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Duck Tales Jon
"Duck" Gray is one of our most ardent web site supporters. His
main sport is basketball, but he's becoming a legend on the football trail, too. How cool
is it that his nickname is a good fit with Tom "Puck" McKenna
and Ed "Huck" Palmer? |
DEC. 2
2002 PROSPECT LOOK
I decided this year not to do prospect looks in
different installments, instead I opted to do this. If I didn't see your team play this
year, I didn't comment. That may seem harsh, but with all fairness, I have to remain
honest and credible. That being said, I may have missed you, I'm human. (Actually I'm a
mallard.) There is no particular order when
I put the names down. Also, they're my Public League Awards at the bottom of the report.
Receivers
Amazing athlete, makes
highlight film catches look easy. Solid speed and great hands. Tougher than he looks as he
packs a wallop on defense. Great student, basketball top 75 guard in class, nationally.
Could be just as good on gridiron.
Steve Quinn 6'0
165 St. Joseph's Prep So.
Put on a big catch clinic
in the Catholic Red Division Semifinals aginst O'Hara. Every time the ball came his way he
made the catch. He has excellent hands. Kind of kid you want on your team because of his
on field intensity. Possible big-timer.
Akil Stokes 5'11 165 Germantown High Sr.
Makes acrobatic catches.
Great strides and has "hops." Runs precise routes and grabs big catches.
Touchdown's are us. Great student over 1000 SAT's. Future in either I'AA or lower level
I'A.
Jordan Anderson 6'3 195 Central High Sr.
Was used as a wingback
late in the year. Guess what, I still like him at receiver, but it showed one of his true
strengths- versatility. Solid speed, great physical build and good hands. Also excels at
track and basketball. Has chance to be special. Should do well at summer camps and
combines. Will get tons of mail from IAA's and IA's.
Charlie Evans 6'1 190 North Catholic Jr.
It's hard to comment on
guys you see once, but trust me that one time was good enough. What great hands? Also,
keeps playing hard when team is down large amounts. Had a couple ESPN Gameday catches when
I saw him, earlier. I'll head to Erie-Torresdale next year to see some more major league
grabs.
Dorian Brewer 6'4 365 Germantown High
Sr.
Great kid and underrated
player. When he loses some weight will be a MONSTER. Moves more than well for a man his
size. Qualified. Being slept on like a pillow. Somebody will get a STEAL bigger than that
Lufthansa heist in Goodfellas.
John Quinn 6'3 270 St. Joseph's Prep Sr.
Excellent technique and is
crazy physical (that is how I like them "o" lineman) is suppose to play the
game. He knocks people on their rears out of habit. Would be a good to great IVY player
and can play higher than that. Anchor of offensive line on team ranked 22nd in the nation
by USA Today.
Ronald Blue 6'5 295 Murrell Dobbins Sr.
Kyle Easley 6'0 260 George Washington Sr.
Very physical and moves
okay. Brings intensity to the offensive line. Just a player. Probably will be a guard in
college. PSAC/I-AA.
David Eshun 6'4 275 Thomas Edison Sr.
Underrated big
boy. Blocks well, and isn't too shabby as a center. Needs refinement but the investment
should be worthwhile. I-AA
Edwin "Goose" Cruz 6'3 280 Benjamin Franklin Sr.
Team leader and a better
player than you would think. Did decent against Washington and they play a very physical
brand of football. Anchor of offensive line on team that won Public League Division C.
PSAC
Kyle Hatch 6'3 275 Simon Gratz Sr.
Pat Kaiser 6'0 195 St. Joseph's Prep Sr.
Tyree Watson 5'11 175 Simon Gratz Sr.
Had a big year, but guess
what he is just scratching the surface. Will probably be a defensive back long range, but
his rushing accomplishments merit this mention. Has an easy-going running style, and is
known for his cutbacks and sharp turns. I'A
Larry Turner 5-10 180 George Washington Sr.
Brassy and confident,
makes things happen. 20 yard back, with potential to break the big one at any time. Also,
packs punch on defense. Leader by example and work ethic. Gets better each snap. I'AA/IA
Khalif Boldin 5-8 190 Murrell Dobbins Tech Sr.
Combines speed, desire and
toughness. Will run wild on you with sweeps. Has breakaway speed. Strong legs hardly ever
stop churning, has added some shiftiness but can still (and will) run your weak ______
over. IA
Chris Williams 5'11 190 Central High Sr.
Nice build. Good back, he
handles all three responsibilities with ease. Running, blocking and pass receiving.
Similar to last year's underrated Central back Munir Nurriddin, except has a better
football build. IAA/PSAC
Jestin Brisbon 5'11 195 Ben Franklin Sr.
Hard running style,
attacks the defense with head down and evil intents. Needs prep. Deserves consideration,
team leader type. Has a refuse to be brought down by first tackler mentality. Could be
I-AA after prep.
Taurean Filmore 5'9 175 Germantown High Sr.
Chiseled, give him space
and he hits that hole at full speed. And that is track speed. Best football is ahead of
him. Qualified . PSAC/I-AA
Brandon Norris 5'8 160 Frankford High
Fresh
Stay focused, do your
homework and keep working. No other comment because you're too young to be playing like
this. Don't be flash in the pan.
Quarterbacks
Matt Ryan 6'5 195 Penn Charter Sr.
Boston College Signee*
Darrell Turner 6'6
210 Frankford High Sr.
Nice arm, great size.
Doesn't get to throw it as much as he would like, but shows very well when given a chance.
Smart, classy kid. I-A/I-AA
Matt Stefanski 6-0 180 St. Joseph's
Prep Sr.
Good game manager, makes
sweet passes when I've seen him. Kind of quarterback who doesn't hurt you. Projection:
Good small college signal caller.
Brian Mitchell 6-0 210 North Catholic Sr.
Heart of a Lion. Does of a bit of everything, nice arm and
plays hard. Mobile. I like his toughness. Div.II
Linemen
Bryant Jennings 6'2 230 Ben Franklin
Sr.
Large frame can add
weight. Mixes strength with speed. Never gets blocked easily. Playmaker extradonnaire and has I-A's keeping
extremely close tabs.
Paul Johnson 5'11 280 Germantown High School Sr.
Qualified, hardworking
nose tackle with a penchant for making big plays. Great kid. Also a good long snapper on special teams.
Darryl Watson 6'2 295 West Philadelphia Sr.
Making strides, clogs up
the middle. Moves okay for a "big un" possible nose guard. Has a chance to be
very good. I-AA
Dominic Bland 6-1 270 Simon Gratz Sr.
One of my favorites in the
city. Intense to say the least. Had this two play sequence in the semifinals, with two
BIGTIME tackles. Really, coming on strong. PSAC
David "Wolfman" Williams 6'0 260 Simon
Gratz Sr.
Makes big plays, a monster when motivated. Very
aggressive. Came up huge against Dobbins with a couple of big time stops. PSAC
Linebackers
Brian Tracz 6'2 225 St. Joseph's Prep Jr.
I don't like to speak in
superlatives, but this kid is a bonafide stud. I mean he hits people and the sound echoes
for a couple of miles. Best linebacker I saw. "The Bone Collector" is a probable
BIG TIMER.
Jameel McClain 6'2 240 George Washington Sr.
Temple and West Virginia
involved with good reason. This monster
controls the entire midway. Physical, grimey and capable a dangerous combination.
Robbie "Beano" Spivey 6'2 195 Simon Gratz Sr.
