http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
FROM KEITH GROLLER
It'll actually be seven thoughts because my first point to stress
is that the numbers from last night's game are correct online, but not
in the story part in today's print editions. They are correct in the
stat box underneath the story.
A mixup in communication between desk and writer resulted in the
incorrect numbers appearing in the print story, but to re-affirm --
Whitehall had 564 yards of total offense, 376 on the ground and Saquon
Barkley had 132 yards on 18 carries.
Now, on to the six thoughts from last night's game:
1. The LVC is superior to the MVC.
I think even most MVC people would agree with that statement. Teams
like Pleasant Valley and Stroudsburg have six or seven really good
players. Teams like Whitehall and Parkland have a star at every
position. That's why you'll see a MVC team like PV and Stroudsburg make a
couple of good plays and win the battle maybe one-third of the time,
but, by and large, the LVC team will dominate. I believe the MVC has
very good coaches, but the level of commitment and passion with the kids
in the Lehigh Valley is just at a different level at places like
Whitehall, Parkland and Easton. Football is life-and-death in the heart
of the Valley. Tradition means so much. I am not sure it means the same
to a lot to some -- not all -- of the MVC kids. That said, I expect East
Stroudsburg South to give Easton quite a battle on Friday because Niko
Petrone can play in any league.
2. Hook and ladder for starters. The
hook and ladder touchdown play that Whitehall used on its first play
from scrimmage was a stroke of genius. It was well-crafted, too, with
Jeff Charles hitting Conor Sullivan, who then flipped a lateral to
Saquon Barkley (No. 21 showing off a a stiff arm below) could not have
been better executed. In a playoff game where confidence and momentum is
so important, Whitehall's big play generated both in a hurry.
3. The overall talents of Ryan Bonshak.
This is the third time I've seen Whitehall in person and he continues
to impress me more every time I see him. Last night, Bonshak (below
right) had
big plays on offense, defense, special teams and also, evidently, in
the locker room where he motivated the troops at halftime. He's a very
well-liked, well-spoken young man.
4. The emotion of the Whitehall coaches.
There's not a more rambunctious group in the league. I was concerned
that the press box roof would collapse several times last night because
the Zephyrs coaches were not happy how certain plays, and at least
one official's call, went and those coaches expressed their
disappointment in a loud way. It's a quality staff with a lot of passion
and that translates to the kids. But I do worry someone is going to
hurt himself on a Friday night. I also hope that press box roof is well
reinforced.
5. The end of the line for Brandon Leap.
Whitehall's defense did a great job containing both Austyn Borre and
quarterback Brandon Leap on Friday night. But credit Leap for continuing
to fight and scrap all night long, against the odds. He got one last
touchdown on an 18-yard run in the fourth quarter after the mercy rule
was in effect. He ended his career as PV's all-time leading passer in
terms of overall yardage with over 4,600 yards and 47 touchdowns. I
don't know who's next in line for the Bears, but as long as Jimmy
Terwilliger is there as coach, PV will remain a strong offensive and
competitive program.
6. Parkland-Whitehall will be a dandy.
It's a shame somebody is going to have to lose on Friday night. I
expect both sets of bleachers to be filled at Zephyr Stadium, no matter
how cold it may be. Right now, it's hard to say who has the edge. But I
expect that game to be decided in the final minutes.
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