Phoenixville Sports Beat

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noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:43:00 +0000

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Spring Fever!

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:16:00 +0000

Spring is a busy time of the year in scholastic athletics.
The final segment of the school term includes baseball, softball, boys tennis, girls lacrosse, boys lacrosse, and boys and girls track & field.
At Phoenixville Area High School, all except the boys lacrosse team have their practices and games at the school site. The Phantoms’ boys lacrosse team works out at the Annex on the campus of Valley Forge Christian College (VFCC), located off of Charlestown Road.
The teams have been practicing since Monday, March 8. There have been practice sessions and some scrimmages since that time.
The Phoenixville boys tennis team opens on Wednesday, March 24, with a non-league match at West Chester Bayard Rustin, the third and newest of the public schools in West Chester.
The first big day of sports activity is Friday, March 26. The softball team visits West Chester Henderson. The boys tennis squad travels to Downingtown West. The girls lacrosse team is at home against Great Valley. The boys lacrosse team is on the road against Marple Newtown.
The track teams open with the Phoenixville Relays at Washington Field on Saturday, March 27, at 9 a.m.
The baseball team leaves Saturday for a week-long trip to Orlando, Fla, where the Phantoms have scheduled three games plus practice sessions.
Phoenixville will play Massapequa (New York) on Monday, March 29, at 3 p.m. The Phantoms take on Dublin Jerome (Ohio) on Tuesday, March 30, at 10:30 a.m. The trip concludes with a game against Landon (Maryland), a private school, on Wednesday, March 31, at 1 p.m.

Phoenixville Boys Basketball

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Phoenixville Area High School’s boys basketball team has started the 2009-10 campaign under new head coach Charles Thompson and his assistant, Brett Bauer.
Thompson starred at Phoenixville under the late coach George Rocco and played Division I college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh in the early 1980s. He formerly served as an assistant coach with the Phantom freshman team as well as the summer travel team.
Bauer played at St. Pius X High School and is now attending Drexel University. Brett’s brother, Evan Bauer, is a member of the Pottstown High School boys basketball squad.
The Phantoms are off to a 1-1 start in the Pioneer Athletic Conference with a victory over Upper Perkiomen and a loss to Pottstown. In the season-opening George Rocco Tip-Off Tournament at Phoenixville, the Phantoms defeated Haverford and bowed to Wissahickon. Their game at home against Academy Park Monday night was postponed due to the weekend snowstorm. New athletic director Tony Palladino said the game is expected to be rescheduled.
Phoenixville’s boys will be participating in the Marple Newtown Holiday Tournament Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 29-30.
Phoenixville has a veteran squad with senior guard Corey Gordon, 6-5 senior forward/center Harrison Deyo, senior forward Jamie Hennessy and senior forward/guard Mike Matson leading the contingent. Junior guard Nick Jones is the other member of the starting lineup.
The top reserves include 6-5 junior forward Mike Jones, junior forward Jake Lynch and freshman guard Marcus Howell.

Phoenixville, Spring-Ford collide on Turkey Day

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Phoenixville and Spring-Ford collide in their annual Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC-10) Thanksgiving Day morning football game Thursday at 10 a.m. at Washington Field.
Both the Phantoms and Rams have had up-and-down seasons and would like to cap the 2009 campaign on a high note.
The Phantoms and Rams both enter the contest with 3-8 records, although they both played competitive ball in most of their games, especially on defense.
In its last outing, Phoenixville defeated Kennedy-Kenrick, 35-6, on a Saturday afternoon at Norristown’s muddy Roosevelt Field. Spring-Ford was beaten by Upper Darby, 7-0, on a Friday night at Spring-Ford’s Coach McNelly Stadium.
“It is like this every year, no matter what the circumstances,” said Phoenixville coach Bill Furlong. “We need that game for something. Right now we are tied in records.”
Both the Phantoms and Rams have had their bright moments in a few victories and other quality showings against top opponents.
“We’ve been two different teams throughout the year,” said Furlong. “It will come down to which team shows up on Thanksgiving. If it’s the team from the last two games (10-6 loss to District 1 Class AAA finalist Pottsgrove, Kennedy-Kenrick), it should be a good game and we will play well. They (Rams) are a good team.. We have to make sure it’s that team that shows up. Against Pottsgrove, the kids played well all the game. Kennedy-Kenrick, the kids played well. Our offensive line, skill positions and defense played well, but not on special teams. That’s it.”
Junior Dan Kain made an impression by kicking five extra points for the Phantoms with no previous kicking experience.
The Rams are coached by Gary Rhodenbaugh.
“We have to keep working the next week and a half to get ready for Thanksgiving,” Rhodenbaugh said following the Upper Darby contest.
“Our defenses have played well,” Furlong said. “We are similar in that we held teams, but at times we haven’t scored enough points. We have similar woes.”
The Phoenixville and Spring-Ford teams will be honored by their community Rotary Clubs atthe annual joint luncheon Wednesday at 12 noon at Robert Ryan’s at Columbia Station in Phoenixville.

