NOV. 8
INTER-AC LEAGUE
Penn Charter 22, Gtn. Academy 16
     It's hard to say whether the game was tougher on fingernails or the Patriots, considering the 117th GA-PC football game was a nail-biter until the end, but the Quakers upset the Patriots 22-16 clinching a three way tie for the Inter-Ac title. All the chips were on the table Saturday afternoon, and simply said, PC played their hand better.
     It was sweet redemption for the Quakers' junior running back, Zack Zeglinski. He had a spectacular afternoon including a touchdown on a fourth and goal to get back in the game with 11:50 remaining. The score put the Quakers down a deuce, the same score and the same goal line that haunted Zeglinski eight minutes later when he fumbled a possible game-winning touchdown just a few inches of shy of the stripe. To his credit, he and his teammates never stopped battling, showing their resolve forcing a three-and-out. It was the ensuing punt which made the big PC crowd roar and silenced the rowdy Patriot faithful. Zeglinski, also the Quakers returner, received the punt on the Patriots 39 and in a matter of seconds, the game and the Inter-Ac were changed dramatically. He eluded a defender and then turned on his jets. The Quakers completed the two point conversion, leaving the Patriots trailing 22-16 with two minutes on the clock and no timeouts to spare.
     Patriots quarterback senior Sean Grieve, a prolific field general during his tenure behind center for the red-black-and blue, did everything he could to try to muster up heroics. However, the lefty could not find the big play which he has been able to do so many times in his career. With under twenty ticks left on the clock, a fourth-and-five pass fell a little past senior running back Tyler Yerk's finger tips, and with no timeouts and little time, the fat lady was ready to sing.
     The game started off in the Patriots favor, as they got on the board first when Grieve connected with junior Tyler Stampone for a 27 yard touchdown on a brilliant throw and highlight-reel catch. Late in the second quarter, Yerk scored from 6 yards out on a drive that was highlighted by senior captain Justin Holiday's 31 yard catch and run to the GA 22. The Patriots got the extra point block and a failed squib kick gave PC prime field position. The Quakers took advantage, and quarterback James Hannah scored on an option keeper from five yards out.
    The score could have much different than it was had GA's redzone defense not been so effective. They had a brilliant goal line stand, and had two turnovers inside the 10, Zeglinski's fumble recovery and a James Wiley fumble recovery off a muffed option by Hannah. This is also goes to show how impressive PC's offense was on the afternoon, able to move the ball on the ground effectively. Zeglinski was dynamite all afternoon, finishing with 131 yards on 19 carries.
    It was clear the Quakers were content on running the football, as their aerial attack was not explored. Hannah only through six times, connecting on four of them, one of which a huge 26 yard toss to Ryan Nanni. TE R.J Hollinshead grabbed 2 balls for 36 yards, and caught what could have been an important two point conversion had the Patriots scored on their last drive.
  For GA, Grieve finished his career off in workmanlike fashion, throwing 8-19 for 141 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 59 yards. Yerk carried the ball 15 times for 48 yards. Stampone, an extremely bright spot for the Patriots this season, caught five passes for 85 yards including the opening score.
     At the end, PC prevailed to tie the Quakers with GA and Malvern as co Inter-Ac champions.  It's hard to say whether the game was tougher on fingernails or the Patriots, considering the 117th GA-PC football game was a nail-biter until the end, but the Quakers upset the Patriots 22-16 clinching a three way tie for the Inter-Ac title. All the chips were on the table Saturday afternoon, and simply said, PC played their hand better.

