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Bartram bests Central in Public AAAA quarterfinal
Sunday, November 1 Bartram rolls over Mastbaum, 33-6 Al-Hajj Shabazz is not one of those Johnny-come-lately quarterbacks. You do have to go back a way - 13 months to be exact - to find the last time he was entrenched as a starter, though, and the reason that situation changed was...well, he was one of those get-to-school-late guys. Shabazz is now a 6-1, 175-pound senior at John Bartram High, and yesterday he steered the Braves past Jules Mastbaum Tech, 33-6, in a nonleague game at Germantown's Ben Johnston Memorial Stadium. He began the 2008-09 school year as Edward Bok Tech's quarterback, but lasted just 3 weeks before transferring to Bartram, not far from his Southwest Philly home near 65th and Dicks. "I love Bok," Shabazz said. "I hated having to leave there. I love those cats. I was broken about it. I was crying. Those are my guys, man. I wish them the best of luck. "My problem was getting to school on time. I kept winding up late and my family said I had to transfer closer to home. You don't want that stuff going on your record." The culprit: the 37 bus. "If I missed that thing, I was done," Shabazz said, laughing. "It only comes about every half-hour. If I got it, I was fine. If not..." Yesterday, Shabazz missed no chances to contribute big plays. He had an arm or feet in four of Bartram's five TDs and then unwittingly had a hand - the right one, if you must know - in one of the all-time conversion comedies. After turning an ad-lib into a 14-yard TD dash with 9 minutes, 11 seconds left, Shabazz knelt down to hold for kicker Derek "Aztec" King, also a star linebacker. The snap was a shade off-kilter. Shabazz reached and fumbled for the ball and as he tried to get it onto the block...thump! King swung his leg forward and completely missed the ball while kicking Shabazz in the right hand. Al-Hajj (pronounce that second part like hodge) covered the ball and was swarmed under. How many times are there two failures - kick and "run" - on the same conversion? Like always, repeat after us: Only in the Pub. "It didn't hurt me," Shabazz said. "I can't kick it if it's not there," King cracked. Shabazz' other rushing TD was a 4-yard sneak right up the middle. He also passed for two scores, a 23-yarder to Yamir Simmons and a 9-yarder to Mohammed Diabate. Overall, Shabazz went 6-for-8 for 125 yards, and the most productive play was a screen left to Jerome Tucker (it worked three times for 63 yards). When asked whether his 14-yard score came off a designed play, Shabazz quipped, "Just me, baby." He added, "I think it was supposed to be a pass. But coach [Damond “Smash” Warren] tells me, 'If you see a seam, take it."' After arriving at Bartram last fall, Shabazz saw occasional handyman duty on offense as QB Laquan Williams finished a productive career. This year he was slated to serve mostly as a key wide receiver. But Warren made a switch last week, an upset of Frankford resulted, and the original QB is no longer part of the team. "I was fine with the situation," Shabazz insisted. "I was looking forward to be part of a heckuva tandem. I wanted to be a starting receiver. Didn't work out." Does that mean he's now a reluctant QB? "Whatever the team needs, I'll do," he said. "I just like having the ball in my hands, however it gets there." Brandon Jones led Bartram's rushers with 86 yards and a 24-yard TD on 14 carries. Mastbaum's highlight was Marcus Johnson's 84-yard kickoff return for a TD. The Panthers' operated all afternoon out of a spread, hurry-up offense, enabling Marc Price and Taron Williams to attempt 27 total passes. Fourteen completions yielded 135 yards, spread primarily among Juwan Morrison (5-42), Jacob Lockley (5-23) and Fermin Castellanos (3-55). Also, Williams hit Price for 15 yards. The more he thinks about it, the more Shabazz does like quarterbacking. "I like leading my troops," he said. "I like how, when a big play is needed, the team looks to me to make it." Lately, that's been always. Thursday, November 20 Coaches 2008 All Public Football Team 2008 Coaches' All-Public Football Team Return to TedSilary.com Home Page
Here is the coaches' All-Public Team.
Coach of the Year: Ron Cohen, Washington.
Bartram's Lawrence making plays on football field, too
Saturday, October 6 Alexander takes on all comers as Bartram blanks Roxborough
Each time he carries the football, Michael Alexander maintains a more-the-merrier mind-set.
We're not talking accumulation of yardage. We're talking sightings of would-be tacklers, especially those with size. "When I see of bunch of big guys coming at me, my eyes light up," Alexander said. "I don't worry about it. Speed beats power any day." On a day when the sun shone fully only occasionally, and when the biggest clouds consisted of dust on a field that had everything (cough, cough, cough) even on the Sahara, Michael Alexander achieved non-stop bright-light status. Both as a player and person. Nothing new there. When an observer of John Bartram High's 19-0 Public White victory over visiting Roxborough mentioned to coach Damond "Smash" Warren that Alexander, a 5-7, 155-pound halfback and defensive back, comes off as a tremendous young man, Warren immediately flashed a gigantic smile and said, "In many ways." Aside from his football and academic talents, which are causing hot pursuit by Division II schools such as Millersville, West Chester and Shippenburg, along with preliminary interest from Temple, Alexander deserves props for how he has overcome trying life situations. Beginning in the fourth grade, he spent roughly 5 years living in group homes before finding peace with his aunt and uncle, Sheila and Edward Alexander, near 55th and Florence. And he has not forgotten those times. "I want to major in human services and be a social worker," he said. "Some of the people I met in group homes gave me inspiration. They gave me more power. More strength. They taught me to always look for the bright side. To know you'll be getting better things. "Maybe I can be a hero, too. If I can do that, I'll feel as though I gave back what was given to me." Though Alexander, in an uncommon occurrence, did not reach the end zone for the packed-with-youth Braves, he carried 18 times for 112 yards, raising his career total to 1,457, and his presence alone was huge. "Mike helps us just by how teams have to key on him," Warren said. "We have to go to other people." In this one, junior quarterback Laquan Williams passed 4-for-6 for 113 yards and one touchdown apiece to Antwain Byrd (55 yards) and Ishmar Malcolm (30 yards), then added the final score by burrowing in from the 1. The ball was on that stripe because of a minor miscalculation by Alexander on a mad, fourth-quarter dash toward the left corner. He held out the ball in an attempt to break the plane, but the nearest referee had none of it. "Maybe I thought I was in. Maybe the ref didn't think so," Alexander said. He added with a laugh: "The refs were victorious. They're undefeated. No way you win a battle with them. No problem." Center Dante McCall is Bartram's only offensive-line graybeard. The newcomers are guards Kerume Dunkley and Malcolm McNair, tackles Andre Duncan and Troy Griffiths and Malcolm, the tight end. "Every time we go out there, these guys are getting better," Alexander said. "They're trying to help me and I'm trying to make them look good. I get support as a team leader from [fellow safety] Eric Mason. The things he says give me the ammunition I need to come through. "Some of our young guys get a little feisty sometimes. They have to learn, the opposition is always trying to get you off your game. We can't feed into that. Can't get stupid penalties. Can't retaliate. "I don't let people get to me. That begins when we come out of the huddle. I just smile when I hear everybody yelling, 'Watch No. 22!' ' Roxborough earned only three first downs, with two coming on passes from Stephen Tucker to Adrese Hicks of 50 and 32 yards. Mason (interception), freshman Roland Johnson (fumble recovery), Shawn Curtis (sack) and Derek "Aztec" King (three hard pops) paced Bartram's defense. Temple coach Al Golden has been in contact with Alexander and, for now, has asked him to provide two complete game tapes. "He says he wants to see what I do through the course of the game, not just