive 1,200-yard rushing season, amassing 1,205 yards and 18 touchdowns on 201 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per rush. He ran for 100+ yards in seven of Furness’ 12 games, as the Falcons finished 9-3 overall. Smith accounted for 66.7 percent of Furness’ season rushing touchdown output and scored 110 of the team’s 258 points.
Shawn Wilson, Senior RB, Malvern Prep – The featured back in Malvern Prep’s rushing attack which averaged 177.4 rushing yards per game last season, Wilson finished with 1,052 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 169 carries and caught another three passes for 36 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry and 12 yards per reception. Wilson ran for 100+ yards six times for the Friars last season. He was the only player on the team to finish the season scoring a double-digit total of touchdowns.
Shimeek Carter, Junior RB/CB, Northeast – The second-leading rusher in a Viking rushing attack which averaged 155.8 yards per game, Carter ran for 499 yards and three touchdowns on 73 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. He ran for a season-best 153 yards against Bartram in Northeast’s third game of the 2010 season. The Vikings finished 9-3 overall and reached the District 12 AAAA championship game opposite La Salle.
Sincere Merced, Senior WR/DB, Lincoln – A two-way weapon for the Rail Splitters, Merced piled up 476 all-purpose yards of offense (147 rush, 10 pass, 329 receiving) and scored four total touchdowns (3 receiving, 1 rushing). He completed his only pass attempt and averaged 7.4 yards per carry on 20 rushes and 14.3 yards per catch on 23 receptions. Merced went over the 100-yard receiving mark against Germantown. Defensively, Merced led the Rail Splitters in interceptions, with seven.
Skyler Morhninweg, Senior QB, St. Joseph’s Prep – A Stanford commit since prior to his sophomore season, Morhninweg is one of the Hawks’ key statistical leaders following a rough 4-7 season. #8 connected on 110-of-229 passes (48 percent) for 1,546 yards and 13 touchdowns, throwing for 100+ yards in seven of the Prep’s 11 games, including two games with more than 200 yards. For his career, Morhninweg has thrown for 3,089 yards and 31 touchdowns, and has the potential to become the second 4,000-yard passer in SJP history. Frank Costa threw for 4,660 between the 1988 and 1989 seasons. Morhninweg is 1,571 yards shy of tying Costa’s school record. He also ran for 134 yards and six touchdowns on 83 keepers. He committed to Penn State.
Steve Wyler, Sophomore K, Cardinal O’Hara – Wyler had a successful freshman season for O’Hara, converting 40 extra points and three field goals to account for 49 of the team’s 349 total points (14 percent of the team’s season scoring output). He was the Lions’ third-leading scorer, trailing only RB Adam Dempsey (72 points) and FB Brendan McLaughlin (54 points).
Steven Pruitt, Senior WR, Thomas FitzSimons – The Rams only completed 31 passes last season, 11 of those going to Pruitt, but he made the most of the limited number of catches. Pruitt turned those 11 receptions into 367 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 33.3 yards per catch and a touchdown every second reception. #81 was also the only Ram to post a 100-yard receiving performance in 2010 – he turned the trick against Boys Latin School in a 32-20 victory.
Teron Dobbs, Senior FL, Archbishop Carroll – Both a rushing and receiving threat in Carroll’s Wing-T offense which averaged 239 yards per game, Dobbs ran for 207 yards on 45 carries and caught a team-best 13 passes for 281 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 21.6 yards per reception. He scored six total touchdowns for the Patriots (3 rushing, 2 receiving, 1 kickoff return).
Tim Mills, Senior WR/DB, Father Judge – Mills was one of three Judge athletes to finish in a tie for the team lead in interceptions, with four. He returned one of the picks for a touchdown and was a part of a Judge defensive unit that held six of 11 opponents to 14 points or less, with two shutouts. Mills also hauled in 11 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown, averaging 16.8 yards per catch. He thrice surpassed 40 receiving yards in a game, including a season-best 69 yards in the PCL AAAA semifinals against La Salle.
Tim Wade, Senior FB/LB, La Salle College High School – The top returning rusher from a La Salle rushing attack that averaged more than 217 yards per game in 2010, Wade ran for 465 yards on 91 carries and caught another 11 passes for 76 yards, scoring six total touchdowns (3 rushing, 3 receiving). He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and 6.9 yards per reception. Wade finished three games with at least 70 rushing yards. He was also a key contributor on an Explorer defensive unit, including reserves, that allowed an average of 11.1 points per game, with three shutouts. Wade was named a 1st Team Coaches’ All-Catholic selection at fullback.
Todd-Jamal Waters, Senior OL/LB, West Catholic – Waters & company helped to pave the way for a powerful West Catholic rushing attack that produced three 920+ yard rushers and a 1,400-yard passer. The Burrs averaged 386.7 yards of offense (285 rushing) and 36.5 points per game, scoring 79 total touchdowns (62 rushing, 17 passing). In the Burrs’ final four playoff games (Bok Vo-Tech, Northern Lehigh, Lewisburg and South Fayette), the team ran for 1,538 yards (384.5 rush yards per game), including 400-yard outputs against Northern Lehigh and South Fayette. Defensively, Waters amassed 71 tackles (40 solo, 9 for loss), two sacks, a forced fumble and a deflected pass.
Tom Murtha, Senior OL, Monsignor Bonner – A 2nd Team 2010 coaches’ AAA All-Catholic team selection at center, Murtha helped to pave the way for a Bonner offense which averaged 229.1 yards (125.7 rush, 103.4 pass) and 17.9 points per game, producing four back with at least 125 rushing yards and a 940-yard passer. The Friars scored 26 total offensive touchdowns (21 rushing, 5 passing).
Tommy Rumer, Senior QB, Malvern Prep – A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2012 recruiting class at quarterback, Rumer has received interest from programs like Boston College, Penn State, Rutgers and Virginia, among others. He finished his junior season connecting on 56-of-134 passes (41.8 percent) for 947 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 86.1 passing yards per game. Rumer threw for 100+ yards three times, setting a school record for single-game passing yardage against Roman Catholic (317).
Tristan Freeman, Senior DE, West Catholic – A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2012 class at either linebacker or defensive end, Freeman was the fifth-leading tackler on the Burrs’ defensive unit, posting 52 stops (38 solo, 14 for loss), four sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and three deflected passes. He has received verbal offers from Navy and Virginia Military Institute and interest from Army, Connecticut and Maryland.
Troy Johnson, Junior QB, Prep Charter – Johnson helped lead the Huskies to a 6-5 record in 2010 by connecting on 97-of-193 passes (50.3 percent) for 1,110 yards and nine touchdowns, throwing for 100+ yards four times and 200+ yards twice. Johnson has thrown for 1,548 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career for Prep Charter. Johnson also was a catalyst as a rusher, scoring a team-leading 10 rushing touchdowns on 87 keepers. In all, between rushing and passing scores, Johnson had a hand in 67.8 percent of the Huskies’ 28 total touchdowns recorded in 2010.
Tyler Hightower, Senior OL/DL, Chestnut Hill Academy – A 285-pound behemoth in the trenches for the Blue Devils, Hightower was named a 1st Team Coaches All Inter-AC selection on the defensive line, helping to spearhead a Chestnut Hill defensive unit that held seven of 10 opponents to 18 points or less, with one shutout. Offensively, Hightower helped to pave the way for a Blue Devil offensive arsenal that averaged 246.2 yards (172.2 rushing) and 16.2 points per game, producing an 1,100-yard rusher and a 600-yard passer.
Tyler Ramirez, Senior OL/DL, Monsignor Bonner – A 1st Team 2010 coaches’ AAA All-Catholic team selection at center, Ramirez helped to pave the way for a Bonner offense which averaged 229.1 yards (125.7 rush, 103.4 pass) and 17.9 points per game, producing four back with at least 125 rushing yards and a 940-yard passer. The Friars scored 26 total offensive touchdowns (21 rushing, 5 passing).
Tymere Blue, Senior RB, Roxborough – The leading rusher in an Indians’ ground attack which averaged 96.2 yards per game, Blue ran for 377 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 85 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Blue was one of three Roxoborugh backs to rush for at least 300 yards last season. Tyrone Barge, Sophomore OL/DL, Imhotep Charter – Barge helped to pave the way for an Imhotep offensive arsenal which averaged 204 yards (134.5 rushing, 69.5 passing) and 21.3 points per game, reaching the Public League Class AA title game opposite Edward Bok Vo-Tech. The Panthers’ offensive unit included two 450+-yard rushers and an 850-yard passer and scored 38 total touchdowns (24 rushing, 14 passing).
Will Parks, Senior RB/DB, Germantown – The Bears’ featured tailback in 2010, Parks ran for 657 yards on 143 carries and caught another nine passes for 138 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 15.3 yards per reception. He scored five total touchdowns (4 rushing, 1 receiving), finishing with a pair of 100-yard rushing performances and two games with at least 40 receiving yards. Parks also led the Bears’ defensive unit in interceptions, with three.
William Fuller, Junior WR/DB, Roman Catholic – One of the Catholic League’s top returning juniors, Fuller posted quite a solid sophomore season. #7 wound up finishing as the purple and gold’s featured receiver, hauling in 32 passes for 692 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 21.6 yards per reception. He played in 10 of Roman’s 12 games, finishing three of those 10 games with more than 100 yards receiving. Roman’s aerial assault averaged just a hair under 113 yards per game.
Zamir Bell, Senior SS, Imhotep Charter – The team leader in total tackles last season, Bell finished his junior year with 56 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was part of a Panther defensive unit that allowed an average of 12.5 points per game. His 56 tackles were second overall in the Public League’s AA division.
TedSilary.com and wcburrsfootball.com were referenced for the statistics and information appearing in this compilation of top returning athletes, with the exception of the athletes from George School.
Who will repeat as state champions? Here’s a list of the 2010 state champs. Tell us which team(s) you think will repeat and why?
4A – North Allegheny
3A – Allentown Central Catholic
2A – West Catholic
1A – Clairton
Here at MVPmemories.com, we create products that capture and preserve your greatest sports milestones. Simply upload your favorite action shots to create custom wall graphics, posters, and art on canvas. We offer a variety of sports themed templates that can be customized with your athlete’s name, picture, jersey number, and team colors. Be sure to check back often as we will be updating the site frequently.
When:May 29th at Temple University
When:June 5th at Temple University
When:June 18th at Temple University
When:June 23rd at Temple University
When:June 26th at Temple University
Website:Steve Addazio Football Camps
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Including the 2010 season, there have been 44 quarterbacks that have posted a season of at least 1,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards. But the other 43 such field generals didn’t come close to what Brendan Nosovitch did in 2010.
When the dust settled on Allentown Central Catholic’s 16-0 season and third PIAA championship in school history, Nosovitch finished with 4,759 yards of total offense (3,112 passing, 1,647 rushing) and accounted for 68 total touchdowns (43 passing, 25 rushing). Nosovitch has posted an impressive 28-2 record as a starting quarterback and led ACC to consecutive District 11 AAA championships – the Vikings first consecutive District crowns since 1997 and 1998.
#5 has thrown for 5,440 career yards and run for 2,810, and has a chance to become just the second Keystone State quarterback to post 4,000 career passing and rushing yards. He was the driving force behind an Allentown Central Catholic team that set a Lehigh Valley record with 663 points scored this past season, blowing past the previous standard established in 2006 by Bethlehem Liberty (618). Nosovitch has generated interest from several Division-1 football programs.
The South overcame a two-touchdown deficit for a 30-27 win over the North. Darius Jennings of Gilman School had 150 yards of offense and a score to lead the South in the first annual Chesapeake Bowl.
The North team, with players from Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania scored on its first two possessions.
Pottsgrove’s Maika Polamalu scored on an 11-yard touchdown run and the other was a 49-yard touchdown pass from Dondi Kirby of Gateway to Terrell Roberson of Penn Hills. The North led 14-0.
The South team had players from Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia and West Virginia. Darius Jennings got the South on the scoreboard with a 10-yard run in the second quarter.
The North went back up by two scores on a seven-yard strike from quarterback Matt Johnson of Bishop McDevitt to Desimon Green of Clairton. They led 21-7.
The South pulled within seven again with 38 seconds remaining in the first half on a Zach Dancel to Malcom Crockett pass for 34-yards.
The South momentum continued in the second half. Percee Goings hit Matt Zanellato for a 28-yard touchdown pass. The North lead was cut to one, 21-20.
DeMatha’s Michael Branthover made up for his miss extra point with a 20-yard field goal for the South’s first lead. The play was setup by a Jennings to Jordan Kittrell pass. The South led 23-21.
The South iced the game on a 52-yard run by Dancel.
The North scored on a 25-yard touchdown pass to draw within 3, 30-27. But the South recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.
Bishop McDevitt Senior running back Jameel Poteat is heading to Cincinnati after de-committing from the University of Pittsburgh.
Poteat help lead his team to the PIAA Class AAA championship game. He finished the season rushing for 1,724 yards and 31 touchdowns.
By Dean Beers, D11Football.com
Hershey – Brendan Nosovitch and his team have had big plays all throughout the playoffs. The Vikings needed a big one being behind 27-21 with less than 3 minutes to go in the game.
They got one. A 70-yard pass from Nosovitch to senior tight end Jack Sandherr (5 catches, 128 yards) took the Vikings (16-0) from their own 12-yard line to the Bishop McDevitt 18 –yard line.
One play later, Viking junior quarterback Nosovitch went up the middle 18 yards for the go ahead score, for a lead they would never relinquish. The Vikings would earn their 3rd PIAA State Title with a 28-27 win over the Crusaders of Bishop McDevitt. The Vikings also won PIAA State Titles in 1993 and 1998.
The Crusaders took the first lead of the game on their first possession. They drove 65 yards on 7 plays, capping the drive off when McDevitt senior quarterback Matt Johnson threw a 28 -yard touchdown pass to Brian Lamelle (4 catches, 82 yards). An extra point gave the team a 7-0 lead.
Central Catholic would answer right back. Nosovitch completed passes of 8, 16 and 31 yards on the drive, but ended the drive with a one-yard touchdown run to tie the game at seven all.
After both teams exchanged punts, the Crusaders had half the field to work with.
Crusader (13-3) senior running back Jameel Poteat (19 rushes, 71 yards) scored the first of his two touchdowns on a 22-yard touchdown run. An extra point gave the Crusaders a 14-7 lead.
It wasn’t until midway through the second quarter when the Vikings’ scored again. The Vikings’ defense had pinned the Crusaders back at their own eight-yard line, when they forced a McDevitt punt which only went 17 yards.
On second down and 11, Nosovitch fumbled the ball but Nathan Roberts recovered the ball for the Viking on the 25 yard line. On the next play, Nosovitch scored on a 25-yard touchdown run. The game was tied at 14 going into halftime.
Central Catholic’s first possession of the second half gave them the lead. The Vikings drove 73 yards on 6 plays, with the big play coming on a Nosovitch to Kevin McKellick (3 catches, 45 yards) 29 – yard pass to the Crusaders 35 yard line. Four plays later, Nosovitch threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Kevin Gulyas (7 catches, 61 yards). The Vikings lead 21-14.
After a series of exchanged punts, Crusader Miles Williams intercepted a Nosovitch pass and returned it to midfield. It took McDevitt six plays to score on a Matt Johnson 9nine–yard run. The game was tied at 21.
After a Central Catholic turnover on downs, McDevitt drove 57 yards to retake the lead. Poteat did most of the work on this drive, rushing for 25 yards including a three-yard touchdown run. The kick failed, and the Crusaders led 27-21 with seven minutes to go in the game.
Nosovitch finished the game passing 16 for 27 and a touchdown, with 236 yards. He also rushed for 47 yards and 3 touchdowns. We believe he is also the first quarterback to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.
Johnson, a Bowling Green recruit, completed 18 passes in 34 attempts, with 235 yards. He also rushed for 5 yards and a touchdown.
Join Prep Nation Radio for a Friday Postgame chat on Saturday, December 18th at 10:30pm.
Click here: 12th Man Show Postgame Chat
Once again EasternPAFootball.com will recognize the top players in Pennsylvania. Class A and AA players are listed under All-EasternPAFootball.com’s Small School team. Class AAA and AAAA players are listed under All-EasternPAFootball.com’s Big School team.
Once your season is complete please nominate your outstanding players by filling out this form completely. When you nominate your player(s) please include the following information: height, weight, position, graduation year and stats of all players nominated. Thanks!
Deadline for nominations is December 31st, 2010.
We know your time is valuable. Filling out this nomination page will help us provide correct information about your players.
We appreciate your support. It is all about promoting you and your kids!! Please contact me for the form and I will email it to you.
NOTE: You must be a coach or athletic director from the team
Thanks again for your support!!
When Running Back Desmond Peoples was injured for Archbishop Wood, another Peoples had to step in at the position.
Enter Cousin Brandon Peoples.
After 130 yard effort two weeks ago against Dobbins Tech in the District 12 Championship Game, Peoples torched Strath Haven for 222 yards on 34 carries and two touchdowns in a 24-14 victory over the Panthers in the PIAA AAA Eastern Semi-Final at Coatesville’s Multi-Purpose Stadium Friday Night.
Peoples opened the scoring with 7:25 to play in the first quarter as he scored on a one yard run that capped a 59 yard 10 play drive. Peoples had a run of 33 yards in the drive and Wood converted both a third down and a fourth down play in the drive. Nick Visco added the extra point as Wood took a 7-0 lead. Visco would add a 26 yard field goal with 23 seconds to play in the first quarter as Wood took a 10-0 lead.
Strath Haven’s Brent Collins then returned the kickoff 65 yards to the Viking 23 yard line. Thurman Fortune (21 carries 93 yards) needed just two plays from there as he scampered 21 yards on the first play of the second quarter to cut the Viking lead to 10-7.
Wood then increased the lead 17-7 when quarterback Joe Monaghan sneaked in from the one yard line on Wood’s next possession.
The second story of the night was the Wood defense.
Wood held the vaunted Strath Haven Wing-T running attack to 138 yards rushing and 253 total yards for the game. Every time Thurman tried to get going, there was always a Wood defender there to greet him.
On their first possession of the third quarter, Wood seemed poised to score another touchdown and put the game away. But the Panthers showed a little defense of their own and stopped Peoples on third down and was stopped on fourth down from inside the one yard line as he was met head on by Chaz Fisher.
Strath Haven, the Central League and District One champions took the ball on the half-yard line and drove it 99 yards as Collins went in from the five with 6:15 left in the third quarter. The big play in the drive was an 87 yard shovel pass from James Griffin to Alex Hisey that set the Panthers up first and goal on the Viking five yard line. Collins then needed just one play to once again cut the lead to three points, this time 17-14. Hisey kicked both extra points and also had a nice one-handed interception for the Panthers, who finish their season at 12-2.
Win the win Wood, who remained undefeated at 13-0 now faces District 11 Champion 14-0 Allentown Central Catholic, a 55-20 winner over District Nine champion Clearfield next week in a “Battle of the Vikings” for a berth in the PIAA Class AAA Football Championship game on the 17th of December.
To run in the December 1st Bucks County Herald
This was the Thanksgiving menu in Quakertown:
Turkey. Cranberries.
Generous helpings of defense. Two big scoops of Jesse Knepp. A slice of snow and a ladle of Americana.
Senior tailback Knepp broke off touchdown runs of 63 and 51 yards to lead his Pennridge Rams (7-5. 3-4) to a 22-12 win over the host Quakertown Panthers (4-8, 2-5). It marked Pennridge’s 50th win in the 81st installment of this Thanksgiving tradition.
Defenses dominated the first half. Knepp’s second quarter touchdown run from his own 37, and a 25 yard Dan Caya field goal on the half’s last play gave Pennridge a 9-0 lead at intermission. Caya’s field goal was aided by two controversial Quakertown penalties on the drive.
As snow blanketed the field, Knepp, who finished with 172 yards and broke the 1,000 yard plateau for the second straight year, ended the half with 116 yards on 10 plays. Everyone else gained just 129 yards.
“Our main goal was to shut down #7 (Zac Gravelle) because he is obviously a real good quarterback. He not just throws well but he can also run well,” said Pennridge captain DL Cory Cowdery, who had two tackles-for-loss and a pass break up.
But as the snow stopped, Quakertown’s Gravelle started. His 14-yard touchdown run capped a nine play drive which opened the second half and cut the lead to 9-6.
Early in the fourth quarter, Pennridge’s John Dubyk recovered a fumbled handoff at the Q-47 when the Panthers went for it on fourth-and-one. Ram fullback Brandon Cope’s one yard touchdown plunge ended the drive, giving Pennridge a 15-6 lead.
Mike Potynski answered with a 45 yard kickoff return. Four plays later, Gravelle raced 17 yards to the house on a draw, cutting the lead to 15-12 with 7:43 left.
All game long, the slippery footing seemed to favor the defenses. “We expected it to be wet so we practiced using quick, short steps. If you over extend, you start to slip. It wasn’t too bad in the first half but in the second half it got slippery and slick,” assessed Cowdery.
But Knepp still had one burst left in him. With 2:00 left, Pennridge faked a reverse. Knepp found the right edge and raced 51 yards for the insurance touchdown.
“We went on the reverse on the one play and got big yards out of it,” described Knepp, “We tried the fake reverse and they bit on it. It was pretty wide open. I just had to burn a couple of guys.”
Quakertown can take pride in their defense posting an outstanding effort for the second straight game. And they return Gravelle, who finishes 2010 with over 1,600 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards.
“I’m real proud of our kids. They didn’t give up. They’ve really stepped up the last couple of weeks and toughened up on defense,” observed Quakertown head coach George Banas.
The 2010 Pennridge defense meanwhile surrendered less than 14 points in eight of their games.
“Over all I think the kids just did a good job learning their assignments and executing on defense.” said Pennridge Randy Cuthbert, who praised several underclassmen for “stepping up.”
With the season in the books, both coaches could reflect on 2010.
“All season long, I’m proud of how these kids have changed. Their attitudes, effort and relationship with the coaches. They’ve become young men. Men learn from things and adjust,” offered Banas.
“They have great attitudes, they work well together, they do well in school. They’re just an all around nice group,” described Cuthbert, “and I think they’re going to go out in the world and be successful.”
Knepp summed up the spirit of Thanksgiving. “I’m thankful for Jesus Christ dying for the cross for me and for giving me the athletic abilities to play football.
“And I’m also thankful to my line for coming out here and doing a great job.”
+ + +
Thursday marked the final time that two remarkable seniors suited up for their high schools.
Cope and Quakertown OL/DL Jake Swearingen leave big holes for their 2011 teams to fill on the field.
And even bigger ones in the classroom.
Cope was a first team All-SOL Continental pick linebacker last season and Pennridge’s leading tackler in 2010.
“All throughout summer on every play, no matter where the ball was we would all fly to the ball,” Cope observed. “I think it really showed on the field because when you watch film of our games you see all of our guys hustling.”
He also picked up 723 yards as a bruising tailback. “I loved it personally and I enjoyed getting the ball,” he said. “Unfortunately, it came with (some injuries) but those are the things you’ve got to get through. Football is a fast, collision sport.”
It is Cope’s 4.3 GPA, National Honor Society membership and top 5% class rank that really makes him valuable to college recruiters.
“I started realizing that school work was important and in order to be successful as a human being you need to put fun away sometimes and just focus,” Cope credited.
“Brandon is a first class person, student and player. He has been a great role model for the younger players,” commented Cuthbert on his captain.
Swearingen is cut from the same cloth. “I think his GPA is a 4.6, he is number two in the class, and he does a lot of community involvement as well,” Banas revealed.
Last season, Swearingen won first All-SOL Continental accolades as an offensive lineman for a Quakertown playoff team that rushed for over 200 yards a game. The Panthers rushed for almost 1,000 yards while averaging 33 points in their four wins. Someone has to open those holes.
“From a blocking standpoint, we have great coaches who do a great job with their schemes,” Swearingen noted. “They help to make sense of the whole offense.
Not that Swearingen needs a lot of instruction. “I’m a competitor. I’m trying to do my best because I know its going to pay off down the road. It will help me have a successful life.
“You have to have your priorities straight. It’s God, family, school, then sports and then everything else after that. You have to focus on what will really help you in the long run,” he concluded.
An officer in Quakertown’s National Honor Society and an aspiring engineer, Swearingen won awards in April’s Pennsylvania Technology Students Association conference.
It won’t be the last awards – football or academic – that Cope and Swearingen will collect going forward.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
***Note: The Easton-Phillipsburg game will have LIVE streaming video and chat starting at 10am. Click Lehigh Valley Live to watch.***
District 1 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (0-9) vs.
Harry S. Truman Tigers (2-9)
District 1 11/25/2010 10:15 AM
Pennridge Rams (6-5) vs.
Quakertown Community Panthers (4-7)
District 1 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Bristol Warriors (3-7) vs.
Morrisville Bulldogs (7-4)
District 1 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Sun Valley Vanguards (2-9) vs.
Chichester Eagles (0-11)
District 1 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Interboro Bucaneers (6-6) vs.
Ridley Green Raiders (10-1)
District 1 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
School of the Future (1-8) vs.
Penn Wood Patriots (9-2)
District 1 11/25/2010 10:45 AM
Haverford Township Fords (4-6) vs.
Upper Darby Royals (5-6)
District 11 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
East Stroudsburg South Cavaliers (8-4) vs.
Stroudsburg Mounties (4-7)
District 11 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
Northampton Konkrete Kids (4-6) vs.
Catasauqua Rough Riders (6-5)
District 11 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Phillipsburg (NJ) vs.
Easton Area Red Rovers (11-1)
District 12 11/24/2010 03:30 PM
Furness Falcons (8-3) vs.
Communications Technology Phoenix (6-4)
District 12 11/24/2010 04:30 PM
FitzSimons Thomas Rams (2-6) vs.
Simon Gratz Bulldogs (8-3)
District 12 11/24/2010 06:00 PM
John Bartram Maroon Wave (4-6) vs.
Delaware Valley Charter Warriors (6-5)
District 12 11/25/2010 09:45 AM
Samuel S. Fels Panthers (9-3) vs.
Frankford Pioneers (6-5)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (3-7) vs.
Germantown Bears (3-8)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
Archbishop Ryan Raiders (2-8) vs.
George Washington Eagles (7-3)
District 1 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (0-9) vs.
Harry S. Truman Tigers (2-9)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
Father Judge Crusaders (7-3) vs.
Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (5-6)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
Overbrook Panthers (6-4) vs.
West Philadelphia Speedboys (4-6)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
Neumann-Goretti Saints (3-6) vs.
South Philadelphia Rams (3-8)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:00 AM
Boys Latin of Philadelphia Charter School (3-7) vs.
Imhotep Charter School Panthers (8-4)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (3-8) vs.
University City Jaguars (0-9)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Philadelphia Central Lancers (6-5) vs.
Northeast Vikings (8-3)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Roman Catholic Cahillites (7-4) vs.
Roxborough Indians (7-4)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Prep Charter Huskies (5-5) vs.
Olney Trojans (6-4)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Benjamin Franklin Electrons (3-9) vs.
Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs (10-2)
District 1 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
School of the Future (1-8) vs.
Penn Wood Patriots (9-2)
District 12 11/25/2010 10:30 AM
Malvern Prep Friars (6-4) vs.
Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks (4-6)
When West Chester Henderson defeated Downingtown East in week 10, it shook up the District One AAAA football seedings.
So much so that when the 16th seeded Warriors upset top seeded and previously undefeated Ridley in the first round of the playoffs, it set up a rematch with sister school Bayard Rustin.
“I told Joe (Henderson Coach Walsh) last week I wish we were playing anybody else but them this week,” said Rustin Coach Mike St. Clair after his Golden Knights used a 21 point fourth quarter in a 35-20 come from behind victory over Henderson in the District One AAAA Football Quarterfinals Saturday afternoon at Rustin Stadium.
Trailing 20-14 entering the fourth quarter Anthony Nash (five receptions 59 yards) caught a 12 yard touchdown pass from Andrew Fithian (7-13 passing 106 yards 1 interception) with 9:40 left in the game that capped a 80 yard 10 play drive. Will Mau’s first extra point gave the Golden Knights a 21-20 lead. Nash had four of his receptions for 49 yards in the drive.
Following a fumble recovery by Chris Amicone on the Warrrior eight yard line, Rustin (11-1 overall) drove the remaining yards as Conor Burke scored from three yards out with 2:15 remaining as the lead was increased to 28-20.
Rustin then added the final nail as Mau intercepted a Strafford Foster pass and returned it 20 yards on the first play following the kickoff for the final margin.
“It’s tough,” said Walsh. “This was the second time in five weeks against them we had a lead in the fourth quarter and we couldn’t hold it,” he added.
Henderson, which finished their season 8-4 took a 20-14 lead with 1:14 left in the third quarter as Joe Dingfelder caught a 27 yard pass from Foster that capped a 58 yard nine play drive. Anthony D’Ambrosio blocked Kyle Morton’s extra point attempt.
“With Henderson, it’s always a war,” said St. Clair. “But our kids responded. Having been in playoff games before helped us,” he added.
Henderson took a 7-0 lead as T.J. White picked off a Fithian pass and returned it 76 yards just 3:33 into the game. It was the first interception Fithian has thrown this year.
Rustin then countered as Nick Simmler caught a 35 yard touchdown pass from Fithian as Rustin cut the lead to 7-6.
Henderson increased their lead to 14-6 as Phillip Mitten caught a 12 yard pass from Foster with 5:48 left before halftime. Rustin then answered when Frankie O’Donnell (18 carries 96 yards) scored from 30 yards out. Burke added the two point run that knotted the game at 14-14.
“O’Donnell’s having a great year,” said St. Clair. “He didn’t play defense today because he’s still having trouble with his shoulder. He’s one of the toughest kid’s I’ve ever coached and I’ve been coaching over 20 years,” he added.
With the win Rustin now plays Neshaminy next Friday night at Neshaminy in the semi-finals. North Penn plays at Council Rock South in the other semifinal.
“They’re big and they’re powerful,” St.Clair said of Neshaminy. “We’re just happy to be playing another week.”
For the November 17th Bucks County Herald
See Rashaad run.
Run Rashaad run.
If you want a complicated storyline, read Hugo. The storyline of 10-seeded C.B. West’s (9-2) 42-28 Friday night upset at 7-seed Coatesville (8-3) was simple: senior tailback Rashaad Williams ran for 420 yards and five touchdowns as the winningest program in Bucks County history knocked off the winningest program in Chester County history in the first round of District playoffs.
“His performance says it all,” said linebacker Joe DiStefano, the Bucks’ leading tackler on his close friend Williams. “He was pumped all week and 400 yards is self-explanatory.”
“You got a kid like Rashaad Williams who can run like he does, it makes the job a lot easier,” admitted West coach Brian Hensel. “Our offense really stepped up tonight and did a great job. And when our defense needed to make stops, they made some key stops.”
The host Red Raiders opened the game with a 14-play touchdown drive. Just two plays later, Williams burst through the line for a 71-yard touchdown sprint. After West’s defense forced a three-and-out, it was Williams going three-and-in, on a 39 yard, left edge touchdown run on the drive’s third play.
