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Jon "Duck" Gray is
one of our most ardent web site supporters. His main sport is basketball, but he's taking
a shot at some football coverage/commentary. How cool is it that his nickname is a good
fit with Tom "Puck" McKenna and Ed "Huck"
Palmer? Maybe we can talk Amauro Austin into using the nickname
"Young Buck." Oh, and Kev Hanlon could be "You
S--k!" |
Reports by "Duck" for the 2001 season . . .
NOV. 23
Final Prospect Look and Look Ahead
This time we have the quarterbacks and the "Serta Perfect
Sleepers." Serta sleepers is about players who have been overshadowed and not
mentioned as much as there talents have merit. Many play for programs that don’t have
great personnel or they get lost on the shuffle at schools with better than average
personnel. I apologize to Lincoln, Bok and Southern. I tried my best to see every
"Pub" team but was unable to do so. Next year I will make your programs a
priority. I only saw the fourth quarter and a couple plays of the third when Northeast and
Mastbaum faced off. I will see more of their stars at the Daily News- All Star game in
May.
Quarterbacks
Phillip Evans 6-1 200 Sr. John Bartram High
Evans has a lethal right arm, and a great feel for the game from the QB position. He
was injured when I saw him, but his arm strength is similar to that of Spencer Whetts
from Germantown in the mid-90’s. Has schools like Norfolk State and Howard keeping
tabs.
Matt Ryan 6-5 210 Jr. Penn Charter
Has a "golden arm." The first arm I saw this year was the best one I saw. He
makes the ball whistle. Penn Charter has a great QB tradition. Larry Storm and Mike
Samuel come to mind. Will only get better under the constant instruction he receives
at PC. Ryan has great bloodlines as well, as his Uncle (John Loughery PC ’79)
was the QB at Boston College before a kid named Doug Flutie emerged. Will get tons
of mail from IA’s. Give him a P.O Box
Colin Smith 6-1 175 Sr. Cardinal O’Hara
I really regret not seeing him play again. From what I saw was an underrated
quarterback with good fundamentals, instincts and decent arm strength. Smith is the type
of guy that will make a coach have nightmares for not recruiting him. He should be a damn
good small school quarterback who can pull off big time upsets.
Kaloma Cardwell 5-10 175 Sr. Central
The ulitmate playmaker. I don’t know if he is a college quarterback, but he is a
treat to watch. He is Omar Sanders with better moves and better teammates. Arm is
not as special as Sanders, but has great instincts. Will be a great defensive back, but
I’ll listen him as QB. IA’s and IAA’s.
Elijah Cosby-Jones 6-2 215 Sr. West Philadelphia
This kid is a quarterback, forget linebacker. He runs the shotgun quarterback option
like he invented it. Has a decent arm, and throws well on the run . Under pressure he
makes plays. Has a man’s build, a small Daunte Culpepper. State schools and
various lower I-AA programs I feel he is worth your undivided attention.
Darrell Turner 6-5 190 Jr. Frankford
He has the build of young Randall Cunningham. He runs like deer, throws the
ball like a spear. Getting better and that means trouble in the Pub for many teams next
year. Some school might recruit him as an athlete, well he is a big-time athlete. I say
IAA is a good bet but I do need another viewing.
Aleem Medley 6-0 180 Sr. Benjamin Franklin
A field general, and emotional leader with the heart of a lion. Medley has a cool head
in tough situations and has plenty of field savvy. Franklin doesn’t throw much, but
for the most part Medley has good tools. State schools and other smaller colleges should
be sniffing hard. Aleem is also a decent defensive back.
Marcus Kennedy 5-11 185 Jr. George Washington
I like this kid’s game. He runs the "waggle" very well. Next year is
big, he had great receivers to work with in Kyle Bell and Michael Van Allen. He won’t
have them to lean on and I think he show that he has talent and gumption. Two key
ingredients for good quarterbacks. Also, is elusive in tight spaces and makes something
happen.
Raymond Massey 6-3 175 Jr. Germantown High
Improving ball-handling skills and becoming a nice signal-caller. Still needs work on
the speed of his release. Will be a good one next year, after a winter and summer of boot
camp for coach Hawkins and crew.
Raymon Taft 6-0 165 So. Roxborough High
See Massey. He has really improved, he gets rid of the ball in trouble and gives his team
a chance to be successful. Was a victim of dropped passes on numerous occasions. This
lefty also has fleet feet and will continue to improve.
Serta Perfect Sleepers
Rushers
Larry Turner 5-10 175 Jr. Olney High
One of my favorites in the city. Not blazing but is faster than you think. A "20
yard back" in the mold of Duce Staley. He is a leader of men, and needed to be
because the Olney program has some problems. Turner is the most underrated player
returning in the Pub. I’ll never forget his intense determination to score a
touchdown against Bartram. Turner played behind one of worst o-lines in the city. Has the
HEART of a lion.
Bruce Hill 5-11 180 Jr. University City High
Hill is a player. He put the Jaguars on his back against West Philly and despite the
fact his numbers weren’t great he never backed down. Also, a quality defensive back.
Hill should emerge as a quality half-back for the Jaguars.
Ahmed Powell 5-7 180 Sr. Overbrook High
Small back that packs a punch. He runs through holes and around defenders. Also, he
makes players miss tackles as much as anybody. Should be a good back at a D3 program and
will make a coach smile with his feisty, never say quit attitude.
Tyree Watson 5-11 165 Jr. Simon Gratz High
This kid is underrated in two sports. In hoops, he is Gratz’s best pure point
guard. And in football, he is a quality.tailback. Give him the ball and he makes something
happen. Only flaw, he dances a little too much. When he gets in the open field he holds
the ball tight and runs hard. Could be a huge steal. I hope he sticks to the gridiron
because he has the chance to be a PLAYER.
Kareem Moore 5-10 195 Jr. Benjamin Franklin High
The best of a quality returning group of rushers at Broad & Green. (Jesse Edney
and & Jestin Brisbon are the others.) Will be one of the city’s top
rushers next year, I feel that he can be a consistent game-breaker for the Electrons.
Munir Nurriddin 5-11 170 Sr. Central High
A huge sleeper, this guy is a tough around tackle runner who has better than decent
speed. I saw him against Gratz and he broke tackles by Vincent "School Shirt"
Turner, and he is a good d-lineman and a "Big-un." Nurridin can play IAA, I
‘m convinced of that.
Xavier Sanchez 5-7 170 Jr. Olney High
A quality blocking fullback and another player lost in the mess over at Olney. He hits
hard. I mean "DeShone Cotton" hard. Sanchez and his fellow backfield
mates; Turner, Lyden Sanchez, Andrew Jerry, Julius Belton all have
redeemable athletic skill, but are not in the best situation to have their talent on
display. That makes them sleepers and likely late-bloomers.
Corey Oliver 6-1 220 Sr. Central High
A hard-nosed fullback who will make a college coach happy because his feet keep
churning. A likely D-II fullback.
Brandon Sutton 5-10 185 Jr. Roxborough High
A classic sleeper, because he doesn’t have a great 40 time(neither did Terrell
Davis), he doesn’t play at a city power ( neither did a lot of good backs.) Sutton
will make an impact on a football game with his determination and football instincts.
Receivers
Loren Thomas 6-0 160 Sr. Germantown High School
This guy just completed a solid senior year, which is made more impressive by the
fact, he played no football in High School before that! Are you kidding me? An adequate
route-runner with good speed and decent hands. I saw him burn a decent Franklin secondary
for a touchdown. That is "made for TV movie" kind of stuff. D-II atleast, maybe
higher still learning and is still growing. Also, baseball outfielder.
James Clark 6-2 215 Sr. Overbrook High
Really should be listed as an athlete, also a DE/LB. He has good hands as the guy who
throws him the ball throws bullets. A solid technical tackler, who would help a school
must likely on the D3 level.
Tariyk Joseph 6-1 190 Sr. Overbrook High
Has breakaway speed and rather sure hands. Another ‘Brook speed demon. Joseph
will burn a slow cornerback or one that is just sleeping. He should make a college happy.
Given his athletic gifts request a tape and then decide if your college could use him.
Brian Greene 5-11 190 Sr. West Philadelphia
I can admit my mistakes. When I saw the Speedboys play I always would forget to
mention this man. He is a warrior and a team leader. He might not be a natural receiver
but he can cause havoc on a secondary, because he will give them a good shot if they try
and tackle him. I think a State School would benefit greatly from his services.
Defenders
Bruce Morris 5-10 220 Sr. University City High
A great leader by example. He puts his pads on and just plays football they way it is
suppose to be. He played QB on offense and is a QB on defense. I think he is another SUPER
sleeper. He can lace up his cleats for me anytime. REQUEST A TAPE.
Aaron "Cheez" Calhoun 5-8 155 Sr. Germantown High School
Also a quality runner. Great field vision and picks his spots well as a defensive
back. Should be a good special teamer/Defensive back at the next level. Also, a
possibility at his natural halfback spot.
