Grappling on the Gridiron: Rams Football Charges into 2009

Ryan Smith
Staff Writer

A sense of change has been lingering around the Harriton football field ever since the start of preseason workouts in the dog days of August. To be completely honest, it would be surprising if there weren’t any significant changes. From a brand new school to brand new coaches, coupled with the arrival of the biggest freshman class the school has ever seen, it’s difficult for the average spectator not to be overwhelmed by the new-look Rams’ transformation. With a new, bright outlook on the season and the team already off to a fast start, the results promise to be a noticeable jump from last year.
In come a team and a coach with a mind to change that. Replacing predecessor Matt Barr is Anthony Ciarlello, who served as defensive coordinator (as well as the wrestling coach) until this year. The Rams have complete faith in Ciarlello—multiple players have praised his tough style, one stating, “He’s worked us harder than ever before in order for us to become the best players we can be.” The new school and facilities have also benefitted the team. With a hard-nosed attitude plus key players returning such as senior Dan Cooper at quarterback, the Rams seemed to be more than ready to challenge Octorara on September 4th, opening the 2009 season in front of a rejuvenated crowd.
The Rams took the field sporting new uniforms, another indication of the team’s metamorphosis from the prior year, and appeared to have learned a trick or two from their first go-around in the Central League. Utilizing a run-based I-Formation that Ciarlello fine-tuned from last season, the Rams came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to a 20-7 lead in the third quarter and eventually pulling out a 31-28 win over the Braves. Despite the supposed focus on the running game, Cooper was the center of attention, with three touchdowns passes all falling into the hands of sophomore Ryan Kelly. It was the first season-opening win for Harriton in three years and the most points the offense scored since 2007, but the team warned against growing complacent with the victory, as senior Colin Powell bluntly stated, “We plan on getting many more.”
Not only has the attitude of the team changed, but the spectators are becoming more and more aware of the Rams’ success on the field as well. No game better exemplified this support than the yearly rivalry between Harriton and Lower Merion, which the Rams had the privilege (and advantage) of hosting in 2009. The storylines ran rampant—would the Aces be able to avenged last year’s three-point loss? Could Harriton rebound after two tough conference losses? Could Cooper become the first Ram quarterback to beat Lower Merion three straight times? Unfortunately, while the Rams played tough, keeping the score close throughout the first half and ripping off several long runs with the halfback combo of Nick Kosinski and Nick Maguire, quarterback Connor Foote and the Aces proved to be formidable opponents. Self-inflicted mistakes were the biggest obstacle as early penalties and turnovers wound up dooming the team in a 22-0 loss.
The Rams currently stand at 1-5 after a loss at the hands of the Radnor Red Raiders. As Harriton hits the tail end of their league schedule, they’ll need their senior-led team to rise to the occasion and meet Ciarlello’s goal of playing competitively. If the first half of the season, most notably the win against Octorara, is an indication, the goal will be met faster than anyone could have thought. The tema play against Haverford on October 16 and Marple Newtown on October 30—you might find yourself having more to cheer about than you expected.