Lateef Ferguson 6'1 210 Murrell Dobbins
Tech Sr.
Nice build can add weight.
Makes play after play. Hits with aggression runs seemingly from side to side in no time.
Had a good year as a FB, can create holes there. I-A/I-AA
Corey Cannon 6'0
210 Cardinal O'Hara Sr.
Omar McDonnaugh 5'10 185 Germantown High Jr.
Could be listed as an
Athlete, but is one of the top weakside linebackers around. He makes play after play
mostly big ones. Carries the ball on offense. And then blasts big holes as a fullback.
Probable college strong safety. If he does well at camps WATCHOUT.
Ervin Hook 6'2 170 Frankford High Jr.
Only needed to see him
once. Was playing some defensive end, but on the real, long range could be a stud outside
linebacker. Could make big splash in Pub Final.
Joe Farina 6'2 210 Frankford High Jr.
Big man in the middle is a
wrestler, plays like one too. That means trouble for
Public League teams next year. Has a lot of potential.
Masai Lord 5'11 210 Central High Sr.
Confident, makes plays.
Middle linebacker and a tough guy. Talks plenty of trash. Was for awhile his teams only
consistent tackler. I like his game. PSAC
Serta Perfect
Sleepers
Voncel Harrigan 5-10 205 Athlete Simon Gratz Sr.
Dante Bryant 5'10 175 HB/LB Roxborough High School
Jr.
Underrated performer could
be one of the top unknown talents in the Public League and that is the truth. Scary part
would shine brighter on a team with more talent.
Brandon Peaker 6'0 170 Athlete George Washington
Sr.
Really impressed me both
times I've seen him. He makes things happen with his speed, intelligence and desire. 930
SAT and 3.3 GPA a real sleeper because his talent are often overshadowed by his Teammates.
Possible I-AA, performer
Andre Odom 5'11 185
Athlete George Washington Sr.
Brandon Sutton 5-10 185 LB/FB Roxborough High Sr.
Makes plays and runs
through tackles. I liked him every game he played for the 'Boro. Has good hands should be
solid PSAC player.
Jerome Johnson 5-10 230 LB Ben Franklin Sr.
Physical player. Makes
hard tackles. Potential state school star. Has to remain consistently aggressive.
Occassionally, becomes hit happy.
Darrell Fincher 5'8 150 DB Ben Franklin Jr.
Had a very good year,
makes tackles grabs interceptions then is a legit threat to return them the whole way. Has
lots of football savvy. Will be one of the top DB's in the city next year.
Dion "Flea" Whittington 6'2 210 Athlete
Martin Luther King Sr.*
Needs prep. Great athlete.
Some similarities to former Franklin legend David Carter '96, in that he could play a
numerous amount of positions at the next level. Loads of potential, excellent frame.
Keenan Nelson 5'9 155 Athlete Thomas Edison Sr.
Prep
should be an option, it would give Nelson time to grow. Has a huge heart and has the
ability to make a play out of nothing. Good kick return prospect. A school should take a
chance on him.
Marcus Kennedy 6-0 185 Athlete George Washington
Sr.
Has
played two positions well in high school. Quarterback and defensive back. Could easily
play either at next level. Good athlete packs plenty of savvy.
Marcel Quarterman 5-11 175 QB Central High School
Jr.
Great ball-handling skills
and a nice arm. Has plenty of potential to grow by next year. I think he will be one of
the Pub's top signal callers next year.
Jeremy Benson 5-10 225 LB Frankford High School Jr.
Plays hard makes tackles.
Quite a character. Should be ready for a big year next year. Talented could also be a an
offensive backfield factor.
Brahim Bilal 6-0 175 Athlete Lincoln High School
Sr.
Good upside. Mobile,
played a mean cornerback when I saw him.
Jesse Edney 5-6 125 Athlete Franklin High School
Sr.
Vondell Parson 5'9 175 HB Simon Gratz Jr.
Excellent at times, this
guys was in the shadow of Gratz' vaunted Big 3 of Watson, Spivey and Harrigan. Good
instincts and is already a veteran of late game and big game situations.
Kyle Patillo 6'4 280 DT Martin Luther King Sr.
Surprisingly active
defensive player, who gets the job done the old fashioned way. He earns it. Played very
well against G-Town. Sleeper come on PSAC
Charles Whittington 5-9 230 FB Lincoln High School
So.
Potential beast. Runs hard
and through tackles. Could be special with improvement. Drags tacklers with the best of
them. Just scratching surface.
Sharif Nash 5'11 170 DB Frankford High School Sr.
Big time burner, one of
the city's top track stars. Has wheels to say the least. Good looking corner as well.
Covers ground quickly, stock rising quickly I-A/I-AA
Quindel "Milky" Ladson 5'10 200 Athlete
Central Jr.
Impressive fullback packs
a punch at linebacker. After the summer camps and combines his stock should soar.
Adam Hartman 5-10 175 SS Frankford High School Sr.
Hard hitter, good hands.
I-A's keeping tabs. HEART and soul of team's excellent defensive eleven team. I'm
convinced that he is I-A material.
Lamont Lee-Edgefield 6-0 260 OL-DL Gratz High
School So.
Anchored Gratz offensive
line from center position. Late in the season gave them inspired minutes on defense. High
upside, could be a Gem down the line.
Kevin Snyder 5-10 220 LB King High School Sr.
Good player with an edgy
approach to the game. Makes plenty of tackles.
Craig Haywood 5-11 185 CB Cardinal O'Hara Sr.
Big time cover corner has
the ability to shut down receivers. Also a quarterback with tools. I-A
Steve Sizer 6-0 170 DB St. Joseph's
Prep Sr.
Nice defensive back, can
give a good hit and can keep a good receiver without a catch.
Leonard Johnson 5-10 270 Ol-Dl
Germantown High School Sr.
Underrated offensive
lineman who does a good job of creating holes for his running backs. PSAC performer.
Greg Meyers 6'0 180 RB-LB Murrell Dobbins Tech Jr.
Meyers is going to be one
of the city's top two-way players next year. He makes tons of plays from his linebacker
position. Also, he is a quality running back. Should be another in the long line of
Dobbins two-way stars.
Phil Wood 6'3 245 OL Frankford High School Sr.
Missed most of last year
with a serious injury bounced back to become an All-Public performer. Tough kid, an
excellent tackle but could be a pass catcher at the next level. Request a Tape.
Art Johnson 5-10 165 WR Simon Gratz Jr.
Speed demon deluxe, also a
good defensive back. Teams with Eugene Wright in track and they are awesome both play
football. Good defenders, on offense they don't get much of a chance to catch the long
ball.
Mike Cappelletti 6'0 207 DE St. Joseph's Prep Sr.
Hard nosed defender
impressed against North only to impress me again versus O'hara. Undersized defensive end
could be small college stud.
Danny Jones 5-9 165 KR St. Joseph's Prep Jr.
Something tells me that
this guy could have a huge year next year. He was a dangerous player this year on special
teams and we can expect more contributions. He was an okay defensive back as well.
Kenneth "Dirt" Barnes 5'6 125 MP Martin
Luther King Sr.
See Jesse Edney, has
speed, toughness that can't be weighed on a scale or measured with a yard stick.
Raymond Massey 6-3 210 QB Germantown High School
Missed year with injury
good student and a promising quarterback. Probably would have had a big year if not for injury.
