FB Players of the Week, '05

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Click here to see the new logo for the shirts!!

   We are happy to announce a continuation of the partnership between In the Zone Inc.
and TedSilary.com that will enable us to award T-shirts to all FB Players of the Week
during the 2005 season.

   ITZ is owned by former Malvern Prep FB player Brett Antell, and we very much
appreciate his willingness to help honor the winners with more than an announcement on
the site. Not that a mere announcement wasn't gigantic (smile).

  We'll usually get the T-shirts to the winners with the help of the good, ol' United States
Postal Service (to the player in care of his coach), though Ted may some deliver some in
person if he knows he'll be seeing a winner's team that upcoming weekend.

The regular announcement . . .

   Every Wednesday, we will name six Players of the Week in this space -- two apiece from
Catholic, Public and Inter-Ac schools (one offense, one defense). We will take nominations
through Tuesday night.
    Goofy nominations won't be posted.
    We encourage coaches to make nominations, especially to make sure we are aware of
special line play ("anonymous" is fine). Players can win just once through the regular season;
everyone will again be eligible in the playoffs.
    Send nominations, with the reason you're nominating the player to silaryt@phillynews.com.
    As always, thanks for your interest/help.

    We will NOT post e-mails after the fact concerning the Player of the Week choices, positive
or negative. Once the results are posted, the nomination e-mails will be deleted. Performances by
players in competitive games, and/or those considered upsets, will generally carry more weight.
    Unless I hear otherwise from winners at silaryt@phillynews.com or 215-854-5814 (just leave
word on this voice mail), I'll make strong guesses on sizes.
   Thank you,
   Ted

WEEK 13
THANKSGIVING RIVALRIES
(General Honorees)
Derrick Israel, Dougherty, RB
  Ran 20 times for 158 yards and two TDs as the Cardinals snapped a 30-game losing streak by edging Kennedy-Kenrick, 27-26.
Charles Klink, North Catholic, Rec.-DE
  Made eight tackles and forced an early fumble, leading to a TD, as the 0-11 Falcons stunned the Pub champ, Frankford, 12-0. Also contributed 25 yards of receiving.
Mark McPherson, Neumann-Goretti, RB-DB
  Aside from rushing for 177 yards and five TDs, he also recovered a fumble and posted an interception as the Saints spanked Southern, 53-8.
John Harrison, La Salle, QB
  Completed an outstanding sophomore season (1,757 yards, 21 TDs) by passing for the winning TD in overtime as the Explorers surprised SJ Prep, 14-13.
Rodreen "Chief" Howell, Franklin, SB-DB
   Broke up four fourth-quarter passes and turned four carries into 52 yards as the Electrons trimmed Dobbins, 14-12.
William "Everybody's Favorite Asian" Thomas, Central, RB
  Ran 12 times for 104 yards, uncorked several nice returns and blocked with passion in the Lancers' 28-16 setback to Northeast.
Michael "The Legend" Leak, Mastbaum, DB
  Made six to eight tackles (somewhere in there - smile) and broke up two passes to keep the Panthers, 20-6 losers to University City, from setting the city record for points allowed in a season (404, Olney coughed up 408 last season).

WEEK 12
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Dennis Shaw, West Catholic, RB
  Rushed 28 times for 215 yards and a TD as the Burrs won a Blue semifinal over Carroll, 12-0.
Scott Taylor, O'Hara, LB
  Repeat winner . . . Became the first player in city postseason history to score two TDs on interceptions (17, 40 yards) in one game as the Lions bested La Salle, 35-14, in a Red semi. Both scores came in a 28-0 second half. Also recovered a fumble on a kickoff.
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Ryan Hardy, Frankford, QB
  Battled through several groups of would-be tacklers to post the conversion run that lifted the Pioneers over Northeast, 14-13, for the championship.
DEFENSE
Derek Butler, Northeast, LB
  Had a half-sack among nine tackles and recovered a fumble to set up a TD in the Vikings' 14-13 loss to Frankford for the Pub title.

