Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Crystal Ball: NFL, NCAA and HS predictions for the week

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515















High School Football Predictions (winner in yellow)
District One Class 4A Championship
I know I want to see the rematch next week
North Penn at Council Rock South
PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal
Nazareth at LaSalle
PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal
Pottsgrove at Archbishop Wood
LAST WEEK: 7-1
YEAR: 186-57
CAREER: 317-106







Week 14 NCAA Predictions (winner in yellow)
Ohio at Northern Illinois
Can the Bulldogs knock off #1?
UCLA at (8) Oregon
Syracuse at Pittsburgh
(24) Southern Miss at (7) Houston
UConn at Cincinnati
Iowa State at (16) Kansas State
UNLV at (18) TCU
Texas at (19) Baylor
(12) Georgia at (1) LSU
New Mexico at (9) Boise State
BYU at Hawaii
(5) Virginia Tech at (21) Clemson
Oklahoma (13) at Oklahoma State (3)
(15) Wisconsin at (11) Michigan State
LAST WEEK: 16-5
YEAR:  177-84




Week 13 NFL Predictions (winner in yellow)
Will God bless him with a win in Minny?
Eagles at Seahawks
Titans at Bills
Chiefs at Bears
Raiders at Dolphins
Broncos at Vikings
Colts at Patriots
Bengals at Steelers
Panthers at Buccaneers
Jets at Redskins
Falcons at Texans
Ravens at Browns
Packers at Giants
Cowboys at Cardinals
Rams at 49ers
Lions at Saints
Chargers at Jaguars
LAST WEEK: 13-3
YEAR: 113-63

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Previewing this week's High School Football Playoffs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
Follow Twitter @amarcus515















PIAA Class AAAA
District One Championship: (11) North Penn at (1) Council Rock South
On Friday North Penn continued its dominant defense against Pennsbury in a 27-3 vicotry. Knights' wide receiver Dan Gervitz has raised his game during the playoffs. The senior had a great regular season, but he should possibly be considered the best player on the field this weekend against Council Rock South.
Council Rock South should still be considered to have the better defense of the two, as they contained Garnet Valley enough to run away with a 38-24 win. Once again they only attempted two passes, but ran for 300 plus yards in the win.
The impact players for the Knights are quarterback Corey Ernst, running back Kyle Mayfield, linebacker Ralph Reeves, and the aforementioned Gervitz.
The impact players for the Golden Hawks are quarterback Brian Donnelly, running back Anthony Alimenti, defensive end PJ Gallo, and defensive tackle Andrew Cohen.
The most intriguing matchup is the Knights' defensive front four against Donnelly, Alimenti and the Hawks run game. Can the likes of Shayne Watson, TJ Smik, Jon Garland, and Reeves shut down the triple option? If the Knights do have a weakness it is their secondary, but it does not look like it will matter much in the title game.
PREDICTION:  The Ernst to Gervitz combo continues to dominate and the Knights' defense slow down the option just enough to hold on for the title. The 11th seeded Knights win 35-27.

PIAA Eastern Semifinal: LaSalle vs Nazareth
Nazareth won 28-21 over Easton on Saturday to capture the District 11 championship. It was their first district title since 1989. They had to score 28 unanswered points to do so after falling down 14-0 early to the defending district champs.
LaSalle had the week off after beating George Washington on November 19.
The impact players for the Explorers are quarterback Matt Magarity, running back Tim Wade, tight end Colin Buckley, and wide receiver Sean Coleman.
The impact players for the Blue Eagles are quarterback Danny Harding and running back Jordan Gray.
The most intriguing match-up resides in the trenches. The District 12 squad is just flat out bigger and it will be interesting to see what schemes the District 11 team implement to counter the size of the Explorers. Senior back Tim Wade runs hard and could have a big day here.
PREDICTION: The Explorers have too much experience and too much skill for a Nazareth team, whose dream season has to come to an end at some point. I think they can feel good about a District 11 championship after bowing out here. The Explorers win 42-8.



PIAA Class AAA
Eastern Semifinal: Pottsgrove at Archbishop Wood
The Vikings had the week off after dominating Dobbins in the city title game two weeks ago. The Vikings have not lost since week one against 4A powerhouse Pittsburgh Central Catholic.
Pottsgrove captured its second District One Class 3A championship in three years with a convincing 42-13 win over Phoenixville on Saturday. The Falcons ran for 557 yards on the ground, which was a school record.
The impact players are all over for the Vikings led by, tight end Colin Thompson, running back Desmon Peoples, fullback Brandon Peoples, quarterback Joey Monaghan, and defensive back Nate Smith.
The Falcons rely on quarterback Tory Hudgins, running back Mark Dukes and fullback Robby Curtin.
The Peoples, cousins Desmon and Brandon, have not been relied on all season to carry the load for four quarters because they have usually have been way ahead by halftime. But with a revenge game against Allentown Central Catholic (they play Shamokin this week) coming up if they can get past Pottsgrove, the Vikings will probably stick with the starters for all four quarters. Can coach Rick Pennypacker motivate his defense enough to stop the Vikings' run game?
PREDICTION: The Vikings continue to roll and keeping their starters in and this one gets ugly. Vikings win 59-20.


