NOV. 24
THANKSGIVING RIVALRY
Germantown 22, King 16
  What a fitting end to an entertaining season. Germantown regained the bragging rights in this 29-year rivalry, but it was by no means a cakewalk. The Bears got on top first with quarterback Andre Fisher taking a one yard plunge into the end zone, early 1st quarter, add a Rashad "Reds" Williams extra point and the score is 7-0. Early second quarter that lead would be extended to 9-0 with a safety when senior Antwain Brown-Barnes and junior Kalif Jones combined to   sack King quarterback Marquis Clark in the end zone. At the the half the score is 9-0 Germantown. King's answer would come in the third stanza. After threatening late in the second, the Cougars started to use an option attack with super speedy halfback Kendell Coleman (16-120) taking a starring role. The diminutive Coleman (5'5 135) would take an outside run 13 yards to paydirt. Add a conversion run from Jeff Davis and the score is 9-8. Coleman is lightning fast, once he adds some weight he could be special. After a series of defensive stands by both sides an interception of Clark by "Reds" would set up a key Germantown possession. Germantown went to senior tailback Akeem Johnson on second down and he went 39 yards for a touchdown. On the day, Johnson carried 13 times for 88 yards and capped off his school record rushing season by providing some breathing room for the Bears. Then following a fumbled kickoff (recovery by Kasib Parham) , Fisher goes airborne to Erik Frazier (2 catches for 81 yards) for a 31 yard touchdown. Frazier, like I've said before, is one helluva of a   receiver. Pretty much that was the story of this one, King would add a late score. The Cougars received a mansized effort from defensive lineman Alex Ringgold, who registered 8 tackles and a pass block. Also sophomore Donta Clanton played well, producing 7 tackles of his own. Clark as usual had a few loud hits on defense. Germantown's defense was led by linebacker Eric "Let's Get The Party Started" Jenkins, who had 8 tackles. Jenkins was aided by junior linebacker Eric "Neckbone" Williams (6 tackles).
  Sidenotes- Once when Germantown announcer Stephanie Singletary named all of the stadium volunteers and volunteer assistant coaches who help Coach Hawkins with the stadium, a commentator said they have more volunteers than they have players... King and Germantown both put on excellent halftime shows....The crowd was amazing. The place was packed, to say the least.

NOV. 10
NON-LEAGUE
Central 33, Comm. Tech 12
   Not much to report on, troops. Central rested star junior QB John Kennedy for the entire game and the Lancers only played their regulars for a couple of offensive series. The top Lancer today was junior Daniel Barrett. Barrett rushed seven times for 108 yards. He started the second half with an impressive 60 yard touchdown scamper. That made the score 26-0. On the defensive end, Barrett had 3 tackles and a fumble recovery. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Yeiter, subbing for Kennedy, threw a nice 40-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Jay Kaufmann. Kaufmann added an interception. The Phoenix, who will join the Pub next year, were led by junior quarterback Isaac Chesseboro (two short touchdown runs). Cheeseboro is still raw but at  6'4 he has some potential. Also, junior tailback Bengali Donzo played well.
   Sidenotes- My favorite "chain gang" operator, Greg Wright, suited up for Central but did not play. He is a junior so he has an entire year for that . . . Central manager Mia Settles, who routinely catches extra points, actually dropped a couple in this one. Next time compensate for the wind . . . Dr. Pavel was present again and again he was smoking that awful pipe . . . A lot of the Central seniors -- Greg Riley, Darrell Ray, James Tyree, Ismael Tuebens, especially -- were VERY supportive of the younger Lancers when they got a chance to play.

