Digitex-U Sports (www.digitexu.com)

Digitex-U Sports ready to change to Varsity 365!

2007-12-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Digitex-U Sports is becoming Varsity 365 later this month! I would like to thank those who have supported Digitex-U Sports to this point, and now things will get bigger and better with Varsity 365. We will still be covering the biggest and best in Philadelphia area high school athletics, but now we look to add more content: more articles, more photos, more interviews, etc. The celebration of high school athletics continue!

www.varsity365.com

http://varsity365.blogspot.com/

Digitex-U Player of the Game: Neil Willis of Malvern Prep

2007-11-11T20:57:00.000-08:00

A rushing TD, a recieving TD, an interception... what more could you ask for? Jr. RB Neil Willis helped the Malvern Prep Friars win the Inter-Ac League title game over Chestnut Hill Academy, 26-18, and in the process of a great all around performance, he earned Digitex-U Sports Player of the Game honors. Interview below.

www.digitexu.com

Highlights of Malvern Prep vs. Chestnut Hill Academy

2007-11-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

www.digitexu.com

Malvern defeats Chestnut Hill; Wins Inter-Ac League Title

2007-11-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

www.digitexu.com

Quigley Field, Malvern PA - It was another windy, chilly day for football, and the atmosphere at Malvern Prep's football field was indeed at a fevered pitch. There were hard hits, many changes of momentum, and players who stepped up to the challenge. Though there were two very good teams playing, in the end, only one could be crowned as the Inter-Ac League Champion, and Malvern Prep took that title as they outslugged Chestnut Hill Academy in an entertaining 26-18 victory.

Chestnut Hill got off to a fast start, as quarterback Michael Mattei ran it in from 42 yards out to give the Blue Devils a 7-0 lead. The small sea of Blue Devil fans in attendance (who were seen tailgating prior to the big game) were ecstatic. This would change when Malvern Prep marched down the field and scored on a Neil Willis toss to the left side which nodded the score up at 7. A "We can't hear you" chant from the Friar faithful quickly signalled that this was going to be one intense battle - on and off the field.

Mistakes then came to haunt Chestnut Hill as they would for the entire game; a botched punt by the Blue Devils handed Malvern Prep excellent field position inside the red zone. The Friars quickly capitalized a few plays later with a 1 yard sneak into the end zone by QB Ryan Nassib that would put them ahead 13-7 (the extra point failed).

Another miscue for the Blue Devils, a fumble by Mattei that was recovered by the Friars, threatened to put Chestnut Hill in a deep hole. However, the defense came up big with a fourth down stop, and eventually, Chestnut Hill was able to get 3 more points on the board with a Patrick Connaghan field goal. The score would be 13-10 at the half.

The defenses of both squads held strong to start the second half, especially the Friar defense in their efforts to contain Chestnut Hill star running back Rashad Campbell. Malvern Prep eventually went up 20-10 towards the end of the third quarter after a touchdown pass inside the red zone from Nassib to Willis. This, combined with 2 missed field goals for Chestnut Hill gave some in attendance the feeling that the game was slipping away from the Blue Devils.

This feeling would change as the Chestnut Hill defense put up a goal line stand against the Friars midway in the fourth quarter. However, a Neil Willis interception a few plays later would put all of the momentum back to the Friar's side, and then a subsequent James Connelly (JR RB) touchdown seemed to put the game away with 2:43 left.

Chestnut Hill gave it one last shot; they managed to score a touchdown on a pass from Mattei to Sr WR Michael Lonergan, and made the 2 point conversion to close the gap to 26-18 with a little over a minute left. The onside kick was the last gasp for the Blue Devils, and although it took a good bounce, the Friars managed to fall on the ball and put the game away.

The packed stadium crowd applauded as the time ticked off the scoreboard and their Malvern team won the game. The student section rushed the field and joined their football representatives in glee. It was truly a great scene as Malvern Prep hoisted their helmets in the air to symbolize a team that worked hard and saw that work pay off. Chestnut Hill deserves kudos as well, for while they did not win the championship, they have put together an amazing season that will not be forgotten. The two heavyweights battled it out in a true slugfest, and Malvern Prep, in the end, managed to stand tall.

