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T-Time Return to TedSilary.com Home Page Terrance McNeil, a former
Central HS football player, is a senior at Temple. He's majoring in
broadcasting and did a great job for this website during the '06 season. Don't be fooled by the picture at left (smile). Terrance is a
friendly, personable young man and we welcome him to our somewhat normal
group. Please offer your support. |
NOV. 22
CITY AAAA CHAMPIONSHIP
GEORGE WASHINGTON 23, LA SALLE 14
This one wont be a typical game report, but I
will try to give you guys a lot of insight into the game. So, if you want the
play-by-play, Ted’s report is where to go. These are just my observations
and my attempt to get you in the game from the sideline…
The Pub did it! They won the City Title! It was an amazing feeling to
watch the Washington players go nuts as they celebrated their victory on
Saturday. Yeah, Coach Keita Crispina yelled “We shook up the world!” a
lot after the game. And they deserve to yell it. Coming into the game, I really
thought Washington would be tested on the edges by the precise passing of
LaSalle star QB Drew Loughery. I really did. I figured GW had a shot, but
Lock and Co. would make it very interesting. To be honest, GW dominated both
lines of scrimmage. On defense, DT Sharrif “The Big Fella” Floyd did
whatever he wanted. He showed off his swim move on many occasions and drew
plenty of double teams. When Floyd was drawing double teams, LB Martin Haynes
teed off from the edge and racked up 2 sacks. Bryant Davis played an
impressive game for the Eagles as well, switching between LB and DL. But the
most surprising aspect of this game for me is how impressive GW’s secondary was.
Nate “Thunder” Smith, whom I like to call “The Freshman”, notched a pick
and showed well in the game. He showed a tendency to shadow receivers very well
and also is looking to make a play. Smith has great size for a DB and WILL BE A
STAR as I said the last time I saw him. DB Lorenzo Adams, who also showed
well against Northeast’s Je’Ron Stokes, played great football against
Explorer star WR Sam Feleccia. Feleccia scored, but that one was an
81-yard bomb and I’m not sure if Adams or RB/DB Omar Hunter was on the
coverage for that one. Adams got shook out of his shoes one time off the line of
scrimmage by WR Connor Hoffman, but the Washington pass rush reached
Loughery, so his mistake was covered up. DB Jamal Williams played like a
stud in this one, too. He delivered some hits and returned his pick 20 yards to
set up GW’s first score. Floyd got a ton of media attention after the game, and
it couldn’t happen to a better kid. I’m glad to see all of that finally come his
way as he is a hard worker and he is very humble. One group I have to call out
individually is the O-Line of Washington. Hafuz Tahiraj, Waverly Harris,
Sharrif Floyd, James Luckey, and Mike Dennis played PHENOMENAL football.
They owned the line of scrimmage for the most part. LaSalle DE Ryan
Eidenshink did play a heckuva game, as he was disciplined and he caused
havoc in the backfield a couple of times. He really plays a mean DE. One thing I
must say: There have to be more plays to go to WR Joe Clayborne. There
just have to be. Now, they won the City Title without utilizing Clayborne too
much, so it could serve as a nice surprise for teams from outside the area. And
maybe that is the hidden genius in Washington’s mind. But with rugged madman TE
James Fowler handling his business catching passes, there is NO WAY
Clayborne wouldn’t take this team to another level. Washington QB Aaron
Wilmer is savvy enough to know that if Clayborne is open to get him the
ball. He is a 6-foot-4, 200-pound mismatch for many at this level to defend and
he is an impact player. Clayborne is a difference-maker and he should be used
more. Plain and simple. La Salle had great fan support and were gracious after
losing the game. I didn’t see any maliciousness and they seemed to be great
sports, so I commend that quality about the team. La Salle had people on the
edge of their seats for a while with their offensive being so good and so
explosive. Floyd ended any question with a huge blocked punt for a safety to
extend the game to a two-possession game late in the fourth. I think this GW
squad could be dangerous if/when Clayborne is more integrated into the offense.
Their RBC (running back by committee) is good. Hunter is my type of back. He is
tough as nails and brassy as all get out. He simply won’t back down from any
one. RB Kessan Christopher went down with an injury, and he was the best
of the bunch. He has speed and is not afraid to mix it up. He showed that in the
championship by throwing a big block to spring RB Kyle Glenn for his 2nd
TD of the game. Glenn is a bruiser. Get down or lay down when he comes your way.
FB Chea Sloh may look smallish, but let him hit you one time. He won’t
seem small then. He plowed through two defenders on a run in the first half to
set up a first down run by Wilmer. So, Washington’s RBC is good and Wilmer has a
good enough arm to get the ball to Clayborne and Fowler to make this offense a
juggernaut. Keep an eye on sophomore DE Brandon Chudnoff. He’s got a very
nice build as a sophomore and hustles off the field every time a sub happens.
Some may think of that as minutiae, but that hustle and desire will pay off next
year. Chudnoff will make plays sooner than later, so don’t be surprised when he
comes on . We’ll see what happens…
NOV. 15
NON-LEAGUE
WEST PHILA. 12, UNIVERSITY CITY 0
Hey troops. Another late one. BUT I want yall
to know you guys matter a lot to me and the importance of you guys is not
forgotten. First, Congrats to West L Nikoli Norman, LB Keith West,
and DB John Davis for being named All-Public. I’ve also got to
congratulate U-City QB Mike Adens, LB Parrish “You Got Me?” Shoatz,
WR Mike Gilliam, DB Brakeem Jackson, L Shannandore Scott, Aaron
Gilbert, and Derek Brooks, and RB Tariq “Pop Tart” Gordon on being
named All-Pub as well.
