To view a sample of the photos available in the Photo Gallery, check out the YouTube slideslow in the video gallery by clicking on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/videos/all/18
WARMINSTER -- The hardest hit Wissahickon quarterback Brandon Gunn endured Friday night likely came from teammate Myron Ross.
The two Trojans, similar in size, skill and class, found each other on the sideline after Gunn's 11-yard outside scramble for a distance-creating touchdown, in a situation that called for a leaping chest bump that nearly knocked each other to the ground.
The two Trojans, similar in size, skill and class, found each other on the sideline after Gunn's 11-yard outside scramble for a distance-creating touchdown, in a situation that called for a leaping chest bump that nearly knocked each other to the ground.
"It didn't hurt," Gunn said, with a laugh. "It was fine."
Fine because the moment erased a Tennent goal-line interception that threatened to steal the fourth-quarter momentum of a Trojan win that was still in doubt. Not bending, Wissahickon's defense forced a three-and-out and then gave the ball to their two stars.
Ross began with a 14-yard charge, and a Tennent personal foul put the ball on the Panthers' 17. After a short running play, Gunn finished the drive. Minutes later, Ross capped Wissahickon's season-opening, 35-14 win with an eight-yard-run up the middle.
"Our offense thought we had worked so hard (in camp) to let this game get away from us," Gunn said. "We had to pull this game out."
The pair combined for more than 300 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Each rushed for two scores and combined on a 30-yard screen pass for the fifth. About the only thing able to stop them was the night's humidity, which forced both two-way players out for a few plays with leg cramps.
The pair combined for more than 300 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Each rushed for two scores and combined on a 30-yard screen pass for the fifth. About the only thing able to stop them was the night's humidity, which forced both two-way players out for a few plays with leg cramps.
Water did the trick.
"I guess we were getting the spider webs out," Gunn said. "I don't know why we were cramping up so much. I guarantee it won't happen again."
"I guess we were getting the spider webs out," Gunn said. "I don't know why we were cramping up so much. I guarantee it won't happen again."
Gunn and Ross have been part of varsity since both were sophomores. Gunn started at defensive back and spot wing back, while Moss played sparingly on offense and defense for a team that won the 2007 SOL American Conference.
As juniors, they moved to their respective offensive positions of quarterback and tailback, respectively, while forming the team's outsider linebacking crew.
Both provide power and speed running, but Gunn has developed his quarterbacking skills with the help of offensive coordinator and former Clarion University QB Jeff Tappa.
As juniors, they moved to their respective offensive positions of quarterback and tailback, respectively, while forming the team's outsider linebacking crew.
Both provide power and speed running, but Gunn has developed his quarterbacking skills with the help of offensive coordinator and former Clarion University QB Jeff Tappa.
"That's one thing we wanted to emphasize this year," Wissahickon head coach John DiSimone said. "Brandon knows he has to be a threat to throw the ball and has been developing as a passer."
While pass plays like Friday's screen -- where Gunn saw Ross with nothing but the goal line saying, "Open field and Myron go well together" -- keep defenses more honest, those two make Wissahickon a run-first team.
While pass plays like Friday's screen -- where Gunn saw Ross with nothing but the goal line saying, "Open field and Myron go well together" -- keep defenses more honest, those two make Wissahickon a run-first team.
"What's nice about having a two-threat back there, teams have to key in on both," DiSimone said. "As a quarterback, Brandon is always a threat to run and pass because of Myron.
"It's a good situation to have them both out there. Hopefully, they can stay healthy out there and we can improve each week."
Dodging William Tennent, a team that was vying for its first win since Oct. 12, 2007, against Central Bucks West, was a good start for a team for went 5-5 last season.
They'll need more big runs like the one Gunn and Ross can provide. Like Gunn's 33-yard gain on Wissahickon's first play from scrimmage on Friday, or like the Vanderbilt-bound Ross' 36-yard score for the second touchdown.
Off the field, DiSimone credits the duo's leadership, from the summer workouts to what they say to the younger players about contributing.
