Duck Tales, Football 2014

NOV. 27

Imhotep Charter 52, Martin Luther King High 0

Happy Thanksgiving Day

This game was played with snow on the field and as the score easily indicates this game was not close. On the game’s second play from scrimmage Imhotep’s impressive junior halfback Mike Waters galloped 45 yards for a touchdown. Waters would then score two more touchdowns in the 1st quarter and the Panthers converted all three of those conversions so they led 24-0 after the 1st period. In the second quarter Imhotep would add to their lead with two beautiful touchdown passing plays. First, Imhotep’s underrated quarterback Andre Dreuitt-Parks hooked up with senior wide receiver Khalif Clemons on a seventy-four yard touchdown play in the snow. Then Dreuitt-Parks found junior tight end Naseir “Pop” Upshur for a sixty yard scoring play. Upshur showed great balance and agility as he ran into the end zone ahead of pursuing King defenders. In the 3rd quarter DJ Moore scored on a 58 yard touchdown play. Moore became the Public League’s All-Time leader in Career Receiving Yardage. (Ironically, he broke the record of MLK’s Delane Hart who reached his milestone against Imhotep last year in the inaugural Thanksgiving Day match-up between these two schools.) Waters also added his fourth touchdown of the day, Waters rushed 6 times for 131 yards. Dreuitt-Parks who concluded his career in this contest was 6-8 for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sophomore Amin Black had some tackles early and JohnCarlo Valentin had a crowd pleasing twenty-seven yard sack. The Panthers had six interceptions; two each by Zaihr Wright and Brandon Reyes, and one apiece for Shaquille Jones and Shaka Toney. Martin Luther King High did not play well. Imhotep totally destroyed them. Senior linebacker Keith Morrison was a player who involved himself on defense as he had 6 tackles.

Sidenotes- When I got here I was told by Jake “The Voice” Schwartz that Comcast would not be broadcasting the game. I was disappointed with that because I just learned how to use a DVR. I’m old school -- tapes and VCR work best for me… Last season King was victorious 32-30, however Imhotep could only play their starters a half because they had a State Tournament game in two days. Imhotep wanted revenge and they made a statement in this game… At 9:35 am the field was totally unplayable, coaches from both teams did the shoveling of snow of the lines to make the game playable. Big thanks to those coaches.

NOV. 8
PUBLIC LEAGUE AAA SEMIFINAL
Imhotep Charter 52, Overbrook High 6

The Panthers of Imhotep defeated the Panthers of Overbrook. Both teams share the same mascot and they shared the football field tonight. Imhotep was victorious and despite a quality effort from Overbrook, they were in control from the opening kickoff. Junior tailback Tyliek Raynor carried eight times for 170 yards and excited the crowd with a 66-yard touchdown run in the 1st quarter. Senior wide receiver DJ Moore (Maryland) had three touchdowns; one coming on a punt return the other two were pass receptions. Moore’s second touchdown reception made him the Public League’s all-time leader in pass receptions for touchdowns with 29; Del-Val's Brad Wilson bagged 28 from 2008-10. Senior quarterback Andre Dreuitt-Parks was 5-for-7 passing with two touchdowns for 132 yards. Junior Jordan McCray had an interception and a key fumble recovery when Overbrook was driving in the 1st quarter. Qwamere Wright-Downing was disruptive on defense for Imhotep. Imhotep led 28-6 after the 1st quarter and 52-6 at the half. That being said Overbrook had their moments. Junior Niykolis Rodriguez had a 36-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Clifford Brinkley. Brinkley has good size for a receiver at 6’2 195, so with hard work he could develop into a major player in Public League 3A. The Overbrook Panthers have only nine seniors on their roster with many of their key players being juniors and sophomores, so there is potential for future success.

Sidenotes- Excellent national anthem by Imhotep cheerleader Alicia Gordon… They were a lot of penalties so the 1st quarter took 42 minutes to be played … Imhotep’s Mike Waters ran for a touchdown and three conversions … A lot of people were stunned when word of Neumann-Goretti’s toppling of West Catholic came to Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium. My response is, never be surprised when it comes to high school sports.

