Not all of the best moments during a football season actually take place during a football game. There are so many great moments outside of the actual game such as a pre-game inspirational speech given by a coach, celebrating a victory among fellow teammates or the energy and support of the home crowd felt on the field by the players before the game even starts.
Moment # 2, November 10th, 2006
When the Marple Newtown Tigers took the field prior to their first home playoff game in school history on a clear and cool evening earlier this month, it was evident that they had the full and total support of a proud student body, school district and community behind them.
Some people, school administrators included, were actually tailgating before the game and there was a buzz surrounding the football team that had not been in existence for many years. Family, friends, football alumni, students and the faculty knew what this game meant. They showed up and were prepared for their role as the 12th man.
When the Tigers took the field, the crowd erupted and literally went crazy for a football team that won 8 games and allowed the fans to be part of this great moment.
About a year ago in early November, the Marple Newtown football team held their last practice of the 2005 season. Before the senior members of the squad left the practice field and walked back to the locker room, they shook hands and embraced their teammates and coaching staff. Emotional, to say the least.
Shortly thereafter, Coach Ray Gionta gathered his remaining players that would eventually become the 2006 MN football team and talked about "what could be" for the next season. Like a minister preaching to his congregation, Gionta spoke about hard work and the little things that every player needed to do as soon as the season ends in order to take the program to the next level.
That next level he spoke of was the playoffs. Gionta told his team and staff that with an intense work ethic and a little luck a home playoff game for the first time in school history is possible.
Fast-forward 365 days, give or take a couple. Gionta huddled up the same team after practice one day last week and recalled last season's final practice. He reminded everyone how bad the team wanted to be in this position and not to forget how the team felt when the season ended last year. "This is where we wanted to be," Gionta told his team. He emphasized to all of his players that the post season was only one of the team goals for 2006 and that it is crucial to take the next step.
By late Friday afternoon, it was clear that this Tigers football team had already done so much for a high school and community that is foreign to an event such as a football playoff game. Those are only for bigger schools. Not on this night. Fans, teachers, parents, alumni and students from all over the district crammed into Harry Harvey Stadium to witness the Tiger's first home playoff game.
They all knew that there was something special about this Tigers football team. Since there second loss of the season at Ridley, this team pulled together and won their last three games of the regular season (Radnor, at Haverford, at Conestoga). They out-scored their final three opponents 91-21 and catapulted themselves past Strath Haven for the District One #3 seed.
More to come...
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Moment # 2, Top Ten Moments continued...
Posted by Jim Allsman at 10:00 PM
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Moment # 3, Top Ten Moments continued...
In a locker room under the home stands at Teamer Field, the 7-2 Marple Newtown Tigers gathered after their pre-game warm-ups for the last time to go over the game plan and make final adjustments.
Every player on the 45-man roster knew what this game meant: Win, and a playoff spot in the PIAA District One AAA tournament for the first time in school history is secured. Lose, and the season ends after playing a meaningless final game at home against Penn Wood.
The Tigers were confident and knew they had more goals to accomplish for this season. In no way, shape, or form was this Tigers football team satisfied with only a third consecutive winning season. This team, especially the seniors, have had their sights set very high all season long. A playoff appearance wasn't just a lofty goal written on a black board before the season. It was always part of this team's plans for the 2006 campaign.
Moment # 3, November 3rd, 2006
Websters defines being dominant as "commanding, controlling, or prevailing over all others." Starting at the 10:03 mark in the 4th quarter the Marple Newtown Tiger's asserted their dominant style of football over Conestoga after the Pioneers scored 14 unanswered points and started to sway the momentum in their favor. The score was 17-14 in favor of the Tigers...
From high atop the 50-yard line, here we go...
The Tigers still had the lead, 17-14, but knew another touchdown or turnover was essential to squash any momentum Conestoga was building on.
Marple Newtown's next drive was another 3-and-out that went 3 yards in 3 plays. A 28-yard punt by Seiler had Conestoga starting their 7th of the game from their own 34-yard line. On the second play, Ricther's pass was intercepted by the Tiger's leading tackler of the night (13 total), Pat Aigeldinger at the 46 and returned 7 yards.
Marple Newtown went 39 yards in 4 plays after the turnover and ended the drive after Liberty hit Gallagher for a 17-yard touchdown reception with 8:33 remaining in the game (Seiler extra point).
On Conesotga's 8th and last meaningful drive of the game, the Pioneers went 44 yards in 10 plays that took them all the way to the Tigers 18. On 4th & 6, Richter dropped back only to be pressured by the Wolfpack's Pete Massaro. That allowed Shane Breslin to hit Richter, which forced a fumble that was recovered by Ted Seiler at the 20 and returned 5 yards.
The Tigers were only able to move the ball 22 yards after the turnover and punted from their own 47 down to Conestoga's 14 with no return. After 2 incomplete passes and a 9-yard penalty assessed on the offense, Richter attempted to pass to Brandon Dunn on 3rd & 19 which fell incomplete. Richter was shaken up by a hit from Seiler on the play. Junior back-up QB James Bassett entered the game for one play and looked terrified on 4th and 19 from the 5-yard line. Bassett dropped back to pass and was quickly sacked in the end zone for a safety by the ever-menacing Pete Massaro, giving the Tigers a 26-14 lead with 2:17 left in the game.
Final score: Pioneers 14, Tigers 33
More to come...
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 8:44 PM
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Moment # 4, Top Ten Moments continued...
TIGER'S QB JON LIBERTY RECOVERS FUMBLE IN THE END ZONE FOR A TOUCHDOWN AGAINST STRATH HAVEN
5 minutes, 43 seconds after Liberty passed complete to junior RB John Gallagher for a 15-yard touchdown reception, Liberty emerged from the bottom of a pile in the end zone holding the football that just moments before left Seiler's hands.