Now, onto the game that happened a while ago. Smile. The officials were
SO late to this game!!! It was supposed to kick off at 2. Didn’t start until
3:09 p.m. Apparently, refs went to Germantown’s field. I imagine this would not
have happened in the Catholic League. This is such a disservice to the kids in
The Pub. Eventually, 7 refs showed up to the game, so I got a good chuckle out
of that. But they STILL got a call wrong. That made me laugh even harder. West
Philly had the ball at the Jaguars’ 3 and Keith West dropped back to
throw. He threw a pick to Shoatz in the end zone and Shoatz brought it out and
had blockers and daylight. BUT, SOMEHOW, the refs incorrectly blew the play dead
and Shoatz had a TD taken away. The big story from the game itself was the play
of West RB Jamar Cox. He played the game of his life in this one, racking
up 106 yards and a TD on 11 carries. Cox ran low to the ground and ran through
arm tackles, earning West Philly’s player of the game award. The Jaguars were
missing their star RB and it showed. They fell behind by 12 early and felt like
they had to throw to get back into the game. RB Marquis Days didn’t play
a bad game, but only got 5 carries. I also have to mention the fact that Adens
may throw the prettiest ball in The Pub. Yes, he is in a QB-friendly offense,
but his skill is apparent and he is a leader. He even lined up at receiver to
catch a few balls but ended up empty handed. There was a storm in the area 2
weeks ago and that storm, along with the late-arriving referee crew, forced the
game to be called midway through the 4th quarter, to the dismay of U-City
coach Lou Williams and Offensive Coordinator Lorrell McCook. At
least the kids got to play, but it was a real disservice to the players, and I
was not happy about it at all.
GAME BALL- This one will go to Cox. He played his tail off and he
showed the size doesn’t matter as much as people think…
I NOTICED- The crowd was the biggest I had seen at West’s field
ever. They were totally into the game and it made for a great atmosphere, rain
or not. Even the cheerleaders went at it…The cheerleaders also had a special
chant every time West WR Michael White made a play. “White Mike, White
Mike” It was very funny…
NOV. 13
Final 2008 T-Time Team
I think it is fitting that this is my last
batch of members of the T-Time Team. I wish I had gifts for yall, but I don’t.
But keep ballin hard because I see something special in you all. Real talk.
I know y'all have already read Amauro’s piece, so you know it was
a classic, but the game was so great I had to show some love. It’s the best Pub
game I’ve ever seen. It had every element you could ask for. It was phenomenal.
And before I make the final list for the inaugural 2008 T-Time Team, I’ve got to
make sure I correct one thing. Antwoine Allen. Come on down! I left off
the stud DE from Olney because he took a play off. But man, is he impressive. I
kept thinking every week I had to put him on and it bothered me, so here you go
‘Twoine. Now, from this game, I’m going to start with a freshman. CB Nate
Smith will be a star! It took me a while to actually like him as a player
because he didn’t look that sharp against Central. But when the lights came on
at Charlie Martin, The Freshman came to play. He played great defense, teaming
with DB Lorenzo Adams to do a respectable job on superstar WR/S Je’Ron
Stokes. Smith showed big-time cajones to man up with Stokes and actually
catch the pick that sent this game to overtime. Also, from the Eagles:
Sharrif “The Big Fella/ Ladies Love Me” Floyd comes aboard. Boy was he
dominant! He jumped offside at a CRUCIAL juncture of the game, but maintained
his composure. I usually note the offensive and defensive line, but ‘Reef made
people pay attention. He engulfs people and I love it. He definitely is a stud.
From the Vikings, QB Malik Stokes finally makes my squad. Now, I’m not
naming all-Americans here or giving out the Heisman, but I wasn’t sure if Lil’
Stokes had IT. I cant pinpoint IT, but just that thing that I love players to
have. Of course, he’s talented but the T-Time Team isn’t all about talent. When
I saw the way he BROKE DOWN after the game, my doubts were erased. Sure, he set
a school-record for passing yardage, but he cried and cried and cried after the
game. That shows passion and desire. LOOK OUT PUBLIC LEAGUE. This kid is going
to be HUNGRY next year. Also, DE Kevin Leslie played the best game of his
career on the biggest stage. He was ransacking Washington players. And two-way
tackle Asshael Gladden played well, too. He and Floyd went at it in the
trenches. Good stuff to see. And the final member of the 2008 T-Time Team is
DB Eric “Flav” Brundidge. I hear GLOWING reports about the young man. He
struggled against Overbrook at times, but I was convinced they could have just
been mental lapses. This kid is a speed demon I hear. Like “Iceman” Butler
speed. (I’m not convinced Butler was faster than ex-Gratz star Tyree Watson.
But they were both in the “Geeze, he’s blazing” realm of speed.”) He came up big
on offens, making tough catches ion traffic and stretching the Eagle defense.
So this is the 2008 T-Time Team:
Washington QB
Aaron “Follow The Leader, I Got Y’all” Wilmer
Northeast QB Malik
Stokes
Mastbaum RB Rasheen
Tookes
Washington RB Kesson “I Make Plays” Christopher
Northeast RB James
Rosseau
Esperanza RB Zakee
Moody
Frankford RB Taron Mills
Dobbins RB Ralston Thomas
Frankford RB/CB Hakeem Watson
West RB John Davis
Overbrook RB/LB Julius Faison
Bartram RB/LB Tyron Cheeseboro
Washington WR Joe “Mismatch” Clayborne
Lincoln WR Omar Black
Lincoln TE Tim Algeo
Washington TE James Fowler
Dobbins OL Darryl “Jeezy” Clark
Washington OL Hafuz Tahiraj
Frankford DT Tauheed Smith
Northeast
OT/DT Asshael Gladden
West OT/DT Nikoli
Norman
Washington
OT/DT Sharrif “The Big Fella/ Ladies Love Me” Floyd
Frankford DT Akeem Smith
Bartram LT/DT Raymond Fearon
Northeast C/DT Anthony Nieves
Olney
DE
Antwoine Allen
Northeast
DE Kevin Leslie
Northeast DE
Deion “I’m Trying To Play Myself To All-State Status” Barnes
Lincoln LB Hakeem Cooper
Frankford LB Nate Johnson
Central LB Louis Peluyera
Bartram LB Derek “Aztec” King
Northeast LB Antoine Fowler
Washington
CB Nate Smith
Northeast
DB Eric “Flav” Brundidge
Bartram DB Yusef “The Fireman” Bangura
Northeast DB Darius Mosee
Olney QB/WR/SS Stefon Broughton
Northeast K “I Kick ‘Em from 50 Consistently and I Don’t Even Do
Football, I Do Babeball” Tim Freiling
Very Honorable Mention: King DB Saalen Jones (R.I.P.)
