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Tag: Villanova Football

  • RECAP – Playoffs: Villanova’s Magical Playoff Run Continues Over Tarleton State, 26-21 – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Credit: Villanova Football-Twitter/X

    If the Eagles needed another shining example of an incredible playoff push, then they might want to spend some time looking at the Wildcats’ weekly push through the FCS Playoffs with another upset.

    Villanova vs. Tarelton State came down to three key plays, two of them made by Villanova freshmen. With two minutes left in the game , Tarleton State had a 4th and 6 on the Villanova 11-yard line. Quarterback Victor Gebalis found Quentin West in the back of the end zone, but Villanova defensive back Damill Bostic, Jr. got just enough of West to prevent him from dragging his foot inbounds. The play was initially called a touchdown on the field, but was then overturned by review.

    Credit: Villanova Football-Twitter/X

    On the ensuing possession, it initially appeared that Ja’briel Mace had lost the football — but Villanova retained possession.

    On that very same offensive possession on 3rd down , the Wildcats faked a run and then threw a pass out to Braden Reed, who sealed the 26–21 Wildcats win with a diving first down.

    Villanova would have to fight back into the game after falling down 14–0. Braden Reed got the Wildcats on the board with a twenty-seven-yard pass in the second quarter. After Gebalis found West for a fifteen-yard strike in the 3rd quarter to go up 21–12 , Nova completely unleashed its offense and locked down defensively for the rest of the game. Mace then broke a 47-yard run in the third to cut the lead to 21–19. Nova Quarterback Pat McQuaide then found Reed for an eleven-yard score to put the Wildcats in front 26–21. Bostic Jr.’s athletic play assisted in turning back the Texans’ last scoring opportunity.

    Villanova would finish the game with 426 total yards. Mace had one hundred fifty-one yards rushing.

    The Wildcats’ next contest will be the FSC Playoff Semi-Final next weekend against Illinois State at Villanova Stadium.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • RECAP – Playoffs: A Philly Football Upset; Villanova Beats Lehigh in a Defensive Battle, 14-7 – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Credit: Villanova Football-Twitter/X

    When it came to Lehigh vs. Villanova on Saturday at Goodman Stadium in the second round of the NCAA FCS Championship ,  one team with a Philly connection had to lose.

    Lehigh had opened the scoring early in the third quarter. Villanova then tied the game with a one-yard plunge by Ja’briel Mace. 

    Credit: Villanova Football-Twitter/X

    After a scoreless first half and a 7–7 deadlock through the 3rd quarter , Villanova would take the lead with a 28-yard connection between Pat McQuaide and Braden Reed with just over three minutes left in the contest. On the very next possession, Villanova’s defense came up big again, stopping a Lehigh drive when Obinna Nwobodo stripped Mountain Hawks Quarterback Hayden Johnson to preserve the upset of #5 Lehigh.

    Last weekend — Villanova (10–2), hosting historic Harvard (9–2) at home, completely dominated the first round of the FCS Championship Playoffs — with the Wildcats going up 31–0 before Harvard got onto the board.

    In the season finale against Scared Heart on Saturday, that included a mesmerizing performance on the ground from Ja’briel Mace, including 165 yards and two scores on nine carries, including an 80-yard scamper and a receiving touchdown in the 34–10 win. A week before, in an overtime win against Stony Brook with David Avit out due to a knee injury , Isaiah Ragland ran the ball for nearly 100 yards.

    Next up for the Wildcats — a trip to Tarleton State for the next round of the NCAA FCS Championship.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • PREVIEW – Playoffs: A Wealth of Riches in the Backfield — And Headed to the Playoffs as Villanova Takes on Harvard – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Credit: Villanova Football-Twitter/X

    Generally speaking, it’s been a great year for collegiate football in the Philly area. Not only have Penn and Villanova had winning seasons , but Temple has a chance to become bowl-eligible with its next game against North Texas.