From high atop the 50-yard line, here we go...
Moment # 4, September 29th, 2006
Marple Newtown scored on all four offensive drives they had after halftime, scoring 3 touchdowns – 1 receiving, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 rushing.
The Panthers opened their sixth drive of the game with a 22-yard kickoff return by Aaron Benson. That drive went negative 5 yards in 4 plays after Aaron Benson was sacked by sophomore LB Dan Giordano for a loss of 14 yards on 4th & 1 from their own 47.
The Tigers took over at the 33-yard line rushing Seiler and Gallagher for a combine 25 yards on 4 plays that set-up a 3rd and 3 from the 13. Ted Seiler rushed for a gain of about 6 yards fumbling the ball around the 7-yard line that was finally recovered in the end zone by Jon Liberty for their second touchdown with 4:36 left in the game (Seiler extra point was good).
Final score: Panthers 0, Tigers 24
Liberty ended the night with 4 completions on 6 attempts for 42 yards and 1 TD. He rushed the ball 4 times for 21 yards including a fumble recovery for a TD.
| Jon Liberty - MARPLE NEWTOWN CAREER QB STATISTICS | |||||||
| PASSING | |||||||
| Class/Year | Completions | Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | QB Rating | |
| Junior/2005 | 42 | 108 | 428 | 2 | 4 | 70.88 | |
| Senior/2006 | 24 | 60 | 418 | 4 | 2 | 113.85 | |
| TOTAL | 66 | 168 | 846 | 6 | 6 | 92.365 | Average |
| RUSHING | |||||||
| Class/Year | Rushes | Yards | TDs | ||||
| Junior/2005 | 35 | 37 | 0 | ||||
| Senior/2006 | 72 | 246 | 7 | ||||
| TOTAL | 107 | 283 | 7 | ||||
Despite the fumble that evening, senior HB/LB/K Ted Seiler was awarded the Central League MVP for week 5 by the Delaware County Football Coaches Association.
Seiler contributed in several different ways in Marple Newtown’s victory over Strath Haven. Offensively, Seiler rushed the ball 5 times for 48 yards including 1 touchdown, 3 extra points and a 30 yard field goal – 12 points overall. Defensively, Seiler recorded 7 tackles playing at the linebacker position.
More to come...
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 9:55 PM
Monday, November 27, 2006
Moment # 5, Top Ten Moments continued...
AFTER A DEVASTATING LOSS AT RIDLEY, THE TIGER'S RETURNED HOME AND POSTED THEIR 5TH SHUTOUT OF THE SEASON ON SENIOR NIGHT
From high atop the 50-yard line, here we go...
Moment # 5, October 21st, 2006
No ill effects from Friday night's power outage were felt for Marple Newtown, as the Tigers defeated Radnor 48-0 at Harry Harvey Stadium. The Tiger defense posted its fifth shutout of the season.
The special teams shined for the Tigers, as Ted Seiler and Shane Breslin eached blocked a punt in the first quarter. Dan Giordano scooped up the first blocked punt and returned it 14 yards for the Tigers first score. The Tigers defense held Radnor to 129 yards of total offense, highlighted by strong performance by Ken Clark (9 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 fumble recovery), and Steve Giordano (Interception, .5 sack).
Linemen Perry Koliatsis (2 tackles, 1 sack), Dave Hansell (6 tackles), Pete Massaro (5 tackles) Kevin Talley, Shane Breslin (forced fumble), Vinny Quercetti (3 tackles) and Guy DeFeo (2 tackles) controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball for the Tigers.
Offensively, Quarterback Jon Liberty (1-1, 35 yards, 6 carries, 18 yards) had three touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 passing) for Marple Newtown. Liberty hit Senior Pat Aigeldinger on a 35 yard touchdown strike in the first quarter. Running back John Rutecki (17 carries, 127 yards) punched the ball in twice from 2 and 3 yards, and Steve Giordano (4 carries, 93 yards) added a fourth quarter 80 yard touchdown run.
Final score: Radnor 0, Marple Newtown 48
| OPPOSING OFFENSES VS. TIGER'S DEFENSE IN 5 SHUTOUTS | ||||
| RUSHING | ||||
| Opponent | Rushing Attempts | Yards | ||
| Lower Merion | 31 | 37 | ||
| Springfield | 38 | 31 | ||
| Strath Haven | 35 | 62 | ||
| Penncrest | 35 | 126 | ||
| Radnor | 38 | 32 | ||
| TOTAL | 177 | 288 | ||
| Yards per rush allowed | 1.63 | |||
| PASSING | ||||
| Opponent | Completions | Attempts | Yards | INT |
| Lower Merion | 9 | 19 | 115 | 2 |
| Springfield | 2 | 7 | 15 | 1 |
| Strath Haven | 6 | 11 | 35 | 1 |
| Penncrest | 3 | 9 | 78 | 0 |
| Radnor | 7 | 13 | 87 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 27 | 59 | 330 | 5 |
| TOTAL OFFENSE ALLOWED | ||||
| Opponent | Total Plays | Yards | ||
| Lower Merion | 50 | 152 | ||
| Springfield | 45 | 46 | ||
| Strath Haven | 46 | 97 | ||
| Penncrest | 44 | 204 | ||
| Radnor | 51 | 119 | ||
| TOTAL | 236 | 618 | ||
| Avgerage gain per play | 2.62 | |||
| Opponent | SACKS | Yards | ||
| Lower Merion | 1 | -6 | ||
| Springfield | 2 | -13 | ||
| Strath Haven | 5 | -42 | ||
| Penncrest | 2 | -4 | ||
| Radnor | 6 | -38 | ||
| TOTAL | 16 | -103 | ||
| Opponent | TFLs | Yards | ||
| Lower Merion | 6 | -46 | ||
| Springfield | 6 | -22 | ||
| Strath Haven | 1 | -1 | ||
| Penncrest | 3 | -10 | ||
| Radnor | 6 | -25 | ||
| TOTAL | 22 | -104 | ||
More to come...