NOV. 7
NON-LEAGUE
Frankford 32, West Phila. 0
Sorry for this delay, y'all. School and work
are really kicking my tail and I’m trying to graduate!!! (smile) But I love
y'all and I’m still filing my reports.
The T-Time Team gained a lot more members out of this game, and many of
them were Pioneers. But I am taking two Speedboys. Two-way tackle Nikoli
Norman is a classic space-eater. He’s big and mean and gets after it. He
really had things together in this game until he went down with an injury. RB
John Davis impressed me thoroughly. He seemed tough, also fighting for extra
yards and not being scared one bit of the stiff Pioneer defense. He showed an
uncanny ability to shake tackles and break ‘em. Now to FKD: RB/CB Hakeem
Watson was all over. And he wasn’t just in the area, he was making plays.
Offense, defense, and special teams. And he’s a leader. I love those qualities
about him. Plus, he can ball. RB Taron Mills will shine whenever he gets
his chance. He also plays fierce at linebacker. LB Nate Johnson looked to
destroy ballcarriers from his LB spot on D. He literally picked up a West player
and dumped him on his head. If you know me by now, you know I LOVE that on the
field. Aggressive, passionate, and talented play is what Johnson showed all
game. Finally, I gotta show love to the big Smith fellas: two-way linemen
Tauheed Smith and Akeem Smith. Tauheed is a block of granite on the field.
Good luck trying to block him head up. He also showed a decent leg on a kickoff
later in the game He’s 357 pounds and kicking off. Hilarious. Akeem is more
athletic and also knifes his way into the backfield in addition to bull rushing.
He could be a star at the next level.
Now to the game:
There’s not really that much to report yall. It was an overmatched West
Philly team playing an angry, amped up Frankford squad. Frankford was pissed
that they lost 3-0 to Northeast in the semifinals, or at least they played like
it. Watson got it started by returning the opening kickoff 75 yards to the West
5. RB Akeem Whipple would take it in from the 1 two plays later. 2
safeties followed (notched by DB Kalif Walker and Watson). Watson would
stroll in from 47 yards out. That pretty much was the story of the game.
Frankford scored and West didn’t. Johnson would add a 9-yard TD in the third and
Mills would scamper in from 15 yards out in the 4th quarter to cap the scoring.
There were some positives for West, though. One thing, I really like QB Keith
West. He never quits and seems to be a leader. Yeah, he has a chip on his
shoulder, but I think you need that. I still don’t understand why QB draws
aren’t a part of West’s offense. West was definitely a fullback two seasons ago
and can really run. He’s the best athlete on the team and has a decent arm, so
teams would have to respect the threat of a pass. DE Chris Brown could
make some noise next year for the Speedboys as he showed a desire to play and
made a crucial special teams tackle. He could be a good one and he’s just a
sophomore. And there’s a player nicknamed “Grasshoper” which is the coolest
nickname I’ve heard in a while.
GAME BALL- This one
will go to Watson. He had 87 yards on the groud, .5 sack, a safety, 75 yards in
kick return yardage, and had 9 tackles. Any more questions?
I NOTICED- I found myself thinking what if Norman (6’3”, 277), T.
Smith (6’5”, 357), and A. Smith (6’4”, 286) played on the same line? Sheesh...West
was down 26-0, and Keith West had a chance to scramble for a first down. He
declined and looked for a receiver in the end zone. He misfired, but his
reasoning was funny: “I’m trying to get another touchdown.”…Frankford QB Mike
McGroarty will be decent with time. He fired two picks (both to John Davis),
but he is a sophomore. He has antsy feet and locks in on one receiver for too
long. But he is not a bad looking prospect if/when he corrects those issues…I
like Frankford coach Mike Capriotti. He just seems cool. Like Al
Pacino/Robert DeNiro cool. Don’t cross him. (smile)
OCT. 31
NON-LEAGUE
LINCOLN 18, CENTRAL 14
Sorry for the delay yall. Had to celebrate
President Barack Obama. My bad.
This was a surprisingly entertaining game. I’ve got more members to the
T-Time Team. This team isn’t strictly skill. This team is about tough, gutsy
players who ball out. And for that reason, I’ve got to rectify a mistake I made.
I forget to put Northeast DB Darius Mosee. He hawked down a Bartram
receiver and saved a TD, at least for a play. That stuck out as soon as I saw
it. That’s indicative of a T-Time player. That hustle and desire.
Now from this game, I will start with Lincoln. WR Omar Black plays
with fire. He has a nice build and decent speed. But it’s his attitude I like.
