By Al Thompson, Delaware County Times
September 05, 2009
The Tigers defeated Archbishop Ryan, 31-0, Friday night at Harry R Harvey Field in a game that was never in doubt. Marple Newtown’s size advantage was too much for Ryan, as the Tigers rolled for 252 yards on the ground.
Juniors Ryan Duffy and Mario Dioguardi made for a yard-grinding duo. Duffy led the Tigers with 99 yards on 15 carries, while Dioguardi added 70 yards on 10 carries.
As dominant as the Tigers were all night, they did need to shake off some early season gremlins.
After forcing Ryan to punt on its opening drive, the Tigers muffed the punt and handed the Raiders the ball at Marple’s 32.
Ryan running back Mark Golic (12 carries, 73 yards) rumbled 18 yards to the 14, but Marple’s defense stiffened and forced Ryan to turn the ball over on downs.
Head coach Ray Gionta said his defense made up for the mistakes.
“Our defense played well for the opener,” Gionta said. “Mistakes are going to happen in your first game. It’s good to see we can win 31-0 even with the mistakes.”
Senior Carl Kasarsky scored two rushing touchdowns of nine and 13 yards. Quarterback Kevin Johnson was 5-for-8 for 85 yards and a 29-yard TD to Dioguardi.