Phantoms Face Strongest Test Thus Far in Speedy Trojans

It’s not how you start. It's how you finish.

How many times has that phrase been uttered when talking around the water cooler about a sporting event?

Pottstown’s football squad learned that valuable lesson last week. After taking a 21-0 start in just eight minutes of game time against Perkiomen Valley, the Trojans watched as the Vikings scored 29 unanswered points, giving Pottstown its first league loss of the young season.

Meanwhile, the Phantoms defeated the Wildcats 22-7 on the water-logged turf at Washington Field, where the game was played in a complete deluge at times, forcing Phoenixville to forego any type of passing game.

As two of the most surprising teams of the Pioneer Athletic Conference season thus far meet Friday night at Grigg Memorial Field in Pottstown, the unbeaten Phantoms will need a more balanced attack if they are to defeat the Trojans, who are 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the league.

Pottstown features a double-edged sword in the backfield with the combination of Malik Brinkley (32 carries, 316 yards, 3 TD) and Corey Baker (43 carries, 381 yards, 6 TD) who Ryan Pannella and company will have to contain if the Phantoms are to succeed.

The well-established exploits of the Phoenixville running game, which has racked up 1,210 yards so far, are no secret in PAC-10 circles and the Phantoms offensive line will have to continue to open holes for Vinny Nattle (63 carries, 498 yards, 6 TD) and Alec McQuiston (33 carries, 293 yards, 4 TD) if Phoenixville is to move the ball on a stingy Trojans defense that has allowed an average 219 yards of total offense against them.

The wild card in the mix is Trojans quarterback Sage Reinhart (28-46, 439 passing yards, 7 TD, 2 INT), who started solidly last week, but was unable to regroup and adjust to the changes the Vikings defense made during the intermission.

McQuiston, on the other hand, has shown that when needed he is able to air it out with the best of them, as shown in the Phantoms' come-from-behind win at Methacton. It may be McQuiston’s arm that tips the scales in favor of Phoenixville this Friday vs. the Trojans.

Both squads feature a double threat out of the backfield as Baker is equally lethal catching the ball to the tune of 230 yards on 12 catches this season. Ryan Yenchick will be the Phantoms' counter to the equation as the junior has combined for 315 yards in total offense, 244 on the ground and 71 yards on eight catches.

Coach Bill Furlong has lived by one mantra all year: to be a better Phantoms team than the previous week. Well last week the Phantoms completely dominated Owen J. Roberts on both sides of the ball, forcing three turnovers and giving the offense a short field to work with. If Phoenixville is to improve to 5-0, they will need the same kind of effort against a speedy Pottstown team.   

In a game that will set the tone for the rest of season for the victor, the special teams will play a big part. Pottstown’s speed outside will present challenges for the Phantoms' kick coverage, while Ian Harrigan’s leg gives Phoenixville a weapon that is missing from the Pottstown arsenal.

The Phantoms will have to start well and finish strong, but should emerge with a win.

Projection- Phoenixville 30, Pottstown 26

Last week's total projections: 4-1 (Good week, and the only miss was the Falcons running over the Bears)

Projections season record overall  12-3

This weeks additional projected winners-

Perkiomen Valley over Boyertown

Methacton over Upper Perkiomen

Spring-Ford over Pottstgrove

sleeper pick*

Pope John Paul II over Owen J. Roberts