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Vittorio Goggins, a senior defensive end for Edward Bok High School, 1901 S. Ninth St., enjoys heeding his elders’ advice.
“Coach [Frank] Natale told us at halftime we would need to make big plays,” the third-year contributor said Friday at the South Philadelphia super site, 10th and Bigler streets. “Plus, my father is always reminding me to stay low.”
The resident of the 2900 block of New Hope Street flawlessly listened to the figures, as his role in forcing a fumble ensured a 22-14 overtime triumph over Overbrook for his Wildcats, the 2011 Public League AA champions (Bok now has Class AAA distinction). Little came easily to the East Passyunk Crossing-based athletes, though, as they needed a late regulation score even to give Goggins another chance to flash his greedy hands.
“We were somewhat frustrated for most of the game on both sides of the ball,” the All-Public selection, who also earns carries and delivers blocks as a bruising fullback, said. “Defensively, we were going for highlight hits instead of focusing on solid tackling.”
His secondary site has earned a reputation as a producer of ballhawks and solidified that renown with Aug. 31’s season-opening 26-0 home blanking of Murrell Dobbins Tech. Overbrook also registered a shutout in its inaugural contest, so Goggins et al had figured the defenders would dominate the duel. The Grays Ferry dweller dropped a runner for a two-yard loss on the initial play from scrimmage, later helping senior running back Larry Pelzer to gain big yards on Bok’s opening drive. The latter, responsible for 60 yards against Dobbins, used a great block to scamper for a touchdown and celebrated again after his two-point conversion gave the hosts an 8-0 edge.
While many Public League squads keep their running backs busy, Overbrook had its southpaw quarterback test Bok’s coverage to great effect at the end of the first quarter and most of the second. The guest called a few running plays, but nothing dented Bok’s momentum. Unfortunately, the Wildcats likewise failed to make their acquaintance with the end zone and left Natale to focus on adjusting tactics.
“You did well but they are going to keep coming,” the resident of the 1600 block of South Juniper Street and last year’s top Public League coach following a 9-1 campaign said of the offensive counterparts. “Stay attentive and make something happen.”
While the second-year leader readily counseled his defensive personnel, he offered little advice to his offensive playmakers, who, after a solid kickoff return by Goggins and a lengthy run by Pelzer, seemed destined for more points. Perhaps the offense could have received a few tips on supplying a coup de grace, as an Overbrook defender scooped up a fumble and raced for a touchdown. A successful two-point conversion knotted the score and caused Natale to acknowledge the affair had taken on added complexity.
“Here comes an immediate chance to respond,” the assessor said.
The offense failed to fortify its belief in being a conundrum for its foe, with Goggins wearing a sullen expression as he moved from one side of the ball to the other. His demeanor grew more sour when Overbrook’s quarterback hooked up with a wide receiver for a 51-yard touchdown pass. Though the conversion attempt failed, Bok found itself flummmoxed when another drive produced nothing but sighs. As the third quarter ticked away, the Bok roster offered a collective cheer for the defense, but the offense needed more encouragement, especially when a promising possession yielded zilch.
Senior defensive back Marquez Walker decided to give his offensive peers a chance to redeem themselves by intercepting a pass at the start of the fourth quarter. The turnover left him bloodied but could not help Bok to bruise Overbrook’s confidence, as Natale’s offensive schemes floundered, and the defense again faced aerial marches.
“I like the makeup of this team and knew all along we would come back,” Goggins said.
The 225-pounder upped his play on his squad’s final regulation drive, as did Pelzer, who picked up two first downs. Despite their efforts, Bok needed a 57-yard catch-and-run hookup between junior signal caller Michael Riley and senior wide receiver Antoine Whitney to forge a tie with three minutes left. Failing to convert a two-point attempt, the offensive unit chanted “Hit squad” as the defense stuffed Overbrook.
Bok began the extra session with some difficulty, as penalties took it from the six-yard line to the 21-yard line. A couple big plays put Natale’s troops on the one-yard line, with Riley sneaking in for the go-ahead score.
“Making plays under pressure separates good from great teams,” the West Philadelphian said.
The ensuing two-point conversion again put the defenders at the forefront, and Goggins moved in to strip a carrier of the ball and set off an early evening celebration.
“I liked how I had played offensively, but I needed to do something huge defensively,” he said.
As his bunch, which will travel to West Philadelphia today, had looked unstable until the late score and the overtime heroics, Natale appreciated the timely breakthrough.
“It’s the measure of an athlete and a man to respond maturely to difficulty,” he said during the team’s post-game huddle. “You showed your character.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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