Amauro's Corner, Football 2008

Amauro's Corner
Football 2008

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Amauro "Amar" Austin is a headliner among our trusty observers. He is not to be confused with Ruben Amaro, the Phillies' assistant general manager. Like "Huck" Palmer, Amauro is a West Catholic graduate. He will make reports on games he sees.
You may e-mail him at Thurlbough@hotmail.com.

NOV. 8
PUBLIC LEAGUE AAAA FINAL
Washington 41, Northeast 34 (3OT)
In a word: WOW! This game had so many subplots and so many heroes that I truly have no clue where to start and furthermore hope that I can do this event justice with my portrayal. This was indeed Pub FB at its highest level! Anyway, all year long, I told anyone who would listen that Northeast had the most talented team in the league and that if they were to ever put it all together, the Vikes could indeed win the could thing. Well, it looked as if that was going to happen in the early going as aside from a 42-yard fumble return by sr. DL Waverly Harris (hit by freshman DB/LB Nate Smith -- one of the game's truest heroes), NE dominated by reeling off 17 straight and taking a 17-6 lead late in the 1st half. At one time, the Vikings had run 38 plays from scrimmage to GWs 8! Finally, just before halftime, the Eagles got into the game as crafty jr. QB Aaron Wilmer threw a 22-yard strike to jr. RB Kesson Christopher. The second half was a battle of wills with GW finally plunging ahead with 4:44 left in the 4th with a 1-yard sneak by Wilmer, 20-17. Was that too much time to leave the dangerous Viking O? Why yes, I'll answer, as sr. K Tim Freiling booted a 45-yarder that would have been good probably from 7-8 yards further with :56.8 to tie the score at 20. Now this was when the fun started: NE kicked long to sr. return specialist Jamal Williams (another of the game's heroes -- 5 returns for 97 yards, 8 hard stops on defense) who took it 15 yards to his own 30. The Vikings called their final timeout with :48 left. Out of the break, Wilmer took the snap and dropped back only to be clobbered by jr. DL Jemeil "Florida" Murphy, who also slapped the ball out to cause a mad scramble for the loose pigskin. Finally, it was picked up at :38 by NE sr. DB Darius Mosee at the Eagle 14. Should Freiling come straight on the field to try another or should the Vikes run one play, either taking a shot at the end zone or trying to get in the middle of the field for their ace kicker? Well, they chose option two and it turned into a disaster when jr. QB Malik Stokes (22-for-42, 243 yards) had no one open and through an errant pass to Smith, who returned 25 yards. The Eagles wisely then took a knee and chose to go to OT. Phew! It only got better from here as NE won the toss and chose to play defense first. GW responded with a 5-yard TD strike from Wilmer to jr. TE James Fowler on 3rd down. NE then scored on a 3rd down pass play of their own, a 15-yarder from M. Stokes to his All-American brother Je'Ron (9/86, 2TDS, INT on D -- big game performance, did it all and left it all on the field). NE started the 2nd session with the ball and again scored on 3rd down this time on an 8-yard TD strike from M. Stokes to sr. WR Steve Pinckney (8/65). The Eagles faced 4th down on their drive and Wilmer again went to security-blanket Fowler, who was covered but still came down with the grab from 6 yards out. Washington started the 3rd OT with the ball and scored on 2nd down on a 1-yard sneak by Wilmer. Finally, 2nd down would be the end of the Vikes on their drive as sr. CB Lorenzo Adams (3 other defended passes) stepped in front of Je'Ron Stokes to make a Championship pick that will be remembered forever... All and all, the Vikes probably outplayed the Eagles (the numbers don't lie...), but GWs will to win was not to be outdone and that's why they came out on top. The Eagle D was led by jr. DT Sharrif Floyd, in his first extensive defensive action of the season with a sack and 2 other TFL and jr. LB Vernon Dupree (7 stops). NE got steady running on O from sr. RB James "Country" Rosseau (22-72, TD), tough defense from sr. LB James McRae (10 tackles and an INT) & great special teams play from WDE/ST gunner Marcus Leslie (8 tackles). In truth, I don't feel this one really had a loser, Washington just outlasted Northeast. With a little tweaking, this one may still be going on right now. That's how much both of these clubs wanted to win.
AA's Notes: This was the best FB game I've seen in some time at any level, maybe the best ever in high school, an instant classic to say the least... The Eagles stand a great chance to get a win against either La Salle or Judge, who'll vie next week for the spot in the City Title game. Remember NE dumped the very good Crusaders earlier in a NL tilt and Judge was one of the only clubs all year to handle La Salle. One thing's for certain, though, and that's that in either case, the Eagles MUST do a better job at utilizing their most dangerous offensive weapon, soph. WR Joe Clayborne (6-5 190). He always commands attention just with his presence as he's a match-up nightmare especially at this level... One of the more interesting subplots was the matching of the minds between Eagle boss Ron Cohen and his former assistant Doug Gunther, now at NE. Gunther spotted half of the first quarter from the roof of the home press box. Cohen went nuts, demanding the referees make him get down from there. Gunther even went back up there after being forced to come down and Cohen really sizzled then yelling to former NE principal and current School District athletic czar Kelly Barton, "Kelly! I'm not putting up with that! Get him down from there!" Can somebody say bad blood... Finally, Malik Stokes was a wreck afterward. He still had enough class to go over teary-eyed and all and give props/encouragement to the GW players and coaches after being too broken up to shake hands. Being a great player is one thing, but being a great person is unmatched in this game called life. That act may have been the most impressive thing that I saw all day and that's truly sayin' something. Way to go, young man!

