By Rick Fortenbaugh
For BucksLocalSports.com
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say there’s probably never been a night quite like this in the annals of Lower Bucks County scholastic football.
At the top of the list, of course, is the Neshaminy at Pennsbury game tonight in front of a monster crowd at Falcon Field.
All that’s on the line here is the Suburban One National League championship, bragging rights in Lower Bucks football and probably the No. 2 seed for the District 1 Class AAAA playoffs.
Next up is the Council Rock South at Council Rock North game. This is also a huge rivalry with all kinds of playoff implications. Rock South has already garnered its first playoff spot in the young history of its program, while Rock North will be looking to make sure it gets its second.
The amazing thing is there’s an excellent chance the Suburban One National League could very well end up with five of the 16 Class AAAA playoff berths. For one league to have nearly a third of the field is both impressive and probably unprecedented.
It doesn’t stop there, however. Conwell-Egan will play in the first round of the Philadelphia Catholic League Class AAA playoffs this evening, while Bristol and Morrisville have road games that also have playoff implications.
Neshaminy (8-1) at Pennsbury (8-1), tonight, 7 p.m. — It really is anybody’s guess how this will go. Although Pennsbury wiped out its first eight opponents by wide margins, somehow it often didn’t look all that impressive. Sure enough, the Falcons stumbled on the road at Abington last week. The only losses for both Neshaminy and Pennsbury were to Abington. What makes this is strange is Abington also lost to both Council Rocks. If Abington coach “Tiny’’ Tim Sorber hadn’t messed up his timeouts against Rock South, his Ghosts would also be playing for a league title tonight against Truman. Neshaminy-Pennsbury can go either way. This will be about turnovers, execution and catching a break or two along the way.
Council Rock South (7-2) at Council Rock North (6-3), tonight, 7 p.m. — It will also be jumping in Newtown as the sister schools wage their latest war in a series that has been dominated by the unexpected. Rock South is more of a ball-control team; Rock North is the better passing team. Both defenses have been similar, although Rock North has really turned it on of late by crushing Abington on the road and coming up one point shy against Neshaminy on Heartbreak Ridge. Like Pennsbury-Neshaminy, don’t even bother trying to analyze or handicap this cross-town collision.
Conwell-Egan (5-4) vs. North Catholic (4-4) at Plymouth-Whitemarsh, tonight, 7 p.m. — North Catholic beat the Eagles in the regular season two weeks ago by the score of 19-15 in a contest that could have gone either way. Conwell-Egan is coming off a game in which Kerry McAnany scored four touchdowns. The Eagles are also looking for a semifinal playoff victory for the second year in a row.
Bristol (5-3) at Lower Moreland (6-3), tonight, 7 p.m. — The records are similar, but it’s Bristol that would appear to be a pretty solid favorite. The Warriors, who are currently in the fourth spot for a playoff berth, have been peaking and just crushed Springfield-Montco. Lower Moreland lost to Springfield and had its hands full in an earlier game at Morrisville. The home team is also fighting for a playoff berth, but it’s Bristol with the better talent.
Abington (6-2) at Truman (2-7), tonight, 7:30 p.m. — Despite missing out on some power points when a team backed out of a game earlier in the year, Abington looks to be in good shape for the playoffs as it enters tonight’s game in the ninth spot. Truman has made some progress this year under new coach John Iannunci. It’s also possible Abington may have a bit of a letdown after beating Pennsbury, keeping the score close.
Morrisville (5-4) at Conrad Science (0-7), tomorrow, 11 a.m. — This a repeat of a game from earlier in the season in which Mo’ville won, 47-0. Unless the Delaware team has gotten a sudden influx of last-minute talent, look for more of the same from a Morrisville team that will be able to do anything it wants.
William Tennent (1-8) at Bensalem (2-7), tonight, 7 p.m. — If nothing else, this represents a good chance for the Owls to finish up strong. (Bensalem is scheduled to play Norristown next week, but Norristown is in the playoffs). In fact, it’s a very good chance. The Tennent coaches do what they can, but some of the Panthers look like they belong on a JV field.

Labels: Bristol, Conwell-Egan, CR North, CR South, Morrisville, Neshaminy, Pennsbury

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor
Conwell-Egan Catholic continued its tear through the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) with a 3-0 win over Bishop McDevitt last night (Oct. 7) at United German-Hungarian Club.
The Eagles were led by their captains with senior striker Matt DiLiegro netting a pair of scores—one in each half—and senior forward Paul Rambo notching a first-half strike that put CEC on top, 2-0, by the break.
Defensively, sweeper Ian Monagle and junior goalkeeper Eric Rodriguez put the clamps down on the Lancers, helping the Eagles to their sixth shutout of the season.
Among the players tallying assists for Egan were senior midfielder Mike Keenan, junior backfielder Shane Nicolo and senior MF Tyler Milburn.
With the win, CEC pushed its record to 9-2-2, overall, 8-2-1 in the PCL. The Eagles are currently holding a four-game win streak which includes shutout road wins over Cardinal Dougherty and Cardinal O’Hara and a 2-1 triumph over Lansdale Catholic Oct. 5 at UGH. Egan also holds an impressive 1-0 victory over Kennedy-Kenrick and a 4-3 win over Neumann-Goretti. In second place behind leader Archbishop Wood, the Eagles next face the Vikings on Monday, Oct. 12 back at UGH.
Wood blanked CEC, 5-0, the last time out at the Lighthouse Field. Egan also lost to Archbishop Carroll by a 3-2 score Sept. 30 in enemy territory.
The Eagles get another crack at the Patriots Oct. 23 at home in the last game of the season.