Highlights

Penn Charter vs. Malvern Prep Highlights

2007-11-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

www.digitexu.com

Digitex-U Players of the Game: James Connelly and Neil Harris

2007-11-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

Two good running backs are better than one. Just ask Malvern Prep; their 2 headed monster of James Connelly and Neil Willis played a huge hand in the Friars' 43-21 win over Penn Charter Saturday afternoon. Their great efforts earned them Digitex-U Player of the Game honors.

Interview Below.

www.digitexu.com

Malvern defeats Penn Charter, sets up huge matchup for next week

2007-11-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

www.digitexu.com

Quigley Field, Malvern PA - On a windy, chilly Saturday afternoon, Malvern Prep made one last statement before competing in the game of the season next week, as they defeated division foe Penn Charter 43-21 to improve their record to 8-0.

Malvern Prep's homecoming game didn't start out pretty for either team; they both fumbled on their opening drives. But Malvern would score first in the first quarter, as Jr. RB James Connelly squeezed through the line for a 2 yard run on the right side.

Penn Charter counter-punched with a TD pass from Jr. QB John Ryan to Sr. TE Blaise Fullen, tying the ballgame at 7. It would not be too long after that when Malvern went back on top thanks to an incredible touchdown catch by Jr. RB Neil Willis whom caught the long pass, managed to stay on his feet despite defenders all over him, and hustled into the endzone to make it a 14-7 game. Penn Charter countered again with a well-put together drive that ended in a touchdown catch by Sr. TE Colin Still, and thus the teams went into halftime nodded up at 14.

The game was evenly matched to this point, but Malvern turned up the pressure in the second half. The running attack of Connelly and Willis was key; they both used power and speed to mow through the Quaker defense and pick up substantial yards. Willis picked up a running TD in the second half, and Connelly came close to getting one but fumbled at the goal line; the fumble was recovered in the end zone by teammate Jr. WR Joseph Price.

The Quaker's had trouble mounting any offense in the second half. Part of the reason was because the Friar defense zoned in on the option play that Ryan ran so well in the first half. In the first half, Ryan kept the option almost all the times they ran the play. The Friars adjusted to this in the second half and converged on Ryan, picking up multiple sacks. When Ryan was actually able to throw the ball, the Friar secondary held up, giving the Quaker recievers fits.

The end result was a 43-21 victory for Malvern. The high point total was double sweet; in a very classy move, the Friars football team dedicated the game to Chris Evons, a boy who was seriously injured in a recent car crash. Evons is a friend of their team captain Sr. RB Chris Layne, and Malvern coordinated a pledge where money would be donated to the Evons family for every point the Friars scored. So 43 points not only put Penn Charter away, but also served as a great help for a family in need.

Malvern moves on to the biggest game of the season as they host undefeated Chestnut Hill Academy next Saturday at 1pm for the Inter-Ac division crown. Penn Charter will wrap up their season next week at Germantown Academy.

Highlights

Video Highlights of Berean vs. Lackawanna

2007-10-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

www.digitexu.com

Special Junior College Coverage: Lackawanna Falcons defeat Berean Bears, 49-6

2007-10-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

Video Highlights

Marcus Foster Stadium, North Philadelphia, PA - Digitex-U Sports took a short break from high school coverage to check out the stars of the Junior College Athletic Association. The Berean Bears, based in North Philadelphia, and the Lackawanna Falcons, based in Scranton, PA, went head to head on a pleasant Saturday afternoon in the Berean Bears' homecoming game. Unfortunately, the game results were only pleasant to one team, that being the Falcons, as they controlled the game and from beginning to end and spoiled the homecoming by picking up a 49-6 victory.

The Falcons got things started in the first quarter with a 5 yard touchdown run through the middle to the right side by RB Bloi-Dei Dorzon. The early onlsaught continued in a later drive in the first quarter as QB AJ McKenna rolled to the left and flung a beautiful pass to WR Keith Carlos that resulted in a 64 yard touchdown pass along the left sideline. Dorzon would make his presence felt yet again in that quarter with a 15 yard touchdown run to the right side on a pitch, making the game 21-0 and dampening the spirits of the Bears fans in attendance (there were, however, a few very vocal Falcons fans accounted for). Carlos struck again with a 12 yard touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone in the second quarter, making it 28-0. RB William Johnson joined the scoring parade for the Falcons by turning a screen pass that look destined to fail into a 23 yard touchdown (where he went from the left side all the way back to the right side to get room to run and score). A 10 yard toucdown run later in the third quarter by LeAnthony Flemming to the right side made it a 35-0 game.