NOV. 7
NON-LEAGUE
Olney 18, Central 7
This was truly a fun game to watch as both teams wanted this one badly. Olney looked like a team that wasn't used to beating Central, somewhat of a neighborhood rival. While Central is winless and would take a win against anyone. Add it all up and it equals hard-hitting action. The Trojans got stellar QB play from sr. Terrell Smith (7-for-11, 123 2TDs), who not only managed the game, but made some nifty plays in the process. Every time the Trojans needed a big play, he made it. More often than not, the recipient was VERY impressive soph. WR Jaron "Snoop" Turner (4/91 2TDs (32 & 19) and 1 rush for a 46 yard TD). This kid WILL be a star in this league if he keeps it up. He just has it. All 4 of his catches were with guys draped on him (He was toasting jokers out there!) and he already understands how to get YAC. Jr. Eric Barrow (10-50) gave a strong rushing effort setting up all three scores with his running which kept drives alive. Sr. DE Antwoine Allen (6-4 200) was once again a menace on defense hurrying the QB four times. This guy lives in the backfield with his long limbs plus he understands the game and respects it he plays very hard. You also had to love the contributions of sr. NG Cory Underwood (5-11 311 -- smile) who made 5 tackles at, near or behind the line of scrimmage (2 TFL) swallowing ball carriers. His teammates let him hear it too as many times you heard from the bench, "We see you out there, Cory!" Central gave a gallant effort and what more can you ask for. Jr. QB Devonne Boler, whose the team's best athlete made brassy plays especially in the second half as he led and finished the scoring drive with a 1-yard run. Sr. WR Tony Rosa caught 4 balls for 51 yards. These Lancers are VERY young and will be heard from later down the line.
AA's Notes: Now this was fun! Two teams with nothing to lose gettin' after it with the game still in doubt until late. It gets no better than that. I wish the line judge cared, though, as he kept the time on the field after the referee told the Olney clock operator that they'd keep the time on the field for some strange reason. The 3rd quarter was a joke. The last 1:58 featured just two plays that started with a timeout. I wish somebody would lay the hammer on these guys one day. Oh, well, if they don't I will continue to blast them on here... The linesman, all time good guy John McBride -- he of the great social skills, as he does an AWESOME job with the kids on the chains week in and week out -- had the comment of the day in the 2nd quarter when the Lancer coaches asked him to get the time from his comrade. John yelled out, "1:33, you know like my age, 33!" A Central supporter on the sideline mumbled to his buddy, "That guy isn't 33. He's more like 133..."