highlights," Michael said. Understandable. But considering Bartram's youth, it's likely Alexander will slap together vintage performances only against suspect opposition. No sweat. In life, his grade is always A-plus. Monday, September 10 Bartram 18, West Philly 6 SEPT. 8 NON-LEAGUE Bartram 18, West Philly 6 Prior to the game I overheard a couple of West Philly fans talking about how the streak needed to stop. That Bartram has won 25 straight games over the Speedboys. I’m not positive how accurate that number is, but if it is true, then that’s quite a streak. A streak that now sits at 26 after today’s hard-earned victory by the Maroon Wave. On an extremely hot afternoon these squads battled hard and gave decent efforts for week one though. West Philly more than likely held a size advantage on the line of scrimmage, but Bartram had more players and better players at the skill positions. One of these skill position standouts was sr. RB/DB Michael Alexander, who stands only 5’6”, 150 lbs, but has plenty of quickness. He demonstrated some of this quickness when he sped 90 yards with the opening kickoff to the West Philly three-yard line. On the next play, jr. QB Laquan Williams bulled up the middle on a keeper to make it 6-0 just twenty seconds into the game. For the remainder of the first half both teams struggled to get things going, as consistent offense was few and far between. However, late in the second quarter Alexander took a counter 34 yards to the Speedboy two-yard line and two plays later he found the end zone from a yard out to make the score 12-0. Displaying some fight, the Speedboys unleashed a long, time-consuming drive that would cut the score in half to begin things after the intermission. West Philly overcame an early 15-yard holding call on the series to put that ball at their ten, but were the benefactors of two Bartram unsportsmanlike penalties that sustained the drive. All total, the Speedboys ran fourteen plays and chewed-up just under ten-minutes of clock. Igniting the scoreboard was 5’2”, 150 lb jr. FB Jamar Cox. With momentum on their side, the Speedboys ended Bartram’s next possession with a blocked punt by sr. DE Khalef Sapp, allowing his team to set-up shop at the Maroon Wave 45-yard line. However, a fourth down pass could only net one yard when three was needed to move the chains. Bartram took over and marched down the field on nine running plays for their third score of the game with just 4:43 remaining. On the drive, Alexander unleashed runs of 19 and 14 yards, while sr. RB Dominique King hit paydirt on a 4-yard run. Alexander rushed for 119 yards on 16 totes and accumulated 217 all-purpose yards. King added 40 yards on 9 rushes. Defensively, the Maroon Wave limited West Philly to just 109 yards on 46 plays. Jr. LB Tyron Cheeseboro was active early and finished with 7 stops (5 TFLs, 27 yards), including two sacks. Sr. DT Troy Griffiths had a pair of sacks as well. Alexander, jr. LB Marquis Bailey, and soph. LB Derek King each made five tackles. Alexander made the hit of the day when he rocked Cox near the West Philly sideline jarring his helmet off. Sr. DE Ishmar Malcolm was impressive at times and made four stops. In the first half Malcolm shanked two punts that went just 13 and 11 yards, but later boomed a 60-yarder to get his team out of a hole. For West Philly, sr. QB Courtney Waiters competed throughout, but his 5’7” frame had trouble seeing over the line of scrimmage. He finished 5-for-11, for 35 yards. Sr. RB Jabril Brown ran hard despite little room. He managed a modest 47 yards on 10 carries. Jr. LB Keith West led the Speedboys with six tackles (4 solos). Sr. DB Robert Shepard (sack) and sr. DB Sean Ricketts each had four stops. How about a couple of examples of how hot it was today? First, while leaving the field during a timeout a West Philly lineman bellowed, “Yo, that Gatorade is burning up hot, man!” Also, the Speedboys did come prepared as they brought a jar of pickle juice with them. One problem -- The jar was filled with pickles and left unopened throughout. Finally, it was good to see part-time colleague and long-time Daily News assistant Keith Hines in attendance. Of course, Keith kept all around him entertained and loose throughout! Special shout-out to Bartram’s Head Coach Damond “Smash” Warren for e-mailing me a copy of his team’s roster a night earlier. West Philly Head Coach John Lay also had a roster prepared and his efforts are also appreciated! Saturday, October 7 Central's Harris agrees it was a lovely day for football By TED SILARY silaryt@phillynews.com ON THE MATTER of whether football games should be played in crappy weather conditions... Ray Harris votes yes, yes, a thousand times, yes. "This is how football is supposed to be played," he gushed. "It brings out your manhood, and your toughness." Harris, a 5-9, 170-pound junior at Central High, was peering through a mud-stained facemask as he spoke, and right behind him his similarly soiled teammates were jumping up and down and having all sorts of fun as they posed for pictures being snapped by a parent. The team bus was nowhere in sight at 58th and Elmwood, but the Lancers did not appear to be particularly interested in rushing home so they could jump in the shower. Central 38, John Bartram 22. That was the final score yesterday in a Public White classic that featured lots of rain and mud and, yes, some very interesting viewing. Bartram 14, Central 0. That was how things started, mostly because of passing. Yes, passing. "We came out thinking they were just going to run the ball because of the weather," Harris said. "But they were throwing it well. I was pretty upset." Hmmm. Was Harris, an energetic cornerback, so agitated because he'd been victimized on Bartram's first touchdown, a 23-yard pass from Kris Brownlee to Shannon Wilson, and/or the second completion, a 36-yarder (same duo) that set up a 5-yard scoring run by John "Fudgie" Pratt? "Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah," Harris said, laughing. "That was one of my teammates." There could be no doubting what happened later, however. Harris, a slotback, ran 36 and 34 yards for Central's third and fifth TDs on counters, and he turned a simple dump pass from John Kennedy into a 50-yard gain that provided most of the impetus for the fourth TD, a 6-yard rumble by Daniel Barrett. "Coach Glatthorn [Bruce, defensive coordinator] gave us a good motivation speech at halftime," Harris said. "He said we'd better come out here with some heart. We looked timid in the first half. We thought that coming down here to Southwest [Philly] would be a big problem. Apparently not." On his reception, Harris broke some early tackles and then sloshed downfield before getting tackled at the 15. "Any second, I expected to be blindsided," he said. "Nobody was there." On his scoring runs, hey, it was as if he was running vs. air. "I was shocked," Harris said. "On the [36-yarder], I came around the corner and was shocked no one was there to smack me. I expected somebody to be right there in the hole, waiting for me... Just daylight." Or some variety thereof. Is there such a word as gloomylight? In all, Harris touched the ball just six times and his production totaled 139 yards (4-83 rushing, 2-56 receiving). "I do like offense better," he said. "Just because you're handling the ball." He then contradicted himself. "I like defense," he said. "That's nitty-gritty football. That's where you really get to show your skills. Whether you have the heart to tackle, and whether you have the smarts to know what's going on." Central's earliest hero was Kyle Yeiter, who made an end-zone interception to prevent the Braves from converting their first drive into a score. Later, despite the messy track, option quarterback extraordinaire John Kennedy asserted himself to the tune of 86 yards and two TDs on 18 carries. Bartram suffered a first-half blow when Pratt went out with a suspected broken ankle. Brownlee's 2-yard score, followed by Michael Alexander's conversion run, edged the Braves within 24-22 with 8:22 left, but the Lancers went 61 yards in eight plays to create space. Right before his 34-yarder, Harris was standing on the sideline. He was waved onto the field by coach Frank Conway Jr. during a timeout. "He was pretty tired," Conway said. "We were trying to get him a rest. But since he's our most experienced [slotback]... That was an important time." Faced with fourth-and-18 on its 17, Bartram had to show brass deep into the stretch run. Anthony Duley dropped Alexander for a 5-yard loss on a screen and Kennedy added the all-gravy TD on a 5-yard run. Harris, who lives near 40th and Lancaster, maintains a 3.5 GPA and pictures himself as an entrepreneur. The next time a game is accompanied by heavy rain, he could see himself being the hero. It's not as if it hasn't happened already. 