Germantown Academy could not get anything working in the second half until a wonderfully designed hook-and-ladder was completed in the final minute but proved to be too little, too late. Yerk rushed 119 yards on 19 carries, and Grieve tossed two touchdowns. The Patriots' seniors displayed a valiant effort in their final game for the Black-Red-and Blue. Despite the tough loss, the football program ends the season in great shape looking forward to next season’s squad, which returns many key contributors in GA’s hopes to reclaim the league title.

Pre-Game Report - an  Interview with Coach Turner
by Matt Crespi '03

One hundred and sixteen years ago, Germantown Academy's football team met William Penn Charter's football team on the playing field, and they played a game.  The game became an annual event, and as other sports teams from the two schools joined football on the fields to compete each year, the main event has always been football, and this year it is especially true.  On the one hundred and sixteenth GA-PC day, Germantown Academy is hoping for a repeat of the first game's victory and day.

The importance of this game is doubly emphasized by both tradition and standings: should PC win they'll win the InterAc league championship and should GA win, there will be a three way tie for first place between GA, PC and Malvern (a three way tie has not occurred since 1959, when the same three schools were involved).  GA's head coach Michael Turner is excited for his players and especially "excited for our seniors, who get to play their last game for a championship on their home field."

Both teams have shown strong performances in every game this year, and Coach Turner said of his opposition, "they're a disciplined and well-coached team."  He plainly stated, "the team who makes the fewest mistakes will win."  This promises to be a close match of perfectionists, and even the smallest error, if properly met, could decide the game.

The players have been in the spotlight and know what's at stake.  But Coach Turner and his players are all relaxed and determined.  For this game, several seniors have said they're all "considerably more focused."  Focused is the best word to describe the players and coaches; everyone is determined to do their part flawlessly.

The pressure and spotlight isn't getting to the players or coaches, however, and they don't show even the slightest signs of being worn down by their constant vigilance and focus.  In fact, Coach Turner says the only thing he's been doing differently for this game is working with psychology.  "The thing we need to guard against is doing something different or special," he said of his resistance to tampering and experimenting in a critical situation.

All year, GA's play has been solid and improving.  GA will be ready for the game; they have, in fact, been ready for some time.  Their absolute best will be on that field.  Good luck, Patriots.

Football Preview

Football Preview
by Zach Berman '04
Academy Edition Reporter

What appeared in August as a duel between David and Goliath, GA's annual rivalry with foe Penn Charter, is now looking more like Athens vs. Sparta. Instead of a lopsided box-score like many thought would result when the highly regarded Quakers were to play the supposedly young, promising, but inexperienced Patriots, the rivalry could now decide the Inter-Ac Championship, a feat surely no one would have predicted upon opening day.

The game that twisted the plot making the title conceivable, let alone possible, was Penn Charter's October 11th victory over Inter-Ac favorite Malvern Prep. In monsoon-like conditions, the Quakers proved their worth by defeating the always-mighty Friars in a game that many believe paved PC's way to the league title. At the same time, the Patriots were breaking scoreboards. After a thrilling, albeit fortunate victory over Episcopal Academy, the Patriots are within striking distance of the league crown, giving fans a reason to circle Nov 9th on their calendars.

However, GA will have their hands full with the talented Penn Charter squad. The Quakers have backed up their high expectations with remarkable play early on in the season, headlined by Boston-College bound quarterback Matt Ryan and sensational junior transfer Sean Singaltary, catching passes both on offense and defense. Compliment that with the bruising running of senior back Tony McDevitt, Penn Charter's offense is explosive and capable. Their defense is just as formidable.

GA is not too shabby in their own right. The Patriots offense causes defenses more damage than the Johnstown flood, and it all starts behind center with junior standout quarterback Sean Grieve. The line he hails in front of which includes co-captain Michael Techtman, Dale Becker, Matt Hess, Dave Zuk, and Alex Kaplan provides respectable protection, and running back Tyler Yerk has mixed his speed and hands together to be among the top receivers in the area. Dangerous junior wide-out Justin Holiday is capable of making a big play whenever the ball is in his hands, as evidenced by his 61-yard game winning catch with 0:04 left against Episcopal. Pete Vernon and senior Dave Walsh are also looking to cause havoc in the Quakers secondary, a feat that is easier said than done.

This season finale will certainly live up to its hype. The Patriots will have to play their best game of the season to defeat the Quakers with all the marbles on the table. The game will be a test of ball control and brains. Like most games, but magnified in this battle, whoever can win the turnover battle will tame the opposing team’s offense, and in turn be in good shape for the victory. The key of the game, however, will be the first quarter. Penn Charter does a terrific job of slowing down the pace of the game, something that does not fall in the favor of the Patriots. Thus, GA will have to get on the board early to make Matt Ryan have to beat them through the air. Despite Ryan's worthy praise, he has yet to throw more than 19 passes in a game this season, and achieves his success off of Penn Charter's steady run. If GA can force Charter to throw the ball, deeming their trio of running backs practically useless, pressure will be put on the wide receivers of Charter, an onus they have yet to play with this season. Either way, the game will be a clash of the titans.