He blocks with a purpose. The edge is HIS. And keep your head on a swivel
because he will crackback on you. I saw it. Twice. He’s not a dirty player. Just
a good one. LB Hakeem Cooper flashed to the ball very well. He struggled
a bit early in the game, but he kept coming and kept coming and kept coming, to
the tune of a game-high 14 tackles. He just shows up with his lunchpail and
keeps going to work. My type of player. TE Tim Algeo was beast sealing on
the line. He took on all comers and was as hyped when other players scored as he
was about his touchdown. He loves to block and he has decent speed. He’s a nasty
type of player. Now, I finally get to add a player from Dear High, Dear Central
High: LB Louis Peluyera. He had no name on the back of his jersey and he
dropped a game-sealing interception. But that is not what defines this kid. His
nickname should be “Again?” because that’s what I thought after every pile
cleared up. 42 again? He showed tremendous fill ability and he toughed out an
injury to get back on the field during a crucial drive. He played great, but he
took the loss hard. Here’s how the team shapes up now:
Washington QB Aaron Wilmer
Mastbaum RB Rasheen Tookes
Washington RB Kesson Christopher
Northeast RB James Rosseau
Esperanza RB Zakee Moody
Dobbins RB Ralston Thomas
Overbrook RB/LB Julius Faison
Bartram RB/LB Tyron Cheeseboro
Washington WR Joe Clayborne
Lincoln WR Omar Black
Lincoln TE Tim Algeo
Washington TE James Fowler
Dobbins OL Darryl “Jeezy” Clark
Washington OL Hafuz Tahiraj
Bartram LT/DT Raymond Fearon
Northeast C/DT Anthony Nieves
Northeast DE Deion Barnes
Lincoln LB Hakeem Cooper
Central LB Louis Peluyera
Bartram LB Derek “Aztec” King
Northeast LB Antoine Fowler
Bartram DB Yusef “The Fireman” Bangura
Northeast DB Darius Mosee
Olney QB/WR/SS Stefon Broughton
Northeast K “Super” Tim Freiling
Very Honorable Mention: King DB Saalen Jones (R.I.P.)
The game itself was intriguing. Lincoln RB
Amin Shabazz had over 100 yards on his first 3 carries of the game. On
the game’s second play from scrimmage he took off for an 80-yard score. He added
a 21-yarder on hjs next carry. He finished the game with 183 on just 13 carries,
including another long touchdown scamper. That one was from 56 yards out. He
only managed 41 yards in the second half though. Oddly enough, Shabazz scored on
each of his 2nd carries of each quarter of the first half. So, on the second
carry of the first and second quarter, he scored. Hope that’s clear enough guys.
(smile) Central answered each score with a score of its own. Central’s QB
Devonne Boler threw strikes of 46 yards (to WR Tony Rosa) and 8 yards
(to WR Siddiq Cornish) to lead the Lncer to a 14-12 halftime lead.
Amazing Lincoln K John/Chris Wilson missed both of this conversion kicks.
The 3rd quarter went scoreless and Central was sensing its season-long win
drought coming to an end. Their spider senses were not tingling correctly. Let’s
jump righ into it. Central started the 4th quarter on Lincoln’s 47-yard line.
Boler gained 9 yards on a run on which he dragged a would-be tackler for 5
yards, FB Julius Holmes picks up the 1 for the first down. Straight-ahead
grown man runs of 2 and 7 by FB Ervin Johnson. RB Tyquain Jainlett takes
off for 11. Johnson ahead for 9 more yards. So, Central is at Lincoln’s 8-yard
line with a chance to insert the dagger. 3 downs to get 1 yard and keep the
chains moving. Boler for 0- one strike. Johnson for 0- uh oh, two strikes.
Johnson for 0 again- third strike and Lincoln takes over possession with about 3
minutes left in the game and 92 yards to go to score. Oh, and by the way, Black
had the final two CRUCIAL stops- both solo- on Johnson to force the turnover on
downs. Lincoln coach Gene Kelly hands the reins to QB Joe McCausland
and what a two-minute drill did he put on! On fourth-and-three early in the
drive, he picked up 3 yards. He then ripped off completions of 27 (to Black), 1
(Shabazz), 4 (Dylan Gallagher), 20 (Black), and 11 (Shabazz) before
misfiring. Shabazz picked up 6 before Broadway Joe went back to work. He hit
Shabazz for 14. Then on third-and-goal from the 4, he scrambled for 3 and 7/8
yards, placing the ball oh so short of the goal-line. On fourth-and-goal, it’s
all on the table. Let me break down this last play: The ball is snapped. I’m
thinking QB draw all the way. I’m like Skip Bayless about LeBron James:
totally wrong. McCausland slides just slightly to his right. Algeo runs an out.
Payulera is in coverage. He sees the route and jumps it. He dives and the ball
lands in his hands. It also bounces off his hands. Algeo alertly stays with the
ball and falls to the ground in the right corner for the game-winning touchdown
with 33 seconds left!!!! Or so it seemed. The Railsplitters kicked the ball out
of bounds on the ensuing kickoff. Central coach Frank Conway accepted the
penalty. Lincoln kicks the ball out of bounds again. Central accepts the penalty
again. Wilson keeps the third kickoff inbounds and Jainlett returns the ball to
the Lancers’ 46. A quick pass to Jainlett picked up 7 yards to the Railsplitter
47. I’m thinking ‘Looks like Central will pull it out.’ My thought looks even
better on the next play as Rosa wiggled free of the Lincoln DBs and Boler found
him wide open. About 2 seconds later, my thought was incorrect as Rosa bobbled,
bobbled, and dropped the perfectly placed pass with green in front of him with
11 seconds left. Boler’s last pass fell harmlessly incomplete and the game was
over.
GAME BALL- McCausland takes this one home, as the game-winning
drive was executed beautifully and he was at the helm. Cooper and Black dished
out worthy performances, as well.
I NOTICED- Young WR Rich Drayton will be a player. He had
no receptions in this one, but I like this kid. He has a good pedigree and he’s
got a look about him…Older Rich Drayton is a fine assistant coach. He and
Bruce Glatthorn have to be the most fiery coaches on the same staff I’ve
seen…Rosa’s dad is a police officer. Seemed like a reasonably nice guy…The
officials called a ticky-tack personal foul. It was a touchy call… That penalty
helped lead to Central facing a 3rd and 33…Lincoln B Ben Speller is a
nice corner. Nice confidence, excellent body control, and decent feet. He needs
to work on flipping his hips, but he is a nice looking DB.