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 8:54 PM
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Moment # 6, Top Ten Moments continued...
A GOAL LINE STAND AGAINST PENNCREST EXTENDS THE TIGERS CONSECUTIVE SHUTOUT STREAK TO 4 GAMES
From high atop the 50-yard line, here we go...
Moment # 6, October 6th, 2006
With 2:30 remaining, the Penncrest Lions took over from their own 14-yard line. Mike Quitans ran for a gain of 3 on 1st down, O’Donnell for a gain of 11 on 2nd down. Senior QB E.J. Calderoni passed complete to Quintans for 24 yards to the Tiger’s 48-yard line. On 2nd & 8 from the 46, Calderoni dropped back to pass only to be sacked for a loss of 1 by senior DE Shane Breslin and junior DE Pete Massaro. It looked bleak for the Lions as they had little time left to keep moving the ball. On 3rd and long from the 47, Calderoni would run for a gain of 15 yards and another 1st down. A 5 yard penalty was assessed on the before the seventh play of the drive. On 1st & 15 from the 37-yard line, Calderoni hit found sophomore WR Rick Bailey on the far sideline and was tackled at the 2 by John Gallagher.
On 1st and goal from the 2, Patrick O’Donnell was mobbed by the entire defensive line allowing no gain on the play. On 2nd down Calderoni passed incomplete as the pass was broken up by sophomore DB Dan Giordano. On 3rd down, Calderoni rushed to the open space on the left side of the field only to be met by Pat Aigeldinger and Steve Giordano for a loss – that was the last play of the game as time expired. The goal line stand at the 2-yard line was an incredible end to another hard fought victory for the Tigers.
Final score: Lions 0, Tigers 7
The Tiger's defense, lead by the defensive line or the "Wolfpack," played superbly during their 4 game shutout streak. Their opponents for those games started with Lower Merion, at Springfield, Strath Haven and Penncrest.
Over the course of those 4 games the Tiger's defense only allowed 256 total rushing yards on 139 attempts or 1.84 yards per carry.
In the air, the Marple Newtown defense held opposing quarterbacks to 20 completions on 46 attempts for 243 total yards and 4 interceptions.
In addition, the defense sacked the quarterback 10 times for a loss of 65 total yards and accounted for 16 TFLs for a loss of 79 total yards.
More to come...
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 7:17 PM
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Moment # 7, Top Ten Moments continued...
THE TIGER'S DEFENSE TAMES THE PANTHERS WITH 5 SACKS AND 1 CRITICAL INTERCEPTION
From high atop the 50-yard line, here we go...
Moment # 7, September 29th, 2006
Late in the first quarter...
The Tigers defense early on was struggling in stopping the run but found composure and poise when it mattered. On 4th & 4 from the Tigers 24, Mike Wray dropped back to pass but was chased and crushed in the backfield for a 7-yard loss by Koliatsis and junior DE Pete Massaro. Ouch.
Late in the second quarter...
With 8:27 left to go in the half, Strath Haven started their longest drive of the game in yardage and number of plays. The Panthers started from their own 43 and went 38 yards in 12 plays mostly because of the pounding FB Rich MacCleary...On 3rd & 6 from the Tigers 13, Aaron Benson dropped back to pass but was sacked by Trevor Viviani for a loss of 6.
Late in the third quarter, Panthers 0, Tigers 3
Strath Haven went 4 yards in 3 plays in their first drive of the second half which ended on 3rd & 6 from their 17. Wray tried to complete a long pass intended for Benson only to have it picked off close to the Panthers sideline by John Rutecki at the 46, returning it 7 yards to the 39.
That turnover lead to the Tiger's 1st touchdown of the night early in the fourth quarter and allowed the Tiger's defense to make more plays...Panthers 0, Tigers 10
The Panthers opened their sixth drive of the game with a 22-yard kickoff return by Aaron Benson. That drive went negative 5 yards in 4 plays after Aaron Benson was sacked by sophomore LB Dan Giordano for a loss of 14 yards on 4th & 1 from their own 47.
After another Marple Newtown touchdown the defense refused to let up...Panthers 0, Tigers 17
Their seventh drive of the game went 10 yards in 4 plays that included two sacks by the miserly Tigers defense. Massaro and senior DE Vinny Quercetti combined for a loss of 15 total yards on both sacks. Haven attempted to pass on 4th & 20, Wray's pass fell incomplete intended for Benson, Tigers took over for their eighth and final drive of the game.
Final score: Panthers 0, Tigers 24
The only other game Marple Newtown played in which they had more sacks was against Radnor when the defense registered 6 sacks for negative 38 yards. Against Strath Haven, the Tigers sacked the quarterback 5 times for negative 42 yards - the most sack yardage in one game for the season.
Senior Trevor Viviani lead the team with tackles that night with 10 including 1 sack. He ended the season as the 5th leading tackler on the team with 48 total tackles.
Junior Pete Massaro had 8 tackles on the night and 1.5 sacks. Massaro ended the season as the 3rd leading tackler on the team with 52 total tackles and will be honored as a First Team member of the All-Delaware County football team.
Senior Perry Koliatsis had 3 tackles and .5 sack against Strath Haven. At the end season Perry finished as the 4th leading tackler on the team with 50 total tackles and will also be honored as a First Team member of the All-Delaware County football team.
Sophomore Dan Giordano ended the season with 36 total tackles and senior Vinny Quercetti had 22 total.
