TIGERS POUNCE ON RED RAIDERS, 26-6

Coach Gionta and staff deliver back-to-back winning seasons and focus on critical showdown with Conestoga

RADNOR, PA - If you sit down in front of your computer to read my weekly semblance of musings, then you probably have seen the Tigers play in person this season and know that the secret is out; the Marple Newtown Tigers have arrived. Going into Friday night’s game the 5-3 Tigers knew what this game meant – win it and celebrate a winning season and capitalize on an opportunity to have consecutive winning seasons since 1990. The Tigers not only won, they found the end zone four times scoring in each quarter in an impressive victory over the pedestrian Radnor Red Raiders.

Coach Gionta professed to his staff and players leading up to this game that he was sick and tired of hearing about “next year.” The future is now. That theme was clear and was demonstrated in the tremendous win.

Radnor came out firing, moving the ball into Tigers territory on their first drive. They started on their own 28-yard line, taking the ball 32 yards in 6 plays before senior HB T.J. Faust fumbled the ball. The Tigers John Rutecki recovered the fumble at the 40-yard line and gave his offensive teammates excellent field position starting their first drive at their own 42.

Dan Scarboro and Matt Moccia rushed the ball collectively for 24 yards in 5 plays setting up a 29 yard touchdown pass from QB Jon Liberty to Pat Aigeldinger at 5:35 left in the 1st quarter (Seiler extra point no good).

The Red Raiders offense showed some life in the first half by running the option but it was only a matter of time before the Tigers defense would clamp down and force a turnover. On their 1st drive in the second quarter senior FB Mubarak Lawrence fumbled the rock on 2nd & 10 from their own 11-yard line. Pat Aigeldinger recovered the fumble at the 20-yard line and the Tigers offensive unit took over in the red zone.

Scarboro rushed for 5 yards and Moccia got the rest on 2nd & 5 for a gain of 15 and a touchdown with 10:11 to go in the first half (failed two-point conversion).

The Red Raiders managed to get the ball back into Tiger’s territory only once in the second quarter taking the ball 53 yards in 10 plays right before half-time. On 1st and 2nd down from the Tigers 20, QB Jimmy Mahady’s passes fell incomplete to Glenn Washington and Jesse Ordonio due to the outstanding red zone defense provided by T.J. Pretti and Matt Moccia. Speaking of the red zone, I’ll cover that a little further down.

The Tigers started the 3rd quarter with an excellent return by Matt Moccia who took the ball 28 yards to the 42-yard line. With the exception of an 8-yard rush by Scarboro, it was all Moccia rushing the ball 50 yards on the drive ending with a 4-yard rush and a touchdown (Seiler extra point is good).

The Red Raiders fired back on the ensuing drive as Mubarak Lawrence, Jesse Ordonio, and Jimmy Mahady all combined for 80 yards in 8 plays before Ordonio rushed for a gain of 11 yards and the only six points Radnor would put on the scoreboard (failed two-point conversion).
Marple Newtown scored one last time with 6:29 left in the game. Sean Spratt opened the drive with a 13 yard run. Jon Liberty completed a 20-yard pass completion to Moccia and ended the night 3 for 7 for 53 yards and 1 TD. Moccia and Scarboro ran the rest of the way ending with a Moccia rush for a gain of 4 and the final touchdown.

Moccia touched the ball 24 times for 143 yards and 3 TDs. Scarboro had 9 rushes for a respectable 45 yards. The offensive line played very well all night allowing the offense to successfully rush the ball 37 times for 205 total yards.

Senior Night at Harry Harvey Field vs. Conestoga – 7 PM Kick-off

The Tigers will host Conestoga on Senior Night at Harry R. Harvey Stadium on Friday evening starting at 7 PM. This is the Tigers final home game of the 2005 season. Come out and support the home team!

The Last Word

Plenty has been written in this space, and other publications about the brilliant running of Matt Moccia and clearly he is one of the true gems of the Central League. However, not enough is said about the Tigers defense, starting with yours truly.

So this week, along with the weekly defensive contributions, I’ll provide you with an analysis of the Tigers defense – specifically in the red zone.

In the month of October, the Tigers played four games – at Strath Haven, at Penncrest, Ridley, and at Radnor. Of those four games, the Tigers’ opponents reached the red zone (20 yards or less from the end zone) 13 total times. Six out of the 13 times the opponents scored (all touchdowns) or 46% when reaching the red zone.