NOV. 5
PUBLIC LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL
Northeast 21, Gratz 2
   Northeast pretty much dominated the line of scrimmage from start to finish and won this one pretty much comfortably. Senior Lamone Fox, arguably the Public League player of the year, was in excellent form all game long. Fox, a RB-LB, was a two-way warrior. He carried 26 times for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns. That is not the entire story as the well-rounded Fox went to work on defense with a key interception and three tackles. His primary supporter on defense was fellow senior and Co-Captain Seth Shapiro. Shapiro, a linebacker who plays with good instincts and overall aggressiveness, had 5 tackles and a key fumble recovery. The next best Viking was senior kicker/punter Chris Mountney, who has a helluva leg. All three of his extra points probably would have been good from 35-40 yards. That being said, he probably is just as good a punter as he is a place-kicker. Promising senior defensive end Jesse Joseph, who goes about 6’4 200, busied himself with 5 tackles. Overall I loved the Vikings because they do not beat themselves: they commit few penalties and had very few missed assignments. Despite several key injuries Northeast is a formidable ball club.  The Gratz offense on the other hand was able to move the ball at times, with running back Donald "Shug" King (20 carries for 81) but they could not score a touchdown. Junior quarterback Jerrick Jenkins throws a beautiful ball, but far to often his receivers could not catch it. Once however, late in the game, he did connect on a deep pass to Derrick Davis, that was the play of the game. Gratz only scored when an errant snap sailed far over the head of Mountney and out the back of the end zone. Senior linebacker Bryant Jackson was only the Bulldog who could consistently tackle Fox. The underrated linebacker had 9 tackles. Speedy DE Randy Newton had 5 tackles.
   Sidenotes- This game had an awful sun glare throughout the first half…Northeast's Sean Evans, Jordan Strickland and Yaroslav Mukha all missed the game with injuries. I strongly hope that they all recover quickly. They all were supportive of their teammates... Okay fans, we have two electric playoff matchups -- Northeast-Washington and G-Town-Frankford.

NOV. 4
PUBLIC LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL
Frankford 16, Overbrook 14
   Hold your horses, all you prognosticators. I told everyone who could hear that Overbrook was getting better every week and I fully expected a classic epic in this one between Frankford (the marquee Public League program since pigs had skin) and Overbrook (a school that has made the PL playoffs in only the last two years of its 78-year football existence.) Phase I: after a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers take to the air and smooth lefty quarterback Sylvester Broxton hits streaking running back Richard Cooper for a 25-yard touchdown and lo and behold fans, the Public Blue champs deliver the Public Red champs a jolt. The Pioneers stop the conversion run and respond with a thunderous 62-yard touchdown run by ultra impressive junior halfback Calvin Spires. With the extra point, Frankford takes a one-point lead. Late second quarter, the Panthers mismanaged the clock situation (two delay of game penalties) and squandered a golden opportunity to  score before the half. After the intermission, the Pioneers get a key (ultimately deciding) play from small lineman Christopher "Stumpy" Britton, who breaks through the line and dumps Cooper for a safety. Then Spires added another touchdown, a 26 yarder, and the Pioneers were seemingly in command. No way, Jose. On the ensuing drive, Broxton uses all of his weapons, big tight end Naftalie "Talie/Da Glue Man" Ellis for a big gainer up the middle, then twice to impressive senior end Courtney "Moss" Munroe, which set up Cooper to haul in a 32-yard strike to make the score 16-12, then Hassan Denmark added the conversion run for a 16-14 score. Fourth quarter and Frankford turns up the pressure on Broxton; in fact their pass defense shows resolve and  holds tough. Frankford on offense, though, coughs up the ball and the recovery by senior Oluwaseun Afuwape (8 tackles including one sack) gives the Panthers a chance with the ball on the Frankford 27 late in the game. Excellent defense by linebackers Damon Brockington (2 sacks, 8 tackles) and Eric Hairston (8 tackles, 6 seniors) was played throughout but as the Pioneers held on Brandon Norris played well on defense. Norris had a key tipped ball and a huge third down tackle that forced the ball back to the Pioneers. Norris then picked up a key first down late. The Panthers still have a ray of hope until a crucial third and one play when they encroach on a snap  (folks on the "Hill" will contend for an eternity that  the Frankford center flinched, who knows. ) That ended this legendary battle of Pub powerhouse and rising Pub powerhouse.
   Sidenotes- Frankford has some major prospects, quarterback Ryan Hardy, Hairston, Norris, Spires and Brockington all  have  major possibilities….. Rahim Frazier was a beast for Overbrook. He had 10 tackles and has gotten better every game that I’ve seen…….Classy Frankford Coach Mike Capriotti made sure that his Pioneers were more than respectful in the handshake line, he said loud enough for all to hear, "No talk. Shake their hands. They deserve it…" Overbrook offensive line coach Will Nesmith was heartbroken, "My birthday was yesterday. This was all I wanted"…. All of the Overbrook volunteer assistants and the Frankford volunteers as well should get a stipend….The dynamic is changing in the Public League, and no division champ should  be an eighth seed… You have to love the Public League playoffs. This year it just seems that anybody can beat anybody!!!!!