NOV. 6
NON-LEAGUE
Lincoln 28, Overbrook 14
These post post-season, pre-Thanksgiving day games are always tricky as over the years some teams maintain focus and some forget that they've ever even played the game before. Here, Lincoln was the former and 'Brook was the latter, hence the final score. The Railsplitters did most of their damage on the strength of the wheels of sr. RB Amin Shabazz (19-202) with TD runs of 75 and 43. The other scores were a result of the defense (a 30-yard INT return by impressive jr. DB Omar Black) & the special teams (a blocked punt that resulted in an end zone fumble recovery by jr. DL Hakeem Cooper). The top defender was sr. DB Ben Speller, who was simply everywhere! He made two picks, one of which went for a 61-yard TD that was called back and led the team in tackles with 10 solos. The Panthers were a major disappointment as they looked liked they packed it in. The coaches were into it, but the players just never responded and well they are the ones that have to make it happen. This MUST be frustrating! I truly feel their pain as a youth coach myself. Hopefully, they can round up the troops for the Thanksgiving against West.
AA's Notes: Sorry all for my absence the last few weeks. I went through a very tough work/home/adjustment stretch that is now just about over and I'm still here to talk about it (smile)... Anyway, I saw some good ball in those 3 weeks so please forgive me, kids, for not writing about it. I will in these coming weeks bring back my top underclassmen in the Pub report with bios and advice so stay tuned. There are some kids with a chance to be very good and they must take advantage of their opportunity.

OCT. 10
PUBLIC LEAGUE AAAA RED
Washington 6, Frankford 3
Hey, TS.com readers, defensive games aren't bad at all. They actually can be quite exciting and played at a high level. Sure they aren't as fun as stat producing shootouts, but they can make for some serious wars of attrition in which intestines are tested. Anyway, here I went in thinking: This one is too close to call and it was indeed played that way. Neither team gave an inch, neither could get to the outside and both teams' defenders were king. That's when the kicking game comes into play, folks, and it's more key at the high school level than any other level IMO as some teams have one and some don't. Luckily Fkd has a competent kicker/punter (and more) in sr. handyman Eddie Ferrell (5 punts/32 yard average & 1/2 on field goals) & GW has an even more competent one in sr. Will McFillin (6-4 190 -- 4 punts/37.25 yard average and 2/3 on field goals), who will probably do one or the other in college at some level. McFillin became the star of the game after calmly booting a 25-yarder with no time left. Both kickers earlier made kicks from 33 yards out after botching two shorties. There wasn't much else to talk about either way on offense. GW's jr. TE James Fowler, probably one of the League's better juniors, made 3 snags for 37 yards. Sr. rusher Omar Hunter led with 10-46. The best defenders were strong jr. LB Vernon Dupree (in on 11 tackles) & frosh CB Nate Smith (two fumble recoveries). Jr. LB/NG Simba Sellers also deserves special mention as the normal reserve played inspired ball in extended PT doing all kinds of intangibles. The potent Pioneer rushing attack was everything but here it was in large part shut down. Their best run was by backup FB Terrell Lewis late in the game for 25 yards. The D was obviously strong led by middle men Akeem and Tauheed Smith. Jr. LB/DB Taron Mills made a pick.
AA's Notes: It'll be interesting to see what happens if and when these teams line up again. I'm sure there will be plenty of adjustments, but don't think the outcome will be much different, even if FKD gets a game-winner. That's just how close these teams are . . . It was good to see a rep from National recruiting site scout.com out checking out the action. Area analyst Matt Alkire was there to check specifically on Eagle jr. OT Sharrif Floyd (6-4 300), who dominated the line. He's very athletic for a big'un and probably projects as a guard in college. Alkire hung out with him afterward and it made for a cool scene. Its great for the league to get some love like that . . . Earth to the stripes, GET IN THE GAME! I expected more from the veteran crew on the game especially when I saw that Phil Harding, an established veteran, was wearing the white hat. He was fine, but his crew was a little in left field (well actually a lot -- smile). The linesman on the GW side of the field all night long cried about not having enough room on the sideline when it appeared he had plenty, and he even gave me a hard way to go. On a few occasions, he missed what was going on on the field because of it. It's a FB game! Deal with the elements buddy. The other linesman missed a big play late that almost gave the Pioneers new life as FKD attempted a halfback pass. Sr. QB Kalif Walker was credited with a 9-yard reception for a first down on 4th and 4 from super tough two-way back Hakeem Watson (5-7 150, heart at least double those dimensions). The ball not only was trapped. It hit the ground, bounced and hit it again before being covered by Walker!! It was so bad that I heard the ball bounce all the way on the other side of the field . . . Finally, I hope the district uses the new site in South Philly for the big playoff games. The NE site is starting to wear and needs a break. Another interesting development is how it seems that the AAAA Title game could be a goodie as there's much more parity than in past seasons between the Pub's best and the CL's. I would think that the CL Team, whomever it might be will be a favorite, but not a comfortable one. It should be interesting...

