 |
Amauro's Corner Amauro "Amar" Austin is
a headliner among our trusty observers. He is not to be confused with Ruben Amaro,
the Phillies' general manager. Like "Huck" Palmer,
Amauro is a West Catholic graduate. He will make reports on games he sees. |
NOV. 7
PUBLIC LEAGUE AAAA SEMIFINAL
Washington 34, Bartram 6
Well, folks, just to let to you know the Braves are a quality team in
this league against everyone except Washington. The Braves have decent amounts
of size, speed and the athletes necessary to make plays. One Problem: The Eagles
have that much more! The Braves pretty much didn't get going until the 4th
quarter but by then many of the Eagle horses were sitting on the sidelines. This
Eagles win was a nice GROUP effort as not even monster sr. DT Sharrif
Floyd stood out (fought off double/triples all night). Sr. QB
Aaron Wilmer has become one of my favorites to watch as he simply makes
the right plays at the right times and game in and game out is probably the
smartest Football player on the field. When he's going right, Washington can
take anybody from this area on a given night. Here he rushed for a team high 70
yards a score off a sneak while also passing for a TD to jr. handyman
Daquan Cooper for 23 yards. Leading rusher jr. HB English Peay (another
high level football athlete) rushed 14-65-TD. Cooper also ran for a TD off an
end around for 34-yards. While sr. scatback/emotional leader Chea Sloh
finished the scoring with a 14-yard TD of his own. Peay made a pick on D while
both DEs jr. Brandon Chudnoff (6-3 230, the next high level
prospect out of THIS program) and sr. Martin Haynes (6-2 220,
TEAM SLEEPER -- Quiet assassin) had BEASTLY moments. The Braves' demise started
early and that turned to often and by the time you looked up the score was 20-0
and there's really no recovery from that when your top offensive weapon is the
QB and he's also the top down-the-field threat. Unfortunately sr. QB
Al-Hajj Shabazz can't throw to himself. Shabazz had a nice late showing
that had him ending with 71 yards on 16 totes and passing for 52 more. Sr. TE
Mohammed Diabate caught 4 balls for 42 yards. There's a small
college with his name on it if he so chooses. Soph. RB Brandon Jones
ran for the score with :46 left.
AA's NOTES: I always asked myself in my almost
10 years of covering high school Football what do the programs away from the
Northeast (Especially the ones with dedicated coaches, fairly large numbers,
athletes, size, etc. -- i.e. Bartram) have to do to consistently have programs
like those? It's truly a whole different thought process and really what has to
be done to change it? What's missing? I guess Bok kinda has it to a certain
extent, but why can't more teams have it? Just food for thought, I guess.
NOV. 6
NON-LEAGUE
Imhotep 22, Central 13
BRRRRRR! Who let the Hawk out!? This was easily the coldest Football day
to date on my first day seeing the Panthers from Imhotep Charter and my first
real day seeing Central too; the first time was against lowly Edison. Anyway, I
figured it would be a goodie as Panther Coach Marc L. Wilson is
a Central alum and former player so of course he wanted to win this one in the
worst way. Early on it looked as if he had no chance of getting his wish as his
team played like a club that NEVER played in the cold while Central merely
capitalized. The two Central scoring drives, which both occurred in the opening
minutes of the game, were a result of a negative 9-yard punt that placed the
ball at the Panther 12 (a 12-yard TD run by jr. WB Ravone Cornish
happened on the VERY next play) and then a pick by sr. S
DeVonne Boler with a 27-yard return on the very next drive that put the
Lancers on the Panther 38 to start. Four plays later jr. WB Zaim Tahiraj
scored from 6 yards out. The Lancer O did much of nothing until the latter
stages from that point on although the Panthers didn't wake up until just before
halftime. That's when jr. QB Chris Lewis (11-for-27, 181 TD
also ran for a TD) began to assert himself. I'd heard many good things about
Lewis going in and even while he struggled you could easily see the tools he
possesses. When he got going though, it was like target practice out there! His
favorite target is sr. WR Leland Smith and he seemed to get
started at the same time as Lewis. Smith hauled in 5 passes for 95 yards,
including the game clinching score late in the fourth when he flat out toasted a
green Lancer DB for a 27-yard score that made this one a 2 possession game. Jr.
WR Devin Sanders caught 3/30 while jr. TB Maurice
Palmer ran hard for 67 yards on 20 totes with a 5-yard score that
started the scoring. The Panthers did an excellent job in the ball control
department almost doubling the Lancers in plays from scrimmage (60-31). Two
defenders deserve mention both DBs in Smith and sr. CB Kendrick Lewis
and it wasn't because both had picks but more so because both teamed up
to pretty much shut down dangerous sr. WR Siddiq Cornish (6-4
185 -- plus speedy/athletic) -- especially Smith who most times handled him
one-on-one. Cornish still may have been the BEST prospect on the field. He did
make a beautiful leaping late game snag while being heavily covered. Some school
in I-AA land or whatever it's called these days (smile) better take and mold
him. Put him on ice with a redshirt year and watch your project come to life.
