Gang Green
Football 2009

   Brian Nestel, who plans to pursue journalism in college, is the senior goalie for Monsignor Bonner's soccer team and a big fan of all things Friar sports. He'll start off with football, but also has visions of making reports during basketball and baseball season, too. Thanks for joining the nuttiness, Brian.
   Brian may be reached at nestle812@aim.com.

APRIL 8, 2010
SCOREBOARD DEDICATION
  Bonner's turf field has been done for over three years now. The field has been in full use for the soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, football, and rugby teams. Yet, one thing has stood out as looking incomplete. Everyone has seen the scoreboard, the awkward one by the softball field with the green scoreboard names in between the two white strips. As far as I know, it has been used maybe once or twice.
  On Friday, April 9th, that will no longer be the case. It will now have major significance to the Bonner and Prendie community. The student council at Bonner, led by President Vince Procopio and Dan Vanderslice, put in lots of work and effort into this special project. The scoreboard will be named after the late David Garrison. Garrison, a Bonner graduate from the class of 2008 and member of the varsity football team, passed away on January 23rd, 2009, after suffering injuries in a car accident. He was beloved by all who knew him, especially in the Bonner community. His name will forever be remembered at Bonner, but Friday will make that a literal statement. It will read "Dave Garrison Memorial Scoreboard." Everyone looking at it, whether they are on the field playing, watching from the hill or parking lot, or just looking over as they pass by Lansdowne Avenue, will always remember Dave. They will think about who he was and what he meant to the lives of many.
  You are invited to attend this ceremony on Friday, April 9th, at 3 p.m. All current Bonner and Prendie students, along with alumni, friends and relatives of the Garrison family, are invited to attend. We hope you are able to attend and pay respects to Dave and remember his name. Hope to see you there.
 Thanks to Student Council President Vince Procopio and Student Council member Dan Vanderslice for their efforts in this dedication. Without their hard work, this would not be possible.

NOV. 14
NON-LEAGUE
Bonner 47, Springfield Delco 30
  The lights were on for Saturday’s clash between Monsignor Bonner and Springfield. The strange part about that was that the game time was 2:30 pm. By 4:40, it was dark out, giving one the feeling that it was a night game. Lingering clouds from Friday’s rain overshadowed Springfield High School, which may have led to a low crowd turnout. It was Springfield’s last game of the year, and the second to last for the Friars. Unfortunately for the Cougars, they end their season on a sour note, losing in a rout by a score of 47-30. The game certainly wasn’t a defensive struggle. Both teams combined for 77 points, including 56 in the first half, and also combined for 853 total offensive yards.
  The story of the game, as it has been all year long, was senior RB Eric Petransky. The second team All Catholic rushed for four touchdowns, totaling 226 yards. He would have had a fifth touchdown had it not been for a holding penalty called late in the fourth quarter. Petransky had two rushing touchdowns totaling more than 80 yards. His first was an 84 yard scamper. After losing a fumble, his next touch two drives later totaled 80 yards. All four of his touchdowns came in the first half.  It was a very big day to say the least for the Bonner running back. Not to be outdone was junior QB Sean Quarterman. He was 8-12 throwing for 2 touchdowns and 187 yards. He threw his touchdown passes to junior Jamie Juisti for a 41 yard score in the first half, and then with eight minutes left in the fourth to John McGilligan. The second pass came on 3rd and 21 from midfield. Quarterman threw a bomb and McGilligan was able to make an incredible catch in double coverage for the score. Senior captain Kyle Schuberth rushed for Bonner’s final score with 4:30 left in the game. The lone bright spot for Springfield was RB Matt Craig, who ran 159 yards and three touchdowns. The other Cougar score came on a pass from QB Wally Rutecki to Josh Cavanaugh late in the game.
  The Bonner defense stepped up big in the second half, shutting down the Springfield attack. After yielding 22 first half points, the Friars wreaked havoc on the offense and were able to stop the Cougar no-huddle offense. Senior Mike Murphy had an interception on the day, and Sam Christie and Kenny Weyler made big plays on defense. The unit only yielded one touchdown in the second half, which came after the game was already in hand for the Friars.
