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Amauro's Corner Return to TedSilary.com Home Page Amauro "Amar" Austin is
another of our trusty observers. He is not to be confused with Ruben Amaro,
the Phillies' assistant general manager. Like "Huck" Palmer,
Amauro is a West Catholic graduate. He will make reports on games he sees. |
NOV. 25
THANKSGIVING DAY RIVALRY
Overbrook 12, West 0
Who run the WEST-SIDE? Well after 5 years of Turkey Day
Ls, The Panthers have brought home the Turkey Bowl trophy by handing the
Speedboys a loss for the 2nd time this season. Coach Ken Sturm and his
staff deserve to be commended for a great season going 9-3 breaking the record
for Panther wins in a season and also going to the League playoffs for the first
time ever. Eight of the wins have come by way of shutout. This was just the
tipping of the iceberg. The Panthers did it once again behind the steady running
of sr. back William Brownlee (19/85, a score). His 30-yard Td run opened
the scoring. With his effort, he went over the 1000 yard mark for the season. He
finished with an impressive 183 carries for 1002 yards and 16 rushing tds.
Junior QB Sylvester Broxton (6-2 185) looked sharp in tossing 5-of-9 for
45 yards in two and a half quarters of action. He is very intriguing and could
take best QB in the Pub honors next year with hard off-season work. Sr. TE
James Morgan caught 4 balls for 50 yards. Defensively, the Hill-toppers were
led by sr. DB Marquise Freeman with 8 total stops and a 34-yard INT
return for a score. He played with game-long juice. Morgan & so. LB Allen
Hamilton shared a sack worth 20 yards. Sr. DE Chris Howard made a TFL
& sr. FS Jarrett Johnson picked his 7th INT of the season. The Speedboys
have had year-long internal problems. Some of which will be solved by next
season for sure. I don't think you'll hear Eagle, Rover or Rhino next year. They
were led by sr. QB/WR Chuck Henryhand (65 yards rushing and 91 more
passing). He's had a rough year playing mostly out of position, but he's easily
the best athlete on the team and deserves D-II state school interest as a slot
receiver or strong safety. He played his heart out here. Talented so. WR/QB
Brandon Johnson (6-2 165)caught 2 balls for 50 yards. He may be better
suited for his new position with impressive jr. QB Darryl Davis (6-2 185)
coming up the ranks. Henryhand and Johnson were stars on D as well with
Henryhand making 7 solos and defending a pass and Johnson making a sack worth 15
yards and another TFL worth 5. Sr. LB Stephen Burton made 8 stops. Jr. CB
Anthony Pleasant made a pick and defended another pass. Jr. DT William
"Baby Bear" Blackwell made 2 TFLs.
AA's Notes: Both teams should be back strong next season as both
return some good prospects. West has two good two-way lineman in juniors
Lawrence "Juice" Brown (6-1 315) & 6-4 305-lb and growing Darren
Watson. 'Brook counters with massive junior TE Naftalie Ellis (6-5
260), so. WR Courtney Munroe (6-3 170) & jr. DT Robert Sheed (6-4
245). Both have others I didn't even mention who will fill in for the seniors.
These guys and many others will be profiled in my Pub underclassman list which
will be done by early next week... There was a great crowd on hand even in the
rain with many rooters on both sides... They left the field chanting, "Who got
my back? I got your back! Who run the Westside? We run the Westside..."
NOV. 13
PL QUARTERS
Northeast 7, Dobbins Tech 6
If this Pub Semi had been a boxing match, the outcome
would have been a tactical closer than close split decision as these teams paw
away at each other all game long with neither being able to hurt the other. NE
won this one on a 4 yard TD run by sr. RB Jeremiah Pitt. Pitt and sr. Fb
Chris Banks combined on 33 carries for 161 yards almost evenly split.
Pitt had one more carry. Banks had one more yard. The bald-headed one made the
all important lead block that led to the TD. Without it, Pitt would have been
stopped behind the line. The defensive stars were srs. DB Kyle Sample &
LB Christen Jerrick and jr. LB Derek Butler. 4 NE starters were
benched for at least a quarter for a team rules violation so the Vikes started a
bit slow. They recovered well though. For Dobbins, hindsight must really be
20/20. During a late 2nd quarter drive with the Mustangs already leading 6-0, I
said to Ted, "This may be the game deciding drive." The Mustangs drove all the
way to the NE 1-yard line and called for a routine QB sneak. QB Steve Sydnor
got tangled with his lineman and the ball jarred loose just before he crossed
the plane on the 1-foot line. Jr. DB Rockeed McCarter picked it up and
returned it 44 yards to the NE 45 yard line. Dobbins was out-pointing the Vikes
to that point and this made for a huge momentum shift. If I remember correctly,
that was the game's lone mistake. Sr. speedster Rashad "Reds" Williams
scored the td run and ran 19 times for 92 yards. What a year he's had since
coming back scoring 18 Tds in 7 games to go along with 980 yards rushing. "Reds"
is one tough son-of-a-gun and should take his talents somewhere at the next
level be it at a 1-AA, D-II or a JC. Speed kills and he has it. There's only one
guy in the area faster and his name is Butler! Sydnor passed for 42 yards and
ran for only 11. I thought NE's quick/athletic D did an excellent job with him.
Athletic sr. WR Damond Griffin caught 3 balls for 23 yards. He has
tremendous upside. A year of prep school would do him wonders as this is his
first year of varsity FB. He snagged 8 INTs from his CB position this year.
Sophomore TE/DE Randall Wilson (6-4 210) was extra impressive on both
sides of the ball. He has studly future potential. Sr. LB Greg Davis (6-0
215) made some hard stops and seems a bit underrated. Sydnor did an excellent
job on McCarter who looked like he was ready to explode at one point. Sydnor
came over from FS to cover him.
AA's Notes: Speaking of McCarter (2/22), next week could be his
big week as the Vikes will have to pass if they hope to take the powerful
Eagles. It may be their only chance to win. No one this whole year has had much
success against their first team D. In fact, all 6 of NE's skill players (they
are all very good) will need to make plays if victory is to be theirs... We
already know that if the Eagles win they'll go onto the states after playing
their Thanksgiving game with Ryan, but will the Vikes do the same if it should
win and take a home game that weekend in the States should be interesting if it
happens...
NOV. 12
NON-LEAGUE
Gratz 20, Franklin 16
Another week of seeing Gratz. Another week of profuse
rain. This one was hard to watch as it was a cold, steady rain throughout. The
only real highlight may have been watching former Gratz and Franklin players,
all who play for Berean Institute now going back and forth with game long
shenanigans. Sr. S Richard Sheppard was very impressive even in the rain. He
made some quick, athletic plays that some guys wouldn't make on a dry surface.
I-AAs need to give him a hard look. Sr. DT Lamont Lee-Edgefield held down the
lines. Jr. RB Donald "Shug" King ran 19 times for 99 yards and a score. Sheppard
caught another Td from 4 yards out. Franklin, as I've said before has some good
underclassmen and may be the favorite next year to lead D-XII 3A into the
playoffs. We'll soon see...
NOV. 6
PL QUARTERS
Washington 49, Germantown 8
This was the one I wanted to see the most just to actually see how
fast the widely considered fastest player in the state sr. RB Jerry Butler would
look on the nice new turf. I got my wish to the tune of 9 carries for 216 yards and
4 TDs (28, 79, 40 & 30). Folks, I have come to the conclusion that this guy is damn
near impossible to tackle in the open field. First off he runs the 40 in 4.2 tics, but he
also cuts and shakes at the same speed! How do you stop that on a fast track. His 30
yarder to begin the 2nd half sent the first team O to the sidelines for the duration.
Overall, this was a business-like performance by the Eagles. The score totaled 34-0 by
halftime in a first half in which G-Dub ran off 18 total plays for 297 yards. That's 16.5
yards per play! Sr. QB Chuck Hughes (4-of-6, 81 yards, 2 TDs) was extremely sharp.
