Falcons end 2008 with loss to Frankford

Well, in the 81st meeting of Northeast Catholic and Frankford High school, and the 79th scheduled for Thanksgiving, the Pioneers outlasted the Falcons in a defensive struggle by a final score of 14-6. But, since the purpose of this blog is to describe the sights and sounds surrounding the game, we’ll move to that.

The local weather reports called for a sunny and mild day on Thanksgiving, but as we opened the Falcon Nest offices at sunrise on Thursday, one of the staffers mentioned that it looked like rain. It was cloudy with the smell of autumn in the air, as the team took to the field for warm-ups around 8:00am at Frankford’s War Memorial Stadium. But, just moments before kickoff, the sun peeked out and most of the game was as predicted, sunny and mild. All around the neighborhood, you could find many bars open for the usual North-Frankford crowd, many opening about 6:00 or 6:30 to accommodate the faithful spectators. Along Large Street, just outside Baldwin field, you could find the regular 1960’s North guys tailgating. (Note to self: Next year, watch out for those cherries. We think we tasted a bit of Christian Brother’s Brandy in them). The guys were without one of their regular members, Elwood Cubbage (’66), who although is battling a bigger foe than Frankford these days, is still thinking of the team and wishing he could be at the game. (Sidenote: When Coach Syzdlik heard about Mr Cubbage, he sent a football over to him, signed by the entire team. Great job, coach).

The 1960’s guys tailgating party
As usual, if you look at the stands at kickoff, you’d see a lot of empty seats. Well, there is an explanation for that. As I mentioned earlier, the neighborhood bars open early on Thanksgiving. Some guys forget to leave on time to be at the game by kickoff. But, by the middle of the 1st quarter, the place is packed. Well, at least the North side is packed. A couple more years like this and the North guys will have to take over a couple of sections on the Frankford side, as the Pioneers just don’t draw them in like the Falcons do. I am very proud of the fact that Thanksgiving Day is a day when old falcons and falcon supporters come back to get caught up with old friends and classmates. (Sidenote: There are five children in my family, and I’m the only North grad. The other four are Frankford grads. I’m the only one of my parents’ kids who still attends the game. Go figure).

Halftime was, as usual the past several years, topped off by an ever-growing number of “Flannel Nation” guys, who attempt to break the world record for human pyramid. Most people don’t care if they ever get the record, but everyone enjoys watching them try. Say what you will about these guys, but they are certainly one of the most faithful group of men that you’ll ever meet. (Sidenote: I participated in the pyramid in 2007, but decided to just document it this year. But, my son, a 2007 NC grad did represent the family this year).

"Flannel Nation"

Did you notice……

…..that North and Frankford loses several hundred dollars each year by not having the fence at the South end of the field tarped. There were two or three dozen people watching the game for free outside the fence. What’s a tarp cost? Like $50? Seems like a sensible investment.

….that the security seemed a little lacking this year? Normally, the area between the locker rooms is off limits to spectators. This year, it was filled with people watching the game. Also, the gates between the stands and the field were not manned this year, as they were in years past. Several people wandered onto the field, but no incidents though.

….that Taylor Rand, the Kate Smith of Northeast Catholic, and a student at Little Flower, once again did a great job belting out the National Anthem.

.....that a couple of Frankford guys ended up in the North bleachers (see photo below). They weren't lost. It's just that most of their buddies from the neighborhood who still attend the game are North guys. Plus, we have much more fun on the NC side of the field.

Left - George Carr (Fkd '81) - Right - Danny Oldfield, former Frankford AllStar (Fkd '76)

….that long after the game had ended, the tailgating crew on Large St (mostly guys from the 1960’s) were still going strong. Now these guys are dedicated.

….the North crowd seems to get bigger every year, while the Frankford crowd seems to be dwindling more and more.

North's stands

Frankford's stands

Faces in the crowd……

There were just too many people that we spotted to mention here, so just scroll down to the photos below. I hope I don’t get anyone’s names wrong.

Father Joe with some future Falcons
Father Joe with Chalie Klink '06 (Chalie is currently in the Philadelphia Police Academy)

(Left) Ricky Williams '08 (Widener University Student) and (right) Daryl Robinson '07 (Heading to Minnesota next year)

Dan Shields '06

Shahid Paulhill '08 (heading the Temple next year)

Former Falcon great, Mike Gilmore '84

(L to R) Chris Schindle '07, Tom Hannan '07, Chris James '08, Pete Sellechia '08. Chris is a student at DeSales University. Chris is a two sport athlete at Delaware Valley

Big North Catholic supporter, Mike McBride '81 (Right)

Greg Smith '82 (foreground) with the Flannel Nation, singing the Alma Mater

NC Baseball guys, (left) AOH Div 87's ownTom Wenger '76?? along with good friend (right) Jeff Etsell '78??

Former NC great and Ohio State Buckeye and Philadelphia Eagle, Jim Gilmore '81. Even big Jim lends a hand to the Flannel Nation.

Jim Brady '82, says "That's All Folks!

North's Journey Ends in State Playoffs

Neshaminy Beats North, 2-0 @ Northeast High School

First of all, thanks once again for all the fan support at our games this year, especially the action packed playoffs for the PCL, the City and finally, the PIAA/State tournament. As usual, North soccer fans crowded into Charles Martin Stadium last Tuesday night to watch North battle Neshaminy, the District One Runner-er up with the winner to face Lower Merion High School(ranked in the National Polls).

The night was electric and was underscored by the importance of the day as the USA was electing a new President.

Background

North Catholic was the first Catholic League team to play in the PIAA/State Soccer Tournament for AAA schools. Fitting for the most prolific PCL team to represent the League in this first ever annual event. Its foe was Neshaminy High School, the runner-up from District One and in all likelihood, the toughest region in the State.