Phoenixville/Pottsgrove football preview

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:12:00 +0000

Phoenixville’s football team has its work cut out tonight as it faces PAC-10 leader and unbeaten Pottsgrove at Washington Field at 7 p.m The Phantoms (2-5, 2-7) are coming off a 15-7 loss to Pottstown last week while the Falcons (7-0, 9-0) hammered Upper Perkiomen, 62-20, in their last outing last Friday night.
Pottsgrove needs a victory to clinch at least a tie for its second straight PAC-10 championship as well as the home-field advantage as the No. 1 seed throughout the District 1 Class AAA playoffs.
Pottsgrove, which is coached for the 21st year by Spring-Ford High School graduate Rick Pennypacker, has already scored 347 points (38.6 avg.) while allowing just 81 markers (9.0). Both marks are best in the area.
Phoenixville has scored 114 points (12.7) while surrendering 168 counters (18.7).
Falcon junior quarterback Terrell Chestnut (5-11, 175) has scored 15 touchdowns and two extra points for 92 total points. Pottsgrove junior running back Maika Polamalu (6-0, 205) has scored 14 TDs with four extra points for 88 points. Junior fullback Kayvon Greene (6-2, 210) has scored nine TDs with four extra points for 58 points.
Polamalu has rushed for 930 yards on 99 carries (9.4) while Greene has 57 carries for 703 yards (12.3) and Chestnut 87 rushes for 646 yards (7.4). Phoenixville’s Sam McQuiston, who scored the team’s TD last week, has 112 rushes for 531 yards (4.7).
Phantom junior quarterback Tom Romano has completed 37 of 77 aerials (48.1 pct.) for 464 yards with three TDs and three interceptions.
Pottsgrove has been without senior first team all-state linebacker Preston Hamlette, who doubled at fullback, with an injury, but Greene has filled in very well, especially in recent weeks. The Falcons’ defense is led by senior end Justin Oliveri (6-1, 205), tackle Greene and senior Scott Madl (6-0, 195) at outside linebacker, who each had more than 100 tackles last year.
Chestnut and Polamalu, both Division I prospects, use their speed and big-play quickness to headline the secondary.
“We just have to play more consistent,” said Phoenixville coach Bill Furlong. “We have nothing to lose. We have to play consistent. We are not worrying about who we are playing or the last game. All the staff and kids will be proud if we play our best game.”
He spoke about the Pottstown game in which the Trojans earned their first victory of the season at Grigg Memorial Stadium.
“We didn’t play well early,” said Furlong. “By the time we were getting things better, it was too late. We played a good second half. We got some things going, but we have to do it the whole game. They (Trojans) played well early. They did a great job of controlling the ball. Their quarterback (Jeff Endy) threw the ball well. We were outplayed.”

Phoenixville travels to Pottstown

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Phoenixville travels to Pottstown’s Grigg Memorial Stadium Friday night to face the winless Trojans in PAC-10 football action.
Phoenixville (2-4, 2-6) is coming off a 21-12 loss to Upper Perkiomen while Pottstown (0-6, 0-8) fell victim to Perkiomen Valley in the second half, 28-21.
The Trojans led the Vikings 14-7 after the first quarter and 21-14 at halftime before being outscored 14-0 in the second half.
“They (Trojans) have scored on everyone,” said Phoenixville coach Bill Furlong. “Their offense is as good as any in the league. Our offense hasn’t been good. Their defense hasn’t held up, but they have scored points. They have plenty of offensive weapons. They have some size on the line. They have a couple real big guys. We have to play better and more consistent. We have to eliminate the mistakes.”
Pottstown’s quarterback is junior Jeff Endy (5-9, 155). The running backs are Marc Smith and sophomore Malik Brinkley (5-8, 165).
The Trojans are in their third year under head coach Brett Myers. Endy completed 3 of 7 aerials for 61 yards against PV. Junior wide receiver Dawon Matthews (6-1, 175) caught two of those throws for 46 yards.
Smith rushed for 83 yards on 17 carries with three touchdowns covering, 4, 2 and 34 yards. and Brinkley totaled 125 yards on 16 tries. The tight end is sophomore Cory Hueber (6-0, 165), who blocked and recovered a punt last week. Junior Kyle Dentler booted three extra points.
Up front the Trojans field the likes of senior tackles William Carter (6-3, 285) and Jacob Slick (6-3, 340) as well as senior guards Evan Bauer (6-3, 225) and David Mackiewicz (6-0, 20)) with junior Dustin Rhoads (5-10, 235) at center.
Furlong liked the way his offense showed positive signs against the Indians with quarterback Tom Romano throwing the ball effectively to tight end Vince Ciaverelli. He thought the offensive line gave ample time to throw.
“We have to run the ball better,” said Furlong. “We haven’t run the ball well since the Methacton game. All year our offense hasn’t done a great job. We haven’t been able to open things up consistently. Until we do, teams are going to load up against us and bring everybody up. The passes we’ve had have been on play-action because they are coming up on the run so much.”
The Phantoms don’t have the big-play ability with speed and quickness that they have had in the past so opposing defenses are jamming the line of scrimmage and blitzing when needed.
Senior defensive end Brandon Johnston recovered a pair of fumbles against the Indians, and Ducky Ryan continued his excellent play in the secondary with an interception.
Romano completed 5 of 11 passes for 119 yards against the Tribe with Ciaverelli making four receptions for 116 yards. Romano doubles at cornerback and Ciaverelli doubles at linebacker on defense. Physical senior Sam McQuiston is the Phantoms’ top rusher and scored on a 16-yard run last week while doubling at linebacker. Travis Andrews and Vinny Nattle have shown signs of promise as sophomore backs. Junior Dan Kain has improved as a wide receiver and defensive back.
Furlong feels the Phantoms’ defense has kept the ballclub in every ballgame thus far this season.