    And once again — across America’s nearly 136 collegiate programs — talent from the Philly region can be felt from coast to coast.

    At the head of that list are the Villanova Wildcats (9–2), who learned on Sunday afternoon that they would be the #12 seed in the Football Championship Subdivision and would face Harvard in the first round.

    For Villanova ,  it’s another chance to highlight a great rushing attack.

    Credit: Villanova Football-Twitter/X

    Villanova’s football program has had plenty of great talent over the years. Perhaps it’s finest — running back Brian Westbrook — whose career as an all-purpose player led him to a 1,000-yard rushing and receiving year in the same season (the first player in college to do so), the Walter Payton Award, and FCS Player of the Year. His contributions would land him in the Villanova Hall of Fame before playing six seasons with the Eagles.

    Former Villanova running back Kevin Monangai earned All-CAA Honors while a Wildcat and went on to play in the NFL for the Eagles and the Vikings. In the 1960s — running back Billy Joe was the only Villanova athlete ever inducted into the Varsity Club Hall of Fame for two sports — and would go on to play professionally for the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and was a World Champion with the New York Jets.

    Now the Villanova Wildcats have a sophomore running back named David Avit. And they almost lost him.

    After a freshman season with 923 yards rushing and nine touchdowns,  Avit has followed up so far this year by breaking out against Monmouth with 135 yards. He followed up that performance with 102 yards against the University of New Hampshire and 63 yards against Elon.

    But that isn’t all of the talent. In the season finale against Scared Heart on Saturday, that included a mesmerizing performance on the ground from Ja’briel Mace, including 165 yards and two scores on nine carries, including an 80-yard scamper and a receiving touchdown in the 34–10 win.

    A week before, in an overtime win against Stony Brook with David Avit out due to a knee injury ,  Isaiah Ragland ran the ball for nearly 100 yards.

    For Villanova , late-season playoff football is bolstered by an elite running game.

    It gives potential for a deep run as well.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • A Philly Collegiate Offensive Onslaught. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    If you love Philly college football — then you no doubt loved this weekend. The offenses of Temple, Villanova, and Penn were on full display — each capturing a marvelous part of Saturday afternoon in their own respective games.

    The afternoon began with Villanova giving Hampton all that they could handle with a 56–14 outcome. Villanova quarterback Pat McQuaide threw five touchdown passes and the Wildcats extended their first half lead to 49–0. David Avit — Sophomore running back became only the 25th running back in school history to reach the 1,500 yard mark while Villanova extended its home game winning streak to nineteen games.

    Then we’re off to one of the oldest college football rivalries in the US (first played in 1878) between Penn and Columbia. And this one certainly didn’t disappoint. A second-half explosion in New York saw the Quaker offense get three touchdowns to defeat Columbia 35–21 and improve to 4–1. Quarterback Liam O’Brien accounted for five touchdowns — four in the air and one on the ground. His rushing touchdown put Penn up 21–14. O’Brien then found Jared Richardson for a thirty-one yard score. Another seventy-five yard O’Brien to Richardson connection put Penn up 35–21.

    And just to round out the scoring was a 49–14 rout of Charlotte by our Temple Owls. Amid the scoring — Temple returned both a fumble and also an interception for a touchdown to accompany Evan Simon’s three touchdown passes to improve to 4–3.

    All three schools combined for more than 130 points on Saturday.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Villanova’s Avit Advantage – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Credit: Villanova Football-Instagram

    Villanova’s football program has had plenty of great talent over the years.

    Credit: Villanova Football-Instagram

    Perhaps it’s finest — running back Brian Westbrook — whose career as an all-purpose player led him to a 1,000-yard rushing and receiving year in the same season (the first player in college to do so), the Walter Payton Award, and FCS Player of the Year. His contributions would land him in the Villanova Hall of Fame before playing six seasons with the Eagles.

