Leader of the Lion Pride: Cabinda to Co-Captain 2017 PSU
Printed in the July 20th Bucks County Herald Hunterdon Central possessed an elite all-State running back in Jason Cabinda. His 50 career touchdowns set a school record. Flemington’s Cabinda helped to lead the Red Devils to the 2013 Group IV State Championship. “My 1-AA offers, for the most part, were running back offers,” Cabinda said. […]
Tunch Still Packs Punch With Football, Faith
By Don Leypoldt “My name is Tunch Ilkin,” the Steeler offensive line great told a chuckling audience at Doylestown Country Club in May. “And even though my parents gave me that name, they still liked me.” The first native Turk to play in the NFL, Ilkin – who was born in Istanbul but moved to […]
Legend of the Fall: West Community Mourns Iconic Pettine
Run in the March 2nd Bucks County Herald Spots two through four on the Mount Rushmore of Bucks County sports make for an interesting debate. But there is zero debate on the first slot: Mike Pettine. “Legend” is a tired word but the Central Bucks West legendary football coach earned that moniker. Arguably the greatest […]
“Proud Owl” Thompson Leaves Temple a Better Place
Originally run in the January 5th Bucks County Herald Colin Thompson was never about the numbers. The tight end from Doylestown finished the Temple season with “only” three catches for 43 yards…although Thompson snagged a touchdown in the Owls’ crucial 46-30 win against conference foe South Florida. The ultimate team player, Thompson could care […]
They Are….Penn State: Wood Duo Helps Lion Resurgence
Running in the December 8th Bucks County Herald On the afternoon of September 24th, Happy Valley was anything but. #4 Michigan had just throttled Penn State 49-10 in Ann Arbor. The Nittany Lions were 2-2 and looking very mediocre. But remember one of Joe Paterno’s legacy quotes: “Believe deep down in your heart that you […]
49ers Defense Buck Stops with West’s O’Neil
To Run in the November 23rd Bucks County Herald Jim O’Neil was at a cross roads. A star lineman at CB West in the mid 1990s, O’Neil had just completed a solid career at defensive end for Towson. “I wanted to stay involved with the sport. I didn’t think I was good enough to play […]
Pennridge Goes Wire to Wire in Turkey Bowl Win
To Run in the December 1st Bucks County Herald In a first half that saw both offenses overeat, Pennridge claimed the 87th version of their Thanksgiving Day classic at Quakertown. The Rams never trailed in their 55-28 standing room only win. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak to the Panthers. Pennridge leads the series […]
GV Tops CB South on Late TD
To Run in the November 11 Bucks County Herald The Garnet Valley Jaguars are known for their run game. But it was Nick Juliano’s 11-yard touchdown fade to Colin Davis with 15 seconds left in the game that gave the 10-seed Jaguars a 21-14 win over the host CB South Titans in Friday night District […]
Football: Lions Run BAL Table on Senior Night
To Run in the November 3rd Bucks County Herald New Hope-Solebury touchdown. Delco Christian fumble. New Hope-Solebury touchdown. Delco Christian fumble. New Hope-Solebury touchdown. Delco Christian fumble. New Hope-Solebury touchdown. That lead will never win a literary prize, but it was the perfect synopsis of Friday’s second half. The New Hope-Solebury Lions (8-1, 6-0 […]
CB East Pulls Away from CB West
To Run in the October 27 Bucks County Herald Both CB West’s (4-5, 1-4 SOL Continental) and CB East’s defenses stonewalled routine plays all throughout Friday night. “We’ve been practicing all week reading the guards and fullback. We kind of knew what they were going to run before they ran it,” commented East linebacker Mike […]
Pirates Sail Away With Fourth Straight Win
To Run in the October 20th Bucks County Herald The second quarter held first importance for Palisades on their Friday Night Homecoming. The Pirates (6-2) erupted for 34 points in that quarter- scoring 14 in a 16 second span- as they shut down Bangor 34-7. “Our line started going. We sped up the offense and […]
Rams Top Bucks: Improve Their Playoff Hopes
Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson. When visiting CB West faced first-and-goal at the Pennridge-6 late in the first quarter, all Ram captain Joe Robinson did was register a tackle for loss, then a sack, and then another sack. The Bucks, who had had the ball as deep as the Ram 1, were instead forced to […]
Football: Knights Mar Titans’ Field Dedication, Stay Unbeaten