Winning streak snapped up by Upper Perkiomen

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Phoenixville saw its two-game shutout winning streak snapped by Upper Perkiomen, 21-12, in Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC-10) football action last Friday night in the rain at Washington Field.
The Indians took an early 14-0 lead and then held on to the ball and held off the Phantoms, who scored with the aid of a couple big plays against the Tribe.
Upper Perkiomen seniors Esomchim Akpunonu and Chase Fleming anchored the running game for the Indians. Akpunonu gained 111 yards on 28 carries with a 2-yard scoring run while Fleming picked up 55 yards on 15 attempts. Senior quarterback Casey Perlstein ran for a 1-yard TD and completed 7 of 12 passes for 100 yards, including a 24-yard TD strike to Fleming.
Upper Perkiomen, which is still in the hunt for a District 1 Class AAA playoff berth, upped its record to 4-2 in the PAC-10 (6-2 overall). Phoenixville slipped to 2-4 (2-6).
The Phantoms celebrated Senior Night in pre-game ceremonies, honoring senior members of the football team, cheerleaders and band.
Phoenixville senior running back Sam McQuiston scored on a 16-yard run. Junior Dan Kain passed 17 yards to sophomore Travis Andrews for the other Phoenixville TD on a halfback pass off a reverse called by Phantom head coach Bill Furlong.
The Tribe rushed 52 times for 214 yards with a strong effort from its offensive line and finished with 314 yards of total offense on 64 plays.
Phoenixville rushed 32 times for 90 yards and totaled 233 yards on 45 plays for the evening.
The Phantoms visit winless Pottstown (0-6, 0-8) this coming Friday night at Grigg Memorial Field while Upper Perkiomen travels to play first-place Pottsgrove (6-0, 8-0). Coach Rick Pennypacker’s Falcons are the defending league champions.

Phoenixville/Upper Perk Football preview

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Phoenixville’s football team, coming off two straight victories by shutouts, faces a tough Upper Perkiomen squad Friday night at Washington Field at 7 p.m. This will be Senior Night for nine Phantom 12th graders.
The Phantoms (2-3 PAC-10, 2-5 overall) have beaten Methacton (18-0) and then Perkiomen Valley (6-0) last Friday night in rain at Graterford the last two weekends. Upper Perkiomen (3-2, 5-2), which is battling for a District 1 Class AAA playoff berth, hammered Methacton, 55-14, last week to celebrate Homecoming.
The Indians are coached by Keith Leamer, who is in his sixth year at the helm of the Tribe.
Upper Perkiomen is led by senior running back/linebacker Chase Fleming (6-0, 210), who has scored nine touchdowns for 54 points. Fleming rolled up 167 yards on 22 carries with three touchdowns against Methacton. For the season, Fleming has chalked up 649 yards on 78 tries (8.3 avg.).
The Indians have another tough runner in senior Esomchim Akpunonu, who has scored seven TDs for 42 points. Akpunonu gained 127 yards and scored four TDs on 16 attempts against the Warriors.
The Upper Perkiomen quarterback is junior Casey Perlstein (6-1, 180), who has completed 42 of 78 aerials for 639 yards with five TDs and five interceptions. Perlstein went 3-for-3 through the air for 34 yards last week.
The Indians ran for 341 yards and gained 375 total yards against the Warriors. Upper Perkiomen limited Methacton to 71 yards rushing and 30 passing for 101 total yards.
Ronnie Gillespie, a 5-9, 155-pound sophomore, bolted 78 yards for a score on a kickoff return.
The Tribe’s leading receivers are senior Andrew Orlick (5-10, 165), who has 13 catches for 159 yards (12.2 avg.); and Fleming, who has 10 grabs for 143 yards (14.3).
Kicker Matt Kirkpatrick has one field goal and 27 placements for 30 total markers.
Other Tribe players to watch include senior tight end/defensive end Nick Hale (5-10, 210) and two-way senior Steven Grover (5-10, 200). Hale had two sacks and one tackle for loss last week while Grover had one sack and one tackle for loss. The offensive tackles are Mike Paul (6-4, 220) and Dwayne Gillespie (5-11, 260).
Phoenixville senior Sam McQuiston has now rushed for 478 yards on 98 attempts (4.9 avg.). McQuiston, who doubles at linebacker, is one of nine seniors on the roster. The others are Ducky Ryan, Ricky Yenchick, Greg Porter, Brandon Johnston, Matt Viscuso, Steve Carter, Kevin Bohl and Vince Ciaverelli.
Phantom head coach Bill Furlong said the team’s defensive line has played exceptionally well in the two shutouts. That includes tackles Ken Cenci and Marcus Stokes, nose guard Dennis Kelly and ends Porter and Johnston. Carter, the club’s center on offense, has also seen time along the defensive line, which is coached by defensive coordinator Don Jackson and defensive line specialist coach Nick Rotondo.
The secondary has come along with Ryan at safety and Tom Romano and Dan Kain on the corners. Kain and Romano each intercepted a pass last week.
“We have the same kids playing every play both ways on offense and defense,” said Furlong. “Credit Don Jackson and Nick Rotondo for what they are doing scheme-wise.”
Furlong is wary of Upper Perkiomen.
“They (Indians) are pretty balanced with Chase Fleming and the quarterback Perlstein so they are pretty balanced,” said Furlong. “Their line is solid.”
The Phantoms visit Pottstown at Grigg Memorial Field next Friday evening.

Phoenixville wins second straight game

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Phoenixville won its second straight football game last Friday night, edging favored Perkiomen Valley 6-0 in steady rain at Thomas J. Keenan Stadium in Graterford.
The Phantoms’ victory also dampened the spirits of the Perkiomen Valley Homecoming evening.
The lone touchdown of the game came on a 34-yard pass from junior quarterback to junior wideout Dan Kain with 9:35 remaining in the first period.
The score came on the fifth play of the game and was set up by another 34-yard pass from Romano to Vinny Nattle.
Phoenixville’s defense stepped to the plate with its second straight shutout following an 18-0 whitewash at Washington Field the previous weekend.
The Phantoms recovered two Perkomen Valley fumbles and intercepted two passes in the pivotal turnover department. For the 2009 season, coach Don Jackson’s defense has recovered 14 fumbles while the Phantoms have lost six fumbles. Phoenixville has also intercepted six passes while giving up six interceptions. So overall, the Phantoms are plus-eight in turnovers heading into Friday night’s Senior Night game against Upper Perkiomen at Washington Field.
Defensive tackle Marcus Stokes stepped up his play in the second half of the game against the Vikings to help spark the defense along with Ducky Ryan, Vince Ciaverelli, Sam McQuiston and Travis Andrews.
Head coach Bill Furlong’s Phantoms have now won two straight games following five consecutive setbacks to start the year.