Coatesville quarterback Manny Stocker hit Rashid Baker-Wilson over the middle for a 42 yard gain, leading to a touchdown. Williams, who found holes and burst tackles all night, responded with a 61-yard run that brought the ball to the Coatesville two. DiStefano plunged in for a touchdown, giving West the 21-14 lead that carried into halftime.
West opened the second half with a 15-play scoring march of their own, highlighted by quarterback Ward Udinski’s three completions. Williams’ three-yard touchdown run capped it.
On Coatesville’s opening drive, wideout Kevin Berry snagged a swing pass and sprinted 54 yards, setting up Dae-hon Chung’s second one-yard touchdown dive of the night which cut the lead to 28-21.
Stocker completed his first 10 passes, but West’s Seth Ehlo finally picked him off late in the third. Williams sprinted 53 yards for a touchdown two plays later.
“I saw the openings,” Williams remarked. “Once my line put a hit on someone, I just took the crease and ran.”
A Stocker touchdown run brought the lead back to seven. West then punted for the first time all game but forced a fumble on the return, which was recovered by the Bucks’ Dave Manning.
“That was a difference maker,” Hensel stated.
Given new life, Hensel called Williams’ number and he sprinted 48 yards for his fifth and final touchdown.
Coatesville’s defense is hardly chopped liver. They tied for first in the Ches-Mont National conference with Downingtown East, who nipped the Red Raiders 21-14 in week four. After that, Coatesville rattled off six straight wins to close the regular season; yielding an average of just eight points per game over their final three contests.
West victories, not surprisingly, have been highlighted by points-a-plenty. The 2010 Bucks have scored 36+ points seven times. The running tandem of Jake Poeske and Williams average nearly 240 yards per game and 8.8 yards per carry. Mixing it up is Udinski, who averages over 15 yards per completion.
The Bucks can “D” it up too. They won both games in which they were held to 13 points, their offensive nadir. Twice a tandem of Bucks- Kevin Duggan and Tyler Maconaghy in the first half; Poeske and Leighton Hayes in the second- sacked Stocker in West territory to kill a Coatesville drive.
“Coming into the game, we knew they had a lot of athletes who could make big plays,” commented DiStefano. “We just came out tonight and played well. We let up a couple of big plays but other than that we stopped everything and we played our game.”
This weekend last year, West was closing a forgettable 1-10 campaign having been shutout by Archbishop Ryan 17-0. The ’09 Bucks broke the 20-point barrier just once. Granted, six of those losses were by 10 or fewer points – but the videos of Andrew Elsing’s blocked punt to clinch Mike Pettine’s last state title in 1999 were starting to look very grainy.
“These kids rallied twelve months ago,” recalled Hensel, who was quick to deflect credit to his assistant coaches. “They got into the weight room on December 7th and said ‘We’re never going to let this happen again.’ We can put a lot of plans in place but the bottom line is that these kids are committed and they sell out for each other.”
The Bucks travel to #2-seed Council Rock South this Friday in their second round contest. While C.R. South has posted five shutouts on the year, they have struggled in their last three games.
“My line did a great job. They executed and I executed,” said Williams. “West hasn’t been to the playoffs in ten years and I just wanted to bring West back.”
They’re back.
For the November 11th Bucks County Herald
It’s common knowledge around the SOL Continental that the C.B. South Titans (4-6, 2-5) can score. Five times in 2010, they hung 34 points on an opponent.
And it’s common knowledge that junior Matt Johns, who completed 17 passes for 203 yards in the Titans’ 38-27 Friday Senior Night season finale win over archrival C.B. East (4-6, 3-4), use their spread option to fuel a potent passing attack. Johns finished the year with 17 touchdowns and 1,900 yards through the air.
“Their scheme is very good, but the guys running it are very good as well,” observed East coach John Donnelly. “All of their receivers catch with their hands, not body catching it. They’ve worked on that very well. And Johns’ puts the ball on the money. To add to that, they had a running game tonight.”
Senior fullback Ben Torres might have earned a guest appearance on the Myth Busters TV show. Torres carried 21 times for 148 yards and three touchdowns, showing that the Titans’ offense is far more balanced that observers might think.
“Essentially, we look to see what the defense gives us,” said South head coach Dave Rackovan. “We have a lot of respect for East’s defense. They’re a physical group.
“You have to be able to run the football. I really think the pass game set up a lot of those runs and vice versa. We look to have balance.”
Think it is a coincidence that South averaged 236 rushing yards per game in their wins…and less than half of that in their losses?
The Patriots’ defense came into South surrendering an average of just 16 points per game. Their opponents’ offense averaged 28 in the rest of their games. East held three playoff teams to their lowest point totals of the year.
For the game’s first 13 ½ minutes however, when the teams combined for six touchdowns, it looked like the defense would be thrown out the window.
East’s Sean Trymbiski returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. When East did get the ball, South DL Brian McDermott intercepted a tipped shovel pass at the CBE-33. Torres’ two yard touchdown run ended the drive.
Patriot QB Josh Bernard, who accounted for 172 yards with his arms or legs, found TE Eric Brink on a 29 yard roll out, followed by RB Nick Chilson racing 26 yards on an end around for a touchdown. But on the next play, Johns hit WR Josh Williams on a 46 yard touchdown bomb that tied the game at 14.
East RB Justyn White, who led the Patriots with 130 rushing yards, raced 78 yards for a touchdown two plays later. Johns responded by hitting WR Frank Magasich for a fourth down, six-yard touchdown pass. The missed extra point gave the Pats a 21-20 lead, which held until halftime.
When South coach Dave Rackovan’s charges came out in the second half, they traded in their fireworks for hard hats. Mixing Torres’ runs, Johns’ passes and an effective QB option where Johns’ last second pitches forced the defense to commit, the Titans assembled three drives of 11+ plays. Torres and RB Chris Veale ended all three with short touchdown runs. (The two-point tries all missed.)
Bernard’s five yard touchdown scamper brought the Patriots to within 32-27 with 8:30 left, but Torres’ third touchdown of the night iced it for South.
Senior WR Steve Oprendek, whose 39 catches on the year made him Johns’ favorite target, snagged seven passes for 80 yards to pace the Titans.
What were the coaches, both of whom completed their first year at their programs’ helm, most proud of this season?
“You’ll find this a little bit off the wall, because we’ve had some points scored against us but for the past two weeks, we’ve gotten better on defense,” noted Rackovan. “They got some touchdowns because they’re a good football team. But we were giving them up in chunks at the beginning of the year.”
The Titans’ DJ Wenzke made tackles for loss on two drives, while DB Steve Veal broke up several passes, helping to stall the East offense after the initial outpouring of points.
“The identity we’ve wanted to establish, I think we created,” Donnelly said. “We want to be a physical, tough football and I think if you were to ask the teams we played this year, they would say we’ve accomplished that much.”
An East team that put scares into North Penn and Neshaminy, both of whom are top 5 seeds in District One, did just that.
“They’ve been through a lot of adversity over the past couple of years and I told them they’re going to be champions in life,” Donnelly continued. “We weren’t champions on the football field this year, but because of their perseverance and resiliency in staying the course, we’re extremely proud of them for that.”
Entering Friday’s night Chest-Mont league against the West Chester Bayard Rustin Knights the Sun Valley Vanguards knew they were in for a difficult task has the Knights are one of the better teams in the league.”Rustin’s a great football they got mammoths up front speed and talent.” Vanguard Head Coach Mark Possenti said. Making the task tougher was that the Vanguards had to do without the services of senior quarterback Billy Hudson for unspecified reasons. Filling in for Hudson was Freshman TJ Mancini. Despites Mancini’s effort the Vanguards fell 46-0. When speaking about Mancini play Possenti said “I thought it was great” adding that “he came steps in and shows a lot of heart. Mancini found out he was starting after school on Thursday. Mancini admit that there was some nervous as the game got started. The game also marked the homecoming for Golden Knight head coach Mike St. Clair a Sun Valley Alum. “It’s always a great time I still have a lot friends and family here and it’s a great place to be. St. Clair said
The Golden Knights wasted little time getting the scoring started on the games opening kick-off DeVante Dixon fielded the ball at his own four yard-line and raced practically untouched for the 94 yard touchdown to give the Golden Knights the 6-0 lead just 16 seconds into the game. On the ensuing Vanguard drive they would punt and the Golden Knights added to their lead with Cordario Taylor powered his way in from yard out. Following a interception by Chris Amicone the Golden Knights were again in business and they need only three plays to extend their lead to 19 when Andrew Fithian connected with Anthony Nash for a 32-yard touchdown. On the next Golden Knight drive Fithian and Nash connected again this time from 19 yards out. Frank O’Donnell extended the lead to 33 with his 30-yard touchdown run.
The Golden Knight defense was just as impressive has the offense. They sacked Mancini five times included two by Chase Hoyt. “We have great coaches we just came out to play.” Hoyt said.
In the second quarter the Golden Knights continued where they left off at scoring 13 more points. The first came compliments of Taylor’s 15-yard touchdown run. Joe Pallidino capped the scoring with his 10-yard touchdown run to give the Golden Knights the 46-0 halftime lead.
The Vanguards will travel to Malvern next Friday to take on Great Valley at 7 pm while the Knights will play Octorara
This had all the makings of a trap game for the Spartans of Springfield (Montco).
Facing a first year varsity football program without having to look ahead to a heated rival lurking next week.
In the end, the Spartans used two touchdowns each from Clay Ewell and Tim Quigg to defeat Delaware County Christian 37-16 Saturday Night in a Bicentennial League game on Homecoming Night at Harry R. Harvey Stadium on the campus of Marple-Newtown High School.
Ewell scored the first two touchdowns of the game on runs of 13 and 11 yards as Springfield (6-1 overall, 5-1 league) raced out to a 15-0 lead after the first period and never looked back. Ewell finished with 182 yards on 16 carries. Ewell went over 1,000 yards for the season in the game as he stands at 1,023.
“It’s funny you used that word, because that’s exactly what this was for us, a trap game,” said Spartan Head Coach Chris Shelly. “Delco runs a very tight Wing T very well up inside which made things difficult for us.”
Quigg scored the third and fourth touchdowns for the Spartans on a 3 yard run and a 51 yard catch from Quarterback Doug Bauer. Bauer also threw a touchdown pass of 39 yards to Max Vito to increase the Spartan lead to 37-3.
Trailing 22-0, Delco Christian (1-6 overall, 1-5 league) got on the board when Andrew Crisanti, who was just short on a 38 yard field goal attempt in the first quarter, connected from 28 yards out with 1:33 left before halftime as Delco trailed 22-3. Crisanti also scored two goals earlier in the day for the Delco Christian Soccer Team.
The Knights, which did rack up 321 yards in total offense got touchdowns from Mike Monahan ( 20 carries, 92 yards) on a three yard run and a 55 yard pass from Alaxander Chovanes to Austin Stephens.
The Spartans now travel to Pennington, New Jersey to take on Pennington School next Saturday afternoon, while Delco travels to Loewr Moreland, also on Saturday afternoon.
“Over the years, we’ve had a pretty good rivalry with Pennington,” said Shelly.
Philadelphia, Pa., George Washington High School (D12, Public League, AAAA) combined to use both a quick strike offense and sustained drives in dismantling Delaware power Salesianum, 27-6 last night at Northeast’s Charles Martin Stadium.
It was immediately apparent that the Sallies (5-1 and two consecutive shutouts) were going to struggle with Washington’s team speed. The Eagles recovered a Salesianum fumble on the opening kickoff and the Eagles went right to work scoring in six plays and ending when QB Tony Smith (Father Judge Transfer) connected with Washington Senior and Temple University bound Daquan Cooper with a 16 yard TD.
Salesianum took the ensuing kickoff and generated their own (and only) successful drive behind the running of Senior Ryan Kilpatrick, covering 65 yards in five plays (as well as two Washington penalties and a Kilpatrick 34 yard scamper) ending with his 5 yard touchdown run.
Washington started out the second quarter with another quick six play drive covering 70 yards and this time a Tony Smith to Nate Smith TD pass of 37 yards got things rolling for the Eagles.
With a little more than a minute left in the first half, Sallies QB Jonathan Godwin was intercepted on a beautiful play on a tipped screen pass by Washington LB Justin Moody. Moody’s pick enabled the Eagles to score in four plays punctuated by a Smith to English Peay TD pass and a 20-6 halftime lead.
Any chance the Sallies had to get back in the game was eliminated when Washington took the second half kickoff and sustained a 14 play, 68 yard, nine minute drive. Mixing in some nice runs by Hakeem Sillman and Peay, the drive ended with a 30 yard Peay halfback option pass to Cooper for their final touchdown.
Smith ended with 3 touchdown passes (to three different receivers) and did the majority of his damage in the first half (12-22, 178 yards). Cooper had 84 receiving yards two touchdowns.
The Eagles offensive and defensive lines were dominant in victory. With as many weapons that Washington has its hard for the people up front to get credit. The play of Moody, Austin McGrath, John Webb, Larheim Brown, Mike McGlashen and Temple University bound Brandon Chudnoff all excelled for the Eagles giving Smith the time to throw and for Peay and Sillman the holes to run through.
Washington, now 6-1, has a conference date with conference rival Northeast next week.
For the October 13th Bucks County Herald
Pennridge head coach Randy Cuthbert starred at running back at Duke.
C.B. East head man John Donnelly played tight end at New Hampshire.
On Friday night, Donnelly’s Patriots (3-3, 2-1) went to Pennridge and beat the Rams 7-0 (3-3, 0-2). One would never guess that offense was the coaches’ platoon of expertise, based on the two defenses’ outstanding performance.
“The coaches prepared us real well. We set up different defenses that we felt could stop them and we came in real confident,” noted East senior LB Weston French.
“They would have a big play and the attitude would change on the sideline until we hit a big play,” countered Pennridge captain DL Cory Cowdery. “That’s what this game was: back and forth. It was tense, then you loosen up and it gets tense again. It can change in a second.”
East pitched a shutout by making key play after key play; Pennridge held the Pats to just 166 yards and six first downs.
“We had a great week of practice on both sides of the football all three days and I think that spilled over into tonight,” Donnelly assessed.
“Our defense has played really well in the last two weeks and we’re just not making a lot of plays on offense,” noted Cuthbert. “We get a lot of opportunities down in the red zone and we’re not converting. That part of it is frustrating.”
Pennridge standout LB Brandon Cope opened the game with one of his three tackles for loss: an omen of things to come over the next 48 minutes.
The Patriots ended a litany of three-and-outs and fourth down stops by marching 70 yards on six plays midway through the second quarter. It was capped by RB Justyn White’s 36 yard second effort touchdown.
Ram QB Kyle Peters responded with a 32 yard bomb to senior WR Rocky Ferrier, taking the ball to the CBE-3. Ferrier, who grabbed eight balls for 148 yards, was a lone offensive star.
“He’s never played football at any level. Right when he came out in camp, you could tell he was a natural,” Cuthbert remembers. “He has learned a lot. He’s a threat, who is a tall guy who can run and has soft hands.”
But three times, the Pats stopped the Rams for no gain. Pennridge attempted a field goal with 3:00 left but it was blocked by White.
Pennridge’s opening play of the second half was a 41-yard bomb from Peters to Ferrier. The Rams advanced to the CBE-12, but senior DB Sean Reilly picked off a fourth down pass in the end zone to kill the drive.
East special teams proved as effective, if not as dramatic, in the second half. Despite going three-and-out in four of their five possessions, punter Eric Riva averaged a 37 yard net after halftime.
“We’re big on special forces,” said Donnelly. “Eric is our backup quarterback. A couple of guys have been hurt so he is our third or fourth punter but he did a phenomenal job tonight. You need to change field position if you can’t move the ball well enough and he did that.
And East’s “D” rose to the occasion all half, despite being on the field 40 plays to 15. White, who led all players with 13 tackles, killed a drive with a fourth down sack. Patriot senior DB Ryan Whitney broke up a fourth down Pennridge pass with the ball at the CBE-14. Teammate Ryan Pater picked off a Ram pass one drive later at his own 8. In Pennridge’s final drive, French sacked Peters to force third and long.
White’s 103 yards and Cope’s 71 yards led their teams’ ground game.
“We were trying to shut down the run and I feel we did pretty well,” commented Pennridge captain and DL Cory Cowdery. “(White) is a real good running back and obviously we had to control him. That was our main goal this week.”
Both teams entered the game coming off of losses, but with different momentum. Pennridge lost a last second heartbreaker to Souderton; East fought admirably against two-time defending conference champion North Penn.
The Rams have scored 110 points in their three wins and seven in their three losses. Offensively, the duo of fullback Cope and speedster Jesse Knepp have rung up 822 rushing yards this season to set up Ferrier.
Defensively, Pennridge has yielded 10 or fewer points four times.
East has had three different game high rushers this year and a fourth- quarterback Josh Bernard- owns the team’s longest run of 2010.
The Patriot “D” has now held all six opponents to below, or within two points of, their season scoring average.
“The number one thing is just hustling to the ball every time, so if someone misses a tackle, there are people around him,” described French, who entered the game as East’s leading tackler.
The three teams that have beaten East started off the year 14-1. With the return of White from a three game absence, the Patriots next take on C.B. West in the most anticipated rivalry game in years.
“That’s where it comes down to heart,” French offered. “I think we showed it real well tonight.”
For the October 7th Bucks County Herald
It would be unfair to call C.B. West’s Friday 49-7 statement win at C.B. South “lucky sevens.”
True, the Bucks had seven possessions. And on plays as dramatic as senior RB Rashaad Williams’ 96 yard touchdown run and as mundane as QB Ward Udinski’s one yard scoring sneak, West (4-1, 1-1) scored seven points on all seven possessions.
But when a team runs up 535 total yards, there is more skill than luck involved.
“We decided we were going to come at them with whoever we had and just attack them,” said junior RB Jake Poeske.
The Bucks opened the game with a 70-yard drive involving three conversions of third-and-six or longer. Poeske (PAY-ski) ended it with an eight-yard touchdown run.
After West co-captain Tyler Maconaghy smothered the pitchman, forcing a six yard loss on a South third down, the Bucks got the ball back. Udinski hit 6’4” WR Bill Bell for a 37 yard gain on third down; Poeske scored on a 20 yard touchdown run two plays later.
A South punt pinned West to their own five, setting the stage for Williams. The speedster racked up 204 yards on the ground Friday, getting 96 of them with his touchdown burst two plays into the second quarter.
The Titans (2-3, 0-2) then advanced to the CBW-20, where they were stopped on downs. The stand was keyed when junior LB Oskar Duva tackled South’s fastest player, RB Bobby DiPasquale, in space for no gain on third down.
West responded with a 13 play drive, capped by Udinski’s sneak, which gave them a 28-0 lead at halftime.
Utilizing Udinski’s feet- the 6’3” senior picked up 85 yards on 10 carries to go with a 6-for-8, 153 yard passing night- was a key to coach Brian Hensel’s game plan.
“We knew it was time for him to get a little bit of the running game in,” said Hensel. “He’d worked hard in the offseason getting faster and stronger. I thought he did a good job of going with that tonight.”
While West won the offensive and defensive phases, South won the special teams battle. Josh Williams returned the second half opening kickoff 52 yards- it was one of three Titan kick returns of 39+ yards – to the CBW-30. South marched them to the end zone in six plays, with FB Ben Torres scoring on a one yard plunge.
“(South) had some tough injuries tonight and that made things really difficult for their front. To their credit, they came out in the second half and wouldn’t be denied,” Hensel noted.
Udinski immediately answered, hitting senior TE Max Stella for a 25 yard gain, and Bell three plays later on a 28-yard touchdown pass to put West up 35-7. Bell finished the night with three catches and 97 yards.
Rashaad Williams ended his night with a 36 yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Sophomore RB Sherrod Higginbotham’s touchdown scamper late in the fourth ended the scoring.
West might party like it is 1999, the year that they won their final state title under legendary coach Mike Pettine. After enduring a tough 2009 season where they went 1-10, offensive coordinator Chris Cleland- a starter on the 1992 state champs- runs a machine that averages over 400 yards and 42 points per contest.
“The attitude of the team,” credits Stella on the difference from 2009. “Coming in this year, we knew we had chances to win and that we could play with people that, outside of the Central Bucks community, didn’t think we could. It was totally an atmosphere change.”
Williams averages 9 yards a carry; Poeske averages 7.5. The two combined for 15 touchdowns this season. Udinski, who is getting 1-AA looks, has completed 59% of his passes and averages 18 yards per completion.
South is still trying to find its identity- are they the team coming off of two straight ugly losses or the team that racked up 93 points in their week 2 and 3 wins?
“Our offense is a wide open, spread offense. That is what we run. We have to be able to throw the football because that is what Matt does,” observed first year South coach Dave Rackovan. “We’re not in sync. We were in sync and that’s the frustrating thing about it.”
6’5” junior QB Matt Johns is a good candidate to run South’s offense, which true to its word spreads the ball around. Senior WR Josh Williams, TE Steve Oprendek, junior RB Chris Veale and WR Dan Bechta all have double-digit catches on the year…rare halfway through a high school football season.
Assessed Rackovan, “Bobby (DiPasquale) just came back from an injury. We’re trying to move Josh around to fill some holes. Chris Veale is going both ways and he gets beat up. People think we throw the ball all over the place but it’s not. You have to be able to run it.”
“The key was getting the right pressure at the right time,” responded Hensel on how West stopped the South attack. “We put some kids in some tough positions to step up and perform. They were able to perform tonight.”
Poeske assessed, “This year, we’re just fired up. We have all of the energy. We have good skill players and a great line. We’re playing well.”
Sidebar: Brian Hensel will forgive Max Stella for missing a week of workouts.
Stella has distinguished himself as a two-way starter for West. As a tight end, he has snagged a dozen balls while averaging over 17 yards per catch. As a linebacker, the 240 pounder returned an interception 101 yards for a touchdown against Wissahickon.
But he is starring off the gridiron as well. Stella volunteered a week of his summer to assist Hurricane Katrina victims.
“I went down to Slidell, Louisiana with my church to build playgrounds for a school that got destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. They didn’t have anything for their kids,” Stella explained. “Going down there and being able to help out that community was huge, because everyone there needs it.”
He continued, “I learned to not take stuff for granted and thank God for everything I have because in a moment it could be taken away.”
Last week the Sun Valley Vanguards were able to overcome their mistakes on their way to a dramatic 17-14 overtime victory over Oxford. This week they couldn’t overcome has the Vanguards fell 35-2 to the Octorara Braves Friday night
To discover what went wrong the Vanguards need to look at themselves. In addition to looking sluggish the Vanguards committed nine penalties for 100 yards and they had trouble holding onto the ball as they put fumbled five times losing two of them. The first fumble of the night for Sun Valley was costly came on their first drive of the game and proved to be costly has prior to the fumble the Vanguards were moving the ball. The Braves would take advantage of the mistake going 50 yards on eight plays before Charles Cooper found the end zone from 22 yards out for the touchdown. Tyler Watson powered his way in for the two-point conversion to give the Braves the 8-0 lead.
Following a 41-yard completion from Billy Hudson to Anthony Okoorian that put the Vanguards into Brave territory. On the very next play the Vanguards again would shoot themselves in the football as a bad snap result in a loss of 20 yards which led to a turnover on downs. “It’s mental mistakes, it’s being flat and being sloppy” a disappointed Vanguard head coach Mark Possenti said. Possenti added, “those are things I have to correct in practice and I will do that this week.”
After penalties backed the Braves deep into their own territory the Braves showed their not immune to mistakes as their center snapped the ball over the head of Quarterback Dan Soloman before he fell on it in his own end zone resulting in a safety that cut the Braves lead down to 8-2.
Unfortunately for the Vanguards the safety woke up the Braves has they would go on to score 27 unanswered points The first Brave touchdown came when Soloman connected with James Brown for the seven yard touchdown that gave the Braves the 15-2 halftime lead.
In the third quarter the Braves continued to add to their lead when Watson would power his way in from six outs out to put the Braves up 21-2
In the fourth quarter extended their lead with two touchdowns the first came when Brown hauled in a Solomon’s pass for a 37-yard strike. Josh Bowman would cap the scoring with his two yard run.
Next Saturday the Vanguards will travel to Kennett to take on the Kennett Blue Demons. Kick off is schedule for 2 pm.
UNIVERSITY PARK — Any coach will be quick to tell you that any kind of win, even an ugly one, is better than any type of loss.
Saturday afternoon, Penn State overcame more mistakes than head coach Joe Paterno and his staff would like to remember as the Lions crept past a stubborn Temple Owl squad by the final of 22-13 before 104,840 fans at sun-drenched Beaver Stadium.
“I think you are underestimating some of these clubs we are playing,” said Paterno. “They (Temple) played UCLA in the bowl game last year and they lost 21-14. They are a good solid team, well coached. I think our kids had to hustle in the second half and make some plays. I think it was good for us. I’m just happy we won it.”
The Lions played the game of “give and take” early on as Evan ‘Royster ripped off a 50-yard jaunt that led to a 45-yard field goal by Collin Wagner, the first of five 3-pointers by Wagner.
But on Penn State’s next possession, Royster coughed up the ball on the PSU 28 and four plays plus an offside penalty later, Bernard Pierce swept his own right end untouched for the score. Brandon McManus’s PAT made it 7-3 Temple with 9:06 left in the opening period.
Wagner answered Pierce’s touchdown with his second field goal, but the Owls answered that 3-pointer and more with Pierce’s second TD of the game to take a 13-6 lead.
Minutes later, the Lions again penetrated Temple territory, only to once again come up short of the sticks. Wagner completed his version of the hat trick with his third field goal, a 42-yard effort.
To say the first half was less than impressive for the Penn State offense might be the understatement of the season. But in the case of the Lions, instead of TGIF, it was TGFW (Thank God For Wagner) as the Lions only trailed 13-9.
“I think we did a good job most of the day on both sides of the football and in the kicking game,” Paterno said. “It was just execution a few times and the other times it was maybe (play) selection. You’ve got to give Temple credit. They’ve got quick kids that are strong. They got tall, rangy kids that hustle and tackle well. They were tough to run on and I didn’t want to particularly throw the ball all the time down there (in the red zone) with a young quarterback. Do I think we can do better? No question about that. We have to do better down in there. We can’t waste that many scoring opportunities by getting field goals and not touchdowns. But I thought defensively and offensively we played a good, tough game. In the second half we had to come out and do some things and we did them. So I was kind of pleased with the whole day.”
Penn State had most of the numbers at halftime. The Lions had distinct advantages in first downs (10-4), total yards (220-131) and time of possession (18:16-11:44), but they still trailed by the 13-9 margin.
As bad as things were offensively in the red zone for the Lions in the first half, they didn’t get any better in the third period. If there was a positive for the Lions, the defensive unit stepped up and made some plays to keep the Owls off the scoreboard.
“We know we needed more turnovers, so we’ve been emphasizing that in practice and even during the game,” said safety Nick Sukay. “We knew the offense wasn’t clicking the way we knew they could so we knew we needed to make some plays for them and help them out as far as field position. We were emphasizing that every time we went out, we had to make a big play.”
After a number of unimpressive possessions, the “real” Nittany Lion offense appeared on the field as it put together the best drive of the season thus after taking over on their own 4-yard line following a Temple punt.
With their backs to the wall, the Lions put the offense in motion as they drove the 96 yards on a dozen plays, Michael Zordich bulling in from one yard out for the only PSU touchdown of the game. With 3:35 on the clock, Wagner set the final with his PAT.
“I just really wanted to score,“ said Zordich. “The offensive line did a good job blocking people for me, so I just put my head down and kept my feet moving to try and get as far as I could.”
Although he didn’t get into the end zone, Royster racked up his career-best as a Nittany Lion with 187 yards rushing on 26 carries.
“It’s something that we really needed,” said Royster about the drive. “It gave us a little bit more confidence. The whole game we were struggling in the red zone and we can’t have that going into Big Ten play. It’s definitely something that we need to build on and keep doing.”
So what advice did coach Paterno have for his running back?
“I was seeing the commentary about him (Royster) somewhere earlier, and I think people got the idea that I thought he wasn’t doing very well,” said Paterno. “I talked to him earlier in the week and told him to forget about what everyone is talking about. Just play your game and we’ll see what happens. I thought he played very well today, he got some yards and outside of the fumble which hurt us earlier in the game, I thought he played very well.”
As for Wagner, his five field goals was a career-best and the number tied the PSU mark for a single game. For the placekicker, it is a matter of him already having been there and done that.
“Yeah, definitely,” Wagner said. “It’s great to have a year under your belt. Coming out, even in the first game, I didn’t really have any problems with having confidence. The second year is a lot easier to go out there and know that you’ve been in this spot before and you’ve come through and that you’re capable of doing it.”
Now 3-1 on the season, the Lions now have to prepare for one of their biggest tests of the season when they open Big 10 play by traveling to Iowa to face the Hawkeyes.
Both the Conestoga Pioneers and the Garnet Valley Jaguars entered Thursday night’s game at Conestoga undefeated (2-0). Last year the Pioneers shocked the Jaguars and won at Garnet Valley 14-7. The Jaguars wanted revenge for last year’s game and they knew it was going to be a tough test on a rainy night.
To start the game the Pioneers scored in just 14 seconds as senior Brian Dailey returned the kickoff for a touchdown. The Pioneers wanted to go up not just by 7, but 8. On the two-point conversion senior quarterback Bill Flatley was sacked by the Jaguars.
Garnet Valley senior Jeremy Irving almost followed up for a touchdown on his return but after a long run reached Conestoga’s 35 yard line. The Jaguars’ offense took advantage of the good field position. Garnet Valley senior quarterback Jake Helmes helped get the Jaguars near the end zone. On the one yard line, second and goal, Jaguars senior running back Alex Warden dove for a touchdown to put the Jaguars on top after the extra point, 7-6.
The running game continued for the Jaguars. Warden found the end zone again for a second time in the game scoring on a four yard touchdown run. Jaguars junior running back Justin Pyle scored on a three yard touchdown carry.
To start the second half the Jaguars put together a six minute and thirty five second scoring drive. This time Jaguars junior running back Kyle Keyser added into the running game along with Pyle and Warden. Helmes found some room at the line and ran into the end zone to put the Jaguars up 27-6.
The Jaguars defense gave the Pioneers a headache. The Pioneers began to drive down the field using their senior running back Blair Brooks. As Flatley threw to the right corner of the end zone his pass was intercepted by senior David Arkus. Flatley also fumbled the football as it was knocked out by Jaguars linebacker Ryan Van Horn. The Pioneers quarterback also felt the pressure and was sacked later in the game by Jeremy Irving. Head Coach of the Pioneers John Vogan said “They flat out beat us tonight; they deserve a lot of credit. Their players are strong and quick.”
Halfway through the fourth quarter the Pioneers cut the score to 27-14. After the touchdown the Jaguars botched the kickoff and started their drive on their own four yard line. The Jags went on a 96 yard scoring drive and scored on Pyle’s second touchdown of the game.