STAT LEADERS FOR THE WEEK

100+ yard rushers
Tory Hudgins (Pottsgrove) 262, 4TDs
Ray Schreiner (Abington) 177, 3 TDs
Corey Baker (Pottstown) 176, 2 TDs
Jarred Jones (Spring-Ford) 163, 2 TDs
Casey Saverio (Hatboro-Horsham) 156, TD
Malik Brinkley (Pottstown) 149, 5 TDs
Danny Michaels (Pottsgrove) 135, TD
Kyle Mayfield (North Penn) 110

125+ yard passers
Alex Krivda (Pennridge) 160, 2 TDs
Charlie Hooker (Upper Moreland) 160
Hank Coyne (Spring-Ford) 152, TD
Aaron Channing (Hatboro-Horsham) 132, 3 TDs
Alec McQuiston (Phoenixville) 132, TD



PENNRIDGE FINAL SEASON STATISTICS 7-5, 5-2)
RUSHING 
Mike Class 249-1487, 15 TDs; James Marrero 104-424 4 TDs; Mackenzie Crawford 48-204, TD; Carter Peters 39-126; Cody Reimel 10-87, TD; Peter Psomiadis 2-21; John Kim 2-7; Alex Krivda 46-6; Kyle Bigam 2-4; Matt Pasquale 21-3; Alex Fedel 2-2; John Dubky 1-(-16)
PASSING
Alex Krivda 40-8-8 - 623, 9 TDs; Matt Pasquale 7-17-4 - 145, 2 TDs; Mike Class 1-2-0 - 18
RECIEVING 
Mike Class 11-151, 2 TDs; James Marrero 9-205, 2 TDs; Micah Stutzman 6-101, TD; Peter Psomaidis 5-74, TD; Cody Reimel 4-153, TD; Kyle Bigam 4-28; Mackenzie Crawford 3-30, 2 TDs; Carter Peters 3-15; John Kim 2-17; John Dubky 1-10, TD; Mike Supp 1-6, TD
SACKS 
Carter Peters (5), John Dubyk (4), Anthony Fecondo (2), James Marrero (2), Jeremy Xander (2), Kenny Crawford (2), Andy Groff (2), Alex Fedele, Mike Supp, Jake Newman
INTERCEPTIONS - Cody Reimel (3), Carter Peters (2), Mike Class, Kenny Crawford, Kyle Bigam, John Dubyk





SOUDERTON FINAL SEASON STATISTICS (6-5, 5-2)
RUSHING 
Javon White 125-1135 13 TDs; Joe McNamara 83-425, 3 TDs; Tyler Scholl 85-398, 5 TDs; Jared Reinhard 39-144, 2 TDs; Anthony Williams 57-133 3 TDs; Jeremy Allen 15-75, TD; Tanner Allem 41-40, 2 TDs; Jon Horton 7-36, TD; Kyle Murphy 4-7; Dan Knight 8-5; Jean Prado 1-5; Will Culclasure 4-4; Blake Romanowski 1-3; Michael Dimming 2-0; Kyle Wenger 3-(-3); Ry Yozallinas 2-(-33); AJ Curotto 8-(-39)
PASSING 
Tanner Allem 81-126 6 - 933, 5 TDs; Anthony Williams 1-2-0 - 29, TD; A.J. Curotto 3-8-1 - 29; Kyle Wenger 1-2-0 - 22;
RECEIVING 
Ry Yozallinas 21-403, 5 TDs; Kyle Wenger 22-279; Anthony Williams 9-117, TD; Andrew Butler 7-53; Javon White 7-50; Tyler Scholl 6-45; Joe McNamara 7-42; Blake Romanowski 1-15; Matt Kivlin 1-14; Blake Finkenbeiner 1-10; Jared Reinhard 2-9;
SACKS 
Ry Yozallinas (3), Jared Reinhard (3), Colby Johnson (2), Tyler Scholl, Zakk Hect, Michael Dimming, Tanner Allem, Jeremy Allen, Tyler Hangey
INTERCEPTIONS 
 Anthony Williams (4), Colby Johnson (2), Javon White (2), Kyle Wenger, Jon Horton, Eric Conard, Blake Finkenbeiner





NORTH PENN SEASON STATISTICS (11-2, 7-0)
RUSHING
Kyle Mayfield 173-1385, 6 TDs; James Fielder 91-616, 7 TDs; Dan Gervitz 49-517, 5 TDs; Corey Ernst 56-194, 2 TDs; Ralph Reeves 24-184, 9 TDs; Mike Isabella 35-111; Danny Wynne 7-67; Luke Berry 17-53; Matt Smith 6-33; Taylor Everett 3-16; Chris McGinnis 4-9; Tai Le 1-5; Luke Tilger 2-3; Jordan Henley 1-0; TJ Smink 1-0; Joe Potkovac 1-(-3); Justin Greenleaf 2-(-3); Austin Shearer 10-(-24); Brandon Mandes 1-(-30)
PASSING 
Corey Ernst 136-211-5 - 1916, 25 TDs Austin Shearer 7-12-0 - 133
RECEIVING 
Dan Gervitz 53-828, 9 TDs; Eddie Posavec 18-226, 2 TDs; Ralph Reeves 14-198, 3 TDs; Shayne Watson 15-192, 3 TDs; James Fielder 16-168, TD; Kyle Mayfield 5-162, TD; Danny Wynne 4-41, 2 TDs; Kyle Akins 1-36, TD; Mike Bertescher 3-30; Mike Isabella 5-24; Steve Gozur 2-21; Ryan Moran 3-18; Dominique Kanada 2-16
SACKS 
Ray Kulp, Ralph Reeves, Shayne Watson, Bobby McDonald
INTERCEPTIONS 
Dan Gervitz (3), Kris Akins (2), Danny Wynne, Ralph Reeves, Bobby Bull, Matt Smith