Labels: Conwell-Egan

By Rick Fortenbaugh
For BucksLocalSports.com
While this week’s schedule is not as attractive as the last, there are some games that will still generate a lot of interest on the Lower Bucks County scholastic football slate.
Two of the bigger ones involve the Council Rock schools with Rock South looking to rebound from its first loss when it hosts Bensalem tonight and Rock North hoping to extend its three-game winning streak at Pennsbury’s Homecoming tomorrow night.
Also of interest are a pair of non-league games involving Morrisville and Bristol.
The Owls ended a two-game losing streak when they beat Truman last week, while Rock South suffered its first loss in an away game at Pennsbury. This has the potential to go down to the last minute. Bensalem’s offense is still not where coach Dan McShane would no doubt like it to be, but the Owls had a strong second half against Truman. Rock South, meanwhile, has just two touchdowns in its last two games, including the dramatic escape against Conwell-Egan. If Bensalem can stop the triple option and give its offense enough chances, a minor upset could very well result.
As if this wasn’t a tough enough assignment, John Iannucci’s Tigers will be up against a Neshaminy squad that will be looking to wash away the taste of its first defeat. That came at undefeated Abington, where a furious Redskins rally in the fourth quarter came up just short. Truman can play some defense, but it’s offense is still far from upper-tier Suburban One National League standards. It’s just hard to see much excitement on The Ridge tonight.
George Gatto’s Warriors lost this game last year and you can be sure they’ve been reminded of that all week. Pennington has a nice passing game headed up by junior Keith Dearden (nearly 300 yards last week) and a decent running game featuring ex-Pennsbury back Malcolm Perry. A week ago, Pennington lost to Calvary Christian, 29-28, when it came up short on a gutsy attempt for a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. Most people consider Bristol to be superior to Calvary Christian, so that’s good for the Warriors. There will be some points tonight, but look for Bristol back Woodrow Vorters to make the difference.
Look for more offensive fireworks at the historic Robert Morris Stadium from Dawgie quarterback Matt Cookson and Co.. Morrisville lost its first game last week, but the setback came in a 33-26 thriller against Lower Moreland in one of the Dawgies’ best efforts in years. New Hope opened some eyes by playing Bristol tough in the first game in the history of its program, but it’s been back to reality for the Lions ever since. In that stretch was a loss to Princeton Day, which Morrisville hammered, 37-7.
It’s Homecoming Night at Pennsbury and there’s sure to be a huge crowd unless the weather really stinks. The numbers tell the story of what the Indians are up against. Pennsbury has avalanched its four opponents by a combined score of 130-22 and its first-team defense has allowed just 10 points. Making matters worse for Rock North is the fact Pennsbury showed a nice run/pass balance last week. Rock has a strong passing game with quarterback Tyler Hamilton, but Pennsbury also has an excellent secondary. Throw in the depth factor and Rock North is a big underdog despite its record.
Although the injury bug has continued to hit Conwell-Egan with standout wide receiver Ryan Bond the latest to get dinged up, the Eagles shouldn’t have many problems with this Saturday night foe at the Hank Morgan Stadium. Among Goretti’s losses was a setback to Cardinal Dougherty, which Egan just handled, 28-7, just last week. As Council Rock South can testify, Conwell-Egan does play some tough defense and it’s hard to throw on the Eagles.

Labels: Bristol, Conwell-Egan, CR North, CR South, Neshaminy, Pennington, Pennsbury, Truman

Labels: Conwell-Egan

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor
Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC) dropped a Sept. 16 home pairing with Cardinal O’Hara, falling to the Lady Lions, 5-1. Still, it was a far cry better than the Eagles’ opener, a 10-0 drubbing suffered at the hands of Archbishop Carroll.
“We’re off to a slow start,” stated CEC head coach Lorraine Lodise “But these two teams are among the best in the Catholic League.”
“I think this team will improve a lot as the season progresses,” added the coach. “I think it’s going to turn out a lot different than how we’ve gotten started.”
Among the captains leading the Conwell field hockey team this season are midfielder Cassie Fario, along with backfielders Jess South and Kaity Malone.
“We have a lot of strong leadership on this team,” stated Lodise. “And I believe they are going to move this team past this.”
Currently, CEC is busy solidifying its defense with junior Kat DiFilipio in goal for the now departed Jamie Macenka, who played between the posts for the past three seasons.
South says the new keeper is holding her own.
“It’s her first year; she never played goalie before but we didn’t have a goalie at all," said Jess.
“She’s doing good for her first couple games."
Yesterday in the pouring rain, the Eagles fell behind, 3-0, at the intermission before senior forward Becca Mutek put a ball into the back of the O’Hara cage midway through the second half with help from senior forward Ashley Soltys.
Malone gave us her thoughts of the rain-soaked affair after the game’s conclusion.
“Today’s game was better than last week’s game. Last week, we started out good but then we lost it,” stated Malone. “This week, we started out a little shaky but then in the second half, we pulled through and scored a goal.”
Other than its two regular season losses, CEC defeated Villa Jo Marie, 3-0, in a preseason scrimmage and outpaced Morrisville, Jenkintown and Plumstead in a Play Day for the Lady Eagles.
Last season, Conwell Egan won just three games including wins over St. Hubert’s and Archbishop Prendergast.
“Last year wasn’t great—I think we had three wins. But it was a tough year because most of the lineup was juniors,” stated Malone. “This year, we’re all seniors so it should be a better year.”
“I think we did pretty good,” stated Fario of the team’s 2008 campaign. “We worked really hard. It’s just that the score didn’t come out the way that we wanted it to.”
Of their three triumphs taken in ‘08, the win over the Bambies was best, say the girls.
“The Hubert’s game was one of our best games. It was a game like this where it was pouring rain,” explained Malone. “They delayed it but when we got out there, we just dominated the whole game.”
With 13 seniors on the squad this year, the girls believe that they’ll emerge with a better record in their current campaign than the one they waged last season.
“We’re going to do pretty good this year,” stated Malone. “We’ve gotten two of the toughest games out of the way so hopefully the rest of the games are wins.”
Fario thinks her team can right itself with a little self-motivation.
“We’re doing alright; we just have to push each other,” she said. “It seems like it takes us a while to get motivated but I’m sure by the next game, we’ll be ready.”

