Scores can sometimes be deceiving. Take for example the loss to Bayard Rustin in the Lions’ season opener last Friday. Penncrest played Rustin very well for one half, going into intermission locked in a scoreless tie. Rustin went on to win, 21-0, but new Penncrest coach Rick Stroup saw plenty of good things to build on.
The Lions held Rustin star receiver Anthony Nash, who’s bound for Duke, to two catches. Stroup liked the physical way his defense played, especially linebackers Ian Fleming and Andrew Butkis and defensive tackles P.J. Quinn and Tom Haley.
"Rustin is a good team and we played with them; they scored after a bad snap and the kids felt we hung with them," Stroup said. "The moral victory is we have to make plays at critical times. I liked the fact we hung there, even when we were down, we kept playing hard. I’m proud of their effort."
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Stroup was a little frustrated over some missed opportunities, but it seems as if defense may be a strength.
"We held Nash to two passes, which was a big key for us, he’s a kid that could turn a hitch into a 25-yard gain," Stroup said. "Defensively, we didn’t get moved off the ball."
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Penncrest hosts Marple Newtown this Friday night at 7 p.m. Marple Newtown is led by running back Cimirrow Moat, who rushed for a career-best 258 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-0 victory over Sun Valley last Friday.
"Marple Newtown is a good team and they’re well coached by Ray Gionta," Stroup said. "Moat is a great player and he has speed. We have to make sure we take care of him. He’s their big-play guy. Ray has a nice balanced team on offense."