OCT. 3
PUBLIC LEAGUE RED
Frankford 41, Central 0
This one was over before it even started as Frankford had the mercy rule in effect before halftime. By halftime, the starters could game plan for next Friday night's big one against Washington. On a serious note, let's hope things get better for the winless Lancers. Up to 8 starters were missing for various reasons -- two of whom were battling MRSA. Let's hope and pray that this bunch returns to good health. Games like this are always good to check out some of the reserves and one indeed caught by eye. I really like the down-the-road possibilities of Pioneer soph. QB Michael McGroarty (6-3 185). The good old belly pass will surely be in effect with this kid under center over the next few years. He alreadu shows serious poised coupled with great command. Showdown next Friday night: FKD vs GW, 6pm Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium, BE THERE!

OCT. 2
PUBLIC LEAGUE AA
Imhotep 18, Fitzsimons 8
Early on this one looked like it would be an afterthought by 4:30 as the Panthers jumped out to a quick 18-0 lead. They never did relinquish, but the second half was extremely sloopy and Fitz had a few chances to make things even more interesting down the stretch. It never came to fruition, but Coach Joe "X" Bradley and his staff sure should be proud as they did a GREAT JOB throughout coaching up their kids against a team that was probably at least three TDs better than them. Good job guys! Anyway, "X" could indeed be an X-factor in the coming years in AA once his young kids develop and he adds more pieces while shaping Fitz into a program. Imhotep has its toughest tests the next two weeks and they'd better be ready as Franklin comes up to G'Town this week and the Black Panthers travel to Bok next. They have two MISTERS (guys who give man-amongst-boys impressions) on their roster in srs. FB/LB mr. Daniel Jones (6-2 225) and TE/DE mr. Saledeem Major (6-4 215). It starts with them and fellow sr. DE Richard Kirven. If others can step to the plate, both the Electrons and Wildcats could be in for some dog fights.

SEPT. 26
PUBLIC LEAGUE AAA
Dobbins 20, Gratz 7
It's always fun to take a look at rivalry games as the kids always leave it on the field, the crowd is spirited and the coaches are into it; all are things that make for an entertaining evening of football. The Mustangs took care of business here behind a lethal, four-pronged rushing attack. Explosive sr. QB Terrell "Mouse" Barringer (9-83, 65-yard TD run) and quicksilver jr. RB Karon James (14-121, 52-yard TD run) ran for early scores while hardnosed sr. FB Derek Clark (6-0 220, great two-way player) helped out and lead back sr. RB Ralston Thomas carried the bulk of the load with 12 carries for 172 yards and one score. The Bulldogs' D has been anything but sweet to date, but the Mustangs rang up 382 yards rushing here! Plus three other long gains on the ground were called back due to penalties and one of those was a TD. This club seems to be peaking at the right time as we head towards the 2nd half of the season. Gratz stills seems a bit in and out as there still isn't a true starting QB or true lead back on offense and it is now week 5. One good thing is that most of the Bulldogs are puppy dogs so next year fun can be experienced. The brass of emerging jr. handyman Aaron Rice (4 catches 90 yards, 7 rushes for 37 yards) couldn't go unnoticed. He was all over the place on both sides of the ball.
AA's Notes: Better days will truly be had by the not-lacking-in-talent Bulldogs. Three soph linemen are over 6-feet and well over 300-lbs and all play a lot and the return of jr. DL Antoine "Big Ness" Bland (6-4 270, possible two-sport D-I athlete) is a major plus. With the pounds the big guy shed by concentrating on hoops last season, he's even more mobile (made a few plays down the field in limited action/also harrassed Barringer on a few scrambles). I'd like to see Coach Erik Zipay try him out as a tight end. He's got humongous hands and who's gonna tackle him? . . . Gratz' top player/prospect, sr. WR Tyree Frierson, was unavailable for this one and wasn't even on the sideline. Let's hope the kid gets it together as a college ride will be waiting for him if he does . . . The Mustangs under coach Lou Zambino are always fun to watch and right now things are beginning to click . . . Finally, this was hard for me to go to Gratz (one of my favorite stops on the trail for the last 12 years) and not see former Coach/AD Leonard Poole patrolling the stands. Here's a guy who has given much of his life to Gratz HS and its community and he's just abruptly out like that? I don't know the full story, but can't imagine that it should have led to this. Let's hope this wrong gets righted soon and coach Poole gets a chance to return to his natural posts.