Rayde Leonard 5-10 160 Sr. Germantown High School
A solid cover corner, who is improving as a tackler and more importantly, bounced back
after a rough GW game. Ray will be a solid D3 cornerback , and I think his best football
is ahead as his body matures.
Joshua Keller 5-10 185 Sr. Overbrook High School
A physical and improving cornerback, who like Leonard has his best football ahead of
him. Keller also plays with a swagger and brings intensity to his position.
Ronald Cooley 5-8 160 Sr. Roxborough High School
Another underrated defensive back. He makes tackles, is consistent and a decent cover
guy
Sir James Burke 6-2 170 Sr. Germantown High School
This guy really came on towards the end of the year. He is an active player, who stays
involved. Good student in the classroom and on the field. Request a tape.
Marvin Shuler 6-3 180 Sr. Murrell Dobbins Tech
A large physical defensive back, had the most impressive int. I saw he went up and
over a receiver to make a great pick. His best football is ahead of him as he matures
physically.A possible state-school performer.
Benjamin Greer 6-0 190 Sr. Martin Luther King
Greer is an underrated defender who tackles with technique and aggression. Greer will
be a surprise for a college coach. He isn’t as gifted as Dunlap or as tough, but he
is no slouch. I would have loved to have seen him play more. I’ll have my eye on him
during the All-City game.
That’s all folks for prospects, now the LOOK AHEAD in the PUB. You can add
Washington, Mastbaum and Northeast, because they are always tough.
Frankford – Super prospect Michael Humbert (6-6 250) is
the best prospect at this school since ALL-City halfback, Eddie Gaskins. He is not
alone as Darrell Turner will run the show at Quarterback. Also, playing a factor
will be OL-DL Raymond Williams and HB Arnold Mullins. Also, rising stars, TE
Phillip Wood and RB George Benson should make the Pioneers a Top 5 city team
to start the year. The early line on the "Pub" is that Frankford will be the
team to beat.
Dobbins- The Mustangs will work like bandits to make a run at the title.
They have one of the hardest off-season programs in the city. They will be led by stud
linebacker, Lateef Ferguson (6-1 215). Also, they return RB/K/P, Khalif Boldin
who will be one of the city’s top runners. Jamar Rowley showed flashes of
brilliance and they’re plenty of youngsters on this year’s roster.
John Bartram- Well, well. The Braves return RB Chironn
"Goober" Davis and quality linebacker Marvin Snipes. OT/DT Richard
Mink at 6-5 265, is already becoming a defensive menace. Imagine when he becomes
aggressive on every down. Hanif Long will replace Phil Evans at the
Quarterback spot, and I think Long will surprise many. Bartram should have more talent
coming up from the junior varsity and continue to be a solid program.
Germantown High – This could be a good year for the Bears. They
return lineman Paul "PJ" Johnson and Dorian Brewer. They’re
potential IA players. Also, left guard Raymond Walker and backup tackle Leonard
Johnson played a significant amount this year. QB Raymond Massey (6-3 175) will have two talented, veteran receivers in Akil Stokes and Taurean
Fillmore. Expect Fillmore to be a star. Linebacker Omar McDonnaugh
is already a warrior, and along with Quindel Ladson (Central) the two best
linebackers in the Public League Class of 2004. The coaching staff works these kids in the
summer team more than another program. The former players comeback and work the kids out.
(That is how a program should be.) Replacing defensive line stalwarts; Carlton Thomas,
Brent Fisher, Sean Williams and Mahdi Bey will be a question. But the
Major question is can they replace Jeffery "JT" King, who leaves a huge
pair of cleats to replace on offensive, defense and in the locker room.
Martin Luther King – Don’t be surprised if MLK is a force.
Their coach is defensive mastermind. And they have one of the most fertile talent regions
of the West Oak Lane and Mount Airy. Dion "Flea" Whittington is the QB
and a high quality defensive back. Rising junior Zsaron Simpson will be a
difference maker. He is a solid LB/WR. Linbacker Kevin Snyder should lead the defense in
tackles. Andre Wooden and Roland Penn should make for a decent backfield and
King has plenty of talent down in the junior varsity according to reports. They just have
to replace superstar DT Gary Dunlap (6-1 245) and his underrated partner Benjamin
Greer.
Please stay in touch e-mail me with info/questions – jdtrilogy@aol.com. Also, I look forward to see you
guys at Basketball games and track meets. But as for the year 2001 Football season, the
"Duck Tales" are over, unless you’re a college coach looking for
information on a city player.
NOV. 22
THANKSGIVING RIVALRY
Germantown 12, King 7
What makes for a great holiday? How about an epic football game
fully stacked with great plays, two good drill teams, cheerleaders, an OVERFLOW crowd,
tons of pretty ladies in the stands? HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!! If all football games were
like this, nobody would play any other sport. This one was a CLASSIC. Early on, the Cougar
defense led by sr. DT Gary Dunlap (6-1 250) was awesome. Germantown failed to open
any holes and Dunlap and sr. LB Benjamin Greer (5-11 190). Dunlap and Greer had 15
and 14 tackles respectively. Dunlap had 10 solo tackles. After a scoreless, first quarter,
King’s junior QB Dion "Flee" Whittington (6-3 190) took off up the
middle for a 23 yard touchdown run, with only 1:33 left in the half. G-Town’s
superhero on the day was sr. Jeffrey "JT" King, who ended his career with
a legendary performance. JT put G-Town on the scoreboard with a 40 yard touchdown pass on
a halfback option to junior WR Akil Stokes, right before the halftime horn.
However, Dunlap got a PAT block and the half it was 7-6 King. Second half was about
defense and turnovers. Both teams stepped up the defense, and while G-Town threatened
often the Cougar defense made big plays. They forced three second half fumbles. With only
3:02 remaining and the overflow crowd on its feet, a key third down and an Inch loomed for
King. With the first down the games is theirs. But Paul "PJ" Johnson and Omar
McDonnaugh combined for a remarkable, fumble strip and recovery. McDonnaugh, who
recovered the ball, had 11 tackles including 9 solo. The 5-10 180 pound linebacker is one
of the city’s top sophomores and has a huge upside. Johnson was a monster on the
defensive line with 6 tackles. The 5-11 280 pound nose-guard keyed the Bear defense which
stymied King RB Donald Jefferson (5-11 185) to only 56 yards on 14 carries.
"PJ" wasn’t finished yet. Running behind guard Johnson and junior tackle
6-4 370 Dorian Brewer, King put G-Town on his back. King put the Bears on top with
a series of tough runs. First an 11 yard run breaking three tackles. Then a 13 yard run in
which he used his speed to get out of bounds and save a timeout. Finally, an amazing 19
yard touchdown run. King looked to be tackled on the 12, broke the ankle tackle and beat
five Cougars to the end-zone for the score. The clock read 1:17 left on the scoreboard.
The conversion run failed after Cougar jr. Kevin Snyder (5-9 205) made a big
tackle. There was time left for King to strike back. Whittington drops back to pass and it
appears he has a man open then outta nowhere – guess who- JT King intercepts the ball
and rumbles 44 yards to the King one yard line with only 51 seconds left. G-Town runs out
the clock and that was it. The line on Jeffery "All-City" King- 28 carries for
199 yards, 1 interception, 1 touchdown pass, 8 tackles, 6 solo and the best performance
I’ve seen all year. The rushing yardage puts King at 1,063 yards on the ground this
year. G-Town wins its 10th straight "Turkey Bowl." So let two things be said: I
have never seen a better student leader in High School athletics than JT King and there is
no better football game on Thanksgiving than Martin Luther King and Germantown. The series
stands G-Town leading 16- 7- 2 Bang, Bang G-Town Gang! Late!
Sidenotes: On the sideline G-Town legend Carlos Bradley ’77,
who played in the NFL and looks like he still can. He showed G-Town sr. DE Brent
"Freak" Fisher a move between the first and second quarter. So the first
Cougar offensive play of the second period, Fisher got a sack. Bradley whispered "He
has potential." King struggled passing, King and other corner Rayde Leonard
(5-10 160) were superb in coverage. I had the pleasure to met Paul Thomas, Jarad
Dillard, "Blink" aka the DJ Fan. They know what they're talking
about, so don’t diss them too hard on Random Thoughts. Paul is redshirting at
Kutztown and should have a solid career up there. Halftime shows were awesome, both drill
teams and cheerleaders were good. The better Drill team was G-Town, let's call the
cheerleaders a dead heat. A section of people ( approx 100) were on the outside of the
stadium watching through the fence. Also, there wasn’t any seats unoccupied in the
stands. Approximately 3,500 people saw this one and by next year 100,000 will claim to
have been there. The loudest cheers were from a section of G-Town fans who look like a
group of old school Run DMC fans. They kept yelling, "We! We are the Mighty G and we
don’t care about you….." I like the Early! chant better. The women were out
on full effect, no finer women in the area than up Northwest Philly, you guys are never
getting this game from me.
NOV. 9
PUBLIC LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL
Washington 38, Germantown 14
Big games are about big time players making big plays. This
game was no different. From early on the Eagles were the aggressors and the playmakers.