Dodging William Tennent, a team that was vying for its first win since Oct. 12, 2007, against Central Bucks West, was a good start for a team for went 5-5 last season.
They'll need more big runs like the one Gunn and Ross can provide. Like Gunn's 33-yard gain on Wissahickon's first play from scrimmage on Friday, or like the Vanderbilt-bound Ross' 36-yard score for the second touchdown.
Off the field, DiSimone credits the duo's leadership, from the summer workouts to what they say to the younger players about contributing.
"Seeing us win the league as sophomores [in 2007], they saw the different things we did to be successful,” the Trojans’ coach said. “That was a great experience for them. They now have that leadership to pass on to the young guys. They're good role models. It's not only their ability, but their leadership plays an important role."
For proof, look no further than Gunn crediting his offensive line for the team's rushing success.
"They couldn't stop our runs, so our coaches went to it," Gunn said. "Our offensive line was opening up holes and we were hitting them. Then at the end, our defense came up strong and we stopped everything."
"They couldn't stop our runs, so our coaches went to it," Gunn said. "Our offensive line was opening up holes and we were hitting them. Then at the end, our defense came up strong and we stopped everything."
The hope for Wissahickon is that no one stops them.
WISSAHICKON 35, WILLIAM TENNENT 14
WISS: 7-14-0-14—35
WT: 7-0-7-0—14
Scoring
Wiss-Brandon Gunn 8 run (Ryan McDonough kick)
WT-Hunter Wuensche 13 pass from Pat Traczykiewicz (Sean Baner kick)
Wiss-Myron Ross 36 run (McDonough kick)
Wiss-Ross 30 pass from Gunn (McDonough kick)
WT-Ed Ruiz 34 run (Baner kick)
Wiss-Gunn 11 run (McDonough kick)
Wiss-Ross 8 run (McDonough kick)
Individual statistics
Wissahickon
Rushing: Gunn 19-160, 2 TD; Ross 18-157, 2 TD; Kevin Garrett 8-52; Anthony Velegal 1-2; McDonough 1-9.
Passing: Gunn 3-4-58 1 TD; JT Crits 0-1 INT
Receiving: Ross 1-30 1 TD; McDonough 1-8; Velegal 1-20.
William Tennent
Ed Ruiz 6-74, 1 TD; Matt Pirolli 6-for-32; Tyler Hamlet 8-31; Pat Traczykiewicz 4-for-22, Connor Geiger 4-for-6; Zach Miller 1-1.
Passing: Traczykiewicz 5-13-71 1 TD
Receiving: Hunter Wuensche 2-43 1 TD; Sergio Jamison 1-11; Ruiz 1-9; Pirolli 1-4
WISSAHICKON 35, WILLIAM TENNENT 14
WISS: 7-14-0-14—35
WT: 7-0-7-0—14
Scoring
Wiss-Brandon Gunn 8 run (Ryan McDonough kick)
WT-Hunter Wuensche 13 pass from Pat Traczykiewicz (Sean Baner kick)
Wiss-Myron Ross 36 run (McDonough kick)
Wiss-Ross 30 pass from Gunn (McDonough kick)
WT-Ed Ruiz 34 run (Baner kick)
Wiss-Gunn 11 run (McDonough kick)
Wiss-Ross 8 run (McDonough kick)
Individual statistics
Wissahickon
Rushing: Gunn 19-160, 2 TD; Ross 18-157, 2 TD; Kevin Garrett 8-52; Anthony Velegal 1-2; McDonough 1-9.
Passing: Gunn 3-4-58 1 TD; JT Crits 0-1 INT
Receiving: Ross 1-30 1 TD; McDonough 1-8; Velegal 1-20.
William Tennent
Ed Ruiz 6-74, 1 TD; Matt Pirolli 6-for-32; Tyler Hamlet 8-31; Pat Traczykiewicz 4-for-22, Connor Geiger 4-for-6; Zach Miller 1-1.
Passing: Traczykiewicz 5-13-71 1 TD
Receiving: Hunter Wuensche 2-43 1 TD; Sergio Jamison 1-11; Ruiz 1-9; Pirolli 1-4
- Log in to post comments
0