NOV. 1
INTER-AC LEAGUE
Gtn. Academy 14, Episcopal 7
   Defense, defense, and more defense. If you were looking for offensive
fireworks and highlights, Saturday's clash between Germantown Academy
and Episcopal Academy was not for you. Rather, it was a methodical,
hard-fought defensive duel between two hungry teams who were
well-prepared and well-acquainted. EA did not have much to lose, going
into the game already 0-2 in the league with a tough hill to climb to
contention. GA had everything to lose, standing at 2-0 as the lone
undefeated Inter-Ac squad. Neither side was willing to budge. When the
clock hit triple zeros, the Patriots walked off the field with a 14-7
victory and a share of the Inter-Ac title.
   The story of the game was GA's defense. A matter of fact, the story of
the past three weeks has been GA's defense. In the last 144 minutes of
football, the Patriots have only allowed 13 points. They held EA under
100 yards, and contained the usually solid Churchmen ground attack in
check.
   GA scored on their first possession, a drive in which was marked by
quarterback Sean Grieve hitting receiver Tyler Stampone for a 26 yard
gain to the Episcopal's one yard line on a gutsy fourth and four call.
Grieve hopped into the endzone on the next play to put the Patriots up
7-0.
   That was the most firepower the offense seemed to provide for the much
of the following three quarters, as Episcopal's defense shut GA down for
the rest of the first quarter, all of the second and third, and a good
part of the fourth. Churchmen linebacker Joe Rosati was all over the
field making plays, and seniors Clifford Booker and Leland Laury added
sacks. A third quarter, fourth down sack on the Patriots 48 yard line
gave EA good field position, and eventually lead to quarterback Brian
Shanahan's touchdown scamper with a little over 4 minutes remaining in
third, evening up the score.
   The stalemate ensued until late in the fourth quarter, when the Patriots
found a way to strike. An impressive five-play drive headlined by a long
Stampone catch lead to Grieve's second rushing touchdown of the
afternoon with 2:45 remaining. 15 seconds later, Greg Sih intercepted
Shanahan's pass sealing the victory and a share of the title for GA.
   The Grieve-Stampone connection was in full force all afternoon, as
Stampone pulled in 8 grabs for 115 yards, accounting for over two-thirds
of the Patriots passing game. Stampone also pulled town an interception.
Grieve was equally impressive, completing 12 out of 20 passes for 163
yards and his two rushing scores. He was also instrumental in the
Patriots defensive backfield. Running back Tyler Yerk was held in check,
rushing 15 times for 45 yards. His influence was felt on defense,
however, where he recorded the Patriots only sack of the afternoon.
   Episcopal dropped their mark to 5-3 on the season, 0-3 in the league.
They matchup on Saturday against basement buddy Haverford, also 0-3 in
the league, in a game to avoid the cellar of the league.
   The Patriots improved to 7-1 on the season, with a 3-0 league mark
heading into this Saturday's showdown against rival Penn Charter. A win
would give the Patriots their first outright title since 1973. A loss
would create a three-way tie for the league crown with PC and Malvern.
Ironically, the same three schools tied for the 1959 Inter-Ac title. The
Patriots look to avoid a repeat in history and defend their unbeaten
league mark.
   Surely, they have the defense to do it.