Boler is probably Central's best player and he didn't have a particularly good
outing today, and THAT just can't happen for the Lancers to beat quality
opposition as he's indeed their heart and soul.
AA's NOTES: Its always fun watching games at
Central's field as even in the cold many students come out in support... ICs
Lewis SHOULD hit the Camp/Combine circuit HARD this off season to see what can
happen for him. My Evaluation: Plenty of tools, but I'd like to see him again.
He did show perseverance after a shaky start and loads of leadership... Finally,
it's always good to see Head referee Phil Harding on the case.
Things normally run smoothly when he's around. I teased him about how he even
gets the unenviable task of doing Basketball playoff games in Strawberry
Mansion's gym and does an adequate job. Not many can claim that.
NOV. 5
NON-LEAGUE
West Phila. 26, Prep Charter 6
Days like this always make me wish I was still full time on the high
school sports beat! Maybe I'll strike it rich one day soon and be able to do
just that (smile). Anyway coming to West Philly is always a homecoming for me
from the familiar faces to familiar conversation. It was great to see everyone,
you all made my day! The game itself wasn't bad. I hadn't seen either team to
date and they played hard and with a purpose. The Speedboys proved to be a shade
too much for the Huskies behind the hard, quick running of jr. TB Robert
Andrews (23-154, 35-yard TD run). Andrews is both quick/shifty and despite
his size VERY durable. Sr. WR-S Jaleel Smith played a solid role
both ways. Not only did he play a mean FS, but he also caught 2 balls for 25
yards and one was a 10-yard TD catch. The defensive leader was jr. DE Khalil
Summers (6-3 235), who is truly a prospect. He was spirited throughout while
being in on 4 tackles behind the line. Prep never really got its offense
untracked after an early score by frosh QB Troy Johnson off a 1-yard
sneak. Johnson has potential. By his jr. year he could make his mark on the city
with continued hard work and progress. Jr. WR Charles Barber
caught 3 balls for 34 yards.
AAs Notes: It was good to see WPHS long-time AD Pat Cassano.
We've had a lot of GREAT dialogue over the years. Pat will be retiring in June
and WILL BE sorely missed by all... PCs Offensive Coordinator is Terrell
"Cheetah" Johnson and his son is Imhotep G in hoops Terrell Johnson.
Uh, PC and 'Tep are bitter rivals and dad says son hates him for working for the
enemy (Smile)... Finally, as this one went into the latter stages it caused me
to be a shade late because of heavy traffic due to SEPTA's strike in picking up
a special someone from work. So I just wanna say I'm sorry again Ms. Dixon aka
"BABE" (smile).
OCT. 30
PUBLIC LEAGUE AAA
Gratz 28, Penn 6
What a wild night! This senior night at Marcus Foster Stadium took
exactly 2:58. There was a little of everything going on here sandwiched around a
rather exciting game in which the talented Bulldogs were finally able to get
over the proverbial hump by winning their first meaningful game of the season.
Now let's see how far it takes them. The mark of this Bulldog team is the fact
that it possesses some seriously good rushers who are now finally at full
strength. Shifty sr. slickster Aaron Rice rushed 10-104 including TD
totes of 17 & 27. His partner, the ever-consistent jr. Spencer Moses
(17-101) did his usual hard running while using quick bursts and vision. The
other TDs were by Jr/sr. QB Khalil Brown (1 yard sneak) and a late game
62 yarder by jr. Jamir Anderson. Sr. CB Nafi Lyles, who's listed
at 5-3 125, made 2 picks while hardnosed sr. LB Malik "Milk" Joe and jr.
DL Nate Gore (6-2 235 -- a good-looking prospect) also had picks. Penn
had total control of this one early on and even led 6-0 at the half, but had to
be in a state of shock after twice watching two of its players leave by way of
an ambulance van and three others stay down on the field for a long time due to
injuries. 3 different QBs were used for Penn. Sr. RB Darrell Dyches
rushed 12-82 and opened the scoring with a 16 yard burst. He also made a pick on
D in a strong performance in trying to salvage coach James Ockimey's
Lions playoff hopes.