Junior John Rutecki made more offensive contributions but played extremely well for the Tigers in the defensive backfield. Out of the 7 total INTs the Tigers defense recorded throughout the season, Rutecki was responsible for 3 INTs for 64 yards and lead the team in interceptions.
More to come...
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 7:20 PM
Friday, November 24, 2006
Moment # 8, Top Ten Moments continued...
From high atop the 50-yard line, here we go...
Moment # 8, September 21st, 2006
Despite a fumble recovery by senior LB Ted Seiler at the Cougars 45 late in the first, Marple Newtown did not score their second touchdown until 8:29 left in the first half. On Marple Newtown’s fourth drive, Jon Liberty dropped back on 1st & 10 from the MN 32, rolled right and hit senior TE Pat Aigeldinger about ten yards out. Aigeldinger did the rest, taking the ball 68 yards for a touchdown without a Cougar defender able to catch him (Seiler extra point is good).
Final score: Tigers 36, Cougars 0
Senior TE Pat Aigeldinger, the Tiger's resident "Iron Man," had the best receiving game of any MN receiver on the season against Springfield with 2 catches for 94 yards and 1 TD. Pat's receiving performance also helped his senior classmate and Tiger's QB Jon Liberty achieve his only 100+ yard passing game for the season. That night Liberty went 3 for 7 for 116 yards with a TD and an interception.
At the end of the 2006 season, Aigeldinger lead his team in receiving yards with 7 catches (2nd on team) for 196 yards and averaged 28 yards per catch.
More to come...
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 9:14 PM
Thursday, November 23, 2006
TOP 10 MOMENTS OF 2006, # 9
From high atop the 50-yard line, here we go...
Number 9, September 8th, 2006
In the first half, the Tigers offense was held to 8 total yards on 13 total plays. Needless to say, Coach Gionta and his staff had their work cut out for them.Marple Newtown started off the second half with a big bang and brought the home crowd to their feet. Upper Darby’s Terrance Brown kicked off and John Gallagher caught the ball at the 10-yard line. The Tiger’s special teams set up a wedge that would have allowed Dom DeLuise to score. Gallagher was off to the races by midfield and not one Royal was even close to catching him as he took the ball 90 yards for a touchdown on the return (Seiler’s extra point attempt no good). Only 14 seconds into the second half and the Tigers were all tied up with their Central League opponent.
Later in the third quarter, Gallagher would score again...
The Tigers offense seemed to be getting comfortable as they started from their own 34 on the next drive. Liberty and Gallagher both rushed for 18 yards and a first down before Trevor Viviani contributed with another 6 yards. On 2nd & 4 from Upper Darby’s 42-yard line, Gallagher got the hand off and hit the corner only to stop in the end zone for another 6 points with 5:33 left in the third (failed two point conversion). The Tigers went 66 yards in 4 plays on their 5th drive of the game.
Final score: Royals 20, Tigers 12
Despite the loss, junior RB John Gallagher had a nice game rushing the ball 9 times for 61 yards including one punt return for 18 yards and a kick return for 90 yards and a touchdown - the only kick return for a touchdown the entire season.
Gallagher ended the season as the Tiger's second leading rusher with 105 rushing attempts for 633 yards and 6 TDs. He was the leading returner for MN with 9 punt returns for 129 yards and 14 kick returns for 383 (including 1 for a TD).
More to come.....
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 9:29 PM
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
TOP 10 MOMENTS OF 2006
From high atop the 50-yard line, here we go...
NUMBER 10, September 1st, 2006 - Not only were the Marple Newtown Tigers opening up on the road against the Red Devils of Avon Grove, they also faced the challenges of playing in the rain. However, this was not just a light rainfall in early September. The Tigers other opponent that evening was Hurricane Ernesto, which grew from a tropical storm earlier that week.
Lead by the Wolfpack, Marple Newtown's dominant defense took charge of this game early by scoring the MN's only points on the night from a forced fumble by Dave Hansell and the recovery for a touchdown by Steve Giordano.
Sheets of rain accompanied the gusts of wind that cut through you like brisk air on a cold January morning. This weather, usually reserved for late fall, dominated opening night of the Tigers 2006 campaign and contributed to the most alarming statistic of the evening: 2 teams, 11 total fumbles - 6 for the Tigers and 5 for the Red Devils.
Avon Grove took over on downs and their first drive ironically proved to be the difference maker for the Tigers. On the third play of the drive (8th of the game), Red Devils RB Andrew Jones attempted to rush the ball only to have it knocked out of his arms by senior DT Dave Hansell. Junior DB Steve Giordano scooped the ball up as it bounced toward the 36 yard line and took it all the way in for a touchdown (Seiler extra point). His teammates on defense congratulated him in the end zone and this would be the only touchdown the Tigers would score during the game.
Final score: Tigers 7, Red Devils 6
Hansell ended the game with 12 tackles including 2.5 TFLs, 1 caused fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Steve Giordano registered 3 tackles including 1 fumble recovery for a TD.
Dave Hansell went on to finish the season as the Tigers leading tackler with 92 total including 3.5 sacks for -10 yards, 9.5 TFLs for -26 yards, 1 QB hurry, 2 pass break-ups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. Needless to say, Dave will be sorely missed next year.
Giordano ended the season with 41 tackles - 8th in tackles for MN including ½ sack, ½ TFL, 5 pass break-ups, 3 fumbles recovered for 37 yards and 2 interceptions returned for 23 yards.
Just about the time you'll need to avoid your family for a while during your Thanksgiving celebration, Number 9 will be posted for your reading pleasure.
More to come.....
