Duck Tales, Football 2010

NOV. 25
HAPPY TURKEY DAY
Martin Luther King 15, Germantown 14 (OT)
This was an interesting day. Let’s focus on the football game, first and foremost. Germantown came in as a heavy favorite in the minds of many and the Bears took an 8-0 lead in the 2nd quarter, when Will Parks ran in a touchdown from 5 yards out. Ackeno Robertson was able to add the conversion run. The Cougars were able to tie it up in the 4th quarter when tailback J. Michael Wilson scampered in from eight yards out. King quarterback Curtis Witherspoon added a conversion run. The rest of the fourth quarter was played in the middle of the field as neither team was able to advance to close to the end zone. Overtime on Thanksgiving Day! Germantown got the ball first and scored on fourth down with a Jerrell Saunders touchdown run. Saunders' conversion pass to Myles Brooker sailed off of his shoulder pad. King took possession next and on second down, Witherspoon, took in a run from seven yards out. King decided to kick for the victory. Malik Paulk came into the game and nailed his kick through the uprights. King’s victory was their first since 2006. Witherspoon was tremendous. He snagged an end zone interception late in the second quarter and added six tackles from his safety position. In addition to defense, he lofted a majestic 42-yard pass play to Randy Siler, which set up the fourth quarter touchdown. Wilson carried 18 times for 88 yards. Aiding Witherspoon on defense was super active linebacker, Damon Hudgins, who registered 10 tackles. 6’5 defensive end Mark Ryles had his moments, including a pass deflection. Germantown’s defense was led by 6-4, 220-pound defensive end Alfredo Williams. Williams had 13 tackles and a fumble recovery. Williams is a very good player. He excels at making plays at the line of scrimmage and he is active making tackles all over the field. Junior lineman Kwame Miller (6’5 390) was able to force a fumble in very brief action on the field. Also shining were junior halfbacks Parks and Robertson. Parks carried 24 times for 78 yards and Robertson carried 14 times for 69 yards. After the game, there was a sizable yet brief scuffle between the two teams. Hopefully, everyone can move past that ugly moment. After all it was an exciting football game – nothing more, nothing less.
Sidenotes- As usual, the halftime shows were wonderful. The cheerleaders from both schools were terrific. Shannon Perlotto (King) and Jennifer Bashem (G-Town) deserve a hand. G-Town presented two young ladies as “Ms. Germantown,” which was a nice presentation as well. A nice raffle for deceased former Germantown volunteer coach Earl Morgan Sr. was held as well. Stephanie Tate-Yancey (announcer) and Steve Kupsov (clock operator) were superb as usual. Now let me tell you about another not so pleasant moment. As I entered today, I became engaged in a conversation with a coach who made it clear that he thinks that I’m a “yellow journalist” based on comments that I made about an earlier game. (“Yellow Journalism” implies that I am presenting only one side of a story). I replied in a harsh tone and used explicit language. I apologize for the curse words but I felt that he was trying to “quiet" me -- i.e. take away my confidence to speak my mind by criticizing me. I made it clear that I was not going to be quiet and many people wanted me to refrain from conversation. This was further heightened by the fact that if he had a problem with me, all he had to do was call me. I don’t have his number but I know that he was given my number. Instead, he waited until Thanksgiving to confront me. Other people became engaged in conversation with me and I said harsh things as well. The coach did not share his complete view of my “yellow journalism” with Ted Silary, and he saw Ted twice since the game in question. Ted reminded him that my email is right at the top of this page, and offered to provide my cell phone number. Recently my e-mail account has been flooded with complaints about the complimentary words I wrote when Northeast won the Public League Title. Let me make this clear to all of my detractors -- I’m open to your complaints and I’m open to your side of the story. All I want is “balance.” What I mean by balance is people using proper judgment in regards to children. Whether balance is refraining from over-recruiting high school prospects, or whether it is showing good judgment in regards to discipline and talent assessment, it should take prominence in the Public League. Also, “balance” means coaches can accept other coaches' opinions on the game of football. Balance can refer to promotion of your student athletes in a constructive manner as well. My goal is not to get into arguments about football on Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday). My e-mail is jdtrilogy@aol.com, and you are welcome to write me with your complaints. Also, you can write your view and present it on this site if Ted will let you; Guest Opinions have been posted through the years. Also, one thing I’m not thankful for is the PIAA. (I know some of you are saying here we go again) but all problems that currently exist were thriving well before the PIAA, but they've only mushroomed since the PIAA has entered the city. Some people feel that I’m on the warpath; not at all I am just trying to state the obvious. And guess what, I’m not perfect. Never claimed to be, nor do I expect others to be. But for the good of the kids let's figure out a good course to follow properly. (Balance is my suggestion). To everyone I wish you the best and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!

