Frankford gobbles up
North on Turkey Day

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

After wearing Frankford football uniforms for more than a decade, Kareem Steplight did everything he could to ensure that his final 48 minutes in one were unforgettable.
And they were.
Steplight, a senior running back and defensive back for Frankford High School, scored a touchdown and gutted out 21 tough yards on the ground on Thanksgiving Day, helping the Pioneers beat longtime rival North Catholic High School, 47-21.
"We came out playing really hard today," said Steplight, whose football days in Frankford started when he was 6, as a member of the Frankford Chargers. "And I think we did a good job."
It didn’t take long for the Pioneers to kick things off during last week’s traditional battle against the Falcons. Frankford quarterback Kalif Walker quickly put his squad on the board with a one-yard touchdown run three minutes into the game. Tight end Eddie Ferrell then caught a 14-yard pass early in the second quarter, giving Frankford a 12-0 lead.
Sophomore defensive end Tyrell Allen kept the Pioneers’ momentum going when he blocked a punt by North Catholic’s Pete Sellecchia, grabbed the ball and took off on an 88-yard touchdown with less than 10 minutes remaining in the half.
Just minutes later, Allen was in the spotlight again, this time with a fumble recovery at the North Catholic 12. It gave the Pioneers an opportunity to score again, which they did when running back Ervin Goodson raced five yards into the end zone with just over five minutes left in the half.
But Frankford wasn’t finished yet.
Steplight trotted in on a one-yard touchdown with 1:45 left, giving the Pioneers a very comfortable lead.
"We looked sharp and we played good football," said Frankford coach Mike Capriotti. "So I’m very pleased."
The Falcons had an opportunity to answer back in the second half of the showdown, however, with star running back Terrell Oglesby scoring three touchdowns.
The senior rushed for 175 yards on Thanksgiving, bringing his season rushing total to a whopping 1,450 yards. But it wasn’t enough to outrun the Pioneers.
Frankford’s Goodson sprinted 33 yards for his second score of the game, which was quickly followed by a 47-yard catch by Ferrell for Frankford’s last touchdown.
Final score: Frankford, 47, North Catholic, 21.
"Coming in, I didn’t know what to expect," said Capriotti. "North Catholic has a very good football team. This is one of those games that you can’t call it. But we were fortunate today. It’s great to play against those guys because we have a long tradition with them."
The win halted Frankford’s two-game losing streak on Thanksgiving. It also tacked one more victory onto their four-game winning streak in the Public League Red Division. But the game itself held much more sentimental value to the Pioneers.
It was their final chance to play together.
"Too much happened this season for us not to walk away with a win," said Steplight, referring to the Pioneers’ forfeited season.
Shortly before the playoffs, Frankford defensive back Taryee Quiah was deemed ineligible to participate because of his age. According to PIAA rules, Quiah could not be 19 before July 1. But he will turn 20 in January, and therefore was too old to participate in high school sports.
As a result, Frankford was forced to forfeit its winning season to that point, thus knocking the Pioneers out of playoff contention.
"Despite everything we’ve been through this season, the team stayed together," said Capriotti. "It was a good finish. We had a real nice football team. I’m proud of the way they never gave up. The kids stuck with it all year long. They worked hard for today."
This is the Pioneers’ first losing season since 1968.
But on Thanksgiving, they felt like champions.
"I was nervous for today, but I was real excited," said Steplight. "I’ve had a lot of memories with Frankford — the championship game stands out, of course, but today is definitely the best."
Last year the Pioneers earned their second consecutive title, defeating Washington High School in the Public League championship game. Steplight was there to share in the team’s glory. However, because of a hip injury in the semifinal game against Dobbins, Steplight had to watch the big game with Washington from the sideline.
"I was out for about three weeks," said Steplight. "It was real tough having to sit out and not being able to get in there and help my team."
This time around, the senior made sure he was ready to spar on the gridiron. And once everything was said and done, Steplight was able to cherish the Pioneers’ happy ending alongside his teammates.
"Once you’re a part of this, it’s always with you," said Steplight. "I know I’m going to miss my teammates a lot next year, but I know I’ll be back so I can watch and cheer on my fellow Pioneers." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com