He tossed Tds of 17 & 48 to sr. wide-outs Jelani Washington (6-2 200, studly
build -- a big time sleeper) & ever-improving Raymond Roy (6-1 185 -- another
sleeper) respectively. Defensively, sr. DE Dominique Curry (6-3 210) made some
serious athletic plays as did jr. DB Thomas Wilmer (INT, 2 TFLs) who did a more
than admirable job filling in for the injured sr. Courtney Williams. Sr. DL David
Gonser's motor was again doing full blast. A few times, I watched him manhandle
G-Town's massive jr. T Omar Zachary (6-4/5 325). G-Town's lone real bright spot was
the running of jr. TB Akeem Johnson. The speedster ran 19 times for 129 yards
albeit mostly against second stringers. He is said to have 4.3/40 speed and he runs
extremely low to the ground (he is only about 5-6). Sr. QB Brandon Cuff tossed a 25
yard strike to sr. WR A.J Terrell for G's only score. They also hooked up for the
conversion pass. Defensively, I liked the play of soph. DB Mark McPherson. He's
such a sure tackler. His future is as bright as the sun.
AA's Notes: Ted made a comment that stuck with me after I said that GW is
truly legit enough to do serious damage in the states (Maybe even get to see someone from
Western PA). The wise old one said, "This team is Frankford the last 2 years with a
superstar." The Eagles have a very good QB , 4 sure receivers, a stud back + a good
complementary back, a solid FB, strong lines, 2 kickers, 6 good reserves (Guys like srs.
WR/DE Jelani Washington, two-way tackle Omar Saunders & ATH. Lawson
Draper, jrs. DB/special teams hitter Ryon McIIwain & QB/S Thomas Wilmer
and soph. C/DE Chris Clanton all seem to be able to fill in in a pinch) and the
quickest D around... G-Town will be heard from next year as they'll have a seriously good
crop of juniors and some nice looking sophs as well. They just ran into a buzz saw here...
Next week Frankford comes for a rematch with the Eagles. It should be very interesting...
NOV. 5
PL QUARTERS
Northeast 17, Central 14 (OT)
There were two things I muttered to my TS.com colleagues (Duck
& Bill) at the start of this game and they were #1 - this game has game of the year
potential and #2 - the kicking game may decide the winner. Well I was dead on about both.
This was an outstanding/hard hitting/high school Football game where both teams left their
hearts and souls on the feel and neither deserved to lose. I'd LOVE to watch this again in
a rematch as if these two were to play 10 times, they'd probably split wins down the
middle. The game's star wound up being jr. K Chris Mountney who booted a 22-yarder
straight through the uprights in OT. This came after Central sr. K Andrew
"KG" Thompson had two chances to end it in regulation (a 22-yarder missed a
shade to the left, but a roughing penalty made for a 19-yard try which was blocked by jr.
LB Jeff "Milky" Jones). Otherwise the Vikes were led by sr. RB Jeremiah
Pitt (20-167, td) who truly had the eye of the tiger from the outset playing hard from
beginning to end. I always thought of him as a coaster (a guy who got away with being
naturally talented), but here he proved himself once again to me. He had fire in his eyes
and wanted this more than anyone. Sr. FB Chris Banks (9-36, td) once again did most
of the grunt work. The Vikes have had year-long problems with the O-Line, but today they
held up as sr. QB Cordia "Chop" Mosley was never sacked. They also
received a nice contribution from sr. WB Kyle Sample who ran for 20 yards on 3
totes and caught a 5 yard pass. Twice he made plays that led to first downs. Defensively,
Pitt was the leader as well uncorking some hard hits from safety en route to 8 stops and a
forced fumble. At CB, Sample may have been even more important as I feel he won the battle
between himself and WR Rodney Sykes (Who's a D-I prospect with blazing speed).
Samp' picked off a pass in the end-zone in front of Sykes and defended 2 other passes. Sr.
DE Khaliyl Willis was in on 7 stops with a sack for a 5 yard loss and a fumble
recovery. Jones also made 8 big stops. Athletic, junior OLB/SS Chris Craddock (6-2
175, very intriguing) made a huge sack worth 7 yards amongst his 6 tackles. This was a
heart breaker for the Lancers who had big dreams of a PL Title. One thing's for certain
though and that's that they have nothing to be a shamed of. IMO - this is the BEST overall
Lancer team that I've seen and hey they'll get another crack at NE in 3 weeks -- should be
very exciting. There were many stars on the field here, but the best football player here
was without a shadow of doubt sr. WB/DE Cornelius Bunch (6-1 220). He did
everything in his power for the Lancers to win this game. He had 19 yards on 3 carries
rushing and 2 catches for 51 yards. The second of those catches will be remembered forever
by all that were in attendance as the Lancers went for it on 4th & 16 from the Viking
43 late in the 4th. Bunch caught the ball around the 37 ran down to the 28 where he met
Pitt (who was running hard & had the angle for a tackle) with a VICIOUS stiff arm then
broke 3 more tackles en route to finally being brought down around the 6. That may have
been the play of the year! Everyone was in awe. Bunch also made 7 tackles on D including a
9 yard loss. He also forced a fumble & batted down a hitch pass at the line that was
headed for studly jr. WR Rockeed McCarter (6-4 195), who had a lot of room to run.
Needless to say, Bunch was a menace. Sr. QB Joe Marshall (6-1 190) ran for 65 yards
and a score (looked like he was shot out of a gun) & passed for another 93. Sr. FB Michael
Wilson bruised 20 times for 80 yards. Sr. WB Devon Johnson ran 8 times for 63
yards and took his patented counter 24 yards for a score. Sr LBs Brandon Romeo
& Jamil Styles each had a TFL. Sr. CB Colin Singletary was in on 8 stops
and defended a pass. He also made some nice returns and could be the 5th Lancer to get
some recruitment from the 1-AAs.
AA's Notes: This was the best atmosphere I've seen in some time. Over 3,000
people were attendance to watch a great contest. It's a shame that this one had to be a
quarter-final and something must be done about the SKEWED (and I'm being nice) system. No
way team #2 & #3 should have met in the 1st round. The powers that be just don't want
to get it right, but its a total disservice to the kids. This should have been a semi or
even a final game. It had that kind of feel. Oh well, hopefully they get it right for the
future... Boy has Pitt grown on me. He plays with that swagger that every D-I prospect
must have. The funny thing is, I think his best days may be at receiver. He runs like one
and has the build, hands and speed for the position. Let's see where it all goes... The
Vikes have another good prospect in sophomore TE Sean Evans (6-5 185). He has a huge
frame and solid hands. He is surely one to watch...
NOV. 4
NON-LEAGUE
Gratz 8, Mastbaum 6
This Mud Bowl was pretty hard on the eyes so I won't talk
much about it. I just wish the field were dry because it could have made for a pretty good
game. Gratz has a quite a few seniors for the scouts to check out and coach Felder has
done a great service to an already strong overall athletic program (always amongst the
area's best in hoops & track). Colleges at the 1-AA, D-II & Top JC levels should
take a long, hard look at bookend tackles Kyle Alston (6-4 285) & Dwight
Williams (6-4 270), center Lamont Lee-Edgefield (6-2 275), WR/S Richard
Sheppard (6-2 200) & MLB Anthony Wallace (6-0 235). All five guys are worth
a tape request at the very least. Plus there are plenty of talented underclassmen in the
fold. I get the feeling that this program will be reckoned with in the very near
future...On the other hand, its been a rough year for Mastbaum though the same types of
colleges need to take a long look at sleeper WR/CB Sherrod "Sheet Rock" Evers
(6-3 175). He's a young colt who's best days are ahead. Senior P/DB David Pough
(6-0 190) also deserves some attention. He's VERY serviceable...