SEPT. 19
PUBLIC LEAGUE RED
Frankford 20, Northeast 6
This was a very interesting game. The one thought I left with afterward was that the outcome could be different if these teams were to match up again in November. This one was over rather early as the brassy Pioneers put all 20 on the board before it was all said and done. The first 12 came in snappy fashion as first sr. RB Nate Johnson (11-115 -- very impressive demeanor/approach) scatted 79 yards for the game's first score. Then on the ensuing kickoff, sr. DB Hakeem Watson got his helmet on the ball causing it to squirt out until it was recovered in the end zone by sr. handyman Eddie Ferrell. Then finally jr. DB/LB Taron Mills (also 6 tackles and 3 other defended passes) made a pick that set up a 12-yard scamper by Watson. Watson converted the PAT with a run that made the score 20-0 with 1:16 showing. By the time, the Vikings caught their breath things were even worse as they had to make moves without star jr. QB Malik Stokes, who went down at the 4:50 mark of the 2nd quarter with a minor knee injury. His replacement, jr. Dwight Wheeler (7-for-13, 94 yards), did an admirable job especially with the circumstances. The big play guy on the defense for the Pioneers was sr. DT Akeem Smith (6-4 285). The big fella was in his bag in this one a blocked punt and 2 TFLs among 8 stops in what coach Mike Capriotti called his best outing yet! He also fielded a high bouncing squib kick while being popped hard, GREAT JOB! Sr. DB Chris Baker, also added a pick. For NE, sr. star WR/DB Tennessee bound Je'Ron Stokes (3 catches for 81 yards & 7 total tackles with one TFL and two forced fumbles, one of which he recovered) played to his worth here. He made big plays on both sides of the ball and left it all out there. Jr. DT Jemeil Murphy (6-1 255, 9 total tackles with 2 TFL and a sack in the mix) was also impressive. The one encouraging thing for NE was the development of the running game as jr. Tyleel Taylor ran for the score and sr. FB James "Big Country" Rosseau (16-82) was also very productive.
AA's Notes: Both teams now can focus on GW, the other stalwart in the Pub's ongoing trilogy. Should be interesting as a hair is really all that separates these groups; or maybe its Frankford's unmatched swagger... Keep an eye on NE sr. WR Steven Pinckney (6-3 170, 4/42). It was another productive outing for this long/rangy/athletic pass catcher. Don't get it twisted. This boy is a headliner in his own right... Is there anyone more important to his club than Pioneer sr. Eddie Ferrell? He's the epitome of handyman. It doesn't always show up on paper, but he's a large part to his team's success and it deserves mention.

