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The Southern Rams needed overtime, but the squad from Broad Street and Snyder Avenue finally got its first victory of the football season. The 28-26 win happened to be its league opener against West Philly. The team heads into week five tied for first in the Blue Division. Like King, Southern was 0-3 in non-league contests.
Shaquille Gaskins played a leading role in the victory as his 81-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter sent the match into overtime. In the bonus round, his two-yard scamper put his Rams up for good. After tallying a total of six points through their first three games, this performance could provide a confidence boost when the Rams return to the field Oct. 9 at King.
The Furness Falcons are making an early statement thanks to the early dominance of running back Sharif Smith. In last week’s 46-0 victory over Esperanza, the speedster in cleats racked up 233 rushing yards and four touchdowns, including two runs of more than 70 yards. He has already topped the 500-yard mark for his 3-1 Falcons.
Tonight at 6, his Falcons square off against Mifflin Street neighbor Bok at 10th and Bigler streets. All roads to the Class AA title go through Bok, a team riding a 39-game Public League regular-season winning streak. Its latest victory came in the form of Friday’s 30-0 shutout over Imhotep Charter. Khalil Neal led the way with three scores.
It took four games, but Neumann-Goretti finally got in the win column with its 34-7 victory over Prep Charter. Sinclair Whiteman sparked the Saints offense with 125 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Anthony Mastrando completed three-of-five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. The squad from 10th and Moore streets opens the league portion of its schedule 7 p.m. Saturday at Conwell-Egan.
Prep Charter stays home this week, as it opens Class A action against High School of the Future 6 p.m. Friday.
This week’s games
Today
Furness at Bok, 6 p.m.
10th and Bigler streets
Friday
Prep Charter at Future, 6 p.m.
10th and Bigler streets
Saturday
Neumann-Goretti at Conwell-Egan, 7 p.m.