  The win improves the Friars overall record to 5-6. Meanwhile Springfield ends its year at 5-7. It’s hard to believe, but there is just one game remaining for Monsignor Bonner.  That game will be a Thanksgiving Day meeting with Archbishop Carroll. The Patriots are coming off a loss in the Catholic League AA semifinals to Bishop McDevitt, losing 21-0. The final game will be played Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, at 10 am at Upper Darby High School. Don’t miss the last chance to see the 2009 Friar squad.
Extras:
- The Cinderella run for the Archbishop Prendergast field hockey team ended sooner than they would have liked. After clinching their first Catholic League title in 25 years, and the school’s first ever District XII title, the team fell to Great Valley 2-0 in the first round of the state playoffs. Senior goalie Emily Moran made 15 stops in the losing effort. The team had to take on the top two seeds in the Catholic League to get to that point, defeating top seeded Carroll in the semifinals and then second seeded O’Hara in the finals. They then defeated Public League champion Northeast 8-0. Congratulations to the Pandas on a great season.
  - Bonner hockey has a big week ahead of them. After a 6-1 win over McDevitt Thursday, the team has two huge games this week. The first is a matchup against St. Joe’s Prep this Monday at 7:30. The second is a clash with archrival Cardinal O’Hara. The puck drops at 8:00pm Friday night. Both games are at the Skatium in Havertown.

NOV. 7
CATHOLIC AAAA
Bonner 27, Ryan 7
   It was a tough week last week for the Monsignor Bonner Friars. The team ran into league leading St. Joe’s Prep. Bonner suffered a big setback, losing by a score of 38-0. Bonner looked to get back on track Saturday against Archbishop Ryan, and that is exactly what they did. The Friars routed the lowly Raiders by a score of 27-7. The first quarter started out with a 32 yard touchdown run by senior RB Eric Petransky. He added a 5 yard plunge for another score in the second. At halftime, Bonner led 14-0. The Friars picked up where they left off in the third, this time through the air. Junior QB Sean Quarterman completed a 27 yard strike to senior Jack Wichmann for a Bonner touchdown. In the fourth, Quarterman completed another touchdown pass, this time to junior Anthony Jackson for 20 yards. The Raiders scored on a 5 yard run late in the game, but it meant nothing, as Bonner dominated, scoring a touchdown in every quarter. The Bonner defense was able to shutdown the Ryan offense, holding them to only 158 total yards. Meanwhile, the Bonner offense rolled, totaling 373 total yards. Quarterman was 11-15 passing, throwing for 178 yards. Petransky rushed for 121 yards on 20 carries. He eclipsed the 1,000 yard rushing mark on the year.
  Bonner improves to 4-6, and 2-4 in the PCL. Meanwhile Ryan continues its struggles, dropping to 0-10, and 0-6 in the league. Unfortunately for Bonner, the league record is not enough to make the playoffs this year. The Catholic League schedule is over, but the Friars have two games remaining. The first is a nonleague game with a visit from the Central League’s Springfield Cougars. Springfield is 5-6 on the year. The game will be played Saturday, November 13th at 2:30 pm at Upper Darby High School.
Extras:
-          Congratulations go out to the Prendie field hockey team. They recently clinched the Catholic League title, defeating O’Hara 1-0 off a Brooke Stretch goal in double overtime. The Pandas also clinched the District 12 title on Saturday with a win over Public League champion 8-0. They move on to the state playoffs, with a first round meeting against Great Valley.
-          Bonner’s soccer team had two players make the All Catholic team this year. Senior Connor Canavan made second team, and senior Mike Moran made third team.

OCT. 25
CATHOLIC AAAA
Bonner 49, Judge 17
  Coming off a 31-6 let down to football power La Salle, Bonner needed to get back to their winning ways. They certainly did so on Sunday. After being dismantled by Father Judge last year by a score of 37-0. This year was much different, as Bonner came away victorious, with a 49-17 victory over 2008 PCL runner ups.
