Where There's a Will
Football 2009

   Will McGonigle served in great fashion as the chief manager for Cardinal O'Hara's football team, and has also done some grade-school coaching. He's now at Delco Community and also contributes to easternpafootball.com. O'Hara coach Danny Algeo was the first to say Will had a chance to be more famous than Hockey Puck ever thought of being. Many have since agreed (smile).
   Please contact him via e-mail at BigWillyStyleCOH@aim.com.

NOV. 7
CATHOLIC AAAA
La Salle 24, O’Hara 14
  Perhaps it’s a good thing the Lions and Explorers are getting another shot at each other this coming week and that the Catholic League powers to be didn’t move the playoffs to be this week because if they did than this would have been my last report of the season. Heading into this game this writer couldn’t help but to wonder a few things: First off, how much would either team show being that they would match-up most likely seven days later? The other thing I didn’t know was how much of the big name players would we see. Well, with the exception of Jamal Abdur-Rahman, who didn’t even suit up, all the regulars played the whole game. The Explorers won the toss and wasted little time setting the tone of this game as on the first play from scrimmage Tim Wade, who was filling for Rahman, busted through the tough Lions defense for a gain of 25 yards and put the Explorers in business at the OH 35 yard line. Five plays later the dangerous quarterback/receiver combination of Drew Loughery and Sam Feleccia would strike from 13 yards out, giving the Explorers the 7-0 lead. After the Lions punted on their first possession the Explorers were great field position thanks to a 34 yard punt return by a good friend of mine through my work with Football University, Connor Hoffman, who returned it to the OH 29. The Loughery-Feleccia combination would strike two more times on this drive for gains of 15 and 13 yards respectfully. Loughery would let his legs do the honors of extending the LS lead 14 as he plunged in from a yard out. After another Lions punt the Explorers were again in business in OH territory thanks to 43-yard scamper by Wade that put the ball at the OH 20. Three plays later on what turned out to be the final play of the first quarter Loughery would connect with TE Steve Jones for the 9 yard score. That capped a 21 point quarter for the Explorers who looked determine to make me eats my words as I had them losing 28-24 in the picking parade this week. Also can someone tell me how Loughery doesn’t had any offers from any Division 1 or 1AA schools yet he certainly has the talent to be a D1/1AA prospect.  The Lions would finally cut into the Explorers lead when Corey Brown, with help of pulling guard Kardell Pressley, raced 73 yards to paydirt, cutting the Explorers lead down to 21-7 heading into the half. For the first time all season I had the pleasure of working the game with fellow Pickin’ Parade Participant and this year's champion Huck. It's always a pleasure working with him and, unlike working with Puck, I don’t need to wear rain gear (smile). On their opening drive of the second half the Explorers would extend their lead to 24-7 with a 24 yard field goal by Mike Bennett. At this point I was thinking how nice it would be if the Lions were able to come back and win the game 28-24 only because than not only would had picked the perfect score but I would also gain a game on Puck. Sadly, I would also gain a game on Huck too, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Although the Lions did cut the Explorers' lead down to 10 thanks to a 15 yard plunge by Brown. These two teams wont have to wait long to do battle with each other again as they will see each other in the 2-3 match up of the playoffs. As I finish this report I can’t help but to think about another friend of mine from Football University in Former Dallas Cowboy QB Coach Glenn Smith and that’s because the Cowboys are my favorite team and the Cowboys just defeated the Eagles. Sorry, Bird fans.