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Crystal Ball: NFL, NCAA and HS predictions for the week

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515
















High School Football Predictions (winner in yellow)
Spring-Ford at Phoenixville
Pennridge gets Panther for Thanksgiving
Quakertown at Pennridge
Abington at Cheltenham
Owen J. Roberts at Pottstown
Upper Moreland at Hatboro-Horsham
Garnet Valley at Council Rock South
Pennsbury at North Penn
Phoenixville at Pottsgrove
LAST WEEK: 7-2
YEAR: 179-56
CAREER: 310-105


Week 13 NCAA Predictions (winner in yellow)
Louisville at South Florida
another week, another title game for LSU
Iowa at (22) Nebraska
(8) Houston at Tulsa
(3) Arkansas at (1) LSU
Pittsburgh at West Virginia
California at Arizona State
(13) Georgia at (25) Georgia Tech
Iowa State at (12) Oklahoma
Ohio State at (17) Michigan
(11) Michigan State at Northwestern
Wyoming at (7) Boise State
(6) Virginia Tech at (24) Virginia
Vanderbilt at Wake Forest
(20) Penn State at (15) Wisconsin
Oregon State at (9) Oregon
(2) Alabama at Auburn
Florida State at Florida
Texas Tech at (21) Baylor
Clemson (18) at South Carolina (14)
(22) Notre Dame at (4) Stanford
UCLA at (10) USC
LAST WEEK: 10-9
YEAR: 161-79


Week 12 NFL Predictions (winner in yellow)
Packers at Lions
Can Eli be elite in NOLA?
Dolphins at Cowboys
49ers at Ravens
Vikings at Falcons
Browns at Bengals
Buccaneers at Titans
Panthers at Colts
Cardinals at Rams
Bills at Jets
Texans at Jaguars
Bears at Raiders
Redskins at Seahawks
Patriots at Eagles
Broncos at Chargers
Steelers at Chiefs
Giants at Saints
LAST WEEK: 8-6
YEAR: 100-60

Sunday, November 20, 2011

News, Notes from High School Football: Thanksgiving Week

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515















District One Class AAAA
Council Rock South 31, Downingtown East 19
Garnet Valley 52, Central Bucks South 48
Pennsbury 42, Coatesville 21
North Penn 21, Neshaminy 7 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY 

PREVIEWS
Garnet Valley (5) at Council Rock South (1) - There is no denying the Golden Hawks defense is scary good and the execution on offense is near flawless, but I have my doubts. How long can a team really go with the triple option? Garnet Valley showed they can keep up with high powered offenses last week and if the Hawks can't hit some big plays in the air it could be an upset waiting to happen. The Hawks' quarterback Brian Donnelly might need to warm up the ol' right arm.

Pennsbury (15) at North Penn (11) - The Falcons can run the score up, but luckily the Knights' defense is playing the best it has all year. If the unit does have a weakness, its the secondary. The transformation of Dan Gervitz from a traditional wide receiver to a Dom Taggart type, utility stud, has helped the Knights take their game to the next level. The 1-2 start is a thing of the past and they are praying they get another shot at LaSalle in two weeks.









District 12 Class AAAA
LaSalle 41, George Washington 7 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY 

***The Explorers have the week off and await the winner of the District 11 Class AAAA championship games between Nazareth and Easton.

District One Class AAA
Pottsgrove 29, Strath Haven 28 
Phoenixville 28, Academy Park 27

PREVIEW
Phoenixville (3) at Pottsgrove (1)  - A short three weeks ago these Pac-10 schools sqaured off and the Falcons eased by the Phantoms 47-7. But with a little more on the line it should not be that easy for the top seed in Class AAA. The Phantoms are aware of the Falcons ground game, which had two 100 yard rushers on Nov. 4th. Both teams played a close, exhausting game a week ago and it should be another one in the championship game.

District 12 Class AAA
Archbishop Wood 49, Dobbins 0 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY

***The Vikings have the week off to ice and work on some new gadgets. They will play the winner of Pottsgrove and Phoenixville.








District 1/12 Class AA
West Catholic 28, Springfield 7 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY 



STAT LEADERS FOR THE WEEK

100+ yard rushers
Vinny Nattle (Phoenixville) 188, TD
Tory Hudgins (Pottsgrove) 157, 3 TDs
Dan Gervitz (North Penn) 129, TD
Kyle Mayfield (North Penn) 121
Robby Curtin (Pottsgrove) 115, TD
Jordan Meachem (LaSalle) 101, TD


125+ yard passers
Joey Monaghan (Archbishop Wood) 199, 4 TDs
Corey Ernst (North Penn) 129, TD





THANKSGIVING PREVIEWS

Spring-Ford at Phoenixville - I always wondered what would happen if a team was still in playoffs, and as far as I know my Alma Matter (Rams 2004) still has a chance to finish the year with a perfect conference record. I assume the Phantoms will be much more focused on Friday night against Pottsgrove, so I wonder if any of the starters play long or if they play at all. It's kind of a shame for the Rams, who wanted one more game, but you have to be excited for the Phantoms, who have a chance at a District One Class AAA Championship.