AA's NOTES: These two teams went half on 10 turnovers in what
turned out to be an extremely fun night. The Bulldogs, whom I've said in the
past are the most talented bunch in the Pub AAA field, can now forget about the
past 9 weeks and refocus on what's ahead . . . And the first thing they MUST do
is improve upon their 16 penalties for 140 yards. That's a complete disgrace for
any week, let alone week 9 of the season . . . Penn showed VERY well in what
looks to be the final year of the school's existence . . . Finally, gotta show
love to Gratz sr. OG Antoine "Ness" Bland (6-4 290), a possible D-I
prospect. The big man was DOMINANT to say the least on the O-Line as he took
pride in drive blocking whoever was in front of him back 10-20 and one time 30
yards down the field. It was so dominant that once a little Lion LB was in his
sights and he just got out of the way . . . And the trail continues.
OCT. 30
NON-LEAGUE
Lincoln 35, Overbrook 22
These "meaningless" fill-in games are year in and year out some of the
best games I see all season and this one was no different. It seems that the
kids perform without any pressure and let it all hang out. In this one the
Railsplitters, who possess one of the city's true studs in sr. WR-LB Omar
Black (6-2 200), were too much for the Panthers. Black, whose neighborhood
school is Overbrook, was an absolute terror from beginning to end. On Lincoln's
third play from scrimmage, he caught a lofting ball near his own sideline and
darted down the field 73 yards untouched. Then later with 2 guys draped on him,
he powered up over them on a fade to the opposite corner for a 14 yard score
that made the score 21-8 going into the half and pretty much kept the feisty
Panthers at bay for the rest of the afternoon. Black caught a total of 6 balls
for 158 yards while also rushing for 21 yards and being his normal teeth
rattling self at LB. I hope schools pick up the scent because he's truly one of
the seniors in the city this year ready to play D-I college football (especially
in like the MAC Conf aka Temple's League) today. Sr. QB Joe McCausland
was as sharp as can be here while passing 13-for-19 for 250 yards and 3 scores.
When given time, this guy will pick you apart! Sr. WR Dylan Gallagher
(4/66, TD) was his normally consistent self. I LOVE the way he always gives max
effort. There's gotta be a small college with his name on it. Sr. RB Ernesto
Garcia gave a solid effort with 55 yards on 16 carries and a 10-yard TD run
while also catching a ball for 17 yards. McCausland also ran for a score. The
Lincoln D was led by sr. DE Hakeem Cooper (1.5 sacks + 2 other TFLs worth
28 yards). Brook seemed to be in this one and not in this one both at the same
time, very weird? Their biggest play was sr. DB Terrance Prince's 68 yard
INT return that closed the gap to 27-22 late in the 3rd, but no noise was made
thereafter. Sr. RBs Keenan Clark (10-57) & Kirk Wright (4-55-TD)
both gave good effort. While the D was led by jrs. LB David McCants & DE
Chris Dorn, who halved 4 stops behind the line among other plays.
AAs NOTES: This Panther team totally lacks that certain something
that has become its staple since it became a relevant program a few years ago. I
hope coach Sturm and his staff can get it together in due time. I know the
Speedboys are licking their chops for the Thanksgiving Day Game. Should be
interesting... Black was SO good here that I didn't understand why the ball was
thrown his way more often. NOBODY could stop him, not even 2 defenders. It was
like every Panther defender was TOO slow, TOO small and/or just not good
enough... Finally, here's where seeding the 4A teams for playoffs makes much
better sense. King, no disrespect, makes the playoffs and Lincoln doesn't?
That's a TRAVESTY! One day the Pub will figure out the right way to do things
and I hope it's one day soon. Oh, well, you can only hope, right?
OCT. 23
NON-LEAGUE
Gratz 62, Boys' Latin 14
Friday night lights at Germantown and Hunting Park can be quite the
adventure and this was no different. The Boys' Latin bus was more than an hour
late so this one didn't get started until 6:45 and at 9:05 there were fireworks
. . . No, literally, at the 15th Street end of the field someone set off
fireworks as soon as the Bulldogs ended their running over the young Warriors
from Boys' Latin. No need to show the young bucks up so I won't say much, but BL
will be full-fledged members in the league next season and already have great
numbers and dedicated coaches. The AAA playoffs will be interesting as the
Bulldogs, who are clearly the most talented team in the field, have to beat
neighborhood rival Penn just to dance. Penn's in the last year of the school's
existence (supposedly) so things should be interesting.
OCT. 23
PUBLIC BLUE
Southern 36, Edison 0
It's always good to be the champ of the Blue Division as it lends momentum
for the future especially if there are underclassmen in the fold. That's not
quite the case at Southern as most (maybe all) of its headliners are seniors.
This game was more than anything else needed to tune-up for next week's tussle
with probably the League's best team, Washington, which is quite the reward for
being the division winner (Scratching my head -- more on this in my notes).
Anyway the Rams breezed through to halftime as they were already up 36-0 with
the clock running. Not much else to talk about folks.