Believe it or not, the Jaguars did not throw the ball once, the whole game. The Jaguars rushed the entire game with their three running backs, Warden, Pyle, and Keyser. None of those three though rushed as more as quarterback Helmes. The quarterback rushed for just over a 130 yards. After a big 34-14 win Helmes is saving his arm for next week, another tough opponent on the road against Radnor. Head Coach of the Garnet Valley Jaguars Mike Ricci said “Radnor is going to be another tough test for us; the whole Central League has become tough.” Next week’s game starts at 6:30 pm. at Radnor. Conestoga will try to get back on a winning streak as they travel to Harriton for a 7 pm. game.
Prior to Lycoming’s matchup with Westminster Saturday afternoon, the traditional sound of the cannon was heard at Robert Person Field as the Warrior football team emerged from the locker room.
However, as it turned out, the cannon shot wasn’t the only big bang of the afternoon as the Warriors provided a few explosions of their own, helping them to get off to a fast start that resulted in a convincing 40-10 win over the Titans.
The Warriors wasted absolutely no time making their first big explosion visible right from the outset as Parker Showers took the opening kickoff and promptly ripped off 58 yards to the Titan 31.
“We had been looking at it all week,” said Showers. “They were kind of overplaying things and we saw that if they kicked the ball for a left return we probably wouldn’t make it to the sidelines, but the middle just opened up and I was able to cut through the seam.”
As for the second big bang of the game, that came on the very first play from scrimmage when quarterback Zach Klinger hooked up with Ryan Wagaman for a 31-yard TD toss, T. J. Chiarolonza tacked on the PAT, and just 17 seconds into the contest, the Warriors had a lead they would never relinquish at 7-0.
“When you get up 7-0 that early, that is certainly a big lift,” said Lyco head coach Mike Clark. “We wanted to get the ball to Ryan Wagaman which we struggled to do last week. He is our best wide receiver and an all-conference kid so we needed to get him involved. We knew there might be some good opportunities in the passing game so we took some chances. Going back to the spring when we knew we were going to have a new quarterback we felt we were going to have to run the ball. While we did that all right, we needed to do more.”
On the ensuing kickoff following Wagaman‘s score, the Titans coughed up the ball. Kabonga Bukasa forced the strip, Josh Borelli jumped on the elusive pigskin, and just like that, the Warriors were back in business at the Westminster 37.
Seven plays later, Klinger tossed his second TD aerial of the day, a 20-yard effort to Mark Ryan. Chiarolonza’s PAT made it 14-0 Lyco before the game four minutes old.
“The tempo right out of the gate is a tempo that can only help a quality team like Lyco,” said Westminster head coach Jeff Hand. “We had a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, but we just took those two things too far and we weren’t as disciplined as we needed to be.”
After things settled down somewhat, the two teams traded field goals to give the Lycos a 17-3 lead. The Titans put together a good drive that resulted in a 20-yard field goal by Trevor Young before Chiarolonza answered with a 29-yard field goal for the Warriors.
Just as it appeared that 17-3 would be the score at the break, the Titans put on a 70-yard drive in seven plays that resulted in their only touchdown of the game. The scoring play was a Shawn Lehocky to Collin Wallace 17-yard pass sending both squads to the locker room with Lyco still on top by a 17-10 count.
Coming out of the locker room with fire in their eyes, the Warriors took the second half kickoff and put together what has over the years become known as a vintage Lycoming Warrior drive.
“At halftime, I think Kleiny (running back Josh Kleinfelter) had 10 carries for somewhere in the high 30s,” said Clark. “When I sat there at halftime and looked at what I did and didn’t call, I just picked out first eight plays in the second half and six of them were going to be runs. We put ourselves in really manageable running situations so we just stuck it out. If you only need to throw the ball one time and you still score, those are good drives.”
Operating from their own 20-yard line, the Warriors put together an 11-play, 80-yard drive capped by Josh Kleinfelter bulling in from one yard out for the score. The kick was blocked, but with 5:22 left in the third period, the Warrior lead had grown to 23-10. During the drive, Kleinfelter lugged the pigskin nine times for 67 of the 80 yards.
Running behind his offensive line, Kleinfelter rushed for 209 yards for the game, the bowling ball running back amassing 103 yards in the third period alone.
“Our passing game was going good (in the first half) so we stuck with that and put up 17 points,” said Kleinfelter. “Every time we can get the running game, it keeps the defense off the field and keeps them fresh.”
Although Kleinfelter rushed for more than 200 yards, his touchdowns jaunts were the shortest possible, both for one yard. But the former Bellwood-Antis standout also had some big runs, including one of 33 yards.
“Any time you can get the big play, it just energizes everyone,” he said. “When we came out in the second half last week against Rowan, we made a lot of mistakes but were still able to put up 17 points against a real good team. We felt coming into this game that we could do both. It (him rushing for more than 200 yards) has been a while, but give credit to the offensive line because they did a good job today and they take a lot of pride when that happens.”
Trailing 33-10, the Titans drove deep into Warrior territory, but Ray Bierbach stepped in front of a Shawn Lehocky pass and picked it off in the end zone.
“I thought we could get that one, but give them credit because they are a very good, physical football team,” said Lehocky. “We were only down by seven at halftime and we knew we were going to get the ball so we felt we were right in the game. What it comes down to is the little things here and there that we have to work on for next week and our next game. We played a tough opponent today and in the end, they got the better of us.”
Following the turnover, the Warriors closed out the scoring when Warrior reserve running back Caleb Shertzer ran in from nine yards out with 1:49 left in the game, capping an 8-play, 80 yard drive. During the TD march, Shertzer carried the ball seven times for 45 of the 80 yards.
Now 1-1, the Warriors have two weeks to prepare for the Ithaca Bombers on Family Weekend. That game on September 25 is set to kick off at 1:30 p.m
SELINSGROVE — Quarterback Eddy Stewart threw two touchdowns passes and the Mount Carmel defense shut down the Seals’ offense as Mount Carmel snapped Selinsgrove’s 16-game winning streak with 14-0 shutout.
“I’m just so happy for our program. I’m telling you guys, we came over here expecting to win,” DeFrancesco said.
Mount Carmel’s defense held Selinsgrove to just 39 yards in the first half. Their offense was led by quarterback Stewart, who completed 11 of 16 passes for 146 yards and two scores.
Stewart talked about his offensive line. “Our line held up perfect. Compared to last year I didn’t have a lot of time to throw sometimes. I had all the confidence in the world tonight in my line.”
Mount Carmel took a 7-0 lead just before halftime when Stewart hit Michael Stutzcavage with a six-yard TD pass with 42 seconds left.
Selinsgrove did have a chance to tie the game when Zach Rager intercepted Stewart and returned it to the Red Tornado 16 yard line. Selinsgrove had a second-and-goal at the 3, but Tommy Hynoski recovered a bad snap at the Selinsgrove 4.
That proved to be the end of the Seals’ chances as Stewart guided the Tornadoes on a 15-play, 96-yard drive. Stewart found Meyrick Lamb for an 8-yard scoring pass. The drive took over 8:00 minutes off the clock. Lamb scored with 6:08 left in the game.
With the 14-0 win by Mount Carmel, the Seals suffered their first regular season shutout loss since a season opening defeat at the Silver Bowl in 2008. It was also the first home loss since 2004 with turf at Bolig Field.
Pre-season rankings for the 2010 season include only the teams ranked and their respective geographic district. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. EasternPAFootball.com & WesternPAFootball.net statewide rankings will be updated throughout the season the Monday of each week by site reporter Josh Funk.
AAAA:
1. Woodland Hills (7)
2. North Penn (1)
3. Cumberland Valley (3)
4. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7)
5. LaSalle College (12)
6. Ridley (1)
7. Wilson-West Lawn (3)
8. Downingtown East (1)
9. Gateway (7)
10. Parkland (11)
HONORABLE MENTION: Downingtown West (1), Garnet Valley (1), Neshaminy (1), Pennsbury (1), Central Dauphin (3), Harrisburg (3), Manheim Township (3), Williamsport (4), State College Area (6), Bethel Park (7), Erie McDowell (7), McKeesport Area (7), Mt. Lebanon (7), North Allegheny (7), North Hills (7), Upper St. Clair (7), Easton Area (11), Whitehall (11), Father Judge (12), George Washington (12), Roman Catholic (12), St. Joseph’s Prep (12)
AAA:
1. Bishop McDevitt (3)
2. West Allegheny (7)
3. Archbishop Wood (12)
4. Allentown Central Catholic (11)
5. Erie Cathedral Prep (10)
6. New Castle (7)
7. Cardinal O’Hara (12)
8. Chartiers Valley (7)
9. Selinsgrove (4)
10. Pottsgrove (1)
HONORABLE MENTION: Interboro (1), Abington Heights (2), Berwick Area (2), Dallas (2), North Pocono (2), Cocalico (3), Conrad Weiser (3), Greencastle-Antrim (3), Manheim Central (3), Middletown Area (3), Susquehanna Township (3), West York Area (3), Shikellamy (4), Central Valley (7), Franklin Regional (7), Greensburg-Salem (7), Hopewell (7), Montour (7), Thomas Jefferson (7), Uniontown (7), Clearfield Area (9), Punxsutawney (9), Grove City (10), Wilson Area (11), Archbishop Carroll (12), Monsignor Bonner (12)
AA:
1. West Catholic (12)
2. Aliquippa (7)
3. Lancaster Catholic (3)
4. Greensburg Central Catholic (7)
5. South Fayette (7)
6. Tyrone (6)
7. Wilmington (10)
8. North Schuylkill (11)
9. Lewisburg (4)
10. Forest Hills (6)
HONORABLE MENTION: Lakeland (2), Wyoming Area (2), Camp Hill Trinity (3), Delone Catholic (3), Wyomissing (3), Bloomsburg Area (4), Danville (4), Hughesville (4), Loyalsock Township (4), North Star (5), Central-Martinsburg (6), Huntingdon Area (6), Beaver Falls (7), Keystone Oaks (7), Mount Pleasant Area (7), Washington (7), Brockway (9), Karns City (9), General McLane (10), Oil City (10), Sharon (10), Northern Lehigh (11), Bok Vo-Tech (12)
A:
1. Clairton (7)
2. Dunmore (2)
3. Southern Columbia (4)
4. Rochester (7)
5. Steelton-Highspire (3)
6. Farrell (10)
7. Sto-Rox (7)
8. Riverside (2)
9. Sharpsville (10)
10. Bishop McCort (6)
HONORABLE MENTION: Calvary Christian Academy (1), Northwest Area (2), Old Forge (2), Millersburg (3), Reading Holy Name (3), Line Mountain (4), Berlin-Brothersvalley (5), Bellwood-Antis (6), Penns Manor (6), Portage (6), United (6), Avonworth (7), Bethlehem-Center (7), Bishop Canevin (7), Fort Cherry (7), Pittsburgh North Catholic (7), Clarion Area (9), Curwensville (9), Port Allegheny (9), Mercer Area (10), Mercyhurst Prep (10), Schuylkill Haven (11)
Adam Dempsey, Senior RB, Cardinal O’Hara – A potential Division-1 prospect who has already received some grant-in-aid package offers from some 1-AA colleges, Dempsey is the top returning rusher to the Lions’ 2010 team. Dempsey ran for 684 yards and nine touchdowns and caught another eight passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. New Hampshire, Towson and Villanova have all offered Dempsey.
Andre Frazier, Senior QB, Bok Vo-Tech – In leading Bok to the District 12 “AA” city championship game against West Catholic, Frazier threw for 726 yards, ran for 225 more, and totaled 17 touchdowns (11 passing). Frazier directed a Bok offense that averaged over 34 points per game and ran off 10 consecutive victories – the Wildcats scored 32 points or more in nine of those 10 wins.
Andrew Mandato, Senior QB, Lansdale Catholic – A dual-threat quarterback, Mandato tallied more than 930 yards of offense and had 11 total touchdowns (6 rushing, 5 passing). Mandato averaged 3.8 yards per carry and 6.59 yards per pass attempt. Mandato amassed 172 yards of total offense in a narrow 18-13 loss to Oxford, perhaps one of his best statistical games.
Anthony McDonnuagh, Senior LB, West Catholic – He might be one of the best linebackers returning to the Philadelphia Catholic League this season. McDonnaugh, a potential Division-1 prospect, registered 70 tackles (16 for loss), nine sacks and an interception as a junior. Schools like Boston College, UCONN, Miami (FL), Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers and Virginia have shown interest, but not extended offers to the 6’1, 220-pound outside linebacker.
Anthony Reid, Senior QB, West Catholic – He’ll be West Catholic’s third quarterback in the last three seasons and be tasked with replacing an 1,800 passer. During his junior year at North Catholic, Reid completed 77-of-163 passes for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns. He added six rushing touchdowns on 68 keepers. Reid averaged just under 100 passing yards per game, guiding the Falcons to a 6-5 record.
Brad Wilson, Senior WR, Delaware Valley Charter – A potential Division-1 prospect at wide receiver, Wilson snared 21 passes for 626 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. He averaged 29.8 yards per reception and he scored a touchdown in 10 of the Warriors’ 11 games in 2009. Wilson has generated interest from Cincinnati, Ohio State, Penn State and Temple. He also intercepted a team-best four passes.
Brandon Chudnoff, Senior DL, George Washington – A two-way player for the Eagles last year, Chudnoff caught 11 passes for 119 yards and three touchdowns and added 10 sacks on defense. Chudnoff committed to Temple earlier this year.
Brandon Hollomon, Senior RB, West Catholic – Hollomon torched opposing defense with blazing speed en route to a team-best 1,428 rushing yards on 189 carries and 22 receptions for 338 yards. Hollomon scored 19 total touchdowns (15 rushing) and averaged 7.55 yards per carry and 15.36 yards per reception. As a sophomore, Hollomon tallied 419 all-purpose yards (279 rushing) and scored two touchdowns.
Brendan McLaughlin, Senior FB, Cardinal O’Hara – A critical loss for the Avon Grove Red Devils, who were coming off one of their best seasons in school history, McLaughlin ran for 1,260 yards and 13 touchdowns, caught eight passes for 148 yards and another touchdown, and registered 54 tackles, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries on defense. McLaughlin averaged 6.4 yards per carry, 18.5 yards per reception and 4.2 tackles per game. A potential Division-1 prospect, Cincinnati, Michigan State, North Carolina State and Notre Dame have all expressed interest in the 6’0, 205-pound athlete.
Brian Ruditys, Senior TB, Episcopal Academy – Ruditys is the top returning rusher to the 2010 edition of the Churchmen. As a junior, Ruditys ran for 827 yards on 197 carries and caught 10 passes for 146 yards. He scored seven total touchdowns, and averaged 4.19 yards per carry and 14.6 yards per reception. He had three consecutive 100-yard rushing games to open the season and three consecutive 100-yard games to close the season.
Carl Walrath, Senior RB, The Haverford School – Walrath finished the 2009 season as Haverford’s leading rusher, accumulating 1,163 rushing yards on 156 carries (7.45 yards/carry) and 12 receptions for 140 yards, scoring 14 total touchdowns (10 rushing, 2 receiving, 2 INT return). Walrath averaged over 100 yards rushing per game. He also tied for the team lead with four interceptions on defense.
Charles Barber, Senior WR/DB, Prep Charter – Barber finished as the team leader in interceptions for the Huskies last season, with four. He also ran for 142 yards on 35 carries and caught 15 passes for 187 yards with a touchdown. Barber averaged 4.05 yards per carry and 12.46 yards per reception.
Chris Knott, Senior OL, Archbishop Wood – A solid 265-pound athlete, Knott started as a junior on the Wood offensive line and helped to pave the way for a Viking offense that averaged over 140 rushing yards, 130 passing yards and more than 24 points per game.
Christopher Lewis, Senior QB, Imhotep Charter – Lewis played in nine of Imhotep’s 10 games in 2009, completing 59-of-140 passes for 1,229 yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged over 136 passing yards per game and had six games with 100+ passing yards and three games with a trio of touchdown passes. He also ran for two touchdowns on 34 keepers.
Colin Thompson, Junior TE, Archbishop Wood – A first-team all-league selection at tight end, Thompson is a 6’4, 225-pound athlete. He caught 11 passes for 133 yards and six touchdowns in his sophomore season. Boston College is reportedly showing interest in Thompson.
Damiere Shaw, Junior RB, Cardinal O’Hara – The heir apparent to Ohio State-bound Corey Brown, Shaw saw limited touches as a sophomore. He ran for 151 yards and a touchdown and led the Lions in interceptions, with three, on defense. A potential Division-1 prospect, schools like Boston College, Pitt, Temple and West Virginia have expressed interest.
Danny Gallagher, Senior QB, Chestnut Hill Academy – Gallagher didn’t have to pass much during his junior season, but he was effective, throwing for 575 yards and six touchdowns while completing just 28-of-66 passes. He added 84 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on the ground. Gallagher did not surpass 100 yards passing in any game last season, but he did finish six games with more than 60 passing yards.
Daquan Cooper, Senior WR/DB, George Washington – A Temple commit, Cooper ran for 39 yards and caught 15 passes for 156 yards. He scored five touchdowns – four as a receiver. Cooper also intercepted two passes on defense.
Dave Sherman, Senior WR, West Catholic – A possible Division-1 prospect, Sherman was the featured receiver at North Catholic during his junior season. Sherman snared 28 passes for 440 yards and two touchdowns. Sherman did most of his damage in three of NC’s games last year – Chestnut Hill (7 rec., 81 yds.), Cardinal O’Hara (4-132) and Frankford (5-102). Sherman has received interest from Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse and Temple.
Desmon Peoples, Junior RB/WR, Archbishop Wood – Peoples might be the most electrifying junior in all of the Philadelphia Catholic League. He led St. Joe’s Prep in rushing yardage last season, accounting for 1,050 yards on 125 carries and snagging 18 passes for 293 yards. Peoples scored 15 total touchdowns (10 rushing, 5 receiving). Between Rivals and Scout, the two services list Peoples as having been shown interest by more than 20 major Division-1 colleges.
Deion Barnes, Senior TE/DE, Philadelphia Northeast – A major, major Division-1 prospect in the 2011 recruiting class, Barnes has fielded more than a dozen scholarship offers from major college programs, including Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Penn State, Pitt, South Carolina and West Virginia. Barnes accumulated 64 tackles (25 for loss), eight sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He also caught 11 passes for 192 yards and four touchdowns from his tight end position.
Dennis Regan, Senior ATH, Roman Catholic – Regan was the top rusher and receiver for Roman Catholic last year, running for 574 yards and six touchdowns and catching 28 passes for 516 yards and five additional touchdowns. Regan averaged 3.6 yards per carry and 18.4 yards per reception. He also picked off a pass on defense.
Devon Barrett, Senior FB, Lansdale Catholic – A two-way player for the Crusaders, Barrett played in seven of Lansdale’s 10 games, amassing 525 rushing yards and three touchdowns and four catches for 72 yards. Barrett averaged 75 rushing yards per game, 5.35 yards per carry and 18 yards per reception. He’s being recruited by a mix of Division-1 and 1-AA schools as a linebacker, but hasn’t received any offers yet.
Drew Formica, Senior LB, Cardinal O’Hara – Formica will be looked to as one of O’Hara’s defensive leaders in 2010. The Lions allowed an average of 12 points per game last season and posted three consecutive shutouts. Formica has generated interest from Temple and Division-1 AA representatives Delaware, Towson and Villanova.
Eerin Young, Sophomore WR, Bishop McDevitt – Young made significant contributions to the Lancers as a freshman, snagging 12 passes for 246 yards and four touchdowns. Young averaged 20.5 yards per reception.
English Peay, Senior RB/DB, George Washington – Peay is the leading returning rusher to the Eagles in 2010. He ran for 590 yards and a team-best nine touchdowns, averaging over 6.6 yards per carry and 65 yards per game. He also caught 13 passes for 173 yards and one additional touchdown. Defensively, he intercepted a pass. Peay has generated interest from Division-1 programs like UCONN, Kansas and Rutgers.
Frank Taylor, Junior OL, Archbishop Wood – A gargantuan 295-pound athlete, Taylor is generating some impressive Division-1 interest as a prospect in the 2012 class. Florida State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Pitt and Ohio State have all shown interest in Taylor, who started as a sophomore and paved the way for a Viking offense that averaged over 140 rushing yards, 130 passing yards and more than 24 points per game.
Gary Postell, Senior RB, Bishop McDevitt – The featured tailback in McDevitt’s offense last season, Postell ran for a team-leading 1,010 yards and 10 touchdowns on 169 carries and added 12 receptions for 68 yards. Postell averaged 5.97 yards per carry and 91.8 yards rushing per game. Postell surpassed 100 yards rushing in four games last season – the four 100-yard performances came in a five-week stretch of McDevitt’s season.
JJ Paige, Junior QB, LaSalle College – Paige doesn’t have any statistics of particularly important note entering his junior season, but he is receiving some bigtime Division-1 attention without having attempted a pass yet. Rivals lists North Carolina, Notre Dame, Penn State and Southern California as having shown interest in the Explorers’ junior. Paige cannot be given written offers until Sept. 1. He must step up to replace 1st-team All-state QB Drew Loughery, a career 5,000-yard passer.
Jamal Abdur-Rahman, Senior ATH, LaSalle College – Playing in only 11.5 of LaSalle’s 15 games, Abdur-Rahman put up some very solid numbers. He ran for 1,198 yards on 202 carries and added 29 receptions for 370 yards. He scored 20 total touchdowns (16 rushing, 3 receiving, 1 fumble return), and has run for more than 2,200 yards in his career. Abdur-Rahman also picked off four passes on defense.
Jaelen Strong-Rankin, Senior WR, West Catholic – The #2 receiver for the Burrs last year, Strong-Rankin hauled in 24 passes for 385 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged over 16 yards per catch last year. Quite a list of Division-1 suitors are keeping an eye on Strong-Rankin, though he’s not received any offers. Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Pitt and South Carolina highlight his list of D-1 schools.
Jamil Williams, Senior SE, Dobbins Tech – For a team whose aerial attack completed only 55 passes for 571 yards, Williams was easily the bulk of that production. He caught 25 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns, accounting for 45.4 percent of the Mustangs’ completed passes, 44.1 percent of the team’s receiving yards and 50 percent of the receiving touchdowns. Williams finished three games with five receptions.
Jaron Turner, Senior ATH, Olney – “Athlete” could best describe Turner. He ran for 283 yards (third-best on the team in 2009) and threw for 496 yards. All told, Turner accounted for 11 total touchdowns (5 rushing, 4 passing, 1 kickoff return, 1 punt return) and led the Trojans in scoring with 42 points. He finished with a team-best three interceptions on defense, too.
Jim Lynch, Senior TE, West Catholic – A two-way player for West Catholic last season, Lynch caught 18 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns and added 68 tackles (47 for loss) and 14 sacks on defense. Lynch has received looks from schools like UCONN, Maryland, Notre Dame, Penn State and Virginia.
Joey Monaghan, Junior QB, Archbishop Wood – Monaghan saw limited action, primarily serving as the back-up to 1,500-yard passer Jerry Rahill last year, but he did complete 14-of-33 passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns and added 89 rushing yards and a touchdown on 33 keepers. The Vikings averaged over 130 passing yards per game last year – Monaghan surpassed 100 yards passing in a game twice and had two games with multiple touchdown passes.
Joey Sankey, Senior WR, William Penn Charter – Look for Sankey, a 5’6, 155-pound athlete, to become John Loughery’s favorite target in 2010 after #1 put up solid numbers as the Quakers’ #2 receiver. Sankey hauled in 44 aerials for 521 yards and two touchdowns, averaging over 11.8 yards per reception and 52 yards per game. Sankey’s best game came against Hun School (N.J.) – 13 receptions, 156 yards.
John Loughery, Senior QB, William Penn Charter – A possible Division-1 prospect, Loughery completed 177-of-312 passes for 2,066 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior. He threw for no fewer than 112 yards in any of Penn Charter’s games last season, and had five games with more than 220 passing yards and six games with at least two touchdown passes.
John McGilligan, Junior WR, Monsignor Bonner – McGilligan finished 2009 as Bonner’s second-leading receiver, hauling in 16 passes for 331 yards and a trio of touchdowns. He averaged 20.7 yards per reception and close to 28 yards receiving per game. He also ran for 128 yards on 36 carries.
Jon McAlister, Senior TE, Chestnut Hill Academy – McAllister finished as the Blue Devils’ leading receiver, snagging 17 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns. McAllister averaged 22.8 yards per reception and 48.5 receiving yards per game. He also scored two touchdowns on kickoff returns, 1 touchdown on a punt return, and tied for the team lead in interceptions, with three.
Joshua Mathis, Senior RB, West Catholic – Mathis finished as the second-leading rusher for the Burrs in 2009, registering 911 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 135 carries (6.74 yds./rush). Mathis surpassed 100+ rushing yards in four of West Catholic’s 15 games last year.
Khalil Brown, Senior QB, Simon Gratz – Brown really could carry the label of athlete. He threw for 425 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 390 yards and seven touchdowns, and caught two passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Add it all up, Brown totaled 909 all-purpose yards and had a hand in 10 total touchdowns for Gratz, which finished as the 2009 Dstrict 12 “AAA” city runner-up to Archbishop Wood.
Kevin Butler, Senior QB, Dobbins Tech – The back-up to senior Martin Culbreth last season, Butler played in eight games and posted a 6-2 overall record, throwing for 410 yards and five touchdowns while completing 36-of-84 passes. Butler averaged just over 51 passing yards per game and finished five games with five or more completions and two games with more than 85 passing yards. With Butler at the helm, Dobbins averaged 18.5 points per game.
Lamont Davis, Senior DB, West Catholic – A possible Division-1 prospect, Davis finished second on the team in interceptions last season, with three. Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio and Morgan State have all expressed interest in Davis. He was part of a Burrs defense that allowed an average of 12 points per game, holding seven opponents to seven points or less, with three shutouts.
Markeese Walker, Senior RB, Delaware Valley Charter – The leading rusher for the Warriors a season ago, Walker ran for 1,066 yards and 12 touchdowns on 145 carries, averaging just under 100 rushing yards per game and 7.35 yards per carry. Walker, a possible Division-1 prospect receiving interest from UCONN, Maryland and Rutgers, surpassed 100 yards rushing in seven of Del Val’s first eight games.
Marquis Branson, Junior WR/DB, Monsignor Bonner – Branson did not catch a pass last season, but he’s generating some notable attention as a potential Division-1 prospect in Pennsylvania’s 2012 class. Branson is a 5’9, 140-pound athlete.
Matt Conroy, Senior RB, Bishop McDevitt – More of a receiving threat than a running back, Conroy led the Lancers in both receptions (14) and receiving yards (271) last season. He scored one touchdown as a receiver, and added 93 rushing yards and two scores and also intercepted a pass on defense. Conroy averaged 19.35 yards per reception last year.
Matt Geis, Senior WR, Father Judge – Geis is the leading returning receiver to the Crusaders in 2010 – he finished his junior season with 29 receptions for 345 yards and five touchdowns. Geis was one of four Judge players to finish with more than 100 receiving yards last season. He averaged 11.89 yards per reception.
Matt Massello, Senior DL, Archbishop Wood – Massello is a potential prospect on the defensive line in the 2011 recruiting class. No individual defensive statistics were available for Massello, but he’s generated interest from Maryland, Rutgers and Temple, as well as D-1 AA representatives Delaware, Hofstra, Richmond and Villanova. Massello was part of a Wood defense that allowed an average of 14.4 points per game and held eight opponents to eight points or less, with a pair of shutouts.
Nate Smith, Junior WR/CB, George Washington – Smith, a potential Division-1 prospect, finished the 2009 season as the Eagles leading receiver. He caught 23 passes (the only Eagle receiver with more than 20 receptions) for 397 yards and nine touchdowns. Thirty-nine percent of Smith’s receptions went for touchdowns. He averaged 17.2 yards per catch. South Carolina has reportedly verbally offered Smith a scholarship.
Nicholas Newman, Junior WR, Bishop McDevitt – A possible Division-1 prospect in the 2012 class, Newman finished his sophomore season as the leading receiver in Cardinal Dougherty’s seldom-utilized passing attack. Newman caught 11 passes for 267 yards and scored three touchdowns. He averaged 24.2 yards per catch as a sophomore. He also intercepted two passes on defense. Florida has reportedly shown interest, according to Rivals.
Nick Craig, Senior RB, The Haverford School – Craig made the most of only registering statistics in seven of the Fords’ 11 games – amassing 410 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries. Criag had two games with more than 100 yards rushing (7-109) and Penn Charter (9-139). Craig averaged 14.6 yards per carry. He also caught one pass for 13 yards.
Nick Visco, Sophomore K, Archbishop Wood – Visco wound up finishing as the second-leading scorer for the Vikings last season, converting 41 extra points and seven field goals. He accounted for 62 of Wood’s 342 points on the season, or a little more than 18 percent of the team scoring.
Quran Kent, Senior WR, West Catholic – The featured target in the Burrs’ aerial assault last season, Kent snagged 40 passes for 808 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging over 20 yards per catch. For his career, Kent has caught 52 passes for 1,048 yards. He’s receiving Division-1 attention from schools like UCONN, Maryland, Ohio State, Pitt and Rutgers.
Rashaan Walker, Senior WR, Delaware Valley Charter – Walker played in less than half of the Warriors’ games last season, but he put up a ridiculous yards per catch average. He only caught seven passes, but turned those seven receptions into 241 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He averaged 34.4 yards per reception. Walker also scored a touchdown on a punt return.
Rashaun Sligh, Senior WR, Philadelphia Northeast – Sligh finished his junior season as the second-leading receiver in the Vikings’ aerial assault, hauling in 20 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 18.35 yards per reception and 33.3 yards per game. He surpassed 100 yards receiving in one game – the Vikings’ Thanksgiving game against Central – in which he caught three passes for 104 yards.
Ravone Cornish, Senior RB, Central – Cornish ran for a team-best 524 yards on 90 carries (5.82 yards per carry) and scored six touchdowns. He did not surpass 100 yards rushing in any game last season, but did have 97 rushing yards against Southern and 96 against University City.
Richard Williams, Senior QB, Thomas Fitzsimmons – Williams amassed 781 all-purpose yards (535 passing, 142 rushing, 104 receiving) and had a hand in 11 total touchdowns (6 passing, 4 rushing, 1 receiving). He totaled 202 yards of offense and two touchdowns in a season-opening 29-14 loss to District 3 rep Kutztown, and also led the Rams in interceptions last year, with three.
Robert Andrews, Senior RB, West Philadelphia – Andrews had a very successful junior season for the Speedboys, who finished 6-6 overall and averaged nearly 26 points per game. Andrews finished his junior season with 242 carries for 1,388 yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged over 100 yards rushing per game and reached triple-figure rushing totals in eight games. Andrews also caught five passes for 36 yards.
Rolando Ransom, Junior RB, Communications Tech – Ransom easily had the best statistical season of any of the returning players from the Phoenix’ 2009 team, which went 1-11 overall. Ransom ran for a team-best 817 yards and 10 touchdowns and threw for another 62 yards and another touchdown. Ransom only played in eight of Comm Tech’s 12 games last year. He ran for 100+ yards in a game four times.
