Pennridge playback: A look at where the Rams stand

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

BASEBALL
Pre-season expectations - Important players graduated, but that does not stop the Rams from expecting to win the league and have a strong post season showing. With two-time MVP Dylan Tice returning for his senior season the Rams expect nothing less than a winning season.

Where they currently sit - The Rams lost a tough game to Souderton, but beating North Penn has them tied with the Knights atop the Continental Conference. They have not blown out many opponents and the offense has had its funks, but they are still in strong position to reach their pre-season goals. A win on Monday over North Penn will put matters into their own hands and they should win the 3rd straight league title.
Team MVP: Jared Schaffer (Sr.)
Breakout player: Oscar Mikols (Sr.)

SOFTBALL
Pre-season expectations - The Rams were competitive in 2010 and with the battery of Emily Hofmann and Paige Decew returning I figured the Rams to be a notch below Hatboro-Horsham and North Penn, but still compete for one of the last spots in the district playoffs.

Where they currently sit - It took a little longer for the Rams to get on the same page with first year head coach Paul Koehler and they lost a handful of close games. The league and post season aspirations may be a long stretch, but with the roster being made of mostly sophomores and freshman the Rams really need to finish strong.
Team MVP: Emily Hofmann (Jr.)
Breakout player: Emily Mayhew (Fr.)

BOYS LACROSSE
Pre season expectations - The Rams have never put fear into the eyes of their opponents and no one targeted them to be contenders except themselves. The Rams felt heart and passion can win games against team with more talent. I thought they'd be middle of the pack.
Where they currently sit - The Rams are middle of the pack with a 4-4 record, but they have shown the ability to compete with some of the best teams in the area. No one is surprised when the Rams pull of a so-called upset anymore. They are still looking for some offense on a consistent basis, but they are getting better everyday.
Team MVP: Brian White (Sr.)
Breakout player: Eric Fernandez (So.)

GIRLS LACROSSE
Pre season expectations - The Rams felt they had enough talent returning to make in consecutive years in the district playoffs. While the league is one of the toughest in the area, a third or fourth place finish could have been enough to say they were one of the top 32 teams in District One.
Where they currently sit - Last Wednesday was the first league win of the year for the Rams, certainly something they did not expect. The loss of some players that are now playing in college really were a bigger blow than they thought.
Team MVP: Nikki Beck (Sr.)
Breakout player: Taylor Dachowski (So.)

VOLLEYBALL
Pre season expectations - The Rams lost two all-state players from their District One championship squad, but they still believed they had what it takes to make another run at it. I had my doubts about a district title, but they definitely were going to be able to keep the league winning streak alive.
Where they currently sit - They still  have not lost against the league since 2008 and a lot of polls have them in the top 10 in the state. The have just plugged in players and they are all so fundamentally sound. They just win games and are my favorite to win the District One title again.
Team MVP: Jake Braun (Sr.)
Breakout player: Matt Trumbower (Sr.)

2011 NFL Mock Draft

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

I'm not a scout and I do not play one on TV. But I do watch enough football to know what teams will need when they take the field (when being the key word).
Using experts and scouts as my guide to where the future NFL stars are expected to be drafted I will try and predict the future. Trust me, my crystal ball is dusty, but I think I should be able to come to close to what actually happens.
I'm excited for the draft next week. It may be the only football related event we get this year. (I HATE LOCKOUTS)

Cam Newton

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton (QB) Auburn - You don't get the first pick without needing help in all areas. Their biggest need is a seat filler and Cam is the biggest personality with the the biggest upside. I say rookie head coach Ron Rivera has nothing to lose by going big.

2. Denver Broncos: Von Miller (OLB) Texas A&M - The defense has been awful in recent years and Miller is a pash rusher that can cuase havoc for years under new head coach John Fox. It was a tough choice between him and Darius.

3. Buffalo Bills: Marcel Darius (DT) Alabama - Believe or not the Bills like their skill positions. They have a solid secondary and a mixed bag at linebacker, but Darius is the best player on the board at a position they need. Done deal.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green (WR) Georgia - It looks like Ochocinco and TO are taking their show elsewhere. Green has the potential to be the next Andre Johnson, so Cincy can't pass him up. Maybe the acquisition will keep Carson Palmer in Ohio.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn (DE) UNC - I think the Cards go somewhere other than the draft to get a quarterback. They have a team that can win now if they have someone sort of proven under center. Look for them to bolster their defense.

Julio Jones

6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones (WR) Alabama - I think they go with Colt McCoy for at least one full season before they look elsewhere. Jones gives McCoy a big target that can go and get the passes they are not exactly on the mark.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert (QB) Missouri - While Alex Smith and Troy Smith both showed the good and bad last season the Niners need to add another name into the hat. The fans have had enough Smiths and Gabbert is the best signal caller on the board.

