After this game, as I stood on the field, I found myself getting very choked up. Tears began running down my face as I took photos of the game celebration. These tears were not just tears of joy due to the most exciting game I’ve ever seen. They were also due to the fact that this could be the last Thanksgiving Day game for awhile (or ever). Since 1974, when I attended my first North/Frankford game, Thanksgiving morning was a tradition for me. No matter where I was eating turkey, the people there knew that I would be at the game. Whether it was at the old Temple stadium, Frankford’s stadium, the Vet (1978) or LaSalle’s McCarthy stadium (this year). It was just something that I had to do. It was a place that I had to be. As I stood there, taking photos, it hit me that this could be my last. If not the last, than the last for a couple of years.
The North/Frankford game is more than just a football game. It’s a place to see old friends, teammates and classmates. It’s a place to reminisce about the old days; to get caught up with old friends about where we are in life.
When I began attending North/Frankford games, I used to root for the Pioneers. You see, I’m the youngest of five children, and my three older brothers, as well as my sister, are all Frankford grads. But, mom wanted one of her children to attend catholic school for 12 years, so I was the one. Up until my freshman year at North, I dreamed of playing football for Al Angelo at Frankford. I just assumed that I would follow the path of my 3 brothers and attend North for one year and then transfer to Frankford. It wasn’t in my cards, as my mom broke the news to me that I would be staying at North. I was very upset, but mom kept assuring me that it was the best thing for me. Three years later, on the steps of the Convention Center, after my graduation ceremony, I stopped my parents and said, “Mom, dad, I just wanted to let you know that I’m grateful that you made me stay at North. This was the best thing for me, and I know I’ll appreciate it even more in the future.” Twenty-eight years later, I can honestly say that being a North grad is one of the best things that has happened to me. And, I’m still grateful to my parents for allowing me the opportunity to be a Falcon.
I am thankful for….
….being given the opportunity to be part of the greatest rivalry in Philadelphia High School football history.
….the friends that I made while attending North, playing for North, coaching at North and helping out behind the scenes.
….my parents, who insisted that I stay at North Catholic. North Catholic helped make me that man that I am today.
…. North’s Athletic Director, Paul Dixon. Paul had a tough job this year, and being the new guy, I was required to bust his stones. Paul has a great sense of humor and he does understand the North mentality.
…Mike McBride and Mike Ritchie, both of whom I mentioned in this blog several times over the last year. They are both huge supporters of North Catholic, and both are great sports and I’m a better man for knowing each of these fine men.
….Men like Ed White ’55, and Mike Fagan ’57. It is men like this who I see at nearly every North game that I attend and men who I hope to be like some day. They are in the category of “Super Fan”, not so much for attending so many games, but because of their long time support of their alma mater. Both men are a true inspiration to me.
….Tim Murphy ‘71, our 2010 baseball coach. Tim and I have become great friends over the past few years, and I have seen nothing in him but a huge heart and commitment to North Catholic. The best thing I can say about Murph is that he is a true friend.
….Coach Szydlik, and his coaching staff, who always made me feel at home when I was around the team. I was granted unprecedented access to the team and was honored to share my experiences with all of you through this blog and the team site.
….The 2009 Northeast Catholic football Falcons, who came together, despite a tough year for all Falcons, and made it to the championship game, and prevailed on Thanksgiving Day. This team accomplished the two things that I ask of North teams. First, they were, and will always be, winners. Second, they represented the true spirit of Northeast Catholic, on and off the field. I don’t know what will happen to these young men in the future, but you can count on the fact that they will be better off due to the fact that they got a taste of being a Northeast Catholic Falcon.
….finally, I am grateful to you, and the rest of the visitors to this blog, as well as the football team site (www.NorthCatholicFootball.com). You allowed me into your world during the past 5 seasons. Hopefully, I helped you follow the team more closely over these years.
Did You Notice…..
….if it wasn’t for overflow North fans sitting on the Frankford bleachers, their stands would have looked a bit empty. (Personal Note: Frankford grads always talk about how much they love and support their team. How about showing up for a couple of games every now and then).
