NOV. 25
TURKEY BOWL
King 22, Germantown 6
   Thirteen years --- that was how long this game, which is a white-hot rivalry, had been with the Bears of Germantown. Thirteen years!. But this year MLK, with excellent line play, took this one back to Stenton and Haines!! The Cougars had a solid all-round effort spearheaded by sr. running backs Tirrell Dikeyser (11 carries for 81 yards) and Jared Williams (15-53). The Cougars took charge early. Williams plunged in from the two yard line and the Cougars took command. Every year it seems King comes out and makes a play then the Bears respond with a score. This time junior halfback Reginald Lloyd ran twenty-seven yards and the Bears faithful got excited. The Cougars, showing much poise, marched right down the field and put eight points up, when Williams added a 6 yard scoring run. Then quarterback Jeff Campbell threw to Darnell Gindrow for the conversion. The ensuing kickoff was key. Lloyd returned it 90 yards, but one of his teammates clipped (obviously too) a Cougar and the play was negated. The Cougar defense, led by junior linebacker Jeff Davis (10 tackles) and senior Caison Austin (7 tackles), shut down any thoughts of a comeback this year. Also, a game ball has to go the line play of King, which was beyond solid. Andre Jones, number 72, and Rodney "House" Carroll (6'3, 320-plus), number 77, definitely stood out. Also, both Dikeyser and Williams are underrated performers. Dikeyser runs through tackles , and Williams seems to be on his way up. He could be really good down the line.  The exclamation point came in the third quarter when Cyril Woodland plunged in from the two yard line and the Golden Cougar faithful let out a huge sigh of relief. Hitter of the day, number 54 Larry Allen had a couple of hard pops. Big runner in the clutch easy, Raheem "Rah-Rah" Isaac who goes 5'4 120 and all of that is heart. The 13 year domination was over... The Bears completed their season with a four-game losing streak. Senior Robert Fisher (6'0 200), who had 8 tackles, should have definite D-II looks. Lineman James Cartwright and safety Xavier Shaw, 6'1 185, a first year football player (6 tackles), did play well while many of their teammates struggled.
   Sidenotes- King people were estactic this year. Here goes a great comment: "The turkey gonna taste better with some champagne." . . . Too many beautiful women to count. Lord, I love this game!!... King, after a few penalties in the third quarter, (unsportsmanlike penalites) had second and 80. First time I heard that announced in my life. G-Town announcer Stephanie Singletary , a teacher at G-Town, commented when Isaac ran for a key first down, "He is a tough little guy." After an errant pass hit Coach Mike Hawkins, she nearly commented, "Pass intended for Coach Hawkins." Then she said, "Can't play with Mike like that." . . . Excellent drill team and band performances for both schools. Any people out there with money, please get them uniforms and equipment because they deserve it.

NOV. 12
NON-LEAGUE
Roxborough 28 Imhotep Charter 0
   Sloppy ugly football for much of the game. One of the only bright spots was Indians’ tailback Chris Mitchell who ran 19 times for 184 yards, 3 touchdowns. He is impressive and a definite D-II state school level player. The other Indians making an impression were sophomore Caldon Pierce, a big interception, and edgy quarterback Carl Scott, who aided the Indians with his ball handling on what was really an unplayable field. It was muddy and wet; I thought the game would get canceled due to no drainage. Mitchell is now the school’s leading rusher for a season. Imhotep played well they fought hard and made some hard tackles. They have some good young athletes.
   Sidenotes: Why is the drainage so bad at Roxy. I mean, somebody did not do their job, right?

NOV. 4
NON-LEAGUE
King 18, Franklin 6
   Lots of rain, I mean when King is finished constructing the pond on its campus. (Yes a pond with fish near Haines Street. Can't wait to buy a grilled fish on Haines Street.) Anyway when they are finished the pond, be careful for days like this because that pond would overflow. Nasty weather, means nasty football, kids bobbling snaps and fumbling footballs. Nothing was wrong with the ran for King RB Tirrell Dekeyser he was impressive on his first two carries he went to the house. First an 80 yard burst up the middle. Then a 59 yard off a counter. The Cougars had fairly decent line play namely senior Andre Jones. Also as usual strong defensive play from DB Sammy Tranks (6 tackles) and Jeff Davis (9 tackles and 1 intereception.) They were helped by defensive end Larry Allen who had 6 tackles as well. Tranks had a 71 yard kickoff return called back when a teammate made a foolish, senseless unneeded block in the back, it still should make for good tape for I-AA schools.Franklin had their moments in the rain, runningback Maurice Dantzler was impressive in the rain. He scored a 14 yard touchdown, and also he added 7 tackles. Also shining on defense was senior Adam Moffit (5 tackles).
   Sidenotes: Rain, rain, go away.