OCT. 29
PUBLIC LEAGUE SOUTH
Bartram 21, Franklin 14
This game had huge stakes and the Electrons sure played like it
pulling out all the stops to try to get a W. However, the Braves were game and won this
one kind of comfortably despite some late scares. Sophomore RB John "Fudgie"
Pratt toughed out 24 carries and 129 yards. He really ran hard and smart. On a larger
scale, "Fudge" seems have gotten better and better as the season has gone on and
he truly rose to the occasion today. So. QB Chris Brownlee carried 3 times for 3
yards, but 2 were for Tds with much help from part-time FBs (team's top 2 players) Srs Kevin
Reeder (6-0 230) & Darrel Smith (6-1 215). Both lined up there in the
Full-House backfield set. Smith led all tacklers with 14 total stops. He also recovered a
fumble in the end zone for the game's opening score. That just may have been the
difference maker. Reeder made a sack worth 5 yards, 5 other solos (which were probably the
game's hardest hits) & was a warrior on both lines. Sr. S Cameo "Penn
Wood" Ali also brought the noise making 10 stops. The Electrons made a game
effort with many trick plays and lots of fight. Alternating backs sr. Barton French
(11-79 -- 1 catch for 15 yards and 13 yards on a lateral) & jr. Maurice Dantzler
(13-96 -- 1 catch for 33 yards) ran hard and tough. Both ran for scores. Dantzler has been
very impressive both times I saw him and should be a stud back when he comes back next
year. He has a nice blend of size, speed & natural instincts. On his Td run, he first
broke 2 tackles then ran away from the masses. Jr. QB Frank Anderson did a great
job, running for 35 yards and passing for another 66. The Electrons used two other QBs
during trick plays in sr. WR/QB Rodreen "Chief" Howell & P/QB Ian
Hough. None of the 3 passes was complete though Howell did complete a bomb to sr. WR Chris
Thornton for a score that was called back because of a hold. On D, jr. MLB Josh
McKnight was the leader with 10 total stops including one for an L. Strong sr. NG Jeff
Boanes (6-0 325), who is said to squat around 500-lbs made a TFL of his own. Sr. DE Kordell
Morgan (6-3 260) was in on 9 stops of his own. He is an intriguing player for
recruiters, but is said to need JC. Two/Three years of strength, conditioning & FB
could lead to a D-I scholie.
AA's Notes: This was a very spirited game! Both teams cheerleaders were
heavily involved and both teams play as if there were heavy stakes... The Electron O-Line
(Tackles - Boanes & sr. David Still (6-2 295), Guards - Morgan & sr. Johnie
Gray (6-3 270) & jr. Center Steven Parr (6-0 300)) is very imposing. All
should get some type of college interest. They average 6-2 290 and all are pretty agile...
The Electrons should be a major factor for next year in 3A. They're returning most of
their very good group of skill guys... The comment of the day goes to Brave coach Damond
"Smash" Warren late in the 4th during the Electron TD drive. After a 13-yard
gain by French, he muttered, "That's a nice counter from the trips. I like that.
Gotta memorize that one mentally."
OCT. 28
PUBLIC LEAGUE SOUTH
Southern 28, University City 0
This wasn't the easiest contest to watch. The Jags looked mostly
disinterested and unfocused once prompting Defensive coordinator Lou Williams to
yell, "do you guys want to be out there." Meanwhile back at the ranch, Southern
jr. RB-LB Lamone Fox (5-11 205) touched the ball 34 total times for 267 All-Purpose
yards (170 rushing, 29 receiving & 68 on returns) He also made 2 TFLs on D and a
fumble recovery, but guess what folks -- HE could have done more! He ran 27 times for 170
yards and 2 TDs, but many times instead of hitting the hole with abandon and cutting up
the field, he danced and pranced. Earlier in the year when I saw him he seemed to take too
many guys on and now this. It was kind of frustrating to watch because he's flat out
better than this. Nevertheless, Mr. Fox was still extremely productive today and he just
may be the most valuable player in the Pub to his team. He almost never comes off the
field as he's the Ram focal point on O, D & ST. I hope he gets my message though. Sr.
QB Jalil Harris was sharp for the most part (6-for-13, 84 yards, TD, INT -- also
ran for a score). He also looked smooth running the option w/ Fox. The D-IIIs need to look
at him seriously and maybe even the IIs. There's a lot to like. Sr. WR Michael McClain
(3/55, TD) is very athletic, but he missed some plays he should have had in this one. One
was a sure Td and the other was a drop of a routine catch that led to an INT. He should
garner the same type of interest as Harris though. Sr. DT Harry Walker (6-2 260)
recovered a fumble and made a TFL. Jr. DE Demetrius Tillman (6-2 235), who I REALLY
like -- just plays for keeps, made a sack worth 10 yards and seemed to be on the QB many
other times. UC's O only produced 48 yards (27 total plays). A few key guys were hurt and
didn't even suit up though. Defensively, sr. LBs Arnold Malloy & Anthony
Williams (5-11 215, deserves some kind of interest) made 10 and 11 total stops
respectively. Malloy was in on half a sack. Sr. DB Avonte Carson made the pick.
AA's Notes: UC's main man was missing in two-way tackle Steve Coleman
(6-4 290). The big guy has D-I stuff, but may need JC. He is said to run the 40 in under 5
seconds (GREAT for a big line-man) and benches 335-lbs. I hope he gets some looks... The
Rams own a cadre' of good youngsters (9th & 10th graders) which could make them tough
for the next few years. Today's feature young buck was Freshman FB-LB Tyrel Cooper
(6-0 200). He already very strong and aggressive. Hard work could do wonders for him... It
kind of frustrated me watching a back as good as Fox not be able to get those tough yards
by just always moving forward. That makes so much of a difference. I recommend a guy like
him weight train all winter and run track all spring then hit the Camp/Combine circuit
this spring and summer and watch what good comes out of it... The quote of the day goes to
coach Lou Williams after Anthony Williams stopped Fox and the two jawed at each other a
bit L. Williams yelled, "Stop talkin' to him! Why you talkin' to him? All you gotta
do is keep cannin' him."
OCT. 23
PUBLIC LEAGUE MID-CITY
Germantown 14, Gratz 6
Year in and year out, this is one of my favorite stops on the trail
and this one was no different as the rival Bears & Bulldogs once again staged a
hard-fought war to the tune of a the G-Town gang coming out on top. Two key defensive
stops were the keys to victory. Once in the middle of the 2nd Qtr and the second late in
the 3rd. The Bears were up 6-0 and the Bulldogs were driving. Jr. RB Donald
"Shug" King took the Dawgs from their own 45 to the G-Town 1 with runs of
11, 14, 3, 6, 10 & 5. With first & goal on the 1, sr. FB Anthony Wallace
(5-11 235) plunged for what looked to be a score (whole helmet broke the plane from my
view), but when the dust settled the officials ruled he hadn't gotten in. On downs 2, 3
& 4 sr. QB Kevin Lane tried sneaks and on two of those times, it looked like he
may have gotten in, but was ruled out. Oh well, that's the breaks sometimes. The Bears
then drove 99 yards on 9 plays to score as the half ended on an 11 yard fade pattern from
sr. QB Brandon Cuff to sr. WR A.J Terrell making the score 14-0 at half.
Late in the 3rd, the Bulldogs got all the way to their own 5 before being shut down again.
Cuff was the star here tossing 5-of-8 for 100 yards and two scores. Tiny sr. WR Chris
Hines (3-68) caught the other score worth 32 yards. Jr. RB Reggie Lloyd,
normally a reserve, had his best day carrying 18 times for 129 yards. he was subbing for
fleet jr. Akeem Johnson who was hurt last week against Central. The Bear D was led
by sr. DE Robert Fisher with 8 total stops including a TFL. His brother jr. LB Andre
Fisher made 7 with a TFL of his own. Impressive so. DB Mark McPherson was in on
10 total tackles and also broke up a key pass. The Bulldogs were led by the ever
consistent King who carried here 31 times for 205 yards mostly behind big sr. RT Kyle
Alston (6-4 290). He is not the best at anything, but very good at a lot. He does have
terrific vision though and that folks is sometimes all it takes to be a really good
runner. You can really see how much faith coach Gus Felder has in him and that says
a lot. Sr. DT Lamont Lee-Edgefield played a great game with 10 total tackles
including a loss. Athletic jr. LB Donta Antrom made 8 total stops while sr. S Richard
Sheppard (6-2 200) recorded a sack worth 8 yards. The teeth-rattling LB Wallace also
recorded a sack, but I think he'd even admit that this wasn't his best game.
AA's Notes: I feel the Bulldogs have a slew of guys who can play college FB
somewhere and that Felder is doing great things that could have a serious payoff down the
road. Juniors like King, Antrom & WR/DB Gourdie Corbin along with very
impressive sophomores TE/DE Nisia Dunaway (6-3 200) & WR/LB Frank Adams
make for an interesting future on Hunting Park Ave... My favorite referee and one of my
favorite all-around guys in city sports, Gary Butler was the head official here. He
always makes things funny. He even made sure, at least for a while, that the clock was
fare after I told him that only 10 plays had been run in the first 8 minutes of the 2nd
quarter. There were 14 plays in the last 4 minutes. The 4th quarter's time was a big shaky
though... With this Bears win, the Mid-City playoff picture looks weird as Dobbins, Gratz
& G-Town are all still alive for the remaining 2 spots behind Central. Dobbins takes
on G-Town next week while Gratz has Central. With a Dobbins win and Gratz loss. All three
would be tied for 2nd with identical 1-1 records against each other which could make
things very interesting...