Labels: Conwell-Egan, field hockey

By Rick Fortenbaugh
For BucksLocalSports.com
When the high school football season gets underway tonight, Pennsbury’s Falcon Field will be the site of something that hasn’t happened since 47 long years ago.
Namely, a game between Pennsbury and Conwell-Egan, which are located only a mile or so from each other, but have not met on a football field since 1962.
For the record, when the two teams last played it was Pennsbury prevailing by a score of 21-7. What will happen tonight remains to be seen, but it’s a welcome addition to the schedule and the start of a multi-year commitment between the schools.
Both teams are coming off successful seasons, but it’s Pennsbury that has returned more key players and is the solid favorite tonight.
On the flip side, Conwell-Egan can take some comfort in the knowledge that for whatever reason, Pennsbury has traditionally not played well offensively on opening night.
Even in the season in which it marched to a district title a few years ago, Pennsbury needed last-second heroics to beat Archbishop Ryan.
Heck, just last year Pennsbury beat Archbishop Ryan on a miracle last-second, Hail Mary pass. From there, Pennsbury went onto win nine games and Ryan stumbled home with a record of 0-10, including a loss to Conwell-Egan.
Although scrimmages are scrimmages and should be taken as just that, the bad news for Conwell-Egan is Pennsbury looked very good against highly-regarded La Salle last week.
In fact, the offense looked dynamite with junior quarterback Brandon Pepper (pictured above) completing pass after pass, including a touchdown bomb to Division I wideout/defensive back recruit Erik Williams.
Also look for a big year from Dante Devine, who has taken over at fullback from Richie Applegate and appears primed to be the big gun in Pennsbury’s potent running game.
Conwell-Egan will counter with an offense led by standout senior receiver Ryan Bond and the motivation that it would like nothing more than to stun its Fairless Hills neighbor.
***
Nueva Esperanza (0-0) at Morrisville (0-0), tonight, 7 p.m.: Getting much information on the Philadelphia Public school located on West Hunting Park Avenue isn’t easy. On the other hand, it can be reported Nueva Esperanza was 0-11 last year and was avalanched by a combined point total of 445-34. Barring a big influx of talent, which is very doubtful, it all adds up to a fun evening for the home team at the historic Robert Morris Stadium. Look for the Dawgs to come out throwing behind junior quarterback Matt Cookson and post some big offensive numbers in what promises to be an impoved season.
***
Bristol (0-0) at Kennedy-Kenrick (0-0), tonight, 7 p.m.: The Norristown area school has had some decent teams over the years, but usually doesn’t have much team speed and is one dimensional. Bristol beat Kennedy-Kenrick, 27-14, a year ago and will be anxious to get a promising season underway. It all adds up to big rushing numbers for senior Woodrow Vorters on an offense that is now in the capable hands of athletic senior quarterback Eric Wade.
***
Souderton (0-0) at Neshaminy (0-0), tonight, 7 p.m.: The worst thing working for the visitors is the fact they beat Neshaminy, 14-13, last year. You can be sure coach Mark Schmidt has reminded his Redskins of that all week long. After beating Neshaminy last year, Souderton then stumbled to a 5-6 record, including a loss to lowly Central Bucks West. Neshaminy, by contrast, advanced all the way to the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA finals. In that light, last year’s game has to be regarded as a bit of a fluke. Souderton is led by returning running back Derek Brown and middle linebacker Gave Stein. It won’t be enough against a rebuilt Neshaminy team that has a bunch of newcomers itching to make their mark.
***
Overbrook (0-0) at Bensalem (0-0), tonight, 6 p.m.: Overbrook was 5-7 last year and has traditionally not been one of the better teams in the Philadelphia Public League. According to pre-season reports, this year won’t be much different. Bensalem, which was a lot more than competitive than last year’s 4-7 record would indicate, is a bit different this year. By that we mean the Owls seemed to be more advanced along the lines than in the skill positions. This should pay off handsomely tonight because the one thing Philadephia public school’s usually struggle against is strong line play and a power running game. It all adds up to a happy night at “Death Valley.’’
***
Truman (0-0) at Cheltenham (0-0), tonight, 7 p.m.: It’s the debut of first-year Tiger coach John Iannucci, who had success in the New Jersey scholastic ranks and has also coached some in college. This game will be a good indicator of whether Truman has made progress during the pre-season. Cheltenham is nothing special and was 5-7 last season, but it does play a decent schedule and pounded Truman, 33-0, a year ago.
***
Council Rock North (0-0) at Father Judge (0-0), today, 3:30 p.m.: This remains a difficult opener for the Indians, who as usual, have some fine skill players, but also a lot of question marks on the lines. Father Judge took some serious graduation hits from last year’s 9-4 team, but it does return scatback Curtis Wortham and quarterback Tony Smith. Wortham piled up over 1,500 rushing yards last fall and scored 19 touchdowns. North is led by returning quarterback Tyler Hamilton, running back Lee Marvel and wideout Tyler Bostain. Scoring points, however, has not been North’s big problem. Stopping the opposition is the big concern and this won’t be easy against a Judge team that’s sure to have a physical line opening holes for Wortham.