Let’s give them a mulligan for the Strath Haven game and focus on the last three games. The Tigers’ opponents over the last 3 games got into the red zone 9 total times. Only twice out of the 9 times opponents scored (both touchdowns) or 22% when reaching the red zone.

Penncrest’s offense went 0 for 2 in the red zone against the Tiger’s defense including a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Holding Penncrest scoreless in the red zone in the 2nd half of that game protected their lead and secured the road victory for the Tigers.

Versus Ridley, the Tigers held their offense to only 1 red zone touchdown out of 4 total trips into the red zone that included an interception at the 8-yard line to end the game. It should be noted, as it is not included in the numbers above that the Tigers defense made a key interception on 2nd & 7 from the Tiger’s 27-yard line. The pass was intercepted in the red zone, right at the 20-yard line.

In their final game of October, the Tiger’s defense held Radnor to only 1 red zone touchdown out of 3 red zone appearances that included and interception at the goal line to end the game.

As of late, this defense has become extremely hard to score on for two reasons:

1. The defensive line is getting pressure in the backfield giving opposing QB’s very little time to throw the ball accurately or to make a play.

2. The defensive backs for Marple are covering perfectly and making some incredible plays. The entire defense, especially the secondary, has bought into Defensive Coordinator Lou D’Alonzo’s scheme and is able to make adjustments on the fly. This is KEY. Instead of waiting for halftime or a timeout to make changes, they take place while the game is happening.

And finally, here are the defensive contributions by tackles:

Dave Hansell – 12 (including TFL)
John Rutecki – 8 (including a fumble recovery)
Ted Seiler – 7
Matt Moccia – 7 (including TFL and a pass break-up)
Pat Aigeldinger – 4 (including a caused fumble, fumble recovery, and a pass break-up)
Pete Massaro – 4
Dan Scarboro – 4 (including a pass break-up)
Mike Talley – 4
TJ Pretti – 3 (including TFL, 2 pass break-ups, INT)
Perry Koliatsis – 2
Toby MacCart – 3 (including INT)


And I’ll end with this thought: Just a hunch, but I think Coach Gionta would love to cram his staff and players into the DeLorean and play that Haverford game again.

See ya Friday night!

Contact Jim Allsman @ jma158@comcast.net.

PRETTI’S PLAY IS A TOTAL KNOCKOUT

Pretti makes it look easy as the Tigers defense holds on to upset Ridley in the final seconds, 7-6

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – Mystique, as defined by Webster, is “an air or attitude of mystery and reverence developing around something or someone.” That something or someone seemed to rear its ugly head Friday night and preside over the Tigers sidelines as they delivered a thrilling victory to their larger than usual homecoming crowd.

And even though the king and queen were crowned during halftime, there was no doubt in my mind who would receive the accolades during the homecoming dance later in the evening – senior defensive back TJ Pretti. Pretti had a storybook interception with 8 seconds left in regulation that allowed the Tigers to hold their lead and beat Ridley (only the sixth time in team history) for the first time since 1987.

The game went scoreless in the first half despite a failed 30-yard field goal attempt by MN’s Ted Seiler in the 2nd quarter (8:01).

Ridley scored first in the 3rd quarter on their second offensive possession going 52 yards in 7 plays. Ridley RB Casey Grugan contributed with 3 touches for 24 yards and QB Al Humes delivered the ball to 3 different receivers (Dino Vasso, Eric Mease, & Lenny Pinto) including a gain of 15 yards to Lenny Pinto for a touchdown. Ekrem Uysaler’s extra point attempt was no good as the Green Raiders struggled in the kicking game all night. That failed attempt would prove to be fatal for Ridley.

On the very next drive, MN started their only scoring drive from their own 36-yard line. The passing game came alive and the Ridley defense honest as QB Jon Liberty went 4 for 5 to three different receivers. The first memorable play of the game came on 3rd & 7 from the MN 39 - Liberty passed complete to Ted Seiler where he came up with an impossible one-armed grab in the middle of the field to keep the drive alive and a gain of 17 yards. Liberty found Pat Aigeldinger on the very next play for another gain of 17. On another 3 and long situation from the Ridley 24, Liberty found Sean Spratt for a gain of 15 that put the ball on the 9-yard line. Moccia would run for 2 on 1st & goal. On 2nd & goal from the 7, Liberty hit Aigeldinger for a gain of 6 yards that set up a 1-yard rush for Matt Moccia and a touchdown with 10:00 left in the fourth quarter (Seiler extra point is good).