OCT. 22
PUBLIC LEAGUE NORTH
Washington 42, Frankford 6
Did anyone get the name of that train? I walked into the Pioneers
electric-filled stadium around 2:30 expecting a hard-hitting battle and what I saw was a
spanking. The Eagle Express continued its mission by jumping on their most hated rival and
never looking back. After Frankford went 3-and-out on their first drive, G-Dub took over
on the Frankford 45. Two plays later sr. super-back Jerry Butler scored from 28
yards out untouched. Butler then scored again on the next drive. This time it was on the
drive's 3rd play from 60 yards away. He again was never touched. His 3rd score came from
10 yards out mid-way through the 2nd quarter and made the score 28-0. When's the last time
the Pioneers were whipped like this on their own field? Butler finished his afternoon
after 3 quarters with 15 totes for 202 yards (also 1 catch for 17 yards). Afterwards, you
could see how bad he wanted this one as he screamed, "Now the monkey is off our
backs!" You see in his 3-year varsity career, GW was 0-4 (twice in the regular season
and twice for the title) against Frankford. This was Butler's first taste of victory
against his neighborhood school. Sr. QB Chuck Hughes was again sharp passing 4-of-6
for 78 yards & ran for a score from 1 yard out which was set up by a 21 yard pass to
sr. WR Dominique Curry (6-3 210). Sr. TE John McFillin, listed 6-4 240 on
the roster though he may be close to 6-5, caught two balls for 40 yards. he has become
more & more productive as the season has progressed which is very important for the
Eagles as the stretch run approaches. Sr. speedster Courtney Williams (8-56) &
sr. FB Jerome Lewis (6-0 215) also ran for scores. Defensively, the Eagles held the
Pioneers to 108 total yards of offense. Sr. MLB Stefan Ruff (6-1 265) was in on 9
stops including a sack. Sr. LB Justin Presley made a pick while both sr. DT David
Gonser & Curry recorded TFLs of their own. For Frankford, it was a tough day for
sr. QB Lamont Brown (6-3 185).You could see this loss was tough to swallow. He did
throw for 9-yard a score to sr. WR Maurice Miller, but kind of unraveled in the
latter stages of the game. He is said to need JC and would be a fine get for one of the
Lackawannas of the world. Defensively, the Pioneers were led by the game-long toughness of
sr. DE Isaiah Stroman (6-1 205) with a sack and another TFL among his 6 total
tackles. Miller led with 7 hard stops. During the 4th quarter as GW mostly was in
celebration mode, you could hear a few of the Frankford coaches muttering, "No Titles
are won in October. You'll see us again." Let's see how it all plays out...
AA's Notes: The quote of the day goes to classy Pioneer head coach Mike
Capriotti as he told a high-strung Brown, "We win with humility and we lose with
pride..." Brown had a great quote late in this one after throwing his only pick and
walking off the field he demanded, "CAP let me go in on D! Let me just hit
somebody!..." We know that Butler and Gonser are both D-I prospects, but it seems
that Curry, Hughes, McFillin & Ruff are all seeing interest as well. In fact, Curry
has offers from U.Mass, Hofstra & Villanova with more interest coming from Syracuse
& Maryland. He has a tremendous upside as a super athlete with great hands. he could
be either a big wide-out or a strong-side LB...
OCT. 15
PUBLIC LEAGUE MID-CITY
Central 49, Germantown 12
The Lancers continued their assault on the Pub with a thrashing of
the normally formidable Bears. The smart guys ran up 381 total yards including 300 yards
rushing. Sr. FB Mike Wilson led the onslaught with 23 carries for 91 yards
including 3 TDs (4, 2 & 7). He just bruised and bruised and bruised some more being
basically the featured guy in the wing-T set. Sr. WB Devon Johnson ran 5 times for
146 yards. His Td was a 79 yarder in which he went untouched to pay dirt. Sr. WB-DE Cornelius
Bunch (6-1 215) ran for 48 yards and also caught a 61 yard TD pass. Top-notch sr. WR Rodney
Sykes opened the scoring with a 20 yard catch. Those were sr. QB Joe Marshall's
only completions. Otherwise, he was sharp though. One will never forget the impression
"Joe-Joe" made in last year's semi-final against Frankford (Coach's request a
tape). I'd have to imagine the 1-AAs are sniffing. The D was led by Bunch's 2 sacks worth
15 yards (on plays 2 & 3 of the game). Sr. LB Jamil Styles was in on a game
high 14 stops including 1 for a 2-yard loss. Sr. LB Brandon Romeo was in on 8 hard
stops of his own. Jr. DB Michael Lloyd took an INT 22 yards for a score and sr. FS Colin
Singletary made his 5th pick of the season. G-Town was pretty much overwhelmed in this
one. Speedy jr. RB Akeem Johnson ran for a 29 yard score. Sr. QB Brandon Cuff
had a rough afternoon. He always seemed to be under pressure, but he still made some
brassy plays (including a 52 yard TD pass to Chris Hines) and never seemed to quit.
Defensively, sr. LB Korey Carter (5-11 200) was in on 11 tackles including a loss
and a shared sack with jr. DL Deeian Moore. Carter deserves widespread D-II
interest probably at strong safety which is where he played last year. Sr. DT James
Cartwright was in on 12 including a sack and two other losses worth 8 yards total.
AA's Notes: It was good to see 2 of last year's big three in WR Jordan
Anderson (Richmond) & RB-LB Quindel "Milky" Ladson (Lafayette).
Both were taking in the action donning their new school's digs. It'll be interesting to
see where this year's top 3 (Sykes, Marshall & Bunch) end up. I could see all three at
1-AAs as well... I must say this is the most intriguing Lancer team in the last few years
as this is the best team defensively that I've seen them have. Many guys are willing to
hit and stop people. That could go a long way down the road... The Lancer managers
playfully roused me all game long about being a West Catholic grad. I told them I got
accepted to Central though and though hard about going there, but they would here none of
it especially because two of their friends, former Lancer jr. DBs Paris Shannon
& Tyrek Smith, are now making head-way at West. Both spent their first two
years at Ogontz & Olney... A special shout out goes to Lancer manager #14 Mia
Settles. In each home game she puts on her receiver gloves and goes behind the goal
post to catch extra points. She caught two today. Uh she's all 4-11 on a good day, but she
knows her football. Great job Mia!..
OCT. 10
CATHOLIC LEAGUE BLUE
McDevitt 27, Dougherty 6
The Lancers kept pace for the 4th and final Blue playoff spot here
by cruising to a W over the struggling Cards. It all started with a 30 carry, 177 yard, 2
TD performance by sr. RB Damien Jordan. Guess what though folks, he was not the
game's star because sr. FB-LB Lamar McPherson (5-11 200) took that title. Normally,
you have to give the O-line credit for a big rushing effort and they do deserve their
props as well, but in this one I took a special stat. I counted McPherson for 11 punishing
lead blocks (a few times putting guys on the seat of their pants) that opened things up
for Jordan. You se McPherson committed to Syracuse just before last summer. He is just
returning from a broken leg and right now looks to be around 85% so he has been moved from
TB to FB. He's making the most of it too. This was my first look at him since he was a
soph and I left very impressed. By the way, he only went for 12 total stops on D. Two were
sacks worth 9 yards, while three more were for losses of 7 total yards. He put some wicked
shots on the Cards to keep it mildly. Back to Jordan. He is a smooth runner who is making
the most of his opportunity as well. I look for the D-IIs to be all over him. Senior QB Ed
McGrory rushed 6 times for 35 yards of his own including two scores. Jr. DT Barry
Porter (6-2 230) made a sack and TFL worth 11 yards. Very impressive sophomore LB Jim
Surdykowski (6-2 220) was in on 7 total tackles with 1 going for a loss. He also
picked an INT and shared a sack with sr. DE John Gorman. He could be the next
Lancer star. Jr. DB Brian Mitros made a pick and defended another pass. CD's
offensive never really got rolling though they had opportunities. Defensively so. LB Matt
Bryant (10) & sr. DB Ralph Smith (9) led the way in tackles. Both had a
TFL. Sr. DB Patrick Smith had a pick. I just hope that the administration sticks
with coach Ernie Covington. He's trying to move things in the right direction. I
really like his nurturing approach.
