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

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor

A varsity football season, heck any football season for that matter, is usually filled with ups and downs. A win in any given week many times is tempered by a loss in the following battle.
Neshaminy’s football season was nothing like that last year, however. The Redskins’ 2008 campaign was more like a tidal wave than a roller coaster ride. From the time the team took to the practice field in August to its last game in late November, Neshaminy built a full head of steam, fueled mostly by a 12-game win streak that included victories over Suburban One League (SOL) rivals Abington, Bensalem and Pennsbury.
After getting by the Falcons, 16-13, on the strength of 16 second-quarter points including three field goals (20, 21, 31) by now departed kicker Seth Jeffries, the ‘Skins reeled off three postseason wins in a row, disposing of Downingtown East, Ridley and Garnet Valley, which had beaten Pennsbury to get there.
Unfortunately, it all came crashing down in the District One Class AAAA championship when Neshaminy was smoked, 28-0, by North Penn.
Despite the blowout in the district title game, the ‘Skins surrendered an average of less than 10 points-per-game last year. In one stretch, Neshaminy posted four consecutive shutout wins over Germantown, Abington, Truman and William Tennent. The ‘skins also gave up a touchdown or less to Council Rock North, Downingtown East and Ridley.
If Neshaminy is to have the same success this year however, it will have to do it without the likes of TE/DL Paul Carrezola, OL/DL Dan Shirey and DL/RB Jay Colbert.
All three were All-SOL National Conference first teamers on defense in ‘08. Carrezola, who has taken his game to the other side of the river at Rutgers, was SOL Player of the Year, mostly for his play at tight end, a role he will take on for the Scarlet Knights.
Shirey was All-SOL first team at center, a position he hopes to play at Villanova. In addition to his play at defensive end, Colbert, who has gone on to New Hampshire, was named second team All-SOL at running back for his ability to reach the end zone.
“It’s one of those years where I can’t wait for tomorrow to happen but at the same time, I’m scared to death,” said Neshaminy head coach Mark Schmidt. “It’s going to be either hit or miss.”
While Neshaminy has returned senior quarterback Brian Titus, running back Bryan Dean and wideouts Ricky Williams and Rick Brebner, the departures have left the squad with some huge holes to fill in the meantime.
“You lose your linemen in high school, that’s where it’s all centered,” said Schmidt.
“But we have some candidates that are doing a nice job; we’ve got five guys coming back that played last year.
“It’s one of those things; they’re young kids and they’ve just got to get that confidence and get that experience and feel good about themselves.”
The ‘skins will look to seniors Kevin Magee (6-0, 204 lbs.), John Rizzo (6-2, 280 lbs.) and Issac Bailey (6-3, 240 lbs.) to shore up the lines on both sides of the ball. Titus, Dean and the two Rickys were part of an offense that averaged 26 points-per-game last year.
According to Schmidt, Titus is getting some stiff competition under center from Charlie Martarella, a junior who goes 6-1, 160 lbs. and also plays basketball for the high school.
“He’s a tall, lanky kid who runs well,” stated Schmidt of Martarella. “He’s a terrific kid and he’s really amping things up in our offensive practices.”
For protection of the QBs, coaches are looking to junior offensive linemen Ryan Katona (5-10, 297 lbs.) and Nick DiDonato (5-10, 260 lbs.) to step well into the starter’s role. If the offensive line gels in time for the SOL opener with Abington on Sept. 25, Neshaminy may just be able to duplicate last year’s performance.
Defensively, the ‘skins return only one starter, junior Corey Majors, a 6-1, 225 lb. linebacker who was named All-SOL first team last year at that position. Coaches are looking to Magee, Katona and Stephen Stemme, a 5-11, 190-pound senior linebacker whom the coaching staff hopes can put the brakes on opposing running backs before they get into open space.
“We’re not as pretty as we were last year on defense; last year’s crew was pretty nice looking,” said Schmidt. “But all of these players saw significant action last season and must set the tone for an inexperienced defensive unit in the early going.”
Like last year, Neshaminy opens against non-league foes Souderton and Hatboro-Horsham. The ‘skins stumbled in their 2008 opener, losing to the Indians, 14-13, before reeling off 12 straight wins including a 24-14 victory over the Hatters.
“This is a great group of kids but they’ve GOT to keep moving in the right direction.
“We can’t stall or step back.
“If we get off to a decent start, I think we’ll be OK. But, we have Souderton and Hatboro to start and those two games are not going to be easy.”
“The one thing I really need to see is how things are going to go when the sparks start flying.”
Are you ready for some high school football?
The sparks start flying on Heartbreak Ridge at 7 p.m. Friday night at Harry Franks Stadium.