    The first half showed no indication that this game would be a blowout. Judge scored in the first quarter off a 40-yard run by RB Curt Wortham. An Owen Radtke extra point put the boys in baby blue up 7-0 after the first. Judge extended that lead early on in the second, as Radtke converted a field goal from 21 yards out. But after this, Bonner really kicked the offense into high gear. Senior RB Eric Petransky opened the scoring for Bonner, as he scored on a 48 yard run. Dan Vanderslice converted the extra point, and Bonner was down three. Later in the second, it was Petransky again scoring for Bonner, this time scoring on a 9 yard run. Bonner led 14-10 at the half.
    The air attack got things going for Bonner in the third quarter. A 56 yard touchdown pass from QB Sean Quarterman to senior WR Jack Wichmann extended the lead. Another Petransky score, this time from 17 yards out, put the Friars up by 17. Judge scored to cut the lead back to ten on an 85 yard punt return by Nick Myers. But this would be all the scoring the Crusaders would get, as Bonner’s defense, led by Mike Ianovale, Kenny Weyler and Sam Christie, shut Judge down in the fourth quarter. The defense forced numerous turnovers, including an Ianovale pick which led to a Bonner score. Meanwhile, Petransky’s night still wasn’t over. He scored on a 33 yard scamper. Jamie Juisti returned a punt return of 82 yards back for a Bonner score. Petransky closed out the scoring with a 68 yard touchdown run.
    The man of the night was none other than Bonner’s Eric Petransky. He rushed for 265 yards for 5 touchdowns on 22 carries. Quartarman finished 3 of 8 for 82 yards. Wichmann hauled in two receptions for 69 yards. Bonner improves to 3-5 overall, and more importantly pick up their first Catholic League win, improving that record to 1-3. They are currently in fifth place with two league games to go. The Friars play host to another football power this Halloween in St. Joe’s Prep. The Hawks are in first place at 4-0 in the PCL, and are coming off a nail-biter against O’Hara, winning 21-14 over the weekend. Bonner looks for the upset this week after gaining momentum over Judge. Game time is slated for 2:30 pm this Saturday at Upper Darby High School.
Extras:
    - The Bonner ice hockey team got off the season to a great start in front of a crazed Friar crowd, defeating Archbishop Carroll by a score of 5-4 last Thursday at the Skatium. Bonner was fueled by junior Corey Cahill and senior Dave Brewer, who each scored twice. Terry Jacob tallied the other goal for Bonner. Goalie Steve Gallo came up big when it mattered most, and helped kill three 5 on 3 power plays for Carroll in the third period. Gallo made 25 saves on the night in goal for the Friars. Bonner is now 1-0. Up next is a match up with Lansdale Catholic, this Wednesday night at Hatfield Ice Arena. Game time is set for 7:20 pm.

OCT. 19
CATHOLIC AAAA
La Salle 31, Bonner 6
  Well, La Salle proved why it is one of the top teams in the Catholic League this year. On a cold night, the Explorers flexed their muscles, with a 31-6 win over the Monsignor Bonner Friars. Unfortunately I was not at this game, so there will not be an in-depth game report this week. I was a little under the weather today, therefore I could not attend.
  The game was originally supposed to be played on Saturday. But apparently Upper Darby loves their field too much to let anyone use it when it’s just a little wet. So the game was moved to Monday night. Anyway, La Salle got things going early. In the first quarter, star QB Drew Loughery connected to Connor Hoffman for a 34 yard score. A Mike Bennett kick put the Explorers up 7-0 after the first quarter. The second quarter provided a little hope for the Friars. Senior RB Eric Petransky broke free and scored on a 26 yard score. The extra point failed, so Bonner was down 7-6 at this point. But it went all downhill from that point on.  La Salle RB Jamal Abdur-Rahman scored on a ten yard run, putting them up 14-6 at the half.  In the third quarter, La Salle scored on a 14 yard pass from Loughery to Tim Wade. An Abdur-Rahman one yard plunge put the Explorers up 28-6 after the third. The fourth quarter did not provide many fireworks scoring wise, as Mike Bennett converted a 28 yard field goal to put LaSalle up 31-6. But that score would stand, as Bonner loses to La Salle 31-6. Loughery finished the game throwing for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Abdul-Rahman had two rushing touchdowns. The lone Bonner bright spot was Petransky, who had the lone Friar score.