NOV. 1
PUBLIC LEAGUE AA SEMI
Delaware Valley Charter 52, Strawberry Mansion High 0

This one was all Delaware Valley Charter. The Warriors exploded to a 38-0 lead with 5:04 remaining in the 1st quarter. Delaware Valley recovered the ball twice on kickoffs to Mansion and scored two touchdowns before Mansion had even had an offensive possession. In fact, they scored their second touchdown with 11:07 remaining in the 1st quarter. The Warriors were led by senior star tailback Nasir Bonner, who had three touchdowns on the day and showed some serious speed on a sixty-eight yard run. Also shining for the Warriors was senior linebacker Davik Miller, who set the tone early with some loud tackles and scored a touchdown on a thirteen yard fumble return. Quarterbacks Shayne Smith and Andrew Thomas-Sumpter had their moments as well. Smith ran for two touchdowns and completed a conversion pass, while going two for two passing for sixty-one yards. Thomas-Sumpter completed his only pass attempt a thirty-eight yard connection to Shaheed Brown for a touchdown. Strawberry Mansion struggled all game long and was not able to muster a first down. However one bright spot for the Knights was the hardnosed play of Jyquan Owens, who competed non-stop. Owens, the quarterback, bounced up after being tackled and each time encouraged his teammates to keep competing. Owens even registered a memorable hard hit tackle on the game’s final play of the game while playing linebacker. Everyone who was witness to the game (it was not attended by many) respected Owens’ performance.

Sidenotes- The mercy-rule clock was running from the 1st quarter when DVC got to 38 points, and the coaches agreed to play seven minute quarters from the second quarter onward.

OCT. 31

PUBLIC AAAA QUARTERFINAL
Martin Luther King High 28, Frankford High 20
This was a playoff matchup with last season’s AAAA Public League Champions (Frankford) taking on last season’s AAA Public League Champions (Martin Luther King High). Frankford struck first with quarterback Naim Franklin connecting on a sixty-three yard pass play with George Cooper to put the Pioneers up 7-0 in the early stages of the 2nd quarter. The Cougars were able to respond a couple minutes before halftime with junior halfback Paul Sanchez scoring a touchdown from one yard out to get MLK within one at 7-6. Sanchez had an impressive day on the ground for the Cougars. On the first possession of the second half, MLK marched down the field and scored a touchdown. On the scoring play sophomore quarterback Nasir Boykin found senior receiver Mark McCray on a twenty yard pass play. MLK would score again at the beginning of the 4th quarter with Sanchez making an inspired twenty yard touchdown run. After Boykin ran in the conversion play, MLK led 22-7 with 11:06 remaining in the game. Frankford showed their mettle. In a little less than a minute they scored a touchdown as Franklin found Devontae Lee on a thirty-one pass play for a touchdown. Then they recovered an onsides kick and marched to another score with Franklin finding Lee again, this time from thirty-nine yards out. After the extra point, the score is 22-20 MLK with 7:21 remaining. King would have another scoring drive which was capped by Boykin, who would score from three yards out with 4:36 remaining. After Frankford thwarted the conversion pass play, the Cougars led 28-20. Frankford would drive all the way to the King two yard line! They got to the two yard line with forty-seven seconds remaining. The Pioneers committed a false start. Then the Pioneers had an incomplete pass that brought up 4th down with only thirty-six seconds remaining. On 4th down, Franklin was intercepted by Edward Marshall III and King took over at the two and had a kneel-down to conclude the game. Sanchez carried 23 times for 202 yards and was a workhorse for the Cougars. Devontae Lee had 5 receptions for 93 yards and an interception; he is an excellent two-way player.

Sidenotes- King cheerleader Noelani Hawkins did an excellent job on the National Anthem…Not a big crowd, I know that it was Halloween but MLK-Frankford should have a bigger turnout… Great job by the King cheerleaders… MLK now has victories over Northeast, George Washington and Frankford… MLK moves on to play Simon Gratz, a 24-8 winner over Northeast High. Particulars TBA.