Phoenixville/Perk valley preview

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Phoenixville faces Perkiomen Valley tonight in Graterford at 7 p.m. in PAC-10 football action.
The Phantoms are 1-3 in the PAC-10 (1-5 overall) following last week’s 18-0 shutout of Methacton. Perkiomen Valley is 3-1 (4-2) after a 29-7 victory over Boyertown.
The Phantoms are coming off a shutout by their steady defense, which was led by Ducky Ryan and Vince Ciaverelli, with 11 tackles apiece. Vinny Nattle returned an interception 87 yards for a touchdown and also recovered a key fumble.
Quarterback Tom Romano returned to the lineup after a three-game absence due to an arm injury and passed for 81 yards and one TD.
The Vikings have scored 120 points (20.0 avg.) while allowing 95 markers (15.8 avg.). The Phantoms have scored 89 counters (14.8) and allowed 132 (22.0).
PV senior running back Steve Morrow (5-10, 170) has scored five TDs for 30 points and has rushed for 558 yards on 80 carries (7.0 avg.) for one of the top marks in the area. Senior quarterback Pat Catagnus (5-8, 170) has completed 55 of 99 aerials for 580 yards with three TDs and six interceptions.
Senior running back Matt Kline (5-10, 175) has caught 17 throws for 222 yards (13.1 avg.). Senior fullback Jon Schmidt (6-0, 180) has 12 catches for 98 yards (8.2 avg.).
Coach Scott Reed’s Vikings have a solid offensive line with center Kevin Krasley, guards Ryan Krasley and Joe Scenna, tackles Lou Fioravanti and Chris Stewart and tight end Brendan Murray plus Schmidt at fullback.
The Vikings’ defense is anchored by Stewart in the line and Scenna and junior Bobby Strickland at fullback. The placekicker is veteran Justin Morgan.
Phoenixville’s Sam McQuiston has rushed for 438 yards on 86 tries (5.1 avg.). The Phantom line has Steve Carter at center, Ken Cenci and Brandon Johnston or Torin Killeen at the guards and Kevin Bohl and Marcus Stokes at tackle. Ciaverelli and Greg Porter are the tight ends.

Phoenixville/Methacton Football

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:01:00 +0000

Phoenixville Area High School’s football team earned its first victory of the season with an 18-0 shutout of Methacton at Washington Field to celebrate Homecoming last Saturday afternoon.
Senior running back Sam McQuiston rushed for 124 yards and a 1-yard scoring plunge on 19 carries to help lead the Phantoms to their first win after five setbacks. McQuiston, who also plays inside linebacker on defense, had three tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss to boot.
Junior quarterback/cornerback Tom Romano returned from a three-week absence due to an arm injury and completed 4 of 9 passes for 81 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown to senior tight end Vince Ciaverelli. Romano also rushed for 43 yards on seven carries. Ciaverelli made two receptions for 66 yards and also had 11 tackles and one tackle for loss from his linebacker spot on defense.
The Phantoms’ third touchdown came from sophomore defensive back Vinny Nattle on an 87-yard interception return. Nattle also made a fumble recovery against the Warriors.
Phoenixville’s defense registered its first shutout of the season and held Methacton to 0 net yards rushing on 31 attempts. Methacton freshman quarterback Brandon Bossard did throw for 215 yards while completing 17 of 29 aerials, much of the yardage coming on the short shovel pass and run. Mike Fontanella had six receptions for 114 yards.
Phoenixville senior safety Ducky Ryan made 11 tackles with one for loss and had one forced fumble to also help ignite the defense.
The Phantoms rushed for 220 yards on 40 carries and amassed 301 yards of total offense.
Phoenixville visits Perkiomen Valley this coming Friday night, Oct. 16, in Graterford. The Vikings defeated Boyertown, 29-7, last Friday night.

Phoenixville football vs. Boyertown preview

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Phoenixville travels to Boyertown for a Friday night PAC-10 football game this week.
Boyertown’s Bears are 1-1 in league play and 2-2 overall while the Phantoms are still seeking their first victory. They are 0-2 in the league and 0-4 overall.
Last week, Boyertown defeated St. Pius X, 23-13, while Phoenixville fell to Owen J. Roberts, 40-21, at Washington Field.
In four games, the Bears have scored 71 points (17.8 avg.) while yielding 65 markers (16.3). The Phantoms have scored 65 points (16.3) while surrendering 111 (27.8).
Boyertown’s leading rusher is Ryan Schwager, who has 40 carries for 287 yards (7.2). Phoenixville’s Sam McQuiston has rushed for 270 yards on 52 tries (5.2). Schwager has also caught six passes for 54 yards (9.0).
Boyertown quarterback Dylan Pasik, a junior transfer from St. Pius X, has completed 19 of 37 passes for 235 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Bears’ junior kicker, Aaron Sassaman, booted three field goals last week, covering 30, 30 and 26 yards. Pasik had a 14-yard scoring run to put the Bears on the board first, and Schwager added a 3-yard TD run.
The Bears rushed for 325 yards and totaled 353 yards of total offense while limiting the Winged Lions to 85 yards rushing and no yards passing.
The Bears feature some huge, talented linemen, led by senior Wilmer Barndt (6-2, 295), junior Tyler Bogert (5-9, 225), junior Jake Sample (6-3, 300), senior Aaron Lepre (6-5, 260) and sophomore Chris Muller (6-6, 300).
Head coach Mark Scisly is in his second season with the Bears.
Pasik is joined in the backfield by Schwager, a 6-0, 190-pound senior; senior Logan Herb (5-11, 200), junior Tom Froehlich (5-11, 190) and junior Chase Stewart (5-7, 145). Froehlich lugged the pigskin 26 times for 184 yards against Pius X. Schwager finished with 81 yards on 15 plays and Pasik 33 yards on six snaps.
“They (Bears) are as big as ever,” said Phoenixville head coach Bill Furlong. “And their backs are as good as any in the league (outside of Owen J. Roberts’ Ryan Brumfield and Pottsgrove’s Terrell Chestnut, Maika Polamalu).”
Phoenixville will again go with sophomore Alec McQuiston at quarterback, and he is expected to double on defense in the secondary as well. Junior Tom Romano is still sidelined with an arm injury. McQuiston scored on a 24-yard touchdown run against the Wildcats.
“Alec had one touchdown pass called back (to Ricky Yenchick) when he was slightly over the line (of scrimmage),” said Furlong. “He was inches away from making a real big play.”
The Phantoms will have senior Kevin Bohl (6-4, 255) back at offensive right tackle after he suffered an injured left ankle in the second half against Owen J. Roberts. Senior Steve Carter (5-10, 260) anchors the offensive line at the center position.
Phoenixville needs some big plays offensively and defensively to snap out of this losing skid. Defensively, that would mean turnovers like the Phantoms had in the early going, particularly against Great Valley in the season opener.
“We need people to step up and stand out,” said Furlong. “Some of our seniors are playing OK, but we need them to play better to make up for some of the adversity.”

