Frog's Corner

Mark "Frog" Carfagno is yet another of our trusty statisticians/observers. He's fun to be around and very thorough. He's also loyal to the schools in South and Southwest Philly, but if you're from someplace else and can play, he'll admit it.

DECEMBER 7
THE FRO JO AWARDS
J. Lo, J. Roll, Flo Jo and now "FRO JO". Presenting to you for the first time, the annual Fro Jo awards. These awards will be given to individuals from the Philadelphia Public League (for this year anyhow) as recognized by myself and able sidekick Joe McFadden.
To be eligible, a player had to be seen at least once by Joe and I. This year we watched 14 schools play. The six we didn’t: Edison, Central, Germantown, Frankford, Lincoln and Overbrook. Sorry guys, maybe next year! So without further ado, here we go.

Best Overall Running Back: Chris DeShields, Mastbaum
Quickest to the Hole: Khalif Boldin, Dobbins
Best Power Back: Julius Caple, Bartram
Best Jukes and Moves: Brandon Sutton, Roxborough
Best Overall Quarterback: Leon Pettyjohn, Southern
Best in the Pocket: Phil Evans, Bartram
Best Scrambler: Elijah Cosby-Jones, West Philly
Best Arm: Kareem Jeffreys, Bok
Best Receiver: Romar Drake, Bartram
Best Offensive Lineman: Vincent Turner, Gratz
Best Kicker: Steve Sandberg, Northeast
Best Punter: Khalif Boldin, Dobbins
Best Defensive Lineman: Boe Davis, Franklin
Best Linebacker: Charles Tyler, Roxborough
Best Defensive Back: Kyle Bell, Washington
Best Two Way Performance: Chris DeShields vs Bok, Quarterfinal Game
Best Game: Mastbaum 12, Bok 6 (2 OT’s)
November 9^th, Quarterfinal
Fastest Player: Will McCall, Bok
Best Bomb Squader: Mike McCone, Bok
Biggest Heart: Mike Campbell, Southern, 5’7" – 125 lbs.
Best Student Managers: Dobbins
Best Field: Roxborough High
Best Game Day Program Book: Franklin – Dobbins, Thanksgiving Day
Best Food: Franklin Alumni, Thanksgiving Day
Best Cheerleaders: Ben Franklin

NOV. 22
THANKSGIVING RIVALRY
Dobbins 22, Franklin 6
After covering the Neumann – Southern game the last several years, I didn’t know what to expect on my way to this game. Entering the parking lot I noticed that the first four rows of spots were filled by 9:40 and I was arriving for a 10:30 kickoff. Inside the stadium the stands were sharply decorated with streamers and balloons with school colors of both teams. By game time there was at least several hundred people in the stands. Overall I was really impressed with the whole atmosphere marking this first annual holiday contest between these two schools. A nice program book was sold, listing not only the complete rosters of both teams, but also the starting offensive and defensive line-ups. The last time I saw a program with such information was at Franklin Field for an Eagles game. (The Eagles stopped playing there in 1970). It was also good to see former Franklin star, Class of ’82, Nate Glover. Nate and his alumni crew offered complimentary food, (hamburgers, hot dogs, and turkey) to anyone who asked. Nate had prepared the turkey at home and MMMM….. it was good!!! Five trophies were awarded at the end of the game. For Dobbins, the M.V.P. award went to Jr. RB Khalif Boldin, 24-176, 3 TD’s. The sportsmanship honor went to Sr. WR/DB Marvin Schuler, 5 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. For the Electrons, Jr. RB/DB Kareem Moore, 10-31, fumble recovery and a big stop on a fourth down play took home the M.V.P., and Sr. T/DT Rodney Williamson the sportsmanship trophy. Of course, Dobbins took the game winners trophy. Look for the Mustangs to be a factor next year with Boldin and Jr. FB/LB Lateef Ferguson (4-41, 7 tackles, one for a loss) returning for another season. Also joining them will be Junior starters, C/DL Quinclius Aaron, G/DL Cedric McNear (4 tackles, 1 loss), OT Ronald Blue, and TE/DE Stevi Draper.

