NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – Friday night (9/30) was truly memorable. There were more storylines unfolding than an episode of The Sopranos. This was the Tigers first home game of the season. I mean, their “true” first home game. And not only that, this was the first sporting event to be played in the newly renovated Harry R. Harvey Stadium at Marple Newtown High School.
The student body, along with teachers and administrators, the community and alumni all gathered to take part in what would be a historic event. This would be a night to savor like a fine wine and indeed it was.
The team storylines were in place too. The Tigers were coming off a terrific victory against the Aces of Lower Merion and the running performance of Matt Moccia that earned him Central League MVP honors for Week 4. The Cougars of Springfield were coming in to make a strong run at their second win of the season after losing 3 in a row.
On top of all of these story lines, it was recorded in 1957 that the Tigers opened Harry R. Harvey Field with a 26-0 win over Springfield, and the second time around proved just as special for the 2005 Tigers in their 17-0 shutout.
At 6:30, the pomp and circumstance began with the family of Harry Harvey, along with school district administrators, the MN Tiger Band, the choir, every fall sports team and of course the MN Tigers Football team gathering on the field for the induction of this glorious facility. The Superintendent of Schools, Merle Horowitz, spoke of the famous book and movie “Friday Night Lights,” and how “this stadium represented Marple Newtown’s very own Friday Night Lights.” The band and choir performed an amazing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and then it was time to play football!
On the Cougars second possession of the game, they made an attempt at striking first with a field goal attempt at 2:55 in the first quarter however, Sean Spratt blocked Tom Vontanhausen’s 25-yard field goal attempt. This Tiger defense was ready to make a statement on their new SprintTurf field, in their new stadium.
On their second drive of the game, Marple charged down field lead by the Matt Moccia rushing attack and a key 3rd and 6 pass to from Liberty to Scarboro for 13 yards that put the Tigers offense on the doorstep. Moccia rushed for one yard and the touchdown at 8:43 in the first quarter. Ted Seiler capped the drive with an extra point to put the Tigers up 7-0.
Springfield reached the Tigers 27 yard line on the ensuing drive but turned the ball over on downs on a critical 4th and 3 incomplete pass from QB Mike Keenen to Joe Kelly that was defended beautifully by Toby MacCart who finished the night with two tackles including one for a loss.
The Cougars would not shy away that easily when on the next drive Tom Vontanhausen intercepted Liberty’s pass intended for Sean Spratt at the 40 returning 7 yards to the 47. Springfield’s offense took the field but was unable to make anything happen with 2:33 left in the first half due to a Dan Scarboro interception at the Tigers 7 yard line.
Marple received the opening kickoff in the second half and went 44 yards in 13 plays setting up a successful 30-yard field goal attempt by Ted Seiler.
Springfield was only able to make it into Tigers territory twice in the second half and five times total for the game out of 10 offensive drives. The stellar Tigers defense led by Pat Aigeldinger (8 tackles) and Pete Massaro (7 tackles, 3.5 sacks) held the Cougars to 154 net yards in 48 total offensive plays (3.2 average gain per play) for the game.
On Springfield’s only meaningful drive of the second half, they were gaining momentum in the 4th quarter and looked poised to score. A pass from Mike Keenen to Andre Nelson for 21 yards put Cougars into Tigers territory on the 38-yard line. Keenen passed incomplete to Tom Doherty on 1st and 10. On 2nd and 10 Keenen dropped back only to find Pete Massaro chasing him down for his first sack of the game and a loss of 8 yards. On 3rd down and 18 Keenen was reacquainted with Massaro recording his second sack for the night. The Cougars punted on 4th and 27.
The Cougars would get the ball back with 2:03 remaining in the game and make their last significant attempt to put points on the board. Mike Talley and Pete Massaro would join forces to shut down the offense combining for a sack and a loss of 12 on 4th & 9 from the Springfield 36 yard line.
That defense of Marple gave their offensive teammates excellent field position. On 1st & 10 from the Springfield 27 yard line Matt Moccia scored his second rushing touchdown of the evening. Ted Seiler’s extra point attempt was good. That drive would end Springfield’s hope of any late rally regaining possession with 1:01 left in the game. Moccia ended the game with 29 touches for 145 yards and 2 TDs.
The Tiger’s defense played incredible. Pete Massaro, a sophomore, looked like Howie Long by sacking Mike Keenen 3.5 times for a 32 total yards lost. TJ Pretti ended the night with 5 tackles. Scarboro, Rutecki, Hansell, and Spratt each had 4 tackles.
Game 6 vs. Strath Haven at Strath Haven High School
The 2005 Tigers football team will play their sixth game on Friday, October 7, 2005 against Strath Haven in Wallingford, PA. Mark your calendars and be sure to come out and support the Tigers.
The Last Word
The greatest story of the night happened after the action on the field was over. An emotional Tiger’s Defensive Coordinator, Lou D’Alonzo addressed the team. He expressed to his defense and the entire team how proud he was of all of their accomplishments but that this victory was extremely rewarding because defense never gave up. Both Gionta and D’Alonzo constantly remind the team about getting better each week. This game was a massive step forward with that philosophy in mind.
Not only does the community and student body have a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art facility in their backyard, more importantly they have a football team with tremendous heart to play on that field. And you can’t put a price tag on that, folks.
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
