By MNFB.com
October 14, 2011
The Tigers took a 10-0 lead into halftime, and the defense held on in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter to secure the 17-6 victory at Conestoga.
Marple Newtown took the ball to start the game, and immediately marched down the field for a touchdown to open the game. Senior backs Joey Phamand Cimirrow Moat shared the bulk of the carries on the drive.
Conestoga moved the ball on the ensuing possession, but was stopped on a fourth-and-two at the Marple Newtown thirty yard-line.
After teams traded punts, the Tigers put together a drive deep into Conestoga territory. The drive stalled at the Pioneers 15, but Anthony Nicolardi helped the orange and black pick up 3 points, with a 32-yard field goal.
The teams entered halftime with Marple Newtown leading 10-0. The Tigers defense continued to hold Conestoga in the second half, but the Pioneers finally broke through on a short touchdown run late in the third quarter. The Pioneers missed the extra point, but cut the MN lead to 10-6.
The fourth quarter became the most intense twelve minutes for the Tigers in 2011. Both teams moved the ball, but heavy pressure from the Tigers front four kept Conestoga off the board. Conestoga, in turn, stopped the Tigers and conserved clock with 3 minutes to go by using their timeouts.
Trailing 10-6 with two minutes remaining, Marple Newtown cornered the Pioneers into a fourth-and-long on their own 17-yard line. The Conestoga passed sailed high and was intercepted by Nick Ciarrocchi, who returned it to the ‘Stoga four yard line. Cimirrow Moat put the game out of reach two plays later, scoring to put the Tigers up for good, 17-6.