OCT. 28
PUBLIC WHITE
Gratz 19, Central 13
   On your mark, get set, go . . . That was the name of the game in this one. Neither team took much time in the huddle and this game had an energetic pace to it. Gratz was able to win the Public League White Division in impressive fashion in large part because of solid all-around effort. Offensively, workhorse back Donald "Shug" King ran time and time again for 118 yards on 25 carries. What you have to like about King is that he attacks the defenders by lowering his shoulder and driving through tackles. Gratz has always been good on the ground but today their passing game was electric. Talented junior quarterback Jerrick Jenkins throws tight spiral after tight spiral and two of those tight spirals resulted in 2nd quarter touchdowns . (One to Derrick Davis and the other to Gourdie Corbin). On the day, Jenkins was 9-20 for 150 yards. Central was led by fullback William Thomas and quarterback John Kennedy. Thomas rushed 21 times for 104 yards, however, Kennedy scored both  Central touchdowns. The final Central score with 2:12 seconds remaining, that  pulled the Lancers within six,19-13, was important. The Bulldogs did not run out the clock because with the playoff scenario that if Martin Luther King defeated John Bartram, even with a Bulldog victory over the Lancers, point differential would become the next tiebreaker after the Lancers stalled a Bulldog drive, Central has a chance to win again late, the Lancers get as far as the Bulldog 34 yard line but two huge defensive plays, one a twelve yard sack of Kennedy by speedy defensive end Randy Newton, turned possession back over to the  Bulldogs with a little over a minute remaining. The Bulldogs were able to drive to the Lancers twenty with 0:03 seconds remaining. The final play a screen to Davis went for only six yards and the game is over. The disappointed faces of the Bulldogs were evident until word came to Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium that King was upset by  Bartram. That news meant that the Bulldogs were the Public White division champions and the Lancers would have to settle for second place. For Gratz there were multiple heroes: King, Jenkins, Newton (7 tackles, 2 sacks), Davis, Corbin, Damean Antrom, Rasshid Moore, Steffon Munroe and Bryant Jackson were the most prominent.
   Sidenotes- Gratz’s cheerleaders and drill team had a loud chant to tell Central after the game, "Call the radio station!" I guess that there was trash talk before the game. Finally what more could be said about this year in the Pub than the word parity. And people must remember that word in the playoffs - parity.

OCT. 22
PUBLIC AAA
Imhotep 19, Penn 6
   Have you ever seen a football game in which three blocked punts resulted in three touchdowns? Well, that is exactly what happened in this one. Imhotep dominated this one and the score in no way reflects the WIDE gap in talent, coaching and preparation between these two programs. Imhotep received a man-sized effort from their defense. Big senior DE Terron Oates (6'4 240)  was a beast in this rainy, windy game. Oates opened the scoring with a big-time punt block and recovery, then he nimbly ran 16 yards for the score. The Panthers went to work again and scored when talented junior tailback Gerald Bowman (5'10 175) ran a touchdown in from 5 yards out.  After a mostly drab second quarter and most of third quarter, Penn did get on the board when sophomore lineman Hakim Brown (5'10 175) made a big punt block and rumbled 4 yards to the end-zone. The Panthers would close out the scoring with another Oates punt block and recovery for a score. The Panthers have a plethora of young athletes and in the near future figure to be a major Pub factor. Sophomore Quarterback Clinton Sharpe-Granger (6'2 215) has a rocket arm and despite an off day promises to have a bright future. Senior middle linebacker Daniel Richardson (5'11 200)  was a force in the middle of the Penn offensive backfield. While senior defensive tackle Deeian Moore had some hard hits as well.  As for William Penn, I do not know if I can bear to watch it anymore, I guess they have four plays in the playbook (with punt being one of the options.) I have nothing but respect for the players but maybe varsity was not a good idea. Penn linemen Jason Simpkins and James Capers played well at times in a physical fashion, but overall the Penn lines got whupped -- badly.
  Sidenotes- What a great win for Imhotep on homecoming...... Before this game I watched some action from a middle school game, one of the coaches was Brent Johnstone, brother of NFLer Lance Johnstone.