OCT. 29
CATHOLIC AAAA
O'Hara 49, Judge 10
  This year's version of the Lions should have a motto that says "We will play you any day anywhere." That certainly can describe them seeing as how they've now played on four days at nine sites. The locations of these contest ranged from Ocean City to Drexel Hill Middle School to the site of tonight’s, Northeast's Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium. I was lucky enough to get to the stadium in time to catch some of the Northeast Practice. Getting there also allowed me the chance to catch up with some old friends of mine from Football University in particular Glenn Smith the former Dallas Cowboys who coached my favorite player when I was growing up in Troy Aikman. Smith was up at Northeast to do some more filming for the reality show The Ride which features Northeast’s Malik Stokes. You can watch the episodes by clicking on this link  http://www.highschoolsports.net/thebleachers/theride.cfm . After catching up with Coach Smith it was time for the game. Entering the game I couldn’t help but to remember the last time the Crusaders and Lions met in that game Crusaders RB Curt Wortham ran wild on the defense running for a school record 294. On this day it was OH RB Corey Brown that stole the show. All Brown did was rack up over 300 yards of total offense by himself. The Lions would strike first on their second position of the game when the Lions marched down the field 81 yards on seven plays before Jr. QB Ryan Laughlin would connect with Brown for a 39 yard touchdown. Andrew Onimus would set up the next Lions scoring drive with his interception of Tony Smith. The Lions would strike quickly, needing only one play for Laughlin and Brown to do the job and this time it was from 31 yards. But back came the Crusaders thanks to the legs of Wortham, who would cap a two-play, 75-yard drive with his 26-yard scamper. But that would be the only all Wortham could muster as he finished the game with 18 carries for 60 yards. On the Crusaders next drive the Lions lead would shrink down to four thanks to 26 yard field goal by Owen Radtke. Back came roaring the Lions with their bulldozer Dan O’Hara, who powered his way in from a yard out. It didn’t take long for the Lions to add to their lead in the second half as on the first play from scrimmage Brown would find a hole in the defense and off to the races he would go off to the races for 72 yards giving OH the 28-10 lead. On the next drive the Lions would turn the ball over to Adam Dempsey, who raced 50 yards to make it 35-10. On the next OH drive the Laughlin-Brown combination would strike again this time it was from 56 yards out. Brown would finish the day with five catches for 148 yards. Laughlin would finish the game completing 6 of 10 passes for a season high 175 yards. O’Hara would finish the scoring with his one yard plunge.

OCT. 24
CATHOLIC AAAA
St Joseph's Prep 21, O’Hara 14

  Perhaps our fearless leader Ted was right when he said WOW to describe this game because game definitely deserves a WOW. What a game. Entering the game both teams knew that each other had lightning-quick players, but who would have thought that lightning from Mother Nature would delay the kickoff for 32 minutes? But the delay was well worth it. Desmon Peoples got the scoring started with his 14-yard touchdown plunge that came one play after QB Skyler Mornhinweg galloped 66 yards. But my Lions came roaring back with a 10-play, 71-yard drive in the second quarter that was capped by a five-yard Corey Brown touchdown, tying things up at 7. From there both teams turned the game over to their defenses and it wasn’t until Mornhinweg used his legs to cap a five-play, 45-yard drive with a five-yard plunge. The snap would be bobbled on the extra point, giving the Hawks the 13-7 lead. Before a Hawks Punt Ted turned to me in the press box -- I was camped out to his right and the Philadelphia Inquirer's Rick O’Brien was camped to my right -- and said to me that he smelled an adventure here and lo and behold the snap on the punt bounced back to Dan Sherry, who was dropped for a 15-yard loss giving the Lions the ball at Hawks' 27. Three plays later the ever improving Ryan Laughlin would connect with Brown for a 20-yard touchdown. Mike Granata would nail the extra point, giving the Lions the 14-13 lead with 2:41 left in the ball game. I instantly started thinking about how weird it would been if that was final score since that was the final score of the last time the Lions downed the Hawks in the 2004 Championship when I was a unknown freshman who knew I would became a legend. Although I liked the lead, something told me never to count out Mornhinweg and Hawks because he seems to thrive for this. Mornhingweg took the field with 79 yards to go and zero timeouts. All Mornhinweg did on the 10-play drive was connect on four passes, including a drive saver on fourth and ten on their own 32 yard line in which he connected with Pete Hurley. whose three receptions (of four for the game) would come on this drive, including the 35 yard touchdown that put the Hawks up 19-13 with the two point conversion to come. Mornhinweg would connect with Dan Pellicciotti on the two point conversion giving the Hawks the 21-14 lead with 30 seconds remaining. But on the ensuing Lions drive they were able to get down to the Hawks behind the arm of Laughlin and the hands Brown and Sr. Dan Curry. However just as time expired Laughlin was hit as he attempted a bomb to end zone, breaking the hearts of the Lion faithful. What a classic game and I’m sorry to my fans about the delay in getting this report in. I have been busy with school.

