Jack’s middle school football team won their first game of the year! The GA Middle School varsity beat Malvern Prep 13-0. Jack started at fullback and middle linebacker.

The team seemed a bit rusty in the first half, but played much, much better in the late part of the game. Jack had a couple blitzes through the line to nail players in the backfield, and he scored an extra point on a great short run.

Jack’s highlight of the game was on the last play when he had a long carry that almost scored. He had to bust a couple of tackles to gain ground and looked strong running. If you go through the photos to the end, there are some pictures of his long run.

(Jack is #39 — I know, it’s weird not to see him wearing #24. He has royal blue and black shoes.)

For photos of the game, CLICK HERE  Sorry about the quality of the photos; it got dark early and was rainy.

(If you don’ t have flash, you can see the photos here — as well as download them.)

Here is Kevin’s write-up:

The Jr. PeeWee Gold Lions went down to defeat at the hands of the undefeated Pennridge Greenjackets last Saturday at the Greenjackets’ home field in Perkasie.  The Lions gave Pennridge all they could handle before losing 19-7.

The Lions started off with the ball to begin the game but an acrobatic pick-off by the Greenjackets’ talented safety gave them the ball in Lions in Lions’ territory.  The Lions were a bit anxious to start the game on defense, perhaps a little unnerved by the Greenjackets’ unusual cadence.  The got it together quickly as nosetackle Greg Stephens forced an errant snap and a Greenjacket fumble.  Joey Gegeckas came up from his linebacker position to make a key stop and it seemed that the Lions would get out of a jam.  Unfortunately the Greenjackets’ mammoth QB swept in from the outside to find pay dirt and the Lions were down 6-0.

The Lions, though, showed resilience as the Nick Desautelle combined with Timmy Leonard to stop the extra point try and the score remained 6-0.

The Lions fought back right away on offense. After Topher Taylor recovered the ball on a Greenjackets’ onside kick attempt, the Lions began to show their vaunted ground game.  First, Jesse Capriotti broke three tackles on his way to a fifteen-yard gain and the Lions’ first first down of the game.  Then Hunter Jaronski “superblasted” for ten more yards behind the blocking of Blake Eschelman, Nick Vitelli and Connor Stocklosa.  After the Lions softened Pennridge up with a couple of tough inside runs, Jaronski sprinted around the left side again for the equalizing score.  Owen McKenna then pinballed his way into the endzone behind the Lion’s dynamic interior blocking trio of Charles Bray, Justin Fischetti, and  Taylor.

The Greenjackets struck back quickly, launching a rainbow pass that somehow fell into the arms of the receiver for a long gain.  The Lions pushed them back on a crushing hit by Dan Khouri and Charles Bray on the next play, but the Greenjackets wouldn’t be denied as they swept in from the right side later in the series for the score.  Again, however the Lions would not let their opponent get an extra point on the board as John Flavin forced the Greenjackets’  ball carrier inside and the rest of the Lions finished the job.

This time back on offense the Lions could not find their rhythm on offense even after tough run by Eshelman behind Joey Peterson and Anthony Ferlazzo and the Lions were forced to turn the ball over on downs.  They came up big on the next defensive series however as the Greenjackets went back to the air for to try for another score.  With Michael Lehman providing blanket coverage on the Greenjacket ballcarrier,  Jaronski stepped in front of the opposing receiver and picked off the pass at the goal line.

Unfortunately, after the Lions could not move the ball away from the shadow of their goal posts, a poor coaching decision (mine) gave the Greenjackets the ball deep in Lions’ territory.  The Greenjackets scored their third and final touchdown of the day to make the score 19-7.

While Lions played spirited football in the second half led by a stout defense and a resurgent offense, they were unable to change the outcome of the game.  Second half offensive highlights included Ferlazzo’s first run of the year, a punishing five-yard scamper up the middle, and a diving reception by  Capriotti.

On defense, Stephens shook off a painful hand injury to come off the bench to recover a fumble while McKenna made several big plays in the Greenjacket backfield.

The Lions are home this Saturday to face the Souderton Braves at 2:00 p.m.

For family & friends who asked, Owen is #53 — fullback on offense and linebacker on defense.

For photos of the game, CLICK HERE 

(If you don’ t have flash, you can see the photos here — as well as download them.)

The NHS Jr PeeWee Gold team dominated their King of Prussia foes yesterday.

