Neumann-Goretti and Southern tackle Turkey Bowl

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Neither South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St., nor Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., can clinch a winning campaign based on the result of today’s 10 a.m. clash at the South Philadelphia super site, 10th and Bigler streets. However, each school covets an undefeated morning, so the 77th annual Turkey Bowl’s spectators will be able to feast on the sight of committed athletes before consuming their holiday meals.

A Public League AAAA Silver Division member, Southern made preparations at the host location Nov. 14, with hopes of halting Neumann-Goretti’s five-game series winning streak.

“My staff and I do not have to motivate these guys,” first-year head coach Scott Pitzner said as defensive players reviewed formations.

That statement solidifies his belief that observers can easily notice an attitude change among his Rams. Pitzner noted late season practices during his three years as an assistant with the Lower Moyamensing institution featured few bodies. Since assuming the chief instructional position, he has witnessed an attendance and confidence spike so compelling he is already anticipating next season as a test of his charges’ tenacity. His views, though, do not mean the rookie leader, of the 1800 block of South Sartain Street, is not seeking a big victory in this year’s finale.

“I live right by Neumann-Goretti and watch their kids every day,” he said. “I want nothing more than to beat them.”

Overseeing a roster teeming with heart and pride, Pitzner feels the tilt with the Saints will continue his youngsters’ history of putting forth great efforts. Hard work, unfortunately, has not yet achieved many statistical monuments.

The 1-9 Rams enter the game seeking their first victory since Sept. 29 — an 8-0 triumph over Edison High School. That contest, the season’s fifth, marked the offense’s first trip to the end zone. They have suffered four shutouts, including Sept. 2’s season opening 46-0 demolition courtesy of Edward Bok High School, 1901 S. Ninth St. Foes have scored 275 points, while the offense has generated 74, with 26 coming Oct. 6 in a 40-26 loss to Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. Third St.

Last week gave the units chances to hear from their head man, as Pitzner inspected their executions. Before last year’s affair, a 6-0 win for Neumann-Goretti, his predecessor, Stanley “Stosh” Tunney, said he desired to be victorious because turkey tastes better when wins come one’s way.

“Let’s just say I’ve had some bad turkey the last three years,” Pitzner said with a laugh.

Craving more pleasing provisions, he hopes his defensive line, linebackers and junior all-purpose weapon Wayne Brunson will tarnish the Saints’ plans.

“We have to make plays, commit no turnovers, stop them and move the ball,” Brunson said of Southern’s mindset.

The resident of the 2100 block of McKean Street looked limber as he continued to recover from a high ankle sprain. He makes his squad formidable defensively as a defensive back and a linebacker and has gained 316 rushing yards and snared 13 catches.

“We are looking to play 48 great minutes,” he said of desiring Southern’s 20th series win.

He and Pitzner posit that today’s battle will draw more focus to their school’s future.

“For the first time, I think in Southern’s history,” the coach said, “we are building a program.”

East Passyunk Crossing’s Saints hope the foundation for the Rams’ scheme does not begin today. The 76 previous holiday contests have been generous to the parochial players, as their school has collected 54 wins, with three ties. Pitzner lauded his front defenders, but the Saints will look to make a miserable morning for his secondary. First-year coach Charlie Szydlik guides a team that loves to cause trouble through the air. The Northeast resident united the architect of the aerial attack, quarterback Shane Thomas, and the signal caller’s senior teammates Nov. 16 at the school for a discussion.

“Anytime you play a rival school on Thanksgiving, it brings out the best in everybody,” Szydlik said.

His Catholic League AA troops will march onto the field seeking their fourth win against seven losses. Their season began impressively Sept. 2, as they rocked Furness 34-20. The defensive has struggled, as the school’s most recent triumph — Oct. 29’s 14-0 victory over Bishop McDevitt — marked only the second time they held an adversary under 20 points. The Saints have scored 145 points but have yielded 282.

“We have fallen short on a few occasions, but we are looking forward to facing Southern,” Szydlik, accustomed to Thanksgiving games through his time with Northeast Catholic, which before its June 2010 closing faced Frankford High School, said.

Like Southern’s personnel, he has used the year as a springboard for creating winning traditions at his site. A win would send off the seniors with a perfect record against their rivals.

“We have to go out with a bang,” Thomas, of the 2900 block of South Carlisle Street, said of feeling confident under center.

He needs only 22 yards to hit 1,000 for this campaign and will hope his receivers can best Brunson and company to add to his 11 touchdown passes.

“It’s always nice to end the year against Southern because we always look forward to beating them,” he said.

Though a reliable offensive player, Thomas earned a Second Team All-Catholic nod as a defensive back. Fellow senior Theodore Furia earned his own Second Team selection as a linebacker and another as the Saints’ center.

“We have to stop their running game and run the ball down their throat,” the resident of the 1700 block of South 12th Street said.

Furia’s sentiment means the seniors have no doubt about the day’s significance.

“Thanksgiving is huge,” Szydlik said. “We’re ready.”

Game history

Last fall, Neumann-Goretti edged Southern 6-0 in the annual Turkey Bowl. Neumann-Goretti leads the series, 54-19-3.

*Southeast Catholic changed its name to Bishop Neumann in 1955 and then to St. John Neumann in 1978. The school merged with St. Maria Goretti High School in 2004 and is now known as Neumann-Goretti High School.

Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.

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