By Greg Pecko
In a Wing-T offense that the Marple Newtown Tigers run, the pressure is put on the running game and the tailbacks asked to carry the ball. For the Tigers, they have one of the best running backs in the Central Athletic League in senior Phil Graziano.
Graziano does not just run the ball, he overpowers the defense by leaning forward for every inch he can get. Graziano is a bruising running back who is the engine that runs the Tigers offense which sets up the rest of the offensive game plan.
Graziano has rushed the ball 74 times so far this season for a total of 366 yards and one touchdown. While averaging just under 5 yards a carry, Graziano has played a major role for the Tigers in many facets of the game.
He plays on all three units - offense, defense and special teams for the Tigers. On the defensive side of the ball, he has 22 total tackles and has been able to force one fumble. Additionally, Graziano has been the feature return man on special teams and has returned the ball 11 times for a total of 266 yards with and average of 24.2 yards per return.
However, one of the greatest features that Graziano has may not show up in the stat book. Graziano is one of three team captains and is a true team leader. He provides an emotional spark for the team no matter what side of the ball he is on.
Graziano is the definition of senior leadership and he will be a major player in how the Tigers perform as the season progresses.
In a Wing-T offense that the Marple Newtown Tigers run, the pressure is put on the running game and the tailbacks asked to carry the ball. For the Tigers, they have one of the best running backs in the Central Athletic League in senior Phil Graziano.
Graziano does not just run the ball, he overpowers the defense by leaning forward for every inch he can get. Graziano is a bruising running back who is the engine that runs the Tigers offense which sets up the rest of the offensive game plan.
Graziano has rushed the ball 74 times so far this season for a total of 366 yards and one touchdown. While averaging just under 5 yards a carry, Graziano has played a major role for the Tigers in many facets of the game.
He plays on all three units - offense, defense and special teams for the Tigers. On the defensive side of the ball, he has 22 total tackles and has been able to force one fumble. Additionally, Graziano has been the feature return man on special teams and has returned the ball 11 times for a total of 266 yards with and average of 24.2 yards per return.
However, one of the greatest features that Graziano has may not show up in the stat book. Graziano is one of three team captains and is a true team leader. He provides an emotional spark for the team no matter what side of the ball he is on.
Graziano is the definition of senior leadership and he will be a major player in how the Tigers perform as the season progresses.