Labels: Conwell-Egan, Football, Pennsbury

Monmouth pitcher
helped Conwell-Egan
to its only PCL crown

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor

Area coaches always knew there was something special about Ryan Buch, a Monmouth University righthander who three years ago helped Conwell-Egan to its first Philadelphia Catholic League championship in 25 years.
“Ryan is one of those kids who just continues to get better and better, and before it’s all said and done, I truly believe Ryan is going to make some noise in pro ball,” stated Monmouth pitching coach Chuck Ristano.
Now it's official.
The MU junior was selected in the Major League Baseball Draft yesterday by the Chicago White Sox. Buch, a 6-3 right-hander, was an eighth round selection (No. 253 overall) by the Sox.
Classmate Brett Brach, a 6-3 righty from Freehold, was also drafted, selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 10th round (No. 305 overall). Brach, who won a career-high seven games this season, has earned 14 victories, as well as five saves, in his first three years at Monmouth.
"Both Ryan and Brett should be very proud of being selected today," said Monmouth head coach Dean Ehehalt. "They both have worked very hard in order to put themselves in this position."
Buch holds an overall record of 22-8, with 234 strikeouts in 210 innings of work in his career for the Hawks. This year, he set a new single-season record for strikeouts with 92, while leading Monmouth back to NCAA Regionals.
MLB Draft Prognosticators had Buch going much sooner, as high as the second round which took place on Tuesday—day one of the draft. Baseball America ranked the righthander as the 90th top prospect in the draft, and the No. 24 overall righthander. Perfect Game Crosschecker listed the Yardley native as the No. 74 overall prospect.
It’s all said and done with now with both players apparently headed to the American League. Both had gone undrafted out of high school.
"We are extremely excited for Ryan and Brett," added Ristano. “Both kids have been integral to our success, and this is a great indicator that the program continues to move in the right direction."
This spring, Monmouth won its fourth Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship and advanced to its fourth NCAA Regional. The Hawks, who went 32-25 on the year, posted their third straight 30-win season and fourth of the last five years.
In 39 career appearances for the Blue and White, which includes 35 starts, Buch stands second all-time at Monmouth in strikeouts and victories. His 3.43 overall ERA in three seasons also ranks third all-time in the Hawks' record books, while his freshman season ERA of 2.44 still stands fifth-best as a single-season mark.
"Ryan has some special abilities," stated Ristano. "This year, his fastball touched in the mid 90s and he has a big-time breaking ball. He’s got a great pitcher's body and he always has been a workhorse on the mound.”
The 2007 NEC and New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association (NJCBA) Rookie of the Year, and Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball, Buch made two starts for the Hawks in NCAA Regionals, facing Nebraska in 2007 in Tempe, Arizona, and squaring off against Missouri's Kyle Gibson (No. 22 overall pick in this year's draft by Minnesota) in Oxford, Mississippi.
Last season at Monmouth, Buch went 6-1, posting a 3.66 ERA in 51.2 innings of work. In 11 games (9 starts), two of his wins were complete games, with one shutout and two combined shutouts. Ryan also ranked second on the team with 66 strikeouts. He allowed just 37 hits in 51.2 innings of work – a.198 average.
This season, Buch went 7-5 in 14 appearances (13 starts) with a 4.31 ERA, best on the team among pitchers with 60 or more innings pitched. This year, Ryan allowed 85 hits in 77.1 innings of work.
Those who haven’t followed Buch and some of the other high school standouts from Lower Bucks who’ve gone on to excel at Monmouth might remember Ryan when he was pitching at Conwell-Egan. Buch was a member of the Eagles team that went 16-0, capping their best season ever by clobbering St. Joseph’s Prep to capture the PCL Championship on the only undefeated team in the history of the Catholic league.
In two seasons at CEC, Ryan averaged more than two strikeouts per inning. He wasn’t bad with the bat either. The year the Eagles won it all, Buch hit .385 and led the PCL in triples.
He was also winning pitcher for the Mercer-Bucks Red Sox summer league team which won the league title and advanced to the NABF World Series.

Labels: Baseball, Conwell-Egan

While Neshaminy lost its first league game on Tuesday (April 28) to its perennial nemesis Pennsbury, the Redskins climbed back into a tie for the Suburban One League (SOL) National Conference lead the very next day.
Neshaminy seems determined to make the battle for the SOL National crown a horse race after edging Truman, 3-2, April 29 behind a six-strikeout performance of junior Sarah McGowan.
The ‘Skins managed to catch the Falcons, who lost to Abington, 4-3, the very same day. As of today (May 1), both teams possess identical 8-1 division records.
Against Truman, shortstop Christina Udris was the hero in this one, pushing a pair of runs across the plate, including a game-winning RBI single in the seventh. The Redskins’ 3-2 win over the Tigers, their second of the season by that score, undid a first inning RBI double by Truman third baseman Courtney Tenaglia and a seven strikeout performance by Truman pitcher Rachael Alligood.
Yesterday (April 30), the Redskins padded their win total with a non-league triumph over Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC).
Trailing, 1-0, Neshaminy exploded with 5 runs in the fourth, started off with a solo home run by Undris. But it was third baseman Kelsey Ryan who carried the big bat for the Redskins in this one, going 2-for-2 including a 2-run shot she crushed over the fence later in the fourth inning.
‘Skins outfielder Sam Creamer also had a big day at the plate, going 2-for-3 including an RBI and a run scored.
Righthander Samantha Bender got the win for Neshaminy, scattering 9 hits while striking out 6 CEC batters while walking none in her fourth victory of the season.
Slapping multiple hits for the Lady Eagles were Jade McGee (2-for-3), Kelsi Jordan (2-for-3) and Cheyenne Keen (2-for-4), who scored Egan’s only run of the afternoon. Stacie DeNucci (1 strikeout) was the starter for CEC but Rebecca Maziarz took the loss for the Eagles. Conwell-Egan drops to 5-8 on the season but is no worse for wear in league play.
In Neshaminy’s only league loss of the season, Pennsbury plated three runs in the fifth on back-to-back singles by Kelsey Bunda and D’Anna Devine, an error made on a bunt down the third base line by Alyssa Shipley and a 2-run double by Falcons first baseman Kirby Groves.
Udris plated the Redskins only run of the day when she pushed first baseman Erin Quense--on board with a double--across with an RBI single. Neshaminy second baseman Courtney Clee tried to score from first on Quense’s double, but was gunned down at the plate by Lauren Rossi’s relay throw.
Neshaminy hosts Council Rock North at 3:30 p.m. today, weather permitting.
***
--Sports Editor Steve Sherman

Labels: Conwell-Egan, Neshaminy, softball

There were two big scores involving Lower Bucks County high school softball teams yesterday.
One found Bristol avenging an earlier loss to beat Christopher Dock, 2-1. The other found Pennsbury falling to Abington a day after a big win over Neshaminy.

