BRIGHT SPOT IN TOUGH LOSS

Tigers get shutout by Panthers, 27-0

WALLINGFORD, PA – The Tigers of Marple Newtown knew they were up against a perennial Central League powerhouse in the Strath Haven Panthers. They knew, that with the athleticism of running back Jared Bradley, Haven could score at will. And after holding the Panthers to 18 yards in 8 plays in their first 2 possessions, the Panthers asserted themselves and made it a very rough afternoon for the Tigers defense.

On their 3rd possession, starting on their own 45, FB Kevin Kaminski and RB Jared Bradley rushed the ball over 8 plays for 45 yards. On 2nd & 1 from the 10, Kaminski rushed for a gain of 10 and a touchdown. Carl Reddick’s extra point attempt was good.

Despite the dominant Panther drive on the ground, Matt Moccia shined and showed the Panthers that Marple has a running game too. On 2nd & 5 from the MN 22 Moccia took the ball 33 yards, his longest on the day, into Strath Haven territory. Moccia would end the day with 24 rushing attempts and 156 yards total. Behind John Rutecki with 9 tackles, Moccia had 6 total tackles on the day.

Strath Haven scored again, this time in the 2nd quarter by their SE Roy-Al Edwards. Starting from their own 25-yard line, the Panthers went 75 yards in 7 plays. The drive included a big pass play from QB Mike Wray to Steven Johnson for a gain of 20. Bradley and Kaminski rushed the ball several times setting up 4th & 4 from their own 17. Edwards rushed for a gain of 17 and a touchdown (Reddick extra point).

It took Strath Haven until the end on the 3rd quarter to score again. On 3rd & 5 from their own 1yard line, Steven Johnson rushed for a gain of 1 and a touchdown (Reddick extra point).

With 0:47 remaining in the game, Aaron Benson rushed for the Panthers on 4th & 1 from their own 5 yard line for a touchdown (Reddick extra point no good).

The Panthers had 48 total offensive plays and 246 total net yards (5.1 average gain per play). The Tigers had 50 total offensive plays and 222 total net yards (4.4 average gain per play). Both offensive units ended the day with the same amount of first downs –13. The Tigers won the time of possession battle – 25:02 to 22:58.

The Tiger’s defense played better in recent weeks. Here is the defensive breakdown by tackles:

John Rutecki – 9
Matt Moccia – 6
Dave Hansell – 5 (including 1 TFL)
Dan Scarboro – 4
Ted Seiler – 4
Pat Aigeldinger – 3 (including 1 TFL)
Toby MacCart – 3
Mike Talley – 2
Pete Massaro – 2 (including 1 TFL)
Sean Spratt – 2 (including 1 INT)
Perry Koliatsis – 2
TJ Pretti – 1
Matt McCarthy – 1

Game 7 vs. the Lions of Penncrest at Penncrest High School

The 2005 Tigers football team will play their seventh game on Friday, October 14, 2005 against Penncrest in Media, PA. Mark your calendars and be sure to come out and support the Tigers.

Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.