Rory Clark, Senior OL, Archbishop Wood – A returning starter from Wood’s 2009 team, the 285-pound Clark helped pave the way for an offense that averaged 277.8 yards and 24.4 points per game. Clark helped block for three 490+ yard rushers and a 1,500-yard passer last season, a season in which Wood won its second straight District 12 AAA championship and earned a berth in the PIAA semifinals, falling to Selinsgrove.
Ryan Laughlin, Senior QB, Cardinal O’Hara – Stepping up to fill the void left by Tom Savage (Rutgers), Laughlin completed 68-of-147 passes for 1,047 yards and 15 touchdowns. He directed an O’Hara attack that averaged over 30 points per game and won its first seven games. Laughlin has received some interest from Division-1 colleges, but only has a single grant-in-aid package offer from Towson.
Sam McCain, Senior WR, Archbishop Wood – The Vikings’ leading returning receiver in 2009, McCain caught 36 passes for 542 yards and a touchdown. He averaged over 15 yards per reception and finished the final two games of the season (Pottsgrove and Selinsgrove) with a combined 13 catches for 189 yards. McCain also intercepted five passes, which tied with senior Scott Adkins for the team lead.
Sean Quarterman, Senior QB, Monsignor Bonner – Quarterman threw for 1,234 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior, completing 67-of-154 passes. He threw for 100+ yards in a game five times and ended the year with a three-game winning streak in which he finished 28-of-38 for 494 yards and six touchdowns. He added two rushing touchdowns and 140 yards on 86 keepers.
Shane Morell, Senior WR, Episcopal Academy – Morell is the leading returning receiver after hauling in 33 passes for 433 yards and four touchdowns as a junior. He averaged over 13 yards per catch and 48 receiving yards per game. Morell finished five games with four or more receptions, including a season-best eight catches for 98 yards against Hill School.
Sharif Smith, Junior RB, Furness – Smith literally carried Furness on his back last season. He ran for a team-best 1,205 yards on 174 carries, threw for 171 yards and caught five passes for 36 yards. Smith, a potential Division-1 prospect, had a hand in 17 total touchdowns (12 rushing, 3 passing, 2 kickoff return) and he also intercepted a team-best five passes on defense. Smith has run for more than 2,100 yards in his career.
Skyler Mornhinweg, Junior QB/DB, St. Joseph’s Prep – His completion percentage (48 percent) might have something to be desired, but Mornhinweg did put up respectable numbers in terms of passing yards and touchdown passes. The Stanford commit threw for 1,543 yards and 18 touchdowns, completing 98-of-204 passes, throwing for 100+ yards in eight of SJP’s 12 games. He also ran for 362 yards and five touchdowns on 76 keepers.
Spencer Moses, Senior RB, Simon Gratz – Moses finished 2009 as the Bulldogs leading rusher, racking up 1,222 yards and four touchdowns on 165 carries. He also caught four passes for 54 yards and one additional touchdown. Moses averaged over 100 yards rushing per game and surpassed 100+ rushing yards in a game nine times. Gratz finished 7-5 overall.
Taylor Wright, Senior QB, Episcopal Academy – Wright completed 70-of-178 passes for 860 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He helped guide the Churchmen to a 2-8 record and an average of just over 13 points per game. Wright threw for 100+ yards in five games and had two games with multiple touchdown passes.
Terrance Stafford, Senior RB, Dobbins Tech – Stafford finished as the second-leading rusher for the Mustangs last year, racking up 580 rushing yards on 96 carries and adding eight receptions for 143 yards. Stafford scored 11 total touchdowns (10 rushing) and averaged over six yards per carry and 17.8 yards per reception. Stafford ran for 133 yards on just 14 carries against Roxborough, his best rushing performance of the season.
Tim Wade, Junior RB, LaSalle College – Only a sophomore in 2009, Wade finished as the second-leading rusher on the Explorers’ PIAA championship team, amassing 685 yards on 146 carries and adding 15 receptions for 236 yards, scoring nine total touchdowns (seven rushing). Wade averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 15.7 yards per reception. Wade is on pace to run for over 2,000 yards in his career.
Tommy Rumer, Junior QB, Malvern Prep – A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2012 class, Rumer completed 6-of-12 passes as a sophomore for 98 yards with a single touchdown. Boston College, Maryland, Penn State, Rutgers and Virginia have expressed interest in the 6’3, 205-pound athlete.
Tony Smith, Senior QB, George Washington – Smith threw for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior, giving him a solid 2,838 career passing yards and 26 touchdowns. A potential Divison-1 prospect, Smith could become the seventh PCL quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards, and the first such QB from Judge. Smith has received interest from schools like UCONN, Georgia, Illinois, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse and Temple.
FRANCONIA – The South had big plays on offense, but it was their defense that came up with the biggest play late in the fourth quarter.
The South’s defense came up with a big stop on third and four to force a field goal attempt. The kick went wide and the South added a late score to seal the victory over the North squad 27-17 at Souderton Area High School.
The South MVP was Abington quarterback Sam Kind who threw for 225 yards and two scores.
Sam Kind said, “It is really great to go out with a win. We ran a simplified version of the offense that we ran at Abington and we were comfortable running it.”
The South got on the scoreboard first. Kind hit Giuliano Presta of Abington for an eight-yard score. Chris Smallwood of Upper Moreland had two big runs for 38 yards during the drive.
After a North turnover, LaSalle place kicker Mike Bennett added to their lead by nailing a 35-yard field goal. The South led 10-0.
The North would add a field goal by Matt Kirkpatrick of Upper Perkiomen.
The South responded quickly as Kind threw a 68-yard laser to Warren Gillis of Academy of the New Church for a score. Todd Smolinsky, quarterback for the North of North Penn hit Cole Parkinson of St. Pius X for a 20-yard score.
The South had a 17-10 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter Bennett would add to the South’s lead kicking his second field goal of the night. This time he connected on a 37-yard field goal.
The North pulled within a field goal late in the third quarter. Smolinsky found Parkinson again for the 16-yard score. South led 20-17.
The North was driving late in the game for a potential go-ahead score. On third down Smolinsky was stopped for a one-yard gain.
James Brennan of Upper Merion said, “We played fast and intense and we swarmed to the ball.”
North’s Placekicker Matt Kirkpatrick’s kick went wide right from 32 yards out with 4:03 remaining in the game.
Kind took the South right down the field on five plays for 80-yards. Smallwood’s one-yard touchdown secured the win.
Kind threw a couple of clutch throws during the drive including a beautiful 47-yard pass to Ronye Dennis of Upper Moreland.
Smolinsky was named MVP for the North team throwing for 78 yards and two scores. He rushed for 81 yards to lead his team.
Ryan Keiser of the State AAA Champion Selinsgrove Seals is the Prep Nation Radio player of the year. He will be presented with The Edsel Award later this month. The 12th Man Scoreboard Show collected votes from fans and Keiser edged out Lancaster Catholic`s QB Kyle Smith for the award. Keiser will play football at Penn State. He was a standout on both sides of the ball, as a safety and wide reciever. Keise, a three year starter for the Seals, left a legacy of leadership and playmaking. Congratulations from Prep Nation Radio.
HERSHEY – Senior quarterback Corry Briggs connected twice with Ryan Keiser in the first half to pace Selinsgrove to a 28-0 win over Archbishop Wood in front of 1,700 plus fans.
The Seal defense has not been scored on in six quarters and has not given up a touchdown in seven quarters.
Selinsgrove defensive tackle Jon Trego talked about the win, “Redemption, this was all about redemption. It was great to come back here and win.”
Archbishop Wood got the ball first. They drove down to the Seals 37, but Bryant Trautman ended the threat with an interception and the Seals took over on offense.
Selinsgrove put together a nine-play drive. Briggs hit Keiser in the corner of the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown pass. As Keiser was falling down he made a one-handed, acrobatic catch for the score. Spencer Hotaling’s extra point gave the Seals a 7-0 lead.
Archbishop Wood’s head coach talked about Keiser, “We knew he was good.”
Selinsgrove’s defense forced three consecutive punts. This allowed the Seals offense to strike again in the second quarter. Briggs hit Keiser on a 15-yard pass. He made two Archbishop Wood defenders miss him and raced down the sidelines for a 55-yard touchdown with 1:55 remaining in the first half. The Seals led 14-0.
The Seals defense continued to dominate Wood in the second half. They intercepted quarterback Jerry Rahill three times and sacked him four times.
After a three and out by the Seals on the opening possession of the second half, Seals Jon Trego picked off a Rahill pass and went 19-yards for the score. The Seals extended their lead to 21-0.
The Vikings next drive would end on the fumble that was recovered by Keiser. Briggs hit Kieser on the very next play that went 36 yards to the Vikings one-yard line. Trautman would cap off the drive with a one-yard score. The Seals had a four-touchdown lead, 28-0.
Archbishop Wood reached the red zone three times in the fourth quarter. But every time they did the Seals defense stopped them.
The last chance for the Vikings to score came at the end of the game. Rahill hit Michael Downs for a 30-yard completion to the Seals one. With time expiring on the clock the Seals defense preserved the shutout by stopping them on their next two plays.
Head coach Dave Hess talked about his defense, “I especially liked the goal line stand at the end of the game. It was a great job.”
Archbishop Wood entered the game with an 11 game winning streak after starting the season 0-2. With the loss they fall to 11-3 and leave as Catholic league champs and District 12 Class AAA champs.
Head coach Steve Devlin said, “We never got going. It’s a tough way to go out.”
Quarterback Cory Briggs finished the game by completing 12 of 23 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. His main target Ryan Keiser caught six passes for 150 yards and two scores.
Wood quarterback Jerry Rahill completed 12 of 30 passes for 158 yards, but he had four interceptions. Sam McCain added 108 yards receiving.
With the win by Selinsgrove (15-0) they will face undefeated Manheim Central who defeated West Allegheny 45-27. They will face off Friday night at 7pm at Hersheypark Stadium.
Bishop McCort
Bishop McCort ran all over Millersburg by amassing 218 yards rushing in a 33-6 win.
Running back Josh Seidel rushed for 63 yards on eight carries and one score. Chaz Merriman added 65 yards and one score.
Bishop McCort had 212 total yards and 13 first downs. They had 205 yards rushing on 54 carries.
On defense they held Millersburg to 126 yards of total offense.
Bishop McCort (13-0) plays Tri-Valley (10-4).
Tri-Valley
Tri-Valley used a punishing ground game and a defense that made enough stops when needed to lift Tri-Valley over Southern Columbia 35-32 in a thrilling PIAA Class A semifinal game.
Wyatt Straub rushed for 171 yards on 21 carries. His team had 280 yards rushing and 446 yards of total offense.
Matt McGinley finished with 166 yards on 6 of 15 passes and two scores.
Tri-Valley (10-4) plays Bishop McCort (13-0).
For most of the 2009 High School Football Season North Penn and Ridley were ranked Numbers One and Two in the District One AAAA High School Football Ratings.
After a Week 9 loss to Garnet Valley dropped the Green Raiders down to number 7, not to many people gave Ridley much of a chance to even get to the finals.
But with the way the 16 team tournament played out, here were the two teams ranked 1-2 for most of the season–North Penn and Ridley playing for the District One AAAA Championship, the fourth time in the last eight years they have met in the playoffs.
Ridley’s defense forced three North Penn turnovers and held the Knights in check in a stunning 19-10 victory Friday night before 6,000 fans at Coatesville’s Multi-Purpose Stadium.
“I’ve said all along Ralph Batty is the best defensive co-ordinator in District One and maybe even the state,” said a very drenched Dennis Decker.”I told the kids that they were going to have to smack them in the mouth before they smack you.”
And smack they did!!
Linebacker Sam Dixon-Dugan put on a smack down clinic all game that included probably the biggest and best hit of the season for Ridley.
Trailing for the first time all year at halftime 13-10, North Penn took the second half kickoff and drove down to the Green Raider 6 yard line. On fourth and one from the six, North Penn runningback Craig Needhammer was completely stopped behind the line of scrimmage by Dixon-Dugan as he shot the gap and stopped the North Penn drive. Needhammer was held to 36 yards on eight carries by the Green Raider defense.
“We just keep doing what Coach Batty tells us to do,” said Dixon-Dugan. “We all kept pushing and we all believed in each other. ”
“Holding a team like North Penn to 10 points is a tribute to Ralph Batty,’ Decker added.
North Penn, who finishes the season at 13-1, opened the scoring with 6:11 left in the first quarter on a 32 yard field goal by Dylan Harris. The play was set up by a 65 yard run by Brandon Mercer that put the ball on the Green Raider 15 yard line.
It seemed that was going to be the halftime score until a flurry of activity in the last 2:59 set the tone for the second half.
Ridley, also now 13-1, took a 6-3 lead when Colin Masterson hit Norm Donkin on a 26 yard pass that capped a 42 yard 4 play drive. Masterson finished the night 8-15 for 101 yards.
North Penn then went to the last page in the playbook and pulled out a play left in there by the previous coach. Faced with a fourth and two on the Green Raider 31, Needhammer took the direct snap, bent over, Quarterback Todd Smolinsky faked the quarterback draw and Needhammer found Dom Taggert in the endzone for the 31 yard touchdown with just 39 seconds before halftime for a 10-6 lead.
That lead was short lived as Alex Nicolino, who also put on a hit clinic on when he was on defense took the ensuing kickoff and went 93 yards for a touchdown as Ridley regained a 13-10 lead.
“I told the kids if we played a good first half, good things will happen in the second half,” said Decker. “I felt we played ok in the first half. There were some opportunities we didn’t capitalize on. ”
Ridley then put the game away in the fourth quarter as Shahaid Smith went over form the three with 8:13 to play in the game that ended a 29 yard seven play drive all on the ground. Smith ended the night with 80 yards on 22 carries.
With the win Ridley now plays the winner of LaSalle–Easton next week in state semi-final round at a site to be determined.
MANHEIM, Pa. – Football is more than just the X’s and O’s and Johnny’s and Joe’s. The numbers are fun to crunch.
465 – total number of victories in Manheim Central’s history. 10 – number of 500-point scoring teams to the Barons’ credit. 42 – number of District 3 playoff victories.
But tonight, the number that mattered the most was 300, as in 300 career victories.
Manheim Central (13-0) broke a 7-7 tie with 35 unanswered points to defeat Conrad Weiser (10-3) 42-7 from Elden Rettew Field in Manheim, securing 300 career victories for head coach Mike Williams. Williams’ career record stands at 300-59-3.
With the win, the Barons will take on Susquehanna Township (12-1), a 7-6 winner over West York, for the District 3 “AAA” championship. It will be Manheim’s 18th appearance in the D3 championship game.
Williams became the 10th coach in state history with 300 victories, and the third to reach the milestone this season, joining Jim Roth (306) and Don Bailey (303).
“It would have been easier to do it without all the added pressure (of a playoff game),” Williams said.
True. It may have been. Three hundred could have been a distraction. And for a time, Conrad Weiser was hanging right with the Barons, battling to a 7-7 tie toward the end of the first quarter after DJ Robinson scored on a 35-yard touchdown run.
But then the Barons did like they normally do. They simply pulled away.
“We started to play some good football there,” Williams said. “We got a few key stops. We were afraid for a bit that it would be a we score, they score, we score, they score kind of game.”
Tyler Griffith answered Robinson’s touchdown with one of his own – a 49-yard jaunt right up the middle to buoy Central’s lead to 14-7.
Dakota Royer got in on the scoring act, helping push Manheim’s lead to 21-7 with a remarkable 19-yard catch on a 3rd-and-goal situation. The Barons started 1st-and-goal on the four, but a holding penalty 12 yards deep in the Baron backfield pushed them back to the Weiser 26. It was the equivalent of a 22-yard penalty.
Royer got Manheim on the board to open the game scoring with an eight-yard catch from Gorman. On the night, Royer, a Penn State recruit, caught five passes for 91 yards and two scores.
Gorman added a third scoring toss to open the third quarter, finding Derek Hart from 34 yards out, fueling Central’s fire and building a 28-7 lead.
Joe Gruber pushed the advantage to 35-7 with a five-yard run toward the end of the third quarter, and Griffith capped the scoring with a seven-yard run to invoke the mercy rule with 6:17 left in the game.
Weiser had entered the game with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Robinson and Codie Butler. At the start of the weekend, there were only seven such backfield duos in the state.
Robinson finished with 85 yards on 11 carries. Butler had himself a game – racking up 187 yards on 29 carries – but it mattered little being down by such a wide margin. The Scouts ran for 272 yards on the night, but only mustered 45 yards passing.
A couple of key failed fourth down attempts and a Zach Guiles interception late in the first half sealed the silver and blue’s fate.
“It’s tough,” said Weiser head coach Alan Moyer. “We weren’t real successful throwing the football.”
The Scouts’ final stat line through the air showed exactly that – only four completions in 12 attempts.
As it so often happens this time of year, Manheim Central is headed back to Hershey yet again to play for yet another District 3 championship. Central’s put up impressive numbers and racked up impressive victories at Hershey, one of its homes-away-from-home.
For those number crunchers out there – here’s a hint: next week’s most important number for Manheim will more than likely be 16.
They’ve already gotten 300 out of the way.
NOTES: Williams was joined on the field after the game for a ceremony with players from all of the teams he’s coached at Manheim, from 1981 to the present. Each team held up a sign designating the number of victories in that given season, and fans counted upward to 300 wins with public address announcer Joe Wells.
As Williams addressed the team, Dakota Royer and another Baron snuck up behind him and doused him with a cooler filled with water. Asked if he was cold afterward, Williams smiled.
“I’m alright,” he said. “I don’t feel a thing. I don’t feel a thing.
Manheim has now scored 529 points on the season – the 10th time in school history the Barons have a team that has topped the 500-point mark. That ties Southern Columbia for the most 500-point teams produced by one school.
Susquehanna Township and Manheim Central have never met in the District 3 playoffs.
LaSalle
Quarterack Drew Lougherty threw four touchdown passes as LaSalle outlasted St. Joseph’s Prep 35-28 to claim their second consecutive Catholic league Class 4A title.
Lougherty completed 20 of 31 passes for 298 yards. He had touchdown passes of 23, 16, 7 and 37 yards.
Running back Jamal Abdur-Rahman had two touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving).
LaSalle (10-1) plays George Washington (8-2)
West Catholic
With Bok leading 7-0 at halftime, West Catholic made some changes on the line to help their running game. West Catholic scored the next three touchdowns and went on for the 21-7 win over previous unbeaten Edward Bok Vo-Tech.
Running back Brandon Hollomon led the way with 177 yards on 28 carries.
West Catholic (10-2) will take on the District 2 champion Dunmore (12-0)
Archbishop Wood
Archbishop Wood scored four touchdowns in the second quarter on its way to a 42-6 rout over Simon Gratz. With the win Wood won their second straight District 12 Class 3A title.
In the second quarter Wood senior quarterback Jerry Rahill ran for two scores and passed to Kevin Murt and Scott Adkins.
The Vikings have won 10 straight games.
| District 12 > 11/20/2009 : | |
| LaSalle Explorers (10-1) | 35 |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks (9-2) | 28 |
| District 12 > 11/21/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings (10-2) | 42 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs (7-5) | 6 |
| West Catholic Burrs (10-2) | 21 |
| Edward Bok Vo-Tech Wildcats (10-1) | 7 |
HARRISBURG – Central Dauphin trailed 24-6 after three quarters when the Rams scored 15 unanswered points to pull within a field goal. The Rams had one more shot on a 40-yard field goal attempt by kicker Sean Fakete. The kick sailed wide left.
Cumberland Valley turned two turnovers into scores. Quarterback Eric Sawyer hit Kevin Snyder for a 16-yard touchdown pass and Lance Geesey’s 25-yard field goal gave them a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.
The Eagles would add to their lead, when Sawyer ran for three yards and gave Cumberland Valley a 17-3 lead.
The Rams kicker Sean Fakete hit a 30-yard field goal with no time left in the first half. The Eagles led 17-6. Fakete also had a 35-yard kick early in the quarter.
The Eagles would extend their lead in the third quarter when Snyder scored on the five-yard run. They led 24-6.
The Rams wouldn’t give up and made things interesting in the fourth quarter.
The Rams scored early in the fourth quarter on a three-yard run from Kyle Wolfe. They forced a three-and-out and got the ball right back.
The Rams drove 59 yards on four plays as Lewis Correale hit Jon Schnarrs for a 12-yard touchdown pass with 7:52 to go in the game. Correale hit Marcus Simpson for the two-point conversion to pull Central Dauphin within three points, 24-21.
Momentum was on the Rams’ side.
Central Dauphin head coach Glen McNamee said, “We have a lot of pride and desire. We came hard out of the gates, but our mistakes put us in a hole.”
The Rams got the ball back and moved it once again to setup the game tying field goal attempt. Both sides watched as the kick sailed wide.
Cumberland Valley Quarterback Eric Sawyer said, “It definitely came down to the wire.”
Cumberland Valley’s quarterback Eric Sawyer completed 7 of 14 pass for 121 yards and one score. Snyder added 57 yards and Travis Friend rushed for 88 yards.
Lewis Correale of Central Dauphin finished the game by completing 10 of 18 passes for 150 yards and one score. Colton Charles added 164 yards rushing.
Cumberland Valley advanced with the 24-21 win over Central Dauphin in the District 3 Class 4A quarterfinal game.
With the win Cumberland Valley will play Wilson on Friday at 7pm in a semifinal game.
George Washington
George Washington lost to Northeast earlier this year 14-12. On this night Washington shut out Northeast 40-0 to win the Public League AAAA championship at Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium.
For head coach Ron Cohen this was their third straight league crown and his 11th title in 25 seasons.
Quarterback Aaron Wilmer threw three touchdowns. English Peay rushed for two scores. He had runs of 2 and 7 yards for scores.
West Catholic
West Catholic doubled up on Bishop McDevitt 44-22 in a quarterfinal game at Southern.
Running back Brandon Hollomon compiled 229 all-purpose yards.
This was the third meeting in four weeks between the teams.
West Catholic plays Edward Bok Vo-Tech.
Edward Bok Vo-Tech
In a sub-regional game at Southern High School, Andre Frazier threw two touchdowns and ran for another to lead Bok over Lower Moreland, 42-0.
Frazier completed seven of nine passes for 76 yards. Jahid Ward caught four passes for 56 yards.
Edward Bok Vo-Tech plays West Catholic.
LaSalle
LaSalle came out at halftime and scored the next two touchdowns to defeat Cardinal O’Hara, 31-21 in a Catholic League Class 4A semifinal game at Plymouth-Whitemarsh HS.
Drew Lougherty completed 9 of 16 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for one score.
Running back Jamal Abdur-Rahman rushed for 141 yards on 28 carries and one score.
LaSalle plays St. Joseph’s Prep.
| District 12 > 11/12/2009 : | |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers (8-2) | 36 |
| Communications Technology Phoenix (1-10) | 0 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (3-8) | 16 |
| Roxborough Indians (7-4) | 26 |
| Olney Trojans (5-4) | 20 |
| FitzSimons Thomas Rams (2-7) | 0 |
| Overbrook Panthers (2-9) | 34 |
| University City Jaguars (2-7) | 40 |
| Prep Charter Huskies (2-8) | 0 |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons (5-6) | 42 |
| District 12 > 11/13/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders (1-10) | 17 |
| Central Bucks West Bucks (1-10) | 0 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons (5-5) | 7 |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings (9-2) | 21 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers (6-4) | 6 |
| Frankford Pioneers (5-6) | 27 |
| Roman Catholic Cahillites (4-7) | 7 |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks (9-1) | 42 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers (2-8) | 8 |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (7-4) | 41 |
| South Philadelphia Rams (6-4) | 12 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (2-8) | 6 |
| West Philadelphia Speedboys (6-5) | 38 |
| William Penn Lions (3-6) | 0 |
| District 12 > 11/14/2009 : | |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions (8-3) | 21 |
| LaSalle Explorers (9-1) | 31 |
| Delaware Valley Charter Warriors (7-3) | 14 |
| St. Pius X Winged Lions (7-4) | 26 |
| George Washington Eagles (8-2) | 40 |
| Northeast Vikings (6-4) | 0 |
| School of the Future (6-5) | 8 |
| Calvary Christian Academy Cougars (8-1) | 35 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs (7-4) | 8 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs (7-3) | 2 |
| West Catholic Burrs (9-2) | 44 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers (7-4) | 22 |
Coming into tonight’s Conestoga–Downingtown West playoff game, it was a renewal of an old Chester County rivalry
Using a punishing ground game, West rolled up 312 yards rushing and 405 yards total offense enroute to a 40-8 victory over Conestoga in the first round of the District One AAAA football playoffs in a game played at Downingtown’s Kottmeyer Stadium.
With the win, West now gets a rematch with fifth seeded Avon Grove, a 41-14 winner over Quakertown next week, also at Kottmeyer. The Red Devils handed the Whippets their only loss in week seven 35-21. Conestoga still holds a 28-19-2 lead in the all time series between the two storied Chester County football programs.
“We were completely outplayed,” said Conestoga Head Coach John Vogan. “A fumbled snap and a short punt. You can’t give a good football team like that a short field,” he added.
The Whippets (10-1) scored on their first four possessions of the game enroute to a 26-0 halftime lead.
After holding the Pioneers (7-4) to a quick three and out to start the game, the Whippets started with the ball on the Pioneer 42 and drove the remaining yardage in six plays as Kessan Christopher scored his first of three touchdowns on a 10 yard run just 3:59 gone in the game. Pat Taylor connected on his first of four extra points and Downingtown never looked back. Christopher ended the night with 164 yards on 31 carries.
“I thought we played extremely well tonite,” said Whippet Head Coach Mike Milano. “We won the toss, defered and got on the board early.”
Not only early but very often in the first quarter.
After Andrew McLaughlin stepped in front of a Bill Flatley screen pass at the Conestoga 41 and returned it 14 yards to the 27, the Whippets needed just five plays from there as Tim Connell took a reverse and ran 16 yards for the touchdown for a 13-0 lead with 4:31 remaining in the first quarter.
Following an 11 yard punt by Conestoga’s Chris DeStefano, Downingtown started with the ball on their 40 and needed just two plays from there. Quaterback Brett Gillespie (5-6 passing 93 yards) hit Louis Smith for 51 yards on a double reverse flea ficker that set the ball up on the nine yard line. After a five yard penalty, Trey Faust took it the remaining yardage with 1:31 still to play in the first quarter for a 20-0 lead. Faust finished the night with 94 yards on just 10 carries.
Not only were the Whippets doing it on offense, they were doing it on defense too.
Eight times Downingtown forced Conestoga to go three and out.
“Mike and his staff do a great job with those kids,” said Vogan. “I’m disappointed right now, but I’m not upset,” he added.
Downingtown then scored three more times in the game.
Christopher scored on runs of 10 and eight yards and Gillespie scored on a one yard run between the two Christopher touchdowns to set the Mercy Rule into effect.
Conestoga avoided the shut-out when Gene Gibson scored on a 17 yard run with 5:43 left in the game.
Since both Downingtown West and East will play at home next week(East will play Penncrest) one game will be Friday night and one game will be Saturday.
St. Joseph’s Prep
Skyler Mornhinweg passed for 245 yards and four touchdowns as St. Joseph’s Prep shut out Roman Catholic 34-0.
Bobby D’Orazio caught a pair of touchdowns and had 105 yards receiving.
LaSalle
LaSalle jumped out early and held on for the 24 -14 win over Cardinal O’Hara.
Quarterback Drew Loughery connected with five different receivers and his team led 21-0 in the first quarter.
Loughery completed 13 of 21 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns.
Tim Wade rushed for 116 yards on 18 carries. Sam Feleccia caught six passes for 101 yards.
West Catholic
West Catholic defeated Bishop McDevitt for the second time in three weeks 35-7. With the win West Catholic claim its second consecutive Catholic League Class AA Championship.
West Catholic racked up 436 yards of total offense. Quarterback Jarred Evans completed 7 of 10 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back Joshua Mathis rushed for 128 yards on 21 carries and a pair of touchdowns. Brandon Hollomon rushed for 84 yards on 12 carries.
| District 12 > 11/05/2009 : | |
| Furness Falcons (5-5) | 12 |
| South Philadelphia Rams (5-4) | 18 |
| Prep Charter Huskies (2-7) | 6 |
| West Philadelphia Speedboys (5-5) | 26 |
| School of the Future (6-4) | 12 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (3-7) | 7 |
| Thomas Edison Owls (1-9) | 0 |
| FitzSimons Thomas Rams (2-6) | 24 |
| District 12 > 11/06/2009 : | |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons (4-6) | 12 |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (6-4) | 40 |
| Communications Technology Phoenix (1-9) | 14 |
| Olney Trojans (4-4) | 38 |
| Father Judge Crusaders (4-6) | 12 |
| Williamstown (NJ) | 50 |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers (7-2) | 22 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers (6-3) | 13 |
| Overbrook Panthers (2-8) | 12 |
| Germantown Bears (5-5) | 6 |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks (8-1) | 34 |
| Roman Catholic Cahillites (4-6) | 0 |
| District 12 > 11/07/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders (0-10) | 7 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars (4-6) | 27 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers (7-3) | 7 |
| West Catholic Burrs (8-2) | 35 |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions (8-2) | 14 |
| LaSalle Explorers (8-1) | 24 |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (5-5) | 17 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons (5-4) | 20 |
| Frankford Pioneers (4-6) | 9 |
| Northeast Vikings (6-3) | 21 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave (7-3) | 6 |
| George Washington Eagles (7-2) | 34 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (2-7) | 12 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs (7-2) | 20 |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (2-8) | 19 |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings (8-2) | 22 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs (6-4) | 12 |
| Roxborough Indians (6-4) | 6 |
WHITEMARSH: With a rematch only a week away in the Semifinals of the Philadelphia Catholic League AAAA division one couldn’t help but to wonder what to expect when the Lions of Cardinal O’Hara and the Explorers of LaSalle met up on Saturday afternoon at Plymouth Whitemarsh. One certainly couldn’t expect the high power attack of LaSalle to jump out to an 21-0 lead on the defense of O’Hara who entered the game with one of the top defense in all of the Catholic but that’s exactly what happened has Explorers celebrated their Senior day with a 24-14 victory.
The first play from scrimmage the Explorers set the tone with a draw play to Tim Wade that went for 25 yards and put the Explorers at the Lions 35 yard line. Five plays the dangerous quarterback/ receiver combination of Drew Loughery and Sam Feleccia would strike from 13 yards out giving the Explorers the 7-0 lead.
After the Explorers forced the Lions to punt, the Explorers were given excellent field position thanks to 34-yard punt return that set them up at Lions 29 yard line. After two Loughery to Feleccia completions that went for 15 and 13 yards respectfully, Loughery put the Explorers up by 14 with his one-yard sneak.