Leading the charge was junior quarterback Marcus Kennedy, senior tailback Ryan
Gore, senior fullback/linebacker Maurice Bennett and senior WR Michael Van
Allen. The Eagles, who arrived only twenty minutes before game-time, came out
inspired. Kennedy (5-11 175) was 5-7 through the air for 95 yards. His prime target was
Bell, who at 6-3 190 lbs is considered by many the top player/prospect in the
"Pub" Bell had 2 receptions for 45 yards, 5 tackles and a fumble recovery. His
wide receiver partner Van Allen is a PLAYER he isn’t too far from Bell in talent. The
6-4 170 pound receiver is a poorman’s Brian Finneran, an erstwhile star at
Villanova. Van Allen packs toughness, he had a huge block on a 40 yard pass play Bell from
Kennedy. This took place in a huge sequence in the early third quarter. On the opening
drive of the third quarter (the Eagles led 13-0 at the half), Kennedy led the Eagles for a
quick score on a 3yd run by Gore. After a Bell fumble recovery, the ball Eagles struck
with a Kennedy to Van Allen touchdown. This made the G-Town faithful started to bow their
heads and the G-Town Gang seemed lose their bang. However, senior superstar Jeffrey
"JT" King (5-9 160) was productive with 117 yards on 26 carries. The RB/DB
also added 5 tackles. His most productive mates were sr. DE Carlton "Cookie"
Thomas 4 tackles and a PAT block, sr. receiver Loren Thomas (5-11 160) who
registered 2 catches for 60 yards, and jr. DT Paul "PJ" Johnson (5-11
280) who had 5 tackles. So we have discussed the game but we haven’t discussed the
winning factor – linebackers. This is were Bennett and senior Bobby Young
(5-10 185) were the Eagles’ trump card, these two guys consistently made plays on
defense that disrupted the rhythm of Bears QB Raymond Massey and other the
Bears attack. In the end, it was the deciding factor, as the Bears linebacker core
couldn’t project any will on this game’s outcome. Strange play, early I the
first Quarter, GW cornerback Deron Dungee intercepted a ball in enemy territory and
returned it to the two yard line and then fumbles. It looked like he was about to take it
in but then he fumbled.
Sidenotes- I’ve covered so many G-Town games people think
I’m an assistant coach. Well, they already have 20, why would they need me. During
the week, it was obvious that Washington and G-Town exchanged choice words, but GW went
wild. They called players up just to "chit-chat". Their way in was Andre Odom,
a jr. RB/DB, whose brother Robert is the backup QB for G-Town. Robert was
solid in the final quarter, when he got in. GW used three place-kickers.
NOV. 4
ON THE MENU . . .
"Duck Sauce"
LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE! At the
G-Town-Dobbins football game on Oct. 6. I thought I would have to play the part of Mills
Lane. The cheerleaders from Dobbins and Germantown exchanged dirty looks and stares and I
swear that they were only minutes away from a serious throw-down. ( I kid you not) After
Olney high school scored a TD on Oct. 26, the Trojans’ Ken Ferns,
a junior offensive lineman, commented that " I love your column man. You said pray
for us and we scored." Now let's begin the political stuff. Athletic Directors and
Principals at certain Public League Schools, listen to the fans and players, if your coach
isn’t cutting it then either do your best to help him improve the program or force
the guy out. This is a competitive sport and if your coach isn’t getting the best out
of the players or giving them exposure to colleges, get the "deadbeat" coach out
of there. I will not name schools or coaches because it is quite obvious which schools
need the changes. I still wonder if the college recruiters have found their way to
Overbrook High games to see star Omar Sanders. I still
remember the performance he put on against Franklin. I’ll repeat myself, go see him
play, he doesn’t disappoint. That goes the same for DeShone "Stink"
Cotton, the manchild/wrestler/defensive star at West Philly. He is the biggest
crowd-pleaser in the city. He scoops people, he gives them the people’s elbow,he
slams them. Can you smell what the "Stink" is cookin? People can we change the
rules to Junior Varsity football in the "Pub". That one pass every four downs is
a joke. How are the quarterbacks going to develop? Speaking of Junior Varsity, I will not
be covering jayvee for the site. Somebody started that rumor because I said, "If I
can make a game, I would watch as a fan." Plus is there any really good gossip down
at the J-V level -well no. Can you keep some secrets? G-Town has a tough and talented (But
small) RB on their J-V and Gratz has a 6-3 QB, who just moved from Langhorne and played a
little at Neshaminy. You didn’t hear any of that from me. My favorite part of sports
is the trash-talk. A Gratz spectator said after a tackle during the Central game.
"That is how Nicetown guys hit." It was a nice tackle, but the next play, the
same player missed a tackle. The spectator, "You see, you getting soft up Hunting
Park." How about my favorite line? "get your weight up." The Olney fans are
always shouting it. The best reply, "You fat enough get your [butt] on the field
chubby." Well that is the Menu for football season check me in early December for Duck
ALA Orange, as in the color of a basketball. (I know French, just playing
around.)
NOV. 3
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Germantown 34, Roxborough 6
Bang! Bang! G-Town Gang! Football is about
"controlled aggression" and this game had it in jumbo amounts. Germantown and
Roxborough always is an emotional filled contest and this one wasn’t any different.
Early on, Roxborough would lose linebacker and tackling machine – Charles Tyler.
Tyler was injured early and didn’t return and was sorely missed. Also, in absentia
was HB, Christopher Smith who was not even on the field today. The Bears would take
advantage behind the running of Jeffrey "J.T." King (5-9 160) and Aaron
"Cheez" Calhoun (5-8 155). The Bears' first score was a 9 yard run by
Calhoun, that capped an impressive 17 play, 97 yard drive. The Bears' second score was a 4
yard run by King with only 3.5 seconds remaining in the second half. King, a master of
body control and determination, was impressive with 119 yards on 15 carries. JT had a high
quality 44 yard third quarter touchdown running behind extremely massive tackle, Dorian
Brewer (6-4 370). Calhoun, a master of hole selection and field vision ,had a nice
game as well. "Cheez" had 12 carries for 80 yards. On defense, he also
registered 4 tackles. The Bear defensive line again was stellar. Leading the way,
emotional leader, sr. Carlton "Cookie" Thomas (5-10 180), who had 6
tackles, 1 sack and a fumble recovery. His partner on the other side of the line, Brent
Fisher (6-1 190) had 5 tackles and numerous times was in the Indian backfield causing
havoc. The Bears went to the air and resurrected their hibernating passing game. Jr. QB Raymond
Massey (6-3 170) had his best outing of the year. He found speedy junior Akil
Stokes (5-10 160) for a 61 yard touchdown strike that got the crowd going. The totals
for Massey were 4-7 100 yds. and 1 TD. He should be a definite goodie by next year, as he
continues to improve. That is the same for Roxborough Sophomore QB Raymon Taft, who
was a victim of numerous dropped passes and suspect line play, but didn’t fail to
impress. He will be a good signal-caller in time. The most dangerous Indian was senior
KR/PR Andrew Bennett (5-9 160), who had 4 returns for 128 yards, including a 50
yard punt return touchdown. The defense was led by senior DE Richard Cheek (6-3
265) who had 11 tackles and 1 sack. He was an absolute warrior, a 1A quality warrior.
Senior DB Ronald Cooley had 7 tackles, but for the most part the Indians defense
was overmatched. The Bear added the exclamation point on senior Rayde Leonard’s
fourth quarter, 35 yard TD run. They were numerous subplots to this one, but the play of
G-Town two-way linemen, jr. Paul "PJ" Johnson (5-11 280) and Mahdi Bey
(5-10 285) was key. Also, bone-crushing hits like the one King made on a Roxborough
running-back were key. Also, upcoming star, sophomore FB-LB, Omar McDonnaugh (5-10
160) who made numerous key blocks and tackles was key. Then you have to consider that
G-Town is getting primed for a huge showdown against George Washington in a Pub
Quaterfinal, which is being called "Pub Title Game Junior" by
some. All I know is that Washington and G-Town will go at it from the coin toss. I
don’t know about you but whatever I have to do I’m gonna get there – EARLY!
Sidenotes- I watched the game with Amar
Austin, who was keeping the official stats for the Daily News. At halftime, I
joked to big Dorian Brewer, "You losing weight?" He smiled and replied
"Yeah, but don’t ask me later." Then Brewer said he was only 330 pounds.
Mar said, "That was two visits to McDonald’s ago." That made about four
Bears start laughing. After King’s second quarter TD with only 3.5 seconds left.
G-Town recovered an onside kick, and gave the ball to McDonnaugh, who broke two tackles,
made another miss with a spin move and took it all the way to the HOUSE. Too bad, he
received help from an illegal block in the back, and that brought back his 44 yard run.
Good luck next time.