The Bears showed some life in the third quarter when DB Arvon Clark returned the ensuing kickoff 54 yards to give his team their best starting field position of the entire game. They went on to score thanks to a nice 22 yard TD pass from a rolling Kevin King to WR Chris Ruiz on the right side of the end zone. The TD was their first TD in several quarters and seemed to inject a sense of hope into the team.

However, the Falcons held strong and mostly ran the ball for the rest of the game, milking the clock and adding 2 more touchdowns. They were able to secure the 49-6 victory.

The Bears have had their troubles this year, but there was no doubt that they played as hard as they could; Lackawanna is a very talented team and were primed for competition on this day. The Bears will try to rebound when they play Nassau Community College next week at home, and as was evident by the good-sized crowd that attended the homecoming game, the city of Philadelphia will continue to stand by and support them. Digitex-U Sports

WR Keith Carlos scores one of his two touchdowns, helping the Falcons efforts in the 49-6 victory.

Video Highlights of St. Joe's Prep vs. North Catholic from 10/13/07

2007-10-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Digitex-U Player of the Game: Jamir Livingston of St. Joe's Prep

2007-10-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

By scoring 2 touchdowns, rushing for over 100 yards and setting the tone with great physical prowess, Jamir Livingston, senior running back of St. Joe's Prep, earned Digitex-U Player of the Game honors as he helped lead his team to a 42-7 victory over North Catholic.

Interview Below.

St. Joe's Prep extend league winning streak; defeat North Catholic 42-7

2007-10-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

Frankford Stadium, Philadelphia PA: During the pregame warmups, one could tell that North Catholic was not intimidated by The Streak. They were pumped and seemed primed for the challenge. But on an unusually sunny October day in Frankford Stadium, St. Joe's Prep were not quite content with The Streak, nor have they been for years. With this mentality, the St. Joe's Prep was able to overcome an early North Catholic surge to roll to a 42-7 win and their 52nd consecutive Catholic League Red regular season victory.

North Catholic, trying to avenge two losses to the Prep last year (including a playoff loss) got on the board first thanks to a 54 yard fumble return for a TD by DB Mike Scott. The Prep stumbled out of the gate with their first few offensive possessions, but got the ball rolling thanks to the defense and a first quarter Pat Jordan interception that gave them good field position. The Hawks scored on the ensuing drive thanks to a 4 yard touchdown run by HB Jamir Livingston.

Special teams then contributed for St. Joe's Prep, as Jim McGoldrick found the end zone on a punt return again during Digitex-U coverage; this one was a spectacular 50+ yard return that saw him escape and elude tackles after almost not even fielding the punt.

The floodgates opened from there on, with North Catholic unable to mount any offense, and St. Joe's Prep getting touchdowns from WR Tim Edger, another one from Livingston, and 2 from Greg Castillo (1 receiving and 1 on an interception return).

So North Catholic gave it their best shot but were just unable to stand up to the Catholic League Red juggernaut that is St. Joe's Prep. The Falcons still have aspirations for the postseason and will try to rebound next week against the Lasalle Explorers.

The Prep will try to extend 2 winning streaks next week (their league streak and their season streak, which is currently at 5 games) when they face Cardinal O' Hara next week in a home game. And many know that this current Prep team will only reach a level of content if they are able to avenge last year's Catholic League Red Championship loss and win the title. Yes, they would be content; until next year starts, that is.

The St. Joe's Prep seniors, here taking their senior photo, helped lead their team to a 42-7 victory.

Highlights

Special Coverage: Overbrook Chargers outmuscle South Philadelphia Ravens, 14-0

2007-09-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Papa Playground, West Philadelphia - The general feeling was that the Overbrook Chargers, the defending Delaware Valley Independence Football League champions, were just not themselves. A tough 1-2 start combined with the turmoil from health problems of their head coach Terry Henderson had the naysayers and critics ready to pounce. But if there was one kind of game that could not only give the team something to build on, but also keep the critics at bay, was a smashmouth victory over a first place team, and that's what happened Sunday afternoon as the Chargers defeated the South Philadelphia Ravens (now 2-2) 14-0.