Finally
My "Pub" Awards
They're named after former "Pub" Players
Tyree Watson 5'11 175 Simon Gratz
Maurice Bennett Award (Defensive MVP)
Jameel McClain 6-2 240 George Washington
Jeffrey "JT" King-Deshone
"Stink" Cotton Awards
(If I had to go to war and could
only take 15 guys to fight 500 men. I would
take "JT" and
"Stink" against a thousand men: I like my odds)
Voncel Harrigan, Gratz
Omar McDonnaugh, Germantown
Larry Turner, Washington
Dorian Brewer, Germantown
Robbie "Beano" Spivey,
Gratz
Jeremy Benson, Frankford
Lateef Ferguson, Dobbins
Taurean Filmore, Germantown
Darrell Fincher, Franklin
Dion Whittington, King
Joselito Cruz, Frankford
Jameel McCain, Washington
Leon Richardson, Central
Ryan Coffey, Franklin
Ricardo Rivera, Washington
Take
care, everybody it is a joy to cover football week in and week out. I just want you kids
to concentrate on your books take the SAT/ACT and go to college.
One,
Jon "Duck" Gray
NOV. 28
THANKSGIVING RIVALRY
Germantown 24, Martin
Luther King 10
King and
Germantown's "Turkey Bowl" is always in my humble opinion the best event in the
city on "Turkey Day". And when these two schools go at it; they always put their
best foot forward. I mean whether it is the marching bands, drill teams, cheerleading
squads and fan support. This game is always more than just football. I expected a
comfortable win for the Bears but I was incorrect. On the opening kickoff, the Cougars
recover the onsides kick. Despite being rather inept on offense with a three and out, the
Cougars had seized control. The defense led by the super brassy combo of LB Kevin Snyder (5-10 215) and Dion "Flea" Whittington (6-2 210) would
force the Bears to punt on their first possession. A bad snap goes over P/WR Akil Stokes' head and out of the end zone. On the
ensuing kickoff, King's blur of a junior multipurpose player, Daniel Smith (5'9 155), got the kickoff and was
off, untouched for a 48 yard touchdown return. After Snyder plows in for a conversion run.
It was 10-0 King. The first carry of the ensuing G-Town drive, senior HB Taurean Filmore
(5'9 175) turned a run inside the outside along the King sideline for a 78 yard
touchdown explosion. It would not be the last we heard from him. After a scoreless second
quarter, it was Filmore again taking a run inside and then out for a 35 yard touchdown run
that got the "old heads" chanting "We, we are the Mighty G and we don't
care about nobody else." (That has to be most complex chant in history.) Filmore top
play was called back on a questionable call, he had returned a punt 65 yards while
reversing his field and down the G-Town sideline, they called a clip. Filmore had 16
carries for 147 and 2 scores. Plenty of time for the Cougars to attack, but the G-town
defense held strong as they controlled the line of scrimmage all day. Senior OL-DL Dorian Brewer (6'4 375) had a great day, he was
manhandling the Cougars upfront. He really had an excellent year without much fanfare. His
partner Paul Johnson (5'11 280) had 7 tackles
and a fumble recovery. Fellow senior Leonard
Johnson had 5 tackles, 2 for loss. The Bear
linebacking core was led by junior standout Omar
McDonnaugh (5'10 185) who had 7 tackles and freshman MLB Andre Fisher (5'7 175) who was also in on 7
stops. King would threaten because of the
speed of its offensive skill players namely Kenneth
"Dirt" Barnes, who is similar to Franklin's Jesse Edney. Barnes had some ultra-shifty moves,
one in particular on a punt return in which he eluded 7 Bears and had a 35 yard run. He
had 5 stops on defense as well. Also, showing promise was sophomore MP Sammy Tranks (5'9 140), who had some bursts of
exceptional speed. But they couldn't score. Backup Quarterback Brandon Cuff threw a td pass to Stokes, who
procured his Public League record 14th touchdown reception of the year it provided a
one-score cushion of 18-10 Bears. But this is BIG game, and we all know that "Big
time players make big time plays." So where is #44? McDonnaugh had to provide the
exclamation point. He made a great read and snared an interception and then juked a King
lineman to the ground, broke an arm tackle and then outran everybody to the house for some
Turkey with cranberry sauce. King's defense was led by Snyder's 13 tackles. But the magic
number today was 11, that's right, 11 years since King's last triumph.
Sidenotes- You have to love this game, it just invigorates you. That familiar
aroma of G-Town/King that comes from the sky, through the stands and on the field. The
amazing amount of women in the stands that are at least 8's in my book….. A teammate
of the year nomination has to go to Raymond
Massey from G-Town. He always was a positive force on the sidelines despite missing
his senior year. Good job Raymond….. The best band was MLK's, the cheerleaders were
even, G-Town had the better pep squad. I would like to give major props to both sides,
managers they both do a real good job. G-Town: Camaar
Harrison, Aisha Smiley, Jodian Lewis, Nelica Cordice, Jessica Sanders. And for King: Erica Garrett, Hashima Rahman, Jasmine Dandy, Ashley
Holland.
NOV. 15
CATHOLIC RED SEMIFINAL
SJ Prep 38, O'Hara 13
Don't
let the score fool you, this one was a ballgame. Early first quarter, the Prep begins to
exert its will on the Lions. Sophomore Steve
Quinn (who made 6 clutch catches on offense for 124 yards and 5 tackles on defense)
hauled in a 29 yard td strike from senior quarterback Matt Stefanski. Quinn made an all-hands catch
while beating O'Hara star CB/QB Craig Haywood.
The Lions would show brass. After an interception by small defensive back Bob
Hogan, gave the Lions good field position, junior standout Anthony Heygood
plowed into the end zone from 5 yards. A key play was Haywood to Bob McAndrews for 21 yards, the pass was almost
intercepted but McAndrews grabbed it from the Prep defender's grasp. The Hawks and their enthused fan base took care of
that. S. Quinn got open again for 30 yards from Stefanski plus add an unneccessary
roughness penalty and they were well in striking range. They give the ball three times
within the 10 yard line to Pat Kaiser and of
course he closes the deal with a one yard scoring run. "Kaiser the Closer" or
"Kaiser Wilhelm" or whatever the Hawk fans were screaming randomly made the
extra point. The next possession, the Lions where moving nicely picking up two first downs
and then a big interception by junior defensive back Greg Ambrogi
( 6'0 155) killed that. O'Hara's defense stiffens and Prep is forced to punt. A big return
from Steve Cook set up the O'Hara offense nicely. Haywood took over and
got the Lions in close for another Heygood short touchdown run. On the drive the Prep lost
star linebacker, jr. Brian Tracz (6'2 225) and
nose tackle, Will Oleckna. (Tracz was clipped
in the knee according to Tom"Hockey
Puck" McKenna.) But the extra point is blocked by Hawks' senior Pat James. So with only 40 or so seconds remaining
the Hawks have the ball. What do you think? Take a knee, run a couple plays or make a
memorable drive? The Drive was the choice. From their 17, Kaiser for nine yards. Then a
beautiful "hook and ladder." Stefanski to Jim
Daly for 6 yards and then Kaiser running all the way down to the O'Hara 21 yard line.