Phoenixville football vs. Owen J. Roberts on Sept. 25

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Owen J. Roberts brings a 3-0 record in to face Phoenixville (0-3) at Washington Field in PAC-10 football Friday night.
The Wildcats are coming off a 13-7 victory over Spring-Ford in their league opener in Bucktown last Friday night while the Phantoms fell to St. Pius X, 21-14, at Coach Mich Stadium Saturday afternoon, ending the Winged Lions’ 23-game losing skid in the circuit.
The Phantoms’ Ducky Ryan, a senior, scored on a 3-yard run and sophomore Travis Andrews scored on a 4-yard return of a fumble recovery. Junior soccer player John McInally (14 points to date) kicked both placements for Phoenixville, which scored all 14 of its points in the fourth quarter. Pius X led by a 7-0 count at halftime and 14-0 at the end of three periods.
Ryan also led the defense with eight tackles and a fumble recovery while defensive end Brandon Johnson made one quarterback sack. The Phantoms rushed for 150 yards with Ricky Yenchick gaining 48 yards on nine tries and Sam McQuiston 41 yards on 15 attempts. Ryan chalked up 27 yards with seven rushes.
Sophomore Alec McQuiston (5-8, 160) filled in for starting quarterback Tom Romano, who suffered an arm injury in practice last Thursday. Sophomore Dominic Hooks (5-8, 140) took over Romano’s spot in the defensive secondary. With the injuries the Phantoms have suffered in the early going, some players are gaining valuable experience that could contribute to better depth when everybody is healthy later on this fall and in future years for the younger players.
“Alec was thrown into the fire and really came through it,” said Phoenixville head coach Bill Furlong, who is in his seventh year at the controls. “The one interception was tipped and the defensive back made an excellent play. He didn’t make a bad throw. It wasn’t a bad play. Now he is no longer a rookie. He has a game under his belt.”
Senior tight end/linebacker Vince Ciaverelli (6-0, 185) may return to action from a knee injury this week.
“They (Winged Lions) dominated the game,” Furlong said of last week’s contest. “We did come back, but it wasn’t close. They controlled the game from the outset and we fought back. They played a real good game.”
Owen J. Roberts, of course, is led by junior running back/defensive back Ryan Brumfield (5-10, 175), who gained 198 yards on 32 carries last week. Brumfield is the area’s leading rusher with 538 yards already on 75 attempts for a 7.2 average. He has scored seven touchdowns for 42 points.
His blocking back is senior fullback Rich Zazo (5-11, 235), who doubles at linebacker on defense. Sam Funk (6-1, 200) is a junior wingback/linebacker. The quarterback is senior Nate Walters (5-10, 175) with senior Francis Polignano (6-2, 195) at tight end and defensive back. Junior Kohl Batdorf (5-11, 175) was penciled in at quarterback and cornerback, but he has been slowed by an injury.
Tom Barr is in his 13th season as head coach of the Wildcats with Hank Coyne as his line coach and Dave Clarke as defensive coordinator and Charles Nesley serving as another assistant coach.
“We should be in the mix with any team in the league,” said Furlong. “But with Owen J., you have to stop Brumfield to be in the game. They (Wildcats) are sound and are well-coached.”

Phoenixville football

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Phoenixville’s defense had its moments against Unionville despite a 23-9 non-league setback at Washington Field last Friday evening.
The Phantoms have started the season at 0-2 with defeats against Great Valley in overtime and Unionville. It is the first time in head coach Bill Furlong’s seven years at the controls that the Phantoms have started the year at 0-2, but there is still a long way to go in the campaign.
Ducky Ryan recorded a team-high 10 tackles against the Indians with one sack. Greg Porter had seven tackles, one for loss and one fumble recovery. Sam McQuiston had five tackles. Matt Viscuso had four tackles. Travis Andrews made two tackles and forced one fumble. Marcus Stokes had two tackles and one fumble recovery. Dennis Kelly finished with five tackles, two for losses.
Don Jackson is the Phantoms’ defensive coordinator.
Phoenixville opens its 24th season of Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC-10) football Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. against St. Pius X at Coach Mich Stadium in Lower Pottsgrove Township.