2005 Coaches AllPublic Team 2005 Coaches' All-Public Football Team Return to TedSilary.com Home Page Here is the coaches' All-Public Team. (If you notice incorrect spellings or years, please let us know at silaryt@phillynews.com) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RED DIVISION OFFENSE First Team L: Yaroslav Mukha, NE; Angel Gonzalez, Fkd; Aaron Murray, Wash, jr.; Omar Zachary, Gtn; Rob Lucini, NE. E: Alonzo Williams, Fkd.; Erik Frazier, Gtn. QB: Chris Bennett, Mast. RB: Lamone Fox, NE; Brandon Norris, Fkd; Akeem Johnson, Gtn. Spec: Terrance Sample, Dobb; Antwain Brown-Barnes, Gtn. K-P: Chris Mountney, NE. OFFENSE Second Team L: Braheem Foy, Fkd; Michael Lewis, NE; Mike Kelly, Wash, jr.; Michael Freiling, NE; Grant Jackson, Fkd. E: Michael Harris, Dobb; Maurice Sullivan, Mast. QB: Ryan Hardy, Fkd. RB: Paul Boldin, Dobb; Calvin Spires, Fkd, jr.; Fateen Brown, Wash, jr. K: Scott Marano, Wash, jr. LS: Hamid King, Gtn, jr. DEFENSE First Team L: Chris Clanton, Wash, jr.; Jordan Strickland, NE; Eric Hairston, Fkd; Demitrius Wilson, Wash. LB: James Dowden, Mast; Damon Brockington, Fkd; Seth Shapiro, NE. B: Christopher "Boobie" Wilson, Fkd; Thomas Wilmer, Wash; Charles McGinn, NE; Andre Fisher, Gtn. DEFENSE Second Team L: Tyree Dudley, Fkd, jr.; Frank Ross, Wash; Malik Hayes, Gtn; Jesse Joseph, NE. LB: Sean O'Reilly, Mast; Eric Jenkins, Gtn; Derek Butler, NE. B: Joseph Bohannon, Fkd; Cecil Wise, Wash, jr.; Ste'Shaun Johnson, NE; Kasib Parham, Gtn. WHITE DIVISION OFFENSE First Team L: Michael Thompson, Cent, jr.; Alex Ringgold, King; Darrell Ray, Cent; Maurice Jessup, Bart, jr.; Lawrence "Juice" Brown, West. E: Stephen Tucker, Rox, soph.; Derrick Davis, Gratz. QB: John Kennedy, Cent, jr. RB: Donald "Shug" King, Gratz; Kendell Coleman, King, soph. WB: James Tyree, Cent. Spec: Michael Alexander, Bart, soph. K: Richard "Microwave" Williams, Rox. P: Tom Bozarth, Cent. OFFENSE Second Team L: Rasheed Moore, Gratz; Jeremy Travis, Rox; Erik Burke, Bart; John Parker, King, jr.; Darren Watson, West. E: Dimetrius Dial, King; Bradley Davis, Bart. QB: Jerrick Jenkins, Gratz, jr. RB: William Thomas, Cent; Dionte Wade, Rox. WB: Michael Lloyd, Cent. Spec: Kahree Steplight, Cent. K: Josh Fleishman, Cent. P: Colin Jones, Bart, jr. DEFENSE First Team L: Dimetrius Dial, King; Randall Wilson, Cent; Brandon Woody, Bart; Randy Newton, Gratz; Dameon Antrom, Gratz. LB: Aaron "A-Trane" Washington, Rox; Bryant Jackson, Gratz. B: Julius Carter, Bart; Bradley Martin, Gratz, jr.; Greg Riley, Cent; Steffon Monroe, Gratz. DEFENSE Second Team L: Sean Murphy, Rox; Chris Koons, Rox, jr.; Tristen Thornton, Bart; William "Baby Bear" Blackwell, West; Preston Lockwood, Gratz. LB: Kevin Pace, Bart; Marquis Clark, King. B: Jamal Washington, West; Marcel Rivers, King; Malik Palmer, Gratz, soph.; Atland Williams, West. BLUE DIVISION OFFENSE First Team L: Robert Vega, Edison; Rahim Frazier, Ovb; Carlin Edwards, Linc; Tyrone Taylor, Linc, jr.; Giovanni Guess, Ovb, jr. E: Naftalie Ellis, Ovb; Courtney Munroe, Ovb. QB: Sylvester "Lefty" Broxton, Ovb. RB: Sterling Johnson, UC; Antone Hampton, Linc. WB: Richard Cooper, Ovb. Spec: Aaron Stephens, UC. K: Mohamaad Elbana, Ovb. P: Louis Purr, Linc. OFFENSE Second Team L: Anthony Bouie, Sou; Andrew Jrateh, Ovb; Vincent Gowans, Ovb, soph; Jed Beldor, Edi; Tim Taylor, Linc. E: Jahmel Bashir, Sou, jr.; Khayri Young, UC. QB: Johnathan Baez, Edi. RB: Kory Marshall, Edi, jr.; Justin King, Linc. WB: Neville Hill-Brown, UC, soph. Spec: Khalil Montague, UC. P: Kenny Moore, UC. DEFENSE First Team L: Robert Sheed, Ovb; Rick Faison, UC; Michael Payne, Olney; Courey Burrell, Linc, jr.; Demetrius Tillman, Sou. LB: Jamal Thompson, UC; Eikeem Barron, Ovb. B: Joe Franklin, Linc; Johnathan Baez, Edi; Alando Brown, Olney; Eric Whitaker, Sou, jr. DEFENSE Second Team L: Tyrone Bolden, Linc; Robert Kennedy, Edi, jr.; Mannylee Lugo, Edi; Robert Keels, Linc. LB: Oluwaseun Afuwape, Ovb; Isaiah Mills, Olney; Joshua Alicea, Edi, jr. B: Ralph Fluellen, UC, jr.; Armando Martinez, Edi; Marcus Cooper, Linc; Brian McKlaine, Linc. AAA DIVISION (ONE TEAM ONLY) OFFENSE L: Steven Parr, Fkn; Bryant Whitney, Bok; Anthony Gales, Bok; James Capers, Penn; Dahson Exum, Bok. E: Khaleel Evans, Imh, jr.; Kevin Burrell, Imh. QB: James Jones, Bok. RB: Maurice Dantzler, Fkn; Keith Williams, Bok. FB: Anthony Wright, Fkn. Spec: Dante Quarterman, Bok. DEFENSE L: Nick Perrone, Bok; Shon Thompkins, Bok; Jason Simpkins, Penn; Jeffrey Boanes, Fkn; Stephen Brantley, Fkn, jr. LB: Cortez McLaughlin, Bok; Braheem Clanton, Penn; Joshua McKnight, Fkn. DB: Darryl Furlow, Penn; Rodreen "Chief" Howell, Fkn; Frank Anderson, Fkn. Spec: Terron Oates, Imh; Khaleef Evans, Imh, jr. Brandon Woody Gets Noticed Posted on Fri, Nov. 04, 2005 Woody gets Bartram moving By TED SILARY silaryt@phillynews.com Brandon Woody ticked off the names of all the schools he has attended over the last 6 years. An hour later, he was almost finished. Sure, that's an exaggeration. But it's not a stretch of the truth to say, due to family issues, that Woody has been kept hopping and packing and re-adusting pretty much all the way through middle and high school. Has it been tough at times? No doubt. Has Woody let it adversely affect him? No way. "I'm pretty good at getting along with people," he said. That does not include folks on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Yesterday, the 6-3, 245-pound, two-way tackle was dominant on both sides of the ball as visiting John Bartram High mashed Jules Mastbaum Tech, 46-14, in a nonleague game between teams that failed to qualify for the Public League playoffs. When Woody was asked whether he had trouble stirring his personal juices, given the nothing-special nature of the game, he said quickly, "It's still football. That's reason enough to be excited." That attitude should serve him well wherever he winds up. Pittsburgh is in contact and Delaware State has invited him to watch a game later this month. If those schools, and others, acquire a tape of yesterday's game, they'll see Woody blowing open gigantic holes on one side and keeping them nonexistent on the other. "I like defense a little bit more because you get to just go after ballcarriers," he said. "On offense there's only blocking, but I do like that too because you know you're going to hit somebody every play. It's like you're always involved." But not always for long. Bartram scored all of its touchdowns on offense and the longest drive lasted just six plays. It averaged a smidgeon under 13 yards per play (24 plays, 313 yards) and owned a 21-0 lead after nine snaps over three possessions. Tyrell Coleman (nine carries, 114 yards) rushed for three TDs while Michael Alexander (6-54), Kevin Pace (4-63) and quarterback Tyrone Cheeseboro managed one apiece. Also, Cheeseboro hit Bobby Byrd for a 57-yard score. Mastbaum tallied twice on passes from Chris Bennett (10-for-23, 112) to Maurice Sullivan (5-55). Bartram's other starters along the offensive line were center Tristen Thornton, guards Tristen Lockridge (two Tristens next to each other - what are the odds?) and Ian Garnett and tackle Maurice Jessup. It's hard to imagine any of those guys can match Wood's hopscotching. He attended Deptford (N.J.) High in ninth grade; Great Valley, in Malvern in 10th; and Bartram over the last 2 years. He also hit those districts, among others, when he was younger. "At Deptford," he said, "I learned the basics of football. There was a mixture of guys from there and guys from Camden, so it was kind of a best-of-both-worlds situation footballwise. At Great Valley, it was more power football and using your strength. Here, I've learned a lot about shedding blocks and using my speed because lots of people can run in this league. "I'm OK with how things have gone. It has helped me to get familiar with different kinds of football. And meet different kinds of kids." He