Central Dauphin’s final tune up before opening day
PHILLIPSBURG – Central Dauphin traveled two hours to play the winningest team in New Jersey. In their 107-year history, Phillipsburg has won 636 games.
This wasn’t just an ordinary scrimmage for head football coach Glen McNamee. It was more like a family reunion for the former P-Burg standout quarterback. “It was awesome coming back,” said McNamee. “I grew up not far from the stadium here. I was like every kid that dreamed of playing for the Stateliners.”
“What I love so much about growing up here and playing here is the people. There are so many people here that shaped me into who I am today. Some are here tonight and it’s really special.”
McNamee is a 1993 graduate of Phillipsburg High School. After graduation he took his show to Bloomsburg University.
In three years he had a 31-6-1 record and three PSAC championships as a starting quarterback at Bloomsburg University. He holds a record for passing yards (7,192), touchdown throws (57) and career total yards gained (6,594).
Scrimmage
Phillipsburg and Central Dauphin played in game like conditions.
After a slow start the Rams got their offense going, scoring on three out of the last four possessions.
Drew Scales’ one-yard plunge on their second drive put the Rams up 7-0 in the first quarter.
Things really heated up for Central Dauphin on their last two drives before half. The Rams drove 62 yards on 6-plays led by their field general, quarterback Brandon LaVia. He was 4 for 4 passing for 49 yards on the drive. He finished the drive by hitting Jordan Bowman for a seven-yard strike.
After their defense stopped P-Burg, they drove 70 yards for another score, right before halftime.
The combination of the big three was too much for P-Burg. LaVia, Scales and Zayd Issah led the way.
Lavia hit Issah for a nine-yard pass for the score.
The Rams went into halftime leading 21-0. One of the keys was the offense line settling down. “They worked hard in the off-season and are coming around. Now it’s a matter of working together as a unit and developing confidence. They took a step toward that tonight.”
Note: LaVia on the last two scoring drives passed for 95 yards on 8 of 9 passing for two scores. “I thought it was a good scrimmage and they have a good program here,” said McNamee. “There are things we have to work. Tonight showed us exactly what we need to work on.”
The first team only played the first half and the Rams won the scrimmage 27-7.