OCT. 29
NON-LEAGUE
Overbrook 60, Imhotep Charter 8
   The hopes of many involved with the Overbrook football program were not directed at the match-up with the Panthers of Imhotep Charter. Instead, they wanted their West Philly/Southwest Philadelphia brethren, the Braves of Bartram, to handle the Franklin Electrons, and at least not lose by more than 13 points. The game at hand was pretty much done after the opening whistle; senior cornerback  Devon Starks returned a punt 39 yards to get the scoring started. Then freshman defensive end Lamont McGlaughlin (6’0 190) returned a fumble 42 yards, and this all happened in the first two minutes of play. The "Hilltoppers" really hit their stride in the second quarter when they tallied 33 points, highlighted by the running of senior back William Brownlee (8 carries for 103 yards). Brownlee also had an interception. Senior Quarterback/ Safety Jarrett Johnson threw for a touchdown, ran for a touchdown and had an interception return for a touchdown.  Also shining was senior linebacker-fullback Marquice Freeman, who ran for two scores and played a good outside linebacker. IC had some good athletes, namely QB Rashad Mims and HB Sam Gordon, but mostly was physically overmatched and inferior in many ways to Overbrook. After word came that Bartram had broken an 8-8 tie with the Electrons, Brook started in a mini-celebration with the game in the 4th quarter, Coach Ken Sturm and his assistants calmed the players down and chastised them to have respect for their opponents. With the game over and his team assembled, Sturm made it known that the Braves had a lead late in the fourth quarter and then told his team that it was "History" in Overbrook making the playoffs for the first time in 77 years of football! The players celebrated like crazy and the roughly forty or so supporters on the field celebrated Overbrook (the Public school with arguably the top athletic tradition in not only the city but beyond) making the playoffs!!!!!
   Sidenotes- Who woulda thunk it? The Red Sox win the World Series (86 years) and Overbrook makes the playoffs (77 years) in the same week.

OCT. 22
PUBLIC NORTH
Northeast 29, King 18
   This one had the feel that all games should have... It was like a neighborhood reunion, it could have very well been Ivy Hill Saints vs. West Oak Lane Wildcats, it seemed like everybody knew each other from youth football and their neighborhood and you know the old saying -- close ties make for good football.. This one had Fourth of July fireworks at the start, King 's star WR-MP- DB Sammy Tranks took a the opening kickoff 80 yards for the score and the entire place got rockin'.... Then NE athlete Jeremiah Pitt took the next kickoff 68 yards and following a Chris Mountney kick the Vikings are on top, the Cougars march back down the field and get a score when Jeff Campbell (6'4 185) hits Marquis Clark with an absolute rope from 25 yards out but oh wait offensive pass interfeence and that one is coming back.... Next drive NE goes to the house again, Pitt scampers 27 yard in his unorthodox running style for a score.., leading the way with some good blocking was senior fullback, Chris Banks, who is a good runner, blocker and all round football player (he is not a bad journalist either in his spare time.) Banks would add a one hard run. King is not done yet, Mr. Heart aka Raheem "Rah Rah" Isaac 5-4 120 pound back took a run inside and then out for a 50  yard touchdown run.... Then King was in striking distance after Campbell finds Darnell Gindrow on fourth down for a score. King seems to be ready to stop Northeast in the last couple of minutes of play key 3rd and 4 for the Vikings, Darrin Smith takes a handoff and wills himself past the King defenders 47 yards and the Vikings will dance in the playoffs after a two year layoff. Then like most family affairs lots of hugs and talk after the game.........
   Sidenotes- NE stud WR Rockeed McCarter did not get a lot of chances today, but when he and QB Cordia "Chop" Mosely get a chance watch out... Teddy Joseph (NE senior 6'1 22) had a wicked hit at the game's end.... Lots of fans, lots of talent, no scouts, shame on you!!!!!!!!!! Also, King has a nice young defensive back in Khalief Davis, who snared an interception... Jordan Strickland a Northeast junior had 7 tackles a fumble recovery and a huge snare of an onsides kick......Coaches, request this tape: lots of 1-AA and D-2 talent on display.