NOV. 2
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Central 22, Gratz 14
This one was good and sometimes bizarre. The good stuff first. Early
on, the Bulldogs’ jr. TB Tyree Watson (5-11 165) running behind the huge
"Pit Bull" offensive line, was dazzling. On Tyree’s first 2 carries he had
65 yards, highlighted by an ultra-impressive 46 yard touchdown run. Central would answer
with running of sr. FB Corey Oliver and sr. Munir Nuriddin (5-11 165).
Nuriddin, a TB/WB, was tough while running 17 times for 148 yards and 1 TD. After tying
the game in the Second Quarter on standout QB Kaloma Cardwell’s 4 yard
touchdown run. Gratz showed some toughness, Freshman QB Kevin Lane (5-8 145) led
the Bulldogs on a 8 play,. 54 yard touchdown drive with only 1:24 left in the second
Quarter. Junior FB/TB/LB Voncel Harrigan (5-10 175) punctuated the drive with a 1
yard run with no time left in the half. The second half belonged to the Lancers and
Nuriddin took over. Once, after a Bulldog had him bottled, he broke a tackle and took off
on a key 20-yard run. After, scoring the tying touchdown, Nuriddin set up the winning
score with a 32 yard run. That led to Oliver’s 1 yard run, with only 1:38 left.
Plenty of time for Lane, Harrigan and company to drive for a tying score. But then the
Bizarre began. After the kickoff goes out of bounds, instead of taking the ball on the 35,
the Bulldogs forced the Lancers to kick again. On the return, Gratz, is called for an
illegal block in the back, and is pinned on their 16. Lane steps back to pass, his
receiver breaks off the route, and is intercepted. The play is called back for defensive
holding. Lane drops back to pass and is picked off, this time by sophomore LB Quindel
Ladson (5-10 190). Ladson was a stalwart for the Lancers on "D" with 12
tackles. Also, leading the Lancer defense was talkative senior LB Isaac Cowart, who
had 8 tackles and 6-5 280 –pound, senior DT Tariq Sanders, who had 5 tackles.
Underrated junior linebacker Robert "Bean-O" Spivey (6-1, 175) was
impressive with 11 tackles and 1 pass deflected as was Harrigan, who had 9 tackles and 1
interception. In the second half, Watson who finished with 117 yards rushing on 13
carries(O in the fourth Quarter), was injured and Gratz moved Harrigan from Fullback to
Tailback. Big deal, who did they move to FB, that’s right 6-0 275 junior lineman, Dominic
Bland. Bland had 1 carry for 2 yards. Talk about Bizarre.
Sidenotes- Vincent "School Shirt" Turner is a
big boy, he is 6-3 346. His nickname has an even bigger legend. Injured Gratz QB, Kyle
Whiting says, "We call him ‘School Shirt’ because whatever shirt
he wears to school, he practices in it." Then after pausing. Kyle says pointing to
Turner’s undershirt, "Like that red shirt, he wore it to school and now he is
playing in it." There is not a spare shirt in his locker. When Bland went to FB, a
spectator shouted, "Put 'School Shirt' at tailback!" That got everybody
laughing. In the early third quarter, a Central cheerleader was injured (not seriously) on
the sideline after a tackle on Cardwell involved her. Gratz had a 6 point lead at the
time. She was pretty, so she provided motivation for the Lancers to win.
OCT. 27
PUBLIC LEAGUE
West Philly 41, University City 0
If you looked in the dictionary under "neighborhood
rivalry" you might see West Philly- Overbrook Basketball. If you looked under
"neighborhood football grudge match", you would see West Philly-U-City football.
These two teams went at it like it was for their lives. The first quarter was full of
bone-crushing tackles. So guess who was hitting hard? That’s right – DeShone
"Stink" Cotton- who had 14 tackles in the game and 2 sacks. In the first
quarter alone, Cotton, had 5 tackles, and each time he hit somebody they limped to the
sidelines. The 6-3 210 pound DE/FS/WR is an absolute heart-taker on the field. He was also
a chief trash-talker early on. About trash-talk, everybody was talking trash. So you knew
I was having fun laughing about it. The West Philly Homecoming crowd was involved yelling,
"Speedboys!!!!!" And then the U-City faithful would respond with
"Jaguars!!!." To counter Cotton and his mates on defense, U-City put the ball in
the hands of Co-Franchises, jr. HB/LB Bruce Hill (5-11 180) and Sr. QB Bruce
Morris. Early on after a hard hit by a pair of Speedboys, Morris would leave the game
with a dislocated shoulder. He would not return and the Speedboys seized control. Sr. QB Elijah
Cosby-Jones hit sr. TE/LB Terrell Roper for a 15 yard touchdown.
Cosby-Jones was later ejected from the game for a late hit on defense. His replacement,
freshman Jalil Harris (5-8 140) was up to the challenge. Seeing extended
action for the first time this year, Harris electrified the Homecoming crowd with 2 TD
passes to Roper. He is DEFINITELY a player to watch. Roper was phenomenal, as well. He had
3td catches and 12 tackles, talk about bringing it on both sides of the ball, because that
is exactly what he did today. On the day, Roper had 4 receptions for 64 yards. Another
underrated Speedboy is senior, two-way lineman, Timothy Morrison ( 5-11 240), who
had an impressive punt block and recovery for the second score. The Jaguars struggling
without Morris, leaned heavily on Hill who ran 12 times for 28 yards and also added 7
tackles on defense .He is a prospect as he has good instincts and tools should become a
top- halfback in the city with time. His teammate, QB Hassan King (5-6 142) had a
couple impressive runs, after entering the game in the second half. Their faithful became
disgusted and started to file out in third period. Coach Lou Williams’ boys
have a way to go.
Side-Notes- University City arrived only about 15 minutes before
game-time. The bus was late and it had to go back and get the cheerleaders, because it was
too small. ONLY IN THE PUB. Coach Williams benched Hassan King for the first half
because he went to the Powerhouse concert the night before, cutting practice short.
King, who thought he wasn’t going to play, was in dress clothes until he changed and
went onto the field in the third quarter. Beforehand, he was on the sideline keeping his
teammates in line, and informing me of the concert happenings. ONLY IN THE PUB. Many
people on the U-City sidelines, were also familiar with players on the West team. On one
play one spectator says, " You messed up," to a Jaguar- then within the same
breath – "Good play ‘Stink!’ ONLY IN THE PUB.
OCT. 26
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Bartram 34, Olney 7
You might not hear this on NFL FILMS but when Vince
Lombardi said "Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,"
– he was misunderstood. What he really meant was the pursuit of "winning"
is everything. So as I get into this report, remember it is only football. Sometimes the
score means nothing. Today, two football teams met at the windy and dusty tundra of Trojan
Field. It had the feel of the Packers vs. the Cowboys. Not exactly, but it was a darn good
game anyway. (Yes, the Olney Trojans played in a good game.) Bartram had to do battle
without two of their top performers. Senior QB Phil Evans and jr. RB Chironn
"Goober" Davis were sitting this one out with injuries. Their replacements, Hanif
Long and Henry Lundy, did nicely in their place. Long, a 5-10 170 pound junior,
was 3-5 for 44 yards, and hit senior Randell Eggleton for a 26 yard score in the
third quarter. Lundy, a diminutive (5-8 160) was at his best running in and out of
crevices for sizable gains. Mostly he deferred to jr. FB Julius Caple, who is built
like a small Sherman Tank. The 6-0 220 pound, Caple punishes defenders with his hard-nosed
style of running. He finished with 10 carries for 53 yards. He has made my list as junior
to watch. As did two of his classmates, Ian Greaves, who was 2 –17 rushing
with a touchdown – and- Richard Mink, a 6-5 265 pound defensive menace. Mink
had 7 tackles and 1 sack. The other standouts (Besides the cheerleaders) for the Braves
were high quality, senior receiver/defensive back, Romar Drake (6-3 185) and senior
LB Joseph Smith (6-1 210). Smith was EVERYWHERE on defense. He was like the
Energizer Bunny, he kept hitting and hitting. Smith had 14 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1
Fumble Force and 1 Blocked punt, that led to a touchdown. This guy should have had an
"S" on his chest. For the Trojans, they drove 4 times within the Brave 35.
Fumbles and inconsistent play-calling hindered their offense. On defense, Kevin Way,
a 6-3 220 pound senior LB had 13 tackles. Also, he was a consistent force in keeping the
spirits of the Trojans up. Junior LB/MP Larry Turner (5-10, 175) was also solid. He
recorded 11 tackles and ran 10-61 on the ground. Sophomore TB/QB Andrew Jerry ran 5
times for 39 yards on the ground. The entire fourth quarter everybody wanted to know
whether or not the Trojans would finally score an offensive touchdown. With 8 seconds
left, Turner broke a run outside from 15 yards and the Trojans had their touchdown. Trojan
Field exploded and if you didn’t know better you would have thought the Trojans’
had just won the "Pub." I was happy to see the kids score -- it really made
their day. You see in the past week, a former schoolmate and friend to most of the Trojan
players was murdered –Solomon Kelly. The Trojans played with the initials
"SK" on their helmets. Some also, wrote on themselves in homage to their friend.
As they went to shake the hands of the "victors" the happier team was the Olney
Trojans. "Winning isn’t everything."