The two teams slugged it out in the first quarter; neither team was able to get the upperhand over the other. It seemed that the Ravens had struck first after a long touchdown pass in the secound quarter. A penalty, however, erased the touchdown and seemed to take a lot of air out of the Ravens and their fans in attendance.

The Chargers got on the board in the first half after a 1 yard keeper by quarterback Reggie Manly. The extra point attempt failed, keeping the score 6-0. The Chargers had another chance to score before halftime but a fumble forced and recovered by the Ravens near the goal line ended that drive.

The second half was just as hard hitting as the first, and the fans in attendance became louder with each play. Reggie Manly started to take over with scrambles to the left and right, and added to the Chargers lead with a great run that saw him break a couple of tackles before getting into the end zone.

The Ravens were unable to do much on offense afterwards, and a safety in the fourth quarter (Akins was unable to handle a low snap) put the finishing touches on the scoring, making it a 14-0 game.

As time ran out in the game, one Overbrook Charger yelled at the Ravens sideline, "We're back!" Whether that is true or not remains to be seen, but in a long season where one game can turn around everything, the Chargers may have gotten the type of grind-it-out victory that can lead to a great things. Only time will tell.

QB Reggie Manly (#12) was the star of the show, scoring two running touchdowns to lead the Chargers to a 14-0 victory over the South Philadelphia Ravens.

Digitex-U Player of the Game: Jim McGoldrick from St. Joe's Prep

2007-09-23T20:37:00.001-07:00

A punt return for a touchdown. A kick return for a touchdown. An interception. All in the first game back from a serious face injury. We think that such a 1-game resume more than earns St. Joe's Prep SR. HB/DB Jim McGoldrick Digitex-U Player of the Game honors, wouldn't you agree?

After the game we caught up with McGoldrick.

Video Highlights of Lasalle vs. St. Joe's Prep

2007-09-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

St. Joe's Prep gets revenge on Lasalle, 48-7

2007-09-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

Plymouth Meeting, PA - It was just a little less than a year ago when the Lasalle Explorers shocked the St. Joe's Prep Hawks and won the Catholic League Red championship. Last Saturday night's game between the two rivals, however, made that championship game seem like it happened many moons ago.

Behind proficient play on offense, and hard-hitting and aggressive play on defense, St. Joe's Prep made a statement to the tough Red division with a 48-7 victory over defending champion Lasalle.

The Prep got the ball rolling early with a short touchdown pass in the red zone from QB Aaron Haas to WR Tim Edger on a beautifully executed slant play; a play very similar to the one West Catholic executed on Lasalle just last week. The game looked like it would get ugly quickly when senior Jim McGoldrick returned a punt from 57 yards out for score in a game that marked his return from physical injury.

Lasalle stayed in the game with a drive full of good breaks; Punter Mike Donahoe ran 23 yards for a first down on a punt after a low snap, and then RB Sam Feleccia caught a 31 yarder that was batted in the air. The Explorers eventually scored on a 2 yard touchdown pass from John Harrison to WR Joe Migliarese. Unfortunately for the Explorers, this touchdown was quickly countered by another special teams return by McGoldrick, this time on the ensuing kickoff, going for 87 yards.

It was all Hawks from this point forward, as Haas tossed two more touchdowns to Edger, and the defense sacked Harrison 8 times and picked him off twice, one by McGoldrick and the other by DB Greg Castillo off of a tipped pass. A late score by RB Michael Yeager from 6 yards put the finishing touches on the 48-7 game.

St. Joe's Prep improves to 2-2 and go on to face 4-0 Father Judge in a huge matchup next week, and the now 1-3 Explorers look to end their three game losing streak against 2-2 Archibishop Ryan.

