By Vincent Gallo, Eye of the Tigers
September 16, 2011
A strong team performance from Marple Newtown lifted the Tigers to a 24-7 win over visiting Strath Haven at Harry Harvey Field. The loss marked the first league loss for Strath Haven, the 2010 Central League co-champion, since October of 2009 (Penncrest).
Captains Chris Kirkian, Shawn Ridinger, and Cimorrow Moat helped set the tone early in the contest, as they have done in each game this season. Kirkian applied the pressure in the Panther backfield, Ridinger led the way up front on the offensive side of the ball, and Cimorrow Moat carried the ball effectively against at tough Strath Haven defense.
Senior quarterback Jamie Ridinger complete three of his five passes for a season-high 65 yards, and Moat carried the ball 27 times for 143 yards. Ridinger completed a 24-yard strike to Tom Antista to set-up the Tigers first score.
After a third down stop by the Haven defense, the Tigers trotted out kickerAnthony Nicolardi for 34-yard field goal. Nicolardi’s kick was true, giving the home team a 10-0 advantage.
Strath Haven threatened to put points on the board twice in the first half, but the Tiger defense held the Panthers just yards from the goal line.
Marple Newtown struck first the second half, as Jamie Ridinger hit Joey Pham on a long pass down the home sideline to put the Tigers up 17-0.
Strath Haven did crack the Tiger defense in the second half, ending MN’s scorless streak at 10 quarters, and pulling the Panthers within 10 at 17-7.
Cimirrow Moat finished the job with several key carries on a key fourth quarter drive by the Tigers. Moat put the ball in the end zone, and the game out of reach with four minutes left to play.
The Tigers will take their show on the road next week, when they head to Folsom, PA to take on the Raiders of Ridley.