NOV. 15
NON-LEAGUE
Dobbins 13, King 12
The highlight of the scoreless first half was three punts by Dobbins’ Khalif Boldin of 44, 45, and 51 yards. (Dobbins didn’t punt in the second half). For the day, the Jr. RB/DB Punter and Placekicker rushed 23-117, TD. His TD from 14 yards out came with 1:37 remaining in the game. His PAT kick was the decisive point. Jr. RB/LB Lateef Ferguson (4-16, TD) dominated the defense play for the Mustangs with 11 tackles, 4 for losses totaling 21 yards. Sr. DB Everett Brown intercepted King's Jr. QB Dion Whittington's (7-15-135) pass intended for Dorian Slaughter at the Dobbins 5 yard line with six seconds remaining in the game. Sr. RB/LB Mike Leslie (5-99) broke loose for a 73 yard TD, after several missed tackles, to give the Cougars a 6-0 lead on the second play from scrimmage in the third quarter. Jr. LB Kevin Snyder (7 tackles) and Sr. DL Gary Dunlap (6 tackles) made some nice hits for King. Sr. DL Sterling Glynn stopped Sr. QB Barren Grier (4-14-42) on fourth and goal from the 9 yard line, with a TD saving tackle at the 5 yard line. Special thanks to Kings Academic Advisor, Latisha Forster Scott, who put together a makeshift roster for me. Although Dobbins won the game, head coach Doug Macauley left the field upset with the officiating. Several face mask and other apparent infractions weren’t called. The topper was each team was mistakenly granted 5 downs on one series.

NOV. 9
PUBLIC LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL
Mastbaum 12, Bok 6 (2 OTs)
A great high school football game. Too bad there had to be a loser. Both teams moved the ball, but couldn’t convert in crucial situations. There were many great defensive stops, such as: Second quarter, score 6-6. Bok ball, second and three at the Mastbaum 4 yard line (Bok could have made a first down to the 1 yard line). Sr. RB Kevein Cheely, 16-77, is stopped in the backfield for a 3 yard loss by Chris DeShields and Quan Berry. Third Down: Tony Dyches breaks up a TD pass intended for Akeem Green in the end zone. Fourth Down: 7 yard line, screen pass by Sr. Kareem Jeffreys 7-19-120, to Will McCall, advances the ball to the one yard line, but is short of a first down by inches on a hit by Sean Straub. Third Quarter: 6-6, Mastbaum ball, Fourth and inches at their own 49. QB sneak by Sr. QB Mark Hansberry, comes up short on tackle by Sr. LB Shawn Jeter, 7 tackles, 1 for loss. Fourth Quarter, 6-6, Mastbaum ball, on their own 19 yard line with 3 minutes remaining. Hansberry (8-14, 159) passes to DeShields in the flat. DeShields flies down the left sideline and is chased down by Kenny Major preventing what may have been a game saving TD at the Bok 12 yard line. Two plays later Jeter intercepts a pass at the 9 yard line and returns it 11 yards to the 20. First OT: Mastbaum ball, Fourth down from the 8. So. DB Cedric Green deflects a pass intended for Dyches preventing a TD. First OT: Bok ball, 11 yard line, Sr. LB Troy Gilliard knocks down a pass in the end zone intended for Akeem Green. Second OT: Bok ball, 8 yard line, Gilliard again breaks up pass intended for A. Green in the end zone. Strange scenario for a Public League game, particularly teams from the "D" division. Bok players on the sideline, kneeling down, holding hands with heads down and praying? Praying for what? A touchdown? No, for a 29 yard game winning field goal from Jeter! You could probably count the number of field goals attempted by Bok in the last 50 years on one hand. The kick had plenty of distance and looked good from the Bok sideline. However, the official at the post said it was about 2 feet wide right. Shortly after, Jeter again would attempt a field goal, 27 yard, but it was blocked by DeShields. Known primarily for his running ability as the City’s leading rusher, 22-97, 2 TD’s and two pass receptions for 83 yards, DeShields was SUPER on defense as a linebacker, piling up 14 tackles, 13 unassisted, with 5 for losses. He was helped on defense by Straub (9 tackles, one sack), Sr LB Mark Hobbs (7 tackles) and Sr. FB/LB Anthony Winder (6 tackles). For Bok Sr. HB/DB McCall 17-90, 4 receptions – 84, was splendid on offense. Another significant play occurred with 1:31 remaining in the fourth quarter. From his own 22 yard line, Jeffreys tossed a screen pass to McCall, who also is on the Bok track team. McCall sprinted down the left side line all the way to the Mastbaum 25 yard line. However, a block in the back penalty against Bok saw the ball go back to the Bok 49 yard line. Sr. DE Derek Ockimey (6 tackles, 2 FL), Sr. DT Tyrique Johnson (5, 2 FL and a sack), Jr. DL Vince Trama (4 and a sack), along with Jr. DE Vince Pisano (3, 1 loss) aided Jeter in limiting the high powered Panther running game to under 100 yards, 35-92. It was nice to see Sr. TE/DB Mike McCone contribute with 2 catches for 15 yards. Seldom a factor in his first three years, he stayed around long enough to have an impact in his final season. Good Luck to long time Bok assistant Fran Lerro, who will retire at the end of the year. Absent from the Bok sideline was Defensive Coordinator Vince "Pops" Trombetta, who was with his wife Dee for her doctor’s appointment. Get Well Dee and Hurry Back Pops!