continued. "I'm kind of quiet in the beginning. Don't bring too much attention to myself. Once I'm comfortable, I'll start making friends." Woody, now living near 72nd and Lindbergh, maintains a 3.6 grade-point average and has scored 1,200 on the new SAT. He wants to major in business and become the CEO of a company. One that stays put and never thinks of moving its headquarters? "If we have to, that'll be fine," he said, smiling. "I am used to traveling." Game cancelled Today's nonleague game featuring Freire Charter at Abraham Lincoln was canceled due to Freire's player shortage. Lincoln coach Gene Kelly said he would press to have the game declared a forfeit. "We practice all week, then have this sprung on us," he said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2005 Philadelphia Daily News and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.philly.com Red Rovers ace easy first test Red Rovers ace easy first test Sunday, September 04, 2005 By MICHAEL BLOUSE The Express-Times EASTON -- The rout was on early Friday night as Easton's Red Rovers scored a 53-0 victory over overmatched and outmanned John Bartram of the Philadelphia Public League in an independent football opener at Cottingham Stadium. The outcome of this one was decided in the first minute and 23 seconds. The opening kickoff: Bartram returners Nigel Saunders and Michael Alexander took turns bobbling the ball one yard away from their own end zone. Eventually, Alexander fell on the loose ball before being pounded into the turf. The first play: Easton linebacker Ryan Hartzell knifed into the Braves backfield and tackled tailback John Pratt a yard into the end zone for a safety. The Red Rovers' first drive: Jarred Holley ran for a 1-yard loss; Hartzell broke loose for 21 yards; Holley took a pitch left for 19 yards; and Holley powered right for a 3-yard touchdown run. "The fast start was important," Hartzell said. "We got going. It seems once we get going, we're great. But sometimes we need a spark." Win No. 1 came awfully easy for Easton, the two-time defending Lehigh Valley Conference and District 11 Class AAAA champion. "I'm still pleased we opened with Bartram," Red Rovers coach Steve Shiffert said of the non-competitive matchup. "Yes, I thought it would be a more competitive game. But, there were a lot of positives. We got a chance to play 60-some kids, we built enthusiasm and we built confidence with a lot of success." "I didn't expect 53-0," Braves coach Damond Warren said. "I knew Easton was very, very good and it'd be tough for us to win, but 53-0 isn't something I expected. I thought we'd put up a little more of a fight." Everyone was involved for the Red Rovers. Holley carried 13 times for 109 yards and three touchdowns, and Hartzell toted 10 times for 83 yards and a touchdown. Holley, Easton's smooth sophomore, scored on runs of 3, 1 and 34 yards. Five players ended up reaching the end zone -- including Ryan Miller, Tamba Dumbar and Chris Flournoy -- in rolling up 304 yards of offense compared to only 33 for Bartram. Easton also recorded a second safety late in the first quarter when Juliua Carter was pulled down behind the goal line. "Definitely, I'm satisfied with the performance," Shiffert said. "We asked the kids to be aggressive and they came out and executed. The first safety set the tone and the field position was to our advantage the entire first half." Shiffert's squad was particularly impressive coming off an inept offensive showing in last Friday's final scrimmage. Andrew Cuenco, a senior captain and two-way tackle, said there was an attitude adjustment during the practice week. Shiffert challenged the O-linemen after their poor performance. "We were focused," Cuenco said. "We came together as a team and we jelled as a unit. We wanted to show what we were capable of." The obvious question after Easton's most lopsided victory since a 56-0 romp over Northampton in 1991 is: Are the Red Rovers this proficient this early, or, is Bartram well below the competition level of the LVC? The Braves finished with an 8-4 record last year and Warren said he expects his team to compete for a Public League championship this season. Still, Bartram was no match for Easton. "We've got to be careful we don't become overconfident because of tonight," said Shiffert, who moved within two wins of 100 for his 13-year coaching career at Easton. Still, it was a memorable opening night for the Red Rovers. "I was a little surprised," Cuenco said. "I thought it'd be a little tougher, but we played really well." "We can't get overconfident," said Hartzell, who was outstanding on offense and defense. "We need to practice hard the next two weeks and we need to work on things. We're going to play a lot of tough teams, and we need to get better." ROVER BISCUITS: QB Mike Cummings finished 3-of-5 for 31 yards in his first varsity start. Cummings' first pass was intercepted, but he hit his final three throws. Cummings threw a perfectly-placed 20-yard TD pass to Chris Flournoy in the second quarter. Coach Steve Shiffert said the passing attack will be the focus for the next two weeks. ... RB Jarred Holley rushed for 100 yards one time as a freshman -- a 102-yard effort in a PIAA playoff win over George Washington. ... K/P Jonathan Boyer made 5 of 5 PAT attempts and punted twice for a 32-yard average. ... Easton is off this coming weekend and opens conference play vs. Central Catholic on Saturday, Sept. 17 at J. Birney Crum Stadium. Easton beat Central Catholic 27-9 last year. Bartram (0-1) 0 0 0 0--0 Easton (1-0) 25 14 14 0--53 First quarter E -- Safety, John Pratt tackled in end zone, 11:50. E -- Jarred Holley 3 run (Jonathan Boyer kick), 10:37. E -- Holley 1 run (Boyer kick), 9:08. E -- Safety, Juliua Carter tackled in end zone, 1:37. E -- Holley 34 run (Boyer kick), 1:24. Second quarter E -- Chris Flournoy 20 pass from Mike Cummings (Boyer kick), 9:09. E -- Ryan Miller 25 run (Boyer kick), 1:11. Third quarter E -- Ryan Hartzell 1 run (Boyer kick), 6:18. E -- Tamba Dumbar 10 run (Boyer kick), 0:00. TEAM STATISTICS Bartram Easton First downs 2 17 Rushes-yards 25-33 41-273 Yards passing 0 31 Passes C-A-I 0-7-0 3-5-1 Fumbles-lost 4-2 1-0 Punts-average 6-29 2-32 Penalties-yards 8-47 3-15 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING -- Bartram, Pratt 12-35, Carter 6-7, Brian Boynes 1-4, Kevin Pace 2-3, Kris Brownlee 1-(minus-5), Andre Goddard 3-(minus-11); Easton, Holley 13-109, Hartzell 10-83, Dumbar 7-56, Miller 3-33, Ryan Capobianco 2-6, Peter Hale 1-6, Chris Hale 1-3, Flournoy 1-(minus-4), Cummings 3-(minus-19). PASSING -- Bartram, Brownlee 0-4-0, Tyrone Cheeseboro 0-2-0, Goddard 0-1-0; Easton, Cummings 3-5-1 for 31, James Lacey 0-0-0. RECEIVING -- Easton, Flournoy 1-20, Joe Graziano 1-9, Hartzell 1-2. © 2005 The Express Times © 2005 PennLive.com All Rights Reserved. Bartram comes to Easton Blouse: Bartram comes to Easton Tuesday, April 26, 2005 Last fall, Easton invaded Philadelphia for a PIAA playoff football game. This summer, Philadelphia will come to Easton on the first Friday night of the football season. John Bartram High School of the Philadelphia Public League is the Red Rovers' opening-week opponent and will travel to Cottingham Stadium on Sept. 2, according to Easton coach Steve Shiffert. Shiffert's squad beat District 12 champ George Washington 15-10 in the PIAA state quarterfinals last year. "Obviously, we'd like to keep C.B. West as our opener, but they changed their divisions around down there and they couldn't continue the series," Shiffert said. "The coach (Damond Warren) at John Bartram is someone I know through the state's coaches association and we wanted to take a Philadelphia school figuring now it's possible we'd meet one in the playoffs." John Bartram finished with an 8-4 overall record last season and was runner-up behind Philadelphia Bok in the Public League's South Division. "They were young but that's basically all I know about them," Shiffert said. "We'll be exchanging films sometime soon." Easton will not play on the second weekend of the season and returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Allentown Central Catholic. Shiffert said the upcoming summer and preseason practices will be spent evaluating talent and trying to replace several standouts from last year's team. Senior-to-be Chris Flournoy will battle with junior Mike Cummings for the