BY JOHN KNEBELS
Photos/Videos: Zack Beavers, Lennie Malmgren, Ryan Nix & Krystal Williams
PHILADELPHIA – As the second chapter of Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division football beckons, a closer look at Week One seems in order.
Defense certainly dominated. With one of the four games ending by shutout, two contests in which the losing opponent scored only one touchdown, and another amassing a miserly 13 total points, defensive coordinators undoubtedly enjoyed breaking down film over the past few days and nights.
For Gavin Pond, a football reel probably won’t get much better than his game-saving tackle in Conwell-Egan’s 7-6 victory over visiting Archbishop Ryan.
Trailing 7-0 on a touchdown by Conwell-Egan junior Monty Zoryea (84 yards rushing), Archbishop Ryan scored a touchdown to cut its deficit to 7-6 with 10 seconds remaining in regulation. Instead of trying for a game-tying extra point, the Raiders tried a running play in hopes of garnering a two-point conversion. Only problem was, Conwell-Egan’s sophomore linebacker was ready for it.
“I remember when they were lining up for the play knowing I’m going to have a free shot at this kid because they didn’t have anybody blocking me,” Pond said. “I knew I was going to make the play because I made that play every time they ran it in the game.”
Conwell-Egan vs. Archbishop Ryan - PSD Photos by Ryan Nix
The rushing attempt fell way short of the goal line, and the ecstatic Eagles celebrated accordingly.
“After I made the play,” said Pond, “I remember everybody screaming and chanting my name.”
Pond . . . Pond . . . Pond.
Cardinal O' Hara vs. West Catholic
In another two-way defensive bout, Cardinal O’Hara blanked West Catholic, 7-0. The game’s only score occurred on the second play from scrimmage when Khalil Epps caught a slant John Welde and raced 72 yards for a touchdown.
“Great team win,” said O’Hara coach Mike Ewing. “Kids played hard until the last whistle. Punt team flipped the field position four or five times, which was crucial to the defense pitching a shutout.”
Cardinal O'Hara vs. West Catholic - PSD Gallery by Krystal Williams
Bonner & Prendergast vs. Archbishop Carroll
An epic performance by Avery Hankey powered Bonner & Prendergast past host Archbishop Carroll, 35-7. The senior running back blasted through for 227 yards and three touchdowns, both career highs. Senior teammate Isaiah Session collected 65 yards and a touchdown. Freshman quarterback Kenjai Gatling also punched home a TD.
The Friars’ offensive line of senior Kieran Farren, junior Chaz Ingram, sophomore Gabe Mooney, sophomore Caleb Tesema, and junior CJ Chisholm helped rushers gain 336 yards. On a defense that held Carroll to 40 total yards, junior Jalil Hall collected three sacks and senior Mylachi Williams added two more. Dylan Abrams intercepted a pass, and junior Mick Johnson was credited with nine tackles.
“I gotta thank my O-line,” Hankey said. “They had an amazing day all-around. Run blocking, pass blocking . . . everything was good from them. The run game is what got us rolling. Once I got warmed up, I wasn’t cooling off anytime soon and especially from last week’s game (a forgettable 36-0 loss to Delaware power Salesianum), we all played with a chip on our shoulder. We played angry, but we played as a team. I couldn’t be happier to start off league play the way we did.”
Only able to play on offense as he heals from an injury, senior Tayshaun Thenor watched the defensive stand from the sideline.
Bonner & Prendie vs. Archbishop Carroll - PSD Game Highlights by Lennie Malmgren
Bonner & Prendie vs. Archbishop Carroll - PSD Gallery by Lennie Malmgren
“Before the play, I was a bit nervous because we had a lot of young guys on the field due to injuries,” Thenor said. “But that made the stop and celebration even better. I’m proud of the young stepping up in a tough spot.”
Neumann-Goretti vs. Lansdale Catholic
Neumann-Goretti frustrated visiting Lansdale Catholic, 20-6. Terence Page and Amahj Gowens scored rushing touchdowns. Mehki Wharton found senior Kahmir Prescott for a receiving score.
In non-league action, St. Joseph’s Prep stopped host Don Bosco Prep (NJ), 28-7. Roman Catholic lost at DeMatha Catholic, 25-23, in an epic five overtimes.