The Explorers would extend their lead to 21 thanks to a seven play 77 yard drive with help of a 43 yard scamper by Wade that put the Explorers at the Lions 20 yard line. Four plays later Loughery would connected with his tight end Steve Jones for the 9 yard score on the last play of the opening 12 minutes. In the opening, frame the Explorers racked up 167 yards of total offense. In the opening half Loughery would go 13 for 19 for 177 yards and would finish 13-22 177. Feleccia would be the target for six of those completions and turned them into 101 yards. When asked about how important the first quarter was Loughery responded, “ It proved to be very important everyone came out fresh it was so critical.” Feleccia would add “after the first quarter the offense died down but the defense kept it up.”
The Lions would respond on the second play of the second quarter when with the help of pulling guard Kardell Pressley who allowed the Lions playmaker in Ohio State bound Corey Brown race for the 73 yard score that cut the Explorers lead down to 21-7 heading into the half.
On the opening, drive of the second half the Lions QB Ryan Laughlin would be intercepted by Vinny Migliaresse that would lead to the Explorers adding to their lead with a 24-yard field goal by Mike Bennett.
Brown would cut into the Explorers lead when he capped a eight play 57 yard drive with his 15 yard plunge. Brown would finish the game with 166 yards on 20 carries.
The Lions and Explorers won’t have to wait long to get another crack at each as they will see each other in 2-3 match up this week.
John Bartram
In the Public League AAAA quarterfinal, Al-Hajj Shabazz led the way in a 21-7 win over Philadelphia Central.
Shabazz scored on runs of five and one yards in the first half. Brandon Jones put the game away with a 70-yard run in the fourth quarter.
John Bartram (7-2) plays George Washington in the Public League AAAA Semifinals at Southern.
Edward Bok Vo-Tech
Bok’s defense led the way, holding Imhotep Charter to minus-7 yards rushing in a 32-8 win.
Andre Frazier passed for 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also had a one-yard quarterback sneak for a score.
Edward Bok Vo-Tech (9-0) has a by this week.
Delaware Valley Charter
Delaware Valley Charter beat School of the Future 34-20 in the Class A Public league finals at Simon Gratz.
Neil Warren rushed for 75 yards on 17 carries.
Delaware Valley Charter (7-2) has a by week this week.
| District 12 > 10/29/2009 : | |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions (8-1) | 49 |
| Father Judge Crusaders (4-5) | 10 |
| Furness Falcons (5-4) | 27 |
| Communications Technology Phoenix (1-8) | 0 |
| District 12 > 10/30/2009 : | |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (5-4) | 35 |
| Overbrook Panthers (1-8) | 22 |
| Cardinal Dougherty Cardinals (4-5) | 0 |
| West Catholic Burrs (7-2) | 44 |
| Frankford Pioneers (4-5) | 35 |
| Germantown Bears (5-4) | 14 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (2-6) | 12 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs (6-2) | 19 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (3-6) | 0 |
| Northeast Vikings (5-3) | 19 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers (6-2) | 7 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave (7-2) | 21 |
| Roman Catholic Cahillites (4-5) | 7 |
| LaSalle Explorers (7-1) | 45 |
| Roxborough Indians (6-3) | 6 |
| Olney Trojans (3-4) | 0 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers (2-7) | 20 |
| Prep Charter Huskies (2-6) | 15 |
| South Philadelphia Rams (4-4) | 0 |
| George Washington Eagles (6-2) | 42 |
| Thomas Edison Owls (1-8) | 1 |
| Nueva Esperenza Charter Toros (0-6) | 0 |
| University City Jaguars (1-7) | 6 |
| Interboro Bucaneers (9-0) | 41 |
| West Philadelphia Speedboys (4-5) | 12 |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons (4-5) | 20 |
| William Penn Lions (3-5) | 6 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs (5-4) | 28 |
| District 12 > 10/31/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Carroll Patriots (3-5) | 0 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers (7-2) | 21 |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders (0-9) | 28 |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (5-4) | 42 |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers (6-2) | 8 |
| Edward Bok Vo-Tech Wildcats (9-0) | 32 |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (2-7) | 13 |
| Neumann-Goretti Saints (2-7) | 7 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons (4-4) | 7 |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings (7-2) | 24 |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks (7-1) | 38 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars (3-6) | 0 |
| School of the Future (5-4) | 20 |
| Delaware Valley Charter Warriors (7-2) | 34 |
Philadelphia Central
Quarterback DeVonne Boler completed three of seven passes and three touchdowns. Siddiq Cornish caught two passes for a touchdown and Shaune Marshall caught one for a score.
Philadelphia Central defeated Olney 19-6.
Philadelphia Central (6-1) travels to George Washington.
Simon Gratz
Spencer Moses led the way as Simon Gratz crushed Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia 62-14.
Moses rushed for 137 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns.
Jamir Anderson rushed for 87 yards on five carries and quarterback Khalil Brown rushed for 85 yards.
Simon Gratz (4-3) hosts William Penn (12).
Archbishop Wood
Archbishop Wood found the end zone twice in the second and third quarter and cruised to a 31-8 win over Lansdale Catholic.
Quarterback Jerry Rahill passed for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
Archbishop Wood’s defense held Lansdale Catholic to 97 yards of total offense.
Archbishop Wood (6-2) hosts Northeast Catholic.
St. Joseph’s Prep
After a 32-minute delay because of thunder and lightning, Pete Hurley and Skyler Mornhinweg led St. Joseph’s Prep over Cardinal O’Hara 21-14.
Hurley caught all three of his passes from Mornhinweg in the final drive. He caught the game winning pass for 35-yards with 30 seconds to go in the game.
Mornhinweg completed 8 of 21 passes for 121 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for one score a six-yard run.
St. Joseph’s Prep (6-1) travels to Monsignor Bonner.
| District 12 > 10/23/2009 : | |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (4-4) | 12 |
| Germantown Bears (5-3) | 30 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (3-5) | 35 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers (1-7) | 26 |
| Northeast Vikings (4-3) | 34 |
| Frankford Pioneers (3-5) | 40 |
| Olney Trojans (3-3) | 6 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers (6-1) | 19 |
| Roxborough Indians (5-3) | 36 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (2-5) | 0 |
| South Philadelphia Rams (4-3) | 36 |
| Thomas Edison Owls (0-8) | 0 |
| William Penn Lions (3-4) | 6 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs (5-2) | 26 |
| District 12 > 10/24/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Carroll Patriots (3-4) | 28 |
| Cardinal Dougherty Cardinals (4-4) | 6 |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings (6-2) | 31 |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (1-7) | 8 |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions (7-1) | 14 |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks (6-1) | 21 |
| Communications Technology Phoenix (1-7) | 8 |
| Delaware Valley Charter Warriors (6-2) | 56 |
| Edward Bok Vo-Tech Wildcats (8-0) | 45 |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons (3-5) | 2 |
| Furness Falcons (4-4) | 0 |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers (6-1) | 28 |
| Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic Wolverines (1-7) | 0 |
| Neumann-Goretti Saints (2-6) | 14 |
| Overbrook Panthers (1-7) | 2 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave (6-2) | 8 |
| Prep Charter Huskies (2-5) | 6 |
| School of the Future (5-3) | 28 |
| Roman Catholic Cahillites (4-4) | 19 |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders (0-8) | 7 |
| University City Jaguars (1-6) | 26 |
| West Philadelphia Speedboys (4-4) | 24 |
| District 12 > 10/25/2009 : | |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (4-4) | 15 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons (4-3) | 19 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars (3-5) | 49 |
| Father Judge Crusaders (4-4) | 17 |
| West Catholic Burrs (6-2) | 28 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers (6-2) | 12 |
Imhotep Charter School
Maurice Palmer rushed for 142 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown. He also scored on the two-point conversion to give Imhotep Charter School a 8-0 win over Furness.
Dasir White rushed for 50 yards on 11 carries. On defense Darius Williams had a interception.
Imhotep Charter School (5-1) travels to Simon Gratz.
George Washington
Aaron Wilmer completed 7 of 13 passes for 143 yards and four touchdowns to lead George Washington over John Bartram 36-0.
English Peay rushed for 106 yards on 11 carries. Nate Smith, Daquan Cooper and Justin Moody had interceptions.
George Washington (5-2) hosts Philadelphia Central.
Archbishop Wood
Archbishop Wood blanks Conwell-Egan 40-0. Scott Adkins rushed for 204 yards on 8 carries and two touchdowns.
Archbishop Wood (5-2) travels to Lansdale Catholic.
LaSalle
Three-second half turnovers led to 17 unanswered points in the second half as LaSalle won over Monsignor Bonner 31-6.
Running back Jamal Abdur-Rahman rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns. He had 163 total yards.
LaSalle (6-1) hosts Roman Catholic.
| District 12 > 10/15/2009 : | |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons (3-4) | 6 |
| Edward Bok Vo-Tech Wildcats (7-0) | 34 |
| Nueva Esperenza Charter Toros (0-6) | 6 |
| FitzSimons Thomas Rams (1-6) | 22 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers (1-6) | 0 |
| South Philadelphia Rams (3-3) | 40 |
| District 12 > 10/16/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Carroll Patriots (2-4) | 32 |
| Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic Wolverines (1-6) | 20 |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings (5-2) | 40 |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (4-3) | 0 |
| Cardinal Dougherty Cardinals (3-3) | 19 |
| West Catholic Burrs (5-2) | 57 |
| Father Judge Crusaders (4-3) | 14 |
| Roman Catholic Cahillites (3-4) | 29 |
| Germantown Bears (3-3) | 14 |
| Olney Trojans (3-2) | 6 |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers (5-1) | 8 |
| Furness Falcons (4-3) | 0 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave (5-2) | 0 |
| George Washington Eagles (5-2) | 36 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (2-4) | 20 |
| William Penn Lions (3-3) | 14 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (2-5) | 0 |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (4-3) | 36 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers (5-1) | 33 |
| University City Jaguars (0-6) | 6 |
| Prep Charter Huskies (3-4) | 0 |
| Delaware Valley Charter Warriors (5-2) | 42 |
| School of the Future (4-3) | 32 |
| Communications Technology Phoenix (1-6) | 12 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs (3-4) | 22 |
| Roxborough Indians (4-3) | 24 |
| Thomas Edison Owls (0-7) | 0 |
| West Philadelphia Speedboys (4-3) | 52 |
| District 12 > 10/17/2009 : | |
| Frankford Pioneers (2-5) | 45 |
| Overbrook Panthers (1-6) | 0 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons (3-3) | 41 |
| Neumann-Goretti Saints (1-6) | 0 |
| District 12 > 10/18/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders (0-7) | 0 |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions (7-0) | 56 |
| District 12 > 10/19/2009 : | |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (1-6) | 36 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers (6-1) | 27 |
| LaSalle Explorers (6-1) | 31 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars (2-5) | 6 |
COLONIAL PARK, Pa. – If only high school football was 36 minutes instead of 48. Then we’d be talking about one of the biggest upsets in the state this season, and possibly even in Mid Penn history.
Central Dauphin East had a 17-game losing streak entering the day, and State College was figured to win by quite a wide margin. In the end, State College (6-1) came out on top, but CD East (0-7) served notice.
The Little Lions scored 21 fourth quarter points en route to a 21-3 victory over the Panthers Saturday afternoon from Landis Field. All of the scoring came after halftime.
Neither team really got much going offensively in the first half, though the Panthers did move the ball better than their opponent. By halftime, CD East had managed 84 yards of offense and five first downs – SC had 69 (including a dismal 19 yards passing) and just three first downs.
CD East also had forced a pair of Little Lion interceptions, one on SC’s opening possession and the other on the Lions’ final possession of the first half.
The only scoring threat came late in the second quarter, when CD East strung together runs of nine and seven yards by sophomore Aris Scott and a nine-yard run by tailback Christian DeVan to set up a 29-yard field goal attempt by Cody Webster. The kick would have had the distance, but hooked to the right.
Webster helped heighten the hopes of the upset when he connected on a 37-yard field goal with 3:27 left in the third quarter. CD East got its only first down on the possession via a pass interference penalty.
When SC quarterback Dom Mills fumbled on the Lions’ first play from scrimmage, the Panthers appeared to be in business. Scott hit a 12-yard pass to Shelby Wilkerson, and that set the Panthers up 1st-and-goal from the SC 7.
A critical turnover – CD East’s first of the game – came just moments later. Scott’s fumble was recovered by State College at its own eight yard line, and the Panthers’ good fortunes and momentum were no more.
State College embarked on an 11-play drive, 10 runs and one pass, and was capped with a one-yard scoring run by Mills.
After CD East’s next drive was thwarted by a chop block, State College went on a 35-yard drive, which Mills capped with a 10-yard scoring run.
Penn State commit Alex Kenney was bottled up for much of the day. He was held to just one yard on five carries in the first half. He capped the Lions’ scoring with a five-yard touchdown run with less than a minute left in the game, finishing with 34 yards on nine carries, three receiving yards, and a 16-yard kick return.
Mills ran for 38 yards for State College, and went 3-of-9 passing for 22 yards. Colby Way ran for 37 yards and caught a 17-yard pass, and Shane Dorner’s only carry of the game went for 28 yards.
State College ran for 180 yards in the game – 141 of those yards came in the final 12:15 of the game. Through three quarters, SC had run 19 times for 49 yards.
DeVan led the Panthers’ ground attack with 38 yards on 13 carries. Scott went 6-of-16 passing for 59 yards, adding 11 yards on 10 keepers. Nate Stazewski added 14 yards on six carries for the Panthers, who ran for 68 yards on 34 carries and had 127 yards of total offense.
The whole theme behind Easton’s game plan was slow up Darius Webb and we can win. Well that is exactly what they did. Webb still managed 159 yards rushing on 29 carries but was not able to break the big play as he has done all season. He was also limited to a 1-yard TD run.
This game not only had LVC title implications on the line but also District 11 playoff positioning.
Easton was able to move the ball through the air which is something they have been missing in earlier weeks.
The game started out sloppy for both teams as each fumbled the ball away on their opening possessions.
On Easton’s second series the Red Rovers were able to get on the board with a 3-yard TD pass to TE Justin Souders. The drive was aided by a Quran Hughes 31-yard run.
The rest of the half was punt after punt for both teams with Easton leading 7-0 at the break.
Early in the 3rd quarter and behind the running of Webb, Freedom was able to get on the board with a 33-yard FG to cut the lead to 7-3. After Webb ran down the field he was shaken up at the 16-yard line after a strong run. He came out for the rest of the series and Freedom was not able to move the ball forcing the FG attempt.
The next series Easton attempted to fake the punt to no avail. There was a 5-yard loss leaving the Patriots to take over on it’s own 36-yard line.
On 4th and inches Webb took it in to give Freedom the lead 14-7.
Late in the 4th quarter Easton drove the ball down the field while converting on 3rd and 4th downs. They eventually took the lead on a 4th and 1-yard TD run by Hughes. Easton back up 14-10.
Freedom had one last chance with about 1:30 left in the game. They did move the ball down the field but a Patrick Murphy INT off a tipped pass at the 26-yard line sealed the game and moved Easton into a tie with ACC in LVC play with 1 loss each.
Next week (6-1) Easton hosts (3-4) Northampton while (5-2) Freedom takes on (3-4) Bethlehem Catholic.
West Philadelphia
Rob Andrews rushed for 156 yards and Duane Coppage rushed for 106 yards as West Philadelphia won over Samuel Fels 22-0.
Quarterback Charels Walton passed for 56 yards one score.
West Philadelphia (3-3) hosts Thomas Edison.
LaSalle
Drew Loughery passed for two scores, once to Sam Feleccia and once to Jamal Abdur-Rahman as LaSalle won over Father Judge 28-10.
Abdur- Rahman rushed for one score.
LaSalle (5-1) travels to Monsignor Bonner.
West Catholic
The Burrs led 14-0 before their offense would hit the field, Anthony McDonnaugh’s had an 82-yard interception return and Jim Lynch recovered a fumble in the end zone for a score. West Catholic cruised to a 62-0 win over Kennedy-Kenrick.
Joshua Mathis rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Kaheem Summerville rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
West Catholic (4-2) hosts Cardinal Dougherty.
Cardinal O’Hara
Corey Brown rushed for 76 yards to lead Cardinal O’Hara over Roman Catholic 13-0.
Quarterback Ryan Laughlin passed for 105 yards. Dan O’Hara scored the other touchdown.
Cardinal O’Hara (6-0) hosts Archbishop Ryan.
| District 12 > 10/08/2009 : | |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons (3-3) | 14 |
| Furness Falcons (4-2) | 16 |
| Edward Bok Vo-Tech Wildcats (6-0) | 40 |
| FitzSimons Thomas Rams (0-6) | 6 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave (5-1) | 33 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (1-4) | 6 |
| Olney Trojans (3-1) | 0 |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (3-3) | 28 |
| District 12 > 10/09/2009 : | |
| Communications Technology Phoenix (1-5) | 0 |
| Prep Charter Huskies (3-3) | 12 |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (4-2) | 36 |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (0-6) | 14 |
| Father Judge Crusaders (4-2) | 10 |
| LaSalle Explorers (5-1) | 28 |
| Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic Wolverines (1-5) | 0 |
| West Catholic Burrs (4-2) | 62 |
| Overbrook Panthers (1-5) | 18 |
| Northeast Vikings (4-2) | 33 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers (4-1) | 40 |
| Thomas Edison Owls (0-6) | 0 |
| Roxborough Indians (3-3) | 14 |
| William Penn Lions (3-2) | 8 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs (3-3) | 16 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs (4-2) | 27 |
| South Philadelphia Rams (2-3) | 22 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (2-4) | 7 |
| University City Jaguars (0-5) | 0 |
| Germantown Bears (2-3) | 18 |
| West Philadelphia Speedboys (3-3) | 22 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers (1-5) | 0 |
| District 12 > 10/10/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders (0-6) | 7 |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks (5-1) | 55 |
| Cardinal Dougherty Cardinals (3-2) | 0 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers (6-0) | 42 |
| George Washington Eagles (4-2) | 28 |
| Frankford Pioneers (1-5) | 6 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars (2-4) | 27 |
| Chestnut Hill Academy Blue Devils (5-0) | 42 |
| Neumann-Goretti Saints (1-5) | 7 |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings (4-2) | 34 |
| Nueva Esperenza Charter Toros (0-5) | 0 |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers (4-1) | 1 |
| School of the Future (3-3) | 0 |
| Delaware Valley Charter Warriors (4-2) | 50 |
Northeast
Last season’s playoff loss to George Washington 41-34 in triple overtime was on the minds of the Northeast players. On this day Northeast would pull out the win over George Washington 14-12.
Quarterback Malik Stokes led the way passing for 6 of 13 for 147 yards and two scores.
Northeast (3-2) hosts Overbrook next.
St. Joseph’s Prep
Desmon Peoples rushed for 279 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns to lift St. Joseph’s Prep over Father Judge 28-21.
Peoples came close to Prep’s single-game rushing record. That record was set by Kyle Ambrogi who rushed for 322 yards in a game in 2000.
The other two touchdowns where scored by quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg, including a 4-yard pass to Bobby D’Orazio.
St. Joseph’s Prep (4-1) hosts Archbishop Ryan.
Dobbins Vo-Tech
As time ran down, Joshua Bangura intercepted a pass to set up a 36-yard field goal attempt by Kevin Gransby. Gransby’s field goal was no good and regulation time ended 0-0.
In overtime, with the score tied at 20, Martin Culbreth intercepted a pass to end Roxborough’s possession in the fourth OT. Terrance Stafford’s 3-yard touchdown run ended the game and Dobbins Vo-Tech pulled out the dramatic win over Roxoborough 26-20.
Stafford rushed for 133 yards on 14 carries.
Dobbins Vo-Tech (3-2) hosts Simon Gratz.
Archbishop Wood
With Archbishop Wood behind by seven points with three minutes to go, something big has to happen. They answered by scoring two touchdowns to beat West Catholic 21-14.
Quarterback Jerry Rahill completed four of six passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns. He hit Colin Thompson for 20 yards and Kevin Shaw for a 61-yard score.
Archbishop Wood (3-2) hosts Neumann-Goretti.
| District 12 > 10/02/2009 : | |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (2-3) | 36 |
| University City Jaguars (0-4) | 14 |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons (3-2) | 1 |
| Nueva Esperenza Charter Toros (0-4) | 0 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers (5-0) | 6 |
| Archbishop Carroll Patriots (1-4) | 0 |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions (5-0) | 37 |
| Chester Clippers (1-4) | 0 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs (3-2) | 26 |
| Roxborough Indians (2-3) | 20 |
| FitzSimons Thomas Rams (0-5) | 0 |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers (3-1) | 44 |
| Frankford Pioneers (1-4) | 6 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave (4-1) | 14 |
| Germantown Bears (1-3) | 12 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers (3-1) | 7 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (1-3) | 6 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs (3-2) | 28 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (2-3) | 14 |
| West Philadelphia Speedboys (2-3) | 8 |
| Northeast Vikings (3-2) | 14 |
| George Washington Eagles (3-2) | 12 |
| Prep Charter Huskies (2-3) | 7 |
| School of the Future (3-2) | 20 |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks (4-1) | 28 |
| Father Judge Crusaders (4-1) | 21 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers (1-4) | 42 |
| Thomas Edison Owls (0-5) | 12 |
| District 12 > 10/03/2009 : | |
| Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic Wolverines (1-4) | 12 |
| Cardinal Dougherty Cardinals (3-1) | 14 |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (0-5) | 18 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons (2-3) | 33 |
| LaSalle Explorers (4-1) | 38 |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders (0-5) | 0 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars (2-3) | 20 |
| Roman Catholic Cahillites (2-3) | 24 |
| Neumann-Goretti Saints (1-4) | 21 |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (3-2) | 44 |
| West Catholic Burrs (3-2) | 21 |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings (3-2) | 28 |
Edward Bok Vo-Tech
Kevin Thomas recorded a safety and forced a fumble. Edward Bok Vo-Tech shut out Imhotep Charter 30-0.
Khalil Neal rushed for 64 yards on 16 carries and three touchdowns. Andre Frazier rushed for one score and had 102 yards of total offense.
Edward Bok Vo-Tech (4-0) hosts Furness.
Northeast
Malik Stokes completed 7 of 13 passes for 94 yards. He also rushed for 45 yards on 9 carries and two touchdowns to lead Northeast over John Bartram 27-16.
Eric Hines rushed for 109 yards and Tyleel Taylor rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Northeast (2-2) plays at George Washington.
Philadelphia Central
Ervin Johnson, playing his first game this season, rushed for 110 yards on 16 carries and three touchdowns. DeVonne Boler completed 8 of 16 passes for 131 yards. Saddiq Cornish caught 4 passes for 82 yards and Richard Drayton caught 4 passes for 49 yards.
Philadelphia Central held on for the 21-20 win over Lincoln.
Philadelphia Central (3-0) plays Germantown.
St. Joseph’s Prep
Prep defense made the big plays in the win over LaSalle 24-17. Right before halftime, LaSalle holding onto an 11-point lead over Prep decided not to run the clock down. LaSalle quarterback Drew Loughery hit Sam Feleccia, but Feleccia juggled the ball and fell into the hands of Prep’s Stephen O’Hara. O’Hara took the interception and ran down the sidelines setting up a Prep score. Skyler Mornhinweg hit Desmon Peoples for an 11- yard score.
That gave Prep momentum going into the second half and they outscored LaSalle 12-0 in the second half.
St. Joseph’s Prep (3-1) plays at Father Judge.
| District 12 > 09/24/2009 : | |
| FitzSimons Thomas Rams (0-4) | 6 |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons (2-2) | 44 |
| Nueva Esperenza Charter Toros (0-3) | 0 |
| Furness Falcons (3-1) | 46 |
| Thomas Edison Owls (0-4) | 12 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (1-3) | 35 |
| University City Jaguars (0-3) | 0 |
| Olney Trojans (3-0) | 8 |
| West Philadelphia Speedboys (2-2) | 26 |
| South Philadelphia Rams (1-3) | 28 |
| District 12 > 09/25/2009 : | |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers (4-0) | 44 |
| Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic Wolverines (1-3) | 6 |
| Communications Technology Phoenix (1-3) | 12 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs (2-2) | 34 |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (2-2) | 28 |
| Cardinal Dougherty Cardinals (2-1) | 7 |
| Delaware Valley Charter Warriors (2-2) | 6 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs (2-2) | 32 |
| Edward Bok Vo-Tech Wildcats (4-0) | 30 |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers (2-1) | 0 |
| George Washington Eagles (3-1) | 41 |
| Overbrook Panthers (0-4) | 10 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave (3-1) | 16 |
| Northeast Vikings (2-2) | 27 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (1-2) | 12 |
| School of the Future (2-2) | 28 |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (0-4) | 13 |
| Oxford Area Hornets (2-2) | 18 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars (2-2) | 20 |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions (4-0) | 39 |
| Neumann-Goretti Saints (1-3) | 34 |
| Prep Charter Huskies (2-2) | 7 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons (1-3) | 0 |
| Glen Mills Battlin Bulls (2-2) | 22 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers (3-0) | 21 |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (1-3) | 20 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers (0-4) | 0 |
| Roxborough Indians (2-2) | 30 |
| District 12 > 09/26/2009 : | |
| Father Judge Crusaders (4-0) | 38 |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders (0-4) | 6 |
| LaSalle Explorers (3-1) | 17 |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks (3-1) | 24 |
| West Catholic Burrs (3-1) | 42 |
| Archbishop Carroll Patriots (1-3) | 7 |
| William Penn Lions (3-1) | 8 |
| Penn Wood Patriots (4-0) | 40 |
Coming into this game the Garnet Valley Jaguars and Penncrest Lions had identical records, 2 wins and 1 loss. The team to win this game knew they would be at least in second place in the Central League standings. This was a huge game for both the Jaguars and Lions, and it certainly was a fight to the end.
The Jaguars opened their season with two wins and last week suffered a tough loss to Conestoga. The past two weeks for Penncrest, they have been on fire. After losing by just three points to Downingtown West (40-37) to open the season, the Lions in just two games have outscored their opponents 80-7 beating Radnor and Marple-Newtown. The Jaguars knew this wasn’t going to be an easy task.
The Jaguars didn’t waste any time and scored first. After a long 32 yard run by junior running back Alex Warden and quarterback senior Mark McHugh getting the football near the goal line, senior running back Kyle Moore finished the scoring drive on a two yard touchdown run to open the game.
To open the second quarter the Jaguars’ seniors continued to show their leadership. On fourth down and four yards to go on the eight yard line, McHugh dropped back and threw an eight yard touchdown pass to senior running back Marcellus Irving; to give the Jaguars a two touchdown lead, 14-0.
After a big “somersault” catch by Matt Bundy from senior quarterback Matt Atkinson, the leader of the Lions in the backfield, fullback Jerry Boyer, fired right back with a touchdown run of his own to cut the Jags lead in half.
McHugh and senior wide receiver Ryan Woods started to connect. Nearing the goal line after two receptions by Woods, again Moore scored his second of the day for a three touchdown lead, 21-7.
Atkinson began to show the Jaguars’ defense he wasn’t afraid to throw the long ball. Atkinson connected deep throwing to Matt Bundy again. Bundy scored on a 54 yard touchdown reception. At the half the Jags were still leading 21-14. The Lions showed they would not go down without a fight.
To open up the second half the Lions took five minutes and eighteen seconds off the clock. On this drive the Lions continued using their running game using Boyer and senior Adam Yee. Just nine yards away from tying the game, again Atkinson threw the football in Matt Bundy’s direction, and he came down with the football for a nine yard touchdown reception and tied the game at 21 points each.
In the middle of the fourth quarter the Jaguars began to hurt themselves. On third down conversions they began to jump offside’s and give Penncrest the yards they needed for first downs. Atkinson, who didn’t rush with the football much, decided to take off for a 64 yard gain all the way down to the goal line. Atkinson stunned the Jaguars’ defense with the long run and Jerry Boyer finished the job. Boyer dove into the end zone for the touchdown and the lead. For the first time of the night the Lions were winning. Penncrest missed the extra point, which later hurt them. The Jaguars were only down 6 points, 27-21 with six minutes left in the game.
With only three minutes to go, the Lions began to control the game and it began to look like they might clinch it. On fourth and one at midfield Atkinson with pressure coming bobbled the ball and tried to hand the football off but was fumbled and sophomore, Kyle Keyser recovered the football. It was Keyser’s biggest play yet as he is only a sophomore. Head coach of Garnet Valley Mike Ricci talked about how tough Penncrest played and said, “Penncrest is a great team, we really worked hard to try and contain their offense. Their offense is great and we were able to do that when we had to.”
With the momentum shifting towards the Jags McHugh went to the air again to his wide receiver, Woods. A short pass to Woods led to a 49 yard touchdown reception after he shook a few defenders off. With that touchdown the Jags tied the game and then with everyone counting on senior kicker Dan Acchione, he came through with the extra point and gave the Jags a one point lead. On that big play Woods said “The play was set up real nice, we got a guy in jet motion, it just cleared out one on one with me and him. Mark put the ball right on the money; the down field blocking was nice too. All I had to do was run down the field and get into the end zone.”
In the past four games Mark McHugh has been easily finding his fellow senior, wide receiver Ryan Woods either deep or short. Woods who didn’t start playing football until eight grade said “Me and McHugh since freshman year we’ve always been me at wide receiver and Mark at quarterback. We’ve always have had a nice mesh going, we have always been working on plays even after practice we continue to work on stuff.”
Penncrest had the opportunity to try to put a winning drive together but the Jaguars’ defense brought pressure. Six foot seven Andrew Weber sacked Atkinson for a six yard loss as the clock continued to run. On a last effort by the Lions the offense couldn’t get the ball moving. The Jaguars came back to win 28-27. Coach Mike Ricci said “The difference between this week and last week; last week we didn’t make any plays this week we did. We had a lot of guys step up and make plays.”
Now that the Jaguars are back on a winning edge (3-1), they play against Springfield-Delco (2-2) at home on October 2 at 7pm. Penncrest (2-2) will travel to Upper Darby (1-3) and also play on October 2 at 7pm.
LaSalle
With starting running back Jamal Abdur-Rahman and wide receiver Sam Feleccia on the sidelines with injuries, LaSalle relied on Quarterback Drew Loughery. Loughery scored two touchdowns in a 16-14 win over West Catholic at Springfield-Montco High School.
Loughery completed 10 of 18 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. Kicker Mike Bennett made a 22-yard field goal in the game.
After a touchdown and two-point conversion by West Catholic with 4:31 to go in the game, Loughery hit Tim Wade for a 35-yard completion. Three plays later he hit Kevin Forster on a third down pass for 12 yards. That extended the drive and gave LaSalle the win.
LaSalle (3-0) travels to St. Joseph’s Prep.
Cardinal O’Hara
Running back Corey Brown’s 222 all-purpose yards helped lead his team over North Catholic 23-6.
Quarterback Ryan Laughlin completed 7 of 13 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Laughlin had a one-yard touchdown run.