NOV. 13
PUBLIC AAAA FINAL
Northeast 13, Washington 6
Decisions and football. It is the game within the game. The score is tied at 6-6 with three minutes and seven seconds remaining in this contest, and the Vikings have the pigskin at the George Washington 5 yard line. Chris Riley called timeout and conferred with his coaches and players. 4th and 2. Will the Vikings go for a field goal (an earlier attempt was blocked) or try for the first down? Following the timeout, Northeast lined up to take the field goal. Junior placekicker Howard “Da Monster” Lynn adjusted the kicking block and then got set to kick; the ball was snapped to holder Lamont Davis and it's a fake! Davis took two or three steps as if he was running towards the sideline and then threw a strike to the Public League’s top player, Deion Barnes, who corralled the pass in the end zone for the go ahead score. Northeast went on top and as Coach Riley proclaimed afterwards- “Finished It.” The Vikings captured their first Public League title since 1983 and it was a wonderful scene on Cottman and Algon. It was not easy but a lot of credit must go to Riley and his staff. The Vikings struck first in the first half when Barnes was able to block a punt, that led to a short touchdown run. Towards the end of the first half, Northeast had possession and elected to take a knee. An obvious cheap shot occurred when a GW player hit Viking quarterback David Pulliam. On the opening kickoff, the same GW player was involved in a fracas and was ejected. Northeast showed composure besides that fracas and it was needed. They were two controversial plays in the third quarter, one was on a 4th and 11, where a GW player caught a pass and appeared to fumble the ball forward when short of the yard marker. The play was ruled valid and the Eagles were awarded a first down. George Washington showed their resolve and marched downfield for a touchdown on the drive when talented quarterback Tony Smith scored on a one-yard sneak. The Vikings had an inspired effort from Camille Max, who made several huge plays late in the game. After the go ahead score, Max was able to make a 4th down tackle on GW star halfback Hakeem Sillman and made two electric runs to secure a late first down. The final play was another kneel-down from Pulliam this epic, grind it out football game was over. Interestingly enough, Northeast has fallen several times in heartbreaking championship games to George Washington and Frankford over the last few years. Furthermore last season GW made it a point to yell “Who’s the Boss? “ to Northeast and actor/teacher Tony Danza after winning the title. So I was expecting Coach Riley and the Vikings to celebrate with some attitude. Not at all. Riley and his assistants said, “With Class,” and that is how they celebrated!
Sidenotes- In a perfect world, (correction) city, this Northeast team would be remembered for years and years to come as an example of a high school team with good classy coaching and a true high school superstar overcoming their young roster and winning a title with hard work and dedication. Sadly, in this current landscape many persons dislike teams that win/ ompete without backstabbing, rule-bending, coaches as pimps, recruit every kid with a pulse, public education undermining intents. Also disturbing, is the other end of the spectrum were people dislike teams like this because those "haters" do not take a vested interest in the betterment of their kids and show good judgment in their discipline and mentoring of young men. Northeast appears to show the proper balance that you want to see on the high school level and hopefully the triumph resonates to both sides of the spectrum before it explodes.. I take my Kangol hat off to them.

