Phantoms Set to Battle Vikings

Coach Bill Furlong has had a short week to get ready for one of the biggest tests his Phantoms will face in Pioneer Athletic Conference play this season as the Vikings come to town boasting a 3-0 league mark.

“This will be gut check for us,” said Furlong to his squad following a in which they fell less than a yard short of improving to 3-0 in the league. “We will see how we respond to adversity now. We play Perk Valley on Thursday and they will not roll over for us.”

One thing is for certain: those entering Washington Field on Thursday night will get their money’s worth, as this battle between two of this year's surprise contenders for the PAC-10 crown will no doubt provide some great defensive stands, some thrilling catches and most definitely a focus on the ground attack.

Perk Valley (655 yards rushing, 517 yards passing) and Phoenixville (1396 yards rushing, 304 passing) have made their living by taking over the battle of the trenches, but there is where the similarity ends in the rushing style.

While the Vikings feature the quick strike capability of “Weapon 35” a.k.a Donte Golsin-Goodman, who has recorded five touchdown runs of more than 30 yards, the Phantoms have had one simple recipe for success all season long.

Phoenixville (4-1, 2-1 PAC-10), led by the outstanding play of the offensive line led by senior Tom Hunt and company, have lined up and stuffed the ball down the throats of their opponents as they have compiled a staggering average of 340 yards of total offense, while allowing only 239 against them.

Senior quarterback Alec McQuiston (46 carries, 314 yards rushing), despite the loss to Pottstown in which he led an almost flawless two-minute drill, continues to exhibit the leadership that the entire squad has responded to, as he and fellow senior Vinny Nattle (78 carries, 577 yards rushing) have the set the tone of a “never quit” attitude.

Perkiomen Valley has trailed in every contest, yet has been able to battle back from a 21-0 hole to Pottstown, and again rallied versus Boyertown, posting a fourth-quarter touchdown and two-point conversion to defeat the Bears 22-21.

Perk Valley (4-1, 3-0 Pac-10) is led by sophomore signal caller Rasaan Stewart, who provides a double threat as he has rushed for 108 yards on 41 carries for 2 TDs and also thrown for six touchdowns and 306 yards and has yet to throw a pick. 

Where the Phantoms passing game has relied on Ryan Yenchick as McQuiston’s primary target, posting 86 yards and one touchdown, the Vikings two-headed monster of senior Ryan Boyd (18 catches, 3 TD) and Clay Domine (10 catches, 186 yards, 3 TD) will have to be contended with if the Phantoms are to end the Vikings' winning streak.

This game will feature probably the best match up in kickers on the entire league schedule as Kyle Chudoba (4 FG) and Ian Harrigan (5 FG) have both been instrumental in their teams' success not only with scoring points via field goals but also pinning opponents deep in their own end with outstanding kick offs.

 Last week’s Projections Record 4-1

Season Total 16-4

Projection for the game – This week's contest has been pondered for five days, even though this reporter may be refused entry to Trappe where I live, my projection for this game is a 30-27 Phoenixville win as the running game and O line of the Phantoms will be too much for the smaller Vikings.

Other PAC-10 projected winners

Boyertown rebounds with home win over Spring-Ford

Pottstown defeats Pope John Paul II in overtime

Pottsgrove takes out last week’s loss with win over Methacton

Upper Perkiomen defeats Owen J. Roberts avenging last years lop-sided win