KEY MATCHUP:  Rams' Kevin Nyce (Sr. DL) vs Phantom's Vinny Nattle (Sr. FB)
As the season has gone along for the Phantoms they have started to feature the fullback more and more. He has a nose for the end zone, with nine on the year. If he plays on Thanksgiving, considering I'd think they would save him for the District Championship game, he would be the one to stop.
Leading the charge in stopping Nattle would be the senior sack artist, Nyce. The Rams leads the team with 10 sacks according to maxpreps.com and also have been one of their best run stoppers. The Phantons will want to keep the Rams' offense off the field with Nattle and the run game and Nyce needs to help his unit get off the field.


Quakertown at Pennridge  - In the battle of the talented and 5-5, the rival schools collide for the 81st time on Thanksgiving morning. Actually the Rams can finish 7-5 with a win and the Panthers are just hoping to not finish with a losing record. The teams are praying for good weather because at Poppy Yoder Field a little condensation always added excitement to the game. The Panthers' amazing dual threat quaterback Zac Gravelle has not played in a month, but I'm sure he's pushing to play in his final game.

KEY MATCHUP: Rams' Mike Class (So. RB) vs. Panthers' Ryan Coleman (Sr. LB)
The senior linebacker for the Panthers will get to 100 tackles in his last game. According to maxpreps.com he only needs two take downs to do so. But the Rams' Mike Class won't make it easy. Class has burst onto the scene as a sophomore and if it were not for Central Bucks South's Dan Brown he'd be a runaway all-league running back. I would not be surprised if the Continental Conference takes two backs because both Class and Brown deserve it. Class' football IQ is beyond his years and he's a patient runner with a burst like no other. Coleman and the Panthers need to wrap up or it could be a long morning.



Upper Moreland at Hatboro-Horsham - While the Hatters get to show off their new field the Golden Bears get to show off their new weapons. For the last few weeks they finally have found some things on offense that work and sophomores have grown up. This one should go down to the wire.

KEY MATCHUP: Golden Bears' Charlie Hooker (So. QB) vs Hatters' Casey Saverio (Sr. CB)
All season long the Bears have tried different ways to get junior Robert Knox involved. He's gone from wide receiver to quarterback and now running back. He's able to play running back because of the emergence of Charlie Hooker. And Hooker's ability to throw it down field has opened up Knox's running lanes. Saverio is one of the top cover men in the Suburban One League and will be looking to make a memorable play in his last football game on the new Hatboro-Horsham turf. I suggest for Hooker to throw it the side Saverio is not on.


Abington at Cheltenham - The only thing the Panthers have going for them is it is in Wynnewood and not up 611. Hopefully the Panthers crowd can help them calm down the angry Ghosts. This is not the game the Ghosts wanted to be playing this week. They had district title hopes and more, but lost in the first round of the playoffs.

KEY MATCHUP: Ghosts Ken Cropper (Sr. QB) vs Panthers' Mark Thompson (Jr. LB)
Mark Thompson will lead an amped up bunch to show Cropper how they really feel. Last year Cropper was the starting quarterback for the Panthers but the transfer went to his rival and had a pretty solid year. A lot of emotions in this one and I'm sure coach Tim Sorber will try and show off Cropper to his former team just to rub it in a little bit.




Owen J. Roberts at Pottstown  - The two Pac-10 schools have a combined four wins this season, but records go out the window on Thanksgiving morning. Nothing feels better than ending a season and the seniors' careers with a win on Thursday morning.

KEY MATCHUP: Trojans' Cory Hueber (Sr. LB) vs Wildcats' Dylan Frierson (Sr. RB)
Dylan Frierson has had the hard task of replacing one of the best running backs to come out of PA in Ryan Brumfield. But a certain point in the season it was just about winning a game. The Wildcats and Frierson could really help turn the page on a down year with a big day against the Trojans. The only problem is the Trojans do not allow that many yards after contact thanks to some strong tackling. The leading tackler is senior Corey Hueber who has a chance to make game changing hit, interception, or strip on every play.

Friday, November 18, 2011

All-Montgomery Media Soccer Teams

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515














This in NOT the official All-Area team for Montgomery Media. The title is based on the requirement to be a soccer player in Montgomery Media's coverage area to make the Starting 11.

BOYS STARTING 11
Goalkeeper: 
Kyle Walder (Upper Moreland) - Walder led the Golden Bears to its second straight District One championship game and a 13-5 record in his senior season. Walder posted nine shutouts in goal before falling to Holy Ghost Prep in the title game.