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 8:52 PM
TOP 10 MOMENTS OF 2006, stay tuned
Starting today, Wednesday, November 22, 2006 the top 10 moments of the Marple Newtown Tigers football season will be posted each day, one per day, until December 1st when the #1 moment is revealed.
You may have recalled that last year the top 10 moments started earlier and ended on Thanksgiving Day. Two reasons why that was changed this year: First, I wanted to obtain the coaches input on this list (we met earlier this week) and second, this is my first Thanksgiving that I'm hosting at my house which has occupied 90% of my time this past week. Forgive me.
Check back right here after 9 PM tonight for the #10 top moment of the 2006 Marple Newtown Tigers football season.....
Contact Jim Allsmam at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 9:58 AM
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
ONE AND DONE, TIGERS FALL TO INDIANS 21-19 IN 1ST ROUND
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA - About a year ago in early November, the Marple Newtown football team held their last practice of the 2005 season. Before the senior members of the squad left the practice field and walked back to the locker room, they shook hands and embraced their teammates and coaching staff. Emotional, to say the least.
Shortly thereafter, Coach Ray Gionta gathered his remaining players that would eventually become the 2006 MN football team and talked about "what could be" for the next season. Like a minister preaching to his congregation, Gionta spoke about hard work and the little things that every player needed to do as soon as the season ends in order to take the program to the next level.
That next level he spoke of was the playoffs. Gionta told his team and staff that with an intense work ethic and a little luck a home playoff game for the first time in school history is possible.
Fast-forward 365 days, give or take a couple. Gionta huddled up the same team after practice one day last week and recalled last season's final practice. He reminded everyone how bad the team wanted to be in this position and not to forget how the team felt when the season ended last year. "This is where we wanted to be," Gionta told his team. He emphasized to all of his players that the post season was only one of the team goals for 2006 and that it is crucial to take the next step.
By late Friday afternoon, it was clear that this Tigers football team had already done so much for a high school and community that is foreign to an event such as a football playoff game. Those are only for bigger schools. Not on this night. Fans, teachers, parents, alumni and students from all over the district crammed into Harry Harvey Stadium to witness the Tiger's first home playoff game.
They all knew that there was something special about this Tigers football team. Since there second loss of the season at Ridley, this team pulled together and won their last three games of the regular season (Radnor, at Haverford, at Conestoga). They out-scored their final three opponents 91-21 and catapulted themselves past Strath Haven for the District One #3 seed.
Game Summary
The Tigers won the toss, deferred and the MN defense took the field. Seiler's opening kick sailed to the 16-yard line, caught by Unionville's senior Joe Mulvihill and returned 34 yards to midfield. On their first drive of the game, under the field direction of junior QB Matt Carroll, the Indians went 50 yards in 8 plays in less than 5 minutes. The drive would end on 1st down from the Tiger's 14-yard line when Carroll held onto the ball and found the endzone for Unionville's first touchdown of the night with 7:37 remaining in the 1st quarter (Baker extra point). Carroll, who ended the night with 13 carries for 79 yards and 1 rushing TD, proved early in the game that his footwork was invaluable to the success of his football team.
Unionville 7, Marple Newtown 0
The Tigers first drive started from their own 20 after junior RB John Gallagher returned the kickoff for 10 yards. The next 6 plays were all Gallagher and junior RB John Rutecki as they rushed ball for a combined 54 yards deep into Indian's territory. This tandem proved to be very dangerous all night. Gallagher ended the night with 125 yards on 17 carries and Rutecki had 151 yards on 32 carries. On 1st down at the Indian's 26-yard line, Liberty would get the call to carry the ball and gained 1 yard before senior DL Mike Hoerner hit the Tiger's QB forcing a fumble that was recovered by junior LB Chris Ferron at the Unionville 25-yard line.
After a 3-and-out series by the Indians, the Tigers would take over at their own 42-yard line. Their second drive was more of the same except this time it ended with a touchdown instead of a turnover. Rutecki and Gallagher pounded the ball for 55 yards in 11 plays and junior Steve Giordano added a carry for a gain of 3 early in the drive. Rutecki ended the drive on 3rd & 5 from the Indian's 2 for a two yard touchdown run with 8:37 left in the half. Seiler's extra point was tipped by senior DB Eric Diprospero and no good.
Unionville 7, Marple Newtown 6
Unionville's next drive, their third of the game, started from their own 30. Carroll started to show what his arm was made of by passing complete 3 times on the drive for a combined 37 yards on 4 pass attempts. The defense started to play with great intensity as Carroll was sacked twice during the drive inside Tiger's territory for a loss of 3 yards - once by senior DE Shane Breslin and once by senior DT Dave Hansell. The drive ended on 3rd & 13 from the Tiger's 14 yard-line when Carroll passed complete to senior WR Colton Vosburgh for their second touchdown with 1:27 left in the second quarter. The drive lasted 7 minutes, 10 seconds as Unionville went 70 yards in 13 plays that was capped by a successful extra point attempt by junior K Joe Baker.
Unionville 14, Marple Newtown 6
With very little time to go in the half, the Tigers did what any Wing-T offense does in that situation, they ran the ball and went 19 yards in 4 plays setting up 3rd & 1 from the 44-yard line. Senior QB Jon Liberty dropped back to pass to senior TE Pat Aigeldinger with 0:01 on the clock, only to be intercepted by Chris Ferron at the Tigers 47-yard line and returned the ball 14 yards to the 33 before being forced out of bounds.