WEEK 11
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Justin DeCristofaro, Judge, QB
  Passed for three TDs and  270 yards, the No. 2 total in CL postseason history, as the Crusaders pulled off a 3-6 upset of Roman, 27-19, in a Red first-round playoff.
Kevin Schafer, Conwell-Egan, DB
  He had a key interception, made eight tackles (five solos) and was the first to uncork a hit that caused the game-deciding fumble as the Eagles bested McDevitt, 27-21, in OT, a Blue first-round playoff. (Also starred at QB.)    
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Michael Harris, Dobbins, Rec.
   Made seven catches for 165 yards and the game's final two scores as the Mustangs rallied from a 14-6 deficit to beat Roxborough, 20-14.
DEFENSE
Jordan Strickland, Northeast, DE
   As the Vikings bested Washington, 21-6, in a semifinal, his pressure forced an early intercepton that led to a score and his fumble recovery proceeded the clinching TD.
INTER-AC LEAGUE
Sean Dressel, Penn Charter, RB
  Ran for 65 yards and two TDs as the Quakers bested Gtn. Academy, 28-6.
Jimmy Byrne, Episcopal, DB
  Made an end-zone interception to help the Churchmen drop Haverford School, 21-0. (Also had a TD catch.)

WEEK 10
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Daryl Robinson, North Catholic, RB/KR
  Scored three TDs in three different ways -- run, catch, kickoff return -- in the Falcons' 35-21 loss to Bonner. (Also starred on defense with two interceptions). 
Mike Varanavage, Ryan, LB
  Made a sack and three more tackles for losses, among 11 total, as the Raiders topped Judge, 26-21. (Also carried 11 times for a season-high 85 yards.)
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Richard Cooper, Overbrook, RB
  Carried 14 times for 112 yards and turned both of his receptions into TDs as the Panthers/Hilltoppers gave Frankford ALL it wanted in a 16-14 quarterfinal loss. 
DEFENSE
Robert McGrier, Roxborough, DB
  Made three interceptions -- and followed one with a 56-yard return, setting up the Indians' first FG since 1988 -- in a 16-0 win over Imhotep Charter. Also notched three tackles.
INTER-AC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Joe Rauchut, Penn Charter, RB
   Turned eight carries into 102 yards and three TDs as the Quakers toppled Haverford School, 27-7.
DEFENSE
Steve Layne, Malvern, LB
   Made seven tackles, including three in a row to start the game and set a tone, as the Friars thumped Episcopal, 39-0, to win the title.

WEEK NINE
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Anthony Walters, O'Hara, WR
  In the third quarter, switched from QB to WR and made three catches for 113 yards and both TDs as the Lions edged Roman, 14-13.
Wayne Donahue, West Catholic, LB
  Made 11 tackles as the Burrs, in a 20-0 win, held Carroll to minus-4 yards rushing and posted a fifth shutout in a season for the first tim since 1963.
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Thomas Wilmer, Washington, QB
   Ran for one TD and passed for the other with 0:07 left as the Eagles knocked Northeast from the ranks of the unbeaten, 14-7. Finished 11-for-21 for 117 yards; his brother, Damien, was his main target (6-74). 
DEFENSE
Nick "Popeye" Perrone, Bok, NG
   Forced a fumble, made two TFLs and dominated the line of scrimmage as the Wildcats dumped Franklin, 14-0, to capture the Pub AAA title.
INTER-AC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Paul Ostick, Malvern, T
   Keyed an offensive line that helped to generate 465 yards in the Friars' 44-24 win over Penn Charter.
DEFENSE
Charlie Barks, Episcopal, DB
   Had an interception for the fifth time in last six games in the Churchmen's 20-13 loss to McDonogh (Md.).

WEEK EIGHT
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Chris Lorditch, Wood, Returner
   In some of the worst conditions imaginable (heavy rain, high winds), he scored three time on returns (twice on punts, once on KO) and collected 183 total yards in a 35-0 demolition of Conwell-Egan.
Anthony "Blood" Rhoades, West Catholic, DE
   Made nine tackles, with three going for losses, in a 21-2 win over N-G. Also punted five times for a 35-yard average (and we'll forgive his accidental kneel-down resulting in a safety -- smile).
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Donald "Shug" Gratz, Gratz, RB
   Carried 31 times for a whopping 280 yards and a TD in a 13-0 win over West Phila.
DEFENSE
Darrell Ray, Central, LB
   Racked up 11 tackles (two for losses) and forced a key fumble, resulting in a touchback, as the Lancers bested King, 33-20.
INTER-AC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Tom Hagan, Malvern, FB
   Carried nine times for 118 yards and a TD, and like always blocked with passion, in the Friars' 42-0 success over Gtn. Academy.
DEFENSE
Ryan McGarvey, Penn Charter, DL
   Contributed 3.5 sacks and forced a fumble as the Quakers muffled Episcopal, 27-0.