    Former Villanova running back Kevin Monangai, who earned All-CAA Honors while a Wildcat, went on to play in the NFL for the Eagles and the Vikings. In the 1960s — running back Billy Joe was the only Villanova athlete ever inducted into the Varsity Club Hall of Fame for two sports — and would go on to play professionally for the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and was a World Champion with the New York Jets.

    Now the Villanova Wildcats have a sophomore running back named David Avit.

    And they almost lost him.

    After a freshman season with 923 yards rushing and nine touchdowns ,  Avit has followed up so far this year by breaking out against Monmouth with 135 yards. He followed up that performance with 102 yards last week against the University of New Hampshire and 63 yards this week against Elon.

    Right after a spectacular last season ,  David Avit entered the transfer portal. But now he’s back, already building in 2025 on what he started in 2024. For a 4–2 Villanova football team ,  they’ll need him to finish strong in 2025.

    Either way , Villanova is where Avit calls his collegiate home.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • In the Shadow of a Dying Wonderland. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Some years before Covid — a tradition started for Villanova football that continues to this day. Utilizing the Ocean City High School Fields and facilities for training camp against the backdrop of the Jersey shore and the cool breeze and the towering ferris wheel of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.

    In my youth and not long before Labor Day in early September — were always one last chance to get down to the shore. As kids — we loved every minute. End of summer days on the beach with portable radios blasting Phillies or Eagles pre-season games marked the end of yet another successful summer season.

    When we were kids, heading to Gillian’s Wonderland Pier at the end of the Boardwalk was like an end-cap of excitement and fun. As an adult — its location marked the completion of a nearly three mile long Boardwalk romp in order to keep those lungs healthy.

    Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons.

    In 2025— after nearly one hundred years of family operation — Gillian’s Wonderland Pier finally shuddered its doors. It had been run by the (Gillian) Family since 1929. The reality of modern life is that a continued operation of the rides at Gillian’s Pier is simply unsustainable.

    In August (during an Ocean City Counsel vote) a development plan to close the Wonderland Pier into a resort and hotel was voted down. The decision almost guarantees that the property will be sold.

    It’s impossible to say whether or not Gillian’s Wonderland Pier would be better off or not as a modern resort. What is certain as it’s closed facade looms large over the Labor Day beaches of Ocean City — reminding us of nearly half a century of fun — the kind that may never return to this location.

    What is certain is that the tradition of the beginning work of a grueling college football season against the backdrop of leisure has continued yet again — with a defunct ferris wheel in the distance.

    The post In the Shadow of a Dying Wonderland. appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Stopping The Downward Spiral – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Stopping The Downward Spiral – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    NCAA Football is Once Again a Philly Autumn Obsession.
    But Is the Local Feel Fading Away?

    Suppose you haven’t gotten an opportunity to take in some great Pennsylvania High School Football yet this fall. In that case,  you still have plenty of time to enjoy a Friday night frenzy or Saturday spectacular at many Philadelphia area high school fields or stadiums.

    You may even get an opportunity to see a 4th and short trademarked Philadelphia bulldozing, pile-driving-tush push — but not from the Eagles (at least not until Sunday).

    For most of us, fall plans of leaf raking and errand running must be worked on Saturday around the national obsession of college football.

    However, seeing some of the nation’s marquee matchups is proving more difficult in the Philadelphia area each year.

    Temple Football

    Sep 26, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Temple Owls wide receiver Dante Wright (5) celebrates his touchdown against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
    Sep 26, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Temple Owls wide receiver Dante Wright (5) celebrates his touchdown against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images PHOTO: Danny Wild/Imagn Images

    Temple Football, the preeminent Football Program in Philadelphia dating back to 1894 and once influenced by the great Pop Warner, hasn’t gone to a bowl game since 2019 and hasn’t won one since 2017.

    Between 1990 and 2009, Temple Football didn’t have a winning season. Instead, it held on to the promise of a newly constructed stadium in Philadelphia, which has not yet happened.

    LaSalle Football

    LaSalle College and then LaSalle University — who developed a football program during the US Depression era in 1931 until it was discontinued in 2007 due to funding issues. From 1931 until 2007, the football program had only seven winning seasons.