To run in the October 6th Bucks County Herald On a misty Friday evening, CB South proudly re-opened Titan Stadium after the completion of their $1.6 million turf installation. But the North Penn Knights ruined the party, and showed why they are a state title contender. Behind Reece Udinski’s 377 passing yards, North Penn remained […]
Bucks Rally Falls Short Against Owls
To run in the 9/29 Bucks County Herald Two late interceptions were too much to overcome on Friday night as the host CB West Bucks fell to the Bensalem Owls 28-21. Although the Bucks rallied from a 21-0 halftime deficit to knot the game at 21 with 9:36 left in the fourth quarter, the Owls […]
Lions Beat Drakes; Stay Unbeaten
To Run in the 9/22 Bucks County Herald Behind Jack McKenna’s 271 rushing and receiving yards, the New Hope-Solebury Lions (3-0) topped the Jenkintown Drakes (1-1) 35-12 on Saturday. It was the Bicentennial League opener for both teams. “We run Power I one play and five receivers the next play,” McKenna smiled. “It’s the most […]
CB South Stays Perfect After Defensive Dandy
To Run in the 9/22 Bucks County Herald In Norris-town, opposing offenses get treated rudely. The CB South Titans held an opponent to six points for the third week this season on Friday. It is a big reason why South is 4-0, after topping previously unbeaten CB East 27-6 (3-1) in both team’s SOL Continental […]
“I’ve got to do this for him up there.”: Palisades Wins Poynton Classic
Emotions ran high as Wilson quarterback Cameron Clark’s pass hung in the air near midfield. They were somewhat high since host Palisades was clinging to a 14-13 lead with 1:30 left, yet Wilson (0-2) had the ball and started to drive. They were higher still since both teams were honoring the memory of Palisades line […]
Pennridge Dominates Norristown in Season Opener
Call it Cloak and Jagger. Pennridge senior quarterback Jagger Hartshorn ran for 208 yards and five touchdowns- in the first half alone- as the Rams routed the host Norristown Eagles 49-20 on Saturday. “You don’t think so much about a quarterback being a threat inside and you have to defend our speed because we have […]
Apple Family Tree Is Rooted in New Hope/Lambertville
To Run in the August 25 Bucks County Herald It surprised no one when Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple was selected in the first round of this April’s NFL Draft. It was a mild surprise when the 6’1” Apple was conscripted by the New York Giants with the tenth pick. One local resident couldn’t be […]
Montco Nips Bucks in Lions’ All-Star Game
To run in the June 9 Bucks County Herald. Forget the oxymoron of a “first annual classic.” Friday night’s inaugural Bucks-Montgomery County Lions All-Star game at William Tennent was an instant classic. After both teams scored go ahead touchdowns in the final 2:30, a wide field goal attempt on the game’s final play gave Montco […]
GCobb Speaks of Faith and Football at FCA Banquet
GCobb did what he does oh so well on Saturday April 9th, and that is speak. Garry Cobb is no stranger to public speaking. As a popular linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, Cobb was asked to sub in on radio shows. He loved it, the fans loved him, and a marriage was made for Cobb’s […]
Waking Up Echoes: Irish Eyes Smile on CB South’s Adams
Originally published in the April 14th, 2016 Bucks County Herald Any witness to a CB South football game from 2012 to 2014 left in awe of Josh Adams’ talent. Blessed with fullback size and tailback speed, Adams rushed for nearly 2,100 yards as a sophomore and was USA Today’s Pennsylvania Player of the Year as […]
Faith and Character Motivate CCA’s Reichenbach
For five of his six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, linebacker Mike Reichenbach played alongside the “Minister of Defense,” Reggie White. White’s name surfaces quickly in the debate of “greatest defensive lineman to have ever played the game.” And few players matched White’s zeal for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the time, Reichenbach […]
Reichenbach, Owls to highlight “Big Game” Breakfast
(Newtown, PA) – Former Eagle and Dolphin linebacker Mike Reichenbach will highlight the Bucks County Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ annual “Big Game” breakfast. The breakfast is on Saturday, January 30 from 8:30 -10:00 AM. The breakfast will be held at Bible Fellowship Church, 725 Oxford Valley Road, in Yardley. Admission is free and a free […]
FINAL STATS – District 11 Top Returning Players
by Duke Helms DISTRICT NOTES – FINAL FOR 2015: All stats are in. Some of the stats on the chart have been adjusted slightly as per the head coach or the school statistician’s final stats. I’ve added a section below that lists the top player in 4 different categories for each of the 46 schools […]