Cardinal O’Hara (3-0) hosts Monsignor Bonner.
| District 12 > 09/17/2009 : | |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles (1-2) | 3 |
| Council Rock South Golden Hawks (3-0) | 6 |
| Delaware Valley Charter Warriors (2-1) | 52 |
| Springfield-Montco Spartans (0-2) | 14 |
| Edward Bok Vo-Tech Wildcats (3-0) | 48 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers (0-3) | 16 |
| Furness Falcons (2-1) | 42 |
| FitzSimons Thomas Rams (0-2) | 7 |
| George Washington Eagles (2-1) | 35 |
| Central Bucks East Patriots (0-3) | 14 |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (0-3) | 0 |
| Upper Moreland Golden Bears (2-1) | 6 |
| Overbrook Panthers (0-3) | 12 |
| Archbishop Carroll Patriots (1-2) | 15 |
| District 12 > 09/18/2009 : | |
| Communications Technology Phoenix (1-2) | 6 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs (1-2) | 42 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs (1-2) | 13 |
| Olney Trojans (2-0) | 20 |
| Frankford Pioneers (1-2) | 35 |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters (1-2) | 0 |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers (2-0) | 14 |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons (1-2) | 6 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave (3-0) | 28 |
| Roxborough Indians (1-2) | 6 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars (2-1) | 16 |
| Episcopal Academy Churchmen (2-1) | 2 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers (2-0) | 14 |
| South Philadelphia Rams (0-3) | 0 |
| Roman Catholic Cahillites (1-2) | 27 |
| Souderton Indians (0-3) | 7 |
| Thomas Edison Owls (0-3) | 6 |
| School of the Future (1-2) | 40 |
| West Catholic Burrs (2-1) | 14 |
| LaSalle Explorers (3-0) | 16 |
| William Penn Lions (2-0) | 14 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars (0-3) | 8 |
| District 12 > 09/19/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings (1-2) | 17 |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders (0-3) | 7 |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions (3-0) | 23 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons (1-2) | 6 |
| Father Judge Crusaders (3-0) | 43 |
| Pocono Mountain West Panthers (0-3) | 20 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers (1-1) | 12 |
| Cardinal Dougherty Cardinals (2-0) | 35 |
| Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic Wolverines (1-2) | 6 |
| Academy of the New Church Lions (2-0) | 14 |
| Neumann-Goretti Saints (0-3) | 0 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers (3-0) | 35 |
PHILADELPHIA: Just like NFL teams use preseason games to work on things Cardinal O’Hara head coach Dan Algeo uses non-league games to work on things. With a three-headed monster of a running game, Algeo set out to giving his passing game a workout. When it was all set and done Lions QB Ryan Laughlin would finish the game 8 for 15 passing and season high 128 yards as the Lions roared pass the Falcons of North Catholic 23-6 at Frankford Stadium.
After the Lions defense forced the Falcons to a three and out the Lions would put the first points when Mike Granta nailed his 26 yard field goal attempt giving the Lions the early 3-0 lead.
The Lions would show their quick strike potential as Laughlin placed a beautiful thrown ball right into hands of Adam Dempsey for a 55-yard touchdown on the drive giving the Lions the 10-0 lead heading into the half.
Laughlin would his legs do the work for the third score as he sneaked his way through the Falcon defense from a yard out giving the Lions the 17-0 lead at the end of the third.
One of the staples of the Lions throughout recent history has been dominate defense and on this day the Lions defense continue their dominance with the exception of a 86 yard touchdown pass from Anthony Reid to Dave Sherman. Defensively Matt Williams and Drew Formica led the Lions. “Our goal is shut out every week and try to limit the yards they get each week” is what Williams would said about the Defenses goals
Laughlin would cap the scoring when he connected with Ohio State Bound RB Corey Brown for 23-yard touchdown. Brown would finish the game with 101 yards on 24 carries in addition to 5 catches for 55 yards. When asked about his QBs performance Algeo responded “ Ryan’s getting better, our passing game is better.”
Up next for the Lions (3-0) is a date with their cross-town rivals the Monsignor Bonner Friars (2-1). Kickoff is schedule for Friday night at 7:30 at Widener University. The Falcons will travel to Glen Mills on Friday night
Cardinal O’Hara
Cardinal O’Hara’s ground attack led to the 41-6 win over Germantown.
O’Hara rushed for 418 yards of offense and four players rushed for 69 or more yards.
O’Hara’s defense was just as impressive holding Germantown to two first downs and 49 total yards of offense.
Running back Corey Brown rushed for game high 105 yards on 23 carries.
Ryan Laughlin completed 9 of 13 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
Cardinal O’Hara plays Northeast Catholic next week.
Northeast Catholic
Defense led Northeast Catholic over Archbishop Ryan 17-0. Running back Shawn Wilson rushed for 82 yards on 16 carries and Taishan Tucker rushed for 34 yards on 10 attempts.
The Falcons had 175 yards rushing in the game.
Kicker Kerry Shields hit a 24-yard field goal. Anthony Reid was 5 of 15 for 99 yards passing. Reid had the big play of the game hitting Dave Sherman for a 61-yard touchdown pass.
Northeast Catholic plays Cardinal O’Hara next week.
LaSalle
Junior running back Jamal Abdur-Rahman rushed for 152 yards on 26 carries and a pair of first half touchdowns to spark LaSalle over Malvern Prep 28-7.
LaSalle had 296 yards of total offense in the game.
Quarterback Drew Loughery passed for 120 yards on 10 of 16 passes.
LaSalle plays West Catholic next week.
George Washington
Senior quarterback Aaron Wilmer threw two touchdowns to lead his team to the 36-15 victory over Harry S Truman.
Wilmer passed for 102 yards and rushed for 19 yards and one touchdown.
Senior running back Polycarpe Wilder carried 14 times for 89 yards and one touchdown.
George Washington travels to play Central Bucks East.
| District 12 > 09/11/2009 : | |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters | 6 |
| Roxborough Indians | 0 |
| Archbishop Carroll Patriots | 10 |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles | 14 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers | 27 |
| Cheltenham Panthers | 14 |
| Cardinal Dougherty Cardinals | 0 |
| Springfield-Montco Spartans | 0 |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions | 41 |
| Germantown Bears | 6 |
| Communications Technology Phoenix | 26 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars | 6 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs | 2 |
| Philadelphia Central Lancers | 6 |
| Father Judge Crusaders | 26 |
| Northeast Vikings | 6 |
| Frankford Pioneers | 14 |
| Pennsbury Falcons | 24 |
| Furness Falcons | 12 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers | 0 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave | 40 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs | 8 |
| Jules E. Mastbaum Panthers | 8 |
| Thomas Edison Owls | 0 |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders | 7 |
| North Penn Knights | 28 |
| Nueva Esperenza Charter Toros | 0 |
| Prep Charter Huskies | 1 |
| Roman Catholic Cahillites | 17 |
| St. Augustine Prep (NJ) | 34 |
| West Philadelphia Speedboys | 20 |
| School of the Future | 14 |
| District 12 > 09/12/2009 : | |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders | 0 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons | 17 |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons | 0 |
| Norristown Eagles | 40 |
| Delaware Valley Charter Warriors | 20 |
| Episcopal Academy Churchmen | 27 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars | 7 |
| Interboro Bucaneers | 14 |
| Neumann-Goretti Saints | 0 |
| Wyomissing Area Spartans | 34 |
| District 12 > 09/13/2009 : | |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks | 40 |
| St. Peter’s (NJ) | 28 |
Norristown Uses Big Plays and Tough Defense to Beat Frankford
by Marcus Wright of Varsity 365
Quick Snap: The Norristown Eagles got big performances from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball to get a 40-0 victory over the Franklin Electrons. Norristown was led by Sheldon Mayer (Sr., 5-8 170), who had 173 yards on the ground and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries. The Eagles (2-0) will try to stay undefeated as they face Central Bucks South next week, and Franklin (1-1) will try to get back on track against Imhotep.
Highlights
Photos
Stars of the Show
Four Downs:
1st Down: Sheldon Mayer had a great game, and wow is he a speedy back. Franklin was unable to contain him in this game, as he averaged over 9 yards a carry. He had touchdown runs of 6 and 41 yards. Kudos to his offensive line for paving the way, and kudos to those quick legs of his for making him hard to catch!
2nd Down: Norristown’s defense was all over Franklin in this one. The Electrons ran a lot of running plays and had a tough time getting past the initial wave of Norristown defenders. The Electrons ran a lot of plays to the outside (runs, swing passes), and Norristown was just too fast, not allowing Franklin players to beat them to the corners.
3rd Down: A few other Norristown players got in on the big play action; running back Tracey Pressley (Jr., 5-11 175) had a 78 yard rushing touchdown in the 3rd quarter, tight end Evan Battalio (Sr. 6-2 250) had a 62 yard touchdown catch, and running back Derrick Williams (Sr., 6-0 170) capped off the scoring with a 55 yard touchdown run.
4th Down: Franklin was down the entire game, but they never seemed to quit. They kept fighting and kept playing hard, and that’s a testament to the coaching staff. Norristown just played better and capitalized on Franklin’s defensive break downs. However, playing in this tough game should help Franklin as they move forward in their season.
Xtra Points: It rained a tiny bit during the game, but not enough to affect anything; the main concern was how the athletes would handle the wet field (from all of the rain on Friday). Although a few players lost their footing throughout the game, the field ended up not being a major problem…
Out of Bounds: The fans who attended this game at Roosevelt Field were great… and the food was good too; any time you can get cheeseburgers at a high school game is a good time…
West Catholic
Brandon Hollomon and Jarred Evans combined for 171 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Hollomon scored on runs of 24 and 26 yards on his way to a 96-yard rushing night. But it was Evan’s late touchdown run in the third quarter that gave West Catholic the 21-10 victory over Roman Catholic.
West Catholic plays William Penn Charter.
Cardinal O’Hara
Senior running back Corey Brown was one of three Cardinal O’Hara players to rush for more than 100 yards as the Lions won over Archbishop Wood 35-14.
Brown rushed for 164 yards on 16 carries for three touchdowns. Adam Dempsey rushed for 109 yards and Dan O’Hara rushed for 102 yards.
Cardinal O’Hara plays Germantown next.
St. Joseph’s Prep
St. Joseph’s Prep rallied from 12 points down in the fourth quarter, Prep to win a thriller over McKeesport 27-26.
They were down 26-14 when sophomore quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg hit Bob D’Orazio with a 35-yard touchdown pass. Then with a minute and 53 seconds remaining Mornhinweg hit Desmon Peoples on a 38-yard TD pass for the go ahead score.
Prep won 27-26. Prep travels to Rutgers University to play St. Peter’s.
Week 1 Scores
| District 12 > 09/04/2009 : | |
| Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters | 7 |
| Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech Mustangs | 12 |
| Archbishop Carroll Patriots | 27 |
| Radnor Red Raiders | 42 |
| Archbishop Ryan Raiders | 0 |
| Marple-Newtown Tigers | 31 |
| Bishop McDevitt Lancers | 23 |
| Lower Moreland Lions | 6 |
| Communications Technology Phoenix | 20 |
| William Penn Lions | 42 |
| Conwell Egan Catholic Eagles | 3 |
| Pennsbury Falcons | 34 |
| Delaware Valley Charter Warriors | 58 |
| Martin Luther King Golden Cougars | 0 |
| Germantown Bears | 0 |
| Emmaus Hornets | 47 |
| Lansdale Catholic Crusaders | 20 |
| Downingtown East Cougars | 35 |
| LaSalle Explorers | 56 |
| Plymouth-Whitemarsh Colonials | 0 |
| Monsignor Bonner Friars | 42 |
| Upper Darby Royals | 12 |
| Northeast Vikings | 24 |
| Norristown Eagles | 32 |
| Nueva Esperenza Charter Toros | 0 |
| Morrisville Bulldogs | 35 |
| Roxborough Indians | 48 |
| Thomas Edison Owls | 12 |
| Samuel S. Fels Panthers | 6 |
| Benjamin Franklin Electrons | 42 |
| School of the Future | 6 |
| John Bartram Maroon Wave | 14 |
| South Philadelphia Rams | 0 |
| Edward Bok Vo-Tech Wildcats | 36 |
| District 12 > 09/05/2009 : | |
| Cardinal Dougherty Cardinals | 6 |
| Neumann-Goretti Saints | 0 |
| Cardinal O’Hara Lions | 35 |
| Archbishop Wood Vikings | 14 |
| Imhotep Charter School Panthers | 26 |
| Prep Charter Huskies | 6 |
| Northeast Catholic Falcons | 13 |
| Chestnut Hill Academy Blue Devils | 21 |
| Saint Joseph’s Prep Hawks | 27 |
| McKeesport Area Tigers | 26 |
| Simon Gratz Bulldogs | 20 |
| St. Pius X Winged Lions | 21 |
| West Catholic Burrs | 21 |
| Roman Catholic Cahillites | 18 |
Last year the Garnet Valley Jaguars went undefeated in the regular season and were crowned Central League champions. It was also the Jaguars first year in class AAAA, moving up from AAA. In the playoffs, Garnet Valley won their first two games and lost to Neshaminy in the District I semifinal. The Jaguars finished the year with a record of 12-1. This year the Jaguars are back, hoping to repeat what they accomplished in the regular season and more.
As for the Unionville Indians last year was an average season in the Ches-Mont League. The Indians finished the year winning six games out of ten and did not make the playoffs. They did end the regular season winning four games out of their last six. This year the Indians’ senior running back Greg Carroll looks to carry the Indians to another winning season and playoffs beyond.
To open up the 2009 football season these two teams played at Unionville. Garnet Valley and Unionville have really become a big rivalry. The Jaguars and Indians have played each other several times in the past years, both in the regular season and playoffs. Head coach of Unionville Pat Clark said, “It’s a huge neighborhood rivalry. It goes back to the Southern Chester County League when we played Garnet Valley and we were competing for the league championship. It’s a great rivalry, so we know it is going to be a good football game.”
With a full house at Unionville and both student sections filled with excited fans, the Jaguars and Indians were ready to kick off the 2009 season. Garnet Valley’s defense was stellar early on in the game. On Unionville’s first possession on third and six Unionville’s quarterback, Connor Gades, was sacked by Jaguars’ Eric Warden. On their second series, Unionville couldn’t get a pass off and gave the Jaguars the ball after a turnover on downs.
After a couple of long gains by senior running back Marcellus Irving, the Jaguars were primed for a touchdown. The Jaguars fumbled, but recovered the ball and had to settle for a 25 yard field goal by senior Dan Acchione. Jags took a 3-0 lead into the second quarter.
In the second quarter the Jaguars’ offense took advantage of a fumble recovery by Eric Warden. Senior quarterback Mark McHugh dropped back and found a wide open receiver, Justin Pyle, for a 23 yard touchdown reception. With the extra point blocked the score was 9-0 going into halftime.
The second half started in Unionville’s favor. Mason Popham ran the kickoff back for a 90 yard touchdown, which cut the Jaguars lead to only two points, 9-7.
After Unionville’s starting quarterback Connor Gades was injured, senior Greg Carroll took over. The Indians continued to threaten to score again and once near the goal line Greg Carroll handed the ball off to Brittingham for a three yard touchdown run. That score gave the Indians a 14 to 9 lead after Grimes kicked the extra point.
Unionville started controlling the game, rushing for first downs one after another. They seemed to have all the momentum. Then after a big sack by Jeremy Irving the Indians had to punt. The Jaguars started on their own four yard line, and with only just over five minutes to go the seniors showed their experience.
Mark McHugh started converting on third downs by throwing to Ryan Woods, along with Marcellus Irving rushing the ball. The Jaguars got as close as the 13 yard line and now it was fourth and six. With the full moon shining on the field and everyone holding their breath McHugh took the snap, looked right to left, and rolled out to the right side just nearing the sideline. He threw the ball into the right corner of the end zone and found Marcellus Irving for the score the Jaguars needed. The touchdown gave the Jaguars a 15-14 win!
It was a long 5:22, 96 yard drive for the Jaguars’ offense and for Mark McHugh who couldn’t have started the season better. McHugh said, “I dropped back, looked around and saw no one was open so I bailed right. I was running and I threw it to Irving for the touchdown when I noticed his man came up. The offensive line did a great job on that play; they added so much protection I was just sitting back there forever.”
Head coach of Garnet Valley Mike Ricci talked about the winning drive, “That last drive was huge! One of the things I think we have an advantage of over a lot of teams is our ability to play guys both ways. Our conditioning comes into play and enables us to make some big plays down there at the end.”
Next week Garnet Valley stays on the road and travels to play Haverford, while the Indians travel to Phoenixville.
AJ Jones, Senior WR/DB, Haverford School – Jones, a 6’2 athlete, was a two-way player for the Fords, and he led the team in multiple categories. He caught 24 passes for 313 yards, both team bests. He added four receiving touchdowns to go along with 13.1 yards per reception. Defensively, Jones intercepted four passes, returning two for touchdowns. He led the Fords in interceptions.
Akmed Greene, Senior RB, Roxborough – Talk about making the most of your first year as a varsity running back – Greene wasted no time. In his first ever varsity football game, he broke the school record for rushing yardage. When the dust settles, Greene finished the season with 252 carries for 1,540 yards and eight touchdowns, as well as 19 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown. The 1,540 rush yards was one of the highest totals in the Public League last year. He averaged 128.3 yards per game, surpassing 100 yards in a game seven times.
Aaron Regan, Senior RB, Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic – The 2008 season was a struggle for Kennedy-Kenrick, as the team posted a 3-6 record. Regan did his best to help the Wolverines along, chalking up 96 carries for 467 yards and two touchdowns. Regan’s best game came against Academy of the New Church – he posted 17 carries, 188 yards, and a touchdown. Had Regan kept that average going for a nine game season, he would have run for 1,692 yards.
Aaron Wilmer, Senior QB, George Washington – Wilmer began the season with an 8-of-10, 141-yard, three-touchdown performance against Bensalem, and he didn’t slow down. All told, the District 12 champion quarterback threw for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns, completing 83-of-161 passes. He threw for 100 yards or more five times last season.
Andre Frazier, Junior QB, Bok Vo-Tech – Frazier didn’t begin the year as Bok’s starting quarterback. That title belonged to Al-Hajj Shabazz. But when Shabazz transferred to Bartram, that opened the door for the sophomore. Frazier completed 32-of-64 passes for 467 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He also carried the ball 38 times for 55 yards and five touchdowns. All told, he finished the year with over 530 yards of offense and 14 total touchdowns.
Antonio Murrell, Senior QB, Roxborough – Murrell had a solid junior season, by Public League standards. The league is known for being reliant more on the run than the pass, but the Roxborough field general was efficient. Murrell went 51-of-147 for 807 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 67.3 passing yards per game last year. Murrell’s best game came against William Penn – he went 10-of-16 for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Ben Speller, Senior DB, Abraham Lincoln – Speller played a big role defensively last season, leading Lincoln in interceptions with five. He also returned one of the picks for a touchdown. Speller was part of a Lincoln defensive unit that held six opponents to eight points or less.
Brad Wilson, Junior WR, Delaware Valley Charter – Wilson finished the season as the leading receiver for Del Val, hauling in 14 passes for 323 yards and an impressive seven touchdowns. He averaged 23.1 yards per reception and caught a touchdown every second reception. Also, it is impressive to note that Del Val only completed 41 passes last season – Wilson accounted for 34.1 percent of the team’s receptions. He had three catches for 121 yards against Episcopal Academy.
Braheem Ford, Senior DB, Roxborough – Ford was a two-way player for Roxborough last year, doubling as a wide receiver and a defensive back. Offensively, Ford caught 11 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 23.1 yards per reception. Defensively, he led the team with five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
Bryant Moritz, Senior FB/LB, Archbishop Carroll – After a 10-3 season in 2007, Carroll limped to a 4-8 finish last year. Moritz, one of the factors in the Carroll Wing-T offense, finished second on the team in rushing. He had 140 carries for 546 yards and scored two touchdowns. His best game came against Cardinal Dougherty – 12 carries for 95 yards. Moritz averaged 3.9 yards per carry and just under 46 yards rushing per game.
Christopher Lewis, Junior QB, Imhotep Charter – Lewis played as part of a two-quarterback rotation last season for Imhotep. He put up the better numbers of the duo (the other QB was Leland Smith), throwing for 643 yards and seven touchdowns despite only completing 47 percent of his passes. He threw for 100 yards or more three times, only playing in six games. He finished the season with a 4-of-5, 169-yard, two touchdown performance against Edison.
Connor Hoffman, Senior WR, LaSalle College – Hoffman finished as LaSalle’s second-leading receiver last season, as he hauled in 37 passes for 515 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 13.9 yards per reception last year. Hoffman twice went over 100 receiving yards in a game – his best game came in the second week of the season against Malvern Prep – he had nine catches for 108 yards and two scores.
Corey Brown, Senior RB, Cardinal O’Hara – Brown began the 2008 season scorching hot – but a knee injury prevented him from doing further damage. He only played in five games, but his numbers were impressive – 68 rushes for 662 yards, 13 receptions for 154 yards, and 13 total touchdowns scored. Before his injury, Brown was on pace to accumulate 1,795 all-purpose yards and score 29 touchdowns. A major Division-1 prospect, Brown is the highest-rated PA recruit by Rivals.com, at #69.
Curtis Wortham, Senior RB, Father Judge – Despite getting off to a slow start in Judge’s first two games of the season, Wortham picked up the pace and finished very strong. He racked up 254 carries for 1,562 yards and 19 touchdowns. Wortham averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 120.2 rushing yards per game. He surpassed 100 yards rushing in a game eight times last season, including a school-record 294 yards in a playoff game against Cardinal O’Hara.
Dan Grimes, Senior C, Archbishop Wood – Grimes is the lone returning offensive lineman from the Vikings’ PIAA runner-up team from a year ago. He helped pave the way for three rushers that eclipsed 450 rushing yards and a 1,300-yard passer at quarterback. Wood’s offense topped 30 points nine times last season, scoring a school-record 483 points in the process. Wood’s offense averaged 335 yards per game.
Danny Gallagher, Junior QB, Chesnut Hill Academy – Gallagher didn’t have to throw much last season with a steady running back in Ibraheim Campbell behind him, but the sophomore field general was efficient. He completed 44 percent of his passed for 830 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 63 rushing yards on 47 keepers. Gallagher’s best game came against Lawrenceville, NJ. He finished the contest 7-of-9 for 160 yards and a touchdown. He also went 6-of-6 for 138 yards against Episcopal Academy.
Dante Dickens, Senior LB, West Catholic – Dickens put up solid numbers last season, and is one of the top returning defenders on the ’09 West Catholic team. He finished the season with 86 tackles (60 solo) to go along with two sacks, an interception (which he returned for a touchdown) and eight passes defended. Dickens was part of a West Catholic defense that allowed an average of 13.9 points per game.
David Martina, Senior WR, William Penn Charter – He returns to the Penn Charter offense after catching 20 passes for 270 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season. Martina averaged 13.5 yards per reception, and had two impressive games – a six-catch, 83-yard performance against McDevitt and a five-catch, 98-yard performance against Episcopal Academy.
David Williams, Senior LB, North Catholic – He led the Falcons in tackles with 76, adding a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. He averaged just under seven tackles per game.
Dennis Regan, Junior ATH, Roman Catholic – Regan was a multi-faceted athlete for a very young Cahillite team. He ran for 53 yards on 19 carries, caught 17 passes for 223 yards, and intercepted two passes. He scored two touchdowns – both were receiving. Expect his production to increase drastically in 2009 with the graduation of feature back Kasseim Everett.
Devonne Boler, Senior QB, Philadelphia Central – Boler and the ’08 Central team made history when it played in a playoff game with a winless record – the first team in state history to do that. #12, named a team captain as a junior, threw for 977 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 172 rushing yards and five additional touchdowns. Boler is also a presence defensively, having picked off six passes in the last two seasons. He’ll look to snap Central’s 16-game losing streak this coming season.
Drew Loughery, Senior QB, LaSalle College – Add Loughery to the long line of LaSalle quarterbacks that can chuck the ball around the yard. After seeing limited action as a sophomore, he exploded, completing 165-of-289 passes for 2,628 yards and 25 touchdowns. He threw a touchdown pass in 11 of LaSalle’s 12 games, surpassed 200 passing yards in a game six times, and twice surpassed 310 yards passing. A Division-1 prospect, Loughery has the potential to hit 5,000 career passing yards.
Drew Sigfried, Senior ATH, Bishop McDevitt – Sigfried did a little bit of everything for Bishop McDevitt, which is not to be confused with a school from Harrisburg that hails by the same name. He ran for 146 yards, added another 167 receiving yards, and intercepted three passes. He scored three total touchdowns and earned an All-Catholic League nomination.
Dylan Moody, Senior RB/DB, William Penn Charter – Moody was a multi-purpose athlete for Penn Charter as a junior. He played as a running back, wide receiver, and defensive back. Moody finished second on the team in rushing yardage, totaling 389 yards on 83 carries. He added four catches for 43 yards, and intercepted a pass on defense. Moody averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 10.75 yards per reception.
Eric Petransky, Senior RB, Monsignor Bonner – Petransky finished 2008 as the team leader in rushing yardage. He finished the season with 177 carries for 809 yards and five touchdowns. Petransky surpassed 100 yards rushing in a game four times last season, including a 170-yard effort against Episcopal Academy and a 129-yard outburst against Archbishop Ryan.
Eugene Byrd, Senior RB, North Catholic – Byrd was a part of a North Catholic offense that won six of its first seven games and averaged 18.5 points per game. He finished the season with 252 carries for 1,095 yards and 14 touchdowns. Byrd surpassed 100 rushing yards in a game five times, including a season-high 177 yards and three scores against Pennridge.
Garrett Compton, Senior RB, St. Joseph’s Prep – This Hawk finished second on the team in rushing yardage last season, trailing only outgoing senior Mike Yeager. Compton ran for 830 yards and nine touchdowns on 137 carries. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry, and had four games in which he surpassed 100 yards rushing.
Ibraheim Campbell, Senior RB/DB, Chesnut Hill Academy – Playing offense or defense, Campbell was a standout. He ran for 1,772 yards and 22 touchdowns, and added two interceptions on defense. A Division-1 prospect, Campbell projects as a defensive back at the next level. Only three of Chesnut Hill’s 11 opponents held Campbell below 100 yards rushing in a game.
Jake Zuzek, Senior C, West Catholic – Zuzek is one of the largest returning centers in the state. His 6’2, 290-pound frame will be needed to help solidify the Burrs’ line in the coming season. Zuzek helped pave the way for three 1,000-yard rushers and a 1,300-yard passing quarterback last year during the Burrs’ record-setting 775-point, PIAA runner-up outburst. West racked up nearly 7,300 yards of offense, averaging over 456 yards and 49 points per game.
Jamal Abdur-Rahman, Junior ATH, LaSalle College – Abdur-Rahman arguably had one of the best sophomore seasons in all of the Catholic League last season. He was a dual-threat running back, racking up both the rushing and receiving yards. Abdur-Rahman ran for 1,009 yards on 148 carries and hauled in 25 passes for 449 yards. In all, he scored 23 total touchdowns. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry and nearly 18 yards per reception.
James Fowler, Senior TE, George Washington – He didn’t top 65 receiving yards in any game last year, but Fowler still put up solid numbers , hauling in 25 passes for 325 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 13 yards per catch. Defensively, he intercepted a pass and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Jaron Turner, Junior WR, Olney – Turner had a successful sophomore season for Olney, even though he only got 15 touches on offense – four carries and 11 receptions. But he did a lot with a little – totaling 427 all-purpose yards (362 receiving) and scoring nine touchdowns (one rushing, six receiving, and two kickoff returns). He averaged nearly 33 yards per reception and 16.3 yards per carry.
Jeremiah Mitchell, Senior TE, Delaware Valley Charter – Mitchell didn’t catch many passes, but when he did, he made a significant impact. His 10 receptions for 231 yards and four touchdowns, an average of 23.1 yards per catch – was second on the team in all three categories. His best game came in the season opener against King – he had two catches for 92 yards.
Jim Lynch, Junior TE, West Catholic – The passing game wasn’t a big factor last season for West Catholic – the Burrs steamrolled for over 5,900 rushing yards. Lynch only caught four passes for 52 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. He’s a 6’3, 205-pound target that averaged 18 yards per reception last year.
Joe Clayborne, Junior TE, George Washington – Clayborne had an interesting 2008 season. It began with a four-catch, 115-yard performance for University City, and then he spent the rest of the season playing for Washington. Between the two schools, Clayborne caught 16 passes for 416 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 26 yards per reception.
Joe McCausland, Senior QB, Abraham Lincoln – McCausland had an efficient junior season for Lincoln, completing 63-of-138 passes for 824 yards and nine touchdowns. By far, his best game of the season came against West Philadelphia. In that game, McCausland went 12-of-15 for 173 yards and two scores. He also had a game against William Penn in which he went 4-of-5 for 99 yards and three scores.
John Counts, Junior RB, Fels – Counts didn’t play in the first two games of the year for Fels, but he did play in the final nine games of the year. He finished as the team’s leading rusher, toting the rock 124 times for 619 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged nearly five yards per carry and 69 rushing yards per game. His best game came against Edison – 23 carries, 200 yards, and two touchdowns.
John Loughery, Junior QB, William Penn Charter – Loughery put up quality numbers in his sophomore season. In fact, most of his passing yardage came in a five-week stretch. He completed 88-of-189 passes for 999 yards and six touchdowns. In a five-week stretch that began with Valley Forge and ended with Malvern Prep, Loughery completed 58 passes for 754 yards and all six of his touchdowns. Loughery replaced senior John Ryan in Week 3 as a full-time starting quarterback. Ryan finished with 181 yards passing in just two games.
John Ruppert, Senior DT, West Catholic – Ruppert had a successful junior season on the defensive side of the ball for West Catholic last year, posting 51 tackles (18 for loss) along with 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He finished with the second-highest sack total on the team and averaged just over three tackles and one tackle for loss per game.
Jon McAllister, Junior TE, Chesnut Hill Academy – This 6’0, 190-pounder had a terrific sophomore season in a predominately running-oriented offense. He never topped three receptions in any game, but McAllister hauled in 21 passes for 441 yards and four touchdowns. He had three catches for 98 yards against Haverford School, and three catches for 84 yards against Episcopal Academy. He averaged 21 yards per reception.
Joseph Montouth, Senior RB, Martin Luther King – Montouth, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2007, struggled in 2008, just as King struggled to a 2-10 finish. He ran for 448 yards and scored four touchdowns. Montouth surpassed 100 rushing yards in a game twice last year.
Joshua Bangura, Senior TE/LB, Dobbins-Randolph Vo-Tech – Bangura made a limited impact offensively last season. Dobbins Tech didn’t throw the ball much – just 52 total times the entire season, and only 21 completions. Bangura hauled in five passes for 71 yards, but made a bigger impact defensively, where he intercepted a team-best five passes, returning one for a touchdown.