quarterback position. The Red Rovers also lose both running backs, both tight ends and three interior linemen. Jarred Holley, a two-way starter as a freshman, is expected to move into one of the running back positions with Ryan Hartzell, Ryan Miller and Tamba Dumbar competing for the other spot. Bernard Coon, Ovid Goulbourne and Zach Pizarro are among the key skill-position players who will graduate in June. Easton compiled a 13-1 record last year, won Lehigh Valley Conference and District 11 Class AAAA championships, and finished No. 1 in The Express-Times rankings. King's Tranks a Public asset -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posted on Mon, May. 23, 2005 King's Tranks a Public asset By TED SILARY silaryt@phillynews.com If the physical-therapy career plan does not work out for Sammy Tranks, perhaps he can come write headlines for the good, ol' People Paper. It was Saturday night at Northeast High and Tranks, very much among others, had just sparked Public past Non-Public, 30-0, in the 31st annual Daily News-Eagles City All-Star Football Game. The 5-9, 170-pounder from Martin Luther King High was thrilled beyond belief. His performance (more on that momentarily) was much of the reason, but there was also the lingering glow from news he recently received. Tranks is going to college for free. Oh, give thanks! "When I heard that," he beamed, "it was like sweet music to my ears." That reference is a perfect fit - and he acknowledged going for it - because Tranks is an accomplished pianist. He formerly played for services each Sunday at his church, Ninetieth St. Mt. Her-mon Baptist Church, at 62nd and Jefferson, in West Philadelphia. And though he no longer plays there, he still attends, well, religiously and is considered a bright light by all who know him. Tranks, a B-plus student with a qualifying SAT score, is headed to Edward Waters College, a historically black school in Jacksonville, Fla., that resumed football in 2001 after a 34-year absence. The connection was made by Dan Williams, who works for the school district placing athletes in college and formerly was the highly successful basketball coach at Holy Family. "I had some possibilities [with Pennsylvania schools], but things weren't quite coming through," Tranks said. "Mr. Williams sent my highlight tape down there and they gave me a full ride for a combination of football and academics. "That was one of my, and my family's, goals. Without a scholarship, taking out all those loans would have been tough. This is what I've worked for, and what my family has supported me for." Tranks used his quick hands and feet to provide The Pub, which snapped a three-game losing streak and reduced its deficit to 16-14-1 while posting the series' biggest margin of victory, with multidimensional contributions. In fact, in a surprise, he even used three parts of his feet. Soles for running. Instep and toes for kicking. When N-P failed to handle the opening kickoff for the first of its seven (yes, seven!) turnovers, Northeast's Chris Banks recovered on the 29 and Tranks, a left-footer, hammered a 31-yard field goal six plays later. That matched his career point total for kicking, as he'd collected one as a sophomore, two as a junior and none as a senior for a squad that almost always went for two-point conversions. Aside from the field goal in this one, Tranks badly misfired on two PAT and then, using a straight-on approach, nailed the last PAT with 27 seconds left after megastar Jerry Butler (George Washington, Wisconsin) ran 15 yards for a record-tying third touchdown. "On the last day of practice, I told the coaches I could do a better job of kicking," Tranks said, laughing. "So they said, 'Think so? Go ahead and try.' We had a little contest and I got the job. "On those missed PAT, one was my fault and one was the holder's. I was having a little trouble with the angle, so I went back to using my toes. Just like I did back in little-league football. It felt good to help us like that." Tranks' biggest moment came midway through the second quarter when he intercepted a fourth-and-9 screen pass and motored 67 yards for a touchdown. That effort also set a game record. "It's funny," he said. "Any time I get a interception, I visualize it beforehand. I was thinking, 'They're going to run a screen and I'm gonna get it.' Then our coaches were yelling, 'Screen! Screen!' I made the catch and, hey, smooth sailing. "It was one of those plays where you know right away it's going to be a touchdown. I could put it in cruise control." With a sensational move right after the catch, Tranks also turned a hitch pass from Lamont Brown (Frankford) into a 42-yard gain that opened the PL's final drive. Dominique Curry (Washington, 14 yards) and Damon Griffin (Dobbins, 25 to the 1) also contributed catches to the drive. Butler, who had been inactive in the second half, came on and shook his head in amazement along with everyone else when his squad was hit with three consecutive procedure penalties. Butler gained 6 yards and then, following yet another infraction, raced to the right corner for the 15-yard TD. He finished with 133 yards on 10 carries and, yes, like every time he takes the field, he hit a homer. This one was a 79-yard, turn-on-the-afterburners score with a minute left in the first half. Butler fell 6 yards short of erasing the game mark of 138, set by North Catholic's Harry Ulmer in 1979. "I didn't mind sitting," he said. "It was nice that the coaches gave the backups [extended] action. Lots of these guys played for losing teams and went through a lot of frustration. To finish their careers with a win like this, they have to be feeling great." Pregame rumors had the PL's offense barely moving forward in workouts. "Maybe our defense was just too good," Butler said. "They gave us such great work in practice, when we came out here it was almost easy, even against a formidable opponent." Joe DiGrazio (Lincoln) made 11 tackles for a unit coordinated by Bok assistant Vince Trombetta; another Bok assistant, Frank "Roscoe" Natale, was the head coach. Central's Cornelius Bunch highlighted a nine-tackle outing with 2 ½ sacks. Bartram's Kevin Reeder (seven) and Gratz' Anthony Wallace (five) were also up there in stops. In addition, Cory Moultrie (Bok) picked off two passes and made a tackle for a loss while Cameo Ali (Bartram) and Griffin added interceptions. Griffin made three catches for 74 yards while Brown (3-for-4, 81 yards) and Mastbaum's Markies Tavares (4-for-9, 69) had solid passing outings. The N-P's few positive moments were provided by Notre Dame-bound wideout Steve Quinn (St. Joseph's Prep), who made five catches for 86 yards. Two of the snags were sensational. He also played some defense and made a tackle for a loss. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2005 Philadelphia Daily News and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.philly.com 5 Braves Make Coaches All Public 2004 Coaches' All-Public Football Team Return to TedSilary.com Home Page Here is the coaches' All-Public Team. Coaches pick their own players and spots are awarded based on finish. We have listed just one position per player. Players are seniors unless noted. (If you notice incorrect spellings or years, please let us know at silaryt@phillynews.com ) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN DIVISION Washington: Jerry Butler, RB; Dave Gonser, DL; Chuck Hughes, QB; Stefan Ruff, LB; John McFillin, DE; Dominique Curry, DE. Northeast: Jeremiah Pitt, RB; Kyle Sample, DB; Brandon Stewart, L; Chris Banks, RB; Rockeed McCarter, Rec., jr. Frankford: Isaiah Stroman, DE; Lamont Brown, QB; Malik "Flip" Walker, DB; Frank "Cherries" Jubilee, RB. King: Andre Jones, L; Deshan Lupton, DL; Sammy Tranks, Rec. Lincoln: Joe DiGrazio, LB; Terrell Denson, DB. Mastbaum: Markies Tavares, QB. Olney: Ryan Hobdy, LB. MID-CITY DIVISION Central: Cornelius Bunch, DE; Rodney Sykes, Rec.; Devon Johnson, RB; Joe Marshall, QB; Daniel Buyag, L; Brandon Romeo, LB. Dobbins: Steve Sydnor, QB; Rashad "Reds" Williams, RB; Cordero Thompson, L; Damond Griffin, Rec.; Robert Williams, DL, jr. Germantown: Brandon Cuff, QB; James Cartwright, DL; Jarrell Johnson, DL; Korey Carter, LB. Gratz: Anthony Wallace, LB; Donald "Shug" King, RB, jr.; Lamont Lee-Edgefield, L. Roxborough: Chris Mitchell, RB; Jeff Banks, L. Edison: Carlos Maldonado, LB. Penn: Bashir Hopper, Rec. SOUTHERN DIVISION Bok: Nafis Edwards, Rec.; Cory Moultrie, RB; Gregory Thomas, L; Nick Perrone, DL, jr.; Cortez McLaughlin, LB, jr.; Sean Jessup, DE. Bartram: Darrel Smith, LB; Kevin Reeder, DE; Cameo Ali, DB; John "Fudgie" Pratt, RB, soph.; Clarence Parker, LB. Overbrook: James Morgan, DE; William Brownlee, RB; Devon Starks, DB; Jarrett Johnson, DB. Franklin: Kordell Morgan, DE; Joshua McKnight, LB, jr.; Maurice Dantzler, RB, jr. Southern: Lamone Fox, RB, jr.; Jalil Harris, QB. West: Chuck Henryhand, WR. Univ. City: Anthony Williams, LB. 2005 CITY ALL-STAR GAME RECAP PUBLIC 30 NON PUBLIC 0 City All-Star FB Game, 2005 Return to TedSilary.com Home Page The 31th annual Daily News-Eagles City All-Star Game was played May 21, 7 p.m., at Northeast High. TV coverage: None. To obtain a DVD ($25, plus $4 shipping) or video tape ($20, plus $4 shipping), send check or money order to Joe Malizia, 305 Lodge Rd., Phila., Pa., 19128. If you have questions, please call Joe at 215-482-9355. Click here for updated game records, boxscores going back to the first game in 1975, special lists, and year-by-year recaps. Click here for Photo Page!