Falcons drop two at Pete Nelson Classic

Coach McCarron has a real good team this season, and to showcase the squad, he has embarked on a challenging non-league schedule. Just look at the teams that the Falcons have on their schedule this year……Walbrook, from Baltimore, which is supposed to be one of the top teams in that city. The team also scheduled IMHOTEP, Strawberry Mansion, Penn Wood and Germantown Academy, all among the top teams in the area. After a couple of league games this week (Roman on Tuesday and Judge on Friday), the Falcons will travel to Wheeling, WV, to take on Bishop McNamara, who could be the best team in the Washington D.C. area. Finally, the team will take on two time state champ, Prep Charter, later in the month. The young Falcons should be prepared for the rigors of the PCL Red division after this non-league schedule.

Due to the holidays, we got a little behind in our reports. But, not to worry, as we fired a photographer, a statistician and two guys whose job it was to sit in the gym and heckle Tom “Puck” McKenna. So, we’ll just get on with our report.

Did You Notice……

….that parking at Widener really sucks? When you drive down 17th street on campus, you’re met by a campus cop who has blocked the entrance because the lot is full. Many people had to park about a quarter mile away and hoof it down to the gym. Fortunately, I was able to get past the blockade and secure a spot right next to the gym. It’s good to have connections

.….that the “Clip Joint” (the Chester Basketball team’s concession stand) was in the house? They were charging $1.00 for a soft pretzel. I know they’re trying to raise money, but a 500% markup on the cost of a baked piece of dough is nuts

.….the number of college coaches and scouting service folks in the stands? Seemed half the bleachers behind the one basket were filled with guys with scorers’ books

.….the metal detectors at the entrance and cops with wands? This is only the second time I’ve had to empty my pockets and go through the metal detectors for a North game. The first time was last year, when we played Strawberry Mansion, at Ben Franklin

.…..Some of the cheerleaders and the routines they were doing? I’m no prude, but some of these routines bordered on “R-rated”. I saw a couple of parents covering their young children’s eyes during some of these “dances”

.…..Tom “Puck” McKenna, the faithful stat guy for North, was working the video camera for the Prep/Plymouth Whitemarsh game. This guy is everywhere (see photo below).

Tom "Puck" McKenna explaining the finer points of video photography

.…..That Bob Makor, a starter for the Falcons, hit the floor so hard (and loud) on Friday, that the whole place got quiet until he bounced back up to his feet

.…..That Bob Makor was not in uniform on Saturday, but that had nothing to do with his fall on Friday. ‘nuff said

.…..Speaking of “Puck”, did anyone notice the large bald guy sitting at the scorers’ table on Saturday? He was taking photos and spotting for Puck. I was going to ask him who he was, but he’s kinda scary looking. He wouldn’t even allow our photographer to take a picture of him.


Faces in the crowd…..

…..We didn’t spot any of the usual super fans on Friday, but Tim Murphy made an appearance for Saturday night’s game. Seems he got caught up in a video game on Friday and lost track of time

.…..The NC Alumni board of Governors was represented on Saturday night, when class of 1988 reps Jeff Rzepczynski and Ken Florkowski made an appearance at the game. (For those who are counting, that’s 21 letters and only 5 vowels in their last names)

Ken Florkowski (l) and Jeff Rzepczynski (r), both class of 1988

.…..Temple head basketball coach, Fran Dunphy, was in the house, no doubt looking for the next Dionte Christmas.

…..A couple of guys from Division 87 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Port Richmond made it to the game. For Frank “Tugger” McGraw, this weekend marked his 2nd and 3rd games of the young season

The Three Musketeers (back row) of Division 87 of the AOH

.…..We’re pretty sure we saw Mike McBride ’81 in the crowd on Friday night. Mike’s a big supporter of North and can usually be found in the stands at football, soccer and basketball games throughout the year.

Well, that’s all for now. In the next week, we’ll be covering the following games:

Tuesday - Roman - 7:00pm, Gwynedd Mercy College
Friday – Judge – 2:30pm, Father Judge High School
Saturday – Bishop McNamara – 1:30, Wheeling Jesuit University (Wheeling, WV)

If you can make it out to see this team, you won’t be disappointed. Well, unless they let a lead slip away at the end of a game. But, chances are, you’ll have a good time, see a good team and you might even run into an old classmate or two. Heck you might even get mentioned here.