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.
One Response
Montgomery County North/South game displays top players every year from the state. I look foward to knowing those players and the future players to start getting them reconized at the National level. Congradulations to all the Players and Family’s for a game well played.
Bret Cooper
Director of Scouts & Nominations
Football University
U.S.Army All-American Bowl
BCooper@FootballUniversity.org
610-457-7978