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click here for 2000 game. Click here for 2001 game. Click here for 2002 game. Click here for 2003 game. Click here for 2004 game. NEW GAME RECORDS RUSHING Most yards per carry (10 minimum): 13.3, 13-133, Jerry Butler, Washington, Public. Most touchdowns (tie): 3, Jerry Butler, Washington, Public. MISCELLANEOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS Longest TD With Interception: 67, Sammy Tranks, King. Most points scored: 18, Jerry Butler, Washington, Public. PUBLIC 30, NON-PUBLIC 0 Non-Pub Public First Downs 8 12 Rushes-Yards 30-40 30-228 Passing Yards 96 155 Total Offense 136 383 Passes 8-19-5 8-15-1 Return yards 92 120 Punts 2-37.5 3-21.3 Fumbles lost 2 0 Penalties-yards 4-30 6-50 Non-Public 0 0 0 0 -- 0 Public 9 14 0 7 -- 30 P: FG Tranks 31 P: Butler 5 run (kick failed) P: Tranks 67 interception return (Tavares run) P: Butler 79 run (kick failed) P: Butler 15 run (Tranks kick) RUSHING N-P: Evin Jones, Roman, 10-31; Chris Diaferio, West, 7-17; Joe Waclawski, North, 4-(-12); Rob Deery, Chest. Hill, 3-11; Jim McCormick, SJ Prep, 3-(-14); Kelven Quick, West, 2-2; Bruce Holloman, N-G, 1-5. P: Jerry Butler, Washington, 10-133; Frank Jubilee, Frankford, 5-6; William Brownlee, Overbrook, 4-37; Devon Johnson, Central, 4-22; Terrell Denson, Lincoln, 3-15; Markies Tavares, Mastbaum, 2-13; Joe Marshall, Central, 1-2; Rodney Sykes, Central, 1-0. PASSING N-P: Joe Waclawski, North, 5-11-2 -- 90; Jim McCormick, SJ Prep, 3-7-2 -- 6; Steve Quinn, SJ Prep, 0-1-1 -- 0. P: Markies Tavares, Mastbaum, 4-9-1 -- 69; Lamont Brown, Frankford, 3-4-0 -- 81; Joe Marshall, Central, 1-1-0 -- 5; Chuck Hughes, Washington, 0-1-0 -- 0. RECEIVING N-P: Steve Quinn, SJ Prep, 5-86; Bruce Holloman, N-G, 2-8; Pat Taylor, Judge, 1-2. P: Damon Griffin, Dobbins, 3-74; Rodney Sykes, Central, 2-7; Sammy Tranks, King, 1-42; John McFillin, Washington, 1-18; Dominique Curry, Washington, 1-14. RETURNS N-P: Evin Jones, Roman, 3-25; Shane McNamara, North, 3-10; Bruce Holloman, N-G, 2-57; Marcus Williams, N-G, 1-0. P: Cory Moultrie, Bok, 2-48; Jerry Butler, Washington, 2-5; Sammy Tranks, King, 1-67; Cameo Ali, Bartram, 1-0; Damon Griffin, Dobbins, 1-0. TACKLING LEADERS N-P: Sean Matthews, Roman, 8; Joe Jackson, Ryan, and Shane McNamara, North, 5. P: Joe DiGrazio, Lincoln, 11; Cornelius Bunch, Central, 9; Kevin Reeder, Bartram, 7; Anthony Wallace, Gratz, 5. INTERCEPTIONS N-P: Marcus Williams, N-G. P: Cory Moultrie, Bok, 2; Sammy Tranks, King; Cameo Ali, Bartram; Damon Griffin, Dobbins. RECOVERIES OF OPPONENT'S FUMBLE P: Chris Banks, Northeast; Malik Walker, Frankford. SACKS N-P: Joe Jackson, Ryan, 1. P: Cornelius Bunch, Central, 2.5; Stefan Ruff, Washington, 1; James Morgan, Overbrook 1; Dominique Curry, Washington, .5; Kevin Reeder, Bartram, .5. OTHER TFL N-P: Steve Quinn, SJ Prep. P: Stefan Ruff, Washington; Cory Moultrie, Bok. MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS N-P: Steve Quinn, SJ Prep, offense; Sean Matthews, Roman, defense. P: Jerry Butler, Washington, offense; Joe DiGrazio, Lincoln, defense. SPORTSMANSHIP WINNERS N-P: Jim McCormick, SJ Prep. P: Sammy Tranks, King. ROSTERS FOR 2005 (Positions are tentative) PUBLIC No. Name School Pos. Ht. Wt. 8 Markies Tavares Mastbaum QB 5-11 180 10 Joe Marshall Central QB 6-2 190 11 Chuck Hughes Washington DB 6-1 200 12 Lamont Brown Frankford QB 6-3 180 14 William Brownlee Overbrook RB 5-9 180 15 Chris Mitchell Roxborough RB 6-1 200 18 Cory Moultrie Bok DB 6-0 180 21 Nafis Edwards Bok WR 6-2 190 22 Jerry Butler Washington RB 5-9 175 23 Devon Johnson Central RB 5-10 190 24 Cameo Ali Bartram DB 5-11 190 25 Sammy Tranks King DB 5-9 170 27 Malik Walker Frankford DB 5-10 175 31 Steve Sydnor Dobbins DB 6-2 195 33 Anthony Wallace Gratz LB 6-0 225 35 Frank Jubilee Frankford RB 5-8 175 37 Kory Carter Germantown FB 6-0 225 43 Darrel Smith Bartram TE 6-1 220 44 Joe DiGrazio Lincoln LB 6-2 215 47 Terrell Denson Lincoln RB 5-10 210 48 Chris Banks Northeast DB 5-10 170 49 Carlos Maldonado Edison LB 5-11 190 50 Deshan Lupton King LB 5-10 175 51 Brandon Stewart Northeast L 6-1 250 52 Daniel Buyag Central L 6-0 260 55 Kevin Reeder Bartram DE 5-11 225 56 Gregory Thomas Bok L 6-0 205 58 Kordell Morgan Franklin L 6-2 275 61 Jeff Banks Roxborough L 6-1 255 62 Andre Jones King L 6-1 255 63 Isaiah Stroman Frankford DE 6-0 225 65 Stefan Ruff Washington DL 6-0 270 66 Dave Gonser Washington DL 6-2 260 67 Jason Patton Washington L 6-0 240 71 Brandon Romeo Central LB 6-0 210 72 Cornelius Bunch Central DE 6-2 220 73 Jarrell Johnson Germantown L 6-0 245 74 James Cartwright Germantown L 5-10 180 76 Anthony Williams Univ. City LB 6-0 225 77 Jamie Ross Olney WR 6-4 180 78 James Morgan Overbrook L 6-0 205 79 Kyle Alston Gratz L 6-4 300 82 Damon Griffin Dobbins WR 5-11 180 83 Rodney Sykes Central WR 6-0 185 84 Devon Starks Overbrook WR 5-11 175 85 John McFillin Washington DE 6-5 240 89 Dominique Curry Washington DE 6-4 220 90 Sean Jessup Bok DE 6-1 235 Coach: Frank "Roscoe" Natale, Bok. Assistants: Vince Trombetta, Bok; Damond "Smash" Warren, Bartram; Gus Felder, Gratz; Erik Zipay, Gratz NON-PUBLIC No. Name School Pos. Ht. Wt. 8 Greg Gontz Judge DB 5-8 155 10 Michael Evans W. Cath. DB 6-2 205 11 Antoine Stout W. Cath. WR 6-5 195 12 Josiah Morley W. Cath. K/P 5-10 165 14 Kenny Brown Neum.-Gor. DB 5-10 175 15 Jim McCormick SJ Prep QB 6-0 190 17 Marques Slocum W. Cath. DE 6-6 310 18 Joe Waclawski N. Cath. QB 6-0 185 21 Ralph Smith Dougherty DB 5-10 165 22 Dwight Williams N. Cath. WR 5-10 165 23 Bruce Holloman Neum.-Gor. WR 5-6 155 24 Shane McNamara N. Cath. DB 5-11 185 25 Marcus Williams Neum.-Gor. DB 5-10 160 27 Mike Pinto Ryan DB 5-10 175 31 Evin Jones Roman RB 6-0 205 33 Chris Diaferio W. Cath. RB 5-11 195 35 Kelven Quick W. Cath. FB 6-0 205 37 Chris Smith Ryan LB 6-0 220 43 Chris Baldwin Neum.-Gor. LB 5-9 200 44 Rob Deery Chest. Hill FB 5-10 215 47 Pat Taylor Judge TE 6-3 220 48 Steve Quinn SJ Prep WR 6-2 210 49 Brian Chiodi Roman LB 5-11 200 50 Anthony Colanecco Neum.