OCT. 21
PUBLIC RED
Germantown 39, Dobbins 13
   What an interesting matchup this one was and in all likelihood we may see this matchup again in two weeks. After, a scoreless first quarter, Germantown took control first when superstar tailback Akeem Johnson darted 18 yards for a score. The play was set up by a beautiful 36 yard pass play from Quarterback Andre Fisher and an even more stunning catch by wide receiver Erik Frazier. Dobbins' answer would come immediately as star running back Terrance Sample rumbled 40 yards for the tying score. Then with Fisher, on the bench momentarily with an injury, an ill-advised Germantown pass is picked off by junior defensive back Darrell Brown and returned 69 yards for a Mustang score. Brown made a couple of highlight reel cuts and shakes in taking this one to the house. At the half, Dobbins is on top, 13-7, and with the way their defense is playing appears to be in good shape. Not for long. Johnson's first carry of the second half  was a 60 yard touchdown burst. On Akeem's next carry, a 26 yard touchdown. Number 1 would add two more fourth quarter touchdowns and concluded a memorable night with a school record 247 yards on 27 carries. His offense line led by big Omar Zachary, number 78, who goes 6'3, 331, was tremendous in the second half. Zachary, in particular, seemed to "stand-up" his defender on each play of the second half. The Dobbins defensive line had two strange halves, the first half they looked like world-beaters, the second half they got slaughtered. (I know that coach Doug Macauley will probably "let them have it" in practice.) Germantown's defensive star was senior DT Malik Hayes (6'2 235) who registered a key punt block, a fumble recovery and third down tackle on successive series. Junior linebacker Eric Williams led the defense with 5 tackles. Dobbins was led by impressive sophomore Paul Bennet who had his hand in 7 tackles.
   Sidenotes- If these two teams meet again, it could be interesting, former Dobbins star Rashad "Reds" Williams might be suiting up for Germantown; also injured tailback Reginald Lloyd may return as well...Dobbins has some serious athletes, senior receiver Michael Harris made a couple of good catches (4 -45) and has nice speed and junior quarterback Wesley Brown has nice size and a strong arm.

OCT. 21
PUBLIC BLUE
Olney 38, Southern 12
   Hello winning season for Olney football !!!!!!!! For a long time now, Olney football has been synomous with Public League futility but in this one they turned the tables and now they are a pretty good team. Olney was led by a two-headed running attack as senior Alando Brown (5'10 160) and sophomore Jerrel Toomer (5'10 150) went to work on Southern High school. Brown was electric early with two scoring runs, first a 10 yarder and then he smoked Southern for a 59 yard score. On both scores he added conversion runs. On Brown's 59 yarder, tackle Mike Payne (5'9 305) made a great downfield block. Late second quarter, Olney (yes it is really true, pinch yourselves) executed a beautiful one-minute drill, and found paydirt when steady Quarterback Giovanni Romero arched a perfect pass to sure-handed receiver George Nixon for a 25 yard score. At the half, Olney was on top, 24-6. After impressive sophomore fullback Tyrell Cooper ran 55 yards for a score, Oleny responded immediately with Toomer making a highlight reel 49 yard run to the one yard line. (Toomer broke about six tackles on the play.) Romero snuck in from the one. Toomer would find the end zone on a 34 yard run to finish the scoring. On the day, Toomer had 14 carries for 179 yards and a touchdown. Brown had 7 carries for 95 yards and scored two touchdowns and three conversion plays. (18 points on the day for Brown.) Olney may not be making the playoffs but their program is headed in the right direction. Payne was a man on the lines along with two way lineman Montel Hayes and center-punter Gerardo Zuviri did a great job of opening holes for the backs. Senior fullback-linebacker Isaiah Mills again was impressive, he had some mean blocks and 5 tackles, he is sculpted at 6'2 250.  For Southern two way lineman, Anthony Bouie was solid and recorded 7 tackles.
  Sidenotes- Legendary head ref Tom McClain was on hand, and when a player made  a gesture during a huddle that he was going to a make an illegal move, McClain could be heard yelling, "If you do that son, I'll throw your _____ out of here." . . . Will Olney get a Turkey Bowl game?