OCT. 24
PUBLIC AAAA QUARTERFINAL
Northeast 26, Bartram 20
This was a helluva game!!! More members added
to the T-Time Team in this one and I’ll start with Bartram. LB Derek “Aztec”
King was a beast for the Braves. King tallied 9 tackles and was all over the
field. His heart was on display as well, as he was all over the place taking on
all comers. LT/DT Raymond Fearon had his way in the game, too. A lineman
with a streak of bad intentions, he made plays that showed op on the stat sheet,
racking up 4 tackles and a sack. But what was more impressive was the way he
freed up his linebackers and safeties to come up and make plays. On more than
one occasion, Fearon stretched plays out wide by occupying two blockers. For
Northeast, impressive DE Deion Barnes plays with a fire coming off of the
edge. He and Olney DE Antwoin Allen are two of the most disruptive DEs in
The Pub. And he’s listed as a sophomore. Barnes is a problem. End of story.
RB James Rousseau did WORK in this game. Serious work. He’s always been the
heavy-lifter, but he really impressed me with his effort in the game. As did,
two-way tackle Anthony Nieves. He always seems to have bad intentions
when he collides with an opposing player. And if I’m taking a kicker, it’s gotta
be “Super” Tim Freiling. So, the squad looks like this:
Washington QB Aaron Wilmer
Mastbaum RB Rasheen Tookes
Washington RB Kesson Christopher
Northeast RB James Rosseau
Esperanza RB Zakee Moody
Dobbins RB Ralston Thomas
Overbrook RB/LB Julius Faison
Bartram RB/LB Tyron Cheeseboro
Washington WR Joe Clayborne (who scored his first TD as an Eagle
against his old school, U-City. Congrats!)
Washington TE James Fowler
Dobbins OL Darryl “Jeezy” Clark
Washington OL Hafuz Tahiraj
Bartram LT/DT Raymond Fearon
Northeast C/DT Anthony Nieves
Northeast DE Deion Barnes
Bartram LB Derek “Aztec” King
Northeast LB Antoine Fowler (who delivered a WICKED T-Time Hit this
week)
Bartram DB Yusef “The Fireman” Bangura
Olney QB/WR/SS Stefon Broughton
Northeast K “Super” Tim Freiling
Very Honorable Mention: King DB Saalen Jones (R.I.P.)
The game itself was crazy! Northeast pulled this one out, and a lot of
the credit belongs to their O-Line and Rosseau. Rosseau ran like a bull in this
one, turning 22 totes into 161 yards and 2 touchdowns. He delivered blow after
blow after blow to the Bartram defense, and was clutch down the stretch. But
games start in the beginning, and Bartram struck first after recovering a fumble
at the Viking 20. On third-and-6, backup QB Jose Morales delivered a
beautiful pass to multipurpose threat Ira Sample to take the lead 6-0.
The conversion attempt failed. Northeast would respond with a 9-play 65-yard
drive, capped with a hard-earned 1-yard TD by Rosseau. “Big Country” ripped off
a 23-yard gain and was aided by RB Tyleel Taylor who picked up 17 and 8
on back-to-back carries on the drive. The 9 plays were all runs. Freiling added
the PAT to give the Vikings a 7-6 lead. Northeast dominated the number of plays
in the second quarter, limiting Bartram to only 8 plays. Yet, the Braves
capitalized as talented QB Laquan Williams hit Bangura for a 5-yard
touchdown. The play before Bangura’s TD haul served the key play, as FB
Marquise Bailey made a terrific short catch in the flat over a Northeast
defender and took it 77 yards to the Viking 5 to set up the score. RB Tyron
Cheeseboro, who uncharacteristically struggled mightily (8 carries for 4
yards) in this one, hammered a defender en route to running in the two-point
conversion and putting the Braves ahead, 14-7 with 3:09 showing in the 2nd
quarter. Northeast came marching back, behind the arm of star QB Malik
Stokes. The Vikings were also aided by the ballsy playcalling of coach
Mel Hinton, who called a fake punt on 4th and 3, which WR Je’Ron Stokes
converted on a run of 4 yards. Freiling finished that drive with a 33-yard
field goal that cut Bartram’s lead to 4, 14-10. Freilling then executed a
FANTASTIC onsides kick, which he recovered at his own 47, to give the Vikings
another chance to score. Stokes hit emerging WR Steven Pinckney for gains
of 8 and 18 to the Braves’ 27 to set up a 44 yard FG attempt for Freiling.
Freiling lines it up and…the kick would have been good from 50. Bartram 14,
Northeast 13 going into the half. Bartram received to start the half, but after
9 plays, they punted to Northeast. The Vikings, aided by 10 yards of Braves’
penalties, drove 9 plays to score on Rosseau’s 10-yard plunge, his second of the
game, with 1:53 showing Bartram’s Al- Hajj Shabazz fumbled the ball right
back to Northeast on the Braves’ ensuing possession with Samuel Galloway
recovering James McRae’s forced fumble. Northeast ran one play to start
the 4th stanza, which turned out to be a turnover festival, and then punted.
Bartram returned the favor, and punted the ball right back after three plays.
Taylor fumbled (hit by Antwain Byrd, recovery by Laquan Williams) and
Bartram was in business- until Morales was picked off by Pinckney. Rousseau
offered runs of 7, 28, and 1, before losing 4 to place the ball at Bartram’s 18.
Then, came the dagger. Lil Stokes hit Big Stokes in the left corner with a
gorgeous 18-yard pass with 2:47 showing in the game, to make the score 26-14.
Williams hit Bangura with an 11-yard pass with 1:05 showing, but it was a bit
too late for the Braves to come back. Great game. King led Bartram with 9
tackles, while Nieves led Northeast with 5 tackles.
GAME BALL- This one is going to Rosseau. He put up season-high
numbers at the most clutch time. He ran like a man possessed and he is a tough
hombre.
I NOTICED- Fowler had 2 tackles in this game, but DAMN did he make
‘em count. He unloaded on Cheeseboro and rocked the whole stadium. Then, he let
out in a roar “I’m the best linebacker in the Public League!” He’s definitely
got that swag that’s necessary to play LB and I love it…Cheeseboro took the loss
the hardest of all of Bartram’s players. He sobbed and sobbed and just let the
tears flow. Cheese, you have nothing to be ashamed of big fella. Great
season…Northeast’s offense is like a Transformer. It’s smashmouth, but then it
transforms into being pretty. It runs it down your throat, but kills you through
the air. They’re dangerous…That Fowler hit is still ringing Southwest Philly.