-Gor. LB 5-9 195 51 Jim Moore Roman L 5-10 250 52 Tim Plona Roman DE 6-0 200 55 Roy Connor N. Cath. DL 6-0 350 56 Pat Lynch Judge DL 5-11 225 58 Thomas Davis W. Cath. L 6-0 240 61 Fran McIntyre Judge DL 6-3 240 62 Rob Rowan Ryan L 5-10 250 63 Scott Howley SJ Prep L 6-1 220 65 Hector Guzman N. Cath. L 6-1 250 66 Brendan Gilroy SJ Prep L 6-1 245 67 James Smart W. Cath. L 5-11 275 71 Mike Boyle SJ Prep DL 6-5 270 72 Robert Grant W. Cath. L 6-3 335 73 Carlos Gonzalez Ryan L 6-1 245 74 Matt DeMarco W. Cath. L 6-2 340 76 Alex Wade SJ Prep DL 6-0 225 77 John Haughney Roman L 6-0 240 78 Dan Voss SJ Prep L 6-3 285 79 John Baumann N. Cath. L 6-0 250 81 Sean Matthews Roman LB 6-0 205 82 Mark Giuliani SJ Prep WR 6-2 215 83 Andrew Spross SJ Prep LB 6-2 215 84 Derrell Hand W. Cath. TE 6-4 315 85 Chris McNicholas Dougherty DE 6-5 265 90 Joe Jackson Ryan DL 6-3 285 Coach: Brian Fluck, West. Assistants: Chalie Szydlik, North; Bill Koch, Judge; Albie Crosby, West; Steve Devlin, SJ Prep; Virnest Beale, West. Bartram beats Germantown Workhorse Pratt is a mudder in Bartram's victory By TED SILARY silaryt@phillynews.com On a football field covered with gooey brown stuff, who better to seize a starring role than a running back nicknamed "Fudgie"? But before we go any further, let's establish that John Pratt, a 5-8, 160-pound sophomore at John Bartram High, does not have his oh-so-cool nickname because his mother, Lisa Bell, thought he looked like a little hunk of fudge at birth. "It was because she thought I looked like Elmer Fudd," Pratt said, laughing. "Then it just kind of got switched to Fudgie and that's what I've been my whole life. "My family, my friends, everyone calls me Fudgie. All the teachers call me that now, too. There was a big story about me in the [neighborhood] paper, and it's up on the wall at school. So everybody knows John Pratt is Fudgie." Yesterday, by the end of a nonleague game between teams that lost Saturday in Public League quarterfinals, everybody knew Pratt was the reason visiting Bartram posted a 12-8 win over Germantown. Over thick mud, in a driving rain and, eventually, in almost no daylight, and we do mean close to none, Pratt ran 27 times for 129 yards and both of Bartram's scores. The second, a 2-yarder, came with 7 minutes, 38 seconds remaining and erased an 8-6 deficit. "We had one other game in bad rain this year, against University City, and I didn't do so hot," Pratt said. "When I saw how the conditions were for this one, I went in with kind of a shaky outlook. But then I told myself, 'You can do better.' Then I did it. "It was cold out there. My hands were muddy. The ball was slippery. I just kept my concentration. Kept trying to get yards and hold onto the ball." Pratt cooed when told he'd carried 27 times. "Wow, that many?! Imagine what it could have been like on a dry field. Man, that could have been a lot of yards." All season, Pratt has kept surprising himself. A year ago, he was playing 145-pound ball for a youth organization called the Panthers, based at 52nd and Haverford, and his position was quarterback. Though he did run a lot. He views basketball as his primary sport, and he tried out for football mostly just to stay busy. Also, he expected to be assigned to the junior varsity. Instead, he has mostly been a seasonlong workhorse while producing 1,170 yards and 10 TDs on 209 carries. "Coach [Damond 'Smash'] Warren wanted to move me to quarterback at one point," Pratt said. "But I like running back now. "When you're first coming up from peewee ball, you're kind of afraid. It's like, 'The guys look so big. Can I do this?' I can tell you for sure that the fellas hit harder here, but now I'm used to it. I'm not bothered by it. When I'm playing, I'm in a zone. I'm doing everything I can to help us win the football game." Bartram's line featured center Monir Anderson, rotating guards Kevin Reeder, Tyrone Rowe and Erik Burke, tackles Brandon Woody and Tristen Lockridge and tight end Darrel Smith. Reeder, Smith and Cameo Ali were the defensive stalwarts. For G-town, Brandon Cuff turned a quarterback sneak into an easy-as-pie, 23-yard TD, while Akeem Johnson (17-75) and Reginald Lloyd (9-52) led in rushing. As darkness rapidly encroached, a wicked hit and resulting fumble recovery by Robert Fisher gave G-town possession at its 34 with 2:30 left. The Bears got to the Bartram 35 in the waning moments, but the threat died when Cuff bobbled the snap before attempting to spike the ball and Kevin Pace recovered at 5.5. Among the elated was Pratt's mom, a pharmacist. "She's been having some hip problems," Pratt said. "But she still comes to all the games. She's a hard-working lady. A great role model." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2004 Philadelphia Daily News and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.philly.com 3 Braves Make Division 1 A List Posted on Thu, Nov. 04, 2004 High school seniors deserving Division I attention by Ted Silary With the help of city-leagues coaches, the Daily News for the 27th year is publishing a list of seniors deserving of attention from Division I recruiters. Those players with expanded information following their name are considered I-A prospects. Those in the "others" category are more likely better fits for I-AA (*indicates Ivy League academic credentials). Many of these players perhaps would be better served by setting their sights at a level below where they're listed, but that's for recruiters and/or players to decide. The comments are based on personal observations and coaches' insights. --- All players are listed by current position OFFENSIVE PLAYERS CENTERS The Best: None. Others: *Christian Szablowsi, Wood, 6-foot, 245; *Andrew Rocks, La Salle, 6-foot, 220, also DT; *Cordero Thompson, Dobbins, 6-1, 260; Jeff Banks, Roxborough, 6-foot, 270, also DT; Lamont Lee-Edgefield, Gratz, 6-2, 275, also DL. GUARDS The Best: None. Others: *Mike Andrews, La Salle, 6-5, 280; Dave Fremont, Bonner, 6-3, 270; Cornell Pitt, Central, 6-3, 285; Alex Fremont, Bonner, 6-3, 250; *Matt Toland, Frankford, 5-11, 190; *Brandon O'Malley, Northeast, 5-9, 170;*Gary Jones, Penn, 5-9, 250, also DT. TACKLES The Best: Matt Lowry, O'Hara, 6-6, 290, committed to Virginia; Will Barker, Haverford School, 6-7, 280, committed to Virginia; Greg "Izzy" Isdaner, Episcopal, 6-4, 310, also DT, interior force, gets downfield, W. Va. seeking visit, UNC wants more tape, SAT: 1,230; Dan Voss, St. Joseph's Prep, 6-4, 285, late bloomer, WR as frosh, can run, dominant performances, SAT: 1,370, Marshall interested; Dwight Williams, Gratz, 6-4, 270, Mr. Pancake, better by day, benches 405, Maryland inquiring, GPA: 3.6, don't miss out. Others: None. RECEIVERS The Best: Mike Boyle, St. Joseph's Prep, 6-6, 225, also DE, possible T-DT, terrific blocker, room to fill out, Vanderbilt intrigued, big upside, SAT: 1,180; Dominique Curry, Washington, 6-3, 210, TE, possible OLB, big potential, sure-handed, versatile; Rodney Sykes, Central, 6-foot, 185, WR, possible FS, finds openings, fearless, 40: 4.37, SAT: 1,000, A-10 feelers; Richard Sheppard, Gratz, 6-2, 200, WR, also DB, playmaker, claws for hands, impressive speed/moves. Others: Antoine Stout, West Catholic, 6-5, 190, WR, also DB; *Sean Barksdale, O'Hara, 6-foot, 200, WR; Sherrod "Sheet Rock" Evers, Mastbaum, 6-3, 170, WR, also DB; Sammy Tranks, King, 5-11, 170; also WB-DB-KR; Damond Griffin, Dobbins, 6-foot, 165, also DB;Bashir Hopper,, Penn, 6-foot, 175, WR, also DB. RUNNING BACKS The Best: Jerry Butler, Washington, 5-10, 175, HB, possible KR, Brian Westbrook II, only the wind is faster, developing receiver, heavy D-I interest/offers; Steve Slaton, Conwell-Egan, 5-11, 190, TB, also DB-KR-P, possible CB, quickly hits top speed, gets tough yards, powerful hitter, impressive visit list; Lamar McPherson, McDevitt, FB, 6-foot, 200, committed to Syracuse; Evin Jones, Roman, 6-foot, 200, also KR, possible SS, lives for heavy workload, gets first downs, impressive physique, ND checking; Damian Jorden, McDevitt, 6-foot, 185, TB, possible FB, quick/relentless, benches 250, takes hits well; Jeremiah Pitt, Northeast, 6-foot, 180, TB, also DB, possible WR, big frame, interesting possibilities, early interest, competes. Others: Rashad "Reds" Williams, Dobbins, 5-8, 165, TB, also KR; *Devon Johnson, Central, 5-10, 175, WB, possible WR-KR; Zack Zeglinski, Penn Charter, 6-foot, 180, also DB-KR (status uncertain; out all season with knee injury); Steve Cook, O'Hara, 5-10, 175, TB, possible SB-CB; *Sean Halloran, Haverford School, 6-1, 230, FB, also ILB; Chris Diaferio, West Catholic, 5-10, 185, also KR-LB; Malik "Flip" Walker, Frankford, 5-9, 150, also DB; Chris Mitchell, Roxborough, 6-foot, 190, also DB;.Terrell Mitchell, Penn, 5-9, 220, FB, also LB QUARTERBACKS The Best: Brian FitzPatrick, Episcopal, 5-10, 180, also DB, possible RB, runs option masterfully, brassy, Navy/BC sniffing, SAT: 1,200. Others: James Hannah, Penn Charter, 6-5, 210, committed to Penn; Joe Marshall, Central, 6-foot, 190; Chuck Hughes, Washington, 6-2, 190, also DB; Lamont Brown, Frankford, 6-2, 185; Markies Tavares, Mastbaum, 6-foot, 180; *Mike Lynch, La Salle, 5-11, 150; Jeff Campbell, King, 6-3, 205; Joe Waclawski, North Catholic, 6-1, 165; Kevin Lane, Gratz, 6-foot, 175. KICKERS/PUNTERS *David Read, Judge, 6-1, 175; *Phil Azarik, Germantown Academy, 6-2, 215; David Pough, Mastbaum, 6-foot, 180. LONG-SNAPPERS *Scott Howley, St. Joseph's Prep, 6-foot, 205, also C; *Pete Novak, Carroll, 6-2, 225, also TE-OLB; DEFENSIVE PLAYERS ENDS The Best: Cornelius Bunch, Central, 6-1, 220, projected OLB-SS, eye-popping