AA's NOTES: Special props go out Edison's captains srs. James
Long and Luis Ortiz as they've been there all the way through this
season. I'm sure it been tough, but they haven't quit and there's much to be
said for that... A nice gesture was made by Ram coach Stosh Tunney as he
kicked off to start the game and instead of taking the ball to start the 2nd, he
opted to kick off again and no offensive starters were seen again... One Ram sr.
G-DT Tyree Parks (#55) better put his money where his mouth is. He
adamantly requested Sharrif Floyd throughout the 2nd half (gulp...). I
hope he gets all he wants next week (smile)... Finally, it's time for the League
to get proactive by using strength points as the means for seeding teams for the
playoffs and then if Southern (the Blue Division Champ) is to play GW (The Red 2
seed) then so be it. We want to catch to the rest of the state right? Then let's
start acting like it!... And the trail goes on.
OCT. 16
PUBLIC LEAGUE WHITE
Germantown 14, Olney 6
Sorry for being late with this one but it seems that nothing good has
come for me at Edison's field this year. It either rains, rains hard or the
struggling Owls get killed. None are pretty sites. Here it was VERY cold and
steadily raining as Olney played their home game up the street because its own
field was too messy from the major rain storm. Anyway, the game itself was
pretty competitive as Olney had chances all the way until the end. The Bears
played here without its star sr. QB Ramadan Abdullah (broke a team rule),
but were successful on the ground as sr. RB Demetrius "Chico" Saunders
(21-104-TD) pretty much held things down. He ran hard and tough and mostly on
the inside. His best run was a 37-yarder for a score in the 3rd that became the
clincher. Jr. QB Jerell Saunders (D. Saunders' brother) was the starter
at QB and his numbers weren't through the roof, but he did a solid job in tough
circumstances and even threw a perfect 51-yard bomb to sr. WR Dominique
Twiggs to set up his own score from 1-yard out. The D was led by sr. LB
James Slayton (in on plenty of plays) while jr. DB Tavio Thomas
made a pick. You only have to wonder what would have been if Olney star sr. RB
Eric Barrow (6-43-TD) had not gone down with a serious injury late
in the 1st. After scoring on a TOUGH-AS-HELL 26-yard run. Barrow was given the
ball again on the conversion run and not only was he stopped short but he didn't
get up on his own and it looked like a broken ankle. What a shame for a kid who
always gives max effort and a shame in the short term for Olney as there was no
semblance of a running game thereafter. And on a day like this, no run game, no
chance... The more I see jr. DE Claudy Mathieu, the more I like
what I see. And his partner jr. DE Joseph Bryant ain't shabby himself.
Both made their share of plays. Jr. DB Chris Fountain made a pick.
AA's NOTES: Mathieu is the classic example of a kid that needs to
take advantage of the off-season Football circuit. As it has proven in recent
years, it WILL get you a scholarship! And this kid already owns the physical...
Its always good to see the G'Town operation. The coaches are good, hard working
people who don't by any means short change the kids.
OCT. 9
PUBLIC LEAGUE RED
Northeast 33, Overbrook 18
The Vikings were riding high coming in after an emotional victory last
week over bitter far northeast rival Washington so this one was interesting
going in as a let-down could have been on the horizon. Plus just before game
time I heard that sr. QB Malik Stokes was sitting out with a minor knee
injury. His replacement: a M. Stokes play-a-like freshman David Pulliam
(guessing 6-2 170 -- The Viking roster has no heights, weights or years).
Pulliam did a more than admirable job passing for 143 yards and 2 TDs. Sure he
has probably the league's best receiving corps to work with along with vets up
front and quality backs behind him. Pulliam showed poise and great pocket
presence from start to finish. He'll only get better while having the next 3
years to do just that. Both TD passes went to sr. Speed demon Eric "Flav"
Brundidge (who also doubles as the League's top DB). His first score was a
3-and-10 from the NE 6 in which Pulliam threw a perfect ball over his outside
shoulder and then it was off to the races for 94 yards and not many are gonna
catch him in the open field as "Flav" may well be the fastest player in the
city! The second was a quick slant over the middle for 14 yards. Both sr. RBs
Tyleel Taylor (9, 1) & Eric Hines (6) ran for scores. On D, sr. Tough
guy LB Camille Max made a pick while his partners sr. LBs Kenny Kline
& Gary Prince (who's been stalking me for days begging for ink...