OCT. 17
DIVISION AAAA
George Washington 35, Central 6
I think I’ve got a name for the team I’m
compiling. It’s the T-Time Team. Yeah, it’s a little whack, but if you’ve got a
suggestion for a team name, shoot me an e-mail.
I’m taking a lot of Eagles on my team. Washington OL Hafuz Tahiraj
is a lineman with a nasty streak. I L-O-V-E his intensity and his passion. He
really gets after it and the type of player you need on your team. TE James
Fowler is truly impressive. He’s got great hands, good speed, and a good
build. He is a definite D-I prospect and it would not be a stretch IMO to see
him play in the L one day. WR Joe Clayborne is the real deal. He’s seeing
fewer balls than he did at U-City, but he still converts his chances. He’s a
stud and he’s getting tougher by the moment. RB Kesson Christopher is a
no-frills type of player. He’s got the speed to outrun you, but he’s got the
build and the mindset to pound you and run you over. Finally, QB Aaron Wilmer
is cool and collected. He is a leader and is a smart player. He just seems
like an “intangibles” type of kid. I think he’s got a bright future and he’s
tough. He can play for me any day.
So here’s the T-Time Team so far:
Washington QB Aaron Wilmer
Mastbaum RB Rasheen Tookes
Washington RB Kesson Christopher
Esperanza RB Zakee Moody
Dobbins RB Ralston Thomas
Overbrook RB/LB Julius Faison
Bartram RB/LB Tyron Cheeseboro
Washington WR Joe Clayborne
Washington TE James Fowler
Dobbins OL Darryl “Jeezy” Clark
Washington OL Hafuz Tahiraj
Northeast LB Antoine Fowler (who promised me T-Time Hits this week)
Bartram DB Yusef “The Fireman” Bangura
Olney QB/WR/SS Steffon Broughton
Very Honorable Mention: King DB Saalen Jones (R.I.P.)
Now onto the game:
The good news for Central is that they scored. The Lancers are also in
the playoffs and draw an Overbrook Panther team that they may be able to match
up well against. As for this game? Quite a different story. Washington QB
Aaron Wilmer looked pretty sharp, going 6-for-7 for 109 yards. Half of his
passes went for touchdowns. TE James Fowler hauled in three of Wilmer’s
passes, including an 11-yarder to open the scoring. Washington poured it on from
there, scoring 14 more in the first quarter to go up 21-0. RB Kesson
Christopher caught a 6-yard pass from Wilmer to make the score 14-0 and
Fowler finished up the first-quarter scoring with a 26-yard grab. It took the
Lancers until the last play of the first quarter to notch a first down. The
second stanza went scoreless, but the highlights of the quarter were two passes
to Washington WR Joe Clayborne. Clayborne was targeted on a fade in the
first quarter before Christopher’s touchdown. Clayborne caught a 13-yard slant
for his first catch of the game. Two plays later, he was hauling in a 40-yard
bomb to place the ball at Central’s 5-yard-line. The Eagles were sniffing 6 more
points, but that came to an end when LB Sam Weinstock forced a fumble
that was recovered by Quatief “QT” Thomas. Central would then embark on a
16-play drive, but still was held out of the end zone. Christopher opened the
scoring in the third quarter with a 50-yard TD run after Central’s drive
stalled. That TD put the Eagles ahead 28-0 and allowed the second-teamers a
chance to get a run for Washington. Central’s next drive ended with a punt and
Washington took over. Backup QB Jameer Seals entered the game and
sandwiched completions of 22 (to TE Nate Smith) and 9 (to TE
Tom Marano) around 6 and 3-yard runs by RB Elijah Douglas. Washington
was in business at Central’s 18-yard line and Seals took off and picked up 6
yards. Yet, Seals would fumble at the end of the run and DB Siddiq Cornish
recovered to give Central the ball. QB Devonne Boler dropped back and
fired an interception to DB Zikeem Anderson. Anderson took the
interception to the house from 21 yards out. Central would finally get on the
board on the 6th play of the 4th quarter. The play was a screen pass to RB
Tyquain Jainlett and he took the pass 52 yards to score. The catch and run
was quite impressive as he showed off decent balance and speed on the play. The
conversion attempt failed and that was the end of the scoring. DL Bryant
Davis led the way for Washington on defense with 6 tackles. DB Nate Smith
and Chea Sloh also notched INTs for the Eagles. Central was led by LB
Tigran Israelyan, who had 4 tackles. Thomas had a sack (two halves) and also
had a fumble recovery.
GAME BALL- Wilmer
looked very sharp in his performance, but this one is going to Kesson
Christopher. He scored two TDs and really took the air out of Central’s sails
with his 50-yard jaunt in the third quarter. He can thank his O-Line, too. They
were Gs Waverly Harris and George Scott, Ts James Lucky and Mike Dennis, and
C Hafuz Tahiraj.
I NOTICED- I heard the pads poppin’ in this one. Some serious hits
were delieverd. I definitely was pleased…The University City-GW playoff game
should be a dandy. Clayborne will be facing his former team and both teams have
very capable passers in Wilmer and UC’s Michael Adens. That game should
be a good one. Duck would love that one (smile)…There may be a chink in
the armor of GW. The pass coverage left something to be desired. They came away
with the W and 3 picks, but the corners have to step up next week… I see
potential in Central DB Miles Henry. With a tougher mindset, he will
really be tough for opposing teams. He doled out some punishment on one of his
carries and there are glimpses for much more…Central has a legend patrolling its
sidelines nowadays. Rich Drayton is back. He holds the school-record for
receiving yards in a game and he is on Central’s coaching staff. His son,
Rich Drayton, looks good and is a freshman on the varsity squad. He’s one to
watch…Central’s managers (Alison Wogman, Alysha Clarke (a white girl
(smile)), Theresa Wells, Cha’ntelle O’Kelly, and Labreea Abraham) are
very cool and funny to boot. You know they’re probably smart as
well…Washington’s managers gave me a bit of trouble for being a Central alumnus.