….Many people watched the game from the ballroom, overlooking the north endzone. Apparently, there was a brunch set up there and about 100 North fans took part advantage of it.
….That the game was available as a webcast, including video and audio? Thanks to Anthony and John Biondo (both NC grads), and Biondo Communications, the webcast was pulled off without a hitch. I caught the replay after I got home and I have to say that they did a great job.
….there is no press box at McCarthy stadium, so some coaches, our film guy and the webcast folks, all had to do there thing from the building in the endzone. Regular announcer, Mike Kaiser, did his thing from the bleachers.
….once again, Taylor Rand sang the National Anthem before the game. Nobody sings that song better than Taylor. We certainly going to miss hearing her sing before North football games.
…..The flannel crew was in attendance, but unlike previous years, they didn’t all sit in the same section. Some sat on the Frankford side, some on the North side. But, at halftime, they were all on the field doing there pyramid thing. And, once again, after a valiant effort, the pyramid got “this close” before collapsing to the ground.
….that the track at McCarthy stadium is named for Frank Wetzler, who happens to be a former NC football player, and track star? If I haven’t mentioned it before, I’ll say it now…..North guys are everywhere.
….the coin toss was done by NC’s Kevin McCloskey and Fkd’s Skip Angelo. Kevin, a North grad and Iraq war vet, flipped the coin to Skip, son of legendary coach, Al Angelo. It was nice, despite the fact that the Pioneers won the toss.
….Joe Kilroy came out of retirement to take photos for the game. Joe, who has been taking photos for about 20 years or more for North football, had some health issues last year. But, seeing the potential significance of this game, decided to come out and take some shots for us. We hope to post a few of them by mid-week.
….That both team buses were escorted to the game by the fine men of the Philadelphia Police. Let’s just say that a North grad, who has some clout in the department, arranged for the escort.
I could go on and on about what happened at and around the game, but I’d be writing for days, and you’d probably get bored after a day or so. We’re also not going to do a faces in the crowd section this week, as nearly everyone we all know from North was in attendance. Instead, we’re posting a group of pictures from around the game for your pleasure. We’re also posting some games photos. We hope to have more of those later to share with everyone.
Closing Thoughts
The lights at North Catholic may or may not go off at the end of this year, but that won’t stop me from being a Falcon for the rest of my life. I have made friends and fostered relationships that I do and will cherish as long as I live. If and when the Northeast Catholic Falcons play another football game, you can’t expect me to be on the sidelines or in the stands cheering the team to victory. I hope to see you there.
North beats Conwell-Egan 20-17. Heading to the Championship.
Game Summary
If you didn’t know better, you’d think that the Falcons gave their uniforms to some other group of young men for the second half of this game. I mean, have you ever seen two different halves in a North Catholic team? I have to be honest and say that the Falcons played like a mediocre JV team in the first half. Missed tackles, fumbles, bad blocking, etc. Conwell-Egan jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead, and it looked like it was going to be a long night for the Falcon faithful.
Conwell-Egan was led on offense and defense by Anthony Singlar, Kerry McAnany, Ryan Bond and Vince Benedetti. I should know, as I announced the game and said their names all night long. These guys weren’t just the offensive stars of the game, they all played both ways, and had a huge impact on the game on both sides of the ball. In the first five minutes of the game, Conwell-Egan led 14-0, after Ryan Bond took a 77 yard pass from Anthony Singlar into the end zone. About a minute and a half later, Singlar scampered 26 yards for the second (and last) touchdown for the Eagles of the night. Bill Castor added a 33 yard field goal midway through the second quarter. Throughout the game, Kerry McAnany and Vince Benedetti were the rushing workhorses for this team, getting yardage and first downs when the Eagles needed them most.
It was almost like they were the only four guys on the field for the Eagles. It seemed as though Conwell-Egan could do no wrong in the first half and everything the Falcons tried seemed to fail. Nothing illustrated this point as much as a late second quarter pass to Tre Stone-Davis, which was about 2 or 3 inches too far as Stone-Davis stretched for the ball in the endzone, and the ball just whizzed off his finger-tips.