skills, puts "p" in punishing, classic FB demeanor, just turned 17, word spreading, SAT: 1,000; James Morgan, Overbrook, 6-1, 245, also TE, possible OLB, highly aggressive, owns his area, knows game, motivated; Chris McNicholas, Dougherty, 6-7, 205, also TE, grows daily, quick/agile, schools have scent, take him and mold, SAT: 1,100. Others: Kevin Reeder, Bartram, 6-foot, 230, also T, possible OLB; Kordell Morgan, Franklin, 6-3, 260, also G, possible DT; John Paul Conneen, O'Hara, 6-3, 235; Isaiah Stroman, Frankford, 6-1, 205, projected OLB. TACKLES The Best: Marques Slocum, West Catholic, 6-6, 325, also G, blots out sun, athletic/frisky, specimen, high national profile, considering Miami/Mich./Mich. St./LSU/Md.; Dave Gonser, Washington, 6-2, 260, also G, possible NG-DE, strong and ornery, playmaker, runs well, inquiries; Steve Coleman, University City, 6-4, 290, also G, hidden gem, 40: 4.9; benches 335, Morgan St./Del. St. involved; Mike Nolan, Bonner, 6-2, 270, many solo tackles, owns area, intense, 5th in class, SAT: 1,220. Others: Johnie Gray, Franklin, 6-3, 270, also G. NOSE GUARDS The Best: None. Others: Ted Kemgang Nzali, Kennedy-Kenrick, 6-4, 240. LINEBACKERS The Best: Steve Quinn, St. Joseph's Prep, 6-4, 220, also WR, committed to Penn State; Anthony Wallace, Gratz, 6-foot, 200, also FB, ILB, bone-crusher, always gets to ball, full effort every play, heady; Darrel Smith, Bartram, 6-1, 215, also TE, perceptive, gets to sideline, coach on field, rugged, SAT: 920. Others: Joe Rosati, Episcopal, 6-2, 200, also TE (expecting to play baseball); Matt Brown, Germantown Academy, 6-foot, 195, also RB (expecting to play baseball); *Andrew Spross, St. Joseph's Prep, 6-2, 245; Bill Gross, Wood, 6-foot, 200, also FB; Ryan Biernat, Conwell-Egan, 5-11, 220; Joe DiGrazio, Lincoln, 6-1, 210, ILB, possible TE; *Sean Matthews, Roman, 6-foot, 220, ILB; Perrell Jones, Mastbaum, 5-9, 185, ILB, also FB; Justin Presley, Washington, 6-3, 190, OLB. BACKS The Best: Steve Sydnor, Dobbins, 6-2, 180, also QB-K-P, possible WR, many skills, scratching surface, high FB IQ, Temple involved. Others: Terrell Denson, Lincoln, 5-10, 200, CB, also RB; Brian Rorick, Carroll, 6-2, 190, also WR (expected to play baseball); *Brian Gillin, Kennedy-Kenrick, also QB-RB, possible SS; *John McFadden, Wood, 5-11, 165; Tyler Stampone, Germantown Academy, 6-2, 185, also QB (expecting to play baseball); William Brownlee, Overbrook, 5-8, 180, CB, also RB; Shane McNamara, North Catholic, 5-10, 165, also RB; Cameo Ali, Bartram, 5-10, 180, SS, also RB; *Collin Singletary, Central, 5-10, 175, CB. *Ivy League academic credentials. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2004 Philadelphia Daily News and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.philly.com Monday, September 20 Homecoming King 'Coaching at Bartram is the reason I went into education.I've been waiting years for this opportunity.I never thought it would happen'. Bartram grad Damond Warren is returning to his old stompinggrounds as the school's new football coach.Some high - school athletes dream of getting a Division I college scholarship.Others strive tomake the pros.All Damond Warren ever wanted was to return to his alma mater, John Bartram High,to coach football.The 1983 graduate finally got his wish. He'll return to 58th street and elmwood avenue as the Braves' head football coach in September.Coaching at Bartram is the reason I went into education.Warren,38,is so excited about the chance to coach at Bartram that he is passing up the opportunity to become a principal at the same time.Warren previously workedas Natale's assistant before taking head coaching positions at Martin Luther King High and,more recently,chester high.He was a starting lineman on the 1982 Braves squad that lost 13-8 to Germantown in the Public League championship game.Warren's long-term plan is to re-establish the Braves as one of the city's top football programs. Bartram star has good reason for staying on his toes Darryl Smith is pretty confident.The 6-foot, 220-pound Smith, a senior is a linebacker, tight end and occasional fullback for John Bartram High. By the time Darryl was ready to enter Bartram, he was getting on his father's last nerve. "I told him with football coming up, I wouldn't have time for it anymore,"he said. "He said it was OK if I stopped."The chief running back and quarterback for first-year coach Damond"smash"Warren are sophomores, and each played a part in a score.John Pratt carried 20times for 60yards and 5-yard TD, while Kris Brownlee(4-for-6,63)flipped for a 20-yard TDto Sherman Hopkins.Terrance Tate and Pratt ran for conversions. Fox's score made it 16-12, but 5-4,140-pound Cecil Waters returned the momentum for good to the Braves with a 57-yard kickoff return. Smith, who lives near 60th and carpenter,maintainsa 3.0 grade point average and has scored 950 on the SAT. Darryl received a form letter from Rutgers last sason,and that has been followed up with personalized correspondence. "I want to be a psychologist," he said. I love trying to figure out what's in people's brains. Meanwhile, if people out there think they have photos of Darryl Smith from the ballet portion of his life ... he's thinking you don't, and that the search should be abandoned. Bartram wins, 16-12 Kris Brownlee's 25-yard touchdown pass to Sherman Hopkins in the forth quarter lifted Bartram to 16-12 win at Southern yesterday in a public league southern division football matchup. John Pratt student at Bartram high school open the scoring for Bartram (1-2 overall,1-0 league) in the first quarter with a 10-yard touchdown run. Tuesday, September 26 SEPT. 22 NON-LEAGUE Bartram 46, Germantown 8 Last year the match-up between and Bartram & Germantown produced a classic Public League contest as the Bears rallied from a twenty point deficit to win, 42-26. This game once again the Braves went ahead, 20-0, but this time they completed a superb all-around effort with a thorough butt kicking of the Bears. The Braves, are flying under the radar and I know that coach Damond "Smash" Warren probably likes it that way but this team has tons of speed and they could be making a jump to the top of the "Pub" in a hurry. Senior tailback John "Fudgie" Pratt carried 13 times for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Pratt has the classic Pub running back look, a little smallish but gifted with good feet and determination. Pratt is probably a I-AA prospect. Much improved quarterback Kris Brownlee was impressive not so much in the stat department, but he threw tight spirals on the money, made quick reads and had three key scrambles for first down. Brownlees incredible improvement could make this a special Bartram team. Also, playing a starring role was super speedy junior multipurpose star Michael Alexander. This kid is so fast and he hardly ever dances or runs from contact; he has made a big impression. Alexander had a major kickoff return in the second quarter. These three skill position players (Pratt, Brownlee and Alexander) are probably as good as any in the league. And the lines are not bad, as a I-A prospect Maurice Jessup anchors the offensive line and the defensive line was led by Dante Harmon (63, 220, with a good frame to add weight). Now the bad news: The Bears have very little team speed and the quarterback situation must be improved, but most discouraging only a few players supplied game-long juice and energy. Senior two-way lineman Chris Oliver (64 250) and sophomore linebacker Maurice Young were two obvious examples. Sidenotes- Much props are in order to the School District for bringing the Howard University Showtime Marching Band. The pregame performance was extra nice. Not only did they march through my neighborhood, they played with the School District All-City band and that was amazing. The other two shows were also dynamite. And finally the Ooh La La Girls were AMAZING. I believe Howard University got a huge increase in the number of male undergraduate applicants from Philadelphia on Friday night. In fact, I might apply and I already went to college. All of the Ooh La La Girls are perfect tens. I hope that this becomes a tradition of bringing marching bands from colleges to Pub games. It was nice to see all those fraternities and sororities come out in full force for this game. |
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