Outstanding high school athletes lure me to certain games; I try to see as many as I can in my local area each season. Friday night, September 11, I chose Central Bucks South at Council Rock North for my second look at Rock QB/S Brandon McIlwain. I do not like the label “one-man team” because it may be a rub on many young men that are giving their all on the field yet not achieving the desired wins. I prefer superstar or standout performer, which in the case of McIlwain; he is!
I have coined him “Big Mac”, which I am sure is not original, but I haven’t seen it anywhere else in truth. I saw the prior Rock-Perk Valley game last week and Mac had a hand in all 36 points Rock North scored in a 36-56 defeat to a good PV squad. Mac ran for two TD’s, passed for three TD’s, and ran in three 2-point conversions. He also punted and played safety on D.
On Friday the 11th, the Titans of Central Bucks South came to Walt Snyder Stadium for a non-league cross-conference Suburban One League contest. It appeared early that the same defensive ills that have plagued the Rock were still evident. The Titans drove and capped it with a Norris 1-yard run; the PAT kick was missed, 6-0 Titans.
The Titans defense bent, but did not yet break in the first quarter and another possession saw a drive and a 21-yard aerial, Thompson to Ianuzzi for the Titan’s second score. This time the Karch kick was good, and it was 13-0 CB South.
The Indians began to gel in the second quarter and a drive ended in a McIlwain 4-yard run for a TD, but the PAT kick attempt was missed and it was 13-6 Titans. Both defenses stiffened somewhat and late in the second Rock was backed up practically to their goal line and a punt attempt turned into a safety and it was 15-6 CB South; and possession of the ball to South.
But late in the quarter an attempted Thompson aerial was picked off by safety McIlwain and returned 65 yards to the house. Brandon than ran in the 2-point conversion and we had a 15-14 game at the half; Titans in the lead.
The Titans again scored first in the second half on a drive and Thompson 1-yard scamper; Karsh again booted the PAT and it was 22-14 CB South. Before the third quarter ended, Rock North answered on a McIlwain 28 yard pass-run connection to Kelly; and McIlwain then threw to Closser for the 2-point PAT. The third quarter ended 22-22.
The 4th quarter saw the only Rock non-Mac score of the game when running back Desimone’s 5-yard run put Rock up 28-22. This time the PAT kick was attempted, but not made.
Still later in the 4th, McIlwain scampered for 14 yards and a TD, after which he hit Bibbens for the 2-point PAT and it was 36-22 Rock. South did not quit and Thompson scored from 3 yards out; Karsh kicked the PAT to close out the scoring; a 36-29 Council Rock North victory.
Ironically, Rock had scored 36 points exactly their first two games, one a loss and one a win.
McIlwain had run 18 times for 160 yards and two TDs. He passed 21 for 36 with 1 pick for 214 yards. He also had a third TD on the 65-yard interception. His punts were high, long, and had good hang time. Win or lose, so far, it seems that McIlwain is indeed worth the price of admission.