OCT. 18
PCL AAAA
O’Hara 56, Ryan 0
  Only one word comes to this writer's mind when he summarizes this game and it's OUCH. Yes, it was as bad as the final score would indicate but that’s only because the Raiders have fallen on some tough times but they can turn it around and with Coach Frank McArdle Jr. there I firmly believe they will in a few years. After both teams traded three-and-outs on their opening possessions, the mighty Lions, who were without the services of star Corey Brown, would kick off the scoring party on the second play of their second possession when Adam Dempsey found a hole in the Raider defense and just absolutely raced 69 yards for the touchdown. Mike Granata would add the PAT, giving the Lions the 7-0 lead. Major Everett would come up with the onsides kick attempt. Nine plays and 49 yards later the O’H lead would be extended to 14 when QB Ryan Laughlin connected with one of my Charity boys who was celebrating Sr. Day today, Dan O’Hara, for the 14 yard touchdown. The next O'H score would come from Dempsey. This time his trip to the end zone was shorter, as it covered 12 yards. For good measure Dempsey would add another touchdown before the half when he took it from four yards out giving O’H the 28-0 lead. Heading into halftime my greediness took over a bit. I was hoping that OH would put the mercy into effect because I got several things for my friend Tara and her family and I was hoping that the game would be over  so I could drop the stuff off to her aunt before she left work and so I could catch some football with my dad since I’ve haven’t been able to catch much of the NFL football him this season. Well my wish was granted on the first play from scrimmage following a 60 yard kickoff return by Tom Familetti. Dempsey, who again found a hole in the defense, went off to the races for a 45-yard touchdown. Time for the subs and you know something, that’s just scary for Catholic League opponents as there’s not much of dropoff from the first team to the subs. Everett went in from three yards out to make it 42-0. For me only one question really remained and that’s would the OH shut out streak continue with the backups in? It did and not only did they keep the shutout streak alive but they even scored as Demiere Shaw intercepted Dillon Cave and returned it 49 yards according to Daily Times reporter Bud Weaver, who had a better look at it from the field than me and Ted, who were up in the press box. In the fourth quarter it looked as if the Raiders would end the shutout streak, which at the time was up to 11 quarters. But Ameer “Archbishop” Carroll intercepted Cave in the end zone to keep the streak alive. Familetti would cap the scoring with his 40-yard touchdown run. Up next for the Lions is the always-tough St. Joseph's Prep Hawks. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at Plymouth-Whitemarsh. Thanks to Asst. Coach Tony Nabb for taking me to and from the game and for those who are wondering . . . I did make it to work in time to drop off the presents and even got a special gift for Tara and that was a rose left over from the Sr. Day festivities. From what I heard, she really liked it.