OCT. 14
PUBLIC WHITE
Central 21, West Phila. 0
   This one was over quickly. I mean a 35 minute first half. The clock at West Philadelphia’s field was not working and the referees kept time on the field, so you can surmise why the first half was over so easily. Central did get on the board in the latter stages of  1st quarter with a one yard score from heady jr. quarterback John Kennedy. A two-point run by Michael Lloyd made it 8-0. After a scoreless second quarter, Central capitalized on a botched snap on a punt when Josh Manning fell on top of a fumble in the end zone to make the game, 15-0. (Central kicker Josh Fleishman nearly hit a parked car across the street with the extra point). Central’s final score was Kennedy again with a one yard run. Manning led the Central defense with 8 tackles he was assisted by fellow linebacker Will Martin who had 7 tackles. On offense senior running back Will Thomas was a monster he ran for 112 yards on 14 carries. West Philly is struggling on offense and has not scored in the last four weeks. Junior quarterback Brandon Johnson is obviously very talented, but he often dances with the ball instead of making the decision to run or throw the ball. Obviously, the West Philly coaches are trying to break him out of this horrible habit. Defensive back Jamal Washington stood out on defense with 6 tackles.
   Sidenotes- The Central mangers are hilarious, they could be a comedy team. Their names are Mia Settles, Chelsea Cephas, Faith Harris, Alisah Conway, Raisjah Fletcher, Thaon Sylvester and Niara Snipe….. Central President Dr. Pavel was smoking this horrible pipe during the game. Leave that at home, man, you gonna make me sick with that thing.

OCT. 7
PUBLIC BLUE
Overbrook 43, Olney 0
   Rain, rain go away. This game was pretty much a case of the Public Blues, the crowd support (esp.) for Olney was minimal and the game was a romp. The Panthers of Overbrook seem to be hitting their stride, they have a bunch of kids who can run the ball and with two big match-ups in the near future against University City and Abraham Lincoln, they sure picked the right time to get it going. One thing stood out from the onset of this match-up, the Panthers have some fast tailbacks - sophomore Darius Johnson (7-84)  and junior Ubong Ikpe (7-80) . They both had nice rushing performances. When you talk about ‘Brook, you must mention two way end, Naftalie "Da Glue Man" Ellis (6‘5 260). As usual, he made a difficult catch and as usual he had a couple of "man against boys" plays. Once he tackled a runner and blocker at the same time. Ikpe was the first to get the Panthers on the board, he did so in the early second quarter on a 34 yard scamper. Overbrook scored again shortly thereafter, when smooth lefty quarterback, Sylvester Broxton hit impressive senior end Courtney Munroe (6’2 210) for a 35 yard scoring connection. The second half was all Overbrook as they turned this into rout. Eikeem Barron, a senior linebacker again did some "rockin", he had 7 total tackles. And I loved the two way effort of number 61, Andrew Jrateh and the hard hitting of number 50  Olney had their moments, tailbacks, Jerrel Toomer (5’10 150)  and Alando Brown (5’9 160) both  had decent rushing games. Toomer, a sophomore, led the Trojans with 55 yards on 7 carries. Brown added 45 yards, he also had a memorable open field hard tackle on a special teams play. Senior middle linebacker Isaiah Mills (6’2 250) had 7 tackles. Mills is a stud. Sophomore cornerback Mike Reyes added 5 tackles.
   Sidenotes- I was hugely disappointed in the fan support. Overbrook had a decent-to-good turnout, Olney’s turnout was borderline non-existent. Maybe fifteen people in the stands. ‘Brook had roughly in the range of  350-400 spectators. Hopefully that will improve.