Phoenixville/Unionville football game

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:08:00 +0000

Phoenixville’s football team dropped a second straight close game to start the 2009 season with a 23-9 loss to Unionville last Friday night in steady rain at Washington Field.
Phoenixville held a 9-7 lead early in the fourth quarter on three field goals by junior kicker John McInally, but the Indians rallied with 16 points later in the fourth period.
The Phantoms rushed for 143 yards on 46 plays and quarterback Tom Romano completed 4 of 9 passes for 32 more yards, giving Phoenixville 175 total yards on 55 snaps. Unionville rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns on 33 attempts and had no passing attempts all evening.
The Phantoms’ Sam McQuiston rushed for 91 yards on 20 carries. Phoenixville recovered two fumbles and lost one fumble itself.
McInally, who doubles as a soccer team defender for the Phantoms, booted field goals of 32, 30 and 29 yards in the contest. He has also been contributing long kickoffs and is in his first year of punting for the gridders as well.
Unionville marched 67 yards in 12 plays after taking the opening kickoff and scored on a 1-yard plunge with 5:26 on the clock for a quick 7-0 lead. However, from that point forward, the clash turned into an even game.
Coach Bill Furlong’s Phantoms start their Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC-10) schedule Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. against St. Pius X at Coach Mich Stadium.
This will be Phoenixville’s final meeting against St. Pius X before the Winged Lions merge with Kennedy-Kenrick to form John Paul II High School in Upper Providence Township starting with the 2010 campaign.
Brandon Johnston played a good game at defensive end for the Phantoms in his first start, and Greg Porter doubled at tight end and defensive end for a full game for the first time and responded well. One of Porter's hard hits resulted in a Unionville fumble that the Phantoms recovered.

Phoenixville Football Game Preview

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:55:00 +0000

With both teams coming off difficult losses, Phoenixville hosts Unionville in non-league football action Friday night at Washington Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Unionville fell to Garnet Valley, 15-14, on a late, 96-yard scoring drive last week while Phoenixville surrendered a 21-7 third-quarter lead in bowing to Great Valley, 27-21, in overtime.
“They (Indians) are good, tough and they are big,” said Phoenixville head coach Bill Furlong Thursday afternoon. “They are going to be angry. They run play-action and they like to play smash-mouth football. They are very well-coached with their execution. They know what they are doing.”
Furlong hopes Phoenixville can create turnovers and capitalize on them in order to keep the game tight. Against Great Valley, the Phantoms recovered three fumbles and intercepted three passes. Ducky Ryan returned one interception 35 yards for the first Phoenixville touchdown in the first quarter.
“There are going to be a lot of opportunities for our young kids to step up and create some plays,” said Furlong.
Running back/linebacker Sam McQuiston had a big two-way performance against the Patriots and will be counted upon again. McQuiston was the team’s leading rusher with 60 yards on 10 carries, caught a 9-yard scoring pass from quarterback Tom Romano and made 10 tackles on defense.
Phoenixville will open its Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC-10) season Saturday afternoon, Sept. 19, against St. Pius X at Coach Mich Stadium at 1 p.m.
The Phantoms’ first home league game is against Owen J. Roberts Friday night, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. at Washington Field.

Phoenixville football vs Great Valley

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Phoenixville and Great Valley played another interesting non-league football season opener Friday night at Valley Stadium in East Whiteland Township. Phoenixville held a 21-7 lead at the end of three quarters, but Great Valley rallied to tie the game at 21 by the end of regulation time and then won, 27-21, in overtime.
Last year, Great Valley won, 7-6, at Washington Field and both teams went on to advance to the District 1 Class AAA playoffs. The same could hold true this season.
Phoenixville head coach Bill Furlong and Great Valley head coach Gary Phillips were both missing some injured players, but some other younger players stepped in to fill those spots.
The Phantoms recovered three Great Valley fumbles and intercepted three passes, but they did not capitalize on those six turnovers for enough points in the final outcome. Great Valley was also penalized nine times for 65 yards in the contest to Phoenixville’s four penalties for 25 yards.
Phoenixvllle led 14-7 at the end of the first period and 14-7 at intermission.
Great Valley outgained Phoenixville in rushing yardage 186-90 while Phoenixville held a 79-57 advantage in passing. The total yardage was 243 on 68 plays for the Patriots and 169 stripes on 49 snaps for the Phantoms.
Great Valley’s Casey Haines rushed 26 times for 97 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner on a 1-yard plunge in overtime. Chucky Showers (11-68, 1 TD) and Colin Johnson (13-24) helped give the Patriots more of an inside-outside attack in the second half. Junior Dave Hausladen also made his first start as the GV quarterback and was more accurate in the passing game during the second half.
Phoenixville’s Sam McQuiston rushed for 60 yards on 10 carries, including one gain for 42 yards. McQuiston was also a team leader on defense for the Phantoms with 10 tackles from his linebacker position. Safety Ducky Ryan totaled 11 tackles, an interception return for a 35-yard touchdown for the first Phoenixville touchdown and two fumble recoveries. Sophomore nose guard Dennis Kelly had eight tackles for losses, four for losses, and 1 1/2 sacks. Linebacker Vince Ciaverelli had seven tackles, one for loss and forced one fumble. Quarterback Tom Romano doubled on defense in the secondary and came up with six tackles, one interception and one tackle for loss.
Linebacker Matt Viscuso had five tackles, one for loss and one-half sack. Tackle Ken Cenci had two sacks and four tackles with one for loss. End Greg Porter had four tackles with one-half sack and Sophomore defensive end Ernie Knight had two tackles for losses and one quarterback hurry.
Running back/linebacker Ricky Yenchick had two tackles, one for loss, before leaving the game in the first half with a rib injury. Sophomore Vinny Nattle had one tackle and defended one pass. Defensive tackle Marcus Stokes registered one sack.
Great Valley defensive tackle Anthony McFalls was in on three sacks with one tackle for loss. Haines doubled at linebacker and had one tackle for loss. Defensive lineman Zach Anderson notched two sacks. Jesse Horn had a sack. Steve Lochry intercepted a pass in the end zone in overtime and also made two receptions for 44 yards as a wide receiver. Mike Moules had two tackles for losses and one sack.
One of Great Valley’s assistant coaches is Joe Bogus, a retired Phoenixville Area High School teacher who still serves as the Phantoms’ head softball coach.
Junior John McInally is starting his third year as the Phoenixville placekicker and is also doing the punting chores. Romano also had a punt in the opening game. McInally booted three placements against the Patriots.
Phoenixville’s offensive line has Steve Carter at center with Viscuso and Cenci at guard and Kevin Bohl and Stokes at tackle. Ciaverelli and Porter are the tight ends.
Romano had a 9-yard scoring pass to McQuiston on a throw in the left flat and a 46-yard TD pass to sophomore running back Travis Andrews down the left sideline. Dan Kain caught one pass for 24 yards.
Great Valley, which plays out of the Ches-Mont League’s American Division, fell to Owen J. Roberts in double overtime in the first round of the district playoffs a year ago. The Patriots will host West Chester Henderson Friday night in their second scrum at 7 p.m.
Phoenixville, which has finished 8-4 overall the past two years, fell to Upper Moreland in the first round of the district playoffs last year. The previous season the Phantoms dropped a first-round game to Unionville, which pays a visit to Washington Field to start the 2009 home schedule this coming Friday evening at 7 p.m.