Smile) were in on plenty of plays. The Vikings look to be playing their best
Football going forward and have put themselves in the driver's seat to win the
Red division Title and the #1 seed for the playoffs. Overbrook was no easy out
here. They played hard and even made plays, but they weren't enough here. I came
in wondering why jr. QB Ehramis Chism wasn't the starter after being
destined for stardom after a strong freshman campaign at UC and then coming back
to 'Brook last year and sitting behind a senior that he was clearly better than
(no disrespect). Anyway, this year's starter, sr. Andre Sheppard, is
definitely worthy. He's got excellent feet and a good arm. He was truly one of
the better athletes on the field. He accounted for all 3 scores (1 rushing and 2
passing). The Panther D was led by jr. LBs Desean "Florida" Butterfield &
David McCants, who halved 16 tackles. Sr. DB Terrance Prince made
a pick.
AA'S NOTES: NE jr. TE-DE Deion Barnes looks to be getting better
every week. With continued hard work, he'll rack up scholarship offers this off
season... And the rat race begins! The talk of the weekend was where will all
the underclassman athletes at pending closing schools North Catholic and
Dougherty will end up at. Up to 10 different schools will be in the race for the
chase. Its gonna be a FUN off season.
OCT. 9
NON-LEAGUE
Central 40, Edison 0
Edison football is becoming a sadder and sadder state of affairs by the
week. There were roughly 20 guys dressed here and they never stood a chance
against a Central club that is middle of the road, at best, this year. By the
end of the 1st Quarter many of the Lancer offensive starters were done for the
day after already racking up a 27-0 lead. Not much else to say folks. I just
hope the Owls are able to finish out the season.
AA'S NOTES: Classy move by 1st year Lancer coach Rich Drayton.
After 3rd string soph. RB Lance Ryans scored on a 50-yard run late in
the 4th to make the score 40-0, Drayton ordered the offense to take a knee on
the conversion.
SEPT. 8
PUBLIC LEAGUE WHITE
Lincoln 28, Olney 0
What the heck happened to Olney? This was clearly not the same team I had
saw twice in September. Maybe it was the bye week. Maybe playing under the
lights for the first time or maybe Lincoln was just better (They definitely were
here...). Anyway it was VERY disappointing as I came here expecting to see a
good game. Oh well... Lincoln's headliner is sr. WR-LB/DB Omar Black and
he's truely one of the top 10 player/prospects and an individually talent rich
League. He made 3 catches here for 26 yards one being a 13-yard score while
being double covered and out-leaping both defenders. I also LOVE the fact that
he embraces contact and LOVES/LIVES to block (actually clean clocks)! This skill
can take a wideout a long way just ask long time Pittsburgh Steeler Hines
Ward. Sr. RB Ernesto Garcia (10-64) was good for 2 scores (10
& 8) mostly because of good hard running. Sr. QB Joe McCausland was good
for the other off of a sneak. Sr. K Michael Redondo booted all 4 XPs.
Black led the D by being in on 9 stops (4 were behind the line of scrimmage, one
was a half sack). Shawn Banks made a pick. Olney's performance was awful
to say the least and truthfully nobody played well and WORSE no one played hard.
There should be better days.
AA'S NOTES: I strongly believe that the bye week was the main
culprit in making the going in 3-0 Trojans look like an 0-3 team and even have
come to the conclusion that middle of the road clubs don't need a bye week. Why?
Because of what I just saw. It causes the kids to lose focus and take a break
from what they've done well. What was going to be a successful season now is a
question mark... This is one of the more talent-rich years I've seen in the Pub
in terms of individuals and Black is with the cream of the crop... Some school
is going to get a serious hidden gem.
OCT. 2
PUBLIC LEAGUE RED
Bartram 14, Frankford 6
While everyone in city football circles might think this one is a shocker,
I'm not one of them after a week earlier seeing both teams. The Braves were just
as physical and even more athletic as this year's version of the Pioneers and
they totally believed it and that's why the Marooners were able to overtake the
ALWAYS powerful Pioneers for the first time in some 33 years! The headliner here
was sr. QB-DB Al-Hajj Shabazz. Shabazz may have been far and away the
most athletic player on the field, but he was also the most confident/brassyt.
His numbers weren't all that gaudy (87 yards total rushing and passing with a TD
pass and a pick on D), but it was his leadership and will to win that got the
Braves over the hump. You gotta love his demeanor: serious, yet having plenty of
fun. Almost every time he came to the sideline to get his orders, he came with a
smile. That's what it's all about, folks! The Brave scores were a 10-yard TD
catch off a quick slant by sr. WR Bashir Lee and a tough 16-yard run by
soph. RB Yamir Simmons. The other actual star of the game was sr. DT
Raymond Fearon, who was a terror all afternoon and totally outplayed the
Pioneer interior O-lineman. The Pioneers got solid outings from sr. RB Tyrell
Martin (10-74) on O, but never truly got into any kind of real offensive
flow. Srs. LB Jeffione Thomas and DE Zaire Newton held it down on
D.