Bristol 2,
Christopher Dock 1

LANSDALE — The BAL standings are now all tied up again for first as Mike Lalli’s Warriors (9-2) got even for last week’s loss.
Kierstin Cain was tremendous with a two-hitter and 15 strikeouts. Jocelyn Hickey threw a three-hitter and fanned eight in defeat. All the runs were unearned with Bristol scoring twice in the fourth on a throwing error.
Bristol (9-2) 000 200 0 — 2 2 1
Christopher Dock (12-2) 000 100 0 — 1 3 3
WP-Cain (7-2). LP-Hickey (12-2).
***
Abington 4, Pennsbury 3

FAIRLESS HILLS - One day after Pennsbury's big win over Neshaminy, the Falcons (10-2) suffered their first league loss to drop back into a tie for first.
Mirella Wells doubled and Alyssa Becker was 3-for-3 with two RBIs, but it wasn’t enough to save pitcher Kate Schilling.
Abington 102 000 1 — 4 5 1
Pennsbury 010 110 0 — 3 9 4
WP-Wendel. LP-Schiling. 2B-Muehlbronner (A), Wells (P). RBIs; A-Muehlbronner, Tolton, Hilliod. P-Becker 2.
***
Bensalem 6,
Council Rock South 5

BENSALEM — Don “Bogie" Bogan’s rapidly-improving Owls picked up their first win when Julia Quigley smacked two doubles in support of pitcher Leanna Quandt. Aleisha Diamond and Quigley had two RBIs, and Jen McGinley and Brittany Barnett were each 3-for-3.
Council Rock South (0-11) 000 121 1 — 5
Bensalem (1-10) 003 120 x — 6
WP-Quandt. LP-Shafer. 2B-Deal (CRS), Quigley (B) 2. RBIs: B-Ewing, Diamond 2, Quigley 2.
***
Morrisville 16,
Plumstead Christian 0

PLUMSTEAD — Ivan “The Guru of High School Sofball’’ Colon’s Bulldogs returned to their winning ways when Kaylee Whtie and Alina Sierra blasted home runs. Sierra also doubled, Shaylynn Porras had three hits and Casey Hollopeter had six Ks.
Morrisville (6-2) 170 08 — 16 13 0
Plumstead Christian 000 00 — 0 1 5
WP-Hollopeter (5-2). LP-Taylor. 2B-Sierra (M). HR-Sierra, White (M).
***
Neshaminy 3, Truman 2

BRISTOL TWP. — The Redskins (10-1) are now back in a first place following the five-hit, six-strikeout pitching of Sarah McGowan and two RBIs by Christina Udris, including a game-winning single in the seventh.
Truman stared well with two in the first behind an RBI double by Courtney Tenaglia. Rachael Alligood struck out seven in defeat.
Neshaminy (10-1) 002 000 1 — 3 7 1
Truman (7-5) 200 000 0 — 2 5 6
WP-McGowan. LP-Alligood. 2B-Tenaglia (T). RBIs: N-Quense, Udris 2, T-Coffman, Tenaglia.
***
Kennedy-Kenrick 2,
Conwell-Egan 1

NORRISTOWN — The Eagles followed up an exciting win with a tough loss in 11 innings. Nicki Trois was the winning pitcher and doubled. Stacie DeNucci pitched a five-hitter in defeat. Both teams scored in the seventh.
Conwell-Egan (5-7) 000 000 100 00 — 1 3 0
Kennedy-Kenrick 000 000 100 01 — 2 5 0
WP-Troisi. LP-DeNucci. 2B-Troisi.

Labels: Bristol, Conwell-Egan, Morrisville, Neshaminy, Pennsbury, Truman

The Pennsbury High School softball team easily improved to 2-0 yesterday (March 31) with a 7-1 win over Suburban One League (SOL) National rival Council Rock North.
Righthander Kait Schilling pitched a two-hitter and struck out three for her second win.
First baseman Kirby Groves doubled, knocked in two runs and had two hits along with second baseman Deanna Devine and Kelsey Bunda, who made her first varsity appearance at the plate.
Chelsea Reynolds also doubled for the Falcons, who will host Bensalem tomorrow afternoon.
123 456 7 - R H E
Pennsbury (2-0) 300 022 0 — 7 9 0
CR North (0-3) 001 000 0 — 1 2 3
WP-Schilling (2-0). LP-Lewis (0-3). 2B-Groves (P), Reynolds (P). RBIS: P-Groves 2, Erb, Gosselin.
***
Bristol 15, New Hope 0
NEW HOPE, Pa. — Mike Lalli’s Warriors easily won their second game with sophomore righthander Kierstin Cain cranking up a one-hitter and striking out nine batters in four innings.
Second baseman Amanda Spadaccino went 2-for-2 with a triple and two RBIs. Cain was 2-for-2 herself and doubled.
Also smacking triples for Bristol were senior Kelee Pinto and sophomore Amanda Weir.
123 4 - R H E
New Hope 000 0 - 0 1 3
Bristol (2-1) 725 1 - 15 10 0
WP-Cain (2-1). LP-Yanishevsky. 2B-Cain. 3B-Pinto, Weir (B), Spadaccino (B).
***
Truman 8, Council Rock South 2

HOLLAND — The Tigers got back on track in style for their second victory of the season.
Rachel Alligood scattered six hits and struck out five for the win. Alligood was also on fire at the plate with a 4-for-4 day and an RBI.
Ashley Black singled and doubled, while Courtney Tenaglia was 3-for-4 and knocked in two runs.
123 456 7 - R H E
Truman (2-1) 030 121 1 — 8 14 0
CR South (0-3) 011 000 0 — 2 6 0
WP-Alligood (2-0). LP-Shaffer. 2B-Black (T), Young (CRS). 3B-Tenaglia (T). RBIs: T-Van Schaik, Alligood, Koenig. Tenaglia 2.
***
Conwell-Egan 12, Cardinal Dougherty 2