OCT. 24

PUBLIC AAAA INDEPENDENCE
Martin Luther King 28, George Washington 14
This one was circled in red on the schedule by many observers of Public League Football. The game was surely worthy of that attention. The Cougars struck first in the second quarter when senior linebacker Jayni Harris intercepted a George Washington pass and sprinted 28 yards for a touchdown. Harris would be heard from many times during this contest. The Cougars led this one by only 6-0 at the half as defense dominated the first two quarters of action. On the first possession of the 2nd half, MLK’s talented sophomore quarterback Nasir Boykin found Harris on a passing play and sixty-seven yards later the Cougars were up 12-0. The Eagles showed their mettle on the ensuing possession they drove sixty-seven yards in eight plays capped by a seven yard touchdown scamper from senior tailback Qadir Cobbs (17 carries for 157 yards). The Eagles were not done on their next possession they drove promptly down the field at the end of the third quarter aided by a fifty-four yard run by Cobbs. On the second play of the 4th quarter, fullback Shawn Henderson plowed into the end zone from the four yard line. Following the extra point from junior kicker Chris Schlegel, George Washington led, 14-12. On the ensuing kickoff, Mooktar Larke excited the MLK sideline with a thirty-six yard kickoff return. On the next play from scrimmage, Boykin found senior receiver Dominque McNeil over the middle and McNeil broke some tackles and bolted into the end zone from forty-eight yards out. The play was really exciting as it elevated the King crowd. The Cougars added another score when Boykin scored on a bootleg. Washington threatened late for a score but an excellent interception was made by junior Paul Sanchez. Boykin was 13-15 passing for 177 yards, 2 touchdowns passing and 1 touchdown running. The sophomore passed Joseph Walker passing yardage total last year of 1,698 yards. He currently has 1,837 yards passing. Harris was a menace on defense and had two catches for 83 yards. Harris is currently being viewed by FCS schools and it is not hard to see why as he is a great athlete at 6’2 191. King clinched the number two seed from the Independence Division in the Public League 4A playoffs with Washington receiving the 3rd seed.

Sidenotes- Washington's Shareef Miller, a transfer from Frankford, is a problem at 6’5 230 and freakishly athletic. One sideline reporter said, "He reminds me of Jevon Kearse." . . . King is loaded with athletes and on Cobbs’ 54 yard run he was denied a touchdown from Edward Marshall III, an impressive junior. Marshall sprinted over fifty yards running past teammates to drag down Cobbs. It drew oohs and aahs from spectators… In the playoffs, King has two mean defensive linemen who have to be dealt with in Dawayne Young (transfer from Washington) and Andrew Jackson both are impressive…. Hard to imagine only two years ago MLK was 1-10 and now they are not only competing in 4A, they have victories over Northeast and George Washington, two storied programs.

OCT. 18

PUBLIC AAA

Mastery Charter North 36 Boys Latin 16

After a 76-14 game this one was a little easier on the eyes. Mastery Charter North was able to take control in the first quarter behind the running of senior tailback Isaiah Tann. Tann would rush for three touchdowns and 129 yards on 22 carries. Tann put the Pumas up 14-0 with two three yard touchdown runs. Following a second quarter touchdown run from Boys Latin, Tann would add his third score, a five yard run. On the conversion play he made a juggling catch for the two points. Tann had been missed by the Pumas the last two weeks as he sat out with an injury. The Pumas electrified a Senior Night crowd with a third quarter touchdown, as quarterback Donovan Crabbe aired it out 51 yards to speedy senior wide receiver Taqee Ross. Crabbe and Ross connected again on an eight yard scoring play early in the 4th quarter. The Pumas defense was led by the highly active Quinlin Lambert and the equally disruptive Isaiah Freeman. Captain strong safety Idris Mateen had a solid game highlighted by a 4th quarter interception. Boys Latin was far from a pushover. The Warriors were feisty and competitive throughout the game. Junior quarterback Troy Hester had a fifty-four yard run in the second half that set up a Rasheed Wilson touchdown run. Hester rushed 10 times for 100 yards. Also, playing well was senior wide receiver Damere Gilbert who hauled in 5 catches for 75 yards and 44 yards on 4 “speed sweep” carries. On defense, Javon Rice was active.