AAs NOTES: Well, well, well. Week 5 has concluded and Frankford is
1-4. If anyone told you that from the outset, it would have been hard to believe
. . . The entire Bartram coaching staff was animated throughout, maybe even more
so than the players (smile) . . . Finally assistant coach David Carter
yelled as the clock wound down, "We shocked the world today! Down goes
Frazier/Frankford!" Head Coach Damond "Smash" Warren chimed in with, "And
that's 35 years!" (Close enough.)
SEPT. 25
PUBLIC LEAGUE RED
Northeast 27, Bartram 16
Pub Red Division Football is always good, hard competitive competition
that's always normally the way the Northeast was won. Ah, but this year there's
a new wrinkle as Southwest Philly's John Bartram has joined the party, and with
their top flight speed/athleticism and toughness they should make things
interesting for the big 3 (GW, Fkd & NE). Test #1 for the Braves was kind of
mixed. The Marooners clearly hung tough, but 5 turnovers to the Vikings 0 was
the glaring difference. NE can thank the heavens for sr. QB Malik
Stokes (9-45-2TDs rushing & 7-for-13, 95 yards passing), a 4-year starter
and D-I Prospect. He did an awesome job here of managing the field and making
the smart play. The two-pronged rushing attack had it going as well in srs.
Eric Hines (20-109) & speedy Tyleel Taylor (8-83 TD). Hines
held it down while the normal starter Taylor sat out the first half battling a
tender shoulder. He was fresh in the 2nd half and looked great in darting down
the visiting sideline for a 53-yard score. Sr. WR-DB Eric "Flave" Brundidge
(likely the league and city's fastest player; reigning Pub Sprint Champ) caught
3 balls for 55 yards and made a goal line pick on D. Sr. LB Kenny
Kline also had a strong game on D with a pick of his own and 2 TFLs. The
Brave's best athlete is sr. Multi-Purpose guy Al-Hajj Shabazz. He
scored both Brave TDs, first a 6-yard run and then a 79-yard kickoff return
right up the middle. He's also the top corner on D. Soph. RB Brandon Jones
also has serious down-the-road potential mainly because of his current
production. Here he carried 13 times for 96 yards with the highlight being a
50-yarder. He already possesses speedy/size so once he matures even more, he'll
be that much more dangerous. CAMP/COMBINE CIRCUIT YOUNG MAN! On D the heart and
soul is sr. LB Derek "Aztec" King, a 4-year performer. 'Tec was in on 16
tackles here and was passionate throughout.
AA's NOTES: The top Viking prospect for college purposes is jr.
TE/DE Deion Barnes (6-5 220) and he was much better here than my first
look against Judge. His 16-yard fumble return for a score in the 2nd quarter
gave the Vikings the game's momentum for good . . . After sr. WR Rashaun
"Military" Sligh dropped a routine ball over the middle, coach Chris
Riley yelled, "He's gotta catch that ball! I'm ready to punt the ball and
it's 2nd down!" . . . It was good to see former Brook assistant David Carter
(largely responsible for giving life to Overbrook football) still at it as he
now aides Bartram and it seems that everyone on the Southwest side has embraced
him . . . Finally, the Tony Danza saga continues on Cottman Ave. with
largely rave reviews. Tony is said to be already deeply routed in the school and
the community and being on the Viking sideline you can see his passion is
genuine. He even had a great playful exchange with some Washington players as he
walked through the stands at halftime. CLASSIC!
SEPT. 24
PUBLIC LEAGUE WHITE
Olney 8, U City 0
Another week and another exciting football game on Front and Duncannon.
This time the U-City Jags and their gunslinger sr. QB Michael Adens were
in the house so I expected a goodie coming in. The Trojans are finding ways to
win and that's the normal mark of a good team. Here they did a good job of
controlling the ball and the clock while capitalizing off costly UC mistakes to
gain an all-important division win. The workhorse was sr. RB Eric Barrow
(21-124, the game's only score plus 6 other first downs). Not only is "E" on the
all-tough guy team, he's also on the all-mud team. His uni was covered in brown
before the first quarter ended and he seemed to embrace it. His stout, stocky
frame (5-8 210) is difficult enough to tackle but add a strong will that only
goes forward and you get one of the league's better backs. In truth, he was the
Trojan offense this afternoon and he had to be as jr. QB Jaron "Snoop" Turner
battled his share of injuries throughout, causing him not to be his normally
effective self. The D was once again held down by jr. DE Claudy Mathieu
(8 total stops, one a sack) while LBs jr. Nasir Alston (a sack & another
TFL totaling 12 yards) and sr. Kareem Clark (an INT) did their part. UC
should leave here with a sour taste in their mouths. The Jags left food on the
table while also having 2 questionable penalty flags take away 2 sr. RB Tariq
"Pop Tart" Gordon TDs. Even so, they still had more than enough chances to
take hold of the game. Gordon was again tough with 13-90 on the ground & 5/56
through the air. He even had 2 punt returns for 32 yards. Both of his scores
that were called back, one a reception and the other a rush were ruined by
flags, that had no bearing on the plays. After the first one UC boss Lou
Williams yelled, "How do u call a TD back when the man is already on
Duncannon Ave?!" I had to agree. Ah well... Adens had an uneven performance, but
boys does he have possibilities (throws a tight spiral with strength/tough,
reads defenses, good size, etc.). He's truly a scholarship QB and with another
year of seasoning at a prep school of sorts, who knows? The Jag D was held down
by sr. LB Sam Bracy, who was in on at least 10 stops. Soph. LB John
Casey (8) & sr. NG Parrish Shoatz (a sack, another TFL and 2 other QB
hurries) followed his lead. Soph. DB Kasheem Johnson made a pick.