Here’ is Kevin’s write-up:

Lions Defeat King of Prussia

They say the game of football is won in the trenches and the Junior PeeWee Lions certainly proved that on Saturday at King of Prussia as they dominated on both the offensive and defensive lines and handed the Indians a 19-6 loss.  With the victory, the Lions moved to 2-1 on the young season.

The Lions started quickly on offense with Jesse Capriotti following blocks from Conner Stoklosa, Nick Vitelli and Blake Eschelman off-tackle for a 45-yard long touchdown run.  Owen McKenna followed Justin Fischetti, Topher Taylor, Charles Bray up the middle for the extra point and the Lions had a 7-0 lead.

The Indians responded with a determined running game of their own, but a touchdown-saving tackle by Michael Lehman and Joey Gegeckas seemed to settle the Lions down.  Greg Stephans and Connor Fitzgerald combined to stop the Indians’ ball carrier on fourth down deep in Lions’ territory and the Lions were back on offense.

This time a determined Indian defense forced the Lions to punt and when the Indians rushed and sacked the punter, the Indians had the ball on the Indians’ three-yard line.  This set up an exciting sequence for the Lions.  On the next play, McKenna hurdled the line and hit the Indian QB and knocked the ball loose; Hunter Jaronski alertly covered the fumble and the Lions were out of trouble.

Three plays later, Capriotti was at it again, sprinting down the sideline behind a crushing Eschelman block for an 85-yard scoring play.  The point after failed, but the Lions were out in front 13-0.

At this point the Lions’ defense began to dominate.  After Danny Khouri made a crushing tackle in the Indians’ backfield,  Taylor burst through the line to force and recover an Indians’ fumble.

The Lions went back on offense with  Eschelman picking up good yardage behind Anthony Ferlazzo and Joey Peterson.  The Lions’ drive stalled  just short of a first down, however, and the Lions went into half-time up 13-0.

The Lions started the second half on defense once again and this time Timmy Leonard got into the tackle-for-loss (TFL) act, knifing through from his outside linebacker position to throttle the Indians’ dangerous tailback. After John Flavin, Gegeckas and Lehman foiled a Indian’ sweep attempt, the Lions had the ball back.

The Lions had a little trouble establishing their offensive rhythm in the second half, but their defense was firing on all cylinders until the Indians found a crease in the defense and sprung their tailback for a long touchdown run.  The Lions defensive line got a big surge by Khouri, Fitzgerald and Stephans  to stop the extra point and the score remained 13-6.

With the game in the balance once again, the Lions offensive line took over.  With Ferlazzo setting the edge,  Jaronski went for a big gain on a bootleg.  On the next play Capriotti rumbled off-tackle behind Leonard, Stoklosa and Vitelli for a long gain into Indians’ territory.  The Lions ran the ball down to the Indians’ five-yard line before Capriotti was able to slam in for his third score and the Lions had the game iced.

There was still time for one more highlight on defense as  Flavin’s diving pick-off attempt nearly resulted in the Lions’ first interception of the year.

With the final score of 19-6, the Lions happily celebrated the victory and Stoklosa’s birthday.  The Lions travel north next Saturday to take on the Pennridge Greenjackets at 6:00 p.m.

For family & friends who asked, Owen is #53 — fullback on offense and linebacker on defense.

For photos of the game, CLICK HERE 

(If you don’ t have flash, you can see the photos here — as well as download them.)

The Penndel Wildcats avenged their two losses last year again the Jr. PeeWee Lions. The 2011 Lions struggled a bit to match Penndel’s size and speed, but I’m sure they’ll rebound next week.

The McKenna highlight of the game was Owen’s first offensive touchdown ever!!

Here’s Kevin’s write-up of the game:

Lions Fall To Wildcats

The Jr. PeeWee Gold Lions fell to a tough, experienced PennDell Wildcats 25-7 on Saturday.  While the Lions came out on the wrong side of the score, their second half performance gave them much to build for the rest of the season.

The Lions’ Connor Fitzgerald started the game with a booming kickoff and Michael Duncan made a great open field tackle to begin the action.  The Wildcats proved that they meant business on the next play as the went off tackle for a big gain, only great play by defensive backs Tim Leonard and Michael Lehman kept the Wildcats off the scoreboard.

The Lions’ defense stiffened inside behind spirited play by Greg Stephens and Nick Desautelle, so the Wildcats decided to try the old student body left play and with strong blocking, they got the ball close to the goal line before punching it in for the score.  Topher Taylor put a strong rush on the QB to force an errant throw on the extra point and the score was 6-0.