Sidenotes- They were two hits of the day; jr. LB/NG Xavier Sanchez
(5-7,170) from Olney delivered a fourth quarter hit to Lundy that sounded like an axe
cutting through wood. The entire field fell silent in one moment. Then they said OOOH !!!
On a second quarter play, a Bartram player plowed into Olney Head Coach Hugh
MacDonough, who bounced up quickly from a bad fall. Three Olney managers, Shaunta,
Brittany, and Zarinah joked that they would love to put on the pads and
block for the Trojans. A spectator joked, " I bet they block better than the
boys." OUCH !!! Phil Evans has steady D-IAA interest from Howard and Norfolk State
amongst others. Olney has new warm-ups that are similar to the of the T.C. Williams
Titans from the movie Remember the Titans. John Smith, a Trojan junior
is as energetic a player you can find. Always shouting encouragment. He even played 3
plays at DT. Smith is a 5-9, 130 junior. Talk about team player! Olney has added to the
play-book with some plays that were effective at times. Keep up the creativity.
Bartrams’s Romar Drake is a stud, he should be getting some D-I looks. In the
cheerleader wars, I have to give this one a draw. Both are solid with their routines and
vocals. Olney had more.
OCT. 22
Prospect List II
This
time it is the “athletes” and linebackers. I apologize because I haven’t
seen everybody yet, but will try my best to check as many out as possible. Next time it is
the quarterbacks, so if you see my at a sideline at one of your games “show me
something.”
Also, remember that PA State schools often rank among the best programs in D-II football.
Also, schools like Widener and Rowan often recruit kids that can play at a much higher
level. An additional note, they are many kids that play linebacker/halfback and in some
cases one projects better to me as a “runner than a tackler.”
Athletes-
Barren Grier, 6-3 185
Sr. Murrell Dobbins Tech
Has to be compared with former Dobbins’ three-sport
star Derrik Millhouse ’92. Grier is a two-sport star. (Basketball Forward). He has
the chance to excel at a few football positions. Safety, Cornerback and Wide Receiver are
often talked about, but what about his converted position? It’s only his first season
as varsity starter. Have to check him again, to see if his ball-handling skills and field
vision are improving. IA’s and IAA’s make sure to request a tape and watch it on
a big screen television.
Darrell Chapman, 6-0 175 Sr. Benjamin
Franklin
A dangerous kick returner and receiver, he is a clever route-runner
who knows how to get separation, he is a sleeper. Also, a surprisingly physical defensive
back, he could be a strong force in the defensive backfield as well. Chapman should be
getting mail from plenty of Division II schools. Can play at a higher level as he has
great instincts as a DB.
Michael Humbert, 6-5 230 Jr. Frankford High
School
This kid is built like a WWF wrestler. He has the build that says
big-time in your mind. Maybe a college defensive end, or as a pass catching tight end.
What about as an OLB? All are good possibilities. Eleventh graders are not normally this
built. Should be receiving a flood of mail. He plays on a young team that can make
mistakes, so next year he will be an even bigger force to be reckoned with in the
“Pub.” IA’s and IAA’s get them stamps ready.
Brent Fisher, 6-1 190 Sr. Germantown High
Nicknamed “ The Freak.” One of my favorite players to
watch in the city, so do not SLEEP. He is an undersized defensive end who plays hard every
down. His college position is not yet determined. Has HEART in jumbo amounts, can run down
fast opposing players with the best of them. Division II’s should be begging him, and
others should request a tape.
Omar Sanders, 5-9 `170 Sr. Overbrook High
A blur he runs a 4.36/40. I want to time him because that may be
slow. A little small for a college QB but Doug Flutie is only one inch taller. Played a
little tailback as well, has moves and good vision. That would be a natural position for
him, also a quality defensive back and kick returner. Also, a track star for the perennial
Panther track team.
Linebackers
Lateef Ferguson, 6-1 215 Jr. Murrell
Dobbins Tech
This kid is always near the ball. He hits with aggression. The
Mustangs have defensive players with ability but this guy is a definite leader. He runs
well East to West and once he sees the runners, he delivers a pop. The Mustangs always
produce good football players. This kid should be no different.
Devon Brown, 6-1 245 Sr. Overbrook High
Didn’t talk much about him but seems to be in on almost every
play. (11 tackles) Plays a ton on the defensive line but is a natural MLB. Moves well
laterally and has good size. He always tries to strip the ball and cause a turnover. He is
the PLAYMAKER on defense for the Panthers.
Terrell Roper, 6-0 215 Sr. West Philadelphia High
He delivers a good pop and has decent speed. I feel that he is
often overshadowed by some of the other stars over there at West. Roper seems to be the
team leader for the Speedboys and has decent hands as a pass catching Tight End. Solid
Division II
Jason Woodson, 6-0 180 Sr. Murrell Dobbins
Tech
This guy along with Ferguson makes tackles. He gets involved almost
every-time, a rusher comes to his side. Also, good at coming from the weak-side to make a
play from behind.
Charles Tyler, 5-11 195 Sr. Roxborough High
A stalwart in defense for the Indians, he makes play after play. He
wraps up defenders. Should the Indians continue to improve his defensive play would one of
the factors.Request a tape.
Carlton Thomas, 5-10 180 Sr. Germantown
High
The unsung hero for G-Town plays a lot at DE but is best on the
weak-side LB for the stingy Bear defense. Should play in college but it is not yet
determined which level.
Omar McDonnaugh 5-10 160 So. Germantown
High
Promising young linebacker for G-Town. He is till growing and is a
player to keep your eye on. Since he entered the game at Franklin, he has been a
consistent player, with a knack of getting close to the ball. Probably will be a college
safety or corner because he has better than decent speed.
Jaryn Warren 5-10 175 Sr. Benjamin Franklin
A fluid runner who hits hard and often, also, a halfback but I like
his defense better.
He should be a target of some II’s and quality III’s. He also plays for keeps,
as he has a definite swagger.
OCT. 19
Public League
Franklin 22 Overbrook 14
Yet another quality Public League football contest. This game
was about spurts. Early on, the Panthers behind the play of sr. QB/DB/HB/KR Omar
Sanders (5-9 175). opened up a surprising 14-0 lead. The two touchdowns were
beautiful passes to speedy and sure handed sr. WR. Tariyk Joseph.
(6-1 190) The first, a 21 yard pass over a defenders' shoulder to Joseph, and the
second TD you will see on highlights. The strong -armed Sanders throws a deep pass (about
45 yards in the air) and it appears that the ball should be overthrown by 15 yards - out
of nowhere- Joseph catches up to the ball and makes the catch for the 63 yard
touchdown. Astounding!!!! The Electrons countered with the steady running of junior HB Kareem
Moore (5-10 195) and junior MP Jestin Brisbon (5-9 185). Moore,
who finished with 62 yards on 10 carries, got Franklin on the board with a four yard
between the tackles TD run. Then in the third quarter, 'Brook's star sr. HB Ahmed
Powell (5-7 180) went! ballistic. In the 3rd period alone, he rushed 14 times for
69 yards - yet - the Electrons' defense wouldn't break. Powell scorched BF with 29
carries for 130 yards. Brisbon's seven yard run made it a tie game, going into the
fourth. In the 4th quarter, it was Boe Davis time. The 6-4 290 pound,
All-Public two-way lineman took the game over. He had two sacks and 5 tackles (three for
losses) in the fourth quarter alone. For the game 8 tackles and two sacks for
"Big Boe." Also, Davis hurried Sanders (who runs a 4.36/40 and is a track star
at 'Brook), into a costly interception that led to senior Jaryn Warren's
game-winning six yard touchdown run with only 20 seconds left in regulation. For Franklin,
steady sr. DB/WR. Darrell Chapman (6-0 175) had 8 tackles and 1
interception. This kid is a prospect has great football instincts. Sr. QB Aleem
Medley displayed savvy and leadership in the closing drive and sr. LB Michael
Hinnant (5-8 225) had 5 tackles and 1 interception. The Panthers have some
very good athletes, Sanders who as I said before, runs a 4.36/40, plays a mean strong
safety and a little bit of corner as well. He had 11 tackles, on special teams he opened
the game with an exciting 47 yard return. Also, his best play of the game was called back
by holding. At his 28, he looked around, he found nobody, so he runs right then left,
breaks a tackle and another, then outruns everybody while taking it to the HOUSE. I think
you get the point the kid is a PLAYER. Also, sr. DB Joshua Keller (5-10
185) had 7 tackles and an interception.
Sidenotes- Only one, Ahmed Powell left this game after a
scary injury. He took a knee to the stomach and at first, it appeared terrible. He was
able to put himself on the stretcher. Good luck and hope to see you play again soon.
Franklin and their faithful both showed tremendous class by applauding Powell as he left
the field. That is the spirit of the Public League.
OCT. 13
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Germantown 6, Dobbins 0
This was a dandy. Any detractors of Public League Football would
have been shocked by the high-quality defensive play on both sides of the ball. The
players, fans and all of North Philly and G-town knew that this was a big game. This game
had everything. An announcer, cheerleaders, drill teams, loud fans and good football.