Both offensive units attempted to put the game away with another scoring drive. Just under 2 minutes left to play in the game (1:53), Ridley would take over at their own 3-yard line. Al Humes went under center and began to pick apart the Tigers secondary. On 3rd & 12 from the 3, Humes completed his first pass of the drive complete for a gain of 19 to Dino Vasso. The very next play Humes found Rocco Nicolino for a gain of 28. Ridley went 47 yards and took the ball to midfield in the matter of seconds. Looking very Peyton Manning-like, Humes continued to throw passing complete to Grugan for 9 yards and Vasso for 4 yards on 3rd & 1 taking the ball to the Tiger’s 37-yard line.

The mystique that the Green Raiders seem to pull out at the right moments of a football game was on display at Harry R. Harvey Field. As the seconds ticked away, Humes and his receivers found the sidelines and the first downs to give their offense enough time to regroup and execute the next play as the Tigers defense was trying desperately to make a stop.

Humes hit Grugan twice - on 1st & 10 from the 37 for a gain of 13 and on 1st & 10 from the 24 for a gain 9 with the ball on the 15-yard line. Al Humes, 15 yards from stealing a game on the road, dropped back on 2nd & 1 and passed. Marple Newtown’s TJ Pretti, following Humes’ eyes, stepped up and intercepted the pass at the 8-yard line returning the ball for 2 yards to the 10. Game over. Liberty and the offensive unit would takeover only to take a knee, as Ridley had no timeouts remaining.

The mystique, if it ever existed, was MN’s 12th man as the defense came up with another big play as they have been doing all season long. The homecoming crowd went crazy as Pretti was congratulated by his teammates on the sidelines.

Moccia Update

Against the Green Raiders, Moccia had 25 rushing attempts for 87 yards and 1 TD with an average gain of 3.5 yards per rush. Moccia broke the 1,000-yard mark in the 4th quarter on 3rd & 14 from the Tiger’s 21-yard line for a gain of 20 yards and a 1st down.

For the season, Moccia has rushed the ball 182 times for 1,019 yards, 10 TDs, and an average 5.6 yards per rush.

The Last Word

The defense of Marple Newtown came up with big plays when it counted versus Ridley. Below are the defensive contributions by tackles:

Matt Moccia – 9 (including TFL)
Dave Hansell – 7 (including a sack, 2 TFLs, and a fumble recovery)
Dan Scarboro – 6 (including 2 pass break-ups, and a fumble recovery)
John Rutecki – 6 (including 2 pass break-ups)
Pat Aigeldinger – 5 (including 2 pass break-ups)
Toby MacCart – 3 (including 1 pass break-up)
Pete Massaro – 3
TJ Pretti – 2 (including INT)
Ted Seiler – 2 (including a sack, TFL)
Mike Talley – 1 (including 2 pass-break-ups)
Steve Giordano - 1
Perry Koliatsis – 1
Sean Spratt – 3 pass break-ups, INT, and a caused fumble

Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.

TIGERS OVERCOME BAD START TO TROUNCE LIONS, 28-13

Moccia nears the 1,000-yard mark for the season

MEDIA, PA - The 3-3 Tigers visited the 3-3 Penncrest Lions on Friday evening at Louis W. Scott Field and dominated on all sides of the ball despite a slow start on offense and defense. The Tigers running game, led by Matt Moccia (c’mon, did you think it would be anyone else?) would eventually jump start the offense in the cold and rain.

Penncrest looked comfortable regardless of the poor weather, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive of the game. Running back Patrick O’Donnell (affectionately called “P-O-D” by their PA announcer) would carry the load early for the Lions carrying the ball 3 times for 20 yards. Greg Tyrell, leading the spread/option offense found three different receivers – Dave Bixler, Dustin Jacquette, and Kenny Kull – for 3 pass completions for 59 yards. The drive ended with Tyrell passing to Kull for a gain of 26 and a touchdown on 2nd & 9 from their own 26-yard line at 4:33 in the first. Casey Desiderio’s extra point attempt was successful.

The Tigers reached Lions territory twice before finally punching the ball into the end zone for 6 points. With 8:35 left in the 2nd quarter, the Tigers regained possession on their own 39-yard line. On 1st & 10 Tiger’s RB Matt Moccia took the ball 61 yards for a touchdown as the MN sidelines erupted with cheering and clapping. Ted Seiler’s extra point attempt was successful and the game was tied.