Kaiser attempts a field goal it looks good (the referees didn't signal) and call a
penalty. Stefanski hits Quinn for a big gain. Kaiser will nail a field goal at the death
of the half. Then it was time for the onslaught. Stefanski adds a third quarter touchdown
run. Kaiser scored two late touchdowns. (On one he showed a great second effort to nudge
the ball in.) We know all about Kaiser, Stefanski, John
Quinn (5 tackles). But the "unknown" Hawks played big, Ambrogi 5 tackles and
1 big int., sr. DE Mike Cappelletti (6'0 207), jr. DT Mike Robinson (5'11 252) and jr. Bill Gennaro (6'0 193) made big plays. Cappelletti
had 6 tackles, Robinson 4 and Gennaro had a huge sack on the speedy Haywood. Even lightly
used senior wide receiver Chris Paley caught
a big reception, a 48 yarder. The Lions defense was paced by Tom O'Brien with 9 tackles and Corey
Cannon with 7 tackles.
Sidenotes- The best chant of the night
from the Prep cheering section: "He's a sophomore!!!!!!!" When Steve Quinn made
a sensational catch. I liked the Neanderthal chant of "The Girl got to go." It
shows that guys with 1400 SAT's respect male bonding. You have to love Prep's assistant Chuck Hart, he is always screaming "Let's go
D!" Hockey wanted to chat with him, but we didn't have time. I would have loved that,
though. O'Hara had a very impressive marching band.
NOV. 14
PUBLIC LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL
Washington 22, Franklin 0
I
came into this game thinking that this game was gonna play out like most boxing matches.
They would be some exchanges early and then eventually somebody would take control and
continue to back the other team down. One thing I knew was that the Electrons could
"hang." Also, I knew that if they wanted to get that win, they would have to
knock out the champion. Games like this are made for fans of defense. The Electrons are a
very stingy bunch and the Eagles are annually the toughest bunch of kids you can find. In an
interesting first half where the Electrons offense was unable to move the ball
consistently, their defense made it interesting. After denying an Eagles drive that began
on the Electrons' 25 yard line, the Electrons surrendered a safety when GW junior LB Marcus Banks (5'8 160) tackled Franklin senior
RB/DB Jesse Edney in the end zone. Then after a
good drive from the Eagles, they threatened three times in the first half, GW quarterback Marcus Kennedy (6'0 185) was intercepted by
Franklin's star free safety Darrell Fincher
(5'8 170), which ignited the Electron faithful. The two-time defending champs actually
took some "hard rights" and a few
"good left hooks" in the early
going. Close to the end of the half an interesting exchange took place; with Washington
looking to add another score before the half, Kennedy is picked off again (this was tipped
ball) by another of the Electron's "Small Wonders", David Calloway (5'7 190), who tip-toed the
sideline and that got the crowd into it. (Right cross to the chin.) The Electrons take
over and look to advance the ball, calling a pass play, Calloway is picked off by Larry Turner who leaped up and over a defender to
make the grab. Then he looked over at the Franklin sideline and flashed that
"look" over on the Electron sideline. The "look" that Kyle Bell had last year in the championship game
against Northeast. You know that "I've
already won this game" look. And on your boxing scorecard the Eagles scored a
knockdown. Then after the second half bell rang, it
was time to back that look up. Turner ran wild on the first position of the second half,
thirteen yards up the gut and then twenty four yards to set up a one yard scoring run by Kennedy. Then after a defensive stop from the Eagles (highlighted by the
stellar play of two-way end Brandon Peaker 6'0
170). Turner ran 16 yards for a score. Only three carries in the second half for Turner to
accumulate 53 yards and give the Eagles clear command. (Two eight counts.) Turner carried
8 times for 77 yards total. The Electrons received a game effort from senior linebackers Ryan Coffey (5'9 195) and Jerome Johnson (5'10 230) who both had 10 tackles.
Edney and Fincher each had 6 tackles. But it wasn't enough. The Eagles featured an
excellent effort from Peaker, who had 9 tackles (5 solos and 2 for loss.) He rung bells
like Sunday at twelve o'clock. He is only 6'0 170, he looks like he can hold more weight
and has a 3.3 gpa and 930 on the SAT, in other words . . . can you spell -SLEEPER. And
according to Coach Ron Cohen, he always gives
"110 % effort." Junior OLB Ricardo Rivera
added 8 tackles and played in a physical fashion. Standout senior LB, Jameel McLain (6'2 240) was a man amongst
smaller men with a hard fought 7 tackles, and on several occasions he went "straight up" against Franklin
franchise back Jestin Brisbon
Sidenotes- The
Eagles feature four highly touted stud seniors -McLain, Turner, Odom and Kennedy. Being
the fan of Kung Fu Flicks that I am, I want to call them the "Four Deadly
Venoms."…… Franklin' defensive secondary is known as the "Small
Wonders."
NOV. 8
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Benjamin Franklin 26, Thomas Edison 0
Benjamin
Franklin football came into this one with a full opportunity to win its second Division C
title in three years, and took full advantage of it. Early on, the Electrons rode top
rusher Jestin Brisbon and he responded with a
one yard touchdown run in the early stages of the first quarter. After some empty
possessions by Edison, it was time for a second quarter score. Senior running back Tariq Sabree capitalized on an Edison turnover
with a 6 yard touchdown run. After a blown
Edison coverage, Brisbon hauled in a 25 yard touchdown catch from junior QB/DB David Calloway (5-7 180). Although Franklin
dominated both sides of the ball, they didn't put the exclamation point on this game until
impressive junior DB Darrell Fincher (5'8 170)
returned one of four Franklin interceptions 76 yards to the house. It is about time that
somebody point out that prior to coach Allen
Rushing taking over at Broad and Green winning the C Division for Franklin was like
going to the moon. Now they feature an absolutely lethal defensive secondary, with Fincher
(7 tackles 1 int.), Calloway (1 int. and 5 tackles) and
5'10 185 pound senior Naim Ferguson
(who held Edison star receiver Devon Weston
without a catch.) But along with Fincher, the cream of this quality crop, is Jesse Edney (5'6 125), he brings much intensity
and is one of the state's top 55 meter track stars. Edney was involced in 7 tackles. Also
making a statement was #50, senior LB Jerome
Johnson (5'10 230), who had a feast on the Owl backfield. He had 10 tackles and two
sacks. One of the sacks was highlight material, he knocked down the fullback and slammed
the quarterback in a single motion. Bryant Jennings
had two pass deflections and generally didn't allow himself to be blocked by one player. It was a wonder that Edison star quarterback Keenan Nelson completed two passes. Edison had its
moments, Brad Parker had 11 tackles including
two sacks. Tiny sophomore halfback Dontae Williams
had some nice runs while totaling 28 yards on 6 carries. Yet Edison lost the North Philly
"Soul Bowl" yet again.
Sidenotes- Coach Rushing got the Gatorade
treatment. Edison coach Larry Oliver has school
spirit because I wouldn't be found dead in those green pants. Sorry man, I have to tell
the truth. This should be an interesting PL playoff run.