Even during the third quarter, the Eagles continued to move the ball up and down the field, with the only scoring in that frame being an errant pitch by Singlar, which Daniel Clark intercepted and scampered down the sidelines for the Falcons first score of the night. The third quarter ended with nothing to write home about as far as the North defense was concerned.
This game came down to who made the bigger plays, or capitalized on the other team’s mistakes. The touchdown by Clark was huge, but the 64 yard touchdown pass from Anthony Reid to Julian Huggins was just as big. Or, the fourth quarter fumble by Conwell-Egan late in that quarter, which all but sealed the deal for the Falcons. In their only scoring drive of the night that was not a big play, Eugene Byrd's feet, Anthony Reid's arm and Dave Sherman's hands pushed the ball down the field, allowing Reid to score on a 1 yard run with only 2:03 remaining in the game.
Did You Notice…..
….That guy in the North Catholic Bleachers with the huge head? The people behind him kept asking that he sit down, as they couldn’t see the game. It was later determined that the large head belonged to Mike McBride, class of ’81.
….that many of the North basketball coaches were in attendance, including Guy Moore. We’re all pulling for Guy to get the job for the upcoming basketball season. Expect an announcement soon.
…speaking of North coaches, we spotted Tom Crossett in the stands. Tom got to watch one of the North soccer players, John McCarthy, handle all of the kicking and punting duties for the Falcons tonight.
…Steve Cardullo and Tony Colletto, both from the class of 72, who are usually joined at the hip, were in attendance. Steve mentioned to our faithful announcer that he seemed to be very down late in the first half. Well, we were getting out butts kicked, and it’s hard to be happy about that.
….we also spotted John Musial (class of ’62) in the stands. I’m sure John would rather have been sitting in the bleachers at the Pit watching the basketball team. At least it’s warmer there.
…that once again, Taylor Rand, the Falcons’ version of Lauren Hart, belted out her usual first rate National Anthem before the game. We’re hoping that we’ll have Taylor sing for us one last time on Thanksgiving.
…that after a play that appeared to be a sack of the Conwell-Egan quarterback, but was ruled as an incomplete pass, the clock continued to run. When I said something to the clock guy, who was sitting next to me, he just ignored me and let the clock run. I guess I wasn’t speaking “Suburban”, the official language of the folks in the Plymouth-Whitemarsh area.
….that since the beginning of the playoff system in the Catholic League, North has never made it to the championship game? Next week will be the first time in 54 years that North has a shot at a championship.
….that Tim Murphy and Paul Dixon were not seen at the game. Our guess is that Mr Dixon is searching the countryside for a basketball and baseball coach for this year. Do you think Murph is advising him Paul Dixon about the baseball job? After all, since he lost his super fan status by going to a chick soccer game, Murph seems to have turned his attention to baseball.
....Breaking News Update: Mr Paul Dixon was indeed at this game. Seems there was some heavy traffic along the way which prevented him from getting to the field early, as he usually does. We had multiple sightings of Mr Dixon, who was on the sideline from opening kickoff through final celebration. Our apologies for the mis-information. Looks like we'll have to fire another intern for the mixup.
….Fran Dougherty (class of ’59) was in the house for this game. Mr Doc is the former Athletic Director at North, but is now a District 12 representative and handles the playoff games for teams in the district. As always, it’s great to see Mr Doc at a North game, even if he’s supposed to be neutral these days.
...finally, it's always a pleasure to see the Glackin brothers, Ed and Joe. These guys are true Falcon faithful, and I love seeing their smiling faces after a big win by the Falcons.
Have a great week, and check www.NorthCatholicFootball.com for the date, time and location of the championship game next week against Archbishop Wood.
Falcons Drop final regular season game 24-7
Game Summary
This was a gamed filled with “what ifs”. What if we didn’t turn the ball over twice in the redzone? What if we could have fielded a punt? What if we could have fallen down on a kickoff? What if we didn’t give up two touchdowns in the final 38 seconds of the first half? The simple fact is that we didn’t do those things, and we lost this final regular season game of the North Catholic football season by a score of 24-7.