Sidenotes- This was Mastery Charter North’s Senior Night and a wonderful halftime ceremony occurred with the senior players and managers being introduced as they paraded the home sideline with family members.

OCT. 17

PUBLIC AAA

Imhotep Charter 76, School of the Future 14

This one was a Panther party. Imhotep Charter was in control from the onset as they put up 32 points in the first quarter and then 24 more in the second period for a commanding 56-0 lead. Highlighting Imhotep’s first half excellence were two punt return touchdowns by freshman Justin Harris. Harris had an eighty yard punt return and then followed with a thirty-six yard punt return. Junior Tyliek Raynor had four touchdown runs and 7 carries for 135 yards. As it was Senior Night, seniors were prominent. Quarterback Andre Dreuitt-Parks found Nasir Lewis for a 65 yard touchdown play; Romeo Gunt had a safety on a punt blocked out of the end zone; Terrill Gillette had a fourth quarter eighty-eight yard kickoff return for a touchdown and Khalil McCurry ended the scoring with a twenty-five yard touchdown run. School of the Future scored twice in the fourth quarter on pass plays. First, Jalil Neal-Savage hauled in a forty-nine yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Jathan Jones. Then Jones found Chris Bangura on a fifty-five yard pass play. Both touchdowns stunned the crowd as Imhotep totally dominated the Firebirds. The Firebirds had only one first down prior to the first touchdown which occurred on the first play of the fourth quarter. Last season, Imhotep set the modern city scoring record with 83 points in an 83-6 victory over School of the Future and this season they were able to score 76. So in the last two games against School of the Future they have scored 159 points.

Sidenotes- Both coaches agreed at halftime, when the score was 56-0 Imhotep, to play seven-minute quarters with the clock running in the second half…Very nice ceremonies at halftime. First Andre Dreuitt-Parks and Denniston “DJ” Moore were honored by their school and District 12 chairman Robert Coleman, as Dreuitt-Parks is the Public League’s all-time leader in pass yardage and Moore, the PL’s all-time leader in extra points made. Then Athletic Director Andre Noble announced the senior football players and cheerleaders as they walked with family members for Senior Night… Excellent job by Imhotep and School of the Future cheerleaders. Both cheerleading squads were loud throughout the night.

OCT. 11

PUBLIC AAA

Imhotep Charter 57 Murrell Dobbins Tech 6
The Panthers of Imhotep Charter were a dominant force in this one. Imhotep Quarterback Andre Dreuitt-Parks threw for three touchdowns and Wide Receiver DJ Moore had three touchdowns (one via punt return). Both Dreuitt-Parks and Moore would etch their names in the Public League record books in the third quarter of this one. Dreuitt-Parks, who entered this contest needing 146 yards to move past Northeast High’s Malik Stokes (‘10) for the top spot in Public League career passing yardage, connected with Moore on a fifty yard scoring play to reach 169 yards for his career. This occurred with 11:21 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Moore, who needed an extra point to become the Public League’s all-time leader in that category, then made a PAT to claim that distinction. Dreuitt-Parks currently has 4,194 yards passing. Moore has 101 extra points. Imhotep was a thorough team tonight as tailbacks Mike Waters (5 carries for 125) and Tyliek Raynor (9 carries for 117) both went over the century mark on the ground. Waters had three touchdowns rushing and Raynor had a 51 yard touchdown run as well. Very promising junior tight end Naseir Upshur, had a second quarter touchdown reception. The Panthers' defense totally dismantled the Mustangs offense as Dobbins did not score until a little over a minute remaining when Diamir Copes had a one yard scoring run. Imhotep has two games coming up at Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium (Northwest Supersite); first they take on School of the Future which is their senior night on Friday the 17th of October. Then they take on West Philadelphia High on the 25th of October which is their Homecoming.

