By Steve Scoleri, Tigers Radio Network
September 04, 2009
The 2009 season started out with a roar for the Marple Newtown Tigers, with a 31-0 victory over the Archbishop Ryan Raiders. The Tigers made few mistakes and were able to capitalize on several opportunities in the first half to secure the first win of the year.
Mario Dioguardi opened the scoring with a 29-yard touchdown reception from Quarterback Kevin Johnson with just under two minutes remaining in the first quarter. Johnson went 5-for-8 for 85 yards in the air on the night for MN.
The Tigers offense would add another 2 touchdowns in the second quarter to build a 21-0 halftime advantage. The first came midway through the quarter, when Carl Kasarsky rambeld 9-yards for the score. Ryan Whitecapped the first half scoring with a 8-yard touchdown run later in the half.
The second half was highlighted by Marple Newtown’s ability to control the the ball. After taking the kickoff to begin the hafl, the Tigers moved the ball well and ate up most of the third quarter clock with a drive that lasted over 9 minutes. Quarterback Kevin Johnson and split end Vince Christianahooked up on a long completion to set-up a 13-yard touchdown run by Carl Kasarsky to put the Tigers up 28-0.
Adam Fender put an exclamation mark on the win by hitting a 37-yard field goal to put Marple up 31-0. The field goal marked a career-long for Fender, who also stars on the Tigers soccer team (which defeated Interboro 9-4 preceding the football game).
Defensively, linebacker Brian Kelly broke up several pass attempts, and defensive linemen Christian Whiteside, Kevan Strigle, and Billy Weaverlingwere able to control the line of scrimmage.
Next up for the Tigers is a trip to Springfield on Friday, September 11. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM and a podcast of the night’s action can be heard on the Tigers Radio Network.