  Bonner falls to 2-5 overall, and 0-3 in the Catholic League. The Friars travel next week to the home of the 2008 PCL runner ups, the Father Judge Crusaders. The Crusaders are 4-3 overall, but only 1-4 in the PCL, and have lost their last three games. They are coming off a 15 point loss to Roman Catholic, losing by a score of 29-14, and a loss a week earlier to La Salle. Bonner looks to get back on track with a win over struggling Judge, and get back in the playoff race. You can catch this clash between Bonner and Judge this Saturday, October 24th, at 2pm at Lincoln High School.
Extras
- Congratulation to senior golfer Mike Hartsough. The senior Friar shot a 78 last week at Island Green Country Club to capture individual honors at the District 12 championships. He will partake in the East Region Tournament tomorrow at Golden Oaks Country Club.
- Over the weekend, the Bonner soccer team took on the defending league champions in North Catholic in the freezing and rainy conditions. In another very close game, North was able to slip one by with 17 minutes to go off an indirect kick, to go up 1-0. That would be the final score. Bonner had a golden opportunity in the first half to take the lead, off a blast from senior Mike Moran, but the ball rattled off the crossbar.  Tomorrow, 10/20, the team will take on the Cardinal O’Hara Lions. The teams faced each other in the first game of the year down in Sea Isle. Bonner came back from a 3-0 deficit, but fell short in that contest, losing 5-3. The rematch will be a great game. Game time is slated for 3:30 at Bonner.
- Last week, the soccer game for Nicole Gallo was postponed due to Prendie’s game taking longer than expected. It has been rescheduled for this Thursday, 10/22, at 3:45 at Bonner. The game will be in honor of Nicole Gallo, a former Prendie student, and sister of Bonner player Steve Gallo, who was killed in a car accident in August. The team will wear shirts in honor of her for this game against Roman Catholic. These shirts are also being sold by Steve. All funds go to the Nicole Gallo Scholarship Fund. If you would like to purchase a shirt, please contact me. Come out and support the team this Thursday.
- Thursday night, the Bonner Ice Hockey team will take on Archbishop Carroll in their opening game. Led by seniors Rob Cantando and Dave Brewer, the Friars look to get on the right track early with a win over the Patriots. This game will be a “Lime Green Out,” as the Bonner students will wear the Nicole Gallo shirts in support of the Scholarship Fund. Game time is set for 7:45 pm at the Skatium in Havertown.

OCT. 10
CATHOLIC AAAA
Chestnut Hill 42, Bonner 27
  The 2009 edition of the Monsignor Bonner football team can be summed up with the phrase “close, but yet so far.” That’s how this season has gone after six weeks. Last week against Catholic League foe Roman Catholic, the Friars scored late to take a 20-17 lead, only to fall short with less than a minute to go, losing 24-20. They looked to rebound on Saturday versus a tough Inter-Ac squad in Chestnut Hill Academy. Coming into the game, the Blue Devils were 4-0, including a big win against Roman 35-14 in week three, and an overtime victory over Class AAA runner up Archbishop Wood. Bonner came in looking to get back on the right track after two tough losses in a row to O’Hara and Roman.
  The first half did not start off the way Bonner would have liked. The Friars found themselves in a hole off of a 10 yard pass from QB Dan Gallagher to Corbin Booker. Later, a one yard run by Tom Devlin, and a 15 yard run by Gallagher put CHA up 21-7 after the first half.