OCT. 24
NON-LEAGUE
Gtn. Academy 31, Springfield Montco 0
   The weather was cold on Friday night, and so too was Springfield's
offense. But that is where it ends. GA's offense and defense were
equally simmering, providing the firepower needed to heat up the
evening. The Patriots burned the Spartans 31-0, advancing their record
to 6-1 on the season (2-0 in the league).
Sean Grieve set the momentum from the get-go, although it did not look
like the same Sean Grieve fans were used to seeing. The Springfield
resident, who has been eagerly anticipating this homecoming since it was
scheduled, could not find his customary # 7 jersey Friday morning. He
received a replacement # 17 uniform, but the change in apparel, along
with the Springfield defense, could not thwart Grieve. The lefty was
practically flawless on the evening, completing 8 of 13 passes for 144
yards and two scores. He also ran for one, his ninth of the season.
This game was over as soon as the Patriots scored their first touchdown.
The offense easily drove the ball down field, commencing the drive with
a 20 yard touchdown rush by running back Tyler Yerk.
  Yerk added to an already stellar season with another 100 yard game. The
senior carried the football 13 times, running for 118 yards and a
touchdown. Yerk also pulled in two catches for 71 yards, including a
screen where he ran through practically every blue shirt on the field
and scampered for a 56 yard gain, setting up a 6-yard touchdown pass to
Greg Sih. It was Sih's second touchdown catch of the game.
   Junior Tyler Stampone headlined the defense with two interceptions, both
as Springfield was itching to attack. He recorded his third
multi-interception game of the season, and raised his total to seven
picks. The defensive line was partiuclarly stingy in thwarting the
running of acclaimed Spartans running back Andre Hall.
   Even the Special Teams played well in GA's final non-league contest.
Junior kicker Phil Azarik knocked a fourth quarter field goal off the
crossbar and through for a career high 43 yard attempt.
Most of the Patriots starters did not last past the third quarter,
giving them a chance to stay healthy as Episcopal and Penn Charter make
up the final two weeks of GA's schedule. The Patriots host the Churchmen
this Friday on Holloween, followed by the annual clash with the rival
Quakers at PC on November 8th. GA's riding a four game win streak, and
as the temperature gets colder, the Patriots found just the right time
to get hot.
--------------
P.S: Puck predicted a 38-0 final. Not bad.

Zach first did these reports for GA's own website. Now that he has moved up
to the big-time, well at least the medium-time, he will work in some details about
GA's opponents.
-- Ted

OCT. 17
INTER-AC LEAGUE
Gtn. Academy 30, Haverford School 6
   It's ironic that for a team that spent much of last season emphasizing -- and excelling -- through the air, this season's GA offense seems content on playing smashmouth football. In Saturday's League Showdown against Haverford, such was apparent from the opening offensive snap.
   Senior running back Tyler Yerk was up for the challenge. Behind an unheralded yet extremely capable offensive line, the bruising back cracked the century mark for the second time this season, rushing for 119 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown as the Patriots steamrolled their way to a 30-6 rout. He was elusive and tough, finding holes between tackles and always finishing his run. Yerk also displayed his reliable hands, grabbing two receptions for 24 yards.
   The game was billed as a match-up between two of the finest quarterbacks the area has to offer. Haverford's Bryan Savage, a Wisconsin pledge, certainly held up his end of the bargain, despite the lopsided score. The senior impressed with admirable poise and an ability to move in the pocket, a necessary attribute considering the consistent pressure of the Patriots’ defense.
   GA gunslinger Sean Grieve was impressive as well, as the southpaw completed all but two of his 9 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. The score was to junior Tyler Stampone, his third time crossing the chalk in as many games. Grieve also ran for a touchdown, bringing his rushing scores to 8 on the season, a testament to his versatility.
   The game was pretty much one-sided. Haverford put together a nice opening drive but a failed fourth down attempt in the red zone stymied their momentum and paved the way for the Patriots. They went on to score 23 unanswered before Savage connected with wideout Dan Coleman to avoid the shutout. Haverford dropped to 4-3 on the season (0-1 in the league), while GA advanced to 5-1 (2-0 in the league). The Patriots face their final non-league foe on Friday night under the lights at Springfield (Montco). If they can keep the ground attack working, GA controls their own destiny if they can run the table in their final two Inter-Ac bouts.
   Certainly, they have the running part down.