Labels: Football, Neshaminy

SOUTH Senior All-Stars
Coach: Van Smith, formerly of Harry S Truman

No. Name Position Height/Weight School
6 Scott Woodard DB 5-10, 180 Pennsbury
7 Ron Vogelei QB/DB 5-10, 165 Bensalem
8 Jerry Davis WR/DB 5-7, 135 Bensalem
10 Michael Schmidt QB/DB 6-4, 220 Harry S Truman
11 Matt Della-Croce QB/DB 5-8, 175 Conwell-Egan
12 Terry Walker Jr. QB/DB 5-10, 194 Harry S Truman
20 Richard Applegate RB 5-11, 190 Pennsbury
21 Fatorna Greene DB 6-1, 197 Neshaminy
22 Joe Tretter RB/LB 5-11, 185 Conwell-Egan
30 Jordan Lollis RB 5-7, 190 Pennsbury
31 Rus Chichkin RB/LB 6-0, 210 Council Rock South
33 Jacob Allen LB 5-9, 180 Pennsbury
35 Brian Deola FB/LB6-1, 230 Council Rock South
40 Stephen Marck TE/LB 6-4, 240 Pennsbury
41 Kyle Schnee WR/DB 5-7, 150 Morrisville
42 Tom Vogelei WR/LB 5-10, 160 Bensalem
50 Trevor Scott LB 5-11, 215 Harry S Truman
51 Blake Montgomery P/K 5-10, 170 Pennsbury
52 Chris Hoffman OL/DL 5-11, 200 Pennsbury
53 Justin Donnarumma LB 6-0, 200 Neshaminy
60 Patrick Cantrell OL/DL 6-1, 260 Pennsbury
61 Devon Reedel LB 6-0, 195 Neshaminy
62 Kyle Heasley OL/DL 5-11, 210 Pennsbury
63 Nick Schaeffer DL 6-2, 270 Neshaminy
65 Dan Hofmeister OL/DL 6-0, 230 Pennsbury
66 John Zavorski OL 6-3, 260 Neshaminy
70 Greg Waters OL/DL 6-1, 245 Council Rock South
71 Ross Re DL 6-1, 215 Council Rock North
72 Dan Wenclewicz OL/DL 6-2, 290 Neshaminy
73 Josh Davis OL/LB 6-0, 210 Morrisville
74 Steve Monohan DL 6-1, 200 Pennsbury
75 Ryan Calabro OL/DL 5-11, 255 Council Rock North
76 Keith Socoloski OL/DL 6-3, 275 Conwell-Egan
80 Steve Williams WR/DB 5-11, 155 Council Rock North
81 Eric Santiago WR/DB 5-7, 150 Harry S Truman
82 Cody O’Neal DB 6-0, 180 Neshaminy
83 Ryan Golin WR 6-1, 180 Conwell-Egan
84 Dave Damirgian TE/DE 6-2, 210 Council Rock South
85 Chris Boland DB 5-10, 185 Neshaminy