Sidenotes- Excellent job by Imhotep’s cheerleaders and drum line… Also, an excellent Star Spangled Banner from an Imhotep alumnus named Morgan Richardson…. Dobbins had some good moments from halfbacks Divine Epps and Diamir Copes, as well as a nice interception from junior defensive back Wonsale Dahkwe.

OCT. 10

NON-LEAGUE

Salesianum High (Del.) 55, Martin Luther King High 26

This was a battle between the Philadelphia Public League’s own Martin Luther King High and the defending Delaware large school classification state champions – Salesianum High. The Sallies jumped out on top on the game’s first possession as a Colby Reeder touchdown run gave them a 7-0 lead. The Cougars responded with some sensational play coming from Nasir Boykin. Boykin, only a sophomore that means he has a lot to learn was able to get the Cougars on the board with a six yard touchdown run. The Sallies took control of this contest with an impressive second quarter run in which they took a 7-6 lead and expanded to a 34-6 advantage. The Cougars would score a second touchdown, one second before the half with Boykin hooking up with Dominque McNeil on an eight yard scoring play. Boykin added two more electrifying touchdown runs in the second half and passed 19-32 for 276 yards. Boykin has a lot of talent and could very well become one of the best quarterbacks produced from the PL. He still has to be more careful with the ball (he had 3 interceptions), but he can pass and run. King produced a dual threat quarterback with a considerable amount of talent last season in Joseph Walker (who was in attendance) so this is not something new for the Cougars. The Sallies were in control from that second quarter explosion onward and they have some good players. Reeder rushed for 131 on 15 carries and defensive back Michael Drake had 3 interceptions. Also, making a big impression for the Delaware group were senior end Stephen Freeborn (6’6 230) and freshman defensive tackle Jamal Whittlesey (6’5 330). The Cougars have big games coming up and they have some talented players who will need to come up big. Among the players who had some good moments today were linebacker Keith Morrison (5’11 203), defensive lineman Andrew Jackson (5’11 279) and senior defensive back Donte Terry (6-1 192). The matchup with George Washington on the 24th of October at Benjamin Johnston Northwest Super Site looms large. It should be a good one.

Sidenotes – Dominique McNeil had 7 catches for 142 yards and Paul Sanchez had 6 grabs for 76 yards… An interesting note, Whittlesey is 330 pounds and a promising basketball player as well… Salesianum had a real nice band… King had a cheerleader perform the National Anthem, and she did awesome!

OCT. 3

NON-LEAGUE
Penn Charter 34, Roxborough High 14

This was an intriguing matchup as an Inter-Ac team played host to a Public League squad. The Quakers were able to score first with a three yard touchdown run from Jake McCain. The Indians replied promptly with a seven yard touchdown run from heady quarterback Eduardo Sanchez. After the 1st period of play the score was knotted at 7. The second quarter was where the Quakers took command of this contest after a 25 yard field goal from junior placekicker Colin Mattice, Penn Charter scored on defense with a two yard fumble recovery for a touchdown from sophomore John Grace. Then with only one minute and ten seconds remaining in the 1st half junior halfback Cody Sweeney scored from three yards out. The score at the half was 24-7. Roxborough was able to score in the third quarter with senior Edinton Wright breaking tackles on a majestic eighteen yard touchdown run. Wright, who was bottled up in the 1st half was able to finish with 63 yards on 14 carries. Sweeney was a true workhorse for the Quakers as he rushed 25 times for 143 yards. PC’s promising sophomore quarterback Michael Hnatkowsky was able to add a late touchdown pass to promising sophomore receiver Denarii Beard. Roxborough struggled on offense during a considerable amount of time that Sanchez was out of the game nursing an injury. Sanchez rushed 17 times for 101 yards. Penn Charter was able to nag three interceptions; Patrick McCain, Ken Bergmann and Jamir Brown had the picks. Penn Charter has a roster filled with sophomores and juniors and in time they could develop into a real quality squad.