SEPT. 19
PUBLIC LEAGUE AAAA WHITE
Bartram 32, Olney 0
Man did this one go by quickly as it only took 64 plays from scrimmage for this one to come to pass. The Maroon Braves made short work of the homers, too, as by halftime the score was 26-0. The sequence went as follows: Sr. do-it-all DB Yusuf Bangura (also 8 total tackles, 5 solo, 3TFL & a pick) took a recovered fumble 55 yards open the scoring, 6-0. Then sr. FB Tyron Cheeseboro (6-1 205) took 1st and 10 50 yards for a score on the first play from scrimmage of the 2nd quarter. He also ran in the conversion, 14-0. Big play #3 came through the air for the Braves just four minutes later as sr. QB Laquan Williams tossed a perfect 55-yard strike to sr. WR Antwain Byrd, 20-0. Finally, sr. RB Ira Bowman breezed into the end zone from 10 yards out, 26-0. From then on the game became a moot point. The Braves, as you can see, have an impressive collection of skill position players and should be a force as the season goes on if their lines hold up. They have some very big/athletic young lineman too. It should be interesting to see how things develoip in SWP. Anyway, this Olney group has seemed to lose the momentum they had two weeks ago in their opener. Of course, that was against much lighter competition, but it looked as if they'd have something going. Anyway sr. DB Steffon Broughton is still with the program. He played hard all game long and hopefully he'll get some college looks because of it.
AA's Notes: Watch out for Maroon lineman: jr. DE/DT Darrell Lane (6-3 235) and soph. DE/DT Markel "Big Fresh" Hall (6-3 250). Both are good-looking college prospects who have the skills to pay the bills. Experience will tell the tale... Another interesting development is the transfer of Bok's starting QB Al-Hajj Shabazz to Bartram. He's listed as a WR/DB and could become another another big play threat for the Marooners, who are already healthy in the skills department.

SEPT.5
NON-LEAGUE
Northeast 17, Father Judge 14
Nothing against any of the teams in the games I previously covered, but this was a breath of fresh air as it was finally a REAL! football game. The Vikings won this neighborhood rivalry behind their newly implemented spread offense. This offense, which drove the Vikings to score its game winner in 1:24 from 67 yards out, is ultra dangerous, as you see many college teams using it these days. The Vikings have the perfect personnel for it and it's refreshing to see. Over the years my biggest gripe with the Pub's coaches has been seeing them not get full use out of the personnel. That's NOT the case here, by any stretch. The Crusaders scored on a 2-yard rumble up the middle by sr. FB Joe Swallow, giving them their first lead of the game at 2:33 of the 4th quarter. I thought to myself, the Vikings aren't in any way out of the water with the athletes they possess and I was right. The Judge TD was set up by an INT by jr. DB Kevin Toner that gave Judge the ball on the 12-yard line with just over 5 minutes left. This was a key sequence because much-improved jr. QB Malik Stokes (6-2 180)could have easily hung his head and checked himself out. He did the exact opposite and that was the most impressive happening in the game. M. Stokes (12-for-24, school record 253 yards) capped a great performance with a money drive in which he passed for 52 yards and ran for another 6 with the final dagger with an 11-yard strike to speedy sr. WR Raheem Groce for the score. The other TD strike was an 82-yarder on the first play of the second half to jr. WR Eric "Flave" (Don't ask me why he lets people call him this -- smile) Brundidge, another speedster in his own right. M. Stokes, after a strong summer, is regarded as one of the top juniors in the state and IS a D-I prospect. His big bro, Tennessee commit sr. WR Je'Ron Stokes, made three great catches, while mostly being double- and triple-covered, for 48 yards. His importance was astronomical because he gets his teammates (4 other more than adequate pass catchers) off just by his presence. Sr. WR Steven Pinckney (6-3 170) eats the most and will probably be thanking the Stokes boys for getting him a scholarship very soon. He caught four balls for 74 yards. The D was led by sr. LB Antoine "Midnight" Fowler and sr. DB Chadd O'Malley (8 total stops, 2 TFL and the game-ending defended pass). Brundidge also was key as he basically controlled Judge's most dangerous weapon, big play threat sr. WR Tom Ryan (6-3 190, 4/30) and soph. DE Deion Barnes (6-4 195, Sean Evans clone!) deserves mention as he had a dominant first-half stretch; he single-handedly shut down a Judge drive with two tips at the line of scrimmage sandwiched around a first-down-saving tackle. He's a threat to be in the backfield on almost every play. The top Crusader here was sr. TE Ryan Langdon (6-5 235) with 4 catches for 77 yards and a score. Soph. QB Tony Smith (6-3 185) showed well too, passing 11-for-26, 123 yards. The Crusader D was led by the Novak boys, Adam (2 TFL, 2 defended passes), a sr. LB/DB (6-3 225, clearly one of the field's best athletes) and jr. DB Brian (8 total tackles),
AA's Notes: This was as good an early season game as you'll see. Both teams wanted this one badly and both crowds were deeply entrenched . . . You'll be hard-pressed to find a more athletic team than the Vikings. They have guys all over the field that can make plays and this team will only get better as the year goes on and everyone becomes more comfortable with the offense and a reliable rushing option steps up; scary thing to think of. Do yourself a favor and check this bunch out, you won't be disappointed . . . Baseball star Tim Freiling uncorked a 66-yard punt. It was in the air for about 55 of those yards! Yes, the wind was behind him, but it still was a major blast.