Defenders:
Dave Tate (Archbishop Wood)
Christos Yiantsos (Cheltenham)
Evan Harbison (Spring-Ford)
Noah Greenblatt (Owen J. Roberts)

Midfielders:
Ryan Molyneaux (Souderton) - The midfielder was crucial in taking Indians' defense and transitioning it into goals, not to mention a handful of his own. He was the best player on the field in wins against Wissahickon and Kennett during the District One playoff run.
Chris Russomano (Hatboro-Horsham)
Brian Schaefer (Upper Dublin)




Forwards:
Darius Madison (LaSalle) - This year's Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12 champs were led by the scoring of Madison. In the school's first state playoff appearance they were ousted by Hempfield in the opening round, but Madison was a big reason the season was special.
Curtis Washburn (North Penn)
Joe Farrell (Wissahickon)







GIRLS STARTING 11
Goalkeeper:
Emily Armstrong (Perkiomen Valley) - One of the top goalies in the country, let alone Montgomery County, Armstrong kept her team in every game. Armstrong continue her soccer career next fall at Boston College.

Defenders:
Elexa Sherman (Methacton) 
Hunter Filippo (Archbishop Wood)
Erin Lafferty (Upper Dublin)
Rachel Carpenter (Owen J. Roberts)

Midfielders:
Stevi Parker (Pennridge) - Parker, the future South Carolina Gamecock, has her team in the state championship. She has split time this season between centermid and centerback, basically whatever the Rams need she does and she does well.
Erin Casey (Gwynedd Mercy) 
Kellie McGoldrick (Hatboro-Horsham)
Jessica Knudsen (Plymouth-Whitemarsh)

Forwards:
Kelsey Celline (Archbishop Wood) - Next stop is LaSalle University for this goal scorer. The Vikings' forward set the single season record for goals and finished with 82 in her illustrious career.
Shea Neal (Christopher Dock)

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Crystal Ball: NFL, NCAA and HS predictions for the week

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515














High School Football Playoffs Predictions (winner in yellow)
What's playoffs without NP and Neshaminy?
District One Class AAAA
Downingtown East at Council Rock South
Central Bucks South at Garnet Valley
Pennsbury at Coatesville
Neshaminy at North Penn
Distrcit 12 Class AAAA
Washington at LaSalle
District One Class AAA
Strath Haven at Pottsgrove
Academy Park at Phoenixville
District 12 Class AAA
Dobbins at Archbishop Wood
PIAA playoffs Class AA
West Catholic at Springfield
LAST WEEK: 18-7
YEAR: 172-54
CAREER: 303-103


Week 12 NCAA Predictions (winner in yellow)
(2) Oklahoma State at Iowa State
(15) Wisconsin at Illinois
LaMichael sees LaTitle
(17) Nebraska at (20) Michigan
Iowa at Purdue
Louisville at UConn
(7) Clemson at N.C. State
Texas Tech at Missouri
Mississippi State at (6) Arkansas
SMU at (11) Houston
Miami at South Florida
Utah at Washington State
Vanderbilt at Tennessee
Virginia at (23) Florida State
(18) USC at (4) Oregon
(5) Oklahoma at (25) Baylor
(16) Kansas State at Texas
(10) Boise State at San Diego State
Arizona at Arizona State
California at (8) Stanford
LAST WEEK: 12-8
YEAR: 151-70


Week 11 NFL Predictions (winner in yellow)
Jets at Broncos
Jaguars at Browns
Can the Bucs stop the Pack?
Panthers at Lions
Buccaneers at Packers
Bills at Dolphins
Raiders at Vikings
Cowboys at Redskins
Bengals at Ravens
Seahawks at Rams
Cardinals at 49ers
Titans at Falcons
Chargers at Bears
Eagles at Giants
Cheifs at Patriots 
LAST WEEK: 6-10
YEAR: 92-54 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

All-Montgomery Media Football Team

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515














The All-Montgomery Media team is picked by me and based on what I have seen and read. This is NOT an official Montco Media team. It is given the time of "All-Montgomery Media" based on the requirement of needing to be in the coverage area.

I am aware Council Rock South and Central Bucks South have had some stellar seasons from stellar athletes, but there are no Matt Johns, Dan Brown, Anthony Alimenti or Brian Donnelly on these teams.

Without further adieu...

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
FIRST TEAM QUARTERBACK: Corey Ernst (North Penn) - The 1,732 yards are impressive as is the 9-2 overall record (still alive in playoffs when writing this), but the 22 touchdowns to three interceptions is what screams Most Valuable Player this year. He also added 200 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Ernst, a 22-4 record in his two years as a starter for the Knights, became more of a play-maker and less of a game manager when most people thought it would be vice-versa. Ernst clearly used all his tools North Penn gave him and became one of the top quarterbacks, and more so, top leaders in the area. His intangibles make him my offensive player of the year.



SECOND TEAM QUARTERBACK: David Cotellese (Pope John Paul II)
THIRD TEAM QUARTERBACK: Andrew Derr (Upper Dublin)
HONORABLE METION QUARTERBACK: Russhon Phillips (Plymouth-Whitemarsh)


FIRST TEAM HALFBACK: Keith Young (Bishop McDevitt)  - Young had one year to prove he was an elite runner and he did just that. As a sophomore and junior he was relegated to defense while all-stater Gary Postell took the carries. But in 2011, it was the Keith Young show. Young finished with over 1,300 yards and  21 total touchdowns, 18 of those coming on the ground.