Sidenotes- Jamir Brown had two nice special teams tackles before his interception…. Grace and Harold Anderson were active on defense for the Quakers both are only sophomores… Robert Taylor had a couple nice catches in first half for Roxborough… Javahn Singleton and Allan Bratton III were active for the Indians on defense; Singleton is listed as a senior while Bratton is listed as a junior… The umpire was Avis Smith who was a star receiver during the early days of William Penn High School’s program… I was able to speak with basketball guru Allen Rubin, who is also a high school football fan… Also, Ted Silary stopped by in the second half. For those that don’t know, he graduated from Penn Charter.

SEPT. 20
PUBLIC AAA
Mastery Charter North 32 Overbrook High 14

Overbrook High began this one with a bang. Ryan Fuller took the opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown. Mastery Charter North responded on their first possession with a majestic 62 yard touchdown run from senior star Isaiah Tann. Tann would add another touchdown run, this time from 38 yards out in the early stages of 2nd quarter, and the Pumas coasted home from there. Tann rushed 13 times for 155 yards. Also contributing for Coach John Davidson was senior quarterback Donovan Crabbe, who passed 11-22 for 132 yards. Impressive senior receiver Taqee Ross had 6 receptions for 82 yards. Junior placekicker Dejason Ellis hammered home a 33 yard field goal and three extra-points. The defense had many stars but three very active players were Idris Mateen (strong safety), Tyrelle Simmons (defensive tackle) and Dante Simms (defensive tackle). Overbrook received some good play from back-up quarterback Nykolis Rodriguez, who led the Panthers on a late scoring drive. Also, junior linebacker Danny Allen was active on defense.

Sidenotes- I was pleased to see Andrew Goodman, a former Washington and Penn State player who assisted at MCN last year, come out and watch the game. … I was also pleased to see Lou Zambino, now an assistant at West Philadelphia High, out scouting. I had a fun conversation with him prior to the game… Both schools had excellent work from their cheerleaders… I also got to meet Ari Bluestein from SBFN network.

SEPT. 19

PUBLIC AA

Delaware Valley Charter 48, Palumbo 0

Another game for the Warriors of Delaware Valley Charter and another victory by a wide margin for the Warriors of Delaware Valley Charter. The final score was 48-0, which combined with the final scores of the three previous games put the Delaware Valley scoring at 212 and the scoring for their four opponents at 6. The Warriors were led on offense by junior quarterback Shayne Smith, who passed 6-8 for 161 yards and a touchdown. Smith also rushed for two touchdowns. Senior halfback Nasir Bonner rushed only 7 times for 93 yards but had 3 rushing touchdowns and added an impressive 61-yard punt return for a touchdown. The defense was led by Amir Walker, who had 3 sacks amongst his 6 tackles. Also on defense, senior Davik Miller had two very loud hits and interceptions were posted by Kyree McCoy and Tavis Franks. The Warriors only led 20-0 at the half and committed several silly penalties, which is something they cannot do against tougher competition. The Griffins did not have a good day. One of their highlights was a high quality interception by Dontez Jolly. Also some quality play was displayed by linemen Deon Slocum and Benjamin Sinakin (who also handled the kicking duties).

Sidenotes- Beautiful day for some football… Palumbo’s Ian Barrett had a nice fumble recovery.

SEPT. 13

NON-LEAGUE

Delaware Valley Charter 56, Thomas Edison 0

This one was a total mismatch. The Warriors of Delaware Valley Charter is a talented team that with continued hard work should challenge Prep Charter for the 2A Public League title. The Owls of Thomas Edison had only seventeen players dressed for this one and they could not compete with Delaware Valley. Leading the Warrior charge was running back Nasir Bonner. Bonner carried 8 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Bonner also had three two-point conversion runs. The Warriors got on the board with a Bonner thirty yard touchdown run at 11:27 of the 1st quarter. The Warriors added a safety and two more touchdowns with two-point conversions to have a commanding 26-0 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. Also shining for Delaware Valley were junior quarterbacks Shayne Smith and Andrew Thomas Sumpter. Smith tossed for 105 yards and threw two touchdown passes. Thomas-Sumpter completed only one pass but it was for a touchdown. The Warrior defense was a team effort but senior defensive back Casper Seymore and Hugh Conway were always near the ball. Edison’s quarterback Jahliel Hall appears to be a quality athlete and hard worker for the Owls. Nysir Terrell had one very loud hit on defense. Hopefully in time they can add players and improve.