8. Tennessee Titans: Patrick Peterson (CB) LSU - If Gabbert or Newton is there look out, but if not they will continue to add to the secondary. They have solid safeties, now they need a guy like Peterson that can shut down Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne types single handedly.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith (OL) USC - I know Jerry Jones likes to go sexy with his first round pick, especially this high, but offensive minded coach Jason Garrett knows Tony Romo needs more time in the pocket in they are going to win in 2011.

10. Washington Redskins: Nick Fairley (DT) Auburn - Another team that hopes Gabbert or Newtown will fall. They will probably take the best player no matter the position and Nick Fairley meets a need and could be a beast next to Brian Orakpo, filling the shoes of Albert Haynesworth.

11. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara (CB) Nebraska - It was a legendary awful secondary last year and the Texans are praying their Prince will be waiting for them when the clock strikes.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Jimmy Smith (DB) Colorado - Another team that can stop the run, but is old in the secondary. Smith may not expected to go this high, but they'll either trade down or just take Smith.

Da'Quan Bowers

13. Detroit Lions: Da'Quan Bowers (DE) Clemson - At one point some though Carolina would take him at number one. I can see Bower falling to Detroit. They have a star-studded threesome on offense (Stafford, Best, Johnson), now Suh gets a partner in crime for the next decade.

14. St. Louis Rams: Kyle Rudolph (TE) Notre Dame - There are no wide receivers worth taking here, but Rudolph could be Bradford's favorite goal line target immediately.

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram (RB) Alabama - Ronnie Brown can't stay healthy and Ricky Williams is running out of gas. Ingram is the only every down back in this draft class and Miami would be mistaken not to snatch him up.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rodney Hudson (OL) Florida St. - Offensive line is always a problem and whenever they can grab an instate guy in the first round they do it. Even if it is not the greatest value.

17. New England Patriots: JJ Watt (DE) Wisconsin - The Pats need a guy that can play on the other side of Jerod Mayo and put a little life back into the aging unit.

Anthony Castonzo

18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith (DE) Missouri - They may think runningback, but I think they stay with best available and continue to rebuild that defense. With Phillip Rivers at QB a solid defense can win them the West every year.

19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo (OL) Boston College - The G-Men enjoy their BC lineman and they will go back to the well for another one for a unit that is finally seeing the injuries build up after years of health.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Stephen Paea (DT) Oregon State - Paea will be a solid building block for a young defense that needs a guy that can stop the run and rough up the passer.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Pouncey (OL) Florida - If the Chiefs can add a guy like Pouncey to the offensive line the tandem of Jamaal Charles and Tom Jones could have career years. Also, if Matt Cassel gets the time he needs thanks to Pouncey he could be a pro-bowler. With time in the pocket Cassel makes all the throws.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Corey Liuget (DT) Illinois - Injuries to a defense have been constant and they need someone that can play all four downs between Freeney and Mathis.

Gabe Carimi

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi (OL) Wisconsin - They could go secondary if they are in love with a guy, but I expect Andy Reid will go back to his one and only love and try to rebuild a offensive line to protect Mike Vick.

24. New Orleans Saints: Mikel Leshoure (RB) Illinois - It is clear now that Reggie Bush is a luxury and  not that main man and Pierre Thomas cannot stay healthy. This late in the first round you cannot fault New Orleans for picking up the best running back on the board.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker (QB) Washington - This is a gut call by me. I know they gave a lot of money to Charlie Whitehurst and Hasslebeck is still there, but Pete Carroll played against Locker in the PAC10 and remembers the good days. I say they take a risk on the local boy.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Jordan (DE) Cal - The Ravens are always finding guys that fit their defense and Jordan should be able to play important downs right away.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Akeem Ayers (OLB) UCLA - They may look for a skill player to take the pressure off Roddy White, but in the end I think they bolster their line backing crew with the best available player. If tight end Kyle Rudolph falls look for Atlanta to soar down and get Tony Gonzalez's replacement.

28. New England Patriots: Torrey Smith (WR) Maryland - No more Randy Moss, how far can Tom Brady go with no name deep threats to compliment Wes Welker. Look for the Pats to use their second first round pick on the burner.

29. Chicago Bears: Nate Solder (OL) Colorado - The o-line had its good days, but it also had the worst days the NFL has ever seen. Solder is solid should add depth to a area of need.

Muhammad Wilkerson

30. New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson (DE) Temple - Rex Ryan loves his wife's feet almost as much as he love defense and Wilkerson has the raw skills to be an animal off the edge. He could learn from one of the best in Jason Taylor.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Kerrigan (DE) Purdue - At this point you usually go best on your board and while the linebacking crew is stable another young, healthy body on the d-line could be needed.

