New Hope-Solebury’s Jr. Pee Wee Gold team ran its winning streak to three games after dominating Pennridge, 19-0. The Lions have displayed offensive, defensive and special teams prowess in outscoring their opponents 64-6 during the winning streak.
The vaunted Lions offense struck early in the first quarter after the defense forced a quick three and out by the Pennridge offense. Seeting up the first score was a long rambling run by Lucas “L-Train” Lasher behind strong blocks by Cameron Tealor and Tommy Valleto. Tommy Cappriotti ran strong behind Tyler Brennan, Jack McKenna and Ryan Keating and bullied his way into the end-zone to make the score 6-0.
The rest of the first half featured hard hitting by both teams as the offenses struggled with heavy winds. After giving up several first downs, the Lions defense faced a critical third down against a Pennridge offense that was quickly gaining confidence. Outside linebacker Andrew “Alladin” Wheelan blitzed and dropped the Pennridge running back for a five yard loss, snuffing the Greenjacket’s most promising offensive drive of the day.
The second half got off to an exciting start when L-Train Lasher ran the kick-off all the way down to the Pennridge one-yard line. After a couple of great plays by the game Pennridge goal-line defense, the Lions face a critical fourth and goal call from the five-yard line.
Interim Coach Dennis Fitzgerald called on the duo who have become the Pop Warner version of Joe Montana-to-Jerry Rice and they didn’t disappoint: behind exceptional play-side pass blocking by Max Adar and Colin Patrick, Mike Fitzgerald hit Alec Coburn with a perfect pass and the Lions were up 13-0.
With a two-touchdown lead, the Lions league-leading defense further enhanced its reputation by locking down on the Greenjacket offense. Defensive linemen Matt Kilgariff, Chris Braun, Ryan Walton and Connor Schmutz began to dominate the middle and Pennridge was forced to bounce it outside. But….outside is where they found more trouble. Strong play by defensive ends Blaze Hutkin and Josh “Not in My” House, and shutdown corners Cam Tealor and Tommy Cappriotti, prevented the Greenjackets from finding any room outside.
After another stop by the defense, Mike Fitzgerald bolted to the right side and, aided by exceptional blocking by Tommy Lupo, Matt Kilgariff and Cam Tealor, sprinted down the sideline for a 60 yard TD run.
After more fourth quarter defensive stops and needing to run out the clock and the Lions turned to Tommy Lupo, Tommy Valleto, Ryan Walton and Tyler “The Bus” Brennan to grind out tough yards. The highlights of this drive included slashing five-yard runs by Valleto, Lupo and Walton, and a bruising 12-yard first down run by “The Bus” who carried five Pennridge defenders to their final destination beyond the first down marker.
Behind the blitzing of middle linebacker Connor Schmutz, the Lions thwarted several last minute hail-mary attempts by Pennridge and the game came to an with the shutout intact.
The coaches wish to thank Team Parent Gerianne Tealor, Team Medic Bob Coburn, Team Equipment Manager Greg House and ALL VOLUNTEERS who continue to pitch in to make this special season possible!
(NOTE: This is the report from the NHS Pop Warner site. Kevin, Owen, Fiona and I missed the game to go to Ryan and Kristen’s wedding. Jack joined us for the reception.)
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