After the moment of silence in honor of the US war efforts in Afghanistan, there was
no silence the rest of the day. Early on, the Mustangs' talented senior quarterback, Barren
Grier, was hammered by G-Town's captain and noseguard, jr. Paul Johnson
(5-11, 280lb) which led to the only score as sr. HB Jeffrey "J.T."
King recovered the ball in the end-zone. King was regal on both sides of
the ball. He registered 15 carries for 81 yards rushing on "O" and on defense,
he had 7 tackles. Dobbins would threaten the Bears all day. RB/KR/PR/K Khalif
Boldin, who started slowly and then began to break Bear tackles in the second
half, as he finished with 15 carries for 54 yards. He is a strong runner, who is solid
college prospect. Also, if you are looking for a play of the day, we have several. Here is
one, speedy Mustangs sr. WR Kevin Hinton ( 6-0 175) makes a great run on
a reverse and has nothing but end zone in front, from the other side of the field, sr.
HB/DB Aaron "Cheez" Calhoun (5-8 155) makes a twenty- yard run
and swipes at the ball….it pops loose! G-Town recovers inside their twenty and
thwarts a sure score for the Mustangs. After halftime the Mustangs seem focused. On
offense the o-line started to make holes for Boldin to run through. And on defense stud
linebackers jr. Lateef Ferguson (6-0 215) and sr. Jason Woodson
(6-1 180) started hitting the Bears with aggression. As the emotions got higher and as the
crowd got louder, the play got better. Dobbins controls the ball for a majority of the
third quarter and with time only for one more play in the 3rd stanza. Grier avoids the
pass rush but is picked off by sophomore LB Omar McDonnaugh, who made a
high quality grab on his seven yard line which killed another Mustang threat. McDonnaugh
had 10 tackles, as well. The Mustangs would try again but with another fumble
recovery by Johnson, it seemed certain that the Bears would hold on. Trouble though as
G-Town would struggle on offense late and the dangerous Grier and company would have one
last chance with around 2:45 to play. On 4th down and needing a big play, Grier is
hurried by sr. DE Brent Fisher (6-1 190), who forces the incompletion
that seals the G-town victory. Fisher is a player, he chased down Grier, who has to
run something in the 4-4/4-5 for 40 yards for a sack, is an absolute force. On offense, JT
King refuses to be tackled by the first defender. He plays with tons of HEART for a guy
only 5-9 160. Hey this one had the feel of a playoff game and G-Town's solid defense
carried to the top spot in Division B. I live in Mount Airy and before that Logan,
Germantown is in between so for once I'll say this- "BANG ! BANG ! G-TOWN GANG!!!!
Sidenotes- This game was competitive on all fronts. The cheerleaders from
G-Town and Dobbins both put on good halftime shows. Although Dobbins' cheerleaders were
better the Drill team put G-Town over the top. Grier is a solid Athlete as a QB he
is a faster version of former Dobbins signal-caller Derick Millhouse '92.
Despite his athletic prowess, Fisher chased him down for a sack, that if you blinked your
eye you would have missed. Both kids are lightning quick. If both teams remain
focused they should continue to cause havoc in the Pub regular season and playoffs. A
little work on the passing game would help both teams. In the stands were several
Northeast Viking jerseys. I wonder who they were scouting?
OCT. 12
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Frankford 46, Olney 0
This one was over as soon as I arrived. Frankford was in
control from the moment the game began. The standouts were jr. QB Darrell Turner (6-4,
195), sr. RB/KR/PR/DB Marcus Waddy (5-8 155) and jr. Wingback Adam
Hartman (5-10, 180). Turner shredded the Trojan defense to the tune of 4-7 124
passing yards 2tds and 1int. On the ground, the long-limbed signal-caller ran for 30 yards
and an additional touchdown. Also, the "Pioneer" offensive line anchored by sr.
T Tracy Williams (6-5 350) totally dismantled the Trojan defensive line.
After the first two Frankford possessions the score was 16-0. And the Olney players were
visibly dejected from that point onward. Waddy, who just seemed to run around the Olney
players as if they were statues, ran for 46 yards on 7 carries, 2 TD's. He also had 31
yards receiving, a 40-yard punt return and a 46-yard interception return. All in 2 and ½
quarters of work. Hartman blew by two Trojans to haul in a high quality 42-yard touchdown.
(I'm gonna keep an eye on him, he seems to have better than average hands.) What can be
said for Olney? Well not much. (I like to type, too.) SR. QB/SS (6-1, 180) Maurice
Jones had 5 tackles; so. DB Andrew Jerry had 4 tackles and 1
int. (He only played sparingly because of bad ankle sprain); jr. FB/DE Antwaan
Roach had some good moments. Despite their efforts the Pioneers seemed like the
New York Jets playing against a 65lb weight team.
Side-Notes- A spectator yelled to the Olney players "Get your
weight up." Another replied back "Get your [hind parts] on the field,
then." Frankford TE Michael Humbert (an impressive 6-5 230lb junior)
had a monster block on a Waddy touchdown run and two Trojans limped back to the sidelines.
Do me a favor, keep Olney football in your prayers.
OCT. 6
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Germantown 36, Franklin 12
From the opening whistle this game was full of highlights. On the
first series of the game, Franklin sr. QB Aleem Medley was 2-2 for 56 yards and 1
td. The scoring play was a 27 yard strike to MP back Kareem Moore. The Bears then
would take control behind the running of its dynamic tandem of senior halfbacks, Aaron
"Cheez" Calhoun (16-96, 2 conversion runs) and Jeffrey "JT"
King (7-71 3tds.) King would score the first of his three touchdowns on a 24 yard run
behind the blocking of sr. Mahdi Bey (5-10, 285) and jr. Dorian Brewer (6-4,
370). Then on defense, senior defensive end Brent Fisher (6-1 190) made the play of
the day. In one motion he tackled, stripped and recovered the ball from the Franklin
ballcarrier. That play got the drill team yelling "G-town! G-Town!" The G-Town
defensive line was impressive all day. With ends Fisher, fellow sr. Sean "Carolina"
Williams (6-3 250) and occasionally, Brewer, and tackles jr. Paul Johnson
(5-11 280) and Bey negating the skills of Franklin’s All-Public lineman Boe Davis
(6-4 290) and his comrades. The Electrons were without one of their stars in senior HB/LB Willie
Woods (5-11 200), who sat this one out with an injury. Germantown would put the nail
in the coffin when backup QB Robert Odom (5-8 170) would hook up with senior WR Loren
Thomas on a 75 yard scoring play. Odom, who entered the game in second quarter after
junior QB Raymond Massey suffered a minor knee injury, was impressive. He added a
18 yard touchdown run on a designed roll-out, and displayed good ballhandling skills as
well. For Franklin, Medley was valiant in defeat as was WR/DB Darrell Chapman, who
was Franklin's most dangerous player on the field. Davis is a good tackle but he
can’t block everybody and he had to contend with one of the Public League’s
premier defenses. On offense, they have quarterback depth and in Calhoun (5-8 155) and
King (5-9 160) – a killer 1-2 punch in the backfield. Despite the loss, Franklin, is
still a threat in Division C. They have a big showdown with rival Maustbaum this Friday,
in a game that has playoff implications. Germantown is playoff and beyond contender they
have a "bigtime" match-up with the always dangerous, Murrell Dobbins next
Saturday at 29th and Chalmers.
Side Notes- On the Franklin sidelines, Jermaine
"Beanie" Smith, who is redshirting at Shippensburg. In the stands, black
Mustang jackets from Murrell Dobbins. They were checking out both teams. In the third
quarter, after "JT" King broke two tackles in the backfield and ran for 27 yard
touchdown. Two members of the Franklin Junior Varsity who were operating the down markers,
said to me "Don’t worry our Junior Varsity is gonna get their jayvee." I
love it when kids have confidence and school spirit. I spoke to Davis before the game and
he is already qualified and has Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Penn State and others keeping
close tabs. Brewer is really 370, before I listed him at 295. That was his weight when he
arrived at G-Town, as a freshman, the coaches just gave me that as something to go on.
They weighed him on the school scale and it didn’t go over 350, so they went and got
a digital scale and it had him at 370. He is a "Big Un." Today when I approached
the field coach Allen Rushing of Franklin gave me a roster and asked which guy was
I. "Huck, Puck, Duck…." Told you Ted, it pays to have rhyming names. PS.
Congratulations Barry Bonds, you deserve the praise.