32. Green Bay Packer: Derrek Sherrod (OL) Miss St. - The champs are strong everywhere except offensive line, so they will take the best run blocker on their board.

Catching up with Montgomery Media Alumni

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Tristan Roberts (Pennrigde) had 40 total tackles for Pittsburgh and recovered one fumble playing outside linebacker.

Cody Muller (Souderton) saw limited playing time for New Hampshire, but did make three tackles from his defensive end position.

Ronnie Akins

Ronnie Akins (North Penn) made 54 tackles and two interceptions playing defensive back for Villanova in 2010.

John Howell (Lansdale Catholic) scored four touchdowns and rushed for 102 yards and had 102 yard receiving in a limited role for Navy.

Lehigh University competed in the Lafayette Invitational on 4/2/11. Freshman Ryan Knouse (Pennridge) finished 13th overall in the 3000 meter run.

Freshman Brad Miles (North Penn) best finish for Baylor University was 3rd place in the UTA Season Opener. He also finsihed 7th in the Bear Twilight Invitational and 78th in the Big 12 Championships.

Zac Kohler

Junior Zac Kohler (Pennridge) ended the Millersville Metrics in first place of the decathlon on 4/10/11. He finished in the top 5 of 10 events. He took first in the the high jump and the 1500 meter run. Kohler is now ranked 5th all-time in Millersville history in the outdoor decathlon.

Sophomore Courtney Wolff (Pennridge) played in 14 games for West Chester field hockey and recorded two assists.

Kenton Burckhart (Souderton) started all 19 soccer games in his senior season for Geneva College and finished with two goals and four assists.

Clearwater Christian College was loaded with Faith Christian alums that played a big part in a the second straight National Championship for the Cougars. Brothers Lucas, Dexter and Garrett Hollenbach along with Walter Scharf played big minutes.

Matt Makowski (Faith Christian) started 17 games in goal for American University soccer. He allowed 1.08 goals per game and stopped 80 percent of shots he was faced with.

Sisters Ashley and Marissa Kunkle (Pennridge) both started every game for Dickinson soccer in a 16-4-2 season. Marissa, a sophomore, had seven goals and five assists, while her senior sister scored four goals and had one assist.

Sarah Senoyuit (Pennridge) joined up with Dayton just in time to help them with an A-10 title in women's soccer. The freshman saw time in seven of the 21 games and should play a much bigger role next season.

Jess Casper

Jess Casper (Pennridge) saw time in 18 games as a freshman for Gardner-Webb and scored two goals for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

Josh Vargas (Faith Christian) was named to the All-XIX Region team for his basketball prowess at Northhampton Community College. He averaged 17 points per game and leaves as the school's all-time leading scorer.

CJ Aiken (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) took his lumps during his freshman year with St. Joe's, but by the end showed the promise he and his young teammates have. He set the freshman record for blocked shots (117) and 7.4 ppg and 4.3 rebounds.

Khaliff Wyatt (Norrsitown) played a giant role for Temple, who just missed a sweet 16 birth. Wyatt was instant offense off the bench and scored 10.1 points per game.

Brendan Stanton (Lansdale Catholic) took one shot all season for Gwnedd Mercy Griffins basketball and sunk the three-pointer. Dan Delconte (Wissahickon) averaged 13 points per game for the Griffins Doug Berzins (Spring-Ford) added 6.5 per game and 4 rebounds per game.

Mike Barr (Lansdale Catholic) saw action in 10 games for Scranton and shot 43 percent from the field in limited time. He scored a career high10 points against Juniata in 10 minutes off the bench.

AJ Picard (Souderton) saw around 10 minutes each game for Goldey-Beacon in his freshman basketball season. He averaged 3.4 ppg over the year.

Jimmy Connolly

Jimmy Connolly (Souderton) started 25 games for Philadelphia University and averaged a team high 16.9 points per game. His season high was 37 points against Concordia and he was named second team All-CACC.

Sophomore Shakia Robinson (North Penn) started 11 games for UMass and averaged 10.7 ppg and 5.7 rebounds.

Gwynedd Mercy women's basketball is full of Montgomery Media alums. Bryn Cotteta (Norristown) and Natasha Matthews (Norristown) each averaged over six points per game. Taylour Alston (North Penn) aslo averaged 6.6 after transferring over to the Lady Griffins. Her high school teammate Dara Nelson (North Penn) scored 4.4 ppg and fellow freshman Jordan Dominic (Pennridge) added 3.9 points per game.

Sam Simononis (Pennridge) played in 27 games for Vermont and was inserted into the starting lineup for the final eight games of the season. Her best game was against New Hampshire when she scored 12 points and pulled down seven rebounds.