NOV. 5
NON-LEAGUE
Furness 32, Germantown 20
This was an interesting contest. The Falcons of Furness were able to emerge victorious and they are a solid well-coached football team. The Falcons’ line play must be commended. Nadim Harris, who plays center and on the defensive line is an absolute force and the same can be said of Sirea Boone, who likewise is a dominant player on the line of scrimmage. Boone had 11 tackles and a blocked punt early in the 3rd quarter that resulted in a touchdown for Kevin Hayes. Hayes had snagged a nice touchdown during the waning moments of the 2nd quarter. The other stars for Coach Anthony Pastore were senior quarterback-defensive back Maurice Harris, junior halfback Sharif Smith and senior linebacker Aaron Cooper. Harris was an absolute terror on both sides of the football. M. Harris ran for a touchdown, threw for a touchdown, ran for a conversion and threw for two more conversion, but that paled in comparison to the effort he put in on the defensive side of the ball -M. Harris had four interceptions!!!! What a solid football player. easily a 1-AA prospect as a defensive back. Smith, an extremely talented junior halfback was able to muster 131 yards on 25 carries. Smith is a fun back to watch play because he drags tacklers and is also able to contort himself through a thicket of bodies rather easily. Cooper is a talented linebacker who has a huge nose for the football. Coach Pastore and his competent coaching staff have done a wonderful job. For the Bears, junior running backs Will Parks and Ackeno Robertson were able to muster 100 yard rushing games. Parks who also stars at cornerback, rushed 14 times for 127, while Robertson added 114 on 19 carries. On defense, Aaron Boyd, Steve Waddell and Kwame Miller played well. A deeper point must be made, while Germantown is a young team and they make young mistakes, the coaching staff needs to take a long look in the mirror. Two prominent members of the staff have recently departed and they were not only solid coaches but advocates for kids in general. Professional jealousy in both their football acumen and respect in the local area appears to be the cause for their departure. The Philadelphia football community does not need to lose exceptional volunteer assistant coaches. Several members of the current Bear staff appear emasculated, disappointed and frustrated. To make that point more clear, an observer commented, “He must be ‘Gomer Pyle’ and they playing him instead of ‘G.I. Joe.' " Ouch!!!! Do not know reason the why, but man that was a funny comment. Anyway, I have been away for awhile but they were a couple of games, I attended and kept stats for. The Gratz-King and Imhotep-Delaware Valley were two extremely exciting football games. Gratz won that barnburner with a last second fumble return. DV beat Imhotep on a fumble recovery as well. There was a great atmosphere for both those games. I was also able to see Delaware Valley-Central Dauphin, G-Town-Lincoln and U-City-Gratz as well. It was great to see Joe DiGrazio helping out at Lincoln; he was an absolute terror at linebacker for the Railsplitters. Delaware Valley ‘s Heleaince Gates (super end) and Brad Wilson (wide receiver); King safety-quarterback Curtis Witherspoon, Gratz tailback Spencer Moses, Lincoln’s Sincere Merced (Receiver), Chris Lewis (quarterback) and Devin Sanders (defensive back) of Imhotep; and Germantown’s Alfredo Williams (end) were the best senior prospects I viewed. There was this sophomore two-way back on Central Dauphin, who was tremendous his name is Sy Issa? (Question mark can’t find roster. No. 1).
Sidenotes- This is an interesting comment. I was relaxing Friday morning getting breakfast and I was approached by two people. One was an older gentleman (Vietnam War veteran) and the other was a young man in his mid-twenties. The young man recognized me from when he was in high school. I do not recall his name and he made it clear he was not a star player. Anyway, the older man was the younger guy’s uncle and the younger guy said, “Duck, you have not written anything in awhile.” I told him I was under the weather for a while and letting my head clear. He made a joke, “Okay, I love to hear you call Paul Vallas- Emperor Palpatine." His Uncle interceded with a stern look, “That is not a joke. It is true.” The young guy kept smiling and asked me, “Duck, why you call him Emperor Palpatine?” Well, I gave a long answer in which I stated clearly that I believed Vallas’ goal was to drain Philadelphia’s school system of all of its resources, run up a debt, cause commotion, divide teachers from principals, divide community from schools, place politics over education, and give us the State tournament even though most of the state does not like Philadelphia.” After I made that point, his Uncle said, “See what happened in the election? Nobody who cared about Philadelphia won. They are probably are going to privatize everything from recreation to repealing healthcare and Philadelphia acquiesced to win State championships.” I jumped in by saying the only sport it could help at that time was Football. The young guy looked pale in the face and said, “Paul Vallas was a bad guy, I shouldn't have voted for him.” (See part of the reason I was sick?) The Uncle shook his head from side to side. I asked him -- not his nephew -- what do you think Vallas did when he heard there would be a Republican Governor and Republican US Senator (not from Philadelphia) in office? He replied, "Drink a cup of tea.” I smiled and left singing the Buffalo Springfield tune “For What Its Worth.”