SEPT. 30
PUBLIC RED
Germantown 64, Mastbaum 28
   What a great night for football!!!!! A wonderful ceremony to dedicate the refurbished Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium, and I really enjoyed seeing all those politicians and community people who worked hard on this project come out and show support. Also, the Eagles' Mike Patterson and others were on hand. After the lengthy ceremony, the game began and at times the Bears seemed to frolic.  The opening kickoff was key as junior Aaron Nelson (5’9 150) took it and ran 69 yards to spot the Bears a 6-0 lead. Furthermore, the Bears received another solid rushing effort from guess who? Of course we mean sr. Akeem Johnson, who carried 13 times for 184 yards. Johnson unleashed scoring runs from 22, 35, 10 and 38 yards out. On one run, he excited the crowd of approximately 3,000 with a full-blast, on-the-run, "Westbrooklike" spin move that left a Mastbaum defender with that broken-ankles look that happens when a player is crossed-over in basketball. Johnson reminds me a little of Jerry Butler, not the singer, the kid that played at George Washington. Another star was senior wide-receiver Erik Frazier (5’9 190) who caught two balls for sixty yards. Both catches were HIGHLY difficult as he had to make serious adjustments on both. Frazier is blessed with great hands, all of his catches have been all-hands. Frazier also uncorked two bone-crushing hits in the first quarter from his defensive back position. Both hits could be heard deep in Montgomery County. Germantown’s Eric Jenkins (5’11 190), a linebacker, was impressive on defense with 8 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Jenkins also had some loud tackles. Mastbaum, which trailed at the end of the first quarter, 26-0, was able to get some points. Senior wide receiver Maurice Sullivan (6’0 175) looked like the real deal all night. Sullivan made a couple highlight-reel catches en route to 8-170 numbers. He hauled in an impressive 56-yard touchdown pass from valiant Quarterback Chris Bennett (6’0 165). Sullivan also had a 13-yard TD reception. Sophomore halfback Hason Franklin has potential as well.
   Sidenotes- The School District made a very nice gesture in sharing the field dedication with the family of Benjamin Johnston . . . State Rep. Dwight Evans actually seemed proud to have attended G-Town; school spirit does exist in him . . . Excellent performance by the G-Town band and cheerleaders at halftime . . . Mastbaum had a very talented cheerleading team also . . . Sullivan and lineman James Dowden stood out prominently for Mastbaum. They deserve some college attention . . . Mike Patterson is not 5'11, no way in the world. I'm 5'8 and he is only about an inch and a half taller than I am. Goes to show that despite being just that height, he was a first-round pick.

SEPT. 24
NON-LEAGUE
Germantown 42, Bartram 26
   Well, I really needed to see some good football and I got my fair share in this one. What a game! This afternoon tilt started off as a Bartram Braves' party. Talented junior tailback John "Fudgie" Pratt (5'9 165) got the Braves on the board early. Pratt's 6-yard run, plus his booming extra point kick, got the Braves on track to the tune of a 7-0 lead. The Braves defense was tough early on; tackle Brandon Woody, a junior (6'4 250), had some serious first quarter tackles and also some plays when he just blew up the blocking schemes of G-Town. Woody and Pratt are two of the Pub's better juniors and I envision some I-AA and I-A looks for both in the years to come. Then in the early stages of the second stanza, Bartram's talented two-way end Bradley Davis (5'11 190)  scored on a 63-yard touchdown pass from senior QB Andre Goddard. Pratt boomed another extra-point all the way outside the stadium. Halftime, and then on the opening kickoff Bartram's ultra quick speed back Michael Alexander takes the kick-off 87 yards for a score. 20-0 Bartram. Germantown would finally respond; senior tailback Akeem Johnson (5'6 160)  had yet another big game and he got the Bears on the board with a 19 yard touchdown run. After a defensive stand forced Bartram to punt from the end zone, a terrible snap resulted in a touchdown for Malik Hayes as he recovered the ball in the end zone. Bartram would recover from the botched snap and proved that they the have the requisite "fight" to make some noise in the Public League White Division. Early, fourth quarter impressive fullback Kevin Pace (5'11 190) scores on a 13 yard run. Germantown would answer on the next possession when junior fullback Tyree Clemons burst up the middle for a 59 yard touchdown run. After Germantown senior Erik Frazier (yes that Erik Frazier; formerly of Judge and last week of West Catholic) caught a conversion pass from junior quarterback Khalid Purnell (6'0 200), the score is 26-22, Bartram. 10:50 remaining in this contest. (Can you tell I was happy to watch a good game???!!!) The Bears defense uncorked some serious hits on the next Bartram possession, which led to a Brave punt that set up the "big" play of the day. On a 2nd and 9 from the Bartram 24, Purnell finds Frazier in the end zone for the go ahead score. Frazier is the real deal; he had two receptions and both were impressive. He also had a nice interception. This kid should be getting some major I-AA and I-A attention, he has unbelieveable hands. Germantown would add two more scores. Johnson, who is one solid tailback, ran for 17 yard touchdown to cap off his 27 carries for 163 yard performance. If you like watching smallish runningbacks with speed who love to make big runs you would have loved to have seen Johnson and Pratt (15 carries for 87 yards) in this duel. What a game!!!!!!!!
   Sidenotes- Nice fan turnout. If I'd had time, I would have hung around to watch the King of Prussia Indians 65 pound team take on the Ivy Hill Saints 65 pound team . . . The sound system in this place is AWESOME, and Stephanie Singletary, the PA announcer, did an excellent job of playing good music that helped the game's atmosphere.........Both Bartram and Germantown have a long way to go but I have a feeling we will hear a lot from both teams this year.