The Lions would not be shaken that easily and showed great poise on their next drive starting with the kickoff. Mike Quintans caught the kick at the Lion’s 20 and returned it 22 yards to the 42. A 5-yard facemask penalty was assessed on the kicking team and so the Lions only had to go 53 yards on a shortened field. On 1st and 10 on the MN 26, O’Donnell got the nod and rushed ball for a gain of 26 and a touchdown. The Lions went 58 yards in 8 plays in just under 2 minutes. An impressive offensive display that looked as though it had a lot more left in the tank. Casey Desiderio’s extra point attempt was no good and that would be the last points the Lions would score for the rest of the night.

On the ensuing drive, the Lions Elijah Trusty kicked off to Sean Spratt. Catching the ball on the 10-yard line Spratt started his return. The kickoff special teams for MN blocked superbly allowing Spratt to elude would-be tacklers and take the ball 90 yards all the way to the end zone for 6 points. It was the Tigers first kickoff return for a touchdown of the season and a brilliant run by the senior, Sean Spratt (Seiler extra point was good).

Penncrest’s offense started the 3rd quarter but did not get very far. After a block in the back penalty on the kickoff return, the Lions started their 1st drive of the second half on their own 24. Tyrell and O’Donnell rushed on 3 plays for a total of 16 yards. On 2nd & 5 from their own 40 Tyrell’s intended pass for Ed Klodarska was intercepted by Mike Talley. The Tigers offense took over on the Lions 40 yard line.

On 1st and 10 Liberty passed incomplete intended for Ted Seiler. The play calling from that point focused solely on running ball which proved to be a wise decision considering the condition of the field and the poor weather. Moccia rushed the ball 8 straight times and ending the drive with 3 yard gain on 2nd & goal and a touchdown (Seiler extra point was good).

Penncrest took over with 6 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. Starting on the 30, Tyrell dropped and decided to run on 1st & 10 but was tackled for a loss by Mike Talley. On 2nd & 11, Tyrell attempted to pass only to be sacked by Pete Massaro for a loss of 4 yards. The Lions were forced to pass on 3rd & 15 and Tyrell found David Bixler for a gain of 35 and a first down on the Tigers 40. O’Donnell ran the rest of the way and pushed the Tigers defense all the way into the red zone. On 3rd & goal from the 4, Tyrell dropped back to pass and was hit by Massaro causing a fumble to picked up by Ted Seiler at the 7 yard line returning the ball 18 yards to the 25 yard line (As seen on the Friday Night Football segment on NBC-10).

MN and Penncrest then traded field position to start the 4th quarter – each team going 3-and-out – three times for MN and twice for Penncrest. With 7:34 left in the game, Penncrest took over on their own 16-yard line. O’Donnell and Quintans carried the load in the rain for the Lions rushing the ball 14 times. The drive in total went 73 yards in 17 plays but ended when the stingy MN defense locked down in the red zone. Penncrest turned the ball over on downs and MN took over at their own 11.

With 1:16 left to play in regulation, MN put the ball into Moccia’s hands to get a first down and end the game. Moccia rushed twice, gaining 3 yards on each play. On the third play with 4 to go, Moccia hit the outside and found daylight on an otherwise dreary night and ran 83 yards for a touchdown and his longest run of the season (Seiler extra point was good).

That play would essentially end the game but not the story of Matt Moccia and his incredible season. Game 8 versus the Green Raiders of Ridley will be the next chapter of this season. This will be a memorable game for the Tigers offense as they rally behind Moccia, as he is now just 68 yards away from breaking the 1,000-yard rushing mark.

Against the Lions, Moccia had 27 rushing attempts for 230 yards and 3 TDs with an average gain of 8.5 yards per rush. For the season, Moccia has rushed the ball 157 times for 932, 9 TDs, and an average 5.9 yards per rush.

The Last Word

Again, the defense clamped down when it counted with a bend-but-don’t-break attitude. Below are the defensive contributions by tackles:

Matt Moccia – 13
Mike Talley – 12 (including a sack, 3 TFLs, and INT)
Ted Seiler – 10 (including a sack, TFL, caused fumble, and fumble recovery)
Perry Koliatsis – 8 (including a sack, and 2 TFLs)
Dan Scarboro – 8
Dave Hansell – 6
Pat Aigeldinger – 5
TJ Pretti – 3
John Rutecki – 3
Sean Spratt – 2
Pete Massaro – 2 (including a sack, TFL, and a caused fumble)

Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.

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.

TIGERS SHRED THE COUGARS IN NEW DIGS

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.