Highlights

The Prep gave everyone in the Catholic League Red notice that they will be tough to beat this year in an impressive 48-7 victory over the Explorers

Video Highlights from West Catholic/Lasalle

2007-09-17T21:39:00.001-07:00

Video Highlights from Friday night's game with play-by-play by Marcus Wright

Digitex-U Sports Player of the Game: Rob Holloman of West Catholic

2007-09-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEW VIDEO IS NOW UP!

Versatility is the name of the game here, as an excellent game on the ground (16 carries, 71 yards), recieving (3 catches, 82 yards, 1TD), and even on special teams returning kicks earned West Catholic Jr. RB Rob Holloman Digitex-U Player of the Game honors, as he helped West Catholic hang on for a hard fought 24-14 victory over Lasalle Friday night. In addition to being on the recieving end of perhaps the play of the game (a 56 yard touchdown pass from Curtis Drake where Holloman persevered through a bump before he caught the ball, stayed on his feet despite several Lasalle players looking like they had him, and scurried to the end zone). A great all around game for Holloman where Player of the Game honors were well deserved.

(Error correction: We originally had Holloman as grabbing the game-sealing interception, but it was actually #82 Haleem Hayward)

After the game, we caught up with Holloman. We have the video of the interview posted below. We also have the audio link (mp3 file) below that.

Holloman Postgame Interview (only the audio)

West Catholic holds on against Lasalle, 24-14

2007-09-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Note: (Article has now been updated with official yardage and stats).

Springfield Township High School, Erdenheim, PA - The Catholic League Red and Catholic League Blue are all about pride, and there was plenty of it on the field Friday night as the defending Blue Division Champ West Catholic hung on to defeat the defending Red Division champ Lasalle, 24-14.

Jr. QB Curtis Drake, Jr. RB Rob Holloman and fellow Jr. RB Raymond Maples were all key players for the Burrs, as their ground game carried the way. Curtis Drake, the athletic and elusive quarterback that he is, was a problem for the Explorer defense the entire game due to his speed. He ran in what turned out to be the game deciding 3-yard touchdown at the 2:28 mark of the 4th quarter, but he also contributed with his arm for two of the other West Catholic touchdowns. One passing TD was a 26-yard beautiful snare of a pass to Sr. TE Pre'Andre Watson at the 6:24 mark of the second quarter on a crossing route that for a second looked like it would be intercepted. His other TD, which came at the 4:12 mark of the third quarter, was a long pass from near-midfield to Rob Holloman, who not only made the catch, but impressively brushed off interference, escaped tackles and scampered another 20 yards to finish the touchdown play (altogether 56 yards).

Speaking of Holloman, he had another great all-around night, as he could be seen everywhere from returning kicks, to making clutch runs, dragging defenders along, to that great TD catch. The other member of the key trio, Maples, was the one who got the ball rolling for West Catholic by scoring the first TD of the game at the 3:24 mark of the first quarter with a run from 3 yards out.

Lasalle had trouble in the first half getting a flow going; Sophomore RB Sam Feleccia, who has been having a good year, fumbled on Lasalle's first drive and then fumbled again later that half. SR QB John Harrison was throwing with a good sense of steadiness, but a few of his passes were dropped early in what would be a recuring trend throughout the game.

This slow start allowed West Catholic to jump to a 12-0 lead (from Maple's touchdown and then Watson's) and hold on to that going in to halftime. But Lasalle, as all well-coached teams do, came out of the gate in the second half inspired, and got on the board when Sr. TE Ryan Warrender caught a beautifully thrown 13 yard pass from Harrison for a TD at the 6:54 mark in the third quarter, making it 12-7. After West Catholic answered with Holloman's spectacular touchdown to make it 18-7, Lasalle sruck back at the 2:08 mark of the third with a 50 yard TD pass from Harrison to Sr. WR Joe Migliarese to make it 18-14. But the comeback dreams were cut short by a great ball control drive by West Catholic in the fourth quarer that led to Drake's game clinching touchdown. A final attempt at a comeback by Lasalle ended with an interception by Jr. WR/DB Haleem Hayward at the 1:32 mark of the 4th quarter.

So West not only got to win this battle of champion vs. champion, but also avenged their 42-34 loss to Lasalle last year. West moves on to face Bishop McDevitt next week, and Lasalle, in a game in which many people refer to as their biggest game of the year, face St. Joe's Prep.