WEEK SEVEN
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Joe Juisti, O'Hara, RB
   Carried 15 times for 157 yards and two TDs in the Lions' 33-13 success over Ryan.
Steve Wheatley, Bonner, LB
   Was in on 14 tackles in a 15-0 loss to La Salle, with one sack and two TFLs among them.  
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Fateen Brown, Washington, RB
   Posted four TDs and exactly 200 yards of rushing/receiving in a 45-12 victory over Germantown. Also contributed 44 yards o three returns.
DEFENSE
Aaron Stephens, University City, DB
   Was everywhere in an 18-12 loss to Overbrook, recording a fumble recovery, an interception and two TFLs for six yards. (On offense, turned three carries into 90 yards.)
INTER-AC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Alex Holcombe, Gtn. Academy, RB
   Produced 99.45355 percent of his team's offense in a 20-0 loss to Episcopal. He carried 28 times for 182 yards; the rest of the offense produced 1 yard.
DEFENSE
Ben Kissner, Episcopal
   This is more of an overall honor for what Ben has meant to the Churchmen, both as a player and team-first kind of guy. Incurred a serious injury during a 20-0 win over Gtn. Academy.

WEEK SIX
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Brian Mitros, McDevit, WR
   Made five catches for 112 yards and three TDs in a 40-12 win over Dougherty.
DEFENSE
Colin Wixted, SJ Prep, LB
  Made 10 solo tackles in a 34-7 win over Bonner. Among the stops were four sacks and one TFL, good for 53 yards. Also batted down a pass. (On offense, turned his one carry into a 62-yard TD).
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Kory Marshall, Edison, RB
  Ran 15 times for 106 yards and three TDs as the Owls dumped Southern, 36-0. (Also had an interception).
DEFENSE
Khaleel Evans, Imhotep Charter, LB
   Returned two interceptions for TDs in a 39-0 win over Freire Charter.
INTER-AC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Fred Ferro, Haverford School, RB
   Posted 179 yards, and two long TDs, on seven carries in a 19-14 win over Reading Central Catholic.
DEFENSE
Joe Hoban, Malvern, DB
   Made two interceptions in the Friars' 48-21 win over Salesianum (Del.).

WEEK FIVE
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Josh "Doc" Halladay, Carroll, RB
   In what became a 38-22 win over Neumann-Goretti, Halladay thought it was his obligation to score four TDs. So he did. He also posted 219 yards of rushing/receiving.
DEFENSE
Matt Marcinek, Roman, LB
  Four of his eight tackles went for losses in an 18-7 win over Bonner, and he made two tackles (one for a loss) on a late, goal-line stand with the outcome still in doubt. 
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Lamone Fox, Northeast, RB
   Ran for a school record of 232 yards (and scored three TDs) in a 24-12 win over Dobbins.
DEFENSE
Damon Brockington, Frankford, LB
   Collected 10 tackles (two for losses) and an interception as the Pioneers muffled Washington, 28-6.
INTER-AC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Bobby FitzPatrick, Episcopal, RB
   Rushed for 95 yards and a TD in a 14-13 win over Hill School.
DEFENSE
Drew Fullen, Penn Charter, DE
   Recorded three sacks and batted down a pass as the Quakers edged Hun (N.J.), 7-6.