Julian Huggins, Senior WR, North Catholic – Huggins is the top returning receiver in the Falcon aerial attack, but he won’t have the luxury of catching passes from outgoing quarterback Dennis Logue next season. Huggins caught 16 passes for 299 yards last year, averaging 18.7 yards per reception. He did not score a touchdown. Huggins’ best game of the season came against Penn Charter – he caught three passes for 69 yards in the Falcons’ 28-14 victory over Pennridge.
Karon James, Senior WB, Dobbins-Randolph Vo-Tech – James was one of four running backs to surpass 300 yards rushing for the Mustangs, which finished 8-4 and played for the Philadelphia City “AAA” championship against Archbishop Wood. James racked up 125 carries for 770 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry and topped the 100-yard rushing mark in three games.
Keenan Clark, Senior RB, Overbrook – Clark was both a running and pass-catching threat for Overbrook last season. He led the team in rushing yardage, tallying 585 yards on 77 carries. Clark also caught 6 passes for 186 yards. He averaged 7.6 yards per carry and 31 yards per reception. Clark scored eight touchdowns – seven were rushing. He didn’t surpass 100 yards rushing in any game last year, as he was part of an Overbrook offense that featured three running backs that each topped 400 rushing yards.
Kendrick Lewis, Senior WR, Imhotep Charter – Lewis had a successful junior season as a receiver despite playing in a two-quarterback rotation. In an offense that saw 11 different receivers catch passes last year, Lewis was the #2 target, hauling in 13 passes for 334 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 25.7 yards per reception. He was also a factor on defense and special teams, intercepting two passes and returning a kickoff for a touchdown.
Kessan Christopher, Senior RB, George Washington – Christopher finished the season as Washington’s second-leading rusher. He toted the rock 89 times for 453 yards and five touchdowns. He was also a receiving threat – hauling in 12 passes for 56 yards and three additional touchdowns.
Kevin Regan, Senior QB, Roman Catholic – The junior field general had a successful first season under center for the purple and gold. He completed 54-of-148 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. His best game of the season came in a 48-0 shutout of Roxborough. He completed 7-of-10 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Regan also intercepted a pair of passes on defense.
Lamont Jackson, Junior RB, Germantown Academy – Jackson led the team in rushing yardage last season, finishing with 654 rushing yards on 172 carries. He scored six rushing touchdowns and added another receiving. He surpassed 100 yards rushing in a game twice – including a season-best 145 yards on 17 carries against Malvern Prep.
Leland Smith, Senior QB, Imhotep Charter – Smith was the second half of Imhotep’s two-quarterback rotation last season. In fact, he began the season as the starter, and got off to a fast start, completing nine passes for over 200 yards and two scores. But after Week 2, Smith didn’t throw a touchdown pass. He finished the season with 507 passing yards and the pair of touchdowns. He had 198 total yards of offense against Furness (150 passing), arguably his best game of the year.
Malik Stokes, Senior QB, Philadelphia Northeast – He might be one of the highest-profile pro-style quarterbacks that has come out of the Public League in some time. Stokes surpassed 1,000 yards passing for the second straight year, throwing for a league-best 1,379 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s a Division-1 prospect who has thrown for 2,635 career yards. No Public League quarterback has ever thrown for 4,000 or more yards in his career.
Mark Tiberi, Senior K, Malvern Prep – Tiberi, a 6’3, 200-pounder, was part of one of the Friars’ best teams ever, one which went 10-0 and scored an average of 42.4 points per game. He connected on 42 extra points, accounting for one tenth of Malvern’s scoring.
Markeese Walker, Junior RB, Delaware Valley Charter – He was Del Val’s feature tailback as a sophomore, and he put up respectable numbers in the role. 153 carries for 800 yards and eight touchdowns later, Walker returns for his junior season after averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 66.7 rushing yards per game. He surpassed 100 rushing yards in a game three times last year.
Marquise White, Senior RB, Benjamin Franklin – White only played in eight of the Electrons’ 12 games last season, and when he was on the field, he was (pardon the pun) white hot. He ran for a team-best 773 yards, topping 100 yards in a game three times and 150 yards twice. He averaged 96.6 rushing yards per game, and was on pace for 1,159 yards if he had played a full season. He scored 11 total touchdowns – seven rushing, one receiving, and three on defensive fumble returns, scoring a team-best 78 points.
Matt Conroy, Junior RB, Bishop McDevitt – Conroy had one of the better seasons for McDevitt, statistically speaking. He ran for 394 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 72 receiving yards on five catches. He ran for 135 yards in McDevitt’s season-opener against Lower Moreland, and 108 yards against Kennedy-Kenrick.
Matt Massello, Junior DL, Archbishop Wood – Massello is listed on Rivals.com as a player to watch for the Class of 2011. He was a part of an Archbishop Wood defense that held 11 of 15 opponents to seven points or less.
Michael Adens, Senior QB, University City – Adens had a very successful season, statistically speaking, finishing second in all of the Public League in passing yardage. He trailed Malik Stokes, a D-1 prospect, by a solid 40 yards. Adens completed 85-of-228 passes for 1,338 yards and 14 touchdowns. He threw for 100 yards or more seven times, and twice surpassed 200 yards passing. Adens averaged 121.6 passing yards per game in ’08.
Michael Brown, Senior RB, William Penn Charter – Brown finished the season as Penn Charter’s leading rusher – he totaled 137 carries for 593 yards and scored five touchdowns. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and intercepted three passes on defense. Brown only surpassed 100 yards rushing in a game once – it came in the form of a 168-yard effort against McDevitt.
Mick Foley, Senior WR, William Penn Charter – In terms of receiving yardage, Foley was #1. He led the team with 373 receiving yards on just 18 catches, an average of 20.7 yards per reception. He scored two touchdowns. Foley’s best statistical game came against Valley Forge – he caught three passes for 81 yards.
Mike Bennett, Senior PK, LaSalle College – Bennett is one of the top returning kickers in the Catholic League. He converted 48 extra points and kicked eight field goals last season. He scored 72 of LaSalle’s 376 points, or 19.1 percent, of the Explorers’ season output.
Montrell Stewart, Junior QB, Simon Gratz – Stewart did not play in the first game of the season, but he came on the scene and threw for 800 yards and eight touchdowns. He surpassed 100 yards passing in three games, throwing for a season-high 164 yards against Mastbaum.
Nate Smith, Sophomore CB, George Washington – Smith made an impact for Washington last season, as a freshman. Remember, 2008 was the year of the “youth movement” – many freshmen made significant impacts. Smith caught six passes for 94 yards, averaging 15.7 yards per reception. Defensively, he tied for the team lead in interceptions with four, returning one for a touchdown.
Neil Warren, Senior RB, Delaware Valley Charter – Warren only played in the first nine of Del Val’s 12 games last year, but he was off to a torrid start. He had 96 carries for 630 yards and five touchdowns, along with six two-point conversion runs. He had four games in which he ran for more than 100 yards – they came in a five week span. Warren averaged 6.6 yards per carry, and 70 yards rushing per game.
Omar Black, Senior ATH, Abraham Lincoln – Black was a very active part of Lincoln’s 7-5 season last year. He ran for 145 yards, added 297 receiving yards, intercepted three passes, and scored nine touchdowns a total of four different ways (rushing, receiving, kickoff return, INT return). Black averaged just over 3 yards per carry and 16.5 yards per reception. He’s one of the top returning multi-purpose athletes in the Public League this coming season.
Pat Kwiatkowski, Senior WR, Archbishop Ryan – It was a tough season for Ryan – one that ended with a zero in the wins column. Kwiatkowski, though, put up some nice numbers in ’08. He caught 16 passes for a team-best 342 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 21.4 yards per reception, and had a three-catch, 65-yard performance against Conwell-Egan.
Quran Kent, Junior WR, West Catholic – Kent finished as the Burrs’ second-leading receiver last season, hauling in 11 passes for 240 yards. He didn’t score a touchdown as a receiver, but did return a punt for six points. Kent averaged 21.8 yards per reception, and had two games in which he posted a single catch that went for 50+ yards.
Ramadan Abdullah, Senior QB, Germantown – It’s not every day that a Public League quarterback throws for over 1,000 yards in a season. Abdullah did just that in 2008. He completed 70-of-153 passes for 1,006 yards and nine touchdowns. He surpassed 100 yards passing five times last season, including the final two games of the year, in which he threw for 296 yards and a trio of scores. Abdullah was the catalyst for a Germantown passing attack that featured four receivers the each had at least 10 catches.
Rashan Walker, Senior WR/DB, Delaware Valley Charter – A two-way player for Del Val, Walker didn’t get many touches on the offensive side of the ball, but he was a lethal weapon. He only caught five passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns, but those numbers came in just three games. Had he kept that average going for 12 games, Walker would have caught 20 passes for 848 yards and eight scores. Walker, who averaged 42.4 yards per reception, also intercepted three passes on defense, and returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
Ray Manuel, Senior DB, West Catholic – Manuel is one of the top returning defensive backs among the Catholic League small schools after posting 50 tackles and picking off four passes. He finished in a tie for second in interceptions, and added four tackles for loss.
Rolando Ransom, Sophomore RB, Communications Tech – The Phoenix brought the Public League a little recognition when they stunned two District 1 “A” teams in Bristol and Jenkintown. Ransom completed his freshman season with some pretty nice numbers – 135 carries for 637 yards and seven touchdowns. He only broke 100 yards rushing in a game once, but it was a memorable one. His 173 yards against Prep Charter were part of a 479-yard effort on the ground in a convincing 34-14 victory.
Ryan Bond, Senior WR/DB, Conwell-Egan Catholic – His name is Bond. Ryan Bond. Don’t forget about “Double-O 34.” Enough super-sleuth references, but Bond did make his share of plays last season. He led C-E in receiving yards, with 552 on 22 catches and six touchdowns. Bond averaged 25.1 yards per reception, and had three games with four catches. He also tied for the team lead in interceptions, with four, returning one for a touchdown.
Ryan Shea, Junior RB/CB, Archbishop Carroll – Shea finished a successful sophomore campaign for Carroll despite the Patriots having one of their worst seasons in recent memory. Shea toted the rock 88 times for 458 yards, and led Carroll in rushing touchdowns with seven. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry and a touchdown every 12th attempt. His best game came against Cardinal Dougherty – he had eight carries for 103 yards and two scores. He also had a 10-carry, 92-yard, one-score game versus North Catholic.
Sam Feleccia, Senior WR, LaSalle College – Feleccia was the go-to guy in LaSalle’s spread-out passing attack. The Division-1 prospect hauled in 51 passes for 971 yards and scored eight touchdowns. The 6’3, 210-pounder had four games with six or more receptions, and twice went over 100 yards receiving. His best game was a seven-catch, 110-yard, one touchdown day against West Catholic in a narrow 27-26 victory.
Scott Adkins, Senior DB, Archbishop Wood – Adkins is a relative of St. Joe’s Prep behemoth Mark Arcidiacono, and while there’s quite a differential in size, both are proven, athletic players. Adkins led the Viking defense with a team-best eight interceptions, and week in and week out, he shut down notable receiver after notable receiver. He keyed a defensive effort in the Eastern Finals that held a potent Selinsgrove passing attack (over 2,100 yards entering the game) to just 61 yards. Adkins, at 5’8, only allowed one successful fade pattern all season long – to Thomas Jefferson’s 6’5 tight end Brock DeCicco.
Seth Betancourt, Senior OL, St. Joseph’s Prep – Betancourt is one of the top Catholic League offensive linemen, and is being sought by numerous Division-1 colleges. He helped pave the way for two 800-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard passing quarterback. Betancourt was part of an offensive line that blocked for an offense that averaged 361 yards and 28 points per game.
Shaquille Gaskins, Senior ATH, Southern – Gaskins might be the best returning athlete on the entire Southern team. He was like a Visa card – everywhere. Gaskins ran for 272 yards, threw for 307 yards, added five catches for 109 yards, and led the team in interceptions, with four. He ran for five touchdowns, threw for three more, and added one receiving. He finished second on the team in scoring, with 40 points. Gaskins’ best game came against Mastbaum – he ran for 133 yards and threw for 118 more.
Sharif Smith, Sophomore RB, Furness – Smith wears #1, and he’s got the potential to be one of the better career running backs in the Public League, if he keeps the pace of his freshman year going. He led the team in rushing yardage – 930 yards and six touchdowns on 195 carries, to be exact. Smith averaged 4.8 yards per carry, and surpassed 100 yards rushing in a game four times. He had a 24-carry, 240-yard, four touchdown performance against Prep Charter, a 40-0 Furness victory.
Sharrif Floyd, Senior DT, George Washington – Floyd is one hulking defensive lineman. He checks in at 297 pounds, and will arguably be one of the top defensive linemen in the state in ’09. He’s ranked among the Top-100 Division-1 recruits in the Class of 2010 by Rivals.com, in the high 80s, to be exact. Floyd is the owner of numerous Division-1 offers, and, purely speculating, might be one of the selections for the 2010 Big-33 Football Classic.
Skyler Mornhinweg, Sophomore DB, St. Joseph’s Prep – Remember the aforementioned “youth movement?” Mornhinweg was a part of it. He led the Hawks with four interceptions on defense. As a freshman, Mornhinweg checked in at an impressive 6’2, 176 pounds. A potential D-1 prospect in a few years? Probably.
Stephan Singleton, Senior DB, North Catholic – Singleton will be the best-returning defensive back for North Catholic after he recorded 16 tackles and intercepted a team-best four passes.
Steve Jones, Senior TE, LaSalle College – In terms of size, Jones has plenty of it. In terms of numbers, he’s the fourth-leading receiver returning to the Explorers’ fold in 2009. Seldom used in the passing game, Jones hauled in 11 passes for 212 yards. He averaged 19.3 yards per catch, but did not score a touchdown. The big reason he makes this list is for his size – 6’4, 210 pounds. Maybe, with that size, Jones will see an increase in passes thrown his way in the upcoming season.
Tariq “Pop Tart” Gordon, Senior RB, University City – Pop Tarts are good for breakfast. Random, yes, but this “Pop Tart” was pretty good on the football field. Gordon finished the season with 154 carries for 1,122 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding 19 catches for 233 yards and a touchdown as a receiver. He only played in nine of UC’s 12 games last year, averaging nearly 125 yards rushing per game.
Taron Mills, Senior LB, Frankford – Mills will be one of the top returning defensive players returning to the Pioneers’ defense in 2009. He was an all-Public League “AAAA” selection on defense last year. The Pioneers defense finished 9-3, allowed a total of 59 points in 12 games, and held 11 of their 12 opponents to seven points or less, with four shutouts.
Terrell Lee, Senior QB, Edison – Edison only won one game last season, a narrow 26-22 decision against Fels. Lee put up some respectable numbers last season as part of a two-quarterback rotation, completing 60-of-134 passes for 830 yards and eight touchdowns. Lee’s best game of the season came against Simon Gratz – he finished the game 12-of-25 for 249 yards and three scores.
Tim Carroll, Senior K, West Catholic – Carroll is easily one of the top two returning kickers in the Philadelphia area for the 2009 season. He converted on 89 extra points last season, which shattered the Philadelphia record set eight years previous by Archbishop Carroll. Tim Carroll did not attempt a field goal last season, but he very well could have – twice in fact – in the state title game. Either attempt, if successful, would have more than likely brought the PCL its first PIAA football championship.
Tony Smith, Junior QB, Father Judge – Smith put up very efficient numbers in his sophomore season – completing 105-of-205 passes for 1,583 yards and 13 touchdowns. He helped lead Judge to seven wins out of the team’s final eight games, finishing the season 9-4. He surpassed 100 yards passing in nine games. Smith went 15-of-19 for 158 yards against Upper Merion, and finished the year with a 7-of-10, 161-yard, three touchdown performance against Abraham Lincoln.
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009
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Steel-High might be the one team in state history that has posted the quietest 25-game winning streak ever, a streak which began after a 30-24 setback to Milton Hershey last season. Why? Jeremiah Young’s quest for the state’s career rushing record deflected much of the attention. The Rollers won their second consecutive PIAA championship, and became the first District 3 and the third non-WPIAL football team to post a 16-0 record. Steel-High, with the defeat of Clairton, joined South Park, Thomas Jefferson, McKeesport Area, Bethlehem Catholic, and Allentown Central Catholic as the only PIAA affiliates to hold an unblemished record in multiple PIAA finals appearances. Steel-High set school records for points scored (563) and wins in a season.
If only the WPIAL Class “A” schools could have as much success as their “AAAA” counterparts on the opposite end of the spectrum.
Western big schools have dominated in the state finals of late, but it’s been the complete opposite for Class “A” western schools, which have had to settle for state silver every year since 2002.
Clairton (15-0) will look to reverse that trend Friday afternoon in the Class “A” state title game when it takes on defending champion Steelton-Highspire (15-0) at Hersheypark Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.
How bad has it gotten for WPIAL “A” schools, you ask? Since Rochester defeated Southern Columbia 16-0 in 2001 (which is a distant memory right now), WPIAL schools are 0-4 in the state title game, having been outscored by a combined 150-40.
The other two western reps to fall victim to the East: District 6’s Bishop Carroll (49-20 loss in 2003) and District 10’s West Middlesex (56-14 loss in 2006). Factor in those two humbling defeats, and the West has been outscored a whopping 255-74 in the last six Class “A” title games.
There isn’t a Band-Aid large enough to cover that gaping wound which the East has just continually rubbed salt into. The same question gets asked each and every year now: “Will anyone take down the East in Class ‘A’ in Hershey this year?”
Well, Clairton has a good chance. That’s not a public relations move by this writer – Clairton has a team that is very much like a mirror of Steel-High in terms of speed and physicality. And, they mix in just the right amount of flash and dash to make their offense work at peak efficiency.
The Bears, offensively, average 39.7 points per game, having topped 30 points or more 11 times this season. Clairton’s season low for points scored in a game through the first nine weeks of the season was 37.
The orange and black is the highest-scoring team in the West this season, with 596 total points, and are the 5th-best point total in the state this year.
Clairton is led on the ground by running back Deontae Howard, who has run for 1,644 yards and scored 24 touchdowns this year. Howard scored two touchdowns against Farrell and ran for over 70 yards in the game. Quarterback Andrew Currington, who has been out for the past three weeks with a toe injury, chipped in 780 rushing yards and 14 scores.
In Currington’s absence, senior Troy Webb has stepped up, and filled in admirably. Webb has, in the past three weeks, run for 236 yards and a pair of touchdowns while throwing for 323 yards and three scores. Webb quarterbacked the Bears’ 2006 WPIAL title team, which lost to West Middlesex in the PIAA semifinals.
Kevin Weatherspoon has been another big playmaker for the Bears, and his 54 catches for 1,445 yards and 25 total touchdowns are evidence of that. Against Farrell, Weatherspoon caught six passes for 110 yards.
Defensively, Clairton has allowed 57 points all season, pitching eight shutouts. 14 of the Bears’ 15 opponents have scored no more than seven points – Farrell’s 21-point outburst accounted for 36.8 percent of the Bears’ total points allowed.
This is Clairton’s first state finals appearance in its school history. In addition to the 2006 semifinals loss, Clairton had been handed a defeat one game away from the finals once before. The Bears were upset by District 9’s Keystone Area 15-14 in 1989. Keystone was defeated in the state title game by Dunmore one week later.
While Clairton hadn’t ever played (or won) a PIAA final despite winning 550 games and six WPIAL titles in its history – keep this in mind: in addition to the Bears, 51 other schools in the 500-win club have never won a PIAA football championship, a list which includes such schools like Easton, Pottsville, Sharon, Altoona, Beaver Falls, and New Castle.
Is Clairton the team that will stop the West’s bleeding in the Class “A” state title game?
Find out Friday afternoon.
Clairton individual stats are from the WPIAL finals program and according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Sharon Herald game stories for Weeks 14-15. PIAA playoff information is from the 2007 PIAA finals media guide.
Next year this time, Billy Conners of Malvern Prep will be participating in fall drills in the sport of Lacrosse at Duke University.
So in what was probably his last football game all he did was throw for a career high 267 yards on 15-22 passing and four touchdowns, the last one a 27 yard strike to Joe Price with 37.1 seconds left as the Friars came from 21-0 down to topple St. Joe’s Prep 34-27 before a crowd of near 9,000 at Villanova Stadium Thursday Morning.
Trailing 21-0, Conners scored the first touchdown for Malvern on a 34 yard run in the second quarter . Then he hooked up with CJ Mooney for a 17 yard touchdown and the first of three touchdown passes to Price, this 1 from 40 yards out. Price finished with seven catches for 169 yards.
Malvern finished the season 10-0, the fourth time they have finished undefeated under 31 year legendary coach Gaspare “Gamp” Pellegrini. Pellegrini ironcially was head coach at St Joe’s from 1970-77.
St Joes (8-4), which won the first ever meeting 33-6 last year, jumped to the 21-0 lead on the strength of Quarterback Mark Giubilato. Giubilato hit Dan Turner for a 33 yard touchdown pass and scored on 1 himself on a run of 17 yards. Mike Yeager also scored 2 touchdowns included in his 30 carry 201 yard effort, the last coming with 5:48 to play in the game to knot the score at 27.
The Game: District 3 “AAAA” Championship game
Where: Hersheypark Stadium
When: Saturday, Nov. 29th, 2008, kickoff @ 6 p.m.
Wilson last played in the PIAA championship game in 1989, and their quarterback was Kerry Collins, a player who could throw the ball all over the yard. While Collins and the Bulldogs fell to Upper St. Clair 12-7 at Hershey Stadium, it proved what has become evident for some time since then: Wilson is easily one of the premier football programs in Berks County.
Yes, Muhlenburg had a couple of decent teams and played in some District championship games. Yes, Governor Mifflin owns the Berks County record for points scored in a season, with 542. Yes, Wyomissing was the last Berks County team to play in a PIAA semifinal game in 2006.
But, Wilson is always there, too. Granted, the Bulldogs haven’t played in the PIAA semifinals since 1990, when they fell to Ridley, nor has Wilson won a District 3 championship since 1999, when Chad Henne was the field general.
What Wilson has done, though, is reach the District 3 “AAAA” semifinals each of the last two years, falling to Governor Mifflin in 2006 and Harrisburg in 2007. The Bulldogs had been on the cusp, and now, finally, they’ve gotten over the hump.
Now, can they win the thing?
On the surface, the Bulldogs (13-0) appear to be the favorite. Offensively, they’ve scored 525 points, an average of 40.4 points per game. Wilson averages 345 yards of offense per game, 220 of which come on the ground.
Zacc Groff leads the offense with 1,478 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. His teammate, Dylan Stopper, isn’t far behind, in terms of touchdowns scored. Stopper has run for 19 touchdowns, adding 543 rushing yards on 87 carries.
Steve Huber, who missed almost a month of the season with an injury, has come back nicely and thrown for 1,115 yards and 10 touchdowns against only two interceptions. His favorite target, senior Alex Fegley, has caught 36 passes for 659 yards and nine touchdowns.
Defensively, Wilson is just as nasty. They’ve only allowed 92 points, an average of 7.1 points per game. And, aside from Manheim Central in Week 2, none of the Wilson opponents have scored more than 14 points. Central scored 15 points, and built a 13-0 lead, before being outscored 20-2 the rest of the way.
Wilson has shut out four teams, and has posted impressive showings in consecutive weeks against pass-happy Muhlenberg (46-0) and multi-faceted Bishop McDevitt (48-6).
In the playoffs, Wilson has won its three games by a combined 129-20.
Now, the Bulldogs get a new challenge – a tough Cumberland Valley ground game which only State College really contained.
Can Wilson win its first title in a decade? Find out Saturday night.
Wilson-West Lawn stats from lancsports.com and the Pennsylvania Football News’ Resource Guide.
With the snow falling and the cold blistery air whipping around Moe DeFrank Stadium, the Garnet Valley Jaguars were hoping to move on to the next round. First the Jaguars had to get through the Neshaminy Redskins. The Redskins entered this game with a record of 11-1, while the Jaguars were undefeated, 12-0.
With Tim Keyser and Paul Dunn in the backfield to receive the opening kickoff, Neshaminy’s kicker Seth Jeffries sent the football high and deep and Keyser took off to the Redskins 31 yard line. You could certainly tell the Jaguars wanted to come out and set the tone.
On the Jaguars first offensive series after a long return from Keyser, the Jaguars continued to run with senior Jared Bonacquisti and Keyser. After two powerful runs by Bonacquisti, Jared passed the 1000 yard rushing mark for a season, the first time in his career. Before you knew it the Jaguars were near the goal line, and ready to score. Junior quarterback of the Jaguars Mark McHugh handed the ball off to Keyser and Keyser dashed into the end zone for a three yard touchdown run and put the Jaguars up 7-0, after an extra point from Dan Acchione.
After a long kick by the Jaguars, Neshaminy fumbled on the kick return and the football was recovered by the Jaguars on Neshaminy’s 39 yard line. Garnet Valley couldn’t take advantage of the turnover and punted the football away. Neshaminy did the same on their very next offensive series as well.
Nearing the end of the first quarter, once Garnet Valley got the ball back, they fumbled and the Redskins recovered. On Neshaminy’s first and next offensive play they fumbled too. It was back-to-back fumbles. This time the Garnet Valley Jaguars offense didn’t want to lose the opportunity of a fumble recovery. The Jaguars again marched down field using their two 1000 yard rushing running backs, Bonacquisti and Keyser. With all the attention focused on the two running threats senior Chris Palaio scored rushing the football into the end zone right near the goal line. After another Acchione extra point the Jags went up big, 14-0.
The first quarter ended and it seemed like the Garnet Valley Jaguars had all the momentum needed. Then Neshaminy’s offense started clicking. They began to rotate their running backs and scored on a two yard touchdown run by Jay Colbert with 4:25 left before halftime. The Redskins cut the Jaguars lead in half, 14-7.
After Garnet Valley struggled to get first downs, Neshaminy didn’t waste any time. Nearing the end of the half the Redskins were in the red zone thanks to their quick running backs, Quilan Arnold and Bryan Dean. With just 25 seconds left in the first half Jay Colbert struck again. Colbert rushed into the end zone from the one yard line. After the extra point the game was tied 14-14 heading into halftime.
In the third quarter Neshaminy started to heat up in the cold weather. The Redskins continued to get first downs on third and five or third and long and eventually was right back near the goal line. This time Neshaminy’s junior quarterback Brian Titus faked the hand off and went to the air for a three yard touchdown pass to the future tight end of Rutgers, Paul Carrezola. The touchdown and extra point made the game 21-14. The score stayed the same going into the fourth and final quarter.
In the fourth and final quarter of the District One Semi-final game it was all about defense for both teams. On fourth and one Garnet Valley decided to pass and it was incomplete which gave Neshaminy the football on their own 18 yard line.
After Neshaminy got a few consecutive first downs, the Jaguars defense stepped up and on fourth and short the Redskins quarterback, Titus, was sacked by senior Nick Garcia. After the sack the Jaguars offense started on their own 26 yard line with just 3:50 left to go in the game. They needed to score.
Quarterback Mark McHugh and the Jaguars offense took a few close shots to the end zone but they were not completed. With less than two minutes to go in the playoff game the season came down to fourth and eight. The Jaguars would have to get over eight yards to keep the game, and the season alive.
With the crowd on both sides on their feet and everyone holding their breath, as their hearts were racing, McHugh stepped back threw but the pass was incomplete. Neshaminy took over and watched the clock tick down to zero. The final score in this great playoff game was 21-14. Neshaminy will now move on to the District One Championship and face North Penn.
Head coach of Garnet Valley Mike Ricci commented on his group of seniors and said “The seniors have been great leaders, they displayed great character, and our philosophy at Garnet Valley is selflessness, hard work, and character. If I had to pick three words to describe our senior class those would be the three words. Junior Mark McHugh had a few comments about the class above him and said “We had a great group of seniors, we had great talent. The seniors taught me about leadership, and how to handle myself during the game in pressured situations.”
The Garnet Valley Jaguars finished the season with a record of 12-1. In their first year in Classification (AAAA) and their first year in the Central League they not only went undefeated in the season, they were crowned Central League Champions and won two playoff games. The Jaguars certainly had a great year for being brand new in (AAAA) and the Central League. Coach Mike Ricci said “We’re proud of what we accomplished, we have no regrets, and we gave it everything we had. Neshaminy did a great job, and they were able to get a win tonight. We’re going to choose to celebrate our season instead of being upset about the loss.”
One season ago the Jaguars finished second, just one win shy of a State Championship in (AAA). Now after moving up to the top classification level in high school football (AAAA), the Garnet Valley Jaguars showed throughout the entire season just how successful their football program continues to be. Once again this will be another year that the community of Garnet Valley, the coaches, and everyone on the team will never forget……another triumphant season from the Garnet Valley Jaguars.
PHILADELPHIA: The forecast for Friday Evenings PIAA Class A First Round between Schuylkill Haven and Communications Tech called for a clear cold however a Hurricane hit the South Philadelphia Super Site. The Hurricane was named Zach Barket. All Barket did was rack up 256 yards on 29 carries to pace the Hurricanes to a 43-0 victory over the Communications Tech Phoenix.
Heading into the game Barket already owned the record for most touchdowns in a season with 57 and needed 295 yards to break Austin Scott single season record of 3846. “Right now I got some good personal accomplishments but as a team we still got a few more games to go” is what Barket would say about his season thus far.
After a carrying the Hurricanes to the Phoenix 47 yard line Barket would fumble the ball which was picked up by CT’s Kyle Tubbs at their own 33 yard line. The Hurricanes defense responded forcing the Phoenix to attempt a Punt however Tyler Swoyer blocked the kick forcing the ball to go back to the CT 2 yard line. On the ensuing play Hurrican Barket hit a place he’s been so many times before and that’s the end-zone. Mike Georgevic would add the extra point giving the Hurricanes the 7-0 lead.
On the second play of the second quarter Barket would strike again this time he would strike from 74 yards out. Georgevic would add the extra point giving the Hurricanes the 14-0 lead.
On next Hurricane drive Barket would again carry the Hurricanes down and looked like he was going in for his third touchdown but he would cough up the ball lucky Zack Faust would fall on it for the Hurricanes. Barket would power his way in for the two point conversion giving the Hurricanes the 22-0 lead. “
Barket would close out the scoring in the first half with his one yard plunge. Georgevic would add the extra point giving the Hurricanes the 29-0 halftime lead.
Barket would put an end to his night with a 34 yard touchdown run. Georgevic would add the extra point giving the Hurricanes the 36-0 lead. After the game Barket showed a little disappointment with himself “I don’t think I had my best game by far here they (Phoenix) defense did a good job containing me for the most part.
Barket will need 39 yards to break the rushing record and his undefeated Hurricanes will take on Riverside. Next Friday night.
PHILADELPHIA: The last time the LaSalle Explorers met the Father Judge Crusaders was on October 3 and in that game LaSalle jumped out to a 14-0 halftime lead only to see their defense give up 28 unanswered points in a 28-14 lost. Saturday night in front of a sold out crowd at Northeast’s Charles Martin Memorial Stadium the Explorers repaid the Crusaders by coming back from two one point deficits in the fourth quarter to down the top seeded Crusaders 28-20 to come away with the Philadelphia Catholic League AAAA Championship.