FAIRLESS HILLS — The Eagles busted into the victory column with this six-inning Philadelphia Catholic League victory.
Freshman righthander Stacie DeNucci fired a two-hitter and struck out 10. Brianna McInnis tripled and drove in three runs. Cheyenne Keen also doubled for the Eagles.
123 456 - R H E
Cardinal Dougherty 002 000 — 2 2 2
Conwell-Egan (1-2) 320 070 — 12 6 0
WP-DeNucci (1-2). LP-McMahon. 2B-Keen (CE). 3B-McInnis (CE).
***
Neshaminy 8, Abington 5

ABINGTON — This was a bit of a scare as the Redskins (3-0) were forced to storm back from a five-run deficit.
The big inning found Neshaminy scoring six runs in the top of the fifth. Kelsey Ryan had a huge hit there when she doubled home the tying run and then later scored the go-ahead run.
In the sixth inning, Christina Udris poked a two-run single. She, Erin Quense, Brittany and Brianna Guidos all had two hits.
Brianna Guidos also got the save in relief of Sarah McGowan (two strikeouts).
“We couldn’t do anything for the first four innings and then once we started hitting, it didn’t stop," said Neshaminy coach Kathleen Mullins. “I was proud of the comeback."
123 456 7 - R H E
Neshaminy (3-0) 000 062 0 — 8 12 1
Abington (3-0) 101 300 0 — 5 6 0
WP-McGowan (2-0). LP-Wendel. 2B-Ryan (N). RBIs: N-Clee, Quense, Udris 2, Ryan 2, Brianna Guidos, Brittany Guidos. A-Wendel 2, Gregorio, Gordon.

Labels: Bristol, Conwell-Egan, CR North, CR South, Neshaminy, Pennsbury, softball, Truman

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor

Levittown’s own pro football player Steve Slaton always dreamed of a day such as the one that took place earlier today at his alma mater Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC) High School. At 10 a.m. this morning in the school auditorium, the Bucks County Commissioners proclaimed March 4 as Steve Slaton Day throughout the county.
The record-setting running back for the Houston Texans just never thought a day like today would come so quickly, just after his first campaign in the NFL.
“I dreamed that one day I would return to school on a day like this,” said Slaton, a 2005 graduate of CEC. “I just thought it would happen when I was old and gray. I never thought it would happen my first year as a pro.”
Everything has always seemed to happen quickly for Slaton, who took the NFL by storm this year as the NFL's leading rookie rusher. Despite not getting his first start until a week three visit to Tennessee, Slaton just finished his first professional campaign by setting the Texans’ single-season rushing record, compiling 1,282 yards on just 268 carries (4.8-yard avg.).
And while an early season injury to Houston starting RB Ahman Green gave Slaton the chance he needed to get onto the pro football field, it was hard work that allowed Steve the opportunity to succeed.
“My parents always said whatever you put into it, you get out of it,” said Slaton. “I put a lot in.”
Slaton got onto the field quickly at Egan too, where he was plucked from the ranks of the JV team and placed onto the varsity squad in a week three battle at Cardinal Dougherty. Trailing at the half, Egan coaches decided to give Slaton a try after the intermission.
Steve took the opportunity and ran with it, all the way to the end zone. Slaton scored five times after the break, helping the Eagles to a 46-27 comeback victory over Cardinal Dougherty. His 290 yards rushing that day set a new record at CEC.
Slaton proved his worth right away in college, rushing for 188 yards and six touchdowns in just his second start for the Mountaineers--a 46-44 triple overtime triumph over Louisville. Compiling 1,128 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2005, Slaton garnered Big East Rookie of the Year honors. As a WVU sophomore, Steve reached paydirt 18 times and set a new record at West Virginia for rushing yards in a season (1,744, which ranked fourth in the nation), earning All-American honors and a chance to become that year's Heisman Trophy winner.
“We salute Steve for parlaying his time with the Conwell-Egan football program into a springboard to excellence,” stated County Commissioner James Cawley, a graduate of the school. “We look forward to watching him on Sundays as he makes all Bucks County-ans proud displaying his profound athletic gifts.”
In a career that spanned four years as the Eagles' featured tailback, Slaton carried the ball for nearly 6,000 yards. He finished his time at Egan in a 21-12 Eagles' Thanksgiving Day win over Truman, toting the ball 27 times for 186 yards. His last two touches at CEC produced a 34-yard touchdown and a 2-point conversion.
"Just look at our wins and losses before he came here and our wins and losses once he came," said Conwell-Egan coach Kevin Kelly.
"Steve is a great football player and a great person. It was just a real honor to be able to coach him."
Slaton’s NCAA star rose just as fast at West Virginia where he rushed for 3,293 yards, scored a school-record 50 touchdowns. The capper to Slaton's first college season came in January, 2006 when Steve tallied three TDs in West Virginia's upset win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Slaton's 204 yards were not only a Sugar Bowl record, but the second most rushing yards ever in a BCS game.
Slaton helped West Virginia accumulate 382 yards against an 11th-ranked Georgia defense that came into the game having surrendered an average of just 124 yards per game against SEC opponents. Tallying 204 yards on 26 carries, Slaton broke the previous Sugar Bowl rushing mark set by Tony Dorsett in 1977.
During Slaton’s time at West Virginia, in addition to their Sugar Bowl win, the Mountaineers tallied a 38-35 comeback win over Georgia Tech January, 2007 in the Gator Bowl and a 48-28 triumph over No. 3 ranked Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl the following year.
Trailing the Yellow Jackets 28-17 at the half without Slaton, who was injured after just three rushes, the Mountaineers went on to a 38-35 win over Georgia Tech. WVU bounced back in the second half on three third quarter TDs, two through the air from QB Pat White and another rushing by the Mountaineers quarterback.
According to Steve, training played a big part in West Virginia’s ability to upset foes in big bowl games year after year.
“The biggest thing was our conditioning. We went no-huddle. A lot of teams can’t go no-huddle. You can be the best athlete but if fatigue sets in, it makes you weak.
“We played as hard in the fourth quarter as we did in the first.”
Despite all the hoopla surrounding one of Levittown’s most famous athletes, Slaton keeps both feet planted firmly on the ground. In addition to his upbringing, Steve attributes his character as an athlete to his education at CEC.
“It teaches you humility. As fast as the climb is to success, it’s an even shorter fall,” said Slaton. “I’m going to stay on top as long as I can. Whenever I do fall, I don’t want my big head to get in the way.”
Add hard work to humility and you get the sum of the parts that make up this very special player--one of the best ever to emerge from the ranks of lower Bucks high schools.
“I know I have to do more than I did last year,” said Slaton, never one to shy away from a challenge. “With the season I had, teams are going to focus on me a lot more.
“I just got to follow up with an even better year.”
Somehow, you get the feeling Slaton will find a way to exceed last season’s astounding rookie marks. And while it still feels like a dream to the rest of us, for Slaton, he’s right where he always knew he’d wound up.
Since 1994--the first year Steve suited up on the gridiron, playing football was all the Conwell-Egan grad ever wanted to do.
“I always wanted to play in the NFL; the opportunity came and I took it,” said Slaton. “I didn’t second guess it. I just knew it was right for me.”