AT THE HALF: Unionville 14, Marple Newtown 6
Marple Newtown started the second half on offense and moved the ball effortlessly in front of their capacity and very supportive crowd at Harry Harvey Stadium. As the Tigers inched closer toward midfield, John Gallagher produced his longest gain on the drive on 1st & 10 from the 45 gaining 17 yards to the Unionville 38 that would eventually lead to 3rd & 4 from the Indian's 32-yard line. Liberty passed complete to Steve Giordano for a gain of 5 yards and a crucial first down. On the very next play, Rutecki ran for 19 yards down to the Unionville 3 line that set up Rutecki's second rushing touchdown on the night on 1st & goal with 7:13 remaining in the third quarter. In their fourth drive of the game, Marple Newtown went 70 yards in 12 plays in 4 minutes, 47 seconds that ended with a failed two-point conversion rushing attempt by Jon Liberty.
Unionville 14, Marple Newtown 12
After a 3 play, 6 yard drive by the Indains, Marple Newtown got the ball back after Joe Baker punted to the Tiger's 11-yard line with no return. The Tigers, on their fifth drive of the game was only able to manage 8 yards in 3 plays and Ted Seiler punted on 4th & 2 from the Tiger's 19 yard line. Seiler's 36 yard punt was fair caught by Joe Mulvihill and forced Unionville to start their fifth drive from their own 45 yard line.
On 1st & 10, Matt Carroll dropped back under maximum protection and the lone receiver, senior WR Billy Lloyd, sprinted past the Tiger's defensive backfield and caught a 55-yard bomb for Unionville's third touchdown on the night - 2nd TD reception (Baker extra point). With 3:12 left in the 3rd quarter, the Indians increased their lead by 9 or two scores.
Unionville 21, Marple Newtown 12
On their 6th and very next drive, Liberty rushed for 14 yards on 2 carries while Rutecki accounted for 18 yards on 5 carries and Gallagher took over as the workhorse gaining 38 yards on 3 plays including his 24-yard, tackle-breaking touchdown run on 2nd & 4. This drive would end with a successful extra point attempt by Ted Seiler with 11:52 left to go in the first round playoff game.
Unionville 21, Marple Newtown 19
The Indians took the Ted Seiler kickoff returned by Mulvihill from the 4-yard line 34 yards to the 38 yard line. Matt Carroll was sacked on 1st down by Dave Hansell for a loss of 3 yards. Carroll unsuccessfully passed on 2nd and 3rd down and punted to Marple Newtown on 4th & 13 from the Indians 35.
With 10:39 left in the 4th, the Tigers started at their own 39 after a 19 yard punt return by John Gallagher. Rutecki and Gallagher combined for 13 yards on the first 4 plays of the drive and 1st down that placed the ball just inside Indian's territory and lead to 3rd & 9 from the Unionville 48. Liberty dropped back to pass, ran to his right and passed complete to Steve Giordano along the Tiger's sideline for a gain of 16 yards and a critical chain-moving first down to the Indian's 32. Liberty, Gallagher and Rutecki handled the rest of the rushing duties that set up 4th & 2 from the 12 and a 29 yard field goal attempt by Ted Seiler. The snap was on the money but Unionville's Eric Diprospero snuck in again and was able to tip the field goal attempt that eventually sailed wide left with 4:48 remaining in the game.
Unionville 21, Marple Newtown 19
Unionville took over on downs - 1st & 10 from their own 20 and went 62 yards in 10 plays that took the ball all the way down to the Tiger's 18 yard line. QB Matt Carroll established his running game early in the evening and ended the night by showing off his running abilities. On 3rd & 5 from the Unionville 25, Caroll rushed the ball for a gain of 20 yards and a 1st down. Three plays later Carroll gained 9 on 3rd & 4 from the Marple Newtown 49-yard line. Three plays later, ninth play of the drive, Carroll ran for a gain of 18 yards dragging Dave Hansell for the last ten just inside the MN 20. Carroll took a knee on 1st & 10 and time expired.
Unionville 21, Marple Newtown 19
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 11:45 PM
Friday, November 10, 2006
TigersCast PLAYOFF UPDATE
TigersCast PLAYOFF UPDATE
PIAA DISTRICT ONE, ROUND 1 PLAYOFFS
#4 Unionville Indians vs #3 Marple Newtown Tigers from Harry Harvey Stadium in Newtown Square, PA
Posted by Jim Allsman at 9:07 PM
TigersCast PLAYOFF UPDATE
TigersCast PLAYOFF UPDATE
PIAA DISTRICT ONE, ROUND 1 PLAYOFFS
#4 Unionville Indians vs #3 Marple Newtown Tigers from Harry Harvey Stadium in Newtown Square, PA
Posted by Jim Allsman at 7:49 PM
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
LIBERTY & WOLFPACK LEAD TIGERS PAST STOGA AND INTO PLAYOFFS
BERWYN, PA - In a locker room under the home stands at Teamer Field, the 7-2 Marple Newtown Tigers gathered after their pre-game warm-ups for the last time to go over the game plan and make final adjustments.
It was a business-like atmosphere. There was not much talk from the players, as they were listening intently to HFC Ray Gionta and Defensive Coordinator Lou D'Alonzo. No coach or player gave an inspirational speech; no one had to, it was not necessary.
Every player on the 45-man roster knew what this game meant: Win, and a playoff spot in the PIAA District One AAA tournament for the first time in school history is secured. Lose, and the season ends after playing a meaningless final game at home against Penn Wood.
The Tigers were confident and knew they had more goals to accomplish for this season. In no way, shape, or form was this Tigers football team satisfied with only a third consecutive winning season. This team, especially the seniors, have had their sights set very high all season long. A playoff appearance wasn't just a lofty goal written on a black board before the season. It was always part of this team's plans for the 2006 campaign.
After a down-to-the-wire double overtime victory the week before at Haverford, the Tigers needed no inspiration from Coach Gionta, now in his 4th year at Marple Newtown, to beat a mediocre 5-4 Conestoga team for a coveted playoff berth. The Tigers were ready and played must-win football - exactly what they've been doing since their second loss of the season against Ridley when they knew only they controlled their post-season fate.