SEPT. 10
PUBLIC AAAA GOLD

Bartram 30, Germantown 6

This game was a head-scratcher. The Braves were impressive as senior Russell Calloway was sensational. Calloway caught two touchdowns in the first half from his tight-end position. In the second half, Calloway (who is 6’1 225 with good speed) added two touchdowns coming on interceptions. On each catch, Calloway went and grabbed the ball, not waiting for it and then took off to the end zone. Also aiding the Brave cause was junior tailback Brandon Jones, who carried 11 times for 62 yards. The Brave defense was well -balanced and fundamentally sound as they displayed consistency in their tackling and work rate all game long. The Bartram lines were anchored by number 71, Markel Hall. Oddly, the Braves never converted on their conversion plays. Calloway is a major sleeper and Bartram has the potential to cause a stir in the PL AAAA Gold. Coach Mark Effendian and his staff have a simple approach in which they take care of the ball and get the ball to their best players in key situations. Bartram did not attempt any field goals or extra points but in time their kicker might prove to be a valuable weapon, he displayed a strong leg on kickoffs. (His name is Peter Zoegar). Bartram has a lot of positives to build on in the weeks to come. As for the Bears, they have some thinking to do. They obviously have talent three juniors looked impressive. Myles Booker, a 6’0 receiver had an electric 85 yard punt return for a score, Will Parks snatched an interception and made solid tackles and mammoth tackle Kwame Miller, 6’5 390 was solid on the offensive and defensive lines. Bartram has consistent quarterback in Adrese Perkins, a senior whereas G-Town is not certain on who their signal-caller is. Coach Mike Hawkins has a roster packed with many talented freshmen and in all likelihood is asking Gerber for discounts on baby food. It would make sense to play the freshmen rather than kids who cannot play who are seniors. (Would it not?)

Sidenotes- A lot of luminaries in attendance as always a pleasure to see former Bartram coach Damond “Smash” Warren and Bartram AD, James Brown in attendance…. A true legend in regards to Pub football in the past decade and the early years of this site (remember Random Thoughts) is know assisting Coach Hawkins at Germantown – Omar McDonnaugh. McDonnaugh was a terrific linebacker at G-Town and with the Temple Owls and is one of the top football minds in the area; it is always wonderful to see true talent return their alma mater. McDonnaugh is a disciple of one of the best defensives coordinators I’ve seen in high school football in Charlie Seralakus. (Bartram of course has Raheem Stevenson and Smash as alums). .. It was great to listen to all of the warm-up music played by announcer Stephanie Tate-Yancey. Good job by both schools’ cheerleaders in excellent form for early in the school year. Cheyney and Temple jackets were present. (Hmmmn)

