Frangelli, Interboro squelch the Norristown
GLENOLDEN >> The Interboro football team took advantage of some early turnovers, mistakes and penalties, jumping out to a 20-point first-quarter lead over a tough, physical Norristown team that is young and still learning the game.
The Bucs (2-0) never looked back en route to a 35-0 victory. Interboro coach Steve Lennox said it was important for his team to get after the quarterback, make him feel uncomfortable and force the issue.
Lennox said he was impressed with Norristown’s offensive performance last week.
“They scored 20 points against Pennridge,” said Lennox, referring to the Eagles’ 49-20 loss to the Rams last week. “They have speed and that scared me.”
Led by senior captain and two-way lineman Quentin Frangelli, the offensive, defensive and special teams lines dominated the Eagles, forcing mistakes that led to multiple scores.
“It was really important,” Frangelli said. “That’s what our coaches stress every day. If we dominate up front, we’ll win the game. It all starts up front.”
Eagles sophomore quarterback Steve DePaul threw an interception on Norristown’s first possession that led to Interboro’s first touchdown, a one-yard run by Chris Thomas, who finished with 104 yards on 10 carries and three touchdowns by the half.
After the turnover, it seemed like the Eagles (0-2) started to press, and ended up causing more turnovers. Two bad snaps on punts led to two more Interboro touchdowns.
“It’s something our guys have to work through and learn,” Norristown head coach Jason Powell said after the game. “They’re young. They have to fight that frustration when something goes wrong and play the next play. That’s our mantra, just play the next play. Sometimes when we’re down, we get a stupid penalty, then another stupid penalty and then a bad snap and things start going down for us.”
Norristown was led by a solid effort from sophomore running back Kirk Wilson, who rushed 10 times for 51 yards.
“He’s a young kid,” Powell said of Wilson. “He’s going to be a good football player, he’s one of our hardest workers on and off the field. We’re very happy with him.”
Lennox said this group of linemen are some of the biggest who have ever played for him. Frangelli is listed at 6-0, 280 pounds, DJ Roberts is listed 6-2, 260 and junior Noah Nicholl looks every bit the 6-6, 320 pounds he’s listed at.
The Bucs used eight running backs to produce 204 yards rushing on the night, including touchdown runs of one yard and 13 yards by starting quarterback Nate Murtha. The senior completed one of three passes for 29 yards.
“This is the biggest line I’ve ever had,” Lennox said. “They’re strong, so we’re stronger. They’re tough kids and they’re physical. I am excited about the potential we have with them up front.”