NOV. 6
ON THE MENU
Duck Lo Mein
I
rarely comment on Catholic League football, but an issue has come up in Intellligent Thoughts. Somebody out there brought up that Catholic Blue is
weaker than Catholic Red. Maybe that is the case, but I really don't like the fact that
the Blue kids may feel stigmatized. Especially, when the league still is brimming with
talent on most teams. This kind of reminds of Division E in the Public League for hoops
during the '90s off and on. Please for the love of competition do not keep downplaying the
Catholic Blue…. This might seem a little far-fetched but here goes; in the
Philadelphia Public League they're far too many high schools that do not offer
football. (I went to one.) What makes this a huge issue is that so many of the
"better" academic schools do not have the sport. (Save for Central and
Northeast.) So why can't schools work together in the fall. Like a kid who attends
Strawberry Mansion can play with William Penn, FLC kids can play with Franklin, Saul can
play with Roxborough, Fels can play with Olney. Why not? Let the kids play! Why can't the
kids have the option and still attend their preferred school? ……… Speaking
of options, in covering basketball and track, I've seen athletes who I would just love to
grab for a football team like Masterman track star/basketball player Corey Tolbert 5-11, 190 who runs the 100 meters in
11.3. Or Fels' monster leaper Tariq Chandler,
who goes 6-2 215 and has about a 40 inch vertical. Or FLC junior forward, Joshua Grier, who just looks like a wide
receiver and is a cousin of former Dobbins Football standout, Barren Grier. ………I have forgotten
to mention two plays during the Rox/G-Town game, Dorian
Brewer pulled from his tackle position and rather nimbly made monster pancake blocks.
Brewer goes 6-4 375 and the linebacker who got drilled was 5-10 170…….. During
the Gratz-Dobbins game, after running for a first down in the early fourth quarter,
franchise tailback Tyree Watson of Gratz,
yelled "We gonna finish this now." They did……… I'm really hoping
that when the Big 33 game comes around that plenty of
Philadelphia talent will be in the mix for that team……. Sophomore,
juniors and some seniors, tell your counselor tomorrow that you want to sign up for the
SAT/ACT this year. Please trust me and take care of this now……. There is a
college fair on Nov. 19 at the Convention Center over 600 schools will be in
attendance……The "Pub" has so many teams with a chance at the crown
that for the first time, maybe ever, there is not a true league favorite.
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Simon Gratz 6, Murrell Dobbins 0
As the game began between the Mustangs and Bulldogs, strange weather
accompanied it. From a seemingly clear sky rain fell on the field. And the epic that was
Dobbins-Gratz began......... On the first play from scrimmage Dobbins star, Khalif
Boldin (5'8 190) met Gratz star Robbie "Bean-O" Spivey (6'2 195) head
on and the result was telling. Boldin had to miss three plays. Mentally and physically you
could see the resolve deepen in Simon Gratz and the mental and physical toughness that has
trademarked Dobbins since 1993 weakened. Gratz would threaten a couple of times in the
first half and the Mustangs would have their moments as well, but it was 0-0 at the half.
On the third play from scrimmage in the second half, Bulldog senior tailback, Tyree
Watson (6'0 175) took a run up the middle, cut back to his right making two Dobbins
defenders slip and fall, then broke an arm tackle and outsprinted the remaining members of
their defense for the score.The 46 yard score was a thing of beauty to say the least. A
hushed silence came over the field at 29th and Chalmers. The Mustangs regain their mettle
and march down the field. Boldin has some breathtaking moves running over a couple of
Bulldogs defensive backs. Also, taking a hard hit from Spivey and bouncing off of it and
gaining eight more yards. Boldin and fullback Lateef Ferguson (6'0 215) carry the
'Stangs all the way to the Gratz 10 yard line for a first down. After gaining a yard on a
running play, Dobbins would misfire on two pass plays. So this brings up 4th and goal.
Dobbins sets up a reverse to junior wideout Aaron Gary, who has a chance
to score if he gets by Watson. Watson makes a huge stop, saving a sure touchdown. Although
Gratz would have some more success on the ground, highlighted by Watson's 9 carries
for 104 yards, they couldn't add another score. Dobbins has a chance after a missed field
goal by senior, LB/FB/K Voncel Harrigan (5-10 205). Boldin broke a big run up the
middle he gets ahead of the Gratz defense only one player can stop him. Guess who? Spivey,
grabs Boldin by the back of the jersey and slams him violently to the ground ala NFL
Blitz. Boldin picks up a huge 35 yard gain, but does not get the tying 76 yard score,
which it appeared that he would get. Then I looked over at the Gratz sideline and the omen
was present- a huge rainbow. Boldin, who ran 16 times for 90 yards, wouldn't get another
carry. He did have four additional stops on defense, he had seven tackles
total. Gratz stopped Dobbins and then ran the clock down behind the play junior HB Vondell
Parson (5'9 165), who took over for a banged up Watson in the late 4th quarter. Also
making two huge carries in the 4th quarter was jr. FB Randal Scott (5'11 175). And
two Gratz lineman were monsters sophomore Lamont Lee-Edgefield (6'0 270) 6
tackles and a fumble recovery and senior David "Wolfman" Williams (6'0
250) who had 5 tackles. But as Coach Leonard Poole said (quoting Germantown budding
legend Omar McDonnaugh?) "Big time players make big time plays." So his
three stars came up huge. Spivey led the 'Dogs with 11 tackles many of them of the Brian
Dawkins variety. Harrigan rung up 10 tackles and Watson was in on 6 stops. Ferguson
and highly promising, Greg Meyers (6'0 190) had 8 tackles apiece. And as you left
the field, the rainbow still shown all over the Bulldogs.
Sidenotes - What a year in the absolutely loaded "Pub" Division
B.... I took a hit today, but I got up and didn't miss a stat..... Plenty of legendary
people in attendance namely Vincent "School Shirt" Turner, who is neck
and neck with Dorian Brewer of G-Town for the funniest Public League
character... This could have been the game of the year.
OCT. 25
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Central 34, Roxborough 0
The score tells the story, for just once I'll show
brevity. Central basically had four plays that they ran and they ran them well. Especially
the "dive" to stud FB Quindel
"Milky" Ladson, who ran wild (21
carries for 172 yards). Also they ran a counter play, quarterback draw and threw some
passes, but that lead play, getting the ball to the "Milkman," did plenty of
damage to the Roxborough defense. Ladson had touchdowns runs of 23 and 42 yards. Chris Williams also scored two touchdowns. And
junior quarterback Marcel Quarterman, is the
real deal. I like his savvy and ability to properly handle the football. (Always
fundamental and cautious.) But the one Lancer with the best upside long-range may be
junior wideout, Jordan Anderson. (6-2 maybe 6-3
195). He has good speed, decent to good hands and just seems to have that
"look". He hauled in a 25 yard touchodwn from Quarterman, he made it look real
easy when he completely turned around the defender and hauled it in. Central is a
contender for the crown this year, and next year could be the league favorites. Ladson,
Anderson and Quarterman all are juniors. On defense seniors, Masai Lord and Leon Richardson evenly split 14 tackles. The 'Boro
had a rough ride, I think most of the fans where watching the cheerleaders after the first
quarter, because they were real quiet. But of course they were a couple of bright
moments, junior OLB Kyle Earls had 10 tackles
including two hard pops. He also tried to keep his teammates focused on the game. Dante Bryant toughed out 5 tackles all while
missing a quarter with injury. I think I may have stated this before he looks like that he
can be a very good player in time.
Sidenotes- The best hit of the day was on special
teams, number 33 Mark Savage sent a Roxborough
player flying. People were yelling and screaming. "He killed you." "Get
your weight up. " I like coming to Roxborough, the adminstrative assistant Jack Harmer, went to Rox' and has tons of stories,
he played against Wilt in hoops. On one late run Dominic
Glover-Williams dragged four "Boro" players for about 8 yards.
OCT. 23
On the Menu
"Barbecued Duck"
What a surprising football season we are having.