AA's Notes: I did like 2 other Cards as prospects. They are jr. DT Kellen
"Bubba" Kemp (6-2 286) & sr. TE/DE Chris McNicholas (6-5/6 210).
Kemp has a good build/size while "McNick" is the team's toughest nut... On jr. Derrick
Israel's 3rd quarter run, McPherson stuffed him for a loss and made his hardest hit
off the game doing so. Israel staggered back to the CD sideline only to hear coach
Covington say, "That's ok son. You got your bell rung. You got clocked jack."
That may have been an understatement... Finally G-Town all-timer Omar McDonnaugh
was in the house supporting his buddy McPherson and of course as always he was in rare
form. He may as well been the 12th McDevitt man...
OCT. 9
PUBLIC LEAGUE SOUTH
West 7, U-City 0
Boy what an atmosphere did this contest between friendly
neighborhood rivals have. I'd love to bottle this up and open it for those days when I'm
down in depression. The game itself wasn't great at least for 3 quarters it wasn't, but
for some odd reason every time I come to 47th & Spruce, the 4th quarter always seems
magical. The Speedboys won this one on jr. FB Atland Williams' 13 yard screen catch
for a score from impressive so. QB Brandon "B.J" Johnson (6-2 165 --
5-of-8 for 112 yards in under 2 Qtrs) with 6:54 to go. Johnson was supposed to be benched
for the entire game for disciplinary reasons, but an injury early in the 3rd to his
fill-in jr. WR-QB-FS Mujahid Mack called for his # to be called because normal
back-up jr. Dominic Bostic is out with an injury. Johnson threw an INT on his first
sequence, but sparkled thereafter. 4 of his balls and 99 of his yards went to sleeping
giant sr. WR Chuck Henryhand. Two of those catches, he made were diving to the
ground. This kid has serious hands/concentration. His numbers were modest going into the
game, but I think he'll be a huge factor from now on. He's the top Speedboy and he
deserves heavy D-II attention. Henryhand also went in on D late and garnered 7 total stops
and an INT in a quarter and a half playing strong safety. His hits could be heard all
over. Junior RB Anthony Pleasant (7-66) made some nice runs to set things up.
Senior DE Stephen Burton was in on a game high 10 total stops. Senior DT James
Destouet (6-2 300) was in on 7 with two TFLs. He, too could play somewhere at the D-II
level. UC never really got untracked offensively. They have a cadre' of backs they throw
at you. Some are more effective than others. I like jr. QB Steve Baxley (6-2 185).
He managed to hook up with jr. WB Amir Muhammad twice for 65 yards. Both strikes
made for scoring threats that the West D shut down. Defensively, the Jags were led by sr.
DE Thomas Dobson's 10 total stops with 2 TFLs worth 12 yards. Muhammad made a pick
with a 44 yard return. I also liked sr. two-way tackle Steve Coleman (6-4 310). The
big fella is agile and has some tenacity. He could be a hidden gem.
AA's Notes: I can't reiterate how great this atmosphere was. An almost sold
out crowd along with dualing cheerleaders, drill teams & drummers. It was GREAT and
kind of made you forget that this game had a combined 21 penalties worth 149 yards... This
game serves as both squads homecomings. ADs Pat Cassano (West) and Lurline Jones
(U-City) do a great job with this every year. In the past there has been a parade before
the game... The two funnies of the day were classic. First the line judge playfully roused
West assistant Marshall Murphy. Murphy is always loud and demanding. The line judge mocked
his every word in one sequence causing Murphy to smile. The other came just after
halftime. West sr. C-DT Bryant Moon was being crowned as homecoming king just as
West kicked off. UC fumbled and he had to go in on O. Coach John R. Lay screamed,
"Moon". Moon promptly ran off the homecoming stage, ditched his queen, tossed
his crown and put his helmet back on to go in at center. This was hilarious... As
this on ended West's Mr. Energy track coach Henry Gordon simultaneously shouted and
waved to the crowd, "Bye-bye! So long now! See you next year!"...
OCT. 8
PUBLIC LEAGUE SOUTH
Bartram 27, Overbrook 6
This contest was huge in terms of playoff implications as with
division leader Bok more than likely going into the 3A sub-regional playoffs both South
spots are up in the air. After yielding the first 6 to the Panthers, the Braves regrouped
and ran off the final 27 points of the game en route to victory. Soph. TB John
"Fudgy" Pratt had the best game of his young career taking 17 totes for 168
yards and 2 scores. His runs were very impressive many times spinning, twisting and
turning for extra yardage. He is very slippery and made many-a-tackler miss. His sophomore
classmate FB Tyrell Coleman took 11 touches for 52 yards and a score of his own.
This tandem could be a serious force in the years to come. The Braves again experimented
using 2 different QBs, both sophs in Kris Brownlee and Andre Goddard.
Neither really had much to do so I guess nothing has been determined just yet. The Brave
defensive/emotional leader was sr. DE Kevin Reeder. Reeder was in on 5 stops with a
sack worth 12 yards and a blocked punt worth 9. The D-IIs should give him a look. He has
developed a serious inner fire. The Panthers didn't get much of a chance to get untracked
with only 30 total plays of offense. Defensively, sr. LB Khalif El-Harre-Bey was
the lead tackler 11 times with one being a TFL. He was everywhere. Things, however do look
up on the top of the Hill as there are many more coaches (And I mean many) and spirits are
definitely up. The sideline was loud and emotional all game long.
AA's Note: PROSPECT ALERT! The Panthers once again have a massive
linemen to watch. This year its 6-4 305-lb OT James Scott. He's still very raw, but
could be a good one in time... The Braves looked to be a bit dinged up with some key
players missing. I like the look of jr. WR Bobby Byrd (6-4 190). He dislocated his
finger early on here, but he has the look of a major threat. In fact, that finger made for
the funny of the day as when the Brave coaches asked the trainer if Byrd could go back in
and she answered no. A Brave aide then said, "Well he's got 9 more. Tape it up and
let him go..."
OCT. 7
PUBLIC LEAGUE SOUTH
Bok Tech 26, Franklin 6
This was my first full look at both of these squads and I must say
that I liked what I saw out of the Wildcats. They were disciplined for the most part with
good size and speed. With this W, they will receive an automatic bid into the sub-regional
playoff between districts 1 & 12 (Pub). Will they take it? Well that's the million
dollar question that will be answered in the coming weeks. Stay tuned... In terms of the
game, the star was sr. WR-S Nafis Edwards (6-1 175). He scored the game's first 3
TDs -- two on long receptions of 68 & 34 from sr. QB Joe "Pepe" DeSalis
and another on an 81 yard kickoff return. Edwards looks to be the fastest kid on the team
and going one further, a priority get for the D-II state schools. Sr. RB Amir Nuriddin
ran 16 times for 112 yards including a 68 yard score. Overall, the team's best FB player
might be sr. WB-S Cory Moultrie (5-11 175). He ran 10 times for 51 yards on O while
making 5 stops & breaking up 4 passes on D and punted 5 times for a 34 yard average.
That's a pretty busy day at the office folks. He, too is very fast and deserves heavy D-II
attention. Junior DTs Dahson Exum (6-1 225) & Nick Perrone shared 2
sacks worth 16 yards. Both were in on 8 total stops while Perrone made another TFL. Sr. DE
Rasheed Fleming made 2 TFLs of his own while DeSalis made an INT as a nickel-DB.
For Franklin, I really like the what the future holds with many quality juniors. The best
of that bunch is RB Maurice Dantzler (12-109). He brings a business like approach
-- being very patient/crafty while still managing to run hard with quick bursts. He's very
similar build and style-wise to Lincoln's Terrell Denson. Otherwise their other top
performers were LBs jr. James McKnight (6-0 225) with 11 total tackles (1 for a L)
and sr. Michael Hooper with 6 solo stops -- 3 for 9 yards in losses.