Game Summary
Sparked by a superb defensive line, the Tigers took control of this game on the first drive. After MN won the toss and deferred to the second half, Conestoga started their pass-happy offense from their own 25-yard line. The biggest gain of the drive happened on the third play when junior QB Steve Richter completed a 23 yard pass to senior WR Bill Davis that put the ball one yard into Tigers territory at the 49-yard line. Two plays later Richter found his favorite target of the night, junior WR Nijha White, for a gain of 9 yards. The Pioneers did not get much further as junior DE Pete Massaro sacked Richter on the 9th and final play of the drive for a loss of 8 yards on 3rd & 9 from the 37-yard line.
The first points of the game came from the Tigers second possession that started toward the end of the first quarter. The Tigers started the drive from the Pioneers 45. In 7 plays the Tigers rushed the ball utilizing juniors John Rutecki, John Gallagher, Steve Giordano and senior QB Jon Liberty. The drive ended on 1st & goal at the 1 with a QB sneak by the Liberty for the Tigers first of four touchdowns with 11:33 left in the second (Seiler extra point).
The Tigers scored on their next drive going 102 yards in 15 plays. It was a long journey that led to a successful 19-yard field goal attempt by Ted Seiler. On the 5th play of the drive Liberty handed off to Gallagher at the Tigers 26 for a 12 yard gain. Around the 38-yard line the Pioneer's sophomore LB Ray Burke forced a fumble that was recovered by Conestoga, fumbled again and recovered by Marple Newtown's Pete Massaro at their own 17-yard line. The dual turnover resulted in a first down for MN. Ten plays later Seiler split the uprights for 3 points, giving Marple Newtown a 10-0 lead with 1:05 left in the first half.
Conestoga would have the last possession before halftime. Starting from the 30, the Pioneers went 57 yards in 5 plays including a 35-yard run by senior FB Jon Susko giving the Conestoga 1st & goal from the 13 with 4 seconds left in the 2nd quarter. Aided by pressure from the nimble Massaro, Richter was unable to find senior WR Brandon Dunn in the endzone.
Marple Newtown asserted themselves quickly in the 3rd quarter on their first drive of the 2nd half. Rutecki, who ended the night as the Tigers leading rusher with 122 yards on 18 carries, ran for a gain of 47 yards late in the drive setting up 1st & goal on the 2-yard line. John Gallagher hit the corner, running to the left side of the field untouched for the touchdown with 9:04 remaining in the 3rd quarter (Seiler extra point).
Conestoga wasted little time on their next drive going 75 yards in 7 plays which ended on a 11-yard pass completion from Richter to White for their first touchdown (Di Luca extra point).
After a 3-and-out drive by MN, Conestoga put themselves right back in the game going 75 yards in 10 plays on their sixth drive of the game. With 11:18 left in the 4th, Steve Richter found Nijha White for his second touchdown reception for the Pioneers. In 9 minutes, 46 seconds, Conestoga scored 14 unanswered points. The Tigers still had the lead, 17-14, but knew another touchdown or turnover was essential to squash any momentum Conestoga was building on.
Marple Newtown's next drive was another 3-and-out that went 3 yards in 3 plays. A 28-yard punt by Seiler had Conestoga starting their 7th of the game from their own 34-yard line. On the second play, Ricther's pass was intercepted by the Tiger's leading tackler of the night (13 total), Pat Aigeldinger at the 46 and returned 7 yards.
Marple Newtown went 39 yards in 4 plays after the turnover and ended the drive after Liberty hit Gallagher for a 17-yard touchdown reception with 8:33 remaining in the game (Seiler extra point).
On Conesotga's 8th and last meaningful drive of the game, the Pioneers went 44 yards in 10 plays that took them all the way to the Tigers 18. On 4th & 6, Richter dropped back only to be pressured by the Wolfpack's Pete Massaro. That allowed Shane Breslin to hit Richter, which forced a fumble that was recovered by Ted Seiler at the 20 and returned 5 yards.
The Tigers were only able to move the ball 22 yards after the turnover and punted from their own 47 down to Conestoga's 14 with no return. After 2 incomplete passes and a 9-yard penalty assessed on the offense, Richter attempted to pass to Brandon Dunn on 3rd & 19 which fell incomplete. Richter was shaken up by a hit from Seiler on the play. Junior back-up QB James Bassett entered the game for one play and looked terrified on 4th and 19 from the 5-yard line. Bassett dropped back to pass and was quickly sacked in the endzone for a safety by the ever-menacing Pete Massaro giving the Tigers a 26-14 lead with 2:17 left in the game.
John Gallagher returned the free kick 55 yards to the Conestoga 5-yard line. Two plays later Liberty ran for a 2-yard touchdown run with 1:16 left in the game (Seiler extra point).
Conestoga entered Tiger's territory on their last drive but quickly fumbled away any shot of a comeback after senior WR Bhelly Bagbanon was hit by senior LB Trevor Viviani forcing a fumble that was recovered by Rutecki with 37 seconds remaining in regulation.
QB Jon Liberty ended the game with 2 completions on 5 attempts for 31 yards and 1 passing TD. He also had 9 rushing attempts for 29 yards and 2 TDs.
Rutecki had 18 rushing attempts for 122 yards while Gallagher had 15 rushing attempts for 104 yards.