It’s Official: CB West Honors Green ’69
When Scott Green tore up his knee during his junior year at Delaware, the CB West grad thought his NFL dreams were done. Instead, Green’s pro football road was just beginning. The long time NFL official headed CB West’s October 17th Hall of Fame induction class. “I knew I probably wouldn’t be playing my senior […]
West Catholic Rolls Into State Quarterfinals
By Don Leypoldt To run in the December 3rd Bucks County Herald The 2010 West Catholic Burrs won the 2A state title. The 2015 Burr apple has not fallen far from the tree. District 12 champion West (9-4) took a 41-0 lead into halftime on Saturday’s first round PIAA playoff game and cruised to a […]
Quakertown Wins Turkey Bowl After Frantic 2nd Half Rally
By Don Leypoldt To run in the December 3rd Bucks County Herald Quakertown has battled neighboring Pennridge on each of the last 86 Thanksgivings. Few of those clashes saw as furious of a comeback as the 2015 edition. Down by three touchdowns at intermission, the Panthers (10-3) used 28 unanswered second half points to stun […]
Lions Put The “D” in “District One Champs”
To run in the November 25th Bucks County Herald On a crisp night in Doylestown, the New Hope-Solebury Lions (11-1) got stronger in all three phases- offense, defense and special teams- to outslug Springfield (Montco) 14-7 and win the District One AA Championship. The night could not have ended any better. “I can’t even talk […]
Quakertown Wins D Battle; Will Host Friday
By Don Leypoldt To run in the November 19th Bucks County Herald Three straight East passes. Three straight Quakertown picks. There were plenty of defensive highlights from which to choose on Saturday, as the #12 Quakertown Panthers (9-2) “upset” the host and #5 CB East Patriots 7-6 in District One AAAA first round playoff action. […]
NH-S Downs LM; Advances to District Title Game
By Don Leypoldt To run in the November 19th Bucks County Herald Behind senior wide receiver Blake Hildebrandt’s career night, the host and #1-seed New Hope-Solebury Lions defeated the #4-seed Lower Moreland Lions 27-0 last Friday in the District One AA semi-finals. Hildebrant caught seven balls for 155 yards on a blustery night, none more […]
CB East Plays Spoiler…Again.
To run in the November 12th Bucks County Herald The Central Bucks East Patriot defense almost didn’t need Owen Griffin’s heroics. Almost. East (8-2) clung to a 24-21 lead with 1:50 left in the fourth quarter. The host Quakertown Panthers (8-2) faced a fourth-and-five at the Patriot 36. A stop would end the game. Panther […]
Cloud Nine: Unbeaten NH-S Plays for BAL Title on Saturday
By Don Leypoldt To run in the November 5th Bucks County Herald It was Halloween afternoon at the George School, and New Hope-Solebury’s defense-again- was downright scary. The defense starred in the unbeaten Lions’ (9-0) 48-14 win, their third straight mercy rule victory. George School (5-3) gained just 32 yards in the first half and […]
Strong Second Half Surges Rams Past Titans
To run in the October 30th Bucks County Herald One drive lasted one play. One drive took 16 plays. But Pennridge (5-3) used both scoring drives- plus a third- to hang 21 unanswered second half points on CB South (3-5) en route to a 28-17 win on Senior Night. It was the second week in […]
Wood’s Special Special Teams Fuels Big Win
With 2:07 elapsed on Sunday’s game, it was Cardinal O’Hara 3 and Archbishop Wood 0. Unfortunately for the visiting Lions (1-6), that was the number of offensive plays run. Two enormous special teams plays- an 82 yard opening kickoff return for touchdown by junior Raheem Blackshear and a 59 yard punt return for score by […]
7-Up: Quakertown Stays Perfect in win at CB West
To run in the October 22nd Bucks County Herald CB West honored their 2015 Hall of Fame class at halftime of Friday night’s Quakertown game. Three of the inductees played on undefeated Buck football teams. The 2015 Quakertown Panthers are mimicking those unbeaten squads well. Using great defense and a steady diet of senior running […]
Road Warriors: Pennridge Cruises Past Abington
To run in the October 15th Bucks County Herald There was nothing fancy about Pennridge’s Friday night performance at Abington. The Rams merely dominated on both sides of the line of scrimmage as they coasted to a 38-15 win against their Ghosts hosts. “Our main thing last week with the line was stopping the run,” […]
5-0 Lions Stymie Bristol