OCT. 15
PUBLIC SOUTH
Franklin 14, West Phila. 0
   What a fun contest to watch in the middle of yet another rainy day of football? Not really that much fun but at times there was lots of excitement. Most of the excitement came from the Electron's offensive backs, junior QB Frank Anderson (5'8 135), and runningbacks Maurice Dantzler and Barton French. Anderson got the Electrons on the scoreboard early, with a crowd pleasing six yard touchdown run in which he jumped up and over a Speedboy defender into the end zone! Frank or "Mr. Anderson" as the crowd called him was victimized by four dropped passes on his way to 0-8 miseries, however he did look good. Dantzler is the "real deal", he runs hard and fast and drags defenders with ease. He is very similar to former Franklin star, Jermaine "Beanie" Smith '01. He scored the other touchdown and ran 12 times for 112 yards. Only a junior his future bears watching; he also was a bull on defense with 9 tackles. French, quick and tough, ran for 98 yards on 11 carries and had an 80 yard punt return touchdown called back, (he stepped out of bounds, barely). Another star for the Electrons was 6'3 270 lineman Johnie Gray (Get rid of the "H" and that is an absolutely awesome name) he along with sophomore center Steven Parr  and defensive end Kordell Morgan led the Electrons ' solid line play. The Speedboys had a rough day. They do have some promising athletes and will probably become a factor next year when some of their young players mature. Sophomore quarterback Brandon Johnson (6'2 165) has potential, due to a decent arm and quickness. WR/DB Charles Henryhand is pretty good, but surprisingly underutilized. He has good speed and plays a nice defensive back (4 tackles). Multipurpose player Mujahid Mack, a junior, could become a "Henryhand" clone by next year.
   Sidenotes- Why does the clock at 29th Street not work? Didn't they just buy it, anyway?

OCT. 8
NON-LEAGUE
Lincoln 19, Gratz 0
   Strange games can be good games... First drive of the game, the Railsplitters went to work and senior quarterback Kareem Dennis (6'3 185) found receiver Khaleef Ings for a 55-yard touchdown reception. After a good defensive stand, the Railsplitters scored again with Dennis doing the honors on a 1-yard run. The rest of the first half and most of the third quarter was all Gratz.  Jr.   RB Donald "Shug" King is the truth. I love his smooth yet tough running style. He carried 20 times for 80 yards. The Bulldogs would get close on a few occasions but could not punch it in. The leading reason why was the Abraham Lincoln defense spearheaded by one tough son of a gun in senior linebacker Joe DiGrazio (6'1 210) . Thus far I am not sure I've seen a better linebacker than this kid. He is a good athlete and packs a punch. And like most linebackers (at least the good ones anyway) he appears to be just crazy enough to intimidate offensive players. DiGrazio had 10 total tackles. He should make for a helluva state school player. The most productive rusher was Rory Stallworth (5'9 185) who carried 8 times for 83 yards. The other back, Terrell Denson (5'11 200), had some key carries but was mostly bottled up. I do love his long-term potential as a ballcarrier. The Bulldogs, who are much improved, have some key parts -- I like Rec-DB Richard Sheppard a lot; he seems like  a SLEEPER. (The capital letters are for emphasis; request a tape as he is pretty good.) I also was impressed with sr. FB/LB Anthony Wallace (5'11 235)  he is very frisky and hyperactive. (There was a lot of talent on the field this game.) Center/DT Lamont Lee-Edgefield is a four year starter and very consistent.
   Sidenotes: Lincoln Head Coach Gene Kelly is back and worked well in tandem with Kevin Reilly .......Gratz had a good turnout of fans so there was some intense cheering between the students: Lincoln - "Gold and Black" Gratz -"Red and White."........."Koz" give Coach Gus Felder your check!!!!!!!!!!! (smile).....Nice turnout of Gratz football alums.