AA's Notes: State School Alert! The Electrons have 2 seniors that I like as
well in DE Kordell Morgan (6-3 255) & G-T Johnnie Gray (6-3 275). Both
deserve a look... You gotta love the Bok coaching staff. The law firm of DeFelice, Natale
& Trombetta were yelling and screaming all game long and could have even been
mistaken for players 12, 13 & 14 as they always seemed to be on the field in the midst
of the action. Coaching goes a LONG way in this sport folks and the Wildcats have 3 head
coach types on their bench... My view on Bok & the 3A State Playoffs is simple. Why
not test the water? I'm not all in favor of the Pub to the PIAA, but since we are already
at the point of no return why not go for it and see where we stand. You never know what
can happen...
OCT. 1
PUBLIC LEAGUE NORTH
Frankford 16, King 14
What a weird outing this was! This was my first look at the
Pioneers and they are still formidable despite losing almost every key component from the
back to back championship teams. The small lines may be their only weakness. Otherwise,
they are very quick and aggressive. This one was in doubt mid-way through the 4th after
the Pioneers botched a punt giving King the ball on the Pioneer 21. Six plays later, the
Golden Cougars scored on a 1-yard run by sr. RB Jared "J-Roc" Williams
(13-55). King was called for a celebration penalty making the PAT from 18 yards out. The
pass failed so the Cougars led 12-8. That would prove costly. The Pioneers won this one
behind a tough 44-yard scamper by sr. FB Frank "Cherries" Jubilee (12-73)
with 2:40 remaining. Senior WR Alonzo Williams caught a conversion pass making the
score 16-12. Things looked like smooth sailing :30 later as jr. CB Chris Wilson
caught an INT. The Pioneers then went 4 and out giving the ball back to King with 41 tics
left. King sr. QB Jeff Campbell tossed another pick this time to leaping sr. CB Maurice
Miller on the Pioneer 2-yard line with 16 tics to go, but things still weren't done.
The Pioneers were set to take a knee, but a botched snap caused the ball to go into the
end-zone. Luckily, impressive sr. QB Lamont Brown (6-3 185) picked it up yielding a
safety with 9 tics showing. After a short return by the Cougars, the game's final play was
Campbell's third INT in just over 2 minutes again going to Wilson. This loss really hurt
the Cougar playoff hopes and kept the Pioneers in good shape. Sr. TB Malik
"Flip" Walker also had success with 20 totes for 79 yards and a score. Brown
rushed for 46 yards and passed for 84 more on 5-of-10. Williams caught three of those
balls for 46 yards. The defensive stars were jr. LB Ernest Canales with 8 total
stops. Junior NG Braheem Foy recovered a fumble and jr. DE Damon Brockington
made a sack worth 12 yards. It was hard to watch the normally fluid Campbell (3-for-14, 37
yards, 3 INTs) struggle. He MUST have better days than this. Luckily, there's always next
week. The Cougar star was sr. WR-CB Sammy Tranks. The ultra fast Tranks bursted 77
yards for a 1st half-ending INT return in which he made an all-timer of a shoulder dip/hip
swivel to shake about 5 would-be tacklers on the sideline. LBs sr. Cyril Woodland
and jr. Jeff Davis were both in on 11 tackles with a TFL. Sr. NG Caison Austin
was in on 10 while sr. DE Deshan Lupton was in on 8 with 2 TFLs.
AA's Notes: You get the feeling that under coach Mike Capriotti that
these will be the same old Pioneers and that's great to see... Frankford faithful seem to
believe that they may get back #34 Brandon Norris for next year with a return from
Florida... I feel bad for the Cougars who really hurt their playoff chances with 2 home
losses in a row within the division. Wins vs the likes of NE and Lincoln are a must to
keep hope alive... Finally the funny of the day came when 2 Frankford players commented on
the sideline about King's big #77 6-0 320-lb sr. DT Rodney "House" Carroll.
One said, "77 is house. We were in 9th grade together at Dougherty. He's always been
big." The other then commented, "Well he looks like a mansion now..." Gotta
love the Pub sideline pass!..
SEPT. 30
PUBLIC LEAGUE MID CITY
Dobbins 38, Penn 12
Finally, the Mustangs have gotten themselves on track with a W.
Although it was against a lowly Penn squad, this should do wonders for the team morale. QB
Steven Sydnor still sat out about 80% of the game, but I'd have to imagine, he'll
be ready to go next week. While playing, he did toss a 25-yard strike to VERY athletic sr.
WR Damond Griffin (3/65). Otherwise, sophomore QB Wesley Brown did an
adequate job throwing 6-for-8 for 85 yards. This week made for the debut of franchise sr.
rusher Rashad "Reds" Williams and he didn't disappoint as he carried 13
times for 91 yards and 4 Tds (8, 3, 2 & 9). "Reds" is just what the doctor
ordered as he has the savvy to get to the outside and score which is something they've
been lacking early on. The D was led by sr. DE Amos Leak. Leak was in on 11 total
stops including 3 sacks and another TFL worth total of 20 yards. Sr. LB Greg
Davis was in on a sack and another TFL as well. Impressive soph DE Randall Wilson
(6-4 210) made 7 stops with 2 TFLs. Jr. DL Robert Williams was again a man on the
D-line. Reserve soph LB Ranell Plummer picked an INT and returned it 49 yards
setting up Sydnor's TD pass. For Penn, you had to like the brass/toughness of sr. QB Felek
McCrae (7-of-15, 122 yards -- 2 tds, int). He really took a beating, but still played
hard. He threw strikes of 29 & 23 yards to sr. wide-out Bashir Hopper (3/70),
who also happened to be the defensive star with 9 total stops. Senior WR Ramsey
Farrintgon also caught 3 balls worth 50 yards.
AA's Notes: The Mustangs got the W here, but I know Coach Doug Macauley
wasn't too happy about the 7 penalties worth 90 yards they rang up. I'm sure that'll be
addressed... Before coach Macauley complained, the refs here must have been using a speed
clock because the first half was over in 35 minutes. The second half was more like a
Varsity game clockwise... The ink here went to sr. C Cordero Thompson (6-2 260). He
is said to have accumulated a 4.0 gpa in his first 3 high school years. The state school
and possibly even I-AAs should take a sniff as he has experience and knowledge at his
position along with good size and strength. His SAT score could determine a lot... Finally
the funny of the day went to a Dobbins aide as after two plays were run in the 3rd
quarter, the refs blew their whistles he asked, "is that the quarter. You gotta ask
these questions..."
SEPT. 24
PUBLIC LEAGUE MID CITY
Gratz 7, Dobbins 6
Boy do I feel bad for the Mustangs. With high expectations coming
into the season, many snafus have caused an 0-4 start. In this one, both of their main
offensive weapons were unavailable including sr. QB/FS/K Steven Sydnor with a high
ankle sprain. Gotta' give the Bulldogs credit though. The Koz'/Felder contingent
did a lot right in earning a hard fought W which could lead to a playoff berth down the
road. This one can be attributed to a stingy D and the running of jr. RB Donald
"Shug" King (25-126). King is as steady as they come folks. He's very
unassuming, but he gets stuff done. He consistently carries more than 20 times each time
out and has over 100 yards. He always seems to be low and moving forward and that's more
than half the battle for a good tailback. His 34 yard run to the Mustang 1-yard line set
up the game winner. Sr. place-kicker Elliott Padgett's wobbly kick went straight
through the uprights to give the Dawgs a 7-6 advantage with 6:35 to go. Dobbins just has
such a hard time putting points on the board without their regulars. Soph. QB Wesley
Brown had an up and down performance in his first taste of varsity action. He passed
5-for-12 for 77 yards with his a 31 yard strike to sr. WR Cedric Graham. Then THIS
happened: The PAT was blocked by Gratz' #84. This is normally Sydnor's field as well. The
Bulldog D was led by Srs NG Lamont Lee-Edgefield (6-1 275) & LB Anthony
Wallace (5-11 235). Lee-Edgefield is a 4-year starter and just may be a 1-AA prospect
at center. He controlled both lines in this one in on 6 total stops with one going for a
5-yard loss. Wallace is a teeth-rattler and that might be an understatement. All of the
game's best hits were his. He was in on 5 stops while also defending two passes. Junior CB
Gourdie Corbin picked an INT, defended another pass and made a TFL. The Mustang D
was led by studly jr. DL Robert Williams (6-4 300). In this one, he played with a
heavily taped right hand while rotating between DE & DT, but still managed a game high
10 stops (a TFL & a sack). He is a D-I prospect IMO all he needs to do is keep working
at it (i.e. - hitting the weight room hard as well as the Camp circuit this off-season).
