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!