Friday, November 08, 2013

Six thoughts from my night in Whitehall covering the Zephyrs' win over Pleasant Valley

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.Pleasant Valley vs Whitehall 13
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) Pleasant Valley vs Whitehall 14had 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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