You just don't find big guys this mobile. Many of his stops were made across the field as
he played DE for 75% of the game. AMAZING! Especially for a big'un. Sr. LBs Jon Rawl
(6 solo stops w/ a TFL) & Rufus Skipworth (3 broken-up passes) also aided the
D.
AA's Notes: I really like King's approach. They say he tore up the JV
field's last season as a 1000-yard rusher there. He's continuing his assault here...
Things should get a bit easier next week for the 'Stangs with a visit from William Penn.
They should finally crack the W column... I must commend the refs here in this one. They
never cheated on time although the new scoreboard was again out of commission... This was
one of the more hard-hitting games I've seen thus far, but you can say that every time
Gratz steps on the field... Finally, both schools had great fan support. There was game
long chanting from both ends with no problems. Always love seeing that from the pub...
SEPT. 18
PUBLIC LEAGUE NORTH
Northeast 28, Lincoln 18
This was a huge statement win for the Vikes as it may have carved a
path to one of the North division playoff spots. The upstart Lincoln squad has looked
pretty good the last few weeks, but I believe the difference here was the fact that most
of the key Railsplitter personnel went both ways, while only 2 key Viking went both ways
full time. This game was mainly a duel between two of the League's top senior backs in
NE's Jeremiah Pitt (16-136 3Tds) & Lincoln's ever-emerging Terrell Denson
(12-192, 3 scores). Pitt, who I've always felt had great natural ability, showed me that
he was a TRUE FB player in this one. He got the tough yards as well as the finesse ones
here. I still feel that his best days could be ahead as a wide-out, but for now he's fine.
Denson is very intriguing. He blends strength with speed and instincts. He's such a
NATURAL runner. He just glides around the field. Two of his scores went for 70 & 72
yards. I gotta give props to Viking sr. FB Chris Banks. Mr. Banks did all of the
yeoman's work (got the tough yards, great blocking, ect.) here. He was truly a gamer. Sr.
QB Cordia "Chop" Mosley was pretty sharp going 6-of-12 for 60 yards and a
13 yard score to super-junior Rockeed McCarter (6-4 195 -- 4 catches for 53 yards)
just before the half. That score gave NE just what it needed: 21-12 halftime lead knowing
they would get the ball back after the midpoint and also loads of momentum. More and more
around the Pub, McCarter is becoming feared. I have heard many a coach tell their DBs to
stick to #8. The kid has special possibilities. The Viking leaders on D were sr. DE
Khaliyl Willis (2 sacks worth 11 yards) & jr. LB Seth Shapiro ( 9 total
stops with 1 for a loss). NE has a guy like him every year -- a tackling machine. The
Lincoln D was led by sr. LB Joe DiGrazio with 10 total tackles. I could have sworn
he wasn't that much of a factor though. That's how you know the good players. A factor
even when it seems unlikely. Srs. NG Charles Whittington, LB Rory Stallworth
& LB Jeff Leriche all made some hard stops including a TFL a piece.
AA's Notes: Watch for Dougherty transfer Kyle Sample to really give
the Vikes a boost. He plays with much brass and comes with experience being the Cards
starting QB last year. He helped out in this one at FS which is where I could see him as a
fixture. Today was his season's first action... The numbers this year for the Vikes are
great. Roughly 60 guys dressed in this one... The Splitters aren't down and out yet as
next week's date with the improving/defending champion Pioneers of Frankford high looms.
That game will indeed be a big one...
SEPT. 18
PUBLIC LEAGUE NORTH
Washington 21, Mastbaum 0
This was a sloppy affair to say the least. G-Dub looked very
sluggish at times. Partially because of the off and on rain and partially because of a
lack of focus, nevertheless they still had 2 TDs called back and dominated from outset to
end. Again I liked what I saw from "Mr. Opportunity" sr. RB-DB Courtney
Williams. Williams carried 3 times for 91 yards (1 catch for 19 yards) including the
game-opening score of 31 yards. He had another run of 69 yards that set up sr. QB Chuck
Hughes' 1 yard run. He has truly made himself into one of the key components of the
Eagle machine and may have been the star of the game on both sides of the ball. Sr. RB Jerry
Butler battled the conditions for 11 carries/81 yards and a score. On D, the Eagles
were led by Williams 4 defended passes. He seemed to be everywhere in the D-backfield. Sr.
DT David Gonser was again a man on the line with a TFL and a shared sack with sr.
DE John McFillin. Gonser had many other QB hurries to boot. Sr. MLB Stefan Ruff
(6-1 271) was his agile self going for 7 total stops including a sack worth 13 yards. The
more I watch him, the more I could see the I-AAs sniff. He could always move back to the
line, but he just may be quick enough to stay at LB. He surely sees the field well enough.
The Panther offense never got untracked. Sr. Slot-receiver Luis Sanchez caught 4
balls for 40 yards. He had the most success against the swarming Eagle D. Sr. DT Stephon
Webb (6-1 225) made 2 TFLs and played with game long juice. He's the top Panther
defender. Sr. CB Sherrod "Sheet Rock" Evers (6-2 175) made 6 solo stops
and picked an INT. He's one of the Pub's better DB prospects.
AA's Notes: I get the feeling we won't see the Eagles this unfocused again.
Next week's date with Olney won't tell any stories, but a week later the Eagles will
tangle with an always formidable Germantown Academy squad. That should help tell a
story... I'm pretty interested to find out what type of college looks that some of the
Eagles are getting. I'd have to imagine that 4 to 6 of then could end up in 1-AA or higher
next year. Only time will tell...
SEPT. 17
NON-LEAGUE
King 49, Roxborough 18
There wasn't much good to talk about here. The Indians showed poor
effort in front of their home crowd which made for a lopsided affair. Somebody better give
"Chief" Chris Mitchell (304 All-Purpose yards) some help or it will be a
LOOOONG... season. Mitchell played QB for a shade more than half the game after starter Carl
Scott was knocked out by a vicious hit. He racked up 168 yards in returns (almost
breaking 2). He also ran 17 times for 55 yards and a score & passed 4-for-10 for 81
yards and 2 scores. Needless to say, he's a damn good football player who the D-IIs should
be tracking. TEs Aaron "A-Train" Washington & Luca Collela
(6-3 190 w/ a great set of hands) each caught scores. I'll speak more about King in the
future, but I will leave with this and that's that this group of Golden Cougars are for
real and should not be forgotten in the North Division equation. They have a plethora of
offensive weapons and a mean-spirited defense. Those two factors are keys to success.
AA's Notes: You gotta love King's tiny sr. back Raheem "Ra-Ra"
Isaac (9/109 2 TDs). Isaac is listed at 5-4 140, but you could probably subtract 2
inches and 15-lbs from that listing. He's truly a great story... After watching Bartram
and Southern do battle with no clock on Thursday and this game with a clock, I have come
to the conclusion that something must be done. This game would have doubled that game in
amount of plays had it not been for the mercy rule... Lastly, the funny of the game came
when the linesman watched Indian sr. FB-LB Kevin O'Malley sub into the game with a
bad limp. He commented, "Man that's a beaten warrior..."
SEPT. 11
NON-LEAGUE
Washington 35, LaSalle 10
Did anyone get the name of that bus! I truly thought this one would
be competitive, but the Eagles totally dominated the Explorers on both sides of the ball
from beginning to end. The leader here was sr. QB Chuck Hughes (6-1 200) who picked
apart the LaSalle secondary to the tune of 9-for-14, 171 yards and 2 scores. Srs TE Dominique
Curry (6-3 210, team's best athlete & D-I prospect -- 3/53) & WB Raymond
Roy (6-1 180 & much-improved, 3/79) each caught a score. Top-flight sr. RB Jerry
Butler was just average running 20 times for 149 yards and 2 scores -- JUST Average
(just think of how he'll be on a good day -- smile). The Explorers may have keyed on him a
bit too much. He also caught 2 balls for 22 yards and almost broke a few if not for
shoestring tackles. This was the coming out party for sr. RB-DB Courtney Williams.