SEPT. 23
NON-LEAGUE
Overbrook 56, Penn 6
   This one was ugly. William Penn should be forced to play a half-varsity, half junior varsity schedule this year. I just do not think that they have enough "varsity" caliber players. Anyway, Overbrook was led by their seniors; Quarterback Sylvester Broxton (6'1 180)  tossed 3 touchdown passes. RB-LB Richard Cooper (5'10 180)  was also impressive, 4 carries for 80 yards, 2 touchdown runs and two conversion runs. Eikeem Barron had 7 tackles. But the most impressive player was 6'5 260 TE Naftalie Ellis who two touchdown grabs. Ellis had two one-hand catches. He is a VERY intriguing prospect. The same can be said of 6'4 230 defensive end Robert Sheed. Sheed recorded a safety with wicked sack in the end zone, and he also had a beautiful interception. As for Penn, sophomore quarterback David Allen has a lot of potential. He hit promising 6'5 212 two-way end Jason Simpkins with a short pass and Simpkins rumbled 86 yards for the touchdown. Simpkins has a wonderful build and a high upside. Senior linebacker Braheem Clanton (5'10 190)  did some rockin'. Clanton had 9 tackles. Add receiver Ryheiem Magobet and James Capers with the aforementioned and you have the varsity caliber players in the program. Honestly, somebody could get hurt.
   Sidenotes: Ellis is nicknamed the Glue, because of the sticky catches he makes.

SEPT. 15
NON-LEAGUE
Dobbins 14, King 0
   Pass the coffee and the no-doze tablets, make sure the coffee is not decaf and make that  Extra-Strength no doze. This game was a clunker. Dobbins has talent but in the first half they were letting King  hang with them and this is not a vintage King team. Dobbins finally scored on a pass play with only 17 seconds remaining in the first half and in the second half, despite controlling the ball for what seemed like forever, they could only add one more score and a conversion run. Dobbins was led by an excellent all-round performance by senior RB-DB Terrance Sample (5’11 170). Sample snagged two interceptions, scored two touchdowns (one run, one pass), ran for a conversion and churned out 119 yards on 23 carries. Terrance sure had a busy day and I for one like his potential, especially as a defensive back. Other Mustangs made good impressions. QB Wesley Brown (5‘11 190), a junior, has nice possibilities. Another junior, Randall Wilson (6’4 240)  also has a very high upside. Senior fullback Paul Boldin (5’8 195)  played really well early before leaving the game with an injury.  The Cougars received a man-sized effort on defense from Jeff Davis (5’11 195) and Marquis Clark (6‘1 190) . Davis had some loud hits that could be heard all the way from Mount Airy to the Northeast. On a team that obviously lacks experience and depth, Davis and Clark are more than noble warriors. Clark struggled while playing quarterback, but like Davis had some ridiculously hard hits on defense.
   Sidenotes- Wacky weather day, a downpour twenty minutes before game time. Game time an annoyingly hot sun and humidity made this game feel like it was being played in a oven… King arrived with light-colored jerseys and had to change into purple jerseys right before the game. Kids basically just grabbed jerseys, so I had to painstakingly ask kids and coaches which players wore which numbers. Really makes for fun.

