By Steve Scolieri, Tigers Radio Network
November 17, 2009
The Marple Newtown Tigers started out well in the game. They were able to stop the Wildcats on the first series to give them some momentum. Kevin Johnson converted a huge 4th and 20 to Ryan White to keep the drive alive. The Tigers attempted a Ryan Fender field goal that was blocked by Steve Lawless and picked up by Kevin Johnson who ran it into the end zone for an 11-yard run. The Tigers did a nice job in controlling the clock for 7 minutes and 35 seconds on 14 plays.
The Owen J. Roberts Wildcats would answer back with star running back Ryan Brumfield. The big play that opened it up for the Wildcats was when Brumfield converted a halfback pass to Sam Funk for 50-yards to set up a 3-yard touchdown run by Ryan Brumfield with 1:04 remaining in the first quarter to tie the score at 7-7.
The big play that hurt the Tigers in the second quarter was when Kevin Johnson threw a 78-yard interception return which set up another 3-yard touchdown run by Ryan Brumfield. With 1:16 remaining in the half, Owen J. Roberts would go up 14-7 over Marple Newtown.
Brumfield continued running the ball well in the second half. In the third quarter, RyanBrumfield was able to control the clock getting numerous first downs. The bright spot in the quarter for Marple Newtown was stopping Owen J. Roberts on a 4th down conversion with a sack by Steve DeMaria. Unfortunately, the Tigers were unable to do anything with the stop. With 1:05 remaining, Ryan Brumfield was able to break off a 77-yard touchdown run to put the Wildcats up 21-7 over the Tigers after the third quarter.
Ryan Brumfield kept the clock moving in the fourth quarter not allowing Marple Newtownmuch time for the comeback. With 7:42 remaining, Brumfield scored on a 17-yard touchdown run tallying his fourth touchdown of the game. The extra point was missed to give the Wildcats the edge 27-7 over the Tigers. Owen J. Roberts closed the game with a 3-yard touchdown run by Sam Funk with 1:38 remaining to put the Wildcats up 34-7 over the Tigers.
It was a tough loss for head coach Ray Gionta and the team after such a great season. Marple Newtown had too many penalties and too many turnovers which was uncharacteristic of the team all season.
Looking ahead to next season, the Tigers have numerous players who stepped it up and are coming back next season.
Overall it was a great season for the Marple Newtown Tigers who surprised many people with their success.
It was a privilege as an intern to follow such a great team all season.