NOV. 8
NON LEAGUE
WEST PHILLY 14, GRATZ 0
West Philly’s defense held Gratz to –25 yards on 16 rushes in the first half. Gratz improved to 22-101 in the second half and finished 38-76 for the day. The Bulldogs started 5’8" freshman Kevin Lane at QB. He attempted four second half passes, no completions and one interception by Sr WR/DB DeShone "Stink" Cotton. Cotten also had one catch, 40 yards, from Sr. QB/DE Elijiah Cosby-Jones 3-9-77, TD. Sr. TE/LB Terrell Roper had two catches for 37 yards including a 16 yard TD. Roper also made 7 tackles and broke up a Lane pass at the Speedboy 12 yard line. He also recovered a fumble deep in his own territory. Sr. NG James Little had 10 tackles 3 FL and a hit to cause a fumble. Gratz was just as tough on defense, limiting the Speedboys to 21 yards on 24 rushes. Their defense was led by Sr. DT Julius Brent, 5 tackles and a hit to cause a fumble. Jr. LB Robert Spivey, (5-1, sack) and Jr. NT David Holmes (3-2 TFL’s) chipped in. Dave Williams, Tyree Watson (18 carries – 67 yards), Quaire Miles and Lamont Edgefield all had tackles for losses. West Philly’s first TD (Jones – 9 yd run) was set up after Gratz failed to convert a fourth and one from their own 29 late in the first quarter. Their second TD came after a punt by Kazeem Saunders just made it to the line of scrimmage (Gratz 11 yard line). Two plays later West scored to make it 14-0 with 1:47 remaining in the first half. Gratz appeared to have scored in the third quarter when Spivey picked up a fumble and ran 40 yards to the end zone. As Spivey picked up the loose ball a very soft whistle was blown, but no one, including the other officials stopped play. After conferring, an Inadvertant Whistle was ruled and Gratz got the ball on the 40. West Philly’s Sr. RB/DB Robert Thomas (8-34) had 6 tackles – 1 FL, and two fumble recoveries.

NOV. 2
PUBLIC LEAGUE
University City 26, Southern 8
Sr. RB/WR Demetrius Hayes was spectacular for Southern, grabbing 5 passes for 165 yards, including a 70 yard TD. That was in the first half. Unfortunately, Hayes didn’t get to play in the second half because he was ejected. With 1:56 remaining in the second quarter (Southern trailing 20-8), Coach Bill Edger called for a fake punt from his own 4 yard line on a fourth and 16. Sr. QB Leon Pettyjohn (9-20-2, 176 yards, TD) took the short snap and passed to a wide open Hayes who dropped the ball at the ten yard line. Had he caught the ball he had only one man to beat for a 96 yard TD. University City scored on the next play. Two plays later Hayes took out his frustrations with two unsportsmanlike penalties and was ejected by referee Harry Chaykin. In a nice gesture after the game Hayes apologized to Chaykin. As a High School Basketball official one thing that really irritates me is when my partner says, “Don’t Blow In My Area”. (Don’t call a foul if it’s out of your so called area). Hey, no one’s perfect. Just get it right. Isn’t that what the coaches want? Well, Southern So. DE Ralph Digneo was pleading with the side judge that he was being held. The Refs response, “It’s not my call, there’s an umpire right there, tell him”. Three plays later Digneo was ejected. Unsportsmanlike Penalty. Southern was called for 12 penalties, 151 yards. Both teams entered the game winless. For University City Jr. RB Bruce Hill (14-140, 2 TD’s) ran well. He also had an interception in the end zone. Jr. LB Akeem Moore, 9 tackles, 2 TFL, and little 5’7” 125 lb DB/LB Michael Campbell, 8-1 TFL, led the Ram defense.