He ran 6 times for 95 yards with a 66 yard TD scamper. He may be the 2nd fastest kid on
the team. He also was extremely aggressive on D (7 total stops including a TFL and a
broken up pass, also some hard hits) at CB where he wasn't even supposed to start. He may
earn a scholie this year and it will be because of hard work and desire as one of the
unsung Eagles. Great job, "Court." G-Dub's top defender was sr. DT David
Gonser (6-2 255), a D-I prospect in his own right. He was in on 6 stops, 3 of them
were sacks totaling 6 yards with many other hurries. He was straight manhandling jokers!
Gonser is the team's emotional leader and WILL garner looks as the year goes on. Bookend
sr. DEs Curry & John McFillin (listed 6-5 235) shared a sack for an 11 yard
loss. "J-Mac" may be the missing link here. Once he comes around fully, the
Eagle machine will really roll. One thing's for sure, he really worked hard on the off
season putting on 35-40-lbs of muscle and that's saying something. He's another very
intriguing prospect on size alone. For the Explorers, you had to love the effort of soph.
RB Chris Ashley. He ran 16 times for 53 yards and took a kickoff 88 yards for a
score. His future has some promise. Spunky sr. QB Mike Lynch has had better days.
He took a beating today and there's no doubt he'll be sore for a few days. He's tough
though and should bounce back. The Explorer D is normally stingy and has some nice pieces
headed by sr. DL Andrew Rocks (possible I-AA prospect -- 6 total stops including a
pd & a half sack) & Ryan Stew (2 half sacks). Sr. LB Eddie DiDonato
led with 11 stops including one for an L. He also booted a 27 yard field goal.
AA's Notes: Well if there were any questions about the Eagles being legit,
they should have been answered here. The Explorers have been picked by many experts to
finish third in the ALWAYS rough CL-Red. Not to mention it was LaSalle's second game and
G-Dub's first and that the Eagles probably let up a bit in the 2nd half (only one punt all
game long -- after a penalty)... This group of Eagles largely mirrors last year's
Frankford group in terms of potential dominance. They have size, skill & speed with
large amounts of "the big C," Confidence!... LaSalle will be better in the
coming weeks as Lynch is a flat out playmaker and a winner... Almost forgot to mention the
Eagle line of Center sr. Huang Fei, guards srs Stefan Ruff (also stud MLB
now -- much improved (cat-quick @ 6-1 270) from last year and possible I-AA prospect)
& Nolan Young & tackles jr. Demitrius Wilson & sr. Jason
Patton (another team leader). They all deserve praise for a job well done...
SEPT. 10
NON-LEAGUE
Southern 36, Penn 6
In Penn's first experience they sure got a taste of life in the Pub
as the Rams of South Philly high got a chance to turn the tables. Jr. RB Lamone Fox
(5-11 205) had many moments last season, well he's a man now. I know it was against the
expansion Lions, but Fox, who rushed 18 times for 187 yards and 3 scores, will not be
brought down by one defender. All together, he totaled 243 all-purpose yards. He's now a
leader on both sides of the ball (2 picks on D). I feel that he just needs to go on the
Camp circuit this Spring and summer and we'll be talking about a D-I prospect. I only saw
two chinks in his armor and they those were the fact that he got cocky a bit too much in
terms of not always protecting the ball and by taking guys on a bit two much instead of
turning it up the field. Next week's game against Bartram should tell a story. Sr. QB Jalil
Harris looked pretty good. He ran for a score and threw for another, a beautiful 44
yarder to sr. wide-out Michael McClain. Fox made 7 total stops to go with the two
picks. I really like jr. LB Nick Moody. He made 8 stops with 2 TFLs totaling 7
yards. He really brings it and hits to kill. Sr. DT Harry Walker (6-2 260) also had
a TFL. Harris also made a pick from his FS perch. Penn's TD was scored by sr. RB Anthony
McCloud on a 10 yard scamper. There's a long road ahead to say the least. Srs. LB Thomas
Edwards & DE John McNatt were in on 6 tackles.
AA's Notes: Although this was against Penn, the Rams showed some toughness
and look to be going in the right direction. With Fox leading the way along with a few
others who can play somewhere in college, well you never know... Not to mention that they
still expect to have 2 or 3 contributors back in the coming weeks... Freshman two-way
tackle Marquise James is one to watch for the Rams. He goes 6-4 305 and isn't the
least bit chubby. He has a VERY bright future.. The Rams were classy in the end taking
knees when the game was way in doubt. Coach Bill Edger citing that, "I was on
the other end of this too many times." Somebody has to do something about these
officials. The ones here weren't the least bit interested and its still early in the
year...
SEPT. 9
NON-LEAGUE
Overbrook 6, Edison 0
This one wasn't the best game in the world as two of the league's
lesser lights did battle. The Panthers went to 2-0 for the first time in God knows how
long. It was mostly behind stocky sr. RB William Brownlee (26-95, TD). Otherwise it
was mostly a defensive struggle. Jr. LB Eikeem Barron led the way with 8 solo stops
mostly of the hard variety. Sophomore DE Edwin Negron was also key with a sack and
another TFL totaling losses of 18 yards. Sr. SS Jarrett Johnson had a pick. For
Edison, I like fleet sr. RB Dontae Williams (10-62 -- caught a pass for 16 yards).
I remember him showing flashes as a soph, but not being around last year. He was said to
be banged up. He has breakaway speed and shifty moves. The Owl D was led by sr. LB Anthony
Coltrane who was in on 10 stops. Sr. DE Rodney Smith made two sacks totaling 19
yards. While sr. LB Carlos Maldonado had two TFLs totaling 10 yards.
AA's Notes: Not much to talk about here. Edison coach Larry Oliver made some
funny comments, but of course when you do a game with the legendary Tom "Hockey
Puck/Nut man/Stats" McKenna he always steals the show..."
SEPT. 3
NON-LEAGUE
Lincoln 14, Bartram 8
This turned out to be not as good a game as I expected. Lincoln has
plenty of returnees and is hungry to grab a playoff spot in the ever-competitive,
Northeast Division. Bartram is young (albeit talented), but just may be the favorite in
the South. The Railspitters were without head coach Gene Kelly. He had some surgery
done earlier in the week. They can't claim to be overly happy even in victory. Their two
scores came on a 79-yard kickoff return (game's first play) by jr. two-way end Robert
Keels and a 29-yard fumble return by sr. DE Antonio Wessells. Sr. RB Terrell
Denson (5-10 200) had some rushing success with 19 tucks for 93 yards. He's a natural
runner who should garner D-II looks. I REALLY like the upside of Sr. QB Kareem Dennis!
He's listed at 6-4 195 -- he just may be that. He's a first year starter and he possesses
athleticism and skill (especially ball handling, also rolls to opposite side with ease).
His numbers here were modest, but you can see the potential. The
'Splitter D is led by perhaps their most complete player sr. MLB Joe DiGrazio (6-2
205). "Joey D" made 6 hard solo stops and seemed more and more juiced as the
game went on. He, too is a D-II type probably as a weak-side LB or strong safety. Wessells
aided the cause with 10 total tackles including two TFLs. Jr. DT George Higgins
also made 2 TFLs, one a sack. This group of Braves will only get better as the year goes
on. They have a nice nucleus of sophomores led by RB John "Fudgey" Pratt
(13 for 48) and QB Kris Brownlee (6-1 160). Brownlee tossed an 18 yard TD to sr. WR
Terrance Tate on a nice textbook rollout to the right. The Brave D was led by Srs
LB Darryl Smith (6-1 215) - 13 total stops & West Catholic transfer DE Kevin
Reeder (6-1 240) with two TFLs and several other hard stops. He brings a winning
attitude to the mix that should rub off on his young mates.
AA's Notes: Boy you'd think that some changes would have taken place by now
since the Pub is now District XII. Well Bartram still has no scoreboard and it seems that
time flew by in this one as the game only lasted about an hour and forty-five minutes. Oh
well, one day I guess... The funny of the day came from the head official when Lincoln sr.
TE David Spiller went down with a knee injury. As he laid their, top assistant
Kevin Reilly asked, "do you need water David." He answered, "No."
The ref chimed in with, "How about a beer." He then said, "that would be
nice..." DiGrazio has become an impressive leader. He delivered the hit of the game
on Pratt and immediately screamed, "He ain't running through my hole! Nobody runs
through my hole!" It'll be interesting to see if Lincoln can snatch one of the
Northeast playoff spots. It seems that five squads (Lincoln along with King, NE, Frankford
& Mastbaum) should battle for the remaining 2 spots with G-dub probably getting the
first...