SEPT. 9
NON-LEAGUE
Olney 28, Penn 6
   This one was not horrible. Olney has a more-than-decent tailback in senior Alando Brown (5’9 165). Brown played very well in this one as he carried 8 times for 85 yards. The Olney offensive line, anchored by senior right tackle Michael Payne (5’9 305), totally dominated William Penn. Here goes the front five for the Trojans, RT- Payne, RG- Tometta Lowery, C- junior Gerrardo ZuViri, LG- Terrell Walker and LT-Montel Hayes. Those five did an excellent job all game long and allowed for Brown to score two touchdowns: one from 7 yards and another from 24 yards out. Quarterback Giovanni Romero added a pair of 3 yard touchdown runs on wedge plays. Linebacker Isaiah Mills ( 6’2 250) had 7 tackles.  For Penn, quarterback David Allen, a sophomore, has loads of potential. He does not have the strongest arm, but he sure has some wheels and for the most part made good decisions. Allen scored the Lions' first touchdown of the season on an 11-yard scamper. He had a few nice rollouts-turned-runs; his rushing numbers are deceiving because of two late sacks. Junior receiver Ryheim Magobet (6’1 170) showed well also, He has a nice build and caught the only pass thrown in his direction. Linebacker James Capers (6’0 250) had 13 tackles.
  Sidenotes- Not bad fan turnout and a nice performance by the Olney band. The entire Olney student support section -- managers, cheerleaders and players -- shook hands with the Penn team.

SEPT. 2
NON-LEAGUE
Germantown 30, Overbrook 8
   The first game at the newly renovated Benjamin L. Johnston Memorial Stadium started off with a bang. On the first possession of the game, Germantown senior quarterback Andre Fisher found tight end Antwain Brown-Barnes on a pass play, and the senior rumbled 70 yards for a touchdown. Germantown would not be done as impressive senior tailback Akeem Johnson (5’6 160)  had a big first half, with three touchdown runs. Johnson, on his second touchdown run; a seventeen yarder, dropped the toss from Fisher, scooped up the ball and juked by a couple of Panthers and then burst up the middle for the score. Outstanding!!!!! Johnson’s final score was a 56-yard burst which showed off his breakaway speed. While the line play needs improvement, G-Town has some serious speed in the backfield with Johnson and fellow senior Reginald Lloyd. Lloyd had a highly impressive 71-yard punt return touchdown called back. Johnson carried 11 times for 101 yards and Lloyd 9 times for 79 yards, so they have a potent one-two punch in the backfield that should attract its share of college recruiters. The much improved, Brown-Barnes (6’0 230) caught 3 balls from Fisher for a total of 173  yards including seventy and sixty-nine yard touchdown scores. Senior defensive back Kasib Parham (7 tackles)  and junior linebacker Eric "Neck" Williams  (5’11 190) did some early game hitting.  Germantown led at the half by the score of 30-0. Second half, Overbrook played better . . . albeit most of it was against the second string. The Panthers have talent and will improve over the course of the season, their horrific start in this one ended the game before it began. Big tight end, senior Naftalie Ellis (6’5 260),  had 3 catches for 44 yards. Ellis had one super highlight when he snagged a fastball from QB Sylvester Broxton (4-10 50 yards) with one hand. Also, Ellis must be the subject of a some gentle teasing from his teammates after catching another Broxton spiral. Ellis looked to advance the ball, but G-Town junior defensive back Aaron Nelson (5’9 145)  ripped it away and then rumbled 21 yards with the fumble. Nelson also had a highlight reel-worthy interception. The Panthers did score when versatile running back Richard Cooper scored on a two yard run. Cooper, Eikeem Barron and Hasan Denmark did most of the tackling and production for the Panthers; they need some more support.
  Sidenotes: What a beautiful site. Friday football nights in Mount Airy can be purely heavenly. A nice turnout was had and I suspect that some more community people will continue to come out and support football. You cannot find a better way to spend the early Friday evening.