  The second half started off well for the Friars. A long drive starting deep in Bonner territory was capped off by a short touchdown run by senior RB Eric Petransky. A Dan Vanderslice extra point cut the deficit to seven. But whenever Bonner mounted a comeback, the Blue Devils struck right back. On the ensuing kickoff,  Jon McAllister returned the kick 75 yards for the score, putting CHA up 28-14. Later in the game, Sean Quarterman threw a deep ball to junior Jamie Juisti, who made an incredible grab, hauling it in inside the fifteen yard line. This set up Petransky’s second touchdown of the day, which cut the lead to 28-21. Once again, Bonner wasn’t able to hold CHA’s offense. The Blue Devils were able to drive down field, and scored on an Ibraheim Campbell 4 yard run, putting them up 35-21. Bonner wasn’t about to go out without a fight however. Quarterman was able to find senior WR Jack Wichmann for a  beautiful 32 yard touchdown pass. A blocked extra point made the deficit 35-27.
  With about four minutes left in the game, Chestnut Hill was driving at around midfield. They had the ball on second down with about four yards to go and the defense shut them down. On third down and three, once again the Bonner defense stepped up and stopped the attack. But a crushing blow to Bonner’s hopes of winning came when CHA ran a fake punt and converted for the first down. A couple plays later and Campbell was in the end zone again, this time on a ten yard run, pushing the lead to 42-27. It seemed as if Bonner panicked. The kickoff was caught by Anthony Jackson, who pitched the ball to Petransky. Petransky threw the ball backwards to John McGillian across the field, who was unable to catch it. Bonner recovered the fumble deep in their own territory with little time to go. On that drive Quarterman threw a deep pass that was intercepted near midfield. CHA drove toward the goal line with less than a minute left, and took a knee, icing the back and forth game.
  CHA was led by running back Ibraheim Campbell, who ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Bonner was carried by Petransky, who ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Quartarman threw for 129 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a score. The defense was led by junior LB Marcus Collins, senior LB’s Pat Flynn, Matt English and Mickey France. The big boys up front on the offensive line were able to support Petransky and Quarterman. The O-line was led by senior OT James Colivas and senior C Mike Murphy. Bonner falls to 2-4 overall and remain 0-2 in Catholic League play.
  The reigning PCL Champions come calling next week. Bonner will take on PCL power La Salle Explorers next Saturday night at 7:00 pm. Bonner will be home at Upper Darby High School. LaSalle is led by QB Drew Loughery, RB Jamal Abdur-Rahman, and WR Sam Feleccia. They are 5-1 overall, 1-1 in PCL play. Bonner looks to knock off La Salle and earn their first Catholic League win of the year. Come out this Saturday and support the Friars.
Extras:
  -  On a good note for the Bonner golf team, they were able to place ahead of O’Hara in the PCL championships. However they ultimately fell and were unable to capture the championship.
   - This Monday, October 12th at 5:00 pm, the Bonner soccer team hosts Roman Catholic. The team will be wearing shirts honoring the late Nicole Gallo as jerseys. For those unfamiliar with Nicole, she was killed in a car accident back in August.  Her brother Steve is on the team. The night will honor her. Shirts are also available. Proceeds will benefit the Nicole Gallo Scholarship Fund. Come out and support the team and the cause. If you would like to purchase a shirt, please contact me.
     -One final note. As you all have heard by now, Cardinal Dougherty and North Catholic will close at the end of this year. My deepest sympathies go out to the students and all their families. We may not like each other during competitions, but we respect each other. This Friday, October 16th, the Bonner soccer team will take on North Catholic one final time in the regular season. It will be at Bonner’s turf field at 3:30. North is the reigning PCL Champ. Earlier in the year, Bonner was up 1-0 at halftime, but could not hold the lead and fell 3-1. It was a very tight and intense game, and you will not want to miss the rematch.