AA's Notes: The Jag sideline was colorful throughout. When jr. TE
Larell "Sweet" Mobley missed an assignment, Coach Williams yelled, "Get
dat boy Sweet outta there! Transfer him to Girls High! He has no clue what's
going on out there!" Then when a safety should have been called for intentional
grounding in UC's favor, and wasn't, and the coaching staff went ballistic, P.
Shoatz yelled from the field, "Yo, don't worry about it! Don't raise your blood
pressure! I'm gonna block the punt!..." Finally it was like a West Catholic
Class of '98 reunion on the sideline as the line judge was none other than
Dennis Scannapieco and UC's trainer was Jasper Ayeni and of course
the least famous of the bunch, ME! (Smile) It's always good to see old friends.
SEPT. 18
NON LEAGUE
Gratz 42, Comm Tech 6
The Bulldogs are running! The Bulldogs are running! One week after getting
a spanking from one SW Philly school, Gratz did the spanking this time against
another and man was iT thorough. The big hitter today was speedy sr. WR
Stanley Baylis. Stan broke the Public League record for receiving yards in a
game with 224 on 4 snags. First he took a medium range out route from sr. QB
Montrell Stewart to the outside for 85 yards before being tracked down and
pushed out at the 5 by jr. DB Marquice London in the 2nd quarter. Then in
the 3rd Baylis hit pay dirt with a 95-yarder from jr. Wildcat-type QB Khalil
Brown on the same type of route. This time a major block was delivered to
clear the path by jr. RB Spencer Moses (3 straight 100 yard games,
10-101) and he went untouched from there right down the Gratz sideline toward
Broad St. Sr. RB Jason Martin (3 TDs) also had a big game. CT is a
one-man gang at this point on offense in soph. All Purpose Back Rolando
Ransom (28-148, TD also many snaps as Wildcat QB). He's a tough customer
already who will only improve while getting bigger and stronger. Ro's got scary
possibilities as a senior... Many of his playmates are green (many regs are
frosh & sophs) albeit very athletic and knowledgeable, therefore there will be
fun experienced in the near future in deep SWP. Sr. Two-way lineman William
Bates (6-2 325) battled hard on both sides against one of the bigger and
better fronts you'll see. He's a college prospect at some level.
AA's NOTES: On the Gratz O-Line: I'd love to treat them boys to Sunday
dinner at the Golden Corral just to see how fast the GC is out of food! Even the
back-ups got beef. And to top it off, these boys can play football. Jr. T
Qualef "Roman" Edwards (6-4 325) is the best of the bunch as he's both BIG
and MEAN! . . . Baylis and another line prospect, sr. G Tamaric Richardson,
both attend Engineering & Science as part of the coop partnership that school
has with Gratz, and I'd say it's a great match.
SEPT. 18
NON LEAGUE
Olney 20, Dobbins 13
So far this has been the best game I've seen to date this season. Want
late game drama? Check! Want players making key plays? Check! Want athletes all
over the field? Double Check! Olney looks to be a team to be reckoned with in
this early going behind its bevy of fast, skilled, athletic and, most important,
brassy skill position players. The best of the bunch is jr. QB Jaron "Snoop"
Turner (a converted and probably projected WR). Turner is just one of those
FB athletes whose a big play waiting to happen. Here he threw a 38- yard strike
to RB Kareem Clark to get the scoring started and on the final drive made
the play of the game on 4th and long he broke away from would-be sackers to
throw a dart to a leaping sr. RB Eric Barrow for 21 yards to the one-foot
line. Barrow then plunged in from there on the next play and then made a 7-point
game with the conversion run with 3:03. The Mustangs couldn't really get a drive
going after. Barrow is an early season entry to my all "tough guy" team. He's
playin with a bum knee and everyone knows it except him as he continues to make
plays. Jr. WR Julius Broughton made 4 snags for 52 yards and jr. TE (also
DE) Claudy Mathieu (6-4 220) was a presence throughout. Both are
prospects to watch, especially the latter, as Mathieu was a menace on the
D-Line. The Mustangs will only get better as the season goes on. Sr. Scatback
Karon James (8-82, 2 TDs, also 2/17) held down the fort. Jr. RB Terrence
Stafford brings the muscle. Jr. WR Jamil Williams (5/71) is a big
play threat as well. I still see the Mustangs as the team to beat in 3A in the
end.