OCT. 10
INTER-AC LEAGUE
Gtn. Academy 42, Malvern 30
   You can bet Tyler Stampone slept well on Friday Night, because he spent Friday afternoon doing everything short of shining Coach Turner's shoes. Coach wasn't complaining, as his team marched to an exciting 42-30 victory in a shootout that will certainly be remembered by all those in attendance.
   Especially Stampone.
   The shaggy-haired junior put on a showcase of versatility. Defensively, Stampone intercepted two passes, broke up countless plays, and made a number of tackles. Offensively, he pulled in a catch and was on the passing end of a 48 yard touchdown coming on a trick play. However, the play of the game was saved for special teams. After Malvern shortened GA's lead to five points with a bit over three minutes to go, the Friars attempted an onside kick. Stampone recovered the kick, broke through a few tackles and returned for a touchdown, sealing the emotional victory for the Patriots.
   Although GA won the game, they still spent some time biting their finger nails. After GA built up a remarkable 35-10 lead, Malvern showed they had no quit. The Friars posted 20 unanswered points and set up for the onside kick, and Stampone worked his magic.
   The Patriots were actually trailing upon the first score of the game, as Malvern went up 3-0 early in the first quarter. Captain Sean Grieve soon after intercepted a Malvern pass and returned it the distance, giving the Patriots a lead that they'd never give back. Grieve also connected on a touchdown pass to Justin Holiday. Greg Sih caught another touchdown, by way of Stampone on a trick play. Tyler Yerk and Grieve both added rushing touchdowns.
   Despite Malvern's high scoring output, the defense helped pave the way for the Patriots victory. The improved bunch forced five turnovers, continuously bringing the momentum to GA's sideline. The Patriots improved to 4-1 (1-0 in the league). Malvern slipped to 4-2 (0-1 in the league.
   In Coach Turner's three year tenure at the helm of the Patriots, this is his first victory over powerhouse Malvern. Looking ahead to a big game against Haverford, Coach Turner seeks to win his first two Inter-Ac contests for the second straight year.

OCT. 3
NON-LEAGUE
Gtn. Academy 35, Lancaster Catholic 21
   For GA Football, the ride to Lancaster Catholic did not seem nearly as long as the wait to get back on the field. Looking to rebound from a tough loss to Hun, GA traveled out west to take on LC, a squad that is relatively unknown to Philadelphia High School football teams. The Patriots were prepared and pumped, ready to put the Hun game behind and get back on track. GA was certainly up to the task, as they rallied to an impressive 35-21 win.
   The defense led the way for the Patriots as the starters held Hun to only one score. Justin Holiday tallied his second interception of the season, returning the pick the distance for the touchdown. The defensive line was very strong, penetrating and forcing pressure. Senior James Wiley and junior Tommy Matteo stood out among the bunch.
   Tyler Yerk was an offensive workhorse, leading the Patriots attack with 133 yards on only nine carries, two of which were scores. For those rusty at mental math, that's a little less than 15 yards a carry! Woody Hayes was famous for “three yards and a cloud of dust." Yerk is mastering "15 yards and a cloud of smoke." His running will be imperative as the league schedule approaches.
   With the chilly weather and Yerk's rushing ability, the Patriots did not rely on an aerial assault, although quarterback Sean Grieve did complete half his passes with two touchdowns to boot. Juniors Greg Sih and Tyler Stampone were on the receiving end of the scores.
   With one long drive out of the way, the Patriots are ready to ride the Inter-Ac schedule, hoping a championship is the final destination.

SEPT. 26
NON-LEAGUE
Hun (N.J.) 36, Gtn. Academy 29
   It was advertised as a shootout, and both GA and Hun held up their ends of the bargain. Unlike last season, however, Hun's arsenal proved victorious, 36-29.
   The Patriots were put in a hole from the get-go as Hun scored on their opening drive and soon after returned a punt all the way. The Patriots put up a valiant effort, making the game very close, but they couldn't put together that one surge to get over the hump. Hun improved their mark to 3-0 while GA slipped to 2-1.
   Tyler Yerk led the offense with 72 yards rushing and 96 yards receiving en route to two touchdowns. His play earned him Ambler Gazette's Athlete of the Week honors. Sean Grieve impressed through the air, throwing 19-29 for 255 yards with a touchdown passing and rushing. However Hun's scouting paid off as their interceptions proved costly for GA. Tyler Stampone dazzled the crowd with a great leaping catch in the first half and even filled in for Grieve with a touchdown pass when Grieve was slightly injured. Matt Brown also scored for the Patriots.
   The defense held its own for most of the game against a very good Hun offense. Dave Zuk's second half injury was a tough blow for the line, and Hun's ability to get on the board early helped significantly.
   Overall, GA has some good to take out of the game despite the loss. They put on a rally at the end and, when that spread offense was clicking, the Patriots were tough to defend. An early loss is not what GA expected but, with the league schedule quickly approaching, GA has a good look at what needs to be improved on their quest to fulfill their season goal of an Inter-Ac crown.