SEPT. 10
PUBLIC AA

Imhotep Charter 40, Communications Tech 7

This matchup of schools has become a key contest during the wintertime as both programs are established hoops powerhouses. Well, on the gridiron, the Panthers of Imhotep are clearly the better squad. The Panthers took control early and coasted home. The Panthers were led on the ground by senior halfback Maurice Palmer, who carried 13 times for 83 yards and a touchdown. In addition to Palmer and quarterback Christopher Lewis, Coach Marc Wilson has a nice corps of receivers. The headliner is senior Devin Sanders, who had a huge impact in this contest. Sanders made a key interception (on a difficult catch) and had a touchdown reception. Another promising receiver for Imhotep is 6’4 small forward (my bad other sport) Shakur Nesmith, who also serves as a kicker. Nesmith has some serious potential when it comes to football and he is making progress. The Panther defense was a well-balanced effort; the standouts are juniors Eric Richardson and Kyle Hambright. Lewis passed 10-21 for 145, he was not as sharp as last week, but he does have a big arm and potential at the position. Communications Tech was led by the hard-running of Rolando Ransom, who carried 30 times for 182 yards. Quarterback Zaki Jamison, a sophomore, played well in spurts but is not a natural signal-caller. Eric Dickerson (a great football name) was a force on defense with a consistent effort tackling and defending receivers.

Sidenotes- A window in the press box has not been repaired since last season. .. Imhotep and Bok meet next week in a major match-up with playoff implications and Division championship hopes on the line… Nice job by the Imhotep cheerleaders.

SEPT. 3
NON-LEAGUE
Pocono Mountain West 44, University City 7
This was an entertaining game for a half. The game was tied at 7 late in the 2nd quarter. The Jaguars had scored on a majestic 50 yard run by senior Martin Monroe. PMW was able to respond with a score and then added another score before the end of the first half. The Jaguars were dealt a huge blow on the second half kickoff, when senior Martez Lyles was injured on the return. U-City lacking depth, desperately missed Martez as he posed a threat as a receiver with good size (6‘1 185) who could put pressure on the Pocono West defense. The Jaguars have two promising freshmen in Arthur Benson and Robert Hall. Hall served as punter and had a couple of solid plays on defense. Benson should develop in time into a quality tailback. Monroe had a solid two way effort rushing 11 times for 69 yards and 7 tackles including a sack. U-City will likely improve from week to week and should be much better in a month or so.
Sidenotes-- A window in the press box has not been repaired since last football season. Coach Lorrell McCook is the new head man at University City.

SEPT. 3
NON-LEAGUE
Imhotep Charter 38, Bristol 14
What a way to start the season!!!!!!!!!! Imhotep was in control early and often. The Panthers look like a force to be reckoned with in the Public League AA Division. Senior quarterback Christopher Lewis was 8-14 passing and threw for 217 yards with 3 touchdowns. Lewis found senior receiver Devin Sanders from 43 yards out on the Panthers first play of the game. Bristol, which fielded only 24 players, responded with a touchdown with an extra point. The Panthers responded with some good play coming in the second quarter highlighted by a Maurice Palmer 's 5 yard touchdown run. Interestingly, enough, Lewis had thrown an interception but on the return Bristol lost control of the football, and Corey Stroud made a huge fumble recovery. That play was huge as it set up Palmer’s touchdown run. Then the Panthers poured it on with a Jeraal Boone's fumble return for a touchdown. Third quarter and the play of the day, Lewis after dropping a poor snap aired it out and Jamal Johnson showed some serious vertical by snagging the pass and taking off for a crowd-pleasing 79 yard touchdown play. The Panthers have a cadre of talent. Sanders, Lewis and defensive lineman, Nicholas Johnson highlight a strong senior class. Palmer is only a junior as is outside linebacker Eric Richardson. Also, a player to watch is Eerin Young, who is just a sophomore. Young played at wide receiver and is a transfer from Bishop McDevitt.

Sidenotes – A nice crowd on hand for this one… As always it is a pleasure to see clock operator Steve Kupsov. The white hat (head official) was extremely impressive. His name is Lee Page.