But it was all in good fun…Jainlett’s TD broke an 11-quarter scoring drought for
the Lancers…It’s playoff time and it should be a great week of football!
OCT. 10
PUBLIC AAAA RED
Northeast 28, Overbrook 14
Before I get to the game, I’m going to start
compiling a team of guys I’d take on my squad on any day of the year. I’ll call
it how I see it. These are kids that go hard, have a ton of heart, and are
talented. Every one can’t be chosen, so PLEASE DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY.
Names for the team can be suggested, and if you want to suggest
names, please feel free to e-mail me. The emails will definitely be welcomed.
From this game, I’m taking two: Overbrook’s Julius Faison and
Northeast’s Antoine Fowler. I got looks at Faison from a league in the
summer and he was underutilized then. He’s still underutilized (IMO) and he’s
just tough. He’s a gamer and a helluva leader. Fowler is an attack LB who goes
hard on every single play. He only notched 4 tackles in the game, but I’ve seen
him play before and he’s definitely a D-I level athlete. He lives to play behind
the line of scrimmage and he’s beastly.
I’ll just list the kids I’d take from other games I’ve covered so far,
but will go in detail about kids selected from here on out.
Bartram RB/LB Tyron Cheesboro
Bartram DB Yusef “The Fireman” (Thanks Amauro) Bangura
Mastbaum RB Rasheen Tookes
Dobbins OL Darryl “Jeezy” Clark
Dobbins RB Ralston Thomas
Esperanza RB Zakee Moody (who stands at 5’2” and may have the most
heart in The Pub)
Olney QB/WR/SS Stefon Broughton
Honorable mention: King DB Saalen Jones (R.I.P.)
Now onto the game:
The game started out like it was going to be over in very quick fashion.
Northeast came out firing, putting 20 on the board in the first quarter. The
Vikings had three opening stanza possessions and came away with three TDs. It
all started, as usual, with franchise QB Malik Stokes throwing a
beautifully placed fade to his All-American big brother WR Je’Ron Stokes
for a 5-yard touchdown with 7:16 showing. Impressive RB Tyleel Taylor (I
could’ve sworn his last name was Robinson last year) scoring from 36 yards out.
Taylor took another carry in from 5 yards out for his second TD of the quarter.
Superkicker Tim Freiling hit two of his three PAT attempts in the first
quarter. ‘Brook was not looking good and the squad was on the ropes early.
Something happened in the second quarter though and things started to shift.
Panthers’ QB Rasheed Oberlton launched a pass to acrobatic WR John
Melvin and Melvin took it 80 yards for a score with 4:25 showing in the
second quarter. The conversion attempt failed to keep the score 20-6.
Northeast’s third possession of the quarter was just one play long. Lil’ Stokes
dropped back to throw, but DB Chris Flemming stepped in front of it,
showing great hands, and raced 27 yards for another touchdown. Oberlton
scrambled in for the conversion to make it 20-14 and boom we’ve got a ballgame.
Stokes was picked off again on his next attempt but ‘Brook fumbled on their own
20-yard line with 6 seconds showing. Northeast trots out Freiling for a 37-yard
FG attempt. He pushes it wide left and 2 seconds remain in the half. Overbrook
takes over at their own 20 and Oberton heaves one to the sideline for waterbug
RB Keenan Clark. Clark hauls in the 50-yarder but the half ended with
that play. The momentum resided clearly with the Panthers of Overbrook and
Northeast’s coaching staff let their team know about it. Northeast’s first drive
of the third quarter ended with a punt. Melvin had an excellent 48-yard return,
that would’ve been a touchdown if not for a big tackle by Freling, and ‘Brook
was in business. After three downs (7-yard tackle for loss by DB Darius Mosee,
8-yard sack by DT Darryl Butler, and incompletion, ‘Brook lined up to
punt. RB Julius Faison, who was first-team All-Public last year as an
O-Lineman, lined up to punt. Instead, he found a open-by-a-zip-code WR Darren
Wade for a 28-yard pickup and a first down and new life at the Vikings’ 22.
Faison picked up 3 and 5 on back to back carries and then Oberton is dropped for
a sack by DE Marcus Leslie. Impressive DE Deion Barnes drops
Oberlton again for a sack on fourth down and the Panthers turn it over.
Northeast then transformed from a ‘flashy and cute air-it-out team’ to a ‘we’re
going to run it down your throat and you can’t stop us’ kind of team.’ 7
straight run plays resulted in a 72-yard drive and 6 points on the board. Heavy
lifting RB James “Big Country” Rosseau (4 carries, 27 yards) and Taylor
(3 carries, 43 yards) split the load, with Taylor waltzing in from 24 yards out.
Freiling missed the extra point again to keep the game score at 26-14. ‘Brook’s
ensuing drive began with a penalty on the kickoff return, starting them at their
own 10. Clark carries for 2 yards to give them some breathing room at their own
12. On the next play, Northeast showed serious discipline on the next play.
Clark got the carry again and ended up running backward trying to make a play.
He was dragged down by Barnes at Overbrook’s 1-yard-line, and Faison, pinned on
his own endline, would step out of bounds and award NE two points. Big Stokes
ended the game with an INT. Faison and LB David McCants led ‘Brook with 6
tackles, while Barnes led Northeast with 2.5 sacks.
GAME BALL- Taylor finished with 126 yards on the ground and two
TDs. So, he gets the game ball. BUT, he should share it with his hogs on the
line: Ts Asahel Gladden and Maciej Mazur, Gs Antoine Fowler and Isaac
Peterson, and C Jerome Brown, as well as Barnes, who played well at E
and Sean McDonald who was also at end.