OCT. 3
"On the Menu"
Roasted Duck
Hello football fans. What a topsy-turvy college football season we
are experiencing. Penn State and Notre Dame are 0-3. The Irish are one thing, but when you
live in Pennsylvania, where many people bleed Nittany blue, you know that something is
wrong. If you’ve watched Joe Pa’s team this year you will notice that they
can’t control the line of scrimmage. (To paraphrase former Neumann Hoops Coach Tom
Dougherty). "They need some 'horses' on the offensive line." By all accounts
there aren’t much better places to look than the Philadelphia Public League. Yes, I
said the "Pub." When I was growing up, Public League football games resembled
sandlot games of "1-2-3 Hold," or organized "two-hand touch." The
reason was that the "Pub" had so few quality linemen. Thankfully, that is no
longer the case. In Frankford’s mammoth 6-5 350-lb Tracy Williams and
Franklin’s Boe Davis, they have two "big uns" that were on several
Preseason All-State lists. Outside the "Pub" couldn’t O’Hara’s Mike
"Tuna" Bucella help? Joe Paterno should remember the "Pub"
every-time he recruits, the "Pub" has been good to "Happy Valley."
Remember the names Blair Thomas (Frankford ’85) and Chafie Fields (Mastbaum
’95)? They are "Pub Hall of Famers" and two players that Joe Pa probably
wishes had eligibility remaining… The most talked about issue on TedSilary.com has to
be why don’t we have a city title anymore? What it should be is: When Pub schools and
Catholic schools have a chance to play, why don't they? It’s all fine and dandy
to watch Catholic school compete with and best the likes of Central Bucks West, Neshaminy
and Interboro; but one big preseason game with a power from either the Catholic Red or
Blue against a school like Frankford or Washington could be billed as an "Unofficial
City title game." Better yet, why can’t later in the school year, when before
the Pub playoffs can they play each other instead of inter – league mismatches. And
even though in most cases the CL team would beat the Pub team worse than Bernard
Hopkins beat Felix Trinidad, it wouldn’t be a certain thing
because high school football games aren’t played on paper - they are played on
grass… At the Philly’s Finest/Best of Philly Basketball tournament,
a group of sports people began looking at Charron Fisher (Roman’s
WR/Forward) and wondered what his college football (if he chooses that route) position
would be. The consensus was linebacker, which is ironic because another two-sport star
from Pennsylvania played linebacker – Lavar Arrington -- and like Fisher, he
was a man amongst boys and an excellent all-around athlete. Another possibility with
undersized defensive ends being in vogue, is playing him as a Jevon Kearse-type
end. Or another solution, recruit him as an Athlete and let him and your team’s needs
dictate his position. This is the menu for early October, next month see if you can make
"Duck Sauce."
SEPT. 28
NON-LEAGUE
West Phila. 26, Olney 0
It is fun being a reporter for TedSilary.Com, but when you
enter a field to
see 600 people in the stands, a marching band, flag bearers, baton twirlers,
cheerleaders and a pep rally -- it becomes real fun. Olney Principal Johnny
Vann, who played in the NFL for a short time with the Washington
Redskins,
was the organizing force for the best show of school spirit I’ve seen in
"Pub" football. Sadly, as the game progressed the fans left; you get
the drift. On the opening series West Philly’s senior quarterback Elijah
Cosby-Jones (6-2 215) connected with speedy wide receiver Anthony
Vanderhorst for a 40-yard pass play. Olney’s diminutive defensive
back,
Andrew Jerry, (5-6 140) made a touchdown saving tackle. On the play
Vanderhorst, (5-10 180) lowered his shoulder to run over Jerry but it was
Vanderhorst, who went down. That got the crowd going in vocal support of the
Trojans. Shortly after, Cosby-Jones scored on a 3-yard run. The Speedboys
would add a William Ortiz field goal to enter the half with a 10-0 lead.
Ortiz split the uprights for a 25-yard field goal that would have been good
from 50 yards. On the first play from scrimmage in the second half, Terrell
Roper and Cosby-Jones would sack Maurice Jones in the
end zone. The
Speedboys started to pound away at the Trojans behind the running of sr.
Jerome Johnson, who went 13-73 on the day. Another highlight for Olney
came on defense and again featured Jerry. In the third quarter, sr. Brian
Greene had a clear path to the end zone except for Jerry, so Greene
lowers
his shoulder to Jerry. Who will go down? Jerry is the man left standing.
Twice the smallest man on the field made touchdown saving tackles. The only
other bright lights for Olney where jr. DB Khalil "Woo" Stroud‘s
two
interceptions and the hard tackling/running from jr. LB/MP Larry Turner.
(5-10 175). The totals for Cosby-Jones were 5-for-9, 153 yards and 1 touchdown
to Vanderhorst. Up next for the Speedboys, a Division D opner with Edward Bok
Tech. Olney has a long way to go. It has problems with offensive
creativity, a small offensive line, except for Jerry and Turner they have
problems tackling. The Trojans are gutsy. Turner didn’t want to leave the
field despite the fact he needed to take a puff from his asthma inhaler. As
they left the field, Coach Hugh MacDonough said, "We’ll get
them next time."
Next up for Olney- George Washington.
Side Notes: There cannot be a cooler Principal than Johnny Vann,
in the
galaxy. After the Speedboys’ Johnson ran for a two-yard gain, he turned to
the Olney sideline and said, "You can’t stop me." Vann yelled back,
"They
just did!" The Olney Managers – were in control the entire day. They work
like assistant coaches, their names are – Alicia Early, Shaunta Herring,
Zaretta Evans, Brittany DeVine and Chanara Fennell.
September 23, 2001
Early Prospect Look
After every three or so games I cover for the website, I'll do
breakdowns of prospects on a position by position basis. In this report I picked Rushers,
Linemen and Defensive Backs. So talented players like Matt Ryan (QB Penn
Charter), Colin Smith (QB O'Hara) and Zack Zeglinski
(WR/QB/PR Penn Charter) will have to wait their turn. I know that they're many talented
players that I might not have the chance to do game reports on (i.e. Curtis
Brinkley, Kyle Ambrogi, Ryan Gore, Kyle Bell, and Tracy
Williams). I assure you I'm aware of their talents and before the year is out
I'll sing their praises on Duck Tales.
Anyway read and enjoy.
Rushers
Anthony Heygood 6-1 190 Soph. Cardinal O'Hara -- A workhorse
back playing for one of the top programs in the area. He is not as fast as Kevin
Jones and isn't the same type of runner. He is more of an Eddie George
type as he runs North-South and drags tacklers. Still growing so this is just the tip of
iceberg. If his body catches up to his size 13 (reportedly) shoes; he could have the same
build of the aforementioned George.
Jerome Johnson 5-11 175 Senior, West Philadelphia --
Runs hard through tackles. Nursing a couple nagging injuries. Against Roxborough, he
frustrated defenders by running hard while being dragged down. He fights for every yard.
Also had a couple good blocks. Solid state school prospect.
Christopher Smith 5-10 170 Senior, Roxborough -- This guy
runs hard and makes sure that the first potential tackler doesn't take him down. Has good
hands and blocks decently. Listed at 5-10 170, but plays much bigger. State Schools should
be hounding him, and D-IAA schools should at least request a tape. Also, a possibility as
a defensive back.
Linemen
Taylor Baum 6-3 240 Junior, Penn Charter -- Tough
interior defensive lineman. Always trying to shed a block and get to the ball. Natural
instincts when chasing the flow of the play. Also kicks for the Quakers, which shows
decent agility and balance. Star 1B, too.
Dorian Brewer 6-2 295 Junior, Germantown -- I think
he's bigger than his listed size. A warrior at tackle, Edison tried to take his legs out
from under him; no luck moving his tree trunks. I noticed he has huge hands that seem to
scare the opposition. Will check him out against better competition.
Mike "Tuna" Bucella 6-4 295 Senior, Cardinal
O'Hara -- Surprisingly agile and best technical blocker that I've seen so far. It is
obvious that a huge part of O'Hara's success stems from its offensive line. They're not
many programs in the area let alone the entire East Coast that couldn't use a player like
him in their program.
Richard Cheek 6-3 265 Senior, Roxborough -- Built like a
lumberjack. Totally clocked a West Philly halfback in the second quarter. Projects best as
a defensive lineman from what I saw. Cheek is a vocal and emotional leader of the Indians.
Will see him play again to get a better estimation of his abilities.
Aaron Greenfield 6-1 200 Senior, Penn Charter --
Feisty and aggressive undersized defensive end. Will have to see him again, because the
O'Hara offensive line was in rare form when I saw him play before. Yet, he played for the
duration of the game. Also a baseball star (catcher).
Daryl Watson 6-1 305 Junior, West Philadelphia --
Surprised me. Didn't know that this guy would be blocking as hard in the fourth quarter as
he was in the first quarter. His coach expects big things from him, when he improves his
technique. Most colleges like their tackles taller than 6-1, he would probably would be
shifted to guard.
Defensive Backs
DeShone Cotton 6-3 190 Senior, West
Philadelphia -- Definitely enjoys playing defense. Hits hard and goes at the ball every
play. Not the fastest, but gets to the destination with time to get his hits in. A
standout receiver as well. Always aware of the ball on offense and defense. State
schools would be lucky to have him. Higher level programs see him in person. Every team
needs a tough guy like Cotton.
Jeffrey "J.T." King 5-9 160 Senior,
Germantown -- He could very well be listed as a rusher. He comes up and delivers a good
hit for his size, and is a true pest on defense. Similar to former Edward Bok Tech star Ed
Brumskill. Should play at a similar level (state school).