……. Those Bulldogs of Simon Gratz have
been the "surprise" team of the Public League. Which causes me to think if they
keep winning, will they get rid of those ugly-as-sin uniforms, which look like they were
designed by the National Society for the Color Blind……You know when you have
watched too many football games? When you spend your spare time thinking about new
nicknames for players that you have seen. Especially the hard hitters, for instance, Brian "The Bone
Collector" Tracz and instead of Robert
"Bean-O" Spivey, Robert "Uh-Oh Better Get Maaco"
Spivey……. When I was on the sideline of St. Joe's Prep for their contest with
North Catholic on October 5, I noticed that Coach Gil Brooks is up and down the sideline constantly
exerting energy. It is like he is playing football
on the sideline, which begs the question who is the more demonstrative Prep Coach Brooks
or Speedy Morris? Tough Call…..I love
competition and during the end of the G-Town-Roxborough
game, the cheerleaders got real competitive. I mean, they started competing
on who can do the best pyramids and splits. They even exchanged plenty of trash
talk…..Speaking of trash talk, a legendary sequence occurred during the
G-Town-Dobbins game, a Dobbins player's Uncle, who shall remain nameless, said told a G-Town player who will remain nameless
(like it will be hard to tell who), "my nephew gonna run you guys over again."
The player replied with a tackle and saying "Where you nephew at now?" The Uncle
said "at least you backed it up," and the player said "I'm like a grown
little boy out here. " Where do they find these kids?……Central-Dobbins, in
the mud and rain, one strange play occurred, Quindel
"Milky" Ladson went up the middle on a carry and was met by Lateef Ferguson, and they stood kinda still for
a second, no push either way talk about standstill……. As an Eagles supporter,
I'm having mixed emotions. It is great that they are having some success, but I just can't
get over the fact that they brody 250 million
dollars from Philadelphia taxpayers and then sold the naming rights to Lincoln
Financial Group for 193 million, like Lincoln Financial Group helped build the place. And
when you look at the condition, upkeep, lack of clocks at some high school sites, I feel
that the kids are being cheated. When this stadium is complete I hope that the Eagles and
Lincoln Financial will make this natural turf stadium available for FREE for Public and
Catholic schools for big games…….Finally, let's all send our thoughts, prayers
and concerns to the Washington D.C. area with this lunatic wrecking havoc killing people,
threatening kids and ruining their freedom ……
OCT. 19
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Dobbins 26, Germantown 14
Early
morning football in Mount Airy, crisp air on a fall, Philadelphia day. Yet, it resembled
the 1960's Green Bay Packers, why? Cause when the Dobbins offense was on the field they
would run sweep after sweep just like the Packers and Germantown knew it was coming, yet
they couldn't stop it. Khalif Boldin was
OUTSTANDING, he carried 24 times for 203 yards and two touchdowns. This "Wild
Horse" ran all over the place. His first run put the 'Stangs on top 6-0 and he added
the extra point. Germantown would answer with senior quarterback Ryan Graves (1-8 38 yards 2 ints) finding senior
receiver Tyree Jones for a 38 yard touchdown
catch in the early stages of the second quarter. Then a punt block by Dobbins resulted in
a touchdown run by Lateef Ferguson, the other half of Dobbins'
"D-I" backfield. Ferguson registered 18 tackles, according to my calculations.
At the half Dobbins leads 13-8. Ferguson corralled four tackles in a five-play span in the
beginning of the second half. Then Boldin on
a sweep, ran an inspired 31 yards for another score. Dobbins did a great job on special
teams, they blocked two punts and made two extra points. After, several defensive stops by
the Mustangs, senior DE Stevie Draper grabbed
an interception and ran 39 yards for an exclamation point touchdown. G-Town would add a
last second touchdown when backup QB Brandon Cuff
(5-8 93 yds 1 int.) hit senior Akil Stokes for
a 50-yard touchdown. The play of the Dobbins
offensive line has to be commended. Ronald Blue,
Cedric McNear, Derrick Watson, Michael
Roberts and center Quinelius Aaron. (If I
made a mistake on the names let me know.) Controlled the line of scrimmage, and with
Ferguson and Boldin in the backfield, it was "Wild Horses on the Loose." The
Dobbins defense was anchored by Ferguson, his main help came from junior LB Greg Meyers (6-0 195) who was in on 7 tackles,
some of the "car crash" variety. They limited G-Town's junior HB Marcus Walton to 57 yards on 18 carries. The Bears
were without top runner, Taurean Filmore (ankle
sprain). Their top performer/comedic trash talker was jr. Omar McDonnaugh, who ran for a conversion run and
had 15 tackles. Jones had two catches for 47 yards. Also, he caught a difficult
interception in the third quarter. The plays of the day go to Boldin, who twice went through tacklers like they were made of paper.
Sidenotes - George Washington's Larry Turner and Jameel McClain where in attendance. As was
Northeast's Stanley Ebron…. One time
McDonnaugh made a play and the coach said "Omar, stop smiling and play defense."
…… Once a Dobbins player was slow getting to coach Macauley, before entering the
game, "Hurry up. You think I was a calling you for a soda?"
OCT. 12
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Germantown 38, Roxborough 12
These
teams don't like each other at all. And combine that with an intense Saturday afternoon
crowd and more than a few great plays and you have the makings of a Public League
memory-maker. Roxborough which started junior
quarterback, Karon Hill, in place of Clinton Taylor, made the game's first turnover.
Hill was picked off by G-Town junior linebacker, Omar
McDonnaugh on the Rox 30 yard line and returned the ball to the 3 yard line. After a
couple of excellent defensive plays by the Roxborough defense, G-Town QB Ryan Graves hit junior receiver Christen Johnson for a 13 yard touchdown. The
Bear offense would not be through. After a failed conversion play, Germantown HB David Roberson plunged in for a 3 yard td run.
After a failed 'Borough possession, Graves would find senior standout WR Akil Stokes (5-11 165) for a 47 yard touchdown shortly before the first half drew to a close.
Stokes made an "over the shoulder" grab on this one. He added a 27 yard grab
(this time the QB was sophomore Brandon Cuff),
in which Stokes went over one defender and protected himself from another defender while
sandwiched. In the second half more of the same from the Bears. Roberson ran for another touchdown, a 14 yard one
this time, he finished 5 carries for 38 yards, 2 touchdowns and a conversion run. He also
had a 54 yard kickoff return. McDonnaugh
paced the defense with 9 tackles and the one interception. He also ran 4 times for 57
yards and 2 touchdowns. And of course, he cleaned some clocks on special team coverages.
He is becoming one of the better juniors in the
"Pub." (And one of the
craziest/intense players around.) Also shining on defense was senior defensive linemen: Kali "Dutch" Williams (6 tackles, 3 for
loss), 5-11 280 Paul Johnson ( 5 tackles) and 5'8 245 Zachary
Moore-Love ( 5 tackles, 2 for loss). Sophomore Defensive end, Donald Willingford had 8 tackles including 2 sacks
and senior Nicholas Nedd had ( 5 tackles and
a fumble recovery) . On offense Johnson, 6-4 370 Dorian
Brewer, 5-10 270 Leonard Johnson and 6-4 255 Raymond Walker opened plenty of space for
Roberson, McDonnaugh and impressive junior Marcus
Walton (16 -55). The home club had some bright moments as well. Junior RB-LB Dante Bryant
(5-10 175) scampered 5 yards for a late score. Bryant rushed 10 times for 52
yards and had 7 tackles on defense and twice broke up conversion plays with tough tackles.