SEPT. 24
PUBLIC NORTH
Mastbaum 14, King 6
   This game was fun to watch, when "Pub" teams rear back and let the quarterbacks throw the ball, a lot of fun is had by one and all.  Both teams have talented quarterbacks, King’s Jeff Campbell (6’3 205) and Mastbaum’s Markies Tavares (5’10 180). Campbell would be the first to put points on the scoreboard. Campbell hit junior Marquis Clark in the chest and 64 yards later he was in the end zone, in the second quarter. The Baum would strike back and  in style. Tavares, using his gifted senior receivers, Luis Sanchez (6’0 165)  and Sherrod "Sheet Rock" Evers (6’3 170), went to work. With Sanchez and Evers both making highlight reel catches over defenders and keeping their feet inbounds on tight sideline throws. This would be capped off by Tavares finding Sanchez in the back on of the end zone, 14 yards out and Sanchez made a pretty catch while keeping his foot in bounds. Second half: Mastbaum’s defensive intensity goes through the roof. Senior linebacker Perrell Jones (5’9 180), who bagged 9 tackles, led the defense and scored the eventual winning touchdown on a four-yard run.  As always King makes a game of it late. WR Sammy Tranks (who had an intense personal duel with Evers all game long) takes a reverse 57 yards up the field setting up a potential tying score. Evers made a touchdown-saving tackle on the play. The drive continues in large part due to a key scramble from Campbell, who runs over a Panther defensive back for a key first down. The following play Campbell has Tranks in the end zone, as Tranks jumps the ball hit his fingertips and spirals towards the ground, Evers somehow makes the catch and keeps his foot inside the end zone and grabs a CLUTCH interception. Evers had a big game: 2 interceptions, 5 tackles, 5 receptions for 73 yards. He is a Division I prospect most likely on the I-AA level. Campbell, a Division I prospect as well, had a rough outing 4-17 111 yards. The King defense was led by junior Jeff Davis (5’11 190) who had 8 tackles.
   Sidenotes-  This game is always good…….. Lots of fans…..Lots of trash talk…….Lots of fun.

SEPT. 18
PUBLIC MID-CITY
Germantown 20, Penn 0
   Sloppy, nasty, disgusting weather. Are you kidding me? It rained sideways and and it rained sideways and it rained sideways. The game was a little sideways, if you get the point. Five fumbles, three muffs and several other ball mishaps. The Bears of Germantown won this one, but were hardly sharp or dominating. The top Bear on offense was senior quarerback Brandon Cuff (6'0 175). Cuff  found senior receiver Aaron Terrell  for a 21 yard touchdown pass. I have to give him "mad props" for that because it was a touch pass in the wind and rain, and Terrell who had a big day as well made a good catch. Cuff, showing improved mobility, also ran 10 times for 69 yards.  Also, starring was sophomore two-way back Mark McPherson (5'9 170)  with the normal tailback Akeem Johnson on the sideline with an injury. McPherson ran 8 times for 79 yards. He also is a good defensive back. Senior linebacker Robert Fisher ( 6'0  175) did some rockin'; he had 8 tackles. Fellow linebacker Korey Carter (5'11 200)  and defensive back Xavier Shaw (6'1 160) helped on defense, often combining for tackles. They both finished with 7 tackles total. Terrell added a key safety late in the second quarer. The Lions? They will be coming on soon. They will continue to get better. I did like the play of Devon Morton -Battles on defense and lineman Gary Jones was solid also.  
   Sidenotes- Anything funnier than these nicknames for some of the Bears, "Shrek" and the "Donkey". Of course if you have not seen Shrek or Shrek 2, it may be something you cannot grasp. Also, some kid is named "Radio."