Labels: Football

NORTH Senior All-Stars
Coach: Steve Devlin, Archbishop Wood

No. Name Position Height/Weight School
6 Devon Passman (pictured) RB 5-8, 170 CB East
7 Brad Herrmann QB 5-11, 165 Pennridge
8 Mike Maxwell WR 6-4, 220 Arch. Wood
10 Mike Doty WR/DB 6-4, 205 CB South
11 Tom Johns WR/QB 6-5, 195 CB South
12 Sean McCartney QB/DB/P 6-3, 180 Wood
20 Dave Giusti DB 6-0, 180 CB South
21 Andy Hutchinson DB 5-9, 175 Wood
22 Sean Cunningham RB/LB 6-1, 210 Archbishop Wood
30 Greg Kogut DB 5-9, 165 Central Bucks East
31 Ted Conrad FB 5-10, 205 Central Bucks West
33 Zack Knepp DB 5-10, 175 Pennridge
35 Nick Miller LB 5-10, 180 Central Bucks East
40 Matt Pattison DE 6-2, 225 Pennridge
41 Andy Kenderdine LB 5-9, 195 Central Bucks South
42 Nick Devine FB 6-1, 210 Archbishop Wood
50 Aaron Meyers DT 5-11, 255 Central Bucks South
51 Warren Bixler OG 5-10, 190 Central Bucks East
52 Shane Miller DB 6-1, 190 Archbishop Wood
53 Tom Dilelu DE 6-0, 186 William Tennent
60 Jeff Shoolbraid OG 5-10, 250 Central Bucks East
61 Josh Barndt OG 6-0, 265 Quakertown
62 Sam Grove C 6-1, 215 Pennridge
63 John Reimer OT 6-4, 265 Quakertown
64 Chris Urban DT 6-1, 240 Central Bucks East
65 Nick Mortimer OT 6-2, 240 Central Bucks South
66 Matt McMurdo LB 6-1, 220 Central Bucks West
70 Adam Citko OT 6-5, 295 Archbishop Wood
71 Chris McCabe OG 6-0, 200 Pennridge
72 Chris Beach OT 6-1, 220 Central Bucks South
73 Phil Dutter C 5-11, 205 Central Bucks West
74 Ryan Beach OT 6-1, 250 Quakertown
75 Steve McDermott OG 5-11, 225 Central Bucks South
76 James McFadden K 5-11, 175 Archbishop Wood
80 Scott Schneider TE 6-5, 225 Central Bucks East
81 Caleb Swartley WR 6-2, 175 Pennridge
82 Joe Hoy DE 6-2, 220 Central Bucks East
83 Chris Harmon WR 6-3, 185 Central Bucks East
84 Anthony Narisi TE/DE 6-3, 210 Archbishop Wood
85 Vince Furlong WR 6-3, 190 Archbishop Wood

Labels: Football

The Neshaminy football team is hosting their annual football summer camp from July 6 through 10 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
The camp is for students entering grades 3 through 10 and is open to players from all school districts and youth programs.

Campers receive:
* Instruction of Offensive and Defensive Skills
* Players will be divided into teams to play "Redskin Ball"
* Instruction of individual drills
* Instruction of group and team drills
* Learn Neshaminy Football terminology and practice organization
* Grades 7 through 10 will get weight room orientation

The total cost is $120 per player. Cost includes daily instruction and a Neshaminy Football Camp T-Shirt. Families with more than one camper may deduct $20 for the second child and $40 for the third child.
For more information, contact assistant coach Neil French at nfrench8@verizon.net.

Labels: Football, Neshaminy

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor

Archbishop Wood senior Adam Citko has been named as this area's only representative in the PSFCA East/West All-Star game.

The game is slated for Friday, June 19 at Mansion Park in Altoona.

In Wood's fall 2008 campaign, Citko helped the Vikings' ground attack by opening up gaping holes for the likes of running backs Sean Cunningham, Sean McCartney and Nick Devine.

His efforts helped Cunningham - a second team selection - tally more than 1,700 yards on the ground and 27 touchdowns this season, one in which Wood captured it's first District 12 championship and a trip to the PIAA Class AAA title game where it fell to two-time state champion Thomas Jefferson.

For the season, McCartney compiled 683 yards on 128 rushes. Devine carried the football 75 times for 479 yards.