SEPT. 22
NON-LEAGUE
Gtn. Academy 33, Central 16
   A Monday afternoon on Broad and Somerville is not your prototypical football scene. But after a pulling out a 33-16 victory, you don't hear GA complaining.
   The game was what you would expect from a hungry Central squad playing their first game and the pumped up Patriots who were coming off a big win against La Salle: hard-hitting, very competitive, a little sloppy at first, but a good game altogether. GA's defense once again came out looking strong, and the offense got back to an aerial attack to complement the great ground game gutted out the week before.
   Central was very formidable, even carrying a 16-15 lead at halftime. But whatever the coaches brewed up in the locker rooms at the midpoint worked. The Patriots went on to outscore Central 18-0 on the flipside, and pull off the win. The big play of the game came when defensive lineman Kevin Byrne deflected a screen pass, picked off the tip, and carried it with him for a big gain, setting up a Phil Azarik field goal to put the Patriots on top. Azarik was steady all game, posting that field goal and two extra points. Matt Brown also helped out on defense with some crushing hits, and the defense as a whole was huge in containing Central in the second half.
   Offensively, the Grieve and Yerk show were at it again. Grieve threw for a score and ran for two. He completed 13 of 21 passes for 163 yards, solid numbers to build on for the upcoming weeks. Yerk cracked the century mark, rushing for 111 yards on 23 carries with a touchdown to boot. Greg Sih pulled in a touchdown, one of his three catches. Matt Brown and Peter Vernon were the other two leading receivers, with four catches for 48 yards and three grabs for 43 yards respectively. The offensive line continued its impressive play, and as the schedule gets tougher and the weather gets colder, their play will become increasingly important.
   The Patriots carry a 2-0 mark into the Hun game and, like football on a Monday afternoon, they're sure not complaining about that.

SEPT. 12
NON-LEAGUE
Gtn. Academy 27, La Salle 12
   It wasn’t quite West Texas, but it’s as close to a Friday night frenzy as GA Football gets. Under the lights at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School with an electric crowd behind them, and a prepared and talented La Salle squad ahead of them, the Patriots made a statement, triumphing to a 27-12 victory.
   With Mother Nature apparently upset, the prolific Patriots passing game was stymied by swirling winds, forcing the coaches and quarterback Sean Grieve to practically halt an aerial attack. No worries, however, as the significantly improved defense forced six turnovers and a reliable running game picked up the slack, thanks in large part to the “Tylers:” Tyler Yerk and Tyler Stampone. Yerk followed up on last season’s stellar campaign with a good start, rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Stampone, an Honorable Mention All Inter-Ac performer last season on defense, opened the season with a bang picking off two passes. The offensive line also deserves much credit for opening up the holes and muscling up in the trenches with a solid LaSalle defense.
   The other scoring came from Grieve, who rushed for two scores and recovered a fumble on defense. Justin Holiday also picked off a pass, while Matt Brown grabbed a fumble. Yet the most memorable play of the game came by way of captain lineman Dave Zuk. Earlier in the week, Zuk pledged that he was going to pick off a pass. He read a screen pass perfectly, snuck his way in, intercepted the throw, and almost returned it for a score. The play highlighted a thrilling evening, as GA proved worthy of the fanaticism displayed by the crowd and ready for the grind in their pursuit of an Inter-Ac title.