There’s a saying in football circles that defense wins football games. This game was a perfect example of just that. The stingy Falcons held the Rams to 28 rushing yards and 7 passing yards in the first half, and 104 rushing and 38 passing for the entire game. Time and time again in this game, the defense made the big plays when the team needed it most. Of the 16 attempted passes by Pennridge, 4 were knocked down by defenders, 2 were picked off. The team also recorded 4 sacks. It was an overall dominating defensive effort for North.
But, the real star of the game was the offensive line of the Falcons. They opened holes and protected the quarterback better in this game than they have all season. When I asked the offensive line coaches after the game who the linemen were, because they couldn’t be the same line as the week before, I was told, “We didn’t change linemen, we changed coaches.” What I think he meant was that instead of blaming players for not doing their jobs, the line coaches looked at themselves. My guess is that asked themselves the following questions; “Are we teaching it right? Are we motivating the players? How do we help make these players better?” Well, in my opinion, that’s an example of good coaching. The ability to look at yourself when things don’t go well is not something that many people are willing to do. Keep up the good job coach.
Exceptional Performances
Leading the defense in tackles was Big Pete Puchalski, who recorded 6 tackles (4 solo), 3 tackles for losses and 2 sacks. David Wiliams, Joe Mascino (3 TFL, 1 Fumble Recovery) and Daniel Clark (1 TFL) all had 5 tackles apiece. Mike Scott and Stephan Singleton each recorded an interception. Scott has 3 INTs in 4 games now. Kyle Fellenbaum record 2 sacks.
On offense, Eugene Byrd rushed for a career high 177 yards and Dennis Logue passed for 105 yards, thanks mainly to the offensive line play this week. Dennis Logue (6 for 13, 105yds) had ample time to throw this week, and the team produced 195 yards on the ground. Jullian Huggins had 3 catches (all first downs) for 69 yards and Mike Scott pulled down 2 catches for 23 yards.
Did You Notice……
….That Germantown field was like Grand Central Station? As the Falcons and Rams were arriving at the stadium, we had to wait for the Fels and Martin Luther King teams to leave. They played just before our game. Then, during warm-ups, while North and Pennridge players were going to and from the locker rooms, the Germantown team, who played an away game, arrived at the stadium to change back into street clothes. Believe it or not, it sounds a lot worse than it actually was.
….that an announcement that the restrooms on the visitor side of the field were open, and then it was announced that they were closed.
….there was no National Anthem prior to the game. Taylor Rand, who usually does the honors, couldn’t belt it out as nobody could find the microphone in the press box.
….that the microphone was eventually found, but the battery died mid-way through the 3rd Quarter. Quick thinking and hustle by North AD, Tom Kaiser, rectified the situation as he delivered fresh batteries to the booth before the end of the quarter.
….that this was our second home game in a row at a stadium that we’ve never used as a home game. Last week, we were “home” at 10th & Bigler. This week, we were “home” at Germantown. We have two more home games, but they will be at Frankford and Northeast. There’s no place like home.
….there was a couple of Pennridge parents buying North Catholic shirts. Apparently, one of their dads is a North grad. It sure does seem as though everyone’s dad went to North.
….that the pub game that was played prior to our game, which did not have a lot of fans, required 2 Philadelphia police vans and 2 or 3 school security officiers at the game. Our didn’t need any such “security.” I wonder why.
Faces in the Crowd…..
….Once again, Mike Fagan ’57, was working the ticket booth.
….Super Fan Update 1…….I ran into Ed White ’55, before the game. He told me that he had a dilemma because the NC soccer team was playing Prep and he could only go to one game. But, because the soccer team plays like 150 games a year, and we only play 10, there’s more opportunities to see the soccer guys. But, I think it’s because deep down inside, Mr White is really a football guy.
…..Super Fan Update 2…….Tim Murphy ‘71, who can usually be found in attendance at soccer games (Yes, he was at the North/Ryan soccer game on Tuesday), couldn’t make it to the football game. But, Tim gets an excused absence for this one, as he was holding down the fort at Division 87 of the AOH Friday night, while many of the members were down the shore enjoying Irish Weekend in Wildwood.
…..I ran into a couple of former players at half time. Pat McCullough ’07, is roofing with his dad, John. John is a former NC football coach and was also in the stands for the game. I also ran into Shahid Paulhill ‘08. Shahid is NOT attending Fork Union. Instead, he tells me he’s heading to a school out in the Pittsburgh area and should be at Temple next year. Good Luck.
…Since the Phils were out of town, Ed Glackin was watching the game with NC President and former classmate, Stan Witalec. Mr Witalec can usually be found at North games, cheering on his alma mater.
….The Lansdale Catholic coaching staff, including Coach Algeo, who wasn’t real happy with the move of Lansdale Catholic into the Catholic League. Lansdale Catholic will play their first ever PCL game against our Falcons next week at Wissahickon HS.
The Falcons open the regular season Friday night at Lansdale Catholic (Wissahickon HS). We’ll need the support of the alumni, current students and fans of the program. This is an exciting season so far and the Falcons are expected to do well this season in the AAA division. Come out and support the team and cheer them on to victory. I just might mention you in this column next week.
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