Both teams played about even, with North having the edge over Wood in total yards (168-153), but Wood having a lopsided edge in capitalizing on North’s mistakes. North threw one interception in the Wood endzone, fumbled inside the Wood 5, turned the ball over when a kickoff wasn’t fielded, and muffed a punt inside our own 20. It’s mistakes like that which make winning difficult.
Defensively, the Falcons played well under the circumstances. Wood was held to only 152 total offensive yards, with only one scoring drive of more than 40 yards. But, with the defensive unit getting on the field with their backs immediately up against the wall, you have to wonder how they played so tough throughout.
Did You Notice…..
….That despite this being the final regular season game for North, there weren’t as many fans as you’d think would be in the stands? Guess many of those die-hards didn’t want to get wet.
….that the place-kicker from North kicked off twice, with the first reaching the Wood 5 and the second going about 4 yards deep into the endzone? Yes, he had the wind to his back, but he also has a pretty good foot. Maybe he should have played for our soccer team this year.
Kicker, John McCarthy
…..that the Super-fan box was one member short this week? Seems as though Tim Murphy was out catching a chick soccer game at the time of our football game. What’s with that? That is definitely cause for a demotion to apprentice super-fan. We may even take away his luxury suite at Piccoli this year for the baseball games.
….that really loud guy in the stands who was “encouraging” the referees most of the game? I’m sure they all went out after the game for a couple of brewskies
Faces in the Crowd….
…Just inside the gate, we ran into Ed McKee ’83. Ed’s a great guy who we usually only see on Thanksgiving. Ed noted that we have a wrong score posted on the football website. We’ll have to look into that.
….While chatting with Ed McKee, we saw John Musial ’63 entering the stadium to catch his falcons. John can usually be found at North football and basketball games. He doesn’t miss many.
…We ran into a classmate of mine at the game. First, we chatted up with Vince McAfee ‘82. Vince was there with his dad, Ed, who is a 1951 grad of North. Vince’s son plays for Wood, which explains the Wood jersey he was wearing. But, he sat on the North side with his dad and rooted for both teams. By the way, anyone who sat within earshot of Ed McAfee would have heard about some of the great stories and players Ed played with back in the day on a couple of championship teams at North.
Vince ('82) and Ed ('51) McAfee
….Classmate number 2, but number one in our hearts, Ken “Art” Rooney ’82, was at the game. Art drove up from Abington to catch the Falcons and he was caught chatting it up with his old freshman line coach, Jack Bygott ’71. After the game, Art and I headed back to Abington to throw back a couple of cold ones, reminisce about the old days, and catch some of the Penn State game.
…Taking a break from band practice was former player, Joe Brill ’80, from “Rose’s Cross” and “Sons of Dot” fame. Joe stopped by to say hello during the second half. Great seeing him at the game.
….As mentioned earlier, the Super-fan box was one member short this week. So, #1 fan, Ed White ‘55, spent the game with #2 fan, Mike Fagan ’57. Being an away game, Mike was able to enjoy the entire game from the bleachers, instead of at the gate collecting tickets.
Ed White ('55) and Mike Fagan ('57)
….The basketball team was well represented, with interim coach Guy Moore, enjoying the game with assistant coach, Tom Ballard ‘86. Also spotted in the North stands were several members of the varsity basketball team.
…spotted along the fence was Mr Koschineg, Father Waseline and Father Kilty
Mr Koschineg, Fr Kilty, Fr Waseline
….Finally, because of the open-air stadium and wide entrance, Mike McBride’s (class of ’81) melon was able to get in to see the game. By the way, there was an un-official measurement at half-time and it was determined that Mike’s head was only the second largest one in the stadium. The biggest was on the guy who was dressed like a giant tomato on the sidelines, who appeared to be taking pictures and taking stats. We’ll have to settle this on Thanksgiving morning.
Next Week….
Next week, the Falcons will host the Eagles of Conwell-Egan. At the time of this column, the date, time and location have not yet been determined. Stay tuned and come out to support the team in their final season as they begin the playoffs.