After being unable to move the ball on offense, the Lions’ defense was back on the field.  This time they came out on fire and they made it tough for Wildcats to move the ball.  A key play for the Lions was Dan Khouri crushing tackle for loss of the Wildcats fullback.

Eventually though, the Wildcats were able to solve the Lions’ blitzing defensive attack with a series of reverses, sweeps and play action passes and they took an 18-0 lead into half time.

The coaching staff challenged the Lions at half time to give it their all in the second half despite the score and the boys responded brilliantly.

The Wildcats had another offensive trick in the bag for one for touchdown in early in the third quarter but the Lions’ defense stopped them cold after that.

The Lions began to find running room behind a rejuvenated offensive line.  Jesse Capriotti made slashing runs off tackle following blocks from Taylor, Connor Stocklosa and Nick Vitelli to pick up successive first downs.  TheY also began to make things happen on the left side of the line as QB Hunter Jaronski followed Anthony Ferlazzo and Joey Peterson for a nice gain on a bootleg.

With the Lions’ offense on the fifty-yard line, Jaronski sprinted out and found Vitelli in the clear for a wonderful over-the-shoulder catch.  Vitelli rumbled down to the three-yard line and two plays later Owen McKenna powered into the endzone behind Charles Bray and Justin Fischetti and the Lions were on the board.  Jaronski followed a Leonard block around the end and made the score 7-0.

The Lions were now fired up now and it showed on defense.  McKenna blitzed in from his linebacker spot to force a Wildcats’ fumble and the Lions’ offense got the ball back.  John Flavin came into the game to see his first action at QB this year.  Joey Gegeckas picked up two tough yards on his first carry of the year and Flavin followed with a tough run on a QB sweep.  While the second unit played flawlessly, they could not find the endzone and the ball went back over to the Wildcats to finish out the game.

Although the boys lost a tough when their effort in the second half was impressive and it sets them up well for next Saturday’s game against King of Prussia.  Their thoughts are also with Duncan who left the field in the second half with a concussion.

For photos of the game, CLICK HERE 

(If you don’ t have flash, you can see the photos here — as well as download them.)

I’ll add more details about the game once Kevin sends out his game summary, but the big news for this household was that Owen scored his first touchdown!!

ETA: Here’s Kevin’s game summary

Junior PeeWee Gold Grounds Eagles

The Junior PeeWee Gold Lions beat a determined Marsh Creek squad, 19-14, on a slippery Laurel Field to begin their season with a victory.

It was obvious from the outset that the Lions came to play as Hunter Jaronski found the endzone behind blocks from Joey Peterson , Anthony Ferlazzo and Michael Duncan to score the game’s opening touchdown less two minutes into the first quarter.

With the Lions up 6-0 the defense went to work.  They forced a three-and-out as Blake Eschelman and Joey Gegeckas refused to be fooled on a reverse and stopped the Eagles cold on a third-and-long.

The Lions got the ball back after a great Marsh Creek punt and once again began to move the ball behind a dominant offensive line.  A key play in the drive was Jesse Capriotti’s scintillating sprint around the end for fifteen big yards to the Eagles 20.  The Eagles defense stiffened however and the Lions could get no further.

After Topher Taylor recorded his first sack of the year, Michael Lehman came up to make a big stop on third down and force an Eagles punt early in the second quarter.  Connor Fitzgerald than blasted in from his D-tackle position to block the Eagles punt and set up the Lions up on the Eagles five-yard line.

Two plays later, Hunter Jaronski scampered in for his second touchdown of the day, running behind Ferlazzo,  Duncan and Capriotti.  This time the Lions converted the extra point on a diving, tumbling catch in the end zone by Nick Vitelli and they were up 13-0.

The Eagle fought back for a score before halftime to close the gap to 13-7.

The Lions D came out strong in the third quarter.   Strong play by Nick Desautelle and John Flavin on the right side of the defensive line forced Marsh Creek to look to the left for yardage and when they did, Tim Leonard came up from his cornerback spot lay out an Eagles ball carrier on a sweep attempt.

The teams fought back and forth throughout the third quarter with neither getting an advantage.  In the fourth quarter, the Lions offensive line began to take control.  Following the wedge blocking of tackles Peterson and Connor Stoklosa, guards  Taylor and Charles Bray, and center Justin Fischetti, Lions fullback Owen McKenna began to chew up big yardage.

The Lions move the ball using the wedge over 70 yards in just seven plays to place the ball inside the Eagles 10-yard line.  Again the Eagles’ defense stiffened and Lions where stopped at the one-yard line.