The Crusader defense would break a scoreless tie in the first quarter when Connor Thompson intercepted a Drew Loughery pass and returned 9 yards untouched for the touchdown. Pat Schultz would add the extra point giving the Crusaders the early 7-0 lead.
The Explorers would respond on the first play of the second quarter when Loughery would hit Sam Feleccia from 20 yards out. Mike Bennett would add the extra point tying the game at 7. The touchdown caped a seven play 55 yard drive.
The Explorers would take lead in what turn out to be a defensive battle in the first half with five seconds left when Bennett would nail 39 yard field goal giving the Explorers the 10-7 lead at half.
The Explorers would take advantage of a bad snap on a Crusader punt that was recovered by LaSalle’s Ryan Saraceni at Crusaders 9 yard line. The Crusaders defense would respond and hold the Explorers to 18 yard field goal by Bennett giving the Explorers the 13-6 lead heading into the fourth.
The Crusaders defense would take the lead away from the Explorers as Adam Nowak would pick up a fumble by Jamal Abdur-Rahman and return 15 yards for the Crusader touchdown. Schultz would add the extra point giving the Crusaders the 14-13 lead.
Loughery and the Explorers would respond when Loughery would hit Sr. Mike Donohoe for a 12 yard touchdown. On the ensuing two point conversion attempt Donohoe would hit a wide open Loughery in the end zone on a Jet sweep pass giving the Explores the 21-14 lead. When asked about the two point conversion Explorers Head Coach Drew Gordon said “That was huge, we ran it last year, and it was a play we put in this week.” Loughery said of the two point conversion “around here we not much into tricky in our playbook but we always had it the playbook and it was the perfect time to run it I was pumped up when they called it” he would add “I’ve been waiting for that play to be call and I knew I couldn’t screw it up.”
On the ensuing drive the Crusaders would respond as they drove 65 yards on four plays behind a 39 completion from Anthony Smith to Nowak that put the ball the Explorers 31 yard line after a 3 yard run by Curt Wortham Smith would hook up with Tom Ryan for a 28 yard touchdown. Schultz’s extra point would be wide right cutting the Explorers lead to 21-20.
The Explorers would respond with an 11 play 70 yard drive that ended with a Loughery pass to Donohoe from 12 yards. Bennett would add the extra point giving the Explorers the 28-20 lead with 1:42. Loughery would finish with 113 yards on 12 completions and two touchdowns. Donohoe would finish with 8 carries for 34 to go along with his four receptions for 35 yards.
On the ensuing drive the Crusaders would lose Smith on an incomplete pass forcing Nowak to come in. On Nowak’s second pass attempt of the game he hit Ryan for a 15 yard gain to put Crusaders at midfield with 50 seconds left to play. Following a seven yard scramble by Nowak and a one yard gain by Wortham put the Crusaders up to the Explorer 41. An intention grounding call would force the Crusaders to face a fourth and eleven at midfield Nowak would show his arm strength has he tried to hook up with Tim Donohoe but Mike Donohoe Tim’s cousin was able to get a hand on it and knock it down preserving the Explorer victory. “Going against him was kind of funny but knocking it down was awesome” is what Mike Donohoe would say about the deflection that preserved the victory. When asked about it was tough to get up for this game after their big victory over their rivals St. Joseph Prep Mike Donohoe responded “ I’m an Northeast boy so these (Judge players) are all my friends it wasn’t that hard at all for me its like a home coming” Gordon added “What a great thing for a senior playing against his neighborhood school he did a great job running ball”
Up next for Donohoe and the Explorers is another tough team from Northeast Philadelphia in the George Washington Eagles who they face next Saturday afternoon at noon for the District XII AAAA Championship at Northeast High School
By Frank Kastreva, WVCD2.com
YATESVILLE- When your defense hands the opposing offense minus yards in the first half, your chances of winning the football game are pretty good.
So after the Pittston Area Patriots went to halftime of their game with Wyoming Area up 7-0 and holding the Warriors to minus 8 eight yards of offense, it looked like the second half could get ugly.
Sr. RB Joe Ardo would be the Pats only score of the first half capping the drive on a three yard jaunt. Sr. Sam Parente hauled in a key reception from So. QB James Castellino to set Ardo up for the score.
The game would never get ugly and Wyoming Area found their offense a bit in the second half, scoring TD’s from Sr. Nate Bowden on a reverse pass thrown by Jr. Leo Malsky and then again on a 70 yard toss from So. QB Chris Murphy.
The Pats would find paydirt three different times in the second half with Parente leading the way on an 85 yard scamper on a short pass reception.
Jr. RB Chris Price also found the goldzone on a one yard jaunt and Sr. Matt Kobeski got in on the scoring with an interception and a 30 yard return, with the final score Pats 28 Warriors 14.
With the win the Patriots have clinched a spot in the district two class AAA playoffs in which they will travel to Clarks Summit and battle the Abington Heights Comets at “The Pit”.
As for Wyoming Area, they needed a win here to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, but with the loss it looks like their season has come to a close.
RIDLEY PA: In its story history that dates back to the 1930’s the Green Raiders of Ridley has a tradition of passing the pigskin but on the night that they honor the 1989 Central League champions the Green Raiders let their running game pace them to a 28-7 victory over the visiting Panthers from Strath Haven Friday evening at Phil Merion Field. “Honestly we plan both the passing and the rushing game” is what Green Raider Head Coach John Waller said when asked his game planning.
The Green Raider offensive line of Nick Hober. Jim Kelly, Lou Devito ,John Birmingham, Pat Zimmer, and Dillion Hayner paved the way for Sophomore Shahaid Smith who stands at 5’4 to run for 198 yards on 21 carries and 3 touchdowns. “ The linemen executed well, blocked well, it was a matter of time before I had a game like this” is what Smith said after when asked about his performance. Waller echoed Smiths thoughts on his line play by saying “this obviously is the best our offensive line played all, it allowed us to take advantage of this guy (Smith’s) athletic ability.” When asked if they could be a change in the offensive attack Waller responded “We still are going to be a good mix of run and pass.”
Smith would get the Green Raiders on the broad first in the second quarter with his 2 yard touchdown run. Tom Bongiorno would add the extra point making the lead 7-0.
The Green Raiders would show there balance on their score which came compliments of a 3 yard pass from Andrew Pidgeon to Kevin McLaughlin. Bongiorno would add the extra point making the lead 14-0 heading into the locker room at half time.
The Green Raiders would waste little time in making the lead 21 as they took the opening drive of the second half 73 yards on 7 plays before Smith would punch it in from a yard out. Bongiorno would add the extra point making the lead 21-0.
Smith would punch it in the end zone one more time this time it was 14 yards out. Bongiorno would add the extra point making the lead 28-0
Strath Haven would finally get on the broad with under a minute left in the game when Nick Decindis would punch it in from 3 yards out. Mike Stanix would add the extra point to cut lead to 28-7.
With the victory the Green Raiders can clinch a share of the Central Title by defeating the Jaguars of Garnet Valley this Friday night at Morris Defrank Field. To clinch a share of the title the Green Raiders would also need Penncrest to defeat the Pioneers of Conestoga.
Strath Haven 0 0 0 7 7
Ridley 0 14 7 7 28
Rid Smith 2 yard run Bongiorno kick 11:55 2nd
Rid McLaughlin 3 yard pass from Pidgeon Bongiorno Kick 7:22 2nd
Rid Smith 1 yard run Bongiorno Kick 8:51 3rd
Rid Smith 14 yard run Bongiorno Kick 10:32 4th
SH Decindis 3 yard run Stanix Kick 0:51 4th
Rushing
Strath Haven: Richardson 12-82, Decindis 13-73 Speaker 5-14, Kennedy 2-6, Kopac 2-(-11) Fisher 3-5
Ridley: Smith 21-198, Pidgeon 6-12, Harshaw 5-29, Dixon-Dougon 1-0
Passing Completions Attempts, yards TDs Int
Strath Haven: Kopac 5-8-23-0-0
Ridley Pidgeon 5-7-50-1-0
Receiving
Strath Haven: Fisher 3-9, Decindis 1-6,Stanix 1-8
Ridley: Cahill 1-5, Foster 2-35, Meyers 1-1,McLaughlin 1-3, Smith 1-17
SH Rid
First Downs 9 10
Rushes/yards 37-109 33-239
Completions/yards 5/23 5/50
Total Yards 132 289
Punts/ Average 5/35.2 2/27.5
Fumbles/Lost 0/0 1/0
Penalties/ Yards 2/20 3/35
We are pleased to announce the release of the 2008 PIAA Championship Brackets. For the fifth straight year we will carry STATEWIDE brackets that are available to download in PDF format. Classes A, AA, AAA, AAAA, Eastern Conference & Philadelphia Catholic League brackets will be available throughout the playoffs. Each bracket contains all the information you need for every game. From dates, times and locations to team records, the brackets have it all.
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JERSEY SHORE – After last week’s big loss to Mount Carmel Area, Jersey Shore needed a feel-good victory to boost their spirits.
A win also wouldn’t hurt the Bulldogs’ playoff hopes, either.
The orange and black started off the game with a three-play, 66-yard drive for a touchdown – which included a 64-yard reception from Taylor English to Ian Berry – and went on to defeat Milton 31-8 Friday night.
The win at Thompson Street Stadium was the Bulldogs’ third of the season, and helped Shore make a push for the postseason, as the Lycoming County team was in fifth entering last night’s contest.
East Juniata and Cowanesque Valley and Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech – the second-, third- and fourth-place teams behind first-place Selinsgrove – all lost Friday night. That should give the Bulldogs a huge boost in the standings.
For now, Steve Eck and his squad will relish this victory first before looking ahead.
“We knew that they were hurting for numbers, and we had a pretty good idea that they were going to have to go with a young kid at quarterback,” the Jersey Shore head coach said. “What I was concerned with was our guys coming out and just being flat because they weren’t expecting a tough game. They came out and played tough. We got lucky on that first pass right through the kid’s hands. I thought it was an interception. The kids responded well, so we’re pretty happy about that.”
The pass Eck was talking about was the 64-yarder that gave the Bulldogs their first points of the game. That was Berry’s only reception – but it really set the tone for the rest of the contest.
Shore got a nice performance all around from Eli Skinner, who connected on all four PATs and also had a 32-yard field goal and a 14-yard TD scamper on a reversal from Jake Potter.
Milton – which is struggling at 1-7 on the season – had a brand new quarterback in the form of Codye Miller. The senior threw for 81 yards and had one rushing touchdown for the Black Panthers – a 2-yard scamper in the fourth. He was sacked twice by Shore’s Clark Thompson.
“Codye Miller did a real nice job. He never played quarterback before, but he made some nice decisions and did a good job,” Milton head coach Mike Bergey said.
“I tried to make things as simple as possible for him, but still, that’s probably the most difficult position on offense to do, mentally as well as just focusing on what to do. He did a nice job. It wasn’t an easy task.
“Our focus was to keep our energy level up and play hard. We wanted to play hard no matter what the situation was and play 110 percent every snap. Our kids did that. We emphasized to not put their heads down and keep playing no matter what, and they did that.”
After Jersey Shore’s opening drive, the Bulldogs (3-5) scored on their next two possessions.
The first was a 10-play, 88-yard drive that started from the Shore 12. The Bulldogs got four first downs in the series, which was capped by a 2-yard scamper by Kasey Kemmerer.
The next drive started at Shore’s 44-yard line in the first quarter and ended with paydirt in the second, as Potter took the pigskin in from 4 yards out.
Potter ended the night with 77 yards on 11 carries, while Kemmerer had seven touches for 81 yards.
“We wanted to run the ball. They run that 3-5, which is the same as Selinsgrove,” Eck said. “We wanted to get out there and get after it and see what worked and what didn’t. When Selinsgrove comes next week, they’ve been running that a lot longer, so that gives us a good look and we can make some judgments.”
Shore signal-caller Taylor English had another solid outing for Shore, completing 6-of-13 for 131 yards and a touchdown. It was the fourth time this season he’s thrown for more than 100 yards.
On defense, Shore’s Logan Shay and Aaron Reidell each has seven tackles. Reidell got the call on defense in the second half as Eck got the chance to put some new faces on the gridiron.
“He did a nice job,” the Shore skipper said of Reidell. “He needs to make those tackles a little closer to the line of scrimmage, though. We knew (Milton) was struggling, and there was no sense in beating them up. We were down in the numbers last week, so it was good for those kids to get in and play.”
With playoffs looming in a few weeks, the focus now shifts to Selinsgrove, a powerhouse that Shore last faced off with in last year’s District IV Class AAA final.
“We’re just going to focus on that,” Eck said. “We can’t be thinking about two or three things. We have to focus on them. They have a heck of a football team. What we need to do is come out and have a good week of practice and come out and play football like we did (tonight).”
Heartland Conference, Division I
JERSEY SHORE 31, MILTON 8
M 0 0 0 8 – 8
J 14 10 7 0 – 31
First Quarter
JS – Ian Berry 64 pass from Taylor English (Eli Skinner kick), 11:10
JS – Kasey Kemmerer 2 run (Skinner kick), 2:07
Second Quarter
JS – Jake Potter 4 run (Skinner kick), 10:04
JS – Skinner 32 field goal, 3:08
Third Quarter
JS – Skinner 14 run (Skinner kick), 10:00
Fourth Quarter
M – Codye Miller 2 run (Miller run), 10:16
Team Statistics
JS M
First Downs 13 10
Rushes-Yards 38-259 32-111
Yards Passing 131 81
Total Offense 390 192
Fumbles-Lost 2-1 2-2
Individual Statistics
Rushing – M, Tyrone Short 8-24; Bobby Turnbaugh 14-86; Brandon Bower 3-13; Miller 5-(-17) TD; Bobby Trostle 2-5. JS, Potter 11-77 TD; Kemmerer 7-81 TD; Skinner 2-33 TD; Logan Shay 4-25; Ethan Robbins 4-22; English 1-5; Ian Berry 1-1; Ryan Shay 5-5; Logan Enders 2-15; Shawn Ulmer 1-(-5).
Passing – M, Miller 4-13-81-0-0. JS, English 6-11-131-1-0; Ulmer 0-2-0-0-0.
Receiving – M, Short 1-2; Luke Tillinghast 2-50; Ryan Lopes 1-29. JS, Skinner 3-40; Berry 1-64 TD; Logan Welshans 1-9; Logan Shay 1-18.
Interceptions – None.
Records – M 1-7. JS 3-5.
Advertising opportunities are now available on our 2008 playoff brackets. Each season EasternPAFootball.com and WesternPAFootball.net bring you STATEWIDE playoff brackets available as a PDF download. We have brackets for each class A, AA, AAA, AAAA along with the Philly Catholic League (PCL) and the Eastern Conference (D2, 3, 4, 11).
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“The 3-5 defense is not one of my favorite defenses to face, it’s unpredictable. You never know who’s coming and from where.” Gary Campbell, before the start of the game between his BerwickBulldogs and the Selinsgrove Seals.
Unpredictable is what he got. Selinsgrove kept pressure on Berwicks offense all night long holding an offense that was averaging in the neighborhood of 200 yards rushing per game to under 80. That statistic isn’t very unpredictable considering the Seals were holding their opponents to under 35 per game.
Berwick looked like they were going to keep the momentum rolling after last weeks drubbing of Wyoming Valley West on their first series. Starting at their 42 the Dawgs drove to the Selinsgrove 11 yard line but on 3rd and 6 the Seals let Berwick qb A.J. Mihaly know what he was in for all night. Pressure. He was sacked on the 16 so on 4th down Berwick got a field goal to take the lead 3-0. It was the last lead they would see all night.
Following a Berwick punt to the Seals 39 and a sack of Selinsgrove qb Cory Briggs, RB Kyle Reinard burst through a full out blitz and went 71 yards to paydirt untouched. The extra point failed and the seals had a 6-3 lead. On Berwicks next series the Seal again pressured Mihaly this time into a fumble which was recovered by the home team on the Berwick 32. 3 plays later Reinard again hit paydirt from 16 yards out. The 2 point conversion failed and the Seals had a 12-3 lead which they took into the locker room at the half.
The first half of this game was filled with Berwick miscues, fumbled snaps, high snaps, dropped balls and the list goes on. The second half saw more of the same with Berwick unable to solve Selinsgroves 3-5 defense. Highlighting some of the misery was Berwick coach Cambells refusal to punt the ball away, resulting in Berwick turning the ball over on downs deep in their own territory. This would bite the dawgs hard in the second half. Following a failed 4th and 3 at their own 31, Reinard (5 of 7 for 86 yards and 2 tds) hit a leaping Kyle Renard in the endzone for a spectacular catch and the two again repeated that feat for the 2 point conversion giving the Seals a 20-3 lead late in the 3rd quarter.
After Selinsgrove defense came up with a big interception on their own 31 Reinard and Keiser hooked up in what you could call a mirror image of the previous scores, this time for a 20 yd td. That closed out the scoring and Selinsgrove celebrated a 28-3 victory over Berwick.
Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com
Emmaus (4-0) ends drought by shutting out Easton (2-2) 21-0 Friday night. The Green Hornets have not beaten the Red Rovers since 1981 or 27 years.
Easton coming off a 26-0 shutout loss to Parkland the week before had to play without its main offensive and defensive threat in Kyle Harbridge. Easton also tried to get a spark by starting Sophomore QB Justin Pacchiolo.
Emmaus fresh of its win over Freedom last week did not miss a beat and proved they are a contender to win the LVC title. They are one of two teams still undefeated in the LVC along with Northampton.
The Emmaus defense has not surrendered an offensive point through 4 games.
Easton started the game with turnover after turnover. In fact, on their first 3 possessions they had an INT, fumble, and another INT.
On the Green Hornet’s first series they faced a 4th + 1 but a false start penalty forced them to try for a FG which was missed.
Their very next series they made sure that they would get the ball into the endzone with a beautiful Frank Wisely WR Screen play followed by a C.J. Billera 1-yard TD run.
After a few punts from each team the half would end 7-0 in favor of Emmaus.
The second half was just as bad as the first for Easton as they punted the ball away every series except the last.
In the 4th Quarter Matt Johnson connected with Wisely again on the same exact WR screen for big yards. Billera then bounced the run outside hitting paydirt from 24-yards out.
To finish the game off it was Wisely who continued to make the big play this time returning a punt 40-yards for the TD.
Easton made a late push to score but Emmaus held with the final being 21-0.
Billera has 20 carries for 114-yards and 2 TD’s. Wisely had 8 catches for 96 yards and a 40-yard punt return for a TD.
Next week Emmaus takes on fellow undefeated Northampton (4-0) who was a 20-0 winner over Whitehall. The winner of this game will stand alone as the only undefeated team in the LVC.
Easton plays Allen.
Over the past few years, Lakeland has been king, in both this series and in football in this area in general. Coming into this game, I already saw Lakeland dominate a few teams and Carbondale not have great success. But, on this wet, muggy Friday night, Carbondale seemed to shock the Chiefs with a 28-21 win.
On their first possession, it didn’t look good for Carbondale. A quick 3 and out including a near costly fumble gave Lakeland solid field position after the punt to start their first drive. But, on the first play for Lakeland, the inside screen pass was picked off by Carbondale and taken inside the Lakeland 40 yard line. On 4th and goal, the Chargers punched it in the end zone on an option pitch to Dylan Cerra, putting the first points of the game on the board, and giving Carbondale a surprising lead. But, not to be outdone, on Lakeland’s next possession, a 20 yard pass from quarterback Ryan Kiehart to Vinny Amacio for a score, give the Chiefs a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter of play
The start of the 2nd quarter looked great for Carbondale, as they drove right down the field and were inside the 20 rather quickly on a series of big runs and first-rate shotgun passes by Dominic DeAntonio. But, that drive would quickly come to a screeching halt when Vinny Amacio of Lakeland made a key interception in the end zone and stealing the momentum the Chargers had just built up. But, Carbondale would get another chance, after their hard-nosed defense stopped the high powered Chiefs offense again and give the ball back to the offense. After 3 sharp passes and once again inside the 20, the Chargers had a bad case of Déjà vu., as Vinny Amacio intercepted another DeAntonio pass to stop the Charger drive once again. That would seemingly end the 1st half, with the score 7-6 Lakeland.
To start the 2nd half, Carbondale fans heard a familiar name for Lakeland, as Vinny Amacio ran back the 2nd half kickoff for a score, and gave Lakeland a 14-6 lead. After another confidence deflater, Carbondale went 3 and out and gave the ball back to Lakeland. But, just when it looked like Lakeland was starting to gain the upper hand that most thought they had to begin with, Carbondale picks off Kiehart and took over at their own 32 yard line. After a few nice plays, but not enough for a first, the Chargers punted once again, this time to the star of the game so far, Vinny Amacio. And, after a game where passes and penalties have gone against them, the Chargers finally catch a break. Amacio bobbles the punt, and Josh Cino grabs the ball off the ground, and gave the Chargers great field position to the game up. After two runs by Carbondale, Dylan Cerra scores another touchdown, his 2nd of the day, and cuts the Lakeland lead to 14-12. On the impending 2 point conversion, an outstanding pass by DeAntonio and an even better one and handed grab by Shane Peregrin gave the Chargers new life, and now a tie game. However, it would be short lived, as Lakeland came right down the field, and Corey Besten capped it off with an 11 yard run to give Lakeland a 21-14 lead going into the 4th quarter.
To start the 4th quarter, Carbondale had another brilliant drive, finished by an 11 yard pass from DeAntonio to Troy Taylor, to tie the game up once again. This latest touchdown seemed to give the Chargers, both on the field and in the stands, the motivation they needed to play through the tough conditions and even tough team in Lakeland. On their first possession of the 4th quarter and with the game tied, the Chiefs were faced with another 3 and long. On a well thrown ball to Vinny Amacio, the pass was broken up by Dylan Cerra to force a 4th and long and a punting situation for the Chiefs. An outstanding punt forced the Chargers to start their 4th quarter drive at their own 4 yard line, with 7:17 left in the game. Somewhat forgot to tell the Chargers that the odds were against them. Dylan Cerra busted 4 first down runs in a row, and after a face mask penalty, the Chargers were at the Lakeland 23 yard line. After a few more solid runs, the Chargers were 1st and goal at the 6 yard line. Two plays later, Shane Peregrin plowed into the end zone, giving the Chargers a 28-21 lead, capping off over a 5 minute, 96 yard drive. The Chiefs got the ball with 1:45 left in the game. Two incompletions and a sack left the Chiefs with a 4th and 11, a conversion need to keep the game within reach. But, great pressure by the Chargers along with a short pass to Amacio didn’t give the Chiefs enough for a first, and gave the ball back to the Chargers, who took 3 kneels to end the game.
After the clock hit zero, Chargers fans started to swarm the field. Charger players were hugging, parents were jumping for joy, and Coach John Lasavage even got a little bath out of the deal courtesy of the players. It was a great sight to see, as the Chargers somewhat upset the always tough Lakeland Chiefs. This was a great game for both teams, as Vinny Amacio seemed to be the guy putting up the points and making the key plays for Lakeland, and really looked like a dominate force that couldn’t be stopped. But, the juniors RB Dylan Cerra and QB Dominic DeAntonio lead the Chargers, both having great games and giving the 0-2 Chargers a win under their belt and supreme confidence going into the rest of the season.
The line of Beyonce kept ringing through my head during the Mechanicsburg-Hershey game. Tarik Leftenant ran all over the Trojans on Friday night and sent the back to Hershey with a 28-14 defeat.
The Wildcats got on the board early with a touchdown two minutes into the game. The Wildcat D picked off Junior QB Jake Campbell and ran it back inside the twenty. The Wildcat O then took over and punched the ball in from there to make it 7-0.
The rest of the first quarter was quiet as neither team could get into the endzone. But it did not take long into the second quarter until Leftenant had two 10 yard runs and then broke one for 30 some yards down to the 8. On the next play senior QB Jake Zeigler handed it off to Leftenant and he took it in from the 8 for the score. Score 14-0 Mechanicsburg.
After a fumble recovery at the 49 yard line, Zeigler engineered a scoring drive. Two passes took the offense down to the 22. Leftenant then broke one 11 yards to the 11. Mechanicsburg thought that they had a touchdown when Zeigler hit Matt Koveleski in the end zone. The play was called back on a holding call though. Faced with a 3rd and 24 from the 25, Zeigler found Ben Anderson along the left sideline. Anderson broke 6 tackles to score. PAT was good and the score was 21-0.
Zeigler then found Kovelski from 4 yards out to make the score 28-0. During the fourth quarter, the Hershey D pinned the offense back deep. They punted. It was blocked and it was knocked out of the back of the end zone for a safety. Score 28-2.
On the subsequent possession, the Hershey O finally started on the move. Campbell hit Austin Warfel in the middle of the back of the end zone for a touchdown. Then after a QB switch, with less than a minute left in the game, senior QB Dominic Cerminara hit Stenn Transeth in the end zone from 5 yards out for a touchdown. Final score, 28-14.
Mechanicsburg plays away at Susquehanna Township next week. The Trojans are also on the road as they take on Waynesboro. Both games are Friday night games.
The word out of King of Prussia was that this year’s Upper Merion football team was bigger and stronger than last year’s 1-9 squad. Friday night at home versus Neumann-Goretti, the Vikings may have confirmed the rumors, as they demolished the Saints 41-0.
It took UM’s offense a few series to get going, but the Viking defense never gave the Saints a chance. Neumann-Goretti finished the night with 36 yards of total offense ( -28 rushing).
Upper Merion, which led 21-0 at halftime, rode their senior workhorse, running back Pete Panichi, who had 19 carries for 212 yards and 2 rushing TDs. Panichi also ran the second half kickoff back for a touchdown, stretching the lead to 28-0. Senior QB Alex Phanthavong didn’t have the best night statistically, ( 3 of 10, 78 yds, 2 INT’s ), but had a beautiful scoring toss in the 2nd quarter, hitting sophomore Dexter Bridge in stride for a 62 yard TD. Phanthavong also had 2 touchdown runs of 1 and 7 yards. Upper Merion Head Coach Joe Powel summed up his team’s effort: “We came out wanting to prove that last year was last year. We have a group of seniors dedicated to winning and they played with a lot of heart tonight”.
N-G qb Anthony Mastrando finished 5 of 24 for 51 yds, was sacked twice, and harassed plenty. He was also the “victim” of some dropped passes, including one that looked like a sure touchdown. Head Coach Bill Sytsma alluded to that after the game: “When you’re not catching footballs it leaves the defense free to tee up on your running game”. The Saints deepest penetration of the game came in the 3rd quarter, but after a 1st and goal at the UM 5 yard line, a 3rd down sack by LB Tyler Zeoli forced a 33 yard field goal attempt, which William Huff missed wide left.
As if Neumann-Goretti’s night weren’t bad enough, 2 way standout lineman Kadeem Custis had to be helped off the field with a leg injury late in the game. The training staff was still determining the extent of the injury after the game.
Upper Merion will play at Quakertown next friday night, and Neumann-Goretti will host Wyomissing next Saturday.
Upper Merion will host Neumann-Goretti Friday night, August 29th, in the 2008 season opener. Game time is 7 PM. Both schools are hoping to improve, after disappointing seasons in 2007.
Neumann-Goretti is led by 2nd year head coach Bill Sytsma, and features heavily-recruited lineman Kadeem Custis. The Saints finished at 2-9 last season, but did qualify for the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue division playoffs, losing to Archbishop Carroll in the first round. In 2008 N-G will play in the newly-formed PCL Blue AAA division; a result of the PCL joining the PIAA.
Joe Powel begins his 2nd season as head man at Upper Merion, which competes in the Suburban One League (American Conference). The 2007 Vikings were a young team, and finished with a dismal 1-9 record, but most of the starters are back, and eager to improve in ’08. UM grad Brad Scioli, who starred at Penn State and played in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts, is now a member of the coaching staff.
2008 team schedules are out on EasternPAFootball.com! We still need some schedules to complete our list. You can email your schedule to dave@easternpafootball.com. We will update the list as we get schedules.
Schedules needed – Updated on 6/25/08
District 4
Bucktail
Cardinal Dougherty
Independent Teams
George School
Germantown Academy
William Penn Charter
It may only be April, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the 2008 high school football season.
It’s even tougher not to think about potential playoff match-ups when the PIAA released its restructured brackets for the 2008-2009 state playoffs.
The Class “A” bracket didn’t change from its format of last season, but the District 5/7 quarterfinal match-up could be an interesting one. District 7, though, has yet to lose a meeting with District 5.
Bishop McCort could face Steel-High in the quarterfinals of the eastern part of the “A” bracket. McCort played in the “AA” quarterfinals each of the last 2 years, and, if the Crushers would defeat the Rollers, would become just the second team in PIAA history to play in both an eastern and western PIAA semifinal. Bellwood-Antis is the other.
Newcomer to Class “AA” West Catholic could make a deep push into the PIAA playoffs this season. If the Burrs would advance past the preliminary round against District 11’s champion, then the PCL rep. would draw the District 2 champion. Wouldn’t a West Catholic-Dunmore match-up be a dandy? If WC were to make it to the Eastern Finals, wouldn’t a tussle with Lancaster Catholic or Trinity (Camp Hill) or Montoursville be another classic?
Karns City could finally win its first state playoff game in school history. The Gremlins, 0-6 all-time in the PIAA playoffs, would draw the champion of a District 5/8 subregional either November 21 or 22. But a potential match-up at this juncture could be the Cougars of North Star High, and we know what the green and white nearly did to WPIAL champion Serra Catholic last season.
Things could get interesting in “AAA.” Assuming West Scranton would win its preliminary round game against District 11’s champion and say that Hollidaysburg would stun Selinsgrove in the D4/6 prelim. Would the Invaders then have to travel to Mansion Park Stadium to play Hollidaysburg in a “AAA” eastern quarterfinal? That would be quite a trek for either team to make.
That 2/4/6/11 “AAA” portion of the bracket could be interesting in a couple years if Berwick and Selinsgrove both advance to the quarterfinals.
District 3, rightfully or not (depending on your personal perspective), will automatically advance to the “AAA” Western Finals, meaning the potential exists for a Manheim Central – Thomas Jefferson rematch in the next couple of years. We won’t see an MC vs. Pine-Richland match-up for some time, as the Rams moved up in class to “AAAA.”
Just an aside, but wouldn’t it be different to see a “AAA” team from Berks County be competing in the Western Finals?
For the first time in who-knows-how-long, District 10 will not be meeting District 7 in the “AAA” Western Finals. That match-up moved up one week to the quarterfinals, where it’s more than likely that Thomas Jefferson could draw Erie Strong Vincent for the third time since 2004. But if it’s not SV that the Jaguars draw, then it would be Erie Prep, a team the black and gold bulldozer would have little trouble disposing of.
“AAAA” really didn’t provide any exciting changes except for the fact that Districts 6/8/9/10 have all been merged into a subregional and will play the winner of District 7 in the quarterfinal round. Whoever wins the 6/8/9/10 subregional might have to contend with powerful Gateway or Central Catholic squads. That match-up would be 99.9% likely to go the way of District 7.