Teams defeats Pennsville, 20-14
By:Sean Moylan
"We didn’t go into the game (versus Pennsville) wanting to throw. We want to run the football. That’s what we want to do," declared Florence Township Memorial High School varsity football coach Joe Frappolli after his team bulldozed its way to a 20-14 double overtime victory at Pennsville last Friday night. And run the football Florence did.
Bryan Maus (18 rushes for 100 yards) and Jorron Jenkins (14 rushes for 84 yards) combined for 184 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a second overtime game-winner by Maus a 5-yard power plunge into the end zone. Maus, who had desperately wanted to score on his 16-yard run moments earlier, demanded the ball on the game’s final play.
"I just think it was at the point of the game where he reached down for a little extra," said Coach Frappolli. "He (Maus) just hit it up in there and he wasn’t going to be denied. They were a big, physical team."
Happily, Pennsville had missed its 30-yard field goal attempt earlier in the second overtime.
Needing a great athlete to fill the huge gap left in the secondary after the graduation of standout defensive C.J. Kessler last spring, Coach Frappolli put former linebacker Jorron Jenkins in his defensive backfield. Jenkins paid immediate dividends at free safety, knocking down a potential touchdown pass in the first overtime and making two interceptions.
In fact, Pennsville’s biggest play of the game – a 50-yard, third-quarter touchdown by Ralph Fisher – came with Jenkins on the bench taking one of his few breathers in the contest.
Fisher rushed for 193 yards and 2 scores.
"Fisher is one heck of a running back," said Coach Frappolli. "But we found ways of stopping him when we had to."
Pennsville actually scored first on a 35-yard Fisher run in the second quarter but Jenkins answered with a 13-yard touchdown catch of a Matt DeLiso (3-for-4, 43 yards) pass before intermission.
After Fisher’s second touchdown had given Pennsville a 14-7 lead, Jenkins scored on a clutch 12-yard fourth quarter run from scrimmage to re-tie the game.
Florence’s off-season strength and conditioning program, run by Sean Greig, proved to be extremely valuable. While several Pennsville players were gasping for air by the end of the game, many Florence players still had something left in the tank.
During the game, Pennsville played 4 or 5 great athletes who were not on any game film. Nonetheless, Nick Lubrano, Florence’s defensive coordinator, made a fine adjustment by going to the nickel package. Loron Thomas, the extra defensive back, played an outstanding game.
"Nick Lubrano did a great job with the defense," added Coach Frappolli, who had felt his offense was a little more solid heading into the game.
Old reliables, like Steve Ordog and Rich Bergeron, played well on both sides of the ball for Florence. Ordog, who needed 7 stitches in his jaw during the game, nonetheless, played his heart out. And Bergeron was the typical great Bergeron.
"Bergeron had a good steady game," remarked Coach Frappolli, who has grown to expect great things from his senior inside linebacker.
Not wanting to rely solely on Jenkins and Maus on offense, Coach Frappolli gave Murjani Rowls (6 rushes for 38 yards) Allen Otto (3 runs for 14 yards) Steve Campbell (a 20-yard catch) and Dave Tardif (a 10-yard reception) all an opportunity to handle the ball.
Coach Frappolli also noted the fine games Andrew Davis and Kevin Capretti had on the defensive line.
"I was really happy for the kids. A year ago they (Florence) would have probably found a way to lose it. This year they found a way to win it," said Coach Frappolli.
Control, team football and the running game are back where they belong in Florence. With any luck, it will remain that way for a long time to come. Florence is scheduled to host New Egypt on Pop Warner Day on Saturday, September 22.