Sidenotes- Kyree McCoy had an impressive interception and an exceptional interception return but the return was called back because of a penalty…. Zamir Davis had a huge hit in the second half; it really excited his teammates… When the Warriors move on to face more quality opposition the offensive line will have to come up big. Mikal Cherry (6-5 294) is on the very talented offensive line and appears to be a real quality prospect.

SEPT. 5
NON-LEAGUE
Cheltenham 24, McDevitt 7

This Battle of Wyncote, Pa schools was a thoroughly entertaining contest. Cheltenham opened up a 17-0 lead at the half. McDevitt is a tough and feisty, young squad and they battled back with a three yard touchdown run from stud junior tailback Vincent DiLeo. On the next Cheltenham possession junior defensive back Ira Bond halted the Panthers' drive with an interception. The Lancers were unable to score on their next drive. The next Panther possession was halted by a fumble recovery from Stephen Leach. So what happens next for the Lancers? They promptly fumbled the ball, which set up the final Cheltenham touchdown. The Lancers (as I mentioned earlier) are very young with only six seniors on a roster that's dominated with sophomores and freshmen. This young team could become very good if they learn from their mistakes. DiLeo, who is a good combination of size and speed, rushed 16 times for 90 yards. Also, showing some promise were junior wide receiver Dontae Mason, sophomore quarterback Max Bryson, and freshmen lineman Nasir Pettus and Jayvonne Campfield. Cheltenham has some players; junior quarterback Branden Mack had 3 touchdown passes and is a good athlete at 6’4 185. Also shining were senior halfback Gregory Morris, who tallied 112 yards on 19 carries, and senior tight end Jamill Milligan-Bates, who had two touchdown receptions.

Sidenotes- Jalen Reynolds ignited the McDevitt fans with a hard hit at the beginning of the second half…. Great job by the McDevitt cheerleaders…. Cheltenham has an impressive band. Those kids were awesome!

AUGUST 29
NON-LEAGUE

Delaware Valley Charter 50, Kensington High 6

This was a fun contest to begin the season. Delaware Valley Charter got off to a good start with a defensive stand which was followed by an electrifying fifty-eight yard punt return by Imhotep Charter transfer Nasir Bonner. Shortly thereafter, the Warriors unleashed two promising junior quarterbacks on the Tigers of Kensington. Shayne Smith connected with fellow junior Shaheed Brown for a sixty-eight yard pass play. Then Andrew Thomas-Sumpter threw the first of his three touchdown passes when he connected with Kyeef Williams for a 44 yard scoring play. Thomas-Sumpter added a seventy-nine yard scoring play to Dwine Walls and another pass play to Walls from forty-five yards away. Thomas-Sumpter really stood out. He is 6-4 203 (according to the Delaware Valley roster) and has an absolute cannon for an arm; his progress bears watching. Bonner was productive on the ground, rushing 9 times for 120 yards. Walls, who spent the first series at quarterback hauled in 4 catches for 157 yards. Casper Seymore, Quasir Hayes and Alonzo Taylor registered interceptions. The defense was a group effort but promising junior defensive tackle Lawrence Johnson (6’3 355) was active making tackles early before leaving the game with an injury. Also, the Warriors have a plethora of linemen, many of whom are juniors, so they could develop into a strong squad in the trenches. Kensington competed hard and was able to register a touchdown with a one yard run from Chris Dantzler. Also, players like Luis Graciani (Wide Receiver- Safety), Kyree Wade McLeod (Defensive End) and Lorenzo Banks (Running Back-Linebacker) give Coach Sean Ryan (a former Samuel Fels High assistant) something to build on.

Sidenotes- Beautiful weather for football… Troy Gore, a former assistant at Imhotep Charter, is the new Head Coach at Delaware Valley Charter and the Warriors may challenge Prep Charter in the Public League AA.