SECOND TEAM HALFBACK: Mike Class (Pennridge)
THIRD TEAM HALFBACK: Clay Ewell (Springfield)
HONORABLE MENTION HALFBACK: Ray Schreiner (Abington)


FIRST TEAM FULLBACK: Mark Thompson (Cheltenham) - While his blocking was crucial, Thompson was also able to reach the end zone quite often. Thompson also racked up a handful of 100 yard games as the bruising Panther was a tough assignment for any defender to bring down.




SECOND TEAM FULLBACK: Brandon Peoples (Archbishop Wood)
THIRD TEAM FULLBACK: Dom DeFazio (Hatboro-Horsham)
HONORABLE MENTION FULLBACK:  Ralph Reeves (North Penn)

FIRST TEAM OFFENSIVE LINE: Frank Taylor (Archbishop Wood) - At 6-4, 285 pounds Taylor has dominated the trenches this season for the Vikings. The future Boston College Eagle has been opening up holes that nearly anyone could run through. The guard has clearly been a key cog in the Vikings success.








SECOND TEAM OFFENSIVE LINE: Dan Wasylenko (LaSalle)
THIRD TEAM OFFENSIVE LINE: Chuck Boddy (Germantown Academy)
HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSIVE LINE: Brandon Arcidiacono (Archbishop Wood)

FIRST TEAM WIDE RECEIVER: Travis McCurdy (Academy of the New Church) - While there are some talented wide outs in bigger schools, the majority of them have running backs that are leaned on. In Bryn Athyn with the Lions McCurdy was the show. He battled through shoulder injuries and if he was on the field he was making plays happen. McCurdy was the most dynamic player on the field in every game the Lions played this season.






SECOND TEAM WIDE RECEIVER: Andrew Scanlan (Spring-Ford)
THIRD TEAM WIDE RECEIVER: Dan Gervitz (North Penn)
HONORABLE MENTION WIDE RECEIVER: Blaise Coggin (Jenkintown)

FIRST TEAM TIGHT END: Ry Yozallinas (Souderton) - The Indians favorite target racked up 403 yards and five touchdowns this season as the go-to-guy at crunch time. I give the nod to Yozallinas over some highly touted tight ends from around the area based on his importance to the Indians success.





SECOND TEAM TIGHT END: Colin Thompson (Archbishop Wood)
THIRD TEAM TIGHT END: Jacob Gribb (Pope John Paul II)
HONORABLE MENTION TIGHT END: Colin Buckley (LaSalle)


ALL-MONTCO MEDIA KICKER: Ryan Winslow (LaSalle)
ALL-MONTCO MEDIA PUNTER: John Dubyk (Pennridge)


DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
FIRST TEAM DEFENSIVE LINE: Kavon Johnson (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) - In the regular season the Coloials' defense gave up more than seven points twice all season and never more than 14 in game. If you are looking for the eye of the perfect storm look no further than defensive tackle Kavon Johnson. His 21 tackles and six sacks do not begin to describe what he meant to that unit. The 6-2, 270 pounder is still choosing between Rutgers, Penn State and Vanderbilt and was an easy choice for defensive player of the year.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSIVE LINE: Bryan Osei (Abington)
THIRD TEAM DEFENSIVE LINE: Luke Wheatley (Springfield)
HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSIVE LINE:  Chris Black (Hatboro-Horsham)

FIRST TEAM LINEBACKER: Myles Grasty (Abington) - Grasty was one of many play-makers of the Galloping Ghosts defense, but the senior always seemed to be in the right position at the right time. He and Bryan Osei combined to be a scary combo for all opposing quarterbacks.





SECOND TEAM LINEBACKER: Conner Geiger (William Tennent)
THIRD TEAM LINEBACKER:  Tyler Smith (Lansdale Catholic)
HONORABLE MENTION LINEBACKER: Carter Peters (Pennridge)

FIRST TEAM DEFENSIVE BACK: Nate Smith (Archbishop Wood) - The future West Virginia Mountaineer can do a little bit of everything from his safety spot. Smith can come up and lay a hit or drop back and make the game changing interception. Smith has stabilized the Vikings defense and is a big reason many think they could bring home a state championship. Smith has also been electrifying on kick and punt returns.


SECOND TEAM DEFENSIVE BACK: Anthony Delegall (Wissahickon)
THIRD TEAM DEFENSIVE BACK: Brandon Shippen (Norristown)
HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSIVE BACK: Anthony Williams (Souderton)

Sunday, November 13, 2011

News, Notes from High School Football Playoffs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515














District One Class AAAA (Other wise known as Upset City)
(1) Council Rock South 34, (16) Upper Dublin 7 - The Golden Hawks came in and took care of business.  Cardinals senior quarterback had a rare two interception days. The Hawks will now play Downingtown East in the second round.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY

(9) Downingtown East 28, (8) West Chester Henderson 17


(13) Central Bucks South 52, (4) Plymouth-Whitemarsh 24 - After allowing 65 points all season the Titans' offense proved to be the toughest test for the Colonials. The Titans get Garnet Valley in the second round, one of the few teams that were not upset.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY 

(5) Garnet Valley 28, (12) Ridley 6


(15) Pennsbury 35, (2) Abington 24 - The Ghosts came in confident against a conference rival, but a few too many mistakes saw a stellar season get cut way too short for anyone's liking in Abington. The Falcons will play another double-digit seed in Coatesville.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY

(10) Coatesville 60, (7) Spring-Ford 28 - The Rams were suppose to be the offense with the ability to put up 60 points, but instead the Red Raiders shocked them on their home field. The Rams still have Thanksgiving with Phoenixville and a chance to win a league title for the first time since 1995.