AA's NOTES: Another Trojan that deserves mention is sr. MP back
Caleb "Turtle" Carter, as he unfurled an 83-yard kickoff return TD to sway
the moment late in the 3rd . . . Olney had probably the biggest crowd I can
remember in recent memory. That's what happens when sports go well in your
building, folks. It started with last basketball season and now it continues.
It's a great thing to see . . . This game took almost 2 hours and 45 minutes due
to at least 6 player injury stoppages and countless penalties. That will all
cease before long.
SEPT. 11
NON-LEAGUE
Father Judge 26, Northeast 6
This battle of Northeast Philly schools separated by less than 2 miles has
become quite the rivalry in the last few years. Tonight the Crusaders were king
as their offense had much less trouble getting going in the rain and, being
honest, overall they just played a more physical brand of football. Judge's two
headliners could turn to three before long as sr. RB Curt Wortham (26-86,
3/31) & jr. QB Tony Smith (11-20, 133 for TD, plus 46 rushing yards) held it
down. Now it seems that Smith has found a new favorite target in quick jr. WR
John Donohoe (3/61, a 19 yard score). I also was impressed with the play of
sr. DE Greg Kovacs (6-5 211). His long, wiry yet durable frame wreaked
all kinds of havoc along the D line all night long. He's got possibilities...
This was my first look at NE under new head man Chris Riley, who's as
high energy as they come! He'll have the Vikes ready to bite some heads off
before long. I feel he's the man for this job... Anyway sr. QB Malik Stokes,
who's viewed as a D-I prospect at some level, got off to a slow start and when
he did get going in the 2nd half he was victimized by some drops. Sr. WR
Rashaun "Military" Sligh caught 3 balls for 48 yards and had no fear of
going over the middle. However, both two-way star returnees, ultra-fast sr. WR/S
Eric "Flave" Brundidge & jr. TE/DE Deion Barnes (6-5 220)
had off nights on both sides of the ball, and that CAN'T happen for NE against
quality opposition.
AA's NOTES: Judge truly won this game with ball control. The
ever-quotable coach Chris Riley yelled towards the end of the 2nd Qtr, "WE NEED
3 AND OUTS! U guys are tiring yourself out!" And that was indeed the story...
NEHS had a circus of TV cameras out and about due to superstar Tony Danza's
presence at the school. He's doing a reality show there while teaching 10th
grade English. That must be fun!
SEPT. 11
NON-LEAGUE
Mastbaum 8, Edison 0
In a word: SLOPPY! This one was far from pretty and being honest, I
couldn't wait to get outta there. Well anyway while Edison's D battled hard
throughout, the Panther backfield was rather impressive even with the
circumstances. All 3 primary backs are underclassmen and the QB Taron
Williams, is just a freshman. The most impressive of the runners was jr.
Sean Hubert (6-3 170), who went 12-74. This kid has horse potential! He's
got a strong, sturdy frame that could hold 40-50 more lbs without losing
anything. Plus he's got decent instincts and good feet. Fellow jr. Juwan
Morrison, who ran for the game's lone TD, a 21-yarder, has the more classic
build. He also runs hard/strong and has quick bursts. Soph. Marcus Johnson
(10-54) is the quickster of the group. I can't wait to see this group again
under better conditions.
AA's NOTES: It was good to see Edison fully staffed and
enthusiastic. Football is a game of morale so this can go a long way in the
future especially if this one good leads to another good: AMBITION!... The
Panthers should make serious noise in AAA especially when Williams grows up
around mid-year.
SEPT. 4-5
NON-LEAGUE
Parkland 16, Washington 0
Hatboro Horsham 7, Frankford 0
I took on these two games last weekend to open the season and neither was
anything special. It even takes a Pub's powers a few weeks to get going
(especially on offense) and both played against quality opposition. GW was tied
with the Lehigh Valley power until the last three minutes of the game and the
Pioneers' defense pretty much held the Hatters in check throughout. Anyway,
there will be better days.
AA's NOTES: The Eagles sport the Nation's Consensus #1 defensive
tackle in Sharrif Floyd (6-4 310) and he had many monstrous moments but
seemed to tire down the stretch no doubt from having to go both ways almost
throughout... FKD has its own LARGE two-way tackle in sr. Tauheed Smith
(6-5 370).