OCT. 11
PCL AAAA
O’Hara 13, Roman 0
  Ah, Homecoming. A time when Alumni return to their alma mater. If that’s the case, then every O’Hara game should be considered Homecoming for me because everyone knows I don’t miss an O’Hara football game. I was looking forward to this game for several reasons, including getting to see Roman's Offensive Coordinator, Mike Gallagher. Coach Gallagher was on the coaching staff at O’Hara during my four years there and provided some great memories such as him taking me to a Phillies game and me and “ruining” Bruce Springsteen songs by signing them on the way to practice on days I gave him a ride. Another reason I was looking forward to this game was my friend Mason was accompanying me to this game. I am friends with Mason’s sister, Tara, so he’s also a friend of mine. Our day got started early as I picked up at my work, Sam and Sam’s in Upland from his Aunt and one my managers Ms Penny at 8 am. After picking him up it was off to breakfast, from there it was on to O’Hara and to the game. Prior to the game Mason and I did some work helping to set up things in the snack bar. We were handsomely rewarded with perhaps the greatest words of all time, which  were said by snack bar manager and longtime football supporter Mr. McGowan -- he told us that anything Mason and I wanted was covered for the day. No word on whether the snack bar will ever be the same (smile). Now on to the game. Heading into this game I figured this would be a good game because on paper both teams matched up pretty well with the Cahillites having the ever-dangerous Regans brother act and O’Hara possessing a deadly three-headed rushing attack of Corey Brown, Dan O’Hara and Adam Dempsey, and the ever improving play of QB Ryan Laughlin, and a stellar defense under the direction of John Algeo.  After the tough Lions' defense forced the Cahillites to do on the games opening drive what they done to opponents all year long ,forcing them to go three and out, the Lions took over and drove 79 yards on 15 before Brown would make a trip to a place he’s been so many times before and that’s the end zone. This trip was a short one, covering only four yards. From that point on the defense of the Lions completely continued their dominance. On this day, it was LBs Mike Huf, Drew Formica and lineman Matt Williams that anchored the defensive effort and what a great effort it was holding the Regans to just 79 total yards of offense. The Lions would tack on their lead on the opening drive of the second half as they drove 76 yards on five plays thanks in large part to a bubble screen from Laughlin to Brown that picked 44 yards before O’Hara would plunge it in from two yards out. Late in the game it appeared as if the Cahillites were piecing together a drive when Kevin Regan was intercepted by Demiere Shaw, preserving the shutout and extending the shutout streak for the Lions to 8 quarters. One thing is certain: this year's defense certainly deserves to be in the conversion about the greatest defenses in O’Hara’s rich history. Lastly, I want to thank several people. First, Coach Algeo and the entire staff of O’Hara Football. Thank you for making Mason’s first high school what he said was a great time and for letting him be down on our sideline. Ted, thanks for keeping the nutman Puck away from us, thus not giving him a chance to get on my case about my picks or getting on the nerves of Mason (smile). Mr. McGowan, thanks for allowing Mason and me to help you and for hooking us up. To my direct major manager, Tom, thanks a lot for scheduling me off on this day. It means a lot to me to have a manager that understands. To Mason, hey pal I’m glad you had a great time and remember anytime you want to catch a high school game tell Tara to let me know and you're more than welcome to join me anytime. I want to extend a special thanks to Ms. Penny for bringing Mason up to work so I could get a little bit extra sleep. Last but certainly not least I want to thank my dear friend Tara for trusting me to take care of your brother. He was excellent and now you should come to a game.

SEPT. 25
CATHOLIC AAAA
O'Hara 39, Bonner 20
  For this writer there’s a few days I mark down on my calendar every year. Among those days are my birthday, mom’s birthday and dad’s birthday, Christmas and, oh yeah, one other date and that’s the date of Bonner-O’Hara. Although in recent years the Lions roared mightily past the Friars. This one wasn’t the case as not only did the Friars give the Lions all they could handle but also held several leads and that’s thanks to great job of coaching by Tom Oropeza and his staff. In fact the Bonner turnaround will be the subject of a story that I will write in a few days, hoping by Sunday, for Easternpafootball.com. The Lions would strike first on their second possession of the game when guess who, Corey Brown, made the 34 yard trip to end zone. Mike Granta's PAT was blocked by a Friar I was unable who it was from up in the press box. It didn’t take long for the Friars to storm back as on the ensuing kickoff and return for a 71 yard touchdown. Dan Vanderslice would add the PAT to give Bonner the 7-6 lead. But the Lions would respond on their ensuing possession with a 12-play, 65-yard drive that was capped by the powerful Dan "I got coached by Big Willie in grade school” O’Hara, who bulldozed his way in from 3 yards out. The Friars would need only three plays to respond behind the running of Eric Petransky, who took it in from 38 yards out. The Lions would come roaring back, needing only one play to take the 18-14 lead on a beautiful thrown pass from Ryan Laughlin to Adam Dempsey for a 67-yard touchdown. It seems as if Laughlin gets one of these passes every week and is definitely improving each week. It only took the Friars three play in the second half to strike back when Sean Quarterman connected with John McGilligan for a 63-yard touchdown pass. The Lions would respond behind the running of O’Hara, who powered his way in from a yard out. O’Hara would finish the game with 19 carries for 91 yards. Then the Lions would add to their lead when Laughlin would connect with Mike Huf for a 20-yard touchdown. Brown would cap the scoring with 5-yard touchdown. I got to give credit to Bonner they are a good team year and could compete for a playoff position in the ever tough AAAA division but in order to do that they will need to come out of South Philly with a win Saturday evening when they take on the Cahillites of Roman Catholic while the Lions will take on the Clippers of Chester. Sadly, Where There's a Will won't be able to do a complete report on the Chester-O'H game. I will do some observing and do full reports on the LC-North and McDevitt-Carroll games since I'll be at their games for EPA.