(14) Neshaminy 28, (3) Unionville 0 


(11) North Penn 48, (6) West Chester Rustin 21 - Most people saw this upset coming. The Knights' experience plays well the 11 seed is just a number the Knights joke about during pre-game meals.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY 

Class AAAA Philadelphia Catholic League Championship
LaSalle 16, Roman Catholic 6 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY 

District One Class AAA
(1) Pottsgrove 44, (8) Pope John Paul II 19
(5) Strath 31, (4) Marple Newtown 7
(7) Academy Park 35, (2) Springfield Delco 10
(3) Phoenixville 44, (6) Interboro 20


Class AAA Philadelphia Catholic League Championship
Archbishop Wood 42, Monsignor Bonner 14 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY 

PIAA Class AA playoffs
Springfield 34, Imhotep Charter 7 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
West Catholic 30, Bok Tech 23


District One Class A
Calvary Christian 20, Delco Christian 7


AROUND THE AREA
Perk Valley 7, Methacton 3 
Upper Perk 48, Upper Merion 6
William Tennent 28, Pottstown 13
Penn Charter 54, Germantown Academy 7
Red Lion Christian 47, Souderton 7
Upper Moreland 19, Owen J. Roberts 14 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY 
Hatboro-Horsham 26, Cheltenham 0 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
Pennridge 35, Norristown 7 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY 

STAT LEADERS FOR THE WEEK

100+ yard rushers
Dan Gervitz (North Penn) 206, 2 TDs
Robby Curtin (Pottsgrove) 198, 2 TDs
Cameron Jenkins (William Tennent) 194, 4 TDs
Vinny Nattle (Phoenixville) 156, 3 TDs
Mike Class (Pennridge) 146, 2 TDs
Jason Ugwu (Perk Valley) 139, TD
Robert Knox (Upper Moreland) 135, 2 TDs
Brandon Peoples (Archbishop Wood) 133, TD
Kyle Mayfield (North Penn) 128, TD
Aquil Reed (Cheltenham) 120
Javon White (Souderton) 113, TD
Desmon Peoples (Archbishop Wood) 109, 2 TDs
Corey Kelly (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 106, TD

John Olson (Upper Perk) 105, 3 TDs

125+ yard passers
Charlie Hooker (Upper Moreland) 208, TD
David Cotellese (Pope John Paul II) 202, TD
Hank Coyne (Spring-Ford) 188
Ken Cropper (Abington) 184, 2 TDs
Andrew Derr (Upper Dublin) 168
Sage Reinhart (Pottstown) 157, 2 TDs
Russhon Phillips (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 140, TD

100+ yard recievers
Robert Knox (Upper Moreland) 142, TD
Josh Lee (Abington) 125, 2 TDs
Matt Bildstein (Pottstown) 124 TD


PENNRIDGE SEASON STATISTICS 6-5, 4-2)
RUSHING - Mike Class 233-1433, 14 TDs; James Marrero 99-411, 4 TDs; Kenny Crawford 46-200, TD; Carter Peters 39-126; Cody Reimel 8-92, TD; Peter Psomiadis 2-21; Alex Krivda 45-10; John Kim 2-7; Kyle Bigam 2-4; Matt Pasqaule 21-3; Alex Fedele 2-2; John Dubyk 1-(-16)
PASSING - Alex Krivda 34-70-8 - 463, 7 TDs; Matt Pasquale 7-17-4 - 145, 2 TDs; Mike Class 1-2-0 - 18

RECIEVING - Mike Class 11-151, 2 TDs; James Marrero 6-126, TD; Micah Stutzman 5-93, TD; Cody Reimel 3-82; Pete Psomiadis 5-74, TD; Kenny Crawford 3-30, 2 TDs; Kyle Bigam 3-26; John Kim 2-17; Carter Peters 3-15; John Dubyk 1-10, TD; Mike Supp 1-6, TD; 
SACKS - Carter Peters (5), John Dubyk (4), Anthony Fecondo (2), James Marrero (2), Jeremy Xander (2), Kenny Crawford (2), Andy Groff, Alex Fedele, Mike Supp
INTERCEPTIONS - Cody Reimel (3), Carter Peters (2), Mike Class, Kenny Crawford, Kyle Bigam, John Dubyk