He certainly has the look of a prominent player in the near future, of course, with added
refinement. Junior Terrence Clark (6-1, 190)
grabbed a 38 yard touchdown pass from Hill as time expired. He had some good run support
stops as well. Finally, Brandon Sutton (5-11
) had 5 tackles and played some good linebacker in general.
Sidenotes- I was happy to see longtime Roxborough
coach Cliff Hubbard back on the sidelines.
"Hub" offered encouragement throughout the game to his team, but mostly deferred
to Assistant Coach Larry Burnetski. …..
As G-Town came in a Roxborough aide asked "Is he in High School,?" I nodded yes.
Then later someone said "He is the high school." Dorian got the last laugh
though… Another quip from the 'Boro sideline after a McDonnaugh tackle. "That
crazy kid hits hard." The Germantown and Roxborough cheerleaders competed all day,
I'll save the details for a future notes column…… The field resembled a swampland…… A whole host of Gratz
players were in attendance……. A couple Mustang jackets in the stands as
well……. Mahdi Bey and Loren Thomas checked out Germantown, they were
stars last year this time and both attend Kutztown.
OCT. 11
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Central 7, Dobbins 6
When it comes to football games it doesn't get any
better than this. Two Public League title contenders. One extra muddy field which
resembled swamp land. Great team plays and great individual efforts. And of course a
little bit of controversy. Forty years from now people will talk about the "Mud
Bowl." This game began with Murrell Dobbins using their excellent senior backfield
tandem of HB/DB Khalif Boldin ( 5-8 190) and FB/LB Lateef Ferguson (6-0 230)
setting up its very youthful air attack. Junior quarterback Maurice Whitaker hit
junior wide receiver Aaron Gary with a pass in the flat, and Gary turned it upfield
for a 47 yard touchdown. After a botched exchanged, Dobbins led 6-0. They would control
most of the game. Central junior quaterback, Marcel Quaterman and the Lancer
offense would have flashes of a high-powered attack but because of the rain, mud and those
hard hitting Mustangs they would falter. On defense the Lancers would match the tough
Mustang defense. The top Lancer defender was senior Masai Lord ( 5-10 210 ),
who was all over the field in this one with 15 tackles (9 solo) and a high quality
interception. He doesn't just hit people but gives you plenty of "static" when
he trash-talks. The Mustang defense was more balanced but just as stingy. Senior defensive
linemen Cedric McNear had 10 tackles. Ferguson and Boldin had 7 tackles apiece on
defense. And the Mustang defensive backs in general swarmed all over the field. On
offense, Boldin and Ferguson kept the Lancers off the field with big runs. On special
teams, Boldin uncorked a 47-yard punt in the third quarter. Then in the 4th quarter
Central's impressive junior WR/DB Jordan Anderson (6-3 190) took a punt
return 51 yards and to the house. Ryan Abrams added the PAT to put Bill Cosby's
school on top. After the Mustangs and Lancers exchanged 3 and out possessions. Whitaker
grabbed the Mustangs at their 16 with only one timeout and embarked on a John Elwayesque
drive (of course I'm exaggerating a tad). But Whitaker converted 3 third downs with throws
and was 6-10 in the air throughout the drive. Ferguson, Gary, Stevie Draper and Jamar
Rowley all made key catches to keep possesion. With 27 seconds left on 4th down and an
inch, on the Central 10 yard line, Boldin (19-73 on the ground) broke a run outside for
eight yards and the Mustangs had a first down and a chance to stop the clock with a paltry
17 seconds left then....... confusion. Whitaker pulls the ball out and then drops it. (It
was confusing as to whether it was a fumble or kill the clock. Whitaker said he dropped it
to me afterward.) Rowley recovered the ball, but time expired. The Lancers win and their
is joy in Mudville. Whew that was a game.
Sidenotes - Once a Dobbins coach "joked" "that is a
Central guy on the clock." Yes, the clock ran on the last play. Dobbins players
where furious afterwards after because of a pass interfernce play not called, and the last
play of the game and the clock. Although Dobbins kids want to protest, Coach Doug
Macauley's team is looking ahead at some must-win games, and that's not this team's
makeup to dwell on this, plus it was Central's day to celebrate victory... Central junior
fullback Quindel "Milky" Ladson doesn't play much defense, he was one of
the city top linebackers last year He does create holes on offense though. ... On the
sidelines for Dobbins, Barren Grier who now attends Kutztown... The fans in
attendance should be giving a round of applause... I had my umbrella with me while I kept
stats and I needed help, so I asked this kid to hold the umbrella. He helped me for
a quarter and then disappeared. He was from Gratz, he most have noticed my FLC Class ring.
But here is the kicker: We don't have football, so we're no threat. "Pub"
rivalries die hard.....
OCT. 5
CATHOLIC RED
SJ Prep 55, North Catholic 6
Pick your jaws up; the "Duck" covers the
Catholic League Red! Despite the score, this one was fun. As you can guess the Hawks got
out in front behind the play of tailback/kicker extradonairre Pat Kaiser.
Kaiser scored three touchdowns; the most impressive was a 42 yard, second quarter run,
where he made two Falcon defenders fall down with juke moves and took the ball to the
house. Impressive!!!!!!! Also, making a big impression was junior FB/LB Brian Tracz.
This kid is a PLAYER. He had a bonecrushing block on a NC linebacker on Kaiser's 9 yard
run. Tracz, who goes roughly 6-2 235 (No roster was provided for the Prep) looks like he
wrestles in ECW. He has the real grimey, cut your heart out type of approach to the game.
D-I's should be flooding him with mail. The Prep also has a real tough defensive lineman
in John Quinn (#70) who was in on about 9 tackles in little less than two quarters
of action. For the very spirited Falcons, who begun the game by recovering an onsides
kick, QB/DB/K Brian Mitchell was valiant. At 6-0 215 pounds, he showed decent to
good mobility, toughness and a good arm. He ran for 26 yards, threw for 167 and had 9
tackles and an interception. I'm sure that Brian had a good night's rest afterward, I
don't remember him coming of the field at anytime. He went three ways (offense, defense
and special teams). His primary target jr. WR Charlie Evans (6-1 195) caught 4
balls for 104 yards. Once he made a diving catch, in which he caught the ball with his
fingers and then took a hard pop and jumped right back up. This kid has good hands gotta
keep an eye on him. In the second half, the Prep went to work with their second unit and
RB Johnny Shaw was very good as he scored two TDs and accumulated 75 yards on only
7 carries.
Sidenotes- Plenty of players for the Prep; running down that sideline
is like running through a wall. I liked the performance of the North Catholic Marching
Band. Speedy Morris sighting in the stands. (Is it me or Speedy always seems to
have a little entourage with him?) As I came into the stadium, I went to the concession
stand and with the warm weather, a female member of the North Catholic family said "I
need to break out the pickle juice for this one." She wasn't lying.