This is the 9th annual east-west gridirion clash. For the first time in its history, the battle will be staged on the same weekend as the Big 33 Football Classic, which is set for Saturday, June 20 at HersheyPark Stadium.

Directors of the game have awarded more than $45,000 in scholarships to alumni players, providing support for their post-secondary school education.

PSFCA is an acronym for Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association.

Labels: Archbishop Wood, Football

Nancy Faherty (left) of Roma Bank presented the Delaware Valley’s top $5,000 “Jack Stephan” scholar-leader-athlete award and trophy to Anthony Russ (center) of Lawrence High School at the Hyatt Regency-Princeton on Sunday, March 15.

The honor bestowed upon Russ followed the presentation of 36 additional scholarships by Eric Hamilton (right), head football coach for The College of New Jersey and president of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (NFFCHOF).

After setting five school records at quarterback and earning continuous academic distinction, Russ will bring his gridiron talents to Harvard University this fall.

Other top award winners recognized that evening included Kelly Myers, who was bestowed with the Robert F. Casciola Distinguished American Award, Tom Murray, (Contribution to Amateur Football Award) Ray Stupienski (Jack Millard Memorial Football Official Award) and Brian Schoenauer (Pop Warner Little Scholar Award).

Hopewell Valley Central High School head football coach David Caldwell, was bestowed with the Hank Johns Coach of the Year Award. Caldwell led his Bulldogs to an unbeaten finish in the CVC Patriot Division and also set a school record for wins in a season.

Labels: Football, Hopewell Valley

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

Labels: Archbishop Wood, Football

Labels: boys soccer, field hockey, Football, Pennsbury

Neshaminy senior Jay Colbert is headed to New Hampshire to play football.

Neshaminy senior Jay Colbert, a 6-1, 230-pound fullback who plays the end on the D-line, is headed to the University of New Hampshire. Jay made his college choice based on the winning attitude that always seems to prevail at UNH.

Head coach Sean McDonnell led the Wildcats to their fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA FCS Championships and advanced to the quarterfinals for the fourth time during a five-year span. Last season, New Hampshire posted a 10-3 record, capturing the Colonial Athletic Association North Division title

“Every year, New Hampshire wins games and they’re always in the playoffs every year,” said Colbert.

“They do a great job with their coaching staff.

“They always get the right guys in the program—good guys.”

A winning program coupled together with hard work made the Wildcats an attractive team to join, said Colbert. The similarity to Neshaminy football was uncanny, he noted.

“Their program is just like Neshaminy’s. Guys get in the weight room; they work—they work hard. They have great coaches. The coaches get after you and they WIN games.”

—Sports Editor Steve Sherman

Labels: Football, Neshaminy

Four Neshaminy football players inked deals today including
(from left) John Zavorski (Kutztown), Dan Shirey (Villanova),
Paul Carrezola (Rutgers) and Jay Colbert (New Hampshire).

Labels: Football, Neshaminy

Neshaminy High School has announced more than a dozen student-athletes who have accepted award scholarships to the following schools.
The 13 students were recognized for their achievements at a signing ceremony held at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon (Feb. 4) in the Neshaminy High School HUB.
Four of the students are members of the football team that went 12-2, captured the SOL National Conference championship and earned a berth in the District One Class AAAA finals.
Six are members of Coach Rich Reice's soccer teams including boys co-captain Kyle Soroka, who led his team to the District One Class AAA finals as well as a berth in the PIAA AAA semifinals.
Reice's girls' team went far too, earning a hard-fought win over Council Rock North after falling in overtime to CB West in the district semis. The win over the Indians meant that Neshaminy would finish third in the D-I AAA tourney.
In states, the Lady Redskins made it all the way to the PIAA AAA quarters, falling in overtime to Lower Dauphin.
Three are field hockey players, members of Lisa Pennington's squad that captured a District One Class AAAA championship, 25 years after Pennington and her crew did it, guided by former skipper and Athletic Director Sheila Murphy.
- Sports Editor Steve Sherman

