TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS HONORED AT 2005 BANQUET

SPRINGFIELD, PA - On Sunday the Marple Newtown Football Program celebrated their 2005 season accomplishments.

In years past, professional football would have reigned supreme in the Delaware Valley at this point in January however, we all know how that story ended.

In Springfield Delaware County, a different story was being told. When Coach Ray Gionta approached the podium to address his 2005 football team, staff, parents and other dignitaries at the Lamb Tavern Restaurant he spoke about the Tigers memorable season and a 7-4 winning record - something the Eagles let slip away before the first frost.

The coaching staff took turns honoring the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. Coach Gionta honored the seniors and recapped their accomplishments and the season. Gionta told the packed banquet room that he "didn't know what to expect" from this team before the season started.

Gionta recalled the pageantry and glory of the Springfield game and that the rededication of Harry Harvey Field was an inspiration. Coach Gionta highlighted the Ridley game and how everyone associated with the program will never forget the name T.J. Pretti. He said that despite the scoreless 1st half of that game, "we all knew we were going to win going back onto the field after halftime."

Gionta, who will coach his fourth consecutive varsity football season at Marple Newtown High School in 2006 said that a "winning football program is not a one man job" and thanked his entire coaching staff and school administration for doing a tremendous job during the entire season.

The 2005 Brain "Woody" Peoples Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Byong Lee. The senior running back ended the season with 4 rushes for 54 yards and 1 TD - which by the way was the last TD scored for the 2005 Tigers season. However, it was not Lee's stats that earned him this distinct honor, it was "spirit, infectious enthusiasm, leadership and dedication," Gionta recalled. Lee's "Rudy-like" frame, 5'7"-145lbs, is not meant for the grid iron but don't tell him that. He has the heart of a lion and runs like he's playing in front of 65,000 people. The example he set of perseverance and hard work is the legacy he leaves the MN Football Program.

The 2005 Most Improved Player Award was given to Jon Liberty. The junior quarterback found himself the starting role after injuries in training camp and continued to grow into the position the entire year. Liberty ended the season with 42 completions on 108 attempts for 428 yards and 2 TDs. If I had to pick an honorable mention for my "2005 Top Ten Moments" series it would have been from the Ridley game: "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." Believe me, this throw and catch was just as memorable as the last play of the game but it got overshadowed. Sorry Jon (and Ted) - but don't worry you'll be involved in lots of memorable moments in 2006.

The Most Dedicated Player Award was presented to Dave Hansell. The junior ended the 2005 season with 77 tackles and 10 TFLs (including 2 sacks). Look for him to return for an incredible 2006 campaign.

The 2005 Special Teams MVP was awarded to Travis Wrambel. The senior kicker kept the Tigers in so many games with great field position and booming punts. Wrambel had 32 kickoffs for 1274 yards for a 39.8 average and 51 punts for 1739 yards for an average of 34.1 - 20 were placed inside the 20, 9 were fair caught, 25 were downed, and 2 were touchbacks. Quite impressive.

The 2005 Outstanding Lineman was given to Mike Talley. The senior DT/DE had 46 tackles and 7 TFLs (including 3 sacks).

The Marple Newtown Tiger Football Team MVP for the 2005 season was Matt Moccia. The senior RB/LB played both ways and every single team that played the Tigers game-planned for Moccia. The only regional all-star team Moccia was not named to was the Philadelphia Inquirer's All-Southeastern Pennsylvania team. Why? I haven't a clue. If I had to venture a guess it was probably because the other backs named had more touchdowns and they're glamorous to sports writers. The coaches had a nickname for Moccia - "The Mutant" - because this football player was different. As a running back, he got the tough yardage - just when you thought he was down he would squeak out another 3 yards. And on defense, Moccia was in on just about every play. He ended the season with the following offensive and defenses stats:

Rushing - 256 for 1386 yards and 14 TDs
Receiving - 11 catches for 91 yards
Defense - 77 tackles (team high) and 5.5 TFLs (including 2 sacks)

One last note about Moccia - during each of the Tigers road games the public address announcer for the opposing team would ask me how to pronounce Matt's last name. I would say "Ma-See-Ah" very slow about 4-5 times. I would have them repeat it to me until they got it right. Then I would say "trust me, you're going to be saying his name alot so get it right."

Senior Dan Scarboro took home the George Schmitt Defensive MVP award. Schmitt, who was the key-note speaker at the banquet, is a 1979 graduate of MNHS and played collegiately at the University of Delaware, and professionally for the St. Louis Cardinals. Scarboro, the team's Free Safety, finished fourth on the team in tackles with 60, had 11 pass breakups and 2 interceptions.

The team captains for the 2006 MN Tiger Football Team are Pat Aigeldinger and Jon Liberty.

Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.