Baseball tournament workers

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:05:00 +0000

I covered much of the recent week-long 13-Prep Babe Ruth State Tournament at deSanno Field in Phoenixville.
While the tournament was hit hard by rainy weather that forced postponements and rescheduling, it was still well-run by state tournament director Dave White and the many other fine volunteer workers who have functioned well in Phoenixville, many of them for much of the 50 years of existence of the league.
The rain forced extra work on the field. Under the direction of Bill Moore and Tom Graham, the fine crew kept baseball continuing. Bob Stancavage, Bob Ulisny, Charlie Card and others made sure the diamond was in its customary tip-top shape.
Michelle (Supinski) Card handled her duties as league treasuer. Rich Gyuris Sr. and Bill Krieger headed up the ticket crew in charge of the gate for admission.
Many workers helped out in the popular refreshment stand. Several young boys assisted with the 50-50 raffle fundraiser.
The Dallas French Fries vehicle was on hand for its famous potatoes and other good food for refreshments, too.
Umpires were paid for their services. Bob Hogga assigned them and two men worked each game throughout the tournament. They handled their share of close calls.
The 10-team tournament involved 10 teams in two divisions of pool play. The top three finishers in each division qualified for the Final Six to determine the state champion. West End won the tournament and is also hosting the state tournament in Williamsport this week. Chichester placed second and Mifflin County took third to become the other regional qualifiers.
Four games were played each day in the pool play to start the tournament, resulting in 20 contests just to get the competition started. Each participant is guaranteed four games in the setup as opposed to the previous double-elimination plan.

Babe Ruth State Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Pa Legion Hall of Famers

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:44:00 +0000

It is fitting that John “Doc” Kennedy and Rod Johnson entered the Pennsylvania American Legion Sports Hall of Fame together Monday night.
Kennedy and Johnson have become good friends despite their many confrontations as managers of opposing ballclubs in Chester County League circles. Kennedy coached Phoenixville at the senior high school and American Legion levels while Johnson, a former Spring-Ford High School, Spring City and Temple University star infielder who played in the Cincinnati Reds minor league system, coached during the summer months at Spring City and later Paoli.
The two men were honored during the banquet that precedes the State Tournament each year. This year’s tournament is being staged at Boyertown’s Bear Stadium and the banquet was held at Gilbertsville Fire Company’s banquet hall.
I have come to know both men quite well during my many years covering sports in this area. They are both well-deserving of the honors they received for what they accomplished during their respective coaching careers over a long period of time.
Their teams did well in the Chester County League regular season as well as the postseason playoffs.
Both men went on to coach at the collegiate level at Villanova University under Phoenixville’s Joe Godri. Kennedy has moved on to become an associate scout for the Boston Red Sox while Johnson remains on Godri’s staff with the Wildcats.

Summer tournaments

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Baseball and softball tournaments for all age groups are prevalent at this time during the summer months.
It is a good experience for kids to participate in these tourneys. However, it also puts a lot of pressure on them as far as succeeding. The more young the kids are, the more they just should have fun and enjoy themselves while trying to win at the same time. There is plenty of time for high-level playoffs and championship runs as they grow older later on in life.
Basketball playoffs are around the corner in the Valley Forge Christian College (VFCC) men’s league as well as the PAPA/PARD league for youngsters outdoors at the Reservoir Park and C’Jon Saunders Park courts.
Phoenixville boys tennis coach Leo Scoda will also hold his annual Orange Crush Tennis Tournament for boys and girls at all age levels the week of July 20-25.
While baseball, softball, tennis and golf are considered the main outdoor sports during the summer, players like to hone their skills in basketall and other sports, too, in order to prepare for the next scholastic season and/or play at the collegiate level.

Senior American Legion Baseball makes playoffs

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:28:00 +0000

Phoenixville’s Senior American Legion baseball team has qualified for the Chester County League playoffs that start Wednesday.
The Athletics clobbered Paoli, 25-0, in 4 1/2 innings Monday night at “Doc” Kennedy Field in their regular season finale to close with a 9-9 record in the North Conference. The A’s are the seventh seed in the eight-team field and will meet No. 2 NorChester at Owen J. Roberts High School Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the first round of the double-elimination playoffs.
In other first-round action, No. 1 Kennett hosts No.l 8 Westtown at Unionville High School; No. 3 Downingtown hosts No. 6 Exton at Downingtown West High School and No. 4 Spring City entertains No. 5 Caln at Spring-Ford High School’s Ram Stadium.
Against Paoli, Phoenixville banged out 18 hits, including a grand slam home run by Jesse Daywalt, a two-run triple by Thomas Romano and an RBI double by John Wieland.
Cal Milano finished 5-for-5 with five singles, four RBI and three runs scored. Robby Werner finished 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored and one hit by pitch. Matt Cohen scored four runs with three walks and two RBI out of the leadoff spot in the batting order.
Dillon Fina picked up the pitching victory with three innings of work while Gary Moses and Matt Pilewski each hurled an inning of relief. The trio combined on a two-hit shutout.
Despite not having three of their top pitchers and players from the Phoenixville Area High School team, the A’s fought their way into the playoffs. Moses, Fina, Pilewski, Mike Jones and Wieland stepped up with some solid pitching during the summer schedule to help the club qualify for the playoffs.
Manager Jack Sturgeon guided the team along with assistant coaches Geoff Thomas, the pitching coach, and Craig Jeffers.

