Falcons vs Pioneers

Where: Frankford Memorial Stadium
When: 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22
Last Year: North catholic, 23-14
North leads series, 42-33-4

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

After being forced to forfeit most of a season due to an ineligible player, most teams would lose hope. However, for Frankford High School, love for the game was enough reason to prevail.
The Pioneers won’t see any post-season play this year, and they won’t have a chance to claim their third consecutive Public League title.
But they do still have the Thanksgiving game.
And it’s going to be war.
"We managed to keep the team together," said Frankford coach Mike Capriotti. "This is like our championship. The team has been through a lot, but (the players are) stepping up and staying together."
The nightmare began about three weeks ago when questions started to surround defensive back Taryee Quiah. The Franklin Towne Charter student was permitted to play for Frankford through state law that allows charter students to compete with local schools if that particular sport is not offered at the charter.
The problem, however, had nothing to do with his school. It was his age.
"It was a slip-up in paperwork with the kid’s birthday," said Capriotti.
Quiah will turn 20 in January. According to PIAA rules, he cannot be 19 before July 1, and therefore is too old to participate in high school sports.
League chairman Robert Coleman confirmed that Quiah was ineligible, and therefore, the Pioneers — who were assured one of the four playoff spots in the Red Division — were eliminated.
"The team is handling it like young men," said Capriotti. "We’re practicing every day. I think we have the making of a really good Thanksgiving game."
As if a lifelong rivalry with North Catholic wasn’t enough motivation for Frankford, now the Pioneers have even more on the line as they face the Falcons on Thanksgiving Day at Frankford Memorial Stadium.
"I think we got a game with two really good football teams," said Capriotti. "I think it’s going to be a great matchup. Our team is looking really good."
Frankford — winner of the last two Public League crowns and 27 in all — will be looking for running back Ervin Goodson to lead the Pioneers to victory. The senior has rushed for 560 yards this season and scored 73 points for the Pioneers. He will be joined in the spotlight by three-year starting linebackers Chris Spence and Josh Burnett and defensive tackle Akeem Smith.
"I think there are a lot of key guys this year," said Capriotti. "We look sharp."
North Catholic doesn’t look too shabby either. The Falcons are trotting into the big game 6-4 overall and 3-4 in the Catholic League Red Division. They also lead the Thanksgiving series 42-33-4.
"It’s always an interesting game against Frankford," said Falcons’ coach Charlie Szydlik. "We’re playing good now. And come Thanksgiving, we’re going to be playing even better."
The Falcons are coming off of two consecutive wins in the Thanksgiving battle against Frankford and are ready for lucky-number three. In 2005, the then-winless Falcons defeated Frankford 12-0. The following year, North came out on top once again, 23-14, against the Pioneers.
"Now the seniors have the experience they need," said Szydlik. "They know what to expect, and they’re ready for a battle."
Falcon veterans and team captains Robert Mullen and Chris James, alongside standout running back Terrell Oglesby have formed a solid nucleus for North Catholic this season.
"He is an incredible athlete," said Szydlik, referring to Oglesby, who has rushed for 1,209 yards this year, slamming 90 points on the Falcons’ scoreboard. "But he’s not alone. The entire group gives a team effort, both offensively and defensively."
With old rivals, new strategies and a Thanksgiving tradition to uphold, both Frankford and North Catholic have the determination and talent to cook up a fierce showdown.
"The atmosphere is tremendous," said Szydlik. "The tradition of the game is great, and if we come out with a win, the turkey tastes that much better." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com