*Error correction: We had originally credited Rob Holloman for the game ending interception, but it was actually Haleem Hayward who got the pick*

The Burrs of West Catholic hung in a gritty matchup between champion vs. champion and avenged last years 42-34 loss to Lasalle

Interview with Berean Institute Football Head Coach, Brett Dunlap

2007-08-29T03:47:00.000-07:00

You might not have heard about them - yet. The Berean Institute Bears football team play in the Junior College Athletic Association and are only in their fourth year of existence (second year in the JCAA). But they have already turned many heads and are picking up steam every day.

Part of this is due to a very eager and energetic sponsorship from the Philadelphia Sports Training Center, spearheaded by co-owner and former high school All-American Maine Prince (to check out their website supporting the Berean Bears, head to http://www.bereansports.com/).

The other part is due to the energy and focus of the head coach, Brett Dunlap, who seems beyond ready for his team to take on all challenges and possibly qualify for a bowl game. Digitex-U got a chance to catch up with Coach Dunlap to talk about the upcoming season, the players to watch for, and much more.

Coach Brett Dunlap Interview

Video Highlights of Girard Championship Game: Imhotep vs. Prep Charter

2007-08-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

We now have video highlights here at Digitex-U Sports. We are going to start with the Championship Game of the Girard College Summer League tournament from this past Monday. Imhotep defeated Prep Charter 48-41.

Imhotep wins the Girard Summer League Championship

Digitex-U Player of the Game: Will Adam from Imhotep

2007-08-21T04:58:00.000-07:00

Not only was he the player of the game, but he was also the unanimous choice for player of the Girard College Summer League. Will Adam from Imhotep earns Digitex-U Player of the Game honors with his 20 point effort in the 48-41 Panther victory over the Prep Charter Huskies. After the game Digitex-U caught up with him and his coach (who preferred to be called, "Coach Jared") for a postgame interview.

Will Adam with the championship trophy and his coach, simply referred to as Coach Jared

Postgame Interview

Imhotep hangs on to win Girard Championship Game, 48-41 over Prep Charter

2007-08-21T04:01:00.000-07:00

Cheesman A. Herrick Fieldhouse, North Philadelphia - For up until half an hour before the championship game of the Girard College Summer League, the Cheesman A. Herrick was empty and quiet. All of that came converted to a fevered pitch and frenzied atmosphere in a game between two rivals looking to take the League championship trophy home. On this evening, the Imhotep Panthers were able to outlast the Prep Charter huskies, 48-41, to recieve the honors.

The Panthers were led by Junior Will Adam, who led all scorers with 20 points. He was able to do it mostly in the paint, and also converted his free throws, which all turned out to be very crucial. Also helping to lead the Panthers to victory was Lamar Trice (7 points), who handled most of the point guards duties and ran the offense effectively.

The Huskies were never out of the game, and in fact led at several different points. They were led by Paris Grant, who had 17 points and played aggressively. However, Prep Charter seemed to get caught up in the physicallity of the game and it may have been the factor that threw them off in the final minutes. Imhotep managed to pull away to the 7 point victory by getting a few clutch steals towards the end, and some key offensive rebounds such as one made by Miguel Bocachica with about a minute left to go after a missed Imhotep free throw.

Coach Jared of the Panthers said that he really wanted them to beat Prep Charter, a team that Imhotep has had trouble fending off in the past. Not only did they accomplish that goal, but they also did so en route to earning the honors of raising a championship trophy. And a once quiet armory ended up housing not only a crowd of appreciative fans, but a hardworking, summer league championship team as well.

Video Highlights

Girard College vs. Prep Charter Audio Highlights

2007-08-17T03:51:00.001-07:00

Here are the audio highlights of Prep Charter's 68-50 win over Girard College in the second round of the Girard College Summer League Playoffs from Wednesday night

Highlights

DU Sports Player of the Game: Ferguson Myrick of Prep Charter

2007-08-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

A blow to the head seemed to motivate him more than anything. Despite being shaken up in the first half due to being accidentally kicked in the head, Ferguson Myrick of Prep Charter came back into the game and dominated, getting 23 points in the 68-50 win over Girard College and earning Digitex-U Player of the Game honors.

Postgame Interview