Here the Lions’ defense came up with the play that sealed the victory.  Nose Tackle Greg Stephens busted through the line followed by blitzing linebackers  McKenna,  Gegeckas and  Jaronski to force an Eagles fumble.   McKenna came up with the ball for the touchdown and the Lions had a 19-7 lead.

The Eagles scored a late touchdown to make the game interesting, but the Lions held them off in the end and the boys had a conference victory.  The Lions next face a tough Penndel team on the road next Saturday at 12:00.  The matchup will be a repeat of last year’s Bux-Mont championship game.

For photos of the game, CLICK HERE 

(If you don’ t have flash, you can see the photos here — as well as download them.)

We survived Top Gun camp. Or, Kevin and I just survived — Jack excelled. This was his second year to earn an invitation to Football University‘s Top Gun camp. Technically, you’re supposed to have completed sixth grade, but he was selected last year as a fifth grader. CLICK HERE for the report on last year’s camp.

During the Spring/Early Summer, Jack attended three of FBU’s weekend camps in Downingtown, New Jersey, and on Long Island. After each camp, he was selected as one of the top players and invited to the summer Top Gun camp (as a defensive back from the Downingtown camp, as a linebacker from the other two camps. He did linebacker at Top Gun.)

Top Gun camp is held at wonderful facility in Williamsburg, VA, but like last year, it was the middle of a heat wave. At one point, the turf temperature was about 140 degrees; they said the heat index was about 120. I got in the car and the thermometer read 115 … after driving around, a few minutes later, it read 119. They did a great job of keeping the kids healthy and safe — water breaks at least every 15 minutes and non-stop Gatorade before and after.

The competition was as hot as the tempteratures. Jack’s group — the purple jerseys mean “6th grade defensive player” — had a range of skills. I’m probably biased, but I think Jack had the best skills, although a couple of the other boys had genetics (i.e., SIZE) on their side. Rumor had it that although one of the larger players just completed sixth grade, he was 14 years old.

Kevin and I both thought the general talent of the linebacker group was superior to the linebackers at last year’s camp, but we didn’t think the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers were as good.

The structure of all the FBU camps is pretty much the same: skills drills according to position, offense/defense one-on-one drills, offense/defense seven-on-seven drills and a classroom session. That pattern repeats in the afternoon.

Below is a video of one of the skills drills (If you can ‘t see the video below, reload the page. I’m still working out some kinks in the code.) Jack is #40 in the purple shirt.

I think Jack looks faster and smoother than some of the other linebackers and he got a lot of praise for his form and speed.

Below is a video of some of the one-on-one drills:

We got a new video camera, because Jack is going to need a lot of highlight reels in the next couple of years. I spent a lot of time at Top Gun practicing with the camera. (I know, I need a lot more work.) I’ve spent EVEN MORE time since we’ve been home trying to figure out editing and uploading. Because of all that, I didn’t take as many still photos as I usually do, but CLICK HERE for the photos I took of Jack at Top Gun. (If you don’t have Flash installed, CLICK HERE for non-Flash gallery.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Jack (#22) scored a touchdown.

The day before the game, most of the players traveled to Syracuse to watch The Orange play Louisville (Syracuse lost) in the Carrier Dome.

But a real highlight was returning to the Carrier Dome on Saturday evening to do their pre-game walk through on the field in the Carrier Dome.

Photos from the Carrier Dome workout are here.

Photos from the first quarter are here.

Photos from the second quarter are here.

Photos from the third quarter are here.

Photos from the fourth quarter are here.

• He got picked to go to FBU football camp.
• He was  selected as one of the roughly 80 6th graders in the U.S. to go to Top Gun camp (and he was really only a 5th grader).
• He won the “Top Linebacker” award for the 3rd year in a row at Sports International camp.

… and now he’s been named a “Bux-Mont Scholar Athlete” by his Pop Warner league.

From the letter he received:

Congratulations, based upon the school grades you received during the 2009 -10 school year, you have been selected to be a member of the 2010 ALL BUX-MONT LEAGUE SCHOLAR-ATHLETE TEAM….The 68 Bux-Mont League 12- to 14-year-olds selected have shown the ability to excel.

He gets to go to a banquet in January. I’ll bet he hopes he can make a speech.

Jack had a touchdown, an interception, a couple long, long runs and about a zillion tackles for loss.

Although they have only played a couple of games and haven’t been able to have too many practices, the team has really improved since the beginning of the season.

More photos from the Malvern game are here.