Tigers Roll Over Royals, Graziano Hits 1000

By Greg Pecko

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA - The Marple Newtown Tigers (3-6) put in a stellar performance Friday night over the Upper Darby Royals (5-4).

The Tigers defeated the Royals by a score of 35-27 on Senior night at Harry Harvey Stadium. The senior members of the football team were honored for their commitment and accomplishments to the Tigers football program.

The Tigers' offense was on a role Friday night and scored on nearly every possession of the football. In the first quarter, running back Nick Stephens gave the tigers an early lead of 7-0 after he punched the ball into the end-zone for the score.

However, the man of the night was Phil Graziano as he eclipsed the 1,000 yard rushing mark on the season with a stellar performance of 89 yards rushing on the ground. Including a 26 yard run in the 2nd quarter that went for a touchdown and put the Tigers' up 14 to 7 over the Royals.

It took Graziano nearly the entire four quarters to reach and surpass that milestone as he did so with only one second remaining in the game.

Also, quarterback Kevin Johnson had a great night through the air as he completed nearly all of his passes including a 22 yard touchdown pass to Ron Alf mid-way through the 3rd quarter. Johnson also had a rushing touchdown late in the third quarter and made several key plays on defense that helped lift Marple Newtown over Upper Darby.

The Tigers' only have three games left to play in the season and are looking to run the table and finish with an even record of 6 and 6. Next week they travel to Rosemont, PA to take on the newest member of the Central League in Harriton High School.

Kickoff for next week's away game is set for 7 pm and coverage will be provided by http://www.marplenewtownfootball.com/ and http://www.eyeofthetigersblog.com/.

Upper Darby at MARPLE NEWTOWN

Bob Herpen and Greg Pecko of the Tigers Radio Network provide complete coverage of the Upper Darby Royals vs. the Marple Newtown Tigers on Friday, October 24th, 2008 from Harry Harvey Stadium on the campus of Marple Newtown High School in Newtown Square, PA.

1st Quarter

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2nd Quarter

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3rd Quarter

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4th Quarter

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Bob Herpen - Play-by-Play Announcer
Greg Pecko - Color Commentator


Contact Jim Allsman at jallsman@marplenewtownfootball.com.

Milestone Alert: Tigers' Running Back Eyes 1,000 yards on the ground

By Greg Pecko

88 is the magic number for Tigers' senior tailback Phil Graziano this week against Upper Darby.

The number 88 as in the number of yards he is away from having a major high school milestone of 1,000 yards on the ground this season. The best part is he will most likely do it this Friday night under the lights of Harry Harvey stadium.

Considering that Graziano is averaging 5.7 yards per carry this season, he will most likely surpass the 1,000 yard mark on his 15th carry tomorrow night. Since the Tigers are a run heavy offense and Upper Darby's run defense isn't very strong this season, Graziano looks to have the milestone well in hand.

Even if he does not achieve it this week he will break that mark by the end of the season since there are four games left including tomorrow's game.

Also, 1,500 yards is also in reach since he is averaging over 100 yards this season and with four games left. The majority of the games are against weaker defenses so look for Graziano to at least flirt with that stellar number.

1,000 yards rushing is a big deal for any high school running back and for Tigers fans it would certainly be a wonderful thing to witness. So for those who would like to comes out and see a great football game and possible Tigers' history, the game starts at 7 pm under the lights of Harry Harvey stadium.

FYI: Phillies play for Title starting tonight

By Greg Pecko

As the Marple Newtown Tigers season winds down, fans from around the area will have their eye on the local pro baseball team.

The Philadelphia Phillies will make their first World Series appearance since 1993. The Phillies will have to take on a strong Tampa Bay Rays team that is making its first World Series appearance in franchise history.

Tonight's game will be a big step for a franchise that has played second fiddle to the Philadelphia Eagles for the last 15 years. NLCS MVP and the Phils' ace pitcher Cole Hamels will take the hill for game one against the Rays' Scott Kazmir.

With this Series the hopes of area fans are high as another franchise takes a shot at ending a 25 year drought of professional championships.

For the older fans that remember the success and triumphs of the 1980s, this is a chance to rekindle those joyous memories. As for the young fans, this is an opportunity for anyone under the age of 30 to really experience what it is like to have a champion in the city.

In 2004 the Eagles lost their bid for a title in the state of Florida. Now, the Phillies are in Florida and are looking for a different ending this time, one that hopefully ends in Citizens' Bank Park with a Championship.

For more articles like this one and others by Greg Pecko go to the following website: www.bleacherreport.com/users/61010-Greg-Pecko-Jr

Green Raiders defeat Tigers, 27-7

By Greg Pecko

FOLSOM, PA - The Marple Newtown Tigers (2-6) didn't leave Phil Marion field with a win but they certainly left with motivation and confidence about the future.