The Phoenixville Athletics Senior American Legion

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:13:00 +0000

The Phoenixville Athletics Senior American Legion baseball team has a mixture of young, inexperienced high school players and several who are returning from college.
The A’s opened the season with Chester County League victories over Oxford and Pottsgrove on the road. Last weekend Phoenixville suffered a pair of losses. One was a 7-6 nail-biter loss to Spring City at Spring-Ford High School’s Ram Stadium Saturday evening. On Sunday, the A’s fell to Caln, 13-2, in a five-inning game ended by the 10-run rule at “Doc” Kennedy Field.
Phoenixville’s roster includes third baseman Jesse Daywalt, who started at second base for Chestnut Hill College as a freshman; as well as other players who are in college in Allan Moreland and Ryan Rogala. Daywalt batted second against the Caln Seabees while Moreland was the designated hitter and batted seventh. Rogala started in right field and batted fifth.
The rest of the starting lineup had Anthony Nattle in center field, Thomas Romano at shortstop, Cal Milano at second base, Derek Ryan catching, Mike Jones pitching, Gary Moses at first base and Matt Cohen in left field.
The remainder of the roster includes Dillon Fina, Will Daggett, John Wieland, Matt Pilewski, Tony Sierzega, Jon Wheel, Robby Werner and Corey Smith.
The manager is Jack Sturgeon and his assistant coaches are Craig Jeffers and Geoff Thomas.
The A’s have a capable offense and play suitable defense. However, they are limited in the most important category, pitching. Moses pitched some strong games at the end of the senior high school season and has looked sharp to start the Legion season too, The right-hander pitched well against Spring City in a 5 1/3-inning starting stint.
The rest of the pitchers are youngsters with limited varsity and Legion experience who are going through a baptism under fire. Sturgeon and his staff hope the pitchers improve as the summer season progresses with hopes of qualifying for the loop playoffs.
Ryan, Milano and Romano have also been selected to participate in the annual Carpenter Cup Tournament for senior high school players. The three players will be members of the Chester County ballclub for the Philadelphia tournament, targeted mostly for underclassmen, that is witnessed by numerous scouts and college coaches. Sturgeon will also serve as an assistant coach for head coach Bob Gottschall.
The first two rounds of the tourney will be played at the University of Pennsylvania and the last two rounds will be played at Citizens Bank Park.

spring sports teams

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:41:00 +0000

The 2008-09 school year is drawing to a close. The spring sports teams are in the final stages of state playoffs in baseball and softball. That is all that is remaining from another long season of sports activities.
The Spring-Ford and Owen J. Roberts softball teams in Class AAAA and St. Pius X in Class AA softball were the last teams still competing in the state playoffs before the school year ends with graduation.
St. Pius X saw its season end with an 8-0 loss to Brandywine Heights, the District 3 champion, Thursday afternoon in drizzling rain at Spring-Ford Area High School’s field in Royersford. Owen J. Roberts was ousted in the first round of states.
It is also that time of year when schools schedule end-of-the-year senior banquets to honor the student-athletes and coaches. I attended Phoenixville’s Tuesday night and Spring-Ford’s Wednesday evening. Both dinners were held at the Radisson Hotel in Valley Forge.
They were nice affairs. It is nice to see the players honored for all of their hard work and success throughout the year. Most of the students are also successful in the classroom and will be furthering their education in college. Some of them will continue to play sports. Others will not, but they have used sports as a tool to be accepted at the college of their choice.
Yusuf Brown and Miranda Peto were honored as Phoenixville’s outstanding senior boy and girl athlete. Andrew Cooper and Ashley Wood were honored as Spring-Ford’s top athletes.
The top athletes are voted upon by the head coaches at the respective schools. The selections are difficult because there are so many deserving candidates. Most often, the recipients are ahletes who have played more than one sport and been successful at all their undertakings.

Valor Bowl

noreply@blogger.com (The Phoenix Files) — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Seventeen area senior football players, representing four area schools, will be playing in the annual Valor Bowl football game to benefit Special Olympics Thursday night, May 28, at Coatesville Area High School’s Memorial Stadium at 7:15 p.m.
The local players will be lining up for the North against the South with the winner taking home the Ben Crisi Trophy. The trophy is named in memory of the former longtime Great Valley football coach who was also a Phoenixville resident for some time.
Running back/defensive back Anthony Nattle, fullback/defensive lineman Abdul Kelly, two-way lineman Mike Cress and wide reciver/defensive back Khalil Ervin were picked to represent Phoenixville.
Spring-Ford players are quarterback Trevor Sasek and fullback/linebacker Rich Iannelli.
Great Valley choices were quarterback/defensive back Seth Houston, fullback/linebacker John Nurthen, linebacker Justin Schellenger, defensive lineman Myles Tornetta, offensive/defensive lineman Cody Dougherty, offensive/defensive lineman Jeremy Mateyk and offensive/defensive lineman Miles Lang.
Owen J. Robers will be represented by quarterback/defensive back Dan Miller, fullback/defensive end Cory Bissland, offensive/defensive lineman Nelson Munoz, offensive/defensive lineman Sam Morgan and offensive/defensive lineman Sam Odle.
The North’s head coach is Paul Meyers from Bishop Shanahan High School.
These all-star games give players a chance to be with their teammates and friends one final time before graduating from high school. They also get the chance to play on the same team against other players and friends who were members of opposing schools during the fall.