The Contest

North came out like a house on fire, dominating the first 10 to 15 minutes of the game. In the seventh minute, junior Juan Pablo Martinez had a chance to put the Falcons in the lead but his header from eight yards out was off the mark. North had several other chances but the ball could not find the frame. Entering the 20 minute of the contest, the game settled down. Both defenses played very well, making the midfield action in all likelihood the decider in this contest. The half ended 0-0.

In the second half, Neshaminy seemed to begin to have an edge. They were very composed and very big. The air battle belonged to the Skins and their central midfield began pressing forward. North's midfield combination of Mark Pugliese and Pat Greer shut most opportunities down, and the back three of junior Tyler Ward, sophomore Mike Zolk and senior Jim Griffen kept Neshaminy at bay. In the 10th minute however, Neshaminy was awarded a free kick at midfield, on the right sideline. Neshaminy deliverd the ball to the opposite side, around the 6 yard line. After a tick or two, the ball wound up on the foot of a Neshaminy midfielder. With his back to goal, he just chipped the ball to keep it hot. Placement, even blind placement always seems to find the net. Junior keeper, John McCarthy moved first toward the player but slipped as he tried in vein to dove across to the far post. The ball deflected off the post and into the goal.

Immediately, North went to three forwards to try to even the score. While Neshaminy kept most of the possession, North had two chances to equalize the game both head balls from Pat Greer. In the 20 minute, Pat missed directing a shot home by a foot as the Neshaminy keeper slipped on the turf. In the 25th minute, he missed another chance on a ball delivered by senior, Carl Essenthier, this time over the bar.

In the 31st minute, Neshaminy countered and scored the second goal to put the contest out of reach. Coach Brindisi made sure the all the seniors, in their last high school game, got into the game to end their careers.

Final Results

Thanks to the players for their hard work, even in the face of adversity. North's overall record for the 2008-9 season was 15 Wins, 2 Losses and 3 Ties. The latest SE Coaches Poll has North ranked 2nd while the Philadelphia Inquirer had us ranked 5th.

North Defends City Championship Title - Four Years In A Row

4th CONSECUTIVE CITY TITLES, 27 YEARS IN THE MAKING

That’s right; North defended its City Title run with a 3-0 win over pesky George Washington last night at Charles Martin Field at Northeast High School. While the last City title game was 1979, when it ended North was back-to back-to back champions in 1977, 1978 and 1979 and now you can add 2008.




THE ACTION

The crowd was probably dimmed by the early start and I heard there was a parade in town, something to do with the Phillies. I can’t believe that the City and the Phillies would plan something that overlapped our game, but I digress…..

Twelve minutes into the game, the score was 2-0 in favor of North. This was our first experience this year playing on artificial turf. While we are a possession team and the carpet should allow for cleaner passes, the speed and the spin of the ball is different and it takeS some time to get a feel.

In the 5th minute, after gaining possession about 25 yards from goal, junior Juan Pablo Martinez took a low, hard shot stationed just outside the right post. The ball seemed to tick off a Washington defender about 10 yards from goal as the goalkeeper advanced to pick it up. Somehow, rather than cleanly picking up the ball, it stayed loose and freshman, Kristian Hall sprung like a cat and knocked the ball home.

Seven minutes later, holding possession just outside the penalty area, Martinez played a one-two ball to senior, Carl Essenthier. Martinez exploded into the box and was tripped by a Washington defender. The referee wasted no time in awarding North a penalty kick. Senior, Mike Gridzek powered a shot past the Washington keeper to make the score 2-0. Most of the play and shots was Norths', but these shots went wide or over the goal rather than in it.

Washington played a pesky brand of soccer. Certainly not the most disciplined team but they attacked the ball and played solid defense. North was never really threatened but the Eagles never seemed to lose focus. In the 72nd minute, senior Nick Stangler gained control of a ball from a free kick taken by sophomore, Mike Zolk just inside of midfield. Nick collected the ball about 16 yards from goal right of the right post and powered a low shot into the far corner to make the final score 3-0.

After the game, North was awarded the City Championship Plaque and the team took a victory lap to share it with its fans. It is fitting that North Catholic; the most pre-eminent soccer team in Catholic League history has the honor to represent the PCL in this millennium’s inaugural City Title game. Way to go Falcons!

OBSERVATIONS……….

• The turf is fast but the ball travels quickly and with certain spin depending on the kick;
• In his press conference the Washington coach is quoted as saying “we had them scared in the second half.” Let me elaborate for his benefit, he must have been caught up in the moment, the only thing that we were "scared of" was the safety of our boys. Maybe he couldn’t remember the score at the time 2-0, soon to be 3-0;
• The nets had holes in them, maybe it was from Wood’s game before ours where they scored 10 goals against Franklin Towne Charter;
• PCL teams defeated all the Public League teams by a combined score of 16-2;
• The officiating was, well just say, it was officiated;
• All season, North was assessed two yellow cards, somehow we received 2 last night and it was from the same official;
• The new balls used. PIAA mandates the use of Select brand balls while the PCL uses Brine balls. The difference, well for one, price. The Select balls are less expensive than the Brine’s;
• The circle of love for the coin toss; and
• Lack of fan support for the Washington team.

LOOKING AHEAD:

With the victory, North moves on to the next round in the PIAA (State) playoff system. The City champion will face off against the runner-up in District One (which is really the suburbs that border the City from the south, west and north) which will be decided on Saturday night (11/1) between Downingtown West and Neshaminy.

The game is scheduled for Tuesday night at Charles Martin Field @ Northeast High School with the time to be determined.