Upper Merion overcomes slow start, beats Norristown in Battle of the Bridge

September 2, 2022

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WEST NORRITON >> Three of Upper Merion’s top offensive players made uncharacteristic mistakes in the first quarter of the Battle of the Bridge against Norristown Thursday night.

Quarterback Zayd Etheridge threw an interception and wide receiver Qwynne Seals and tight end Nolan Clayton both lost fumbles in the first 10 minutes at the Norristown Area High School Athletic Complex.

All three made amends in the second quarter. Etheridge threw a touchdown to Clayton to tie the game before running for a touchdown to put the Vikings ahead. Seals made it a two-touchdown lead with an interception return for a score.

The three second-quarter touchdowns and a late defensive stop helped Upper Merion beat its crosstown rival, 21-14.

“Obviously it’s a big game so we have the jitters and stuff and we’re ready to go,” Etheridge said. “I think after the first play we all cleared our heads. It was just a regular football game again. It wasn’t the Battle of the Bridge, just the battle of us.”

“At first it was a little bumpy,” Seals added, “just getting the game flowing and stuff. We all talked to each other, our teammates bringing us up, everyone is saying, ‘Next play, next play.’ The rest is history. Second quarter we bounced back from our mistakes and ended up scoring touchdowns.”

Upper Merion’s Yusuf Riley carries the ball before a game against Norristown Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. (Ed Morlock/MediaNews Group)

Norristown took a 7-0 lead in the first minute of the game. Two plays after Seals’ fumble, Eagles running back Meyon Ferrell ran for a 16-yard touchdown.

That advantage held for nearly 15 minutes of gametime. Etheridge hit Clayton from five yards out to cap off a seven-play, 42-yard drive and tie the game, 7-7.

“We were running an arrow,” Clayton said. “It’s pretty much a zone playaction. I’m just out in the flat. It was just money. Coach saw that when I was going across and kicking out that I could sneak out into the flat and get there. Zayd looked like he was going to run, I was a little scared I wasn’t going to get it. Then he ended up throwing to me and he came up after saying he was generous. That felt good to get the touchdown.”

“I have full trust in all my receivers,” Etheridge said. “If one bad play happens, we just move on to the next. That’s just how we are.”

After Zander Gutkowski grabbed an interception on the first play of Norristown’s ensuing drive, the Vikings (1-1) went 34 yards in five plays. Etheridge scrambled for a 22-yard touchdown to make it a 14-7 game.

“Pre-snap I already knew they were going to bring some pressure,” Etheridge said. “They were over the top on my right side, so I already knew I was going to have to make a play to my left. Once I saw my receiver blocking downfield I took off and everything took off from there.”

The Eagles (0-2) got past midfield on their next possession, but Seals grabbed a tipped pass and took it 65 yards the other way for a touchdown, the first defensive score of his career, and a 21-7 lead.

“I’m back-pedaling and see the ball tip up in the air,” Seals said. “I’m like, ‘Aw this is me.’ Caught the ball and see green grass. I was like, ‘No one is catching me.’ Ran down the sideline. I didn’t even look back to see if anyone was there. That was definitely a moment for me.”

The 21-7 lead held until the fourth quarter. Norristown put together a seven-play, 66-yard drive to get within 21-14. The key play was a 4th-and-14 37-yard completion from quarterback Brendan Ferrell to wide receiver Milan Baird to set up 1st-and-goal at the one. Jamal Griffin punched it in on third down with 7:43 remaining.

Norristown’s Jamal Griffin carries the ball before a game against Upper Merion Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. (Ed Morlock/MediaNews Group)

Norristown forced a three-and-out and got the ball back at their own 31-yard line. After four plays, they had 1st-and-10 at the Upper Merion 31 with plenty of time remaining. Block in the back and false start penalties put them in a 3rd-and-10 situation and Clayton made a play. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Villanova commit sacked the quarterback for a 13-yard loss. The 4th-and-23 heave was knocked down and Upper Merion ran four plays to close out the win.

“I’m usually a defensive end,” Clayton said. “I was playing defensive tackle. We were tackles out. I’m right next to the ball. I saw it, popped up and got through the hole. The quarterback sprinted my way and I just got on him, brought him to the ground. It was a great feeling.”

BRAGGING RIGHTS

Upper Merion football improves to 4-0 in Battle of the Bridge matchups. The Vikings previously won in 2018, 2019 and 2021. The teams didn’t play in 2020 due to COVID-19.

“It’s such a good feeling holding up that trophy with your boys at the end of the game after a good win,” Clayton said. “It’s awesome.”

“It’s the best feeling in the world,” Etheridge said. “We see these kids every day. No matter where we go, even when we grow up. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

“The trophy stays home,” Seals added. “It feels great. I don’t have to hear it – all week, the start of the season, during camp – they’re chirping saying they’re getting the trophy back. It feels great to defend it and stay undefeated against Town.”

STRONG DEFENSE

For the second straight week, Norristown’s defense played well in a loss.

In a Week 1 loss to Bensalem, the Eagles defense didn’t allow any touchdowns. They lost 24-6 while the Owls scored on an interception return, punt return and fumble return.

This week, the defense only allowed two touchdowns, both of which came on short fields after the offense turned the ball over.

The Eagles held Upper Merion’s offense to 199 total yards and just 3.1 yards per carry. In the second half, they allowed one first down and 34 total yards on 21 plays.

Marzon Carr recovered two fumbles and Bocar Dieng grabbed an interception.

Upper Merion 21, Norristown 14

Upper Merion 0 21 0 0 – 21

Norristown 7 0 0 7 – 14

Scoring

First Quarter

N – Meyon Ferrell 16-yard run (Brett Murphy kick) 11:08

Second Quarter

UM – Nolan Clayton 5-yard reception from Zayd Etheridge (Cyrus Palladino kick) 8:10

UM – Zayd Etheridge 22-yard run (Cyrus Palladino kick) 5:48

UM – Qwynne Seals 65-yard interception return (Cyrus Palladino kick) 3:07

Fourth Quarter