SEPT. 18
NON-LEAGUE
O'Hara 23, North Catholic 6
  This was one of the matchups for the Lions that I looked forward to for some time, not only because I feel the Falcons of North are a team that can compete for a AAA title but it allowed me to catch up with some friends -- mainly Asst Coach Bill Sytsma, who's my boss for the Philadelphia Liberty Belles. It also provided me a chance to be able to catch up with the “Huck” of North Catholic and dear friend Mike Ferris. Heading into the game I was hoping for a close one so I could use this game as measuring stick for my Lions. I got exactly what I wanted, sort of. OH would get on the board first when Mike Granta showed his leg strength while booting his first career field goal from 26 yards out. The next OH score would come compliments of a big pass when Ryan Laughlin connected with ever- speedy Adam Dempsey on a beautifully thrown ball for a 55-yard touchdown. There’s been one staple of O’Hara through my career of covering them and that’s a dominate defense and this year's defense under the direction of John Algeo is making one think about the great defenses that O’Hara had when Joe DiTullio was the defensive coordinator. On this day the defense was led by Drew Formica and Matt Williams.  Late in the second quarter the Falcons where driving but Demiere Shaw intercepted Anthony Reid to ensure the Lions' 10-0 lead at half. At halftime myself and Coach Sytsma were able to catch up with one the players that helped the Belles to a Region 1 Championship and a berth in the Women's Football Alliance National Conference Championship game, Danika “D-Train” Hopkins. And with me having a Belles shirt with me, Ted snapped a picture of the three of us with the shirt. In the third quarter the Falcons' defense was on the field a lot as the Falcons' offense only ran 4 plays so it no wonder that the Lions extended their lead to 17 when Laughlin sneaked in from a yard out. The Falcons would respond on their second play of the fourth quarter when Reid threw a perfect pass to hit Dave Sherman in stride for an 86-yard touchdown. Laughlin would have the last laugh, though, when he connected with the newest Buckeye Commit, Corey Brown, for a 23-yard touchdown. Laughlin would finish the game with 128 yards passing while Brown finished with 101 yards rushing to go with 55 yards receiving. Up next for the Lions are their cross-county rivals, the Monsignor Bonner Friars, who enter the game 2-1 and are doing a good job under the direction of Tom Oropeza. The Falcons will travel to my neck of the woods in Delco to take on the Battlin' Bulls of Glen Mills. Both games are Friday night.

SEPT. 11
NON-LEAGUE

O'Hara 41 Germantown 6
  First and foremost let me start this report off by thanking firefighters and police officers around the nation for all they do to protect us each and everyday. It's a shame that it took the horrible events of 8 years ago to bring attention to all you do. With Mother Nature  raining down on Benjamin L. Johnson Memorial Stadium, I decided to head up to the press box and spend some time with Duck. Wait a second. I thought Ducks like this kind of weather. Apparently not this Duck (smile). I gotta give Coach Hawkins credit for scheduling a very tough nonleague schedule with Emmaus, O'Hara and then Neshaminy. Like usual the Lions possess an offense that can strike at any time and it only took the Lions two offensive plays to show that as Jr Adam Dempsey broke free and raced 51 yards for the touchdown. A few possessions later the O'H lead would get bigger. Corey Brown would go the short route and score from 3 yards out. Brown would finish with 109 yards; Mike Granta would add the PAT to make it 13-0. One thing O'Hara has been known for is tremendous defense and the 2009 squad is no different. And on this night the defense, led by Brendan O'Callaghan, Drew Formica, Dan O'Hara and Ryan Laughlin all played outstanding defensive. The Lions would extend their lead to 20 before halftime when Laughlin hit a wide open Dan Curry from 7 yards out. Dan O'Hara would extend the Lions' lead on the first drive of the second half when he bulldozed his way from 3 yards. On the ensuing kickoff the Bears burned the Lions with a 90 yard kickoff return for a touchdown by the electric Dominique Simmons. The Bears would go on to run only three plays in the third quarter. The Lions would respond when Laughlin connected with Brown for 16 yard touchdown, making the score 34-6. Demiere Shaw showed that the Lions' backfield is in good shape for years to come when, with help of a great block by Casey Strus, he sped 70 yards for touchdown. Up next for the Lions is a date with the Falcons of North Catholic.