SEPT. 5
NON-LEAGUE
Olney 33, Future 0
This wasn't much of a game, therefore I don't have much to report about. The Trojans dominated as they should have as SOTF (School of the Future) is a new program and still a new school that right now only has grades 9-11. Anyway, Olney looks very optimistic and poised for a strong season. They are well-coached and very enthusiastic, stay tuned . . .

AUG. 29
NON-LEAGUE
Pius X 6, Gratz 0
This was one of those games that, if played later in the year, the Bulldogs might have comfortably. But it's August and the season has begun and the Bulldogs still have to work out some kinks. They do have very good overall team speed and a very good looking prospect in sr. WR Tyree Frierson (6-2 205 -- very good hands along with great athleticism inside his big frame). Overall, this wasn't a bad performance (Truthfully, one big play decided the game . . . ). Just not a real good one, either, so we'll give the Bulldogs a C-, but in time they could factor in the Pub AAA picture. Let's wait and see.
AA's Notes: Frierson (5/47) made some serious high-degree-of-difficulty catches, one of which was truly a thing of beauty while being pushed out of bounds at full extension and getting both feet in bounds. SUPER! . . . Finally, I love that all Pub teams are now playing at their true classifications. It levels the playing field in this sport that much more . . . This game marked the end of a 15-hour work day for me, so of course I'm tired. Thanks for your patience with these reports...

AUG. 29
NON-LEAGUE
Bartram 8, Franklin 6
This was a good ol' hard-hitting, early-season affair with two of the League's more organized programs going at it. The Braves have some decent skill position guys as do the Electrons, but the Braves' experience was what made the difference here. The best of those players was Overbrook transfer sr. WR/DB Yusuf Bangura (5/92). Bangura was probably in on every big play on both sides of the ball for the Braves as he caught the game-deciding conversion pass, made a big pop that caused a fumble and made the late-game pick to stop a Franklin rally. He was simply everywhere. Sr. QB Laquan Williams passed 8-for-16, 113 and a score of 10 yards to jr. TE Darrell Lane (6-3 235), but he threw 4 picks. This is no surprise because the Electrons have been known over the years to have some feisty D-backs (Shuron Briggs 2, Khaleem Brown and Robert Ingram each with 1) and this year is no different. Bartram's other feature defender is sr. LB Tyron Cheeseboro (6-2 205). He, just like Bangura, plays in rock-'em, sock 'em fashion. Franklin's new feature back is jr. Marquis White (18-81-TD). He has the look of a future 1,000-yard back, just as Electrons past. Coach Ken Geiser's crew also has two quality seniors in D-I prospect TE/LB Jamel "Redz" Haggins (6-3 225) and two-way lineman (probably NG in college -- hard to move this guy) Lydell Boanes (6-3 330). Both should enjoy decent moments leading this young squad.
AA's Notes: Both teams should factor heavily in their division races as this was a good early-season test for each . . . As for me, I'm hanging in there. It's been a long summer and I can't wait until it's over. It started with the passing of my dad, Ron Price, in early June and continued with having to work long hours every day in 90-degree heat with no vacations. You can only imagine, but of course I've trooped it out and am still here standing 6-3 tall. Thanks to everyone for keeping me and my family in your prayers. It's much appreciated.