OCT. 27
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Bok 52, Southern 12
When Bok assistant Vince Trombetta noticed the small number of players (about 20) warming up for Southern, he commented, "That was just the number of backs when I went to Southern". Bok held the Rams to negative rushing yards (14 for –15). Southern coach Billy Edger tried a trick play, the old "Muddle Huddle", where the center and two backs line up in the middle of the field, the rest of the offense are about ten yards to the left and the center laterals the ball across the field to a teammate. The two plays resulted into a completed pass for no gain and a fumble which Bok recovered. Also, a "Double Reverse – Lateral Pitch – Quarterback Pass" was unsuccessful. However, Southern Sr. QB Leon Pettyjohn, 8-18, 149 yards threw some nice passes. Sr. RB Demetrius Hayes had a big day receiving (5-136 TD) and four kickoff returns for 70 yards. So. RB/LB Mark Lee caught two passes for 16 yards and a TD. He also made nine tackles on defense. Bok Sr. Mike McCone made 4 tackles on kickoffs, including 3 after he kicked off. The Wildcats fourth score included a 5 yard TD run by So. HB Kenny (Superman) Major (15-82) followed by a two point conversion run by his identical twin brother, QB Allen (Batman) Major. Their fifth score was a 9 yard run by So. HB Cedric Green (4-49) and a conversion run by Akeem Green (no relation). Akeem also had a 57 yard punt return for a touchdown. Bok did not throw a pass the entire game.

OCT. 26
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Dobbins 34, Roxborough 0
Dobbins Jr. RB Khalif Boldin rushed 16 times for 126 yards in the first half. He finished 20-124 after 4 (-2) at the third quarter. He did not play in the last quarter. Boldin was aided by some excellent blocking from his offensive line featuring: center Quinelius Aaron, guards Alfort DeJesus and Ron Blue, tackles Cedric McNear and Pat Grant, tight ends Stevi Draper and Everett Brown. Jr. RB/LB Lateef Ferguson had some punishing blocks and the games hardest hit when he caused Roxborough’s Jr. RB Brandon Sutton (17-83) to fumble at the Dobbins one yard line, and saw teammate So. LB Jamar Rowley pick up the ball and race 99 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown. Grant had three tackles for the Mustangs, but they were all for losses, totaling 18 yards. During his pre-game speech, Dobbins coach Doug Macauley was telling his players and staff to look out for number 65 on Roxborough (referring to Sr LB Charles Tyler) "He makes 75 percent of the tackles, we have to block him". That statement seemed prophet like as Tyler made five consecutive tackles on the games’ second through sixth play. He finished with ten on the day. Sutton was a pleasure to watch for the Indians as he slithered, danced and juked against a tough defense for all of his yards. John Facenda would have loved him. Roxborough’s punter Florian Zetzsche is an exchange student from East Germany.