The Ridley Raiders (7-1) beat the Tigers by a score of 27-7 but those numbers don't do the effort of the Tigers justice. The score was 14-0 at halftime and at that point the determination of the Tigers' program led them to block both a Ridley field goal attempt and an extra point attempt.

The Tigers' fought hard Friday night against a tough Ridley squad and they proved some major points to their competition. The Tigers' proved that they are on the rise, they are talented and most importantly they improving at a fast pace.

The Tigers' were able to hold the Green Raiders to very little yardage early in the ball game and played tough on both sides of the football. Senior Phil Graziano and junior Nick Stephens once again led the offense on the ground and they continue to pick up more yardage and points.

Graziano is quickly closing in on a 1,000 yard season as he rushed for over 100 yards for the fourth straight week and he is set to reach that milestone at home against Upper Darby next week. Graziano also was the man who blocked the field goal and extra point attempts by Ridley in the first quarter.

Nick Stephens had his third touchdown in two games as he took the ball 24-yards for the score early in the fourth quarter. Stephens also contributed on the defensive side of the ball as he forced a fumble and recovered it on the same play, by simply ripping the ball out of the hands of the Ridley running-back.

Once again senior defensive-end Steve Reynolds provided the spark for Marple Newtown's defense as he racked up several tackles and had two sacks in the game. Additionally, Dan Giordano continues to make his presence felt defensively as he contributed with some big tackles.

Despite what the scoreboard read, this game was close and the Tigers are well on their way to making waves in the Central League during the second half of the season and into next year.

The Tigers will be back in Harry Harvey stadium next week to take on Upper Darby High School. Coverage can be found on www.marplenewtownfootball.com and www.eyeofthetigersblog.com.

MARPLE NEWTOWN at Ridley

Greg Pecko, from the Tigers Radio Network, provides you with a MARPLE NEWTOWN at Ridley GAME UPDATE from Ridley High School in Folsom, PA.

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MARPLE NEWTOWN at Ridley

Greg Pecko, from the Tigers Radio Network, provides you with a MARPLE NEWTOWN at Ridley GAME UPDATE from Ridley High School in Folsom, PA.

powered by Hipcast.com

MP3 File

Player Profile: Senior Defensive End #51 Steve Reynolds

By: Greg Pecko

The Senior leader along the Defensive Line Steve Reynolds is an emotional player who has played very hard throughout the season. Reynolds has been a spark plug for this defense since the beginning of the season and when his fellow captain Dan Giordano missed a few games early in the season Reynolds was there to pick up for his absence.

After 7 games this season Reynolds is tied for third on the team in tackles with a total of 32 tackles. Additionally, Reynolds has gotten a lot of pressure on opposing quarterback and has 1.5 sacks to go along with 3.5 tackles that went for lost yardage. Reynolds was also able to snag an interception early in the season that set-up the Tigers offense for points.

Reynolds biggest contribution this year includes stats, emotion, and leadership. As one of three captains on the 2008 Tigers football team Reynolds has proven himself more than deserving of the title through his work ethic and leadership qualities.

Without Reynolds this Defense would be missing a key ingredient called heart, which is vital to the success and development of any football team.

The Tiger's play tomorrow night at Ridley High School in Folsom, PA kickoff is 7pm. Coverage will be provided by www.marplenewtownfootball.com and www.eyeofthetigersblog.com. Greg Pecko will have score updates at halftime and the end of the game.


Contact Jim Allsman at jallsman@marplenewtownfootball.com.

Tigers Trump Aces, 14-6

By Greg Pecko

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA - After four quarters at Harry Harvey Field Friday night, the Marple Newtown Tigers added a second win to their record by defeating the Lower Merion Aces by a score of 14 to 6. The Tigers (2-5) were able to capitalize on a turnover mid-way through the second quarter last night that shifted the momentum in their favor in front of a large crowd that was on hand for the Tigers' Homecoming festivities.

The Aces opened the game with a long drive that landed them an early six points, but from then on out it was all Marple Newtown as they shutdown the Aces offense. The turning point of the game was when junior Kevin Johnson intercepted a Lower Merion pass in the endzone for a touchback.

After the interception Johnson would then go on to help lead the Tigers' offense down the field for a touchdown and a 7 to 6 lead. Johnson hit tailback Nick Stephens in the back of the endzone on a 13-yard pass putting the Tigers ahead by one.

From that point it was all Marple Newtown as they were able to move the ball on the ground using a trio of running backs including senior Phil Graziano and sophomore Mario Dioguardi. The Tigers defense also stood tall and shutout the Aces offense for the final three quarters.

Senior Defensive End Steve Reynolds recorded several tackles and a key sack late in the 3rd quarter of the game. The Tigers would then score their second touchdown on the ground as Stephens ran the ball for a 3-yard touchdown giving him two total touchdowns on Friday night.