SEPT. 25
CATHOLIC AAA
O'Hara 39, Bonner 20
  Every year, there are those games where, on paper, it looks like one team gets massacred. This misleads readers to believe that the team on the losing side is not as good as their performance might indicate. This was the case Friday night. In the 2009 Catholic League opener, and the 2009 edition of the storied Red Division rivalry, Cardinal O’Hara got a run for its money from this vastly improved Monsignor Bonner football team. Unfortunately, O’Hara ultimately prevailed, winning 39-20. But like I said, it was much closer than the final score. The game originally was supposed to be played on Saturday at O’Hara’s stadium. The only problem is that it’s not close to being completed. The last I heard about it was that they just put down the turf. So the game was moved to Widener’s Quick Stadium. Let me tell you, the walk to Quick Stadium isn’t exactly “quick” (smile). I arrived during the beginning of the 2nd quarter because I just got home from a soccer game at North Catholic about an hour away. To my surprise, Bonner was up 14-12! Considering every writer picked this game to be a blowout, it was exciting to see the Friars up on top early on. In the first quarter, senior sensation Corey Brown started the scoring with a 34 yard touchdown run. A missed PAT put the Lions up 6-0. Bonner countered immediately. Junior Jamie Juisti returned the kickoff 70 yards for the score. Kicker Dan Vanderslice nailed the PAT, putting the Friars up 7-6. Later in the quarter, O’Hara RB Dan O’Hara plunged into the end zone from 3 yards out. Another missed extra point (rough night for the O’Hara kicker), and O’Hara was up 12-7. But with what became a common theme in the game, Bonner struck right back. Bonner star RB Eric Petransky broke free and scored on a 38 yard run. Bonner was up after the first, 14-12.

  In the second quarter, O’Hara Junior QB Ryan Laughlin connected with a wide open Jr. Adam Dempsey for a 67-yard score, giving O’Hara the 18-14 lead. O’Hara had a chance to convert with 2 minutes left in the quarter. They had the ball at the Friar goal line. But the Bonner defense held strong, keeping O’Hara out of the end zone. Though down at the half 18-14, Bonner clearly had the momentum going into the intermission.
  The beginning of the third quarter proved Bonner was going to stick around. They took that momentum from the goal line stop, and capitalized. On the third play on the opening drive, Bonner’s QB Sean Quarterman threw a strike to Sophomore WR John McGillian for a 67 yard touchdown. Bonner went for two, but was unable to convert. Bonner was up 20-18, and there was much jubilation from the Friar sideline, and from the Friar faithful. But unfortunately for Bonner, this was the last real joy they would take from the game. O’Hara scored three times from that point on, including a 20 yard touchdown pass from Laughlin to TE Mike Huf. The real nail in the coffin came on another Corey Brown scamper for the final Lion score. Bonner had its opportunities, but costly penalties, and a 4th  down sack on Quarterman spelled game over for the Friars.
  Brown, who recently orally committed to Ohio State, rushed for 2 touchdowns for 122 yards on 15 carries. Dan O’Hara also chipped in with 2 touchdowns on 17 carries for 94 yards. Dempsey finished with 9 touches for 54 yards. Bonner was led by their big boys up front. The O-Line was led by Sr. Center Mike Murphy, along with Sr. OT James Colivas. The defense was led by tandem of DB’s Anthony Jackson and Sr. Jack Wichman. Both were able to break up numerous plays. Jr. LB Marcus Collins was the big stopper in the middle, slowing down the O’Hara attack, along with senior DE Greg Wilent, and senior LB’s Mickey France and Matt English. Up next for the Friars, who fall to 2-2 (0-1) is another Catholic League game, this time against the Roman Catholic Cahillites. Roman so far is 1-3 (0-0). Game time is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Southern-Bok complex.
Extras:
·         O’Hara actually had fans tonight?  Very surprising. They also tried that whiteout that they always try. It didn’t work, again (they can thank the Chester football team for that! Smile). Also, if anyone wants to fill me in on why their band has pink and green flags, that’d be great.
·         Congratulations to the Bonner golf team on recently clinching a playoff berth with a win over Kennedy-Kenrick. Mike Hartsough paved the way for victory, shooting a 33.
·         The Bonner soccer team fell to defending Catholic League and city champion North Catholic 3-1. Conor Canavan tallied for Bonner in what was a very tightly contested game.