OCT. 18
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Bok 40, University City 6
Bok got off to a quick 16-0 start on a 41 yard scamper by Sr. RB/DB William McCall (set up by an interception and 19 yard return from Marcelluas Barnes), and a 22 yard TD strike by Kareem Jeffreys to Barnes. A gutsy call by coach Tom DeFelice midway through the second quarter could have changed the outcome if it failed. Faced with a fourth and one from his own 18 yard line, DeFelice elected to go for the first down. Sr. RB Kevin Cheely (5-32) picked up seven yards and eliminated an opportunity for the Jaquars to have possession deep in Bok territory. The Wildcats led 24-0 at halftime. Both teams had nine penalties, University City for 65 yards and Bok for 87 yards. Several personal and unsportsman like fouls were called. Referee Tom Jackmon did a nice job by warning players on both teams and not ejecting anyone, thus preserving their eligibility for the next game. Bok’s So. RB Kenny Majors’ 3 yard DIVE for a TD drew the loudest reaction from the crowd. Sr. QB Jeffreys tossed a 43 yard TD pass to Sr. RB Akeem "Feathers" Green for his only other completion. Green also raced 77 yards on a kickoff return for a TD. For the past three years it was not unusual to hear "Boy, that kid can throw the ball". Unfortunately, the Public League style of play rarely calls for a pass play. University Citys’ Sr. RB/QB Hassan King rushed 9 times for 72 yards. Jr. RB/LB Bruce Hill was outstanding on defense with 8 tackles including 3 for losses.

OCT. 12
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Mastbaum 32, Franklin 8
Mastbaum marched 60 yards on nine plays with Sr. RB Chris DeShields (17/122, 2 TDs) going in from 5 yards out after the opening kickoff. On the Panthers ensuing kickoff, the ball was unintentionally kicked short where Angelo Pratt recovered for Mastbaum at Franklin’s 46 yard line. Nine plays later it was 12-0, on a Mark Hansberry (3-3, 58 yards, 2 TDs) seven yard pass to Mark Hobbs (2 receptions, 54 yards).
The two scoring drives left just 1:15 on the first quarter clock. The Electrons were never able to mount anything after that, although Mastbaum’s Jr. LB Nathaniel Nixon and LB Hobbs (each with 5 tackles, one for a loss) led the defense. Sr. DE Quan Berry, 6’0 – 190 lbs., (3 tackles and a sack) showed some strength and quickness by forcing plays to the inside. He also forced Franklin QB Aleem Medley to hurry four of his passes. Medly was just 2 for 9 with 47 yards. Jr. DE Bryant Jennings recovered a fumble for Franklin. Kareem Moore had an interception on a 2 point conversion for the Electrons.

SEPT. 28
NON-LEAGUE
Northeast 26, Bok 8
In the game's opening moments it appeared that Bok had recovered a fumble, but the officials ruled the play dead. After that things went downhill for the Wildcats. The Northeast defense was led by SR DL Harry Max (5 tackles, two for losses including a sack) and SR DL Adam Bostick (5 tackles with one sack). The Vikings SR RB Chris Poindexter, 12/60 – 2 TDs, and one reception for 27 yards led the offense. He also blocked a punt that Cory Sample picked up and ran 10 yards for a TD. Bok SR LB Maurice Hunter (7 tackles, 2 for losses and a blocked field goal attempt) and SR DB William McCall (6 tackles, 2 for losses and a fumble recovery) paced the defense. Finally, Bok’s SR QB/DB Kareem Jeffreys’ attempt at a 39-yard TD pass to SO TE Marcelluas Barnes was broken up at the last second by the Vikings JR DB Eric Clark.

SEPT. 8
NON-LEAGUE
St. Joseph (Hammonton, N.J.) 13, Neumann 6
The Pirates held their own against the 2000 N.J. Group I Parochial State Champs.
Neumann starting sr QB Pat McLaughlin injured his ankle on the first series and never
returned. Senior Ed Lego (4-13-1, 64 yds) filled in. Most exciting play was a pass from
sr. RB Howard "Randy" Bell (12-55) to sr. receiver Mike Moody (4 catches, 122 yards) for a
90-yard TD strike. Senior LB Mark Meighan excelled on defense with 9 tackles (2
losses) and a fumble recovery. Senior CB Les Durkee made eight tackles. So DB/RB
Billy Canady showed plenty of energy with 5 tackles and some nice blocking.
The Wildcats featured three Division prospects; FB/LB James Hargrave (22-94, 1 TD,
6 tackles), RB Dave Martin (11-139, 1 TD), and LB Bryan Adams (9 tackles, 1 loss).
Punter Vincent Simone punted 8 times for a 34 yard average. Neumann sr punter
Anthony Impagliazzo (5 punts, 32.2 avg) was not listed on the roster. Coaches and players
just called him "Impo" and couldn’t recall his full name. My investigative sidekick, Joe
McFadden, finally got it!