SEPT. 10
NON-LEAGUE
University City 34, Olney 0
   File this one under interesting. The Jaguars are a lot better this year and at least against the woeful Trojans they got a well-earned victory. The Jaguars have a few capable running backs. Junior Tailback Amir Muhammad (5'9 155) was the headliner in this one. On   fourth down on the team's opening drive he broke a run outside and received a big-time block from backfield mate Arnold Malloy, and took it to the house on a 48 yard scamper. The Jags were far from done after Malloy added the conversion run. They went to work again, sophomore Quarterback, Steven Baxley scampered home from ten yards out. Then Muhammad receiving a pass from Baxley runs seventeen yards for the score. The romp is on. Up until this point the Jaguars are being coached by Lou Williams and the assistants. Head Coach Rob Williams arrives with a 22 point lead and a fired up group of players. In the second half they add two more scores as they win in   romp 34-0. (When have you ever heard of U-City always the best dressed team in the city, beating somebody 34-0?) They stand a chance of being decent in the PL South. FB-LB Anthony Williams (5-10 190) is the emotional leader, he always packs a wallop on defense. He had 8 hard tackles. Steve Coleman (6'1 290) anchored the lines. Junior's Sterling Johnson ( 4 carries for 36 yards) and Avante Carson (5'11 170) both snagged interceptions, they both have potential. Olney is young on the field, they are woefully inexperienced and will have another rough season. Tyshaun Brian (6'0 200)  and John Miles (5'11 195) did show some promise on defense however.
   Sidenotes- Olney hopes to add players in the upcoming week, I counted 22 players even today. With the North wars coming up they need every available body, or I foresee a season cut short . . . U-City cheerleaders  did an excellent job all game long . . . Running back Jamar Goss had a nice 40 yard touchdown run . . . Somebody compared this game to the Bad News Bears meet D-5 from the (Mighty Ducks Movie Trilogy) on the football field.

SEPT. 3
NON-LEAGUE
Germantown 16, Mastbaum 12
   After an immense delay this one started close to 4:00 pm . The buses were late, Mastbaum had only about 15 minutes to get loose. The field had no hash marks, no individual yard lines and it took forever for the field to be opened. Welcome to the PIAA. Only in the Pub. Excuse me . . . Only in the 12. Then the game started, Germantown got going first, when speedy running back Akeem Johnson leading the rushing attack on their first offensive series setting up senior QB Brandon Cuff’s one yard run. Johnson hits the hole quickly and can take a hit, his progress bears watching as he is only a junior.. Cuff followed with conversion and the Bears, surprisingly, were on top, 8-0. The Panthers would answer. Their QB, Markies Tavares (5’8 160), has a crew of talented receivers, Sherrod "Sheet Rock" Evers (6‘1 175), Kyle Hall, Luis Sanchez and Ifen Onwodi. A couple of times they lined up three wide receivers in a "trips type" set and went long with it. One such play resulted in a 35 yard pass play from Tavares to Evers that was highly impressive. It also put the Panthers within two, at 8-6. Then the more experienced Panthers got their ground game going with senior  Perrell Jones (5’8 240)   taking an 11 yard run into the end zone and the Panthers led 12-8 at the half. More importantly the Panthers are dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of ball. The Germantown coaching staff got into their young charges during the halftime break and then the line play REALLY improved. It was capped by running back A. Johnson’s 32 yard run to put the Bears on top. On the conversion, Cuff found junior receiver Aaron Terrell (6’0 175). The Panthers responded by using backs Jones and Howard Fletcher (5’6 160). They marched down the field in the early stages of the fourth quarter setting up second and goal; the resulting play was somewhat befuddling. The play was for a roll-out pass and it resulted with a intentional grounding call. Then a holding play followed and we had a really botched opportunity. They would have another chance in the waning moments. Tavares, using his receivers, gets to the 18 yard line with four seconds remaining. After a pass interference penalty it is half the distance to the goal line with 0:00 remaining on the clock. Jones receives a hand-off and is tackled by sophomore defensive back Mark McPherson (5’10 170) at the two yard line. WOW!!!!!!! That was a great second half. The Mastbaum defense was lead by Stephon Webb (10 tackles) and Jones (7 tackles). Germantown was led by the two-way play of junior FB-LB Andre Fisher (5’11 180) who had 8 tackles and rushed for 30 yards, and provided key blocking.
   Sidenotes- Nice field at Lincoln, beautiful in fact……. Angry Mastbaum supporters yelled at Coach Al Coleman at the end of the game, "You called a pass on the one yard line??? People don’t do that when they even playing Madden!!!!" ... It was his first game as Head Coach, give him some slack.