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Kyle Lynch
Written by Kerith Gabriel
While it’s obvious that there were few bright spots in Pennridge’s season-opener against Hatboro-Horsham last Friday, it just would not be fair to give Rams runningback Kyle Lynch his due. Lynch, made the Hatters defense chase him around for much of the first half and was a menace all night. The junior back ran for 93 of the Rams 138 total yards on the ground with his biggest gain being a 35-yard mad dash that put the Rams on Hatboro’s 10-yard line early in the first half.
His ability to shed tackles was a plus as he also utilized his speed to his advantage, pulling away from the opposition on numerous occasions. Pennridge coach Randy Cuthbert also mentioned in his post-game interview that he was pleased with the play of Lynch and feels that once the duo of Lynch and quarterback Brad Herrmann become comfortable behind the line as well as grow accustomed to varsity competition, their effectivity will increase as well.
It’s that hope that Kyle Lynch brings to this year’s Rams group that makes last Friday’s loss easier to swallow in their quest to make this season a success, in addition to being an apparent choice as to why he is the News-Herald’s player of the week.
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Brian Stephenson
Written by Kerith Gabriel
Pennridge tight end Brian Stephenson used every bit of his five foot, 11 inch 200-pound frame last Saturday despite the Rams loss to Council Rock North. It appeared the senior end was more successful snagging balls out of the air than he was on the ground, dutifully shedding off defensive backs for gains of 81 yards on three catches. Stephenson also scored the Rams first passing touchdown of 2007 after taking a Brad Herrmann bullet 38-yards for a score that put the Rams just eight points away from a possible overtime or game-winning scenario. In addition, after Pennridge’s first score off a Herrmann one-yard bust up the middle, Stephenson caught a picture perfect pass that converted a two-point conversion and a momentary 8-7 lead over the Indians.
Stephenson was instrumental in providing the Rams some much-needed offense and while the score wasn’t in Pennridge’s favor having a crafty end like Stephenson is. It is for that reason Brian Stephenson will continue to be one of Pennridge’s main threats on offense and an obvious choice as to why he is the News-Herald’s player of the week.
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Brad Herrmann
Written by Kerith Gabriel
Pennridge is going to have a tough time this season, but the steady effort of its key players will hopefully aid in the outcome of a successful year. One of those key contributing players is junior quarterback Brad Herrmann. Herrmann, entering his first season as the offensive general busted through for his and the Rams first touchdown of the season after a one-yard scamper late in the fourth quarter of last Friday night’s game against Central Bucks East. Herrmann’s TD capped a night in which he carried the ball 11 times for 55 yards in addition to throwing over 100-yards(149), going 10-for-21 with just a lone pick. Having Herrmann adapt to the rigors of varsity competition is certainly a plus and brings hope for the possibilities of his game improving; not just for next season but hopefully by season’s end.
It is for that reason, Brad Herrmann gives hope to a young Rams group for positive things to come as well as an obvious choice as to why he is the News-Herald’s player of the week.
Pennridge senior receiver Jefferson has last shot to have his fill on Turkey Day
By TODD THORPE
The Intelligencer
For a senior at Pennridge or Quakertown, the chance for Thanksgiving football glory usually only comes around once. For Jimmy Jefferson, a senior wide receiver for the Rams who's amassed 711 yards receiving on a team-high 38 receptions, it's not only his last chance but his only chance to play a significant role in the game — the 78th between the two neighboring rivals at Poppy Yoder Field (10 a.m.) on Thursday — he grew up watching as a kid.
“This is a huge game,” Jefferson said. “It's one that you always look forward to at the end of the year, they've been playing it for so long. I remember watching all the games. Now I get my chance to play in it.”
Jefferson, also a basketball standout for Pennridge, was a reserve for the Rams as a junior, backing up then-senior Matt Colyar, playing special teams on Thanksgiving. His role figures to be more prominent on Thursday.
“In the summer, we thought he was going to be pretty good (this year),” said Pennridge coach Randy Cuthbert. “He had a real good summer catching the ball in our passing league. I think his feet caught up to him a little bit in his senior year.”
Listed at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Jefferson immediately became the primary target for junior quarterback Brad Herrmann, and since early in the season, he hasn't been much of a secret for opposing coaches.
“It was something I noticed after the first two games,” said Jefferson, who caught a season-high seven passes for 154 yards in Week 4 against state-ranked North Penn. “Those first two games, I saw a lot of single coverage, and I was able to take advantage of that.
“Now, you know you've got that respect (from other teams). They know more about you. But I take it as another challenge. Even if they know you're good, if you're good enough, they won't be able to stop you.”
While Jefferson has had a solid senior season, the team hasn't been what the players had hoped it might be, as the Rams struggled losing their first six games. They're 2-8 heading into Thursday, and desperately need a win over their archrivals to salvage the seasons for the seniors.
“It definitely didn't go the way we were hoping it would go,” Jefferson said. “If we can win against Quakertown, it always leaves a good taste in your mouth, to get bragging rights for this season.”
As far as his own reflections of the Pennridge-Quakertown Thanksgiving rivalry, Jefferson said by having attended the game through the years he fully understands the significance for both communities.
“I've been going ever since I remember,” he said. “I went to that six overtime one (in 2000). I think (Pennridge) ended up losing that one. I remember watching all the great players in those games, like Jason Rhoads. At the time, they were my superheroes.
“It's hard to believe that I'm the senior now. I know how big it is.