Jay Colbert, New Hampshire, Football
Dan Shirey, Villanova University, Football
Paul Carrezola, Rutgers University, Football
John Zavorski, Kutztown University, Football
Kyle Soroka, Villanova University, Soccer
Zach Turchi, LaSalle University, Soccer
Marlaine Schneider, Rider University, Field Hockey
Moriah Allen, Villanova University, Field Hockey
Alexa Doyle, Kutztown University, Field Hockey
Kelli Kerr, Millersville University, Soccer
Lyndsay Pierson, University of Pittsburgh, Soccer
Diana Rowan, West Chester, Soccer
Jennifer Anne Hutchinson, West Chester, Soccer

Labels: boys soccer, field hockey, Football, Neshaminy

Pennsbury senior Leigh Deininger has chosen to continue her athletic career at St. Joseph's University as a field hockey player.
A standout midfielder in both hockey and soccer, Deininger was more experienced playing soccer for the YMS Speed Demons for the past seven years.
Deininger started playing soccer competitively when she was 8-years-old, under the tutelage of her dad Roger who was a standout in the sport at Shippensburg.
Last season in hockey, Deininger was an SOL National Conference first team selection, helping Pennsbury to the first round of districts.
Deininger will join three male student athletes at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 when the four will sign Division I National Letters of Intent at the PHS TV studios on the East campus.
The Pennsbury boys who are signingThursday include soccer players Eric Schoenle (Mount St. Mary's) and Alex Ockford (West Virginia) in addition to linebacker Steve Marck, who is headed to Miami of Ohio to join his brother C.J.
- Sports Editor Steve Sherman

Labels: boys soccer, field hockey, Football, Pennsbury

Mike Pettine Jr.

Pettine Jr. to lead Jets D

By Steve Sherman; Sports Editor

Former Bucks County varsity football coach Mike Pettine Jr. was recently hired to lead the New York Jets defense.
A former CB West High School football coach from 1988-92, Pettine was hired by recently named Jets head coach Rex Ryan, who as the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, listed Pettine as his right-hand man.
Pettine had been the outside linebackers coach for the Ravens since 2005. Ryan is the son of former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan. That both are sons of famous coaches - albeit at different levels - was enough to bond the two together, says Pettine.
“Both of us being coaches’ kids, I think we both developed that gym rat mentality for football,” says Mike. “We shared a lot of philosophies when it came to football — everything from how to teach a certain technique to getting off blocks, to what to call in certain situations, when to be aggressive, when not to be aggressive.”
Hired by Baltimore as an assistant in video operations in 2002, Pettine was promoted to defensive assistant, helping Ryan coach the Ravens D-line in 2004.
Pettine has been Baltimore’s linebackers coach for the last four seasons. In 2006, four Ravens linebackers made it to the Pro Bowl including Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Adalius Thomas, and Terrell Suggs.
Baltimore was ranked among the top five teams in points allowed last season. The Ravens were tops in sacks.
Pettine was all-state as a quarterback and defensive back at CB West from where he graduated in 1984. From 1988 to ’92, he coached the Bucks, winning a state trophy in 1991.
While Ryan made a name for himself coaching Reggie White and company as what was then perhaps the most feared defense in the NFL, Mike Pettine Sr. led CB West at the high school level.
Pettine Sr. took the Bucks to new heights from there, leading West to state title wins in 1997, ‘98 and ‘99. In 1999, with a 30-game win streak on the line, he faced his son - who’d taken over at North Penn - in a district playoff game.
The battle is the topic of the movie “The Last Game.”
Pettine Sr. produced a 326-42-4 record in 33 seasons as head coach at CB West.
In addition to his tenure at North Penn (97-2001), Mike Pettine Jr. also worked various coaching positions at the University of Pittsburgh (1993-94) and William Tennent (1995-96). In college, at the University of Virginia, Mike was a 2-year letterman at free safety (1986-87) under head coach George Welsh.

Labels: CBWest, Doylestown, Football