Check out Tom McGlinchey's feature about Souderton swimming. CLICK HERE

Justin Deis (Pennridge) saw plenty of time in the pool as a freshman on the Mercyhurst water polo team. He scored nine goals, had one assist and one steal.

LaSalle University baseball is full of former Montgomery Media standouts and they are all contributing to the turn around. Adam Kammler (Pennridge) is hitting .315 with 6 RBIs and younger brother Eric Kammler (Pennridge) is hitting .289 with 10 RBIs and two home runs. Chris Umstead (Pennridge) has scored five runs and Zach Huff (Pennridge) has pitched 7 plus innings. Kevin Christy (North Penn) is 3-2 for the Explorers with 27 strikeouts in 27 innings.


Freshman Ryan Trauger (Pennridge) has pitched three scoreless innings for St. John's Fisher and he has fanned five batters in the progress.

Ryan Seiz

Ryan Seiz (Christopher Dock) has stepped right into the middle of the Louisville batting order and been a producer as a freshman. Seiz is hitting .288 with 2 homers and 12 RBIs for the Cardinals.

Chestnut Hill College is getting quality performances from multiple players that played their high school ball in the area. Mike Knipe (Pennridge) is hitting .279 with a team high 16 RBIs while Eric Blood (Pennridge) has stole eight bases. Ray Puskar (Pennridge) is battling injuries during his freshman year, but he has picked up his first collegiate hit. Desmond Lites (Academy of the New Church) has three hits at this point in his freshman year.

Freshman Lou Trivino (Upper Bucks Christian) was inserted directly into the Slippery Rock starting rotation and he has not disappointed. In seven starts (2-1 record) the big right hander has a 2.36 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 34 innings.

Dan Wolfe (Pennridge) is 2-for-9 in the very early stages of the Union College baseball season.

Jim Smith (North Penn) has started four games for Saint Peter's College and the freshman has not disappointed. He is hitting .381 with three RBIs.

Matt Albaugh

Matt Albaugh (North Penn) has become a staple in the Kutztown lineup and is hitting .349 with a homer and 17 RBIs. Todd Rubendall (Methacton) is hitting .326 for the Bears.

Eric Ruth (North Penn) has come out of the bullpen for Winthrop and compiled a 4-0 record with 27 strikeouts in 30 innings. The sophomore's ERA stands at 4.20 through 32 games.

Mike Bradstreet (North Penn) has made 12 appearances out of the Rhode Island bullpen and has a sparkling 2.29 ERA.

Robbie Zinsmeister (North Penn) is hitting a savvy .302 this year for IUP baseball with 11 steals and 19 RBIs. The shortstop has 32 hits in 32 games.

Freshman Keith Moyer (Souderton) and Andy Noga (Cheltenham) have been horses for East Stroudsburg. Noga has a 1.70 ERA and a 5-1 record after seven starts and Moyer has 27 strikeouts in 17 innings, mostly out out of the bullpen.

Johnny Casey (Abington) leads Widener lacrosse with 16 goals and 11 assists after nine games. Freshman Craig Hunsberger (Pennridge) has started eight games and has one goal to this point. He has won 49 percent of face offs and has 22 ground balls.

Kevin Figiniak (Pennridge) has wasted little time becoming the biggest scoring threat for Wheeling Jesuit lacrosse. In the first 10 games of his career he has 20 goals and three assists.

Jen Moyer (Pennridge) has stepped right in for Liberty and started every game, scoring 19 goals and dishing out four assist.
Emily Maher (Pennridge) has played in 13 games during her freshman season with American and has two goals and an assist.
Jess Roy (Pennridge) has seen the field in four games for Northwestern who has started the year 12-0 and are ranked number two in the country.

Shippensburg lacrosse has seen good season be put together by Jessica Schubach (Spring-Ford), who has 17 goals,  sophomore Roxanne Brown (Pennridge) who has eight goals and three assists, and Ali Cross (Upper Dublin) with six goals and two assists.

Kate Wacyk

Kate Wacyk (Pennridge) has exploded onto the softball scene for Hartford during her sophomore year. She leads the team with a .345 average, 4 homers and 10 RBIs.

Mary Ward (North Penn) and Dee Eppinger (North Penn) has been solid in the lineup. Ward, a freshman, is hitting .291 and Eppinger had 19 RBIs in 29 games. Senior Erin Holloway (Souderton) is 14-2 with a 1.58 ERA. She has struck out 130 batters 106 innings.

Stevenson had its best year in school history and freshman Austin Jacoby (Pennridge) played a huge part in it. Jacoby led the team with 391 kills leading the Mustangs in that category.