Craig Haywood 5-10 170 Junior, Cardinal O'Hara -- Has
the potential to be a lock-down coverage cornerback. He is physical and uses spacing
properly so that his receiver will not burn him. Will sneak another peak to see how much
he is improving.
SEPT. 21
NON-LEAGUE
Germantown 25, Edison 0
Football in Mount Airy, there is nothing quite like it. As I
approached Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium, I thought I was in for a
classic high school football game. (Sike). I knew this one would be hard on my eyes.
Germantown has a solid club, Thomas Edison doesn't. In the first quarter, Edison managed
to stay close because of G-Town turnovers. QB Raymond Massey fumbled a
couple snaps that killed Germantown drives. However in the 2nd quarter, Massey hooked up
with receiver Akil Stokes, who scampered for an electrifying, 76-yard
touchdown reception. Massey, only a junior, would be 2-4 for 89 yards, 1 td passing. He
added another on a quarterback sneak, where he used his long 6-3 frame to nudge the ball
in. The headliners from the G-Town offense aside from Massey were senior halfbacks Jeffery
"J.T." King (5-9 160) and Aaron "Cheese" Calhoun
(5-8 155). King ran for two touchdowns, including a back-breaking 22-yard score in which
he broke three tackles in the waning moments of the 4th quarter. He was also a pest on
defense. He came up from his cornerback position to make some key tackles. Calhoun set up
the second Bear touchdown with a high quality 30 yard run down the left sideline. He
received a huge blocks from massive junior tackle Dorian Brewer (6-2
295). On Defense, the Bears swarmed the Owls' junior quarterback, Keenan Nelson,
who was in trouble behind an undermanned offensive line. On the opening kickoff, David
Eshun, the Owls' best lineman, bruised his knee and didn't play a down
from scrimmage. The Edison players tried valiantly to protect Nelson, but they seemed to
be outweighed by 75 lbs per man. The Bears got great defensive line play from junior nose
tackle Paul Johnson (5-11 280) and senior defensive end Brent
Fisher. The lone bright spot for Edison was the PAT block by 6-8 220-lbs. junior
DE/LB Maurice "Wall" Williams. He gave himself that nickname.
Sidenotes: As Edison walked in, a fan yelled to Williams, "Give
him a basketball, too tall for the pigskin." The Germantown equipment managers helped
me with the names and numbers for the Bears. When I asked Head Coach Mike Hawkins
for a roster, he said, "Ask the managers. They know the players better than me. I
always have to ask them who just did that or who is he?" No cheerleaders, but G-Town
captain Carlton Thomas, a senior LB and FB, kept his team's intensity
high with on field chatter. They were roughly 100 people in the stands. A few of the fans
kept saying all they want "is for G-town to put a licking on Martin Luther King
High on Thanksgiving." Neighborhood rivalries: All that matters to some folks.
SEPT. 15
NON-LEAGUE
West Phila. 14, Roxborough 12
This one was fun to be at. Early on, I thought Roxborough
would take this behind its solid backfield of srs. HB Chris Smith (5-10
170) and FB Brandon Sutton (5-10 160). They jumped on top, 6-0 with a
2-yard scamper by Sutton.West Philly would answer with hard running by sr. Jerome
Johnson (5-11, 170), who ran through a couple tackles for an impressive 21-yard
touchdown run. On the play, and on almost every positive run for the Speedboys, he was
running behind mammoth lineman Daryl Watson, a 6-1
305-lb junior tackle. Right before the half, Smith answered for the Indians with a 3-yard
yard run. In the third quarter, following a fumble, the Speedboys' senior QB, Elijah
Cosby-Jones, connected to DeShone Cotton for a 28-yard TD.
Cotton made a tough catch despite being covered. He also handled the kicking and played a
stellar free safety. The 'Boys added a two-point conversion run by Johnson, who was
injured on the play (not seriously). The Indians have better days ahead. They have a stud
in 6-3, 265-lb two-way lineman Richard Cheek and the aforementioned
backs. Also don't be surpried if Smith, who runs hard, becomes a target of state schools
and other Division II programs. It was West Philly's day, and the Speedboys can have
better. After talking with the Head Coach, John R. Lay, it is obvious
they have turned their program around. And in Cotton they have a college prospect with
HEART. He played with a bandaged right hand. DeShone projects best as a safety. Roxborough
did win the battle of the cheerleaders, though. Yes, I was checking them out.
Sidenotes: Cliff Hubbard
couldn't have coached Roxborough for all these years. He looks 35 and has the energy of a
12-year-old. Also, I don't think anybody on the field could take him in a fight. The
Indians dedicated their season to the victims of the terrorist attacks. And they had all
the proceeds from concessions sent to the Trade Center Relief fund. West Philadelphia has
great warmups including small boys roughly 9 years old. The game was the first since
Roxborough's field was refurbished. All games were played on the road last season.
SEPT. 8
NON-LEAGUE
O'Hara 32, Penn Charter 7
Too often in football people forget the big guys, the guys in
the trenches -- the offensive line. That was not the case in this one. O'Hara's line, led
by standout sr. T Mike "Tuna" Bucella, was the story. It
completely dominated the line of scrimmage; making holes for star sophomore HB Anthony
Heygood and sr. FB Pat Gallagher. Both Heygood and Gallagher displayed
the ability to break tackles and maintain their balance while running through heavy
traffic. Also, starring for the Lions was sr. QB Colin Smith and his
triumvirate of sr. receivers -- Harry Dougherty, Tom Convery, and Jim
Keenan. Convery hauled in a 26-yard catch from Smith to open the scoring.
During the drive, Smith connected with Keenan for a tremendous 37-yard gain. Dougherty,
who was crafty in getting open, used good hands to haul in some key catches, highlighted
by a 40-yard reception early in the third quarter. On offense the Lions would run the ball
and control the clock. For the game the Penn Charter offense only had 22 plays from
scrimmage. Heygood, handling the majority of the load, compiled 129 yards and two
touchdowns on 29 carries, according to my statistics (first time keeping stats!).
Heygood's touchdown with 23.6 seconds left in the third quarter made the score 25-7 and
took the wind out of the Quakers. For PC, freshman Zack Zeglinski was
stellar. It was his 80-yard punt return that led to PC's only score, which was a 2-yard
run by Zeglinski. He also had an interception on defense. I liked what I saw from jr. Matt
Ryan; he has a strong arm and has good size for a QB. (6-5 205) And on defense,
jr. T Taylor Baum was a bear on the defensive line.
Side Notes: On PC's staff is Mike Samuel, an all-timer
at QB for PC in the early to mid-'90s. He was a starter at QB for Wisconsin. Ted,
took my picture. I looked at him and told him, "You have a picture of a bald
twenty-two year old. You can send it to the Guinness Book of World Records." I blame
Jack Daniels and Corona -- you kids just say no!
SEPT. 3
ON A SOAP BOX . . .
The summer is unofficially over and the school year is about
to begin. And as schoolboy football hits full swing, I remember that when I
was at FLC in the early to mid-90's we didn't (and still do not) have a
football program. But I do remember one interesting discussion, in the
lunchroom with a few buddies of mine (who will go nameless), about the
football programs at Jules Mastbaum, Frankford and numerous Catholic schools.
Then we spoke about the programs at schools outside the city, and the
discussion turned towards the use of anabolic steroids and performance
enhancing supplements. Most of my buddies said they knew kids at other
schools (particularly schools outside the metropolitan area) that had
experimented with or had the opportunity to use anabolic steroids. I really
wonder if this suburban rumor was true. Also, if it was true, has it permeated
the city? I, for one wouldn't doubt it.
When, I began college, I knew some football players who had
used some substances. Also, some kids had experimented with "andro" and some
were rumored to have experimented with steroids. This was at Colby College,
which in 1997 was 0-8 in the lackluster NESCAC football conference which is
NCAA Division IV (no III), and made Sports Illustrated as the worst football
team in America. If those kids were using steroids, then a whole lot of kids
must have been doing the same and in greater amounts. So, as I get on the
soapbox, I have three points to make.
1.) This will cause personal harm to you down the line. When I was
younger, I
remember watching Lyle Alzado, a former star with the Oakland Raiders. He
was
built similar to Arnold Schwarzanegger. He was attempting a comeback with the
Raiders, and he became stricken with numerous ailments, namely cancer. Alzado
was a broken man on "Up Close with Roy Firestone" as he pleaded
for help for
his family because he was dying without much for his children to live on.
2.) You're cheating your teammates. If they are working their hind
parts into
the ground to gain playing time or a roster spot and they're doing it on the
straight and narrow. You're making them work in vain.
3.) You're cheating yourself. How good you can be will never be
realized if
you become dependent on these supplements to make you improve. Is that cloud
of doubt over you head worth it?
Also, in this world where in the LLWS one team steals signs and another
has a
fourteen year old, what can be sacred if not city football?
PS. If you want talk about this write me at jdtrilogy@aol.com