SOUDERTON SEASON STATISTICS (6-5, 5-2)
RUSHING - Javon White 125-1135 13 TDs;
 Joe McNamara 83-425, 3 TDs; Tyler Scholl 85-398, 5 TDs; Jared Reinhard 39-144, 2 TDs; Anthony Williams 57-133 3 TDs; Jeremy Allen 15-75, TD; Tanner Allem 41-40, 2 TDs; Jon Horton 7-36, TD; Kyle Murphy 4-7; Dan Knight 8-5; Jean Prado 1-5; Will Culclasure 4-4; Blake Romanowski 1-3; Michael Dimming 2-0; Kyle Wenger 3-(-3); Ry Yozallinas 2-(-33); AJ Curotto 8-(-39)
PASSING - Tanner Allem 81-126 6 - 933, 5 TDs; Anthony Williams 1-2-0 - 29, TD; A.J. Curotto 3-8-1 - 29; Kyle Wenger 1-2-0 - 22;
RECEIVING - Ry Yozallinas 21-403, 5 TDs; Kyle Wenger 22-279; Anthony Williams 9-117, TD; Andrew Butler 7-53; Javon White 7-50; Tyler Scholl 6-45; Joe McNamara 7-42; Blake Romanowski 1-15; Matt Kivlin 1-14; Blake Finkenbeiner 1-10; Jared Reinhard 2-9;
SACKS - Ry Yozallinas (3), Jared Reinhard (3), Colby Johnson (2), Tyler Scholl, Zakk Hect, Michael Dimming, Tanner Allem, Jeremy Allen, Tyler Hangey
INTERCEPTIONS  - Anthony Williams (4), Colby Johnson (2), Javon White (2), Kyle Wenger, Jon Horton, Eric Conard, Blake Finkenbeiner





NORTH PENN SEASON STATISTICS (9-2, 7-0)
RUSHING - Kyle Mayfield 146-1154, 6 TDs; James Fielder 82-572, 7 TDs; Dan Gervitz 35-306, 3 TDs; Corey Ernst 46-202, 3 TDs; Ralph Reeves 19-149, 9 TDs; Mike Isabella 35-111; Danny Wynne 6-57; Luke Berry 17-53; Taylor Everett 3-16; Matt Smith 1-16; Chris McGinnis 4-9; Tai Le 1-5; Luke Tillger 2-3; Jordan Henley 1-0; T.J. Smink 1-0; Joe Potkovac 1- (-3); Justin Greenleaf 2-(-3); Austin Shearer 10-(-24)
PASSING - Corey Ernst 119-183-3 - 1732, 22 TDs Austin Shearer 7-12-0 - 133
RECEIVING - Dan Gervitz 43-708, 7 TDs; Eddie Posavec 17-217, 2 TDs; Ralph Reeves 14-198, 3 TDs; Shayne Watson 13-168, 3 TDs; James Fielder 15-165, TD; 
Kyle Mayfield 5-162, TD; Kyle Akins 1-36, TD; Mike Bertescher 3-30; Danny Wynne 2-21, TD; Steve Gozur 2-21; Ryan Moran 3-18; Dominique Kanada 2-16; Mike Isabella 4-16; 
SACKS - Ray Kulp, Ralph Reeves, Shayne Watson, Bobby McDonald
INTERCEPTIONS - Kris Akins (2), Dan Gervitz (2), Danny Wynne, Ralph Reeves, Bobby Bull, Matt Smith






















Thursday, November 10, 2011

Crystal Ball: NFL, NCAA and HS predictions for the week

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515















P-W needs points to win this week
High School Football Predictions (winner in yellow)
District One Class AAAA 
Upper Dublin at Council Rock South
Downingtown East at W.C. Henderson
Central Bucks South at Plymouth-Whitemarsh
Ridley at Garnet Valley
Pennsbury at Abington
Coatesville at Spring-Ford
Neshaminy at Unionville
North Penn at W.C. Rustin
District One Class AAA
Pope John Paul II at Pottsgrove
Strath Haven at Marple Newtown
Academy Park at Springfield Delco
Interboro at Phoenixville
District One Class AA
Imhotep Charter at Springfield Township
West Catholic at Bok Tech
District One Class A
Calvary Christian at Delco Christian
Other area games
Methacton at Perk Valley
Upper Merion at Upper Perk
William Tennent at Pottstown
Upper Moreland at Owen J. Roberts
Cheltenham at Hatboro-Horsham
Roman Catholic at LaSalle
Souderton at Red Lion Christian 
Norristown at Pennridge
Germantown Academy at Penn Charter
Archbishop Wood at Monsignor Bonner
LAST WEEK: 15-2
YEAR: 154-47




Pray for the victims
Week 11 NCAA Predictions (winner in yellow)
South Florida at Syracuse
(21) Texas at Missouri
(13) Michigan State at Iowa
(19) Nebraska at (12) Penn State
Ohio State at Purdue
Florida at (15) South Carolina
(2) Oklahoma State at Texas Tech
West Virginia at (23) Cincinnati
Pittsburgh at Louisville
Kentucky at Vanderbilt
Miami at Florida State
Texas A&M at (17) Kansas State
(22) Michigan at Illinois
(16) Wisconsin at Minnesota
(24) Auburn at (14) Georgia
TCU at (5) Boise State
Washington at (18) USC
UCLA at Utah
Oregon (6) at Stanford (3)
Arizona State at Washington State
LAST WEEK: 13-7
YEAR: 139-62




Don't count the Falcons out yet
Week 10 NFL Predictions (winner in yellow)
Raiders at Chargers 
Saints at Falcons
Steelers at Bengals
Rams at Browns
Bills at Cowboys
Jaguars at Colts
Broncos at Chiefs
Redskins at Dolphins
Cardinals at Eagles
Texans at Buccaneers
Titans at Panthers
Ravens at Seahawks
Lions at Bears
Giants at 49ers
Patriots at Jets
Vikings at Packers
LAST WEEK: 9-5 
YEAR: 86-44