THE DEFENSE, by the numbers
The top 5 defensive contributions by tackles and OTHER noteworthy stats:
Pat Aigeldinger - 13 (including a pass breakup, INT)
Trevor Viviani - 8 (including ½ TFL, QB hurry, forced fumble)
Steve Giordano - 8 (including 2 pass breakups)
Shane Breslin - 6 (including TFL, sack, QB hurry, forced fumble)
John Rutecki - 6 (including 2 pass breakups, fumble recovery)
Pete Massaro - 4 (including 2 TFLs, 2 sacks, 2 QB hurries)
Ted Seiler - 2 - (including ½ TFL, 3 QB hurries, fumble recovery)
THE POST-SEASON: Round 1 of the PIAA District One AAA Playoffs
Marple Newtown will host its first District One playoff game. Kick-off is set for 7 PM.
The # 3 seed Marple Newtown Tigers football team will play their first playoff game in school history (since the inception of the PIAA playoff format in 1988) this Friday, November 10, 2006 against the # 4 seed Unionville Indians from the Southern Chester County League at Harry Harvey Stadium in Newtown Square, PA.
This is a great opportunity to come out and support YOUR Tigers!
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 9:15 PM
Friday, November 3, 2006
TigersCast Game UPDATE
TigersCast Game UPDATE - Game 10 vs Conestoga from Conestoga High School in Berwyn, PA
Posted by Jim Allsman at 10:44 PM
TigersCast Game UPDATE
TigersCast Game UPDATE - Game 10 vs Conestoga from Conestoga High School in Berwyn, PA
Posted by Jim Allsman at 8:54 PM
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
TIGERS WIN IN DOUBLE OT AT HAVERFORD, 10-7
HAVERTOWN, PA - Marple Newtown's Defensive Coordinator Lou D'Alonzo spoke to the Tigers before Friday night's double overtime victory. "Do no let anything get in the way of what you're trying to accomplish," he told the team. The Tigers would soon be covered in mud and fully engaged in a gridiron contest that both teams will remember long after the season is over. Under a strong and steady rain at A.G. Cornog Field, both teams not only battled each, they also had their own mental mistakes to overcome fumbling the ball a combined 19 times.
On their first drive, the Tigers started from their own 42, junior RB John Rutecki ran the ball twice for a combined 13 yards before junior Steve Giordano fumbled the botched exchange from senior QB Jon Liberty. It was recovered by Haverford's Asher Halbert and returned 48 yards to the Tigers 4 yard line. Two plays later the Fords Benga Esuroso punched it in from the 1 yard line with 8:12 left in the first quarter (Extra point attempt was good).
Marple Newtown would answer the call on the very next drive going 70 yards in 11 plays and holding the ball a little under 6 minutes. Starting from their own 30, Rutecki, Liberty and Steve Giordano ran the ball for a combined 24 yards in 5 plays. Liberty was sacked by Haverford on 3rd & 9 at the Ford's 41 for a loss of 6 yards. Sam Hafez punted for the Tigers to the 25 where it was fumbled by Haverford's special team and recoverd by senior SE Dave Hubsher. That recovery secured a first down for the Tigers with 25 yards to go. Rutecki carried the load over the next 3 plays setting up 2nd & 8 from the 1 yard line. Jon Liberty kept the ball for a QB sneak as senior C Guy DeFeo made enough room for Liberty to get into the endzone for a touchdown with 2:24 left in the first quarter (Aigeldinger extra point).
Over the next 38 minutes and 48 seconds, in the cold and endless October rain, both football teams endured an offensive drought that did not end in regulation play.
In the first OT session, Haverford started on offesne from their own 10 yard line. On 1st down, Haverford's QB Jacob Sheez-Willard passed complete for a gain of 5 yards to Jim Fiacrra who was stopped by John Rutecki. On 2nd down, Willard was sacked by the "Wolfpack" for a loss of 1 yard and on 3rd & 6 Willard's pass intended for Fiacrra was batted down by Ructecki. Haverford's attempt at a 23 yard field goal attempt was no good.
The Tiger's then got their first shot in overtime. On 1st down Liberty fumbled and recovered the ball for no gain. Liberty mananged to hand off on 2nd down to Rutecki for a gain of 5 yards. Liberty then fumbled again on 3rd fown for a loss of 4 yards setting up a failed 28 yard field goal attempt by Pat Aigeldinger.
In the second overtime, the Tigers had the ball first and Liberty rushed for a gain of 6 yards on 1st down. Liberty fumbled and recovered for no gain on 2nd down and on 3rd down Rutecki ran the ball for little to no gain. A mud-covered Aigeldinger ran out to the 5 yard line to set up for a 21 yard field goal attempt - he has been filling in for the banged-up Ted Seiler. Senior TE/LB and part-time kicker Pat Aigeldinger split the uprights giving the Tigers a 3-point lead, 10-7.
Haverford had their opportunity to score after the successful MN field goal but went zero yards in 4 plays. Haverford's QB Willard fumbled and recovered on 1st down only to be tackled by senior DT Perry Koliatsis. On 2nd down, Willard passed incomplete intended for Jeffrey Matteis which was broken up by junior LB Ken Clark. Willard tried another pass play on 3rd down intended for Fiacrra but that also fell incomplete. A 27 yard field goal attempt on 4th down was wide left and the game was over.
THE DEFENSE, by the numbers
The top 5 defensive contributions by tackles and OTHER noteworthy stats:
Perry Koliatsis – 9 (including ½ TFL)
Dan Giordano - 9 (including 2 TFLs)
Dave Hansell – 6 (including TFL, ½ sack)
Pete Massaro – 5 (including QB hurry)
Pat Aigeldinger - 5 (including 1.5 TFL, fumble recovery)
Game 10 vs. Conestoga in Berwyn, PA
The 2006 Tigers football team will play their tenth game on Friday, November 3, 2006 against the Conestoga at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, PA. Mark your calendars and be sure to come out and support the Tigers!
Contact Jim Allsman at jma158@comcast.net.
Posted by Jim Allsman at 10:47 PM