OCT. 4
NON-LEAGUE
Germantown 30, Abraham Lincoln 0
Competitiveness,
is what I love about high school sports and this one was a game that had all sorts of
competitive subplots. Division A vs. B (perennially the top two Divisions in the
"Pub"). Lincoln and G-Town are rival schools in everything from archery to
Ping-Pong. (Just kidding) Mount Airy/G-town
and the Northeast; neighborhoods with the best property value in the city. And
football… This one begun with a thud, neither team moving the ball effectively and
converting on opportunities, until G-Town senior tailback, Taurean
Fillmore (5-9 175) broke a long 41 yard touchdown run that got the
G-Town Gang going early second quarter. Filmore also returned kicks and played some mean
defense. After an impressive Lincoln drive took up plenty of second quarter time, the
Railsplitters faced with fourth down on the Bears' twenty-yard line. Lincoln's quarterback
Brahim Bilal
(6-0 170) is intercepted by G-Town's jr. LB/FB Omar McDonnaugh who returned the pick 82 yards for
the touchdown shortly before the first half concluded. In the second half, G-Town would
get a boost from sophomore, backup QB Brandon Cuff
(5-9, 165) and jr. tailback Marcus Walton (5-6
150). Cuff would find junior SE Christen Johnson
for a 25-yard touchdown play and Walton carried 10 times for 116 yards including a 1-yard
touchdown run. The offensive line was anchored by senior Dorian Brewer (6-4 375) and Paul "PJ" Johnson (5-11 280) did a good
job of protecting the quarterbacks and creating holes from the second quarter on. (Big
guys got started a little slow.) McDonnaugh and fellow linebacker, senior Dave Roberson had 14 and 8 tackles respectively.
Roberson, also, added an interception. Lincoln, which, has only five seniors on their roster looked good at times.
You can see the potential to be a good team there. Bilal is very elusive and is a very
good athlete. He also played a good defensive back and grabbed an interception. I would
advise many schools at various collegiate levels (IAA, II, and III) to come and give a
look. He definitely has potential. The same can be said of (5-9 230) sophomore fullback Charles Whittington he has the making of a "beast." He
was running through Bears like they were made of paper until a Filmore hit in the late
stages of the first quarter slowed down the kid. He is gonna be tough if he works hard in
the classroom, tape room, weight room (they sure are a lot of rooms) and on the field. He
played some defensive line and garnered 5 tackles and rushed 5 times for 25 yards. Also,
showing potential was Joe Digrazio (6-0
180) another Lincoln sophomore who registered 9 tackles and showed good hands while
running, blocking and tackling. He could be good. Jr. tailback Bernard Franklin
also had some good moments. But today wasn't their day for victory.
Sidenotes
-- G-Town is loaded with seniors, none more impressive than WR Akil Stokes, he is said to be qualified for
freshman eligibility has great hands, breakaway speed and runs precise patterns. He caught
a two-point conversion from senior Ryan Graves.
It is early but I really want to advise many schools to give him a look. Remember it
was the TedSilary.com reporters, (Ted, Amar and myself) were adamant last year advising
people to check out Omar Sanders from 'Brook, and many schools waited
until it was too late. I had the same gut feeling about Stokes that I had when I first saw
Sanders. And that feeling was that he is a Division IA prospect. At one juncture, Dorian Brewer was whistled
for a false start. A G-Town loyalist said to the trainer - "It is real hard to stop
400 lbs. going forward." I was rolling in the mud. The G-Town cheerleaders ran about
10 laps before the game. Where they having cross-country tryouts?
SEPT. 21
NON-LEAGUE
Gratz 22, West Phila. 3
Thank Lord, the Public League football season is
finally under way. I mean why did the season start so late? Well better late than never.
In this one, Simon Gratz established themselves early. After a misplayed kickoff return by
West Philly, the Bulldogs began to show their tough running game. (They don't throw the
ball.) An excellent triumvirate of running backs took over. Tyree Watson (6-1 175),
Vondell Parson (5-9 165) and Voncel Harrigan (5-10 205) took over. Harrigan
had some man against boys moves. Once while lead blocking for Watson, he drilled a
Speedboy linebacker into the ground, and then got up in time to knock down a cornerback as
well. Astounding!! He had two 1 yard touchdown runs that punctuated Bulldog drives. On the
conversion runs, Watson showed great around the corner speed. But on two plays in the
second half, he showed some awesome ability. On a 42 yard touchdown run, he made an ultra
sharp cutback and outsprinted the entire Speedboy family while taking it to the house.
Parson had made elusive runs that sometimes were overshadowed by his fellow backfield
mates. For the Bulldog defense, Robert "Bean-O" Spivey (6'1 190)
had 16 tackles, 11 solo. Spivey is one of the hardest hitters around. He once chased down
West Philly's promising (although he struggled in this one) quarterback, Jalil Harris, and
delivered a pop so hard it sounded like a small car crash. Division IA &IAA schools
come give him a look. That goes the same for Watson and Harrigan. Watson had 12 carries
for 145 yards and had a 62 yard run called back for holding. He also added 6 stops on
defense and broke up two pass plays. Harrigan added 11 carries for 71 and Parson made an
impression with 11-86. West Philly received an okay two-way effort from Elwood
Braswell, who ran 10 times for 41 yards and had 6 tackles. They were without top
running back Gerald Dove, who sat this one out with an injury sustained in
the Germantown scrimmage. They have lost a lost of senior skill players. Their lines
return talent however, but Gratz just had their way with them. Frankford is up next for
the Bulldogs.
Sidenotes - On Gratz' bench is the largest human being I've ever seen in
person. Just kidding , but he is huge 6-4 420 (I'm guessing 475) Edward Campbell,
he even had two plays on the offensive line. Watson's cousin is Curtis
"Boonah" Brinkley. Spivey doesn't play offense this year, last year he
helped give Gratz a middle of the field passing threat as a tight end. Gratz didn't throw
the ball.
SEPT. 14
NON-LEAGUE
Mainland (N.J.) 40, Penn Charter 13
What a way to get the season started with an interstate matchup
between Penn Charter and Mainland, New Jersey. As the score indicates Mainland won big,
but the subplots make for a good story. Penn Charter Quarterback Matt Ryan (Bound
for Boston College) looked sharp in the first half. Ryan lead the Quakers on a ten-play
opening drive that culminated in Paul Sweeney's 14 yard touchdown run. Mainland
answered with a touchdown behind the running of gigantic fullback Brandon Hargrose.
Ryan led the Quakers back on the field and took off on an impressive 53-yard touchdown run
that was called back because of a holding penalty. The next play from scrimmage, Ryan hit
stud junior wide receiver, Sean Singletary, for a 51 yard touchdown strike.
Singletary, who is a promising basketball prospect, is just as promising as a football
player. He can make tough catches, make a defender miss and is a major league athlete. He
also had 7 stops on defense from his cornerback position. But after a missed Quaker extra
point and another Mainland score. The Quakers were in deep trouble, the Quakers are a
bare-bones crew with only 30 players. They lack depth, most of their top players play both
ways. Mainland carried about 65 players, and had plenty of rotational depth. So the rest
of the way it was all Mainland. The Quakers still pieced together some highlights. Senior
DT Mike Boles blocked a field goal in the second quarter and sophomore DB Ryan
Nanni had 9 tackles. But despite the considerable talents of Ryan (who showed good
mobility and toughness) and Singletary, this one was one-sided. Ryan finished 6-19 after
starting off 6-9 he threw for 103 yards and was intercepted once. He had good scrambles of
20, 16 and 26 yards.
Sidenotes: I already have a nominee for teammate of the year. Tony
McDevitt, the Quakers' star running back, sat this one out with a sprained ankle. In
the fourth quarter a Mainland defender took a cheap shot on Ryan, McDevitt got into the
middle of the field and in the kid's face. The kid backed down. He also had plenty of
encouragement and motivation for his teammates on the sideline.... Mainland traveled with
a full marching band with color guard, they were fantastic... Zack Zeglinski, a
multi-purpose back for PC, went out with an injury in the 1st quarter and did not return.