“By getting an education, you can go as fast or as slow as you want.
Take as little or as much, do what you need to do to get by, or do all that you can to be an honor roll student.
“It will not only make your parents proud, but yourself also.
“With the work that you put into school, you have the book-smarts to tackle the tasks that come up in everyday life.
“The moral of my story is ‘do not sleep in class.’”

Labels: Conwell-Egan, Football

By Steve Sherman,
Sports Editor

Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC) High School alum Steve Slaton has turned heads wherever he's gone. The Class of 2005 CEC product rushed for more than 6,000 yards and 73 touchdowns at Egan, setting five school records carrying the football for the Eagles.
After turning his back on the University of Maryland when they asked him to play on the other side of the ball, Slaton went on to the University of West Virginia where he compiled nearly 4,000 rushing yards toting the pigskin for the Mountaineers.
Slaton is third on West Virginia's all-time list of leading rushers.
This season, pro football prognosticators stood up and took notice of Slaton. Despite not getting his first start until a week 3 visit to Tennessee, Slaton just finished his first professional campaign as the NFL's leading rookie rusher while also setting the Houston Texans’ single-season rushing record with 1,282 yards.
Slaton also helped the Eagles - albeit indirectly - get into the playoffs, rushing for 92 yards and a touchdown while adding five catches for 36 yards in a final regular season Texans’ win over the Chicago Bears. Philadelphia needed losses by both the Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to get into the postseason.
To pay tribute to Steve, the Bucks County Commissioners (BCC) are declaring Wednesday, March 4 Steve Slaton Day throughout Bucks County.
The commissioners will make the announcement official at their 10 a.m. meeting to be held that day inside the Conwell-Egan Catholic auditorium.
Numerous electronic media outlets are expected to be there to cover this event, including Comcast SportsNet and NFL Films, says BCC spokesperson Chris Edwards. The Texans are also reportedly sending a video crew in order to cover the story for their fans.

Labels: Conwell-Egan, Football, NFL

The Conwell-Egan Catholic troops on their way to Ryan to battle the Vikings.

Eagles end 15-year postseason drought

By Steve Sherman; Sports Editor


Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC) came up short in its first playoff appearance in 15 years last night (Feb. 11) at Archbishop Ryan.

Fourth-seeded Archbishop Wood (16-6, overall, 11-6 PCL Blue) outpaced the Eagles, 49-37. Fran Dougherty led the way with 13 points and four of the Vikings reached double digits including Brian O'Grady (11), Joe Getz (11) and Tim Fahy (10).

Isaac Robinson led the effort for Egan with 14 points. Jonas Skovdal and Dave Delattre added 7 points apiece. The Eagles finish their season at 11-12 overall, 8-9 in the Catholic League-Blue.
Oh but what a year it was for Egan, which made a name for itself in the annals of Eagles hooplore.

***
CEC senior Jonas Skovdal is to his team as Donovan McNabb is to his Eagles. If Donny is having a bad day (and he's had them), you know the birds are going to struggle.

It's the same way with Egan's Eagles. Skovdal struggled to score points early on in the season. And the CEC Eagles had a hard time winning games in the Catholic League, dropping their first five league contests.

"Jonas has struggled; I don't think he had the season he anticipated early on," stated CEC head coach Rick Sabol. He's really come on strong of late.

"As a team, as Jonas goes, we go."

Conversely, Skovdal has been hitting double-digit scoring of late and Egan won four of its last seven in the Catholic League skirmishes, earning a No. 5 seed in the PCL tournament, which began Feb. 11 against Archbishop Wood.

The Eagles got smoked by the Vikings the first time these two teams faced off with Wood winning, 70-39, Dec. 15 in Warminster. But on Jan. 19 back home in Fairless Hills, the Eagles reversed their fortunes in a 50-47 victory.

The Eagles went on and took wins over Catholic League rivals McDevitt (in OT), Kennedy-Kenrick and Cardinal Dougherty and Egan earned its first berth in the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) playoffs in 15 years.

Among others, Skovdal and junior Ike Robinson deserve thanks for ending the rather lengthy playoff drought. According to Sabol, Skovdal played tremendous all-around games, totaling 27 points and 22 rebounds in the two pairings against K-K and Cardinal Dougherty.
"Jonas does all the little things--[he's] a great defensive player, brings the ball up the court, takes care of the basketball,” said Sabol.

"But offensively, he just wasn't playing as well as he thought he could be early in the year.
“He's really stepped his level up and that's why we've been so successful."

Robinson led the team in scoring both nights with 17 and 21 points, respectively.