Despite the tight score, the Tigers' controlled the game Friday and were able to dictate the pace of play and force the Aces into a difficult offensive situation. The Tigers now have a 2 game winning streak heading into the eighth week of the season.

The Tigers will travel to Folsom, PA next Friday to take on the Ridley Green Raiders (6-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Phil Marion Field and coverage will be provided by http://www.marplenewtownfootball.com/ and http://www.eyeofthetigersblog.com/.

Lower Merion at MARPLE NEWTOWN

Bob Herpen and Greg Pecko of the Tigers Radio Network provide complete coverage of the Lower Merion Aces vs. the Marple Newtown Tigers on Friday, October 10th, 2008 from Harry Harvey Stadium on the campus of Marple Newtown High School in Newtown Square, PA.

1st Quarter

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2nd Quarter

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3rd Quarter

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4th Quarter

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Bob Herpen - Play-by-Play Announcer
Greg Pecko - Color Commentator


Contact Jim Allsman at jallsman@marplenewtownfootball.com.

Player Profile: Senior Linebacker #10 Dan Giordano

By Greg Pecko

After missing the first few weeks of the season with an injury, Dan Giordano has returned to the field in his senior season with the Tigers. One of Marple Newtown's captains and leaders, Giordano has made an impact for the Tigers on the defensive side of the football.

Since Giordano returned to the field a few weeks ago, he already has accumulated 19 tackles for the Tigers' defense. Eight of those tackles came in last weeks victory over Radnor, a game in which Giordano led the team in tackles.

Giordano's impact goes far beyond his play because he is one of the vocal leaders on the Tigers and even while he spent time out for the injury he could be seen walking the sidelines and helping his fellow teammates.

In his time at Marple Newtown, Giordano has left an impact on the program and will continue to do so until his high school football career ends at the end of this season. His senior leadership and knowledge is important to this Tigers program both now and in the future because its sets an example for the younger players on a team that has alot of underclassmen.

Marple Newtown over Radnor, 24-7

By Greg Pecko

RADNOR, PA – The Marple Newtown Tigers (1-5) recorded their first win of the season Friday night defeating the Radnor Raiders (1-5) 24-7 on the road. The Tigers were able to score using their ground game as senior Tailback Phil Graziano ran for well over 100 yards and had 3 touchdowns.

Graziano had a 2-yard run towards the end of the first quarter after a long passing play got the Tigers down inside the Radnor 5 yard line. The Tigers would end the half with a 27-yard field goal by kicker Adam Fender that gave the Tigers a 10-0 lead.

The Tigers offense would continue to pound the Raiders on the ground in the second half as they continually handed the ball off to Graziano, who busted open a 41-yard run that went for a touchdown and gave the Tigers a 17-0 lead.

On the Defensive side of the football, Steve Reynolds had a great game along the defensive line and made several key tackles. Sophomore cornerback Ryan White also had a career day with 2 interceptions that shutdown Radnor’s offense.

White’s second interception set-up a long drive by the Tigers’ offense, which was capped off by Graziano’s third touchdown run of the day and made the score 24-0.

The Tigers’ played a solid game on both sides of the football, which helped them grab their first win of the season. Marple Newtown will look to carry over the momentum of this win into next week’s Homecoming game against Lower Merion at Harry Harvey Stadium.

Kick-off is set for 6:30 PM next Friday, October 10th.

Scoring Summary

1-MN-3:58-Graziano 2yd TD run

1-MN-3:58-Fender extra point

2-MN-0:00-Fender 27yd field goal

4-MN-9:34-Graziano 41yd TD run

4-MN-9:34-Fender extra point

4-MN-2:26-Graziano 8 yd TD run

4-MN-2:26-Fender extra point

4-RD-0:32-Andersen 26yd TD run

4-RD-0:32-Watts extra point

MARPLE NEWTOWN at Radnor

Greg Pecko, from the Tigers Radio Network, provides you with a MARPLE NEWTOWN at Radnor GAME UPDATE from Radnor High School in Radnor, PA.

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Player Profile: Junior Quarterback #15 Kevin Johnson

By Greg Pecko

After five games, the Marple Newtown Tigers are getting production from their offense and part of the reason is the play of the quarterback. For the Tigers, the field general duties belong to junior Kevin Johnson, who is in his first year as a starter.

Johnson has led the offense in scoring this year and has recently pushed the offense into the endzone several times with his running ability. Under the Wing-T offense, Johnson has scored on several option plays and has a total of three rushing touchdowns.

In the passing game Johnson has 12 completions for a total of 173 yards and is quickly starting to become more comfortable in the pocket. Whether it is through the air or on the ground, Johnson is leading the Tigers offense down the field and has been able to use the option to his advantage.

Johnson does an outstanding job of hiding the football on running plays, which confuses the defense, coaches, and even announcers. This ability has helped Johnson rush for the three touchdowns he has accumulated.

Johnson is gaining vital experience that will help him throughout the rest of the season and into his senior year.