To run in the October 8th Bucks County Herald Five games. Five wins. Five stellar performances by the New Hope-Solebury Lions (5-0) who defeated their Bicentennial League nemesis, the Bristol Warriors 25-8 on Monday night. Bristol’s feature backs of Eric Bell and Daryl Mehn ran for nearly 300 yards in last week’s win over Calvary […]
Unbeaten Quakertown Romps in Panther FIght
To run in the October 1sth Bucks County Herald William Tennent had Burns all over them. Quakertown senior running back Rob Burns carried 11 times for 236 yards and five touchdowns- in one half- as his Panthers (4-0) mercy ruled the host Tennent (3-1) Panthers 56-7. Quakertown carried a 49-0 lead into halftime. This was […]
Salisbury Impresses in Palisades’ Home Opener
To run in the September 17th Bucks County Herald The secondary was the primary issue. In the season opener, Southern Lehigh was able to pass early on Palisades; the big lead the Spartans staked resulted in a 42-21 win over the Pirates. But the Pirates showed spunk and played an extremely competitive second half. For […]
CB South Rolls Past CB West
To run in the September 10th Bucks County Herald Bechta bookends. CB South (1-0) senior running back Joe Bechta took the opening kickoff 91 yards to the house, and scored on a seven yard sweep late in the fourth quarter as his Titans beat the visiting CB West Bucks 40-14 (0-1) on Friday’s opening night. […]
South’s Johns Wins Cavs QB Job
Originally Run in the July 9th Bucks County Herald “I wanted to play basketball in college up until my junior year,” admitted Virginia redshirt junior Matt Johns. Johns played a good forward on CB South’s basketball team, but hoops would have been a Titanic mistake. The 6’5” Johns plays quarterback a lot (word in italics) […]
The Philadelphia Story: Aggie Star Bailey Signs with Hometown Eagles
Originally published in the June 25 Bucks County Herald “I’m not going to lie,” admitted Del Val University star wide receiver Rasheed Bailey. “You do look at the record book and you think ‘I can do these things. I know I can.’ “But I knew, and my coach [Duke Greco] always put it into me, […]
Inspiring Eagle Reilly Happy to be 4-F
“I’m 4-F,” the military recruit said to his officer. “And in college I could run like Deion Sanders, catch like Larry Fitzgerald and tackle like Dick Butkus.” “You’re nuts,” replied the officer. “Yup,” said the recruit. “That’s why I’m 4-F.” 4-F- the military’s classification for being unfit for service- is not viewed as a positive. […]
Army, Burr Star Maples Still Will Lead Ground Attacks
In football, Spring is a time for preparation. Underclassmen hit spring practice to hone skills made a little dusty by the off-season, and to prepare for increased roles on their team. Seniors, hopefully, prepare for the next level be it college- or for a few lucky ones, professional football. Second Lieutenant Raymond Maples, the two-time […]
Bowl MVP Coyer Helped Turn Owls Around
It was a cold day in the Meadowlands on December 15, 1979, but Temple fullback Mark Bright took home an early Christmas present. Bright rushed for 112 yards on 19 carries to claim the Garden State Bowl MVP. His performance highlighted a 28-17 Temple win that gave the North Philly school it’s first ever bowl […]
Connor Turning West Chester into “Linebacker U”
Dan Connor spent six seasons playing linebacker in the National Football League. In 2011, he fully recovered from a broken hip to rank third on the Carolina Panthers in tackles. Some would view his resume of six seasons and over 25 starts in the NFL as the pinnacle of a football life. But for Connor, […]
Liberty Legend Still Persa Strong
A good teacher takes complex concepts and simplifies them, so that anyone can understand. Dan Persa may be just two years removed from college, but he broke down the spread offense as articulately as any grey beard coach. “You want to get your team the best play and make the best decision on each play […]
Penn State, Eagles Star Zordich Comes Full Circle
If there ever was a kid born to play football, it was little Michael Zordich. Michael’s dad couldn’t be in the delivery room when Michael was born in Phoenix in the fall of 1989. Dad had to work…and Dad was making a delivery of his own. The elder Michael Zordich was in Texas Stadium starting […]
Q’Town, Jet Star’s Charity Work Still Soaring
Printed in the Bucks County Herald on November 26th. Thanksgiving, through the football lens, means Pennridge-Quakertown. In the 80 plus years that those two rivals have suited up, few participants have accomplished more than Ken Schroy. Schroy was an outstanding basketball player and triple jumper, but he left his mark at Quakertown on the football […]