"Ike has been bringing it night in and night out--he's had a tremendous season," stated Sabol.
Against the Wolverines, Robinson led the way with 17 points. Skovdal was next with 12. Ryan Golin pitched in with 9 points. Andrew Schaefer and Dave Delattre contributed with 5 points, apiece.

Matt Petrizzi (4), Kyle Bonner (3) and Shayne Bonner (2) also contributed to the playoff-clinching win.

Entering their Feb. 6 contest with Kennedy-Kenrick (7-15, overall, 2-14, PCL Blue), the Eagles--at 6-8 in the PCL Blue Division--needed to finish strong in order to latch onto a playoff berth. Keep in mind that Egan hadn’t made a trip to the postseason in 15 years.

With two league games left on their schedule, there was no reason to believe the Eagles would get there this year either. Friday night’s contest was at home against the Wolverines, a team Egan barely got past (41-39) in the first battle between the schools that took place Jan. 9 in enemy territory.

The Feb. 8 battle was also at home but against Dougherty (7-14, overall, 6-10, PCL Blue) a squad the Eagles hadn’t beaten in 28 tries.

According to CEC head coach Rick Sabol, Egan needed to split its weekend matchups in order to guarantee a spot in the playoffs. The Eagles did better than that, defeating Kennedy-Kendrick, 57-39, to secure only their third playoff berth in school history.

"The best part of what's going on is that we're playing our best basketball right now,” said the coach before his team set out for its playoff opener.

"We went through some ups and downs earlier in the season. But right now they have really jelled together and are playing with a great amount of confidence."

On Feb. 8, Egan cemented its No. 5 playoff seeding by soundly defeating Dougherty, 73-55. Up, 36-25, at the half, the Eagles went on a 22-11 third-quarter run to lead the Cardinals, 58-36, heading into the final frame.

Again, Robinson led the scoring effort for Egan, this time pouring 21 points into the bucket. Three CEC seniors pitched in with Skovdal (15), Shayne Bonner (14), and Billy Petraitis (10) each reaching double figures in the scoring column.

Ryan Golin (5), Dave Delattre (4) Kyle Bonner (2) and Matt Petrizzi (2) also contributed to the CEC cause.

Labels: boys basketball, Conwell-Egan

Eagles end 15-year postseason drought

By Steve Sherman; Sports Editor

Quick, somebody pinch me.

Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC) just earned a berth in the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) playoffs.

Entering their Friday night contest with Kennedy-Kenrick (7-15, overall, 2-14, PCL Blue), the Eagles - at 6-9 in the PCL Blue Division - needed to finish strong in order to latch onto a playoff berth. Keep in mind that Egan hadn’t made a trip to the postseason in 15 years.

With two league games left on their schedule, there was no reason to believe the Eagles would get there this year either. Friday night’s contest was at home against the Wolverines, a team Egan barely got past (41-39) in the first battle between the schools that took place Jan. 9 in enemy territory.

Sunday night’s game was also at home but against Cardinal Dougherty (7-14, overall, 6-10, PCL Blue) a squad the Eagles hadn’t beaten in 28 tries.

According to CEC head coach Rick Sabol, Egan needed to split its weekend matchups in order to guarantee a spot in the playoffs. The Eagles did better than that, defeating Kennedy-Kendrick, 57-39, to secure their first playoff appearance in 15 years and only the third in school history.

Among others, junior Ike Robinson and senior Jonas Skovdal deserve thanks for ending the rather lengthy playoff drought. Ike led the team in scoring both nights with 17 and 21 points, respectively. And according to Sabol, Skovdal played tremendous all-around games, totaling 27 points and 22 rebounds in both pairings.

Against the Wolverines, Robinson led the way with 17 points. Skovdal was next with 12. Ryan Golin pitched in with 9 points. Andrew Schaefer and Dave Delattre contributed with 5 points, apiece.

Matt Petrizzi (4), Kyle Bonner (3) and Shayne Bonner (2) also contributed to the playoff-clinching win.

On Sunday night, Feb. 8, Egan cemented its No. 5 playoff seeding by soundly defeating Dougherty, 73-55. Up, 36-25, at the half, the Eagles went on a 22-11 third-quarter run to lead the Cardinals, 58-36, heading into the final frame.

Again, Robinson led the scoring effort for Egan, this time pouring 21 points into the bucket. Three CEC seniors pitched in with Skovdal (15), Shayne Bonner (14), and Billy Petraitis (10) each reaching double figures in the scoring column.

Ryan Golin (5), Dave Delattre (4) Kyle Bonner (2) and Matt Petrizzi (2) also contributed to the CEC cause.

Egan makes its first playoff appearance in 15 years Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Archbishop Ryan. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. against 4th-seeded Archbishop Wood (15-6, overall, 10-6 PCL Blue).

Labels: boys basketball, Conwell-Egan

Conwell-Egan Catholic pushed its record to 9-10 overall with a 50-15 triumph on the mat over Germantown Friends School Jan. 31 in hostile territory. Anthony Spadafora (119), Eric Smith (152), Jim Weinerman (160) and Cameron Perry (189) recorded falls for the Eagles. Bob Albritain posted a major decision at 171 pounds.
- Sports Editor Steve Sherman

Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC) vs. Germantown Friends

CEC 50, Germantown Friends 15
(Jan. 31 at GFS)

WEIGHT CEC GFS

103 Lost, forfeit Reed
112 Pat Hecker won 9-1 Rabeen
119 Anthony Spadafora won pin Pinover
125 Dylan Hetzer lost 4-0 dec. Furokowa
130 Stratis Moschouris won pin Kurokowa
135 Pat Henry won forfeit
140 Dan Balek won forfeit
145 Raison lost 10-3 dec. Hall
152 Eric Smith won pin Feingold
160 Jim Weinerman won pin Sullivan
171 Bob Albritain won 13-0 maj. dec. Shaffer
189 Cameron Perry won pin Soloman
215 Sean Black lost 3-2 dec. Clark

Labels: Conwell-Egan, Wrestling