I NOTICED- Melvin and Northeast DB Eric “Flav” Brundidge
went at it in this one. Melvin beat him for the touchdown and Brundidge
struggled with Melvin’s speed, but he also did have some positive plays in
coverage and in run support. Definitely was a fun battle to watch…Where did all
the hard hitters go in The Pub? I remember Khalif Boldin, Jameel McClain,
Chris DeShields, and Quindel “Milk” Ladson. I barely hear pads poppin’
nowadays…Fowler was awfully quiet in this one. He’s still an excellent
ballplayer, though…Big Stokes isn’t the best receiver I’ve seen in The Pub with
his last name. And that’s no disrespect to him. That honor would go to former
Germantown superstud Akil Stokes. Now, Akil was a beast. I never
understood why he never got more D-I looks…Freiling was a bit off with his kicks
today, as was Lil’ Stokes with his throws. I've never seen either one of those
players off-kilter in their games before…Overbrook’s coaching staff is
HILARIOUS…I had to let Northeast sideline know where the Wooden Horse really
belonged and that is with CHS, of course…One of ‘Brook’s assistant coaches is a
Central grad, as is Fels’ coach, Bill Harrigan, whom I saw last week
(sorry about the game report, or lack thereof. School happens.) Central grads
are everywhere. WE THE BEST!!!!
SEPT. 26
PUBLIC AAAA BLUE
Olney 13, West Phila. 0
This game started out far from a slobber
knocker. West started out the game and flat-out dominated the first quarter. The
Speedboy offense ran all but 6 plays of the first quarter, while the defense
forced two three-and-outs. RB John Davis got the bulk of the work in the
first stanza, carrying the pigskin 6 times for 31 yards. I was really impressed
by West’s defense in the first quarter. The group calls itself the “Orange
Crush”, in homage to the Denver Broncos, which I think is extremely cool.
Superlarge NT Darius “Night Train” Knight and very big DE Nikoli
Norman led the way in the first quarter as every Olney play netted negative
or zero yards. Olney ran 7 plays in the 2nd quarter, but RB Rodney Eleazer
broke off two first down runs of 12 yards on back-to-back plays to give the
Trojans some positive yards. Davis was busy again in the second quarter, getting
6 carries for 34 yards. West QB Keith West, who was a FB when I saw him
in ’06, showed toughness and a decent arm, but struggled to a 1-for-6 start in
the game. The same goes for Olney WR/SS Steffon Broughton, who was the
Trojans’ signal-caller in this one. He showed off a huge arm, but was 0-for-2 to
start the game. The game was a scoreless stalemate entering the half, but I’d
have to say West had to feel positive about the way the game was going. A
blatant drop of a West pass by WR/DB Justin Carrington in the end zone
kept the game scoreless. The second half started with Olney getting the ball and
handing it off to RB/LB Eric Barrow. Barrow barreled his way through the
line and looked like his way to paydirt for 6. Out of NOWHERE, and I mean
NOWHERE comes DB Laquell Fitzhugh and hawks him down at the 15-yard line.
Sure, Barrow picked up 45 yards and had Olney set up in great position but the
Darrell Green-Tony Dorsett-type tackle by Fitzhugh was one for the ages. The
Trojans’ drive actually stalled when Davis stole the ball from Broughton.
Literally. Broughton took off to run and Davis snatched the ball from him
mid-carry, like a quarterback-halfback exchange to give West the ball at their
own 30. The Speedboys would go three-and-out and Olney would capitalize as
Broughton hit playmaking WR Jaron “Snoop” Turner for a 55-yard score.
Turner caught the ball and gave a stiff arm to a defender to create separation
and outrun him for the score. Turner would add another score shortly after the
start of the 4th quarter. He and teammate TE/DE Rasheed Thomas were
running crossing patterns. Broughton was looking for Thomas on the play and
Thomas mishandled the pass and up the ball went. Turner was Mr. Jaronny on the
Spot and picked it out of the air and hustled into the end zone for a 49-yard
score. Turner is very impressive as he is just a sophomore and looks to have
great hands. He has a cool demeanor on the field, but gets things done. Olney’s
second TD came after Fitzhugh dropped an interception. A slight drizzle was
falling on the field and the grass and dirt became mud and Fitzhugh slipped on
the slick surface. Tough break. The Speedboys had one final shot as West put the
team on his back and showed serious brass and will to win. He mixed completions
of 11, 27, and 8 with a run of 11 to get his school close. But tough WR
Michael White, who started cramping at the 2:10 mark of the 3rd quarter,
couldn’t come up with a pass in the end zone. Another dropped pass in the back
of the end zone contributed to the 0 on West’s side of the scoreboard. Olney
DE Antoine Allen was very impressive, notching 7.5 tackles, including 1.5
sacks.
GAME BALL- This one’s
gotta go to Jaron “Snoop” Turner. He did his thing in this one, totaling 145
yards and 2 TDs on just 3 catches. Honorable mention goes to Broughton, who’s
been playing at Olney for a long time and left it all on the field.
I NOTICED- Norman’s play faded down the stretch, as he seemed to
alienate himself from teammates. He has the ability to outright dominate games
by himself, IF he stays focused…I like Olney coach Barry Strube. Maybe
it’s that Lancer connection (yeah, Central grads are everywhere.) But he really
has a firm handle on this squad. He also coaches baseball and wrestling and
seems genuinely concerned about the well being of his players…Keith West used to
be a FB. Now, he’s at QB. But no draw plays were called. That doesn’t make sense
to me. West has a decent arm and he’s very strong for a QB, so why not add a
different dimension to the offense by setting him loose on the
opposition?...Allen causes havoc off the edge, but took a play off in the 4th
quarter. Gotta go hard all game, big fella…I’m definitely looking forward to
that NE-Washington game at 7 this week. That’s going to be big-time. Wilmer vs.
Lil’ Stokes, Clayborne vs. Big Stokes, it’s going to be a great game. Be there…
Norman’s play dropped off noticeably in the second half, as he seemed to
alienate himself from teammates. He is very capable of dominating games alone,
if he keeps his composure.