WEEK FOUR
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Jermaine Pierce, Kennedy-Kenrick, WR
   Broke the school's receiving yardage record for the second time in three games (124 this time, following 111) in a 28-19 loss to Neumann-Goretti. (Also posted three TFLs at OLB).
DEFENSE
Jeff McMahon, Judge, LB
   Recorded four sacks as the Crusaders gave O'Hara all it wanted in a 13-7 defeat. (Also scored the 'Saders lone TD.)
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Terrance Sample, RB, Dobbins
  Was outstanding, and Mr. Versatility, in a 30-20 loss to Central, turning 17 touches into 275 yards and one TD apiece on a rush, reception and return.
DEFENSE
Marquis Clark, King, DE
   Posted nine tackles and an interception as the Cougars bested Mastbaum, 34-6.
INTER-AC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Marty Gallagher, Haverford School, QB
   Accumulated 189 yards of rushing and passing and had a hand in five TDs (two rushing, three passing) as the Fords downed Penn Wood, 38-13.
DEFENSE
Ian Mitchell, Malvern, DB
   Made 10 tackles as the Friars defeated Downingtown East and Miami-bound QB Pat Devlin, 23-20. (Also accounted for 165 yards of rushing/rushing.

WEEK THREE
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Joe Zeglinski, Ryan, RB
   An impressive 218 yards, good for three TDs, in a 28-26 win over Wood enabled him to become the first athlete in city history with 3,000 rushing yards (3,104) and 1,000 basketball points (1,253). 
DEFENSE
Scott Taylor, O'Hara, LB
   Made 14 tackles, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble as the Lions edged West Catholic, 14-12.
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Maurice Dantzler, Franklin, RB
   Scrambled for 217 yards and two TDs as the Electrons dumped Lincoln, 32-12.
Aaron "A-Trane" Washington, Roxborough, LB
   Was outstanding in defeat for the third consecutive week. This time, in a 14-12 OT loss to Germantown, he involved himself in 12 tackles. Two produced losses (including a safety) and three others were made at the line of scrimmage.
INTER-AC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Trey Womack, Malvern, WR
   Posted six receptions for 99 yards and a TD as the Friars nipped West Chester Henderson, 28-27.
DEFENSE
Brendan McNally, Penn Charter, DB
  Made five tackles, collected an interception and preserved a 14-6 win over McDonogh (Md.) by assuring that a last-play pass  would be caught beyond the end zone. (Also had a strong game at QB).

WEEK TWO
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Sean Woods, Roman, RB
   Rushed for 216 yards and a TD on 19 carries as the Cahillites topped Gtn. Academy, 25-13. Also posted a 21-yard reception.
DEFENSE
Josh Howley, SJ Prep, LB
   Posted his second consecutive strong effort as the Hawks defeated another high-level program. This time, he made 10 tackles (six solo; one sack, one TFL) in a 28-14 win over St. Ignatius (Ohio). Two of his stops came on special teams.
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Akeem Johnson, Germantown, RB
  In a 20-13 win over Gratz, he carried 20 times for 132 yards and one TD and posted the game-winning score on a 15-yard, fourth-and-12 reception with four minutes left.
Keith Williams, Bok, DB
  Made three interceptions, including one in the end zone, as the Wildcats made history by becoming the first Pub school in the two-year PIAA era to claim victory over a suburban public school. The victim was Upper Moreland, 10-0.
INTER-AC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Nick Tom, Haverford School, RB
   Produced 171 yards and a TD on 18 carries in the Fords' 38-27 setback to Boys Latin (Md.)
DEFENSE
Michael Weick, Penn Charter, LB
   Made five tackles for losses on running backs along with a sack in the Quakers' 21-14 loss to Wood. Also made two stops at the line of scrimmage. Was especially effective in the second half, inspiring a comeback from a 21-0 halftime deficit.

WEEK ONE
CATHOLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Manny Harrison, McDevitt, RB
   Accumulated two TDs and 287 yards, 51 better than the school record, while enabling the Lancers to overcome a 24-0 halftime deficit and stun Wissahickon, 25-24.
DEFENSE
Daniel Chavis, West Catholic, LB
   Notched six tackles, forced a fumble and made an interception as the Burrs blanked Roman, 14-0.
PUBLIC LEAGUE
OFFENSE
Antwain Brown-Barnes, Germantown, Rec.
   Made three catches for a school-record 173 yards and two TDs as the Bears opened refurbished Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium by downing Overbrook, 30-8.
DEFENSE
James Dowden, Mastbaum, L
   With his team getting crunched by Lincoln, he began the fourth quarter by blocking a PAT and finished it by blocking a punt. That play resulted in a safety (he also recovered the ball, but just beyond the back of the end zone), enabling the Panthers to avoid a shutout (37-2).