    We’ll have to wait to see if the beginnings of a resurgence in LaSalle’s athletic programs beginning in 2025 will include a return to football.

    Villanova Football

    Perhaps Philadelphia’s saving grace in football lies in its suburbs. Villanova, with a combined record of 647–495–41 (a winning percentage of .564), a legacy since 1894, and one claimed National Championship in 2009. Or the University of Delaware — with its six Division I FCS National Titles, 24 playoff appearances, and 17 Conference Titles.

    Penn Football

    Sitting snugly on the University of Penn campus is one hundred thirty-year-old Franklin Field, whose Gilded-Age Era exterior facade of Weightman Hall has seen six of Penn’s seven national championships, last won in 1924.

    The Eagles beat the Packers in 1960, and the Philadelphia Stars won a USFL title in 1984. It is the oldest college football stadium still in use today.

    The Philadelphia region’s PIAA already boasts one of the best high school football programs in the country.
    Its surrounding PA suburbs deserve the same great experience on Saturday as on Friday.

    PHOTO: Danny Wild/Imagn Images

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation to Present at 2018 American Football Coaches Association Convention January 7-10 (Booth #1833) at Charlotte Convention Center

    The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation to Present at 2018 American Football Coaches Association Convention January 7-10 (Booth #1833) at Charlotte Convention Center

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    Retired National Champion Villanova Football Coach Andy Talley to Speak at Convention on Monday, January 8th.

    Press Release
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    updated: Dec 20, 2017


    VILLANOVA, Pa., December 20, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    ​The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation, which raises awareness, funds and registers donors on behalf of the national Be The Match Registry®, will be represented by its founder, recently retired 2009 National Champion Villanova Football Coach Andy Talley, and members of the foundation staff at the 2018 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina this coming January 7 to January 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center, in Booth #1833. 

    In addition, Coach Talley will speak at the 2018 AFCA Convention on Monday, January 8, delivering remarks on how the assembled college football coaches can help build the bone marrow donor registry in their communities.  Coach Talley’s presentation is scheduled for approximately 3:49 p.m. ET during the AFCA Convention General Session at the Charlotte Convention Center.

    Coach Talley and the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation will also host the “Get in the Game Coach Appreciation Happy Hour, A Celebration of Saving Lives!” for the football coaches currently active in the foundation’s registration efforts, on Sunday, January 7, at the Westin Charlotte.

    The mission of the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation is to increase the odds of finding lifesaving donors for patients in need of a marrow transplant, by registering young, committed donors to the Be the Match Registry.

    A nationally-recognized champion football coach, Andy Talley began his involvement in the fall of 1992 during his long tenure as head coach of the Villanova University Wildcats Football program.  He had been made aware of the devastating odds facing those in need of bone marrow transplants through a Philadelphia radio show health segment, and held his first on-campus testing, registering over 200 student-athletes and coaching staff from the Villanova University community that fall.

    After several years of grass-roots development and campaigns that involved Talley’s friends in the college football coaching ranks, he was tirelessly raising funds from independent donors to cover the cost of tissue-typing kits (which now consist solely of a cheek swab).

    During spring football practice at Villanova in 2008, Coach Talley received a phone call from Be The Match.  Over the past 25 years, Be The Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program®, has managed the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. Be The Match wanted to partner with Coach Talley to expand his on-campus drive efforts. Together they formed the “Get in the Game. Save a Life” initiative.

    Talley formally launched the non-profit Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation in November 2010. Since the launch, Coach Talley has enlisted over 80 college football programs to participate in the “Get in the Game, Save a Life” initiative, with each college football program hosting their own on-campus donor drives each spring.

    Since 2008, the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation’s “Get in the Game, Save a Life” registry drives have been responsible for adding over 84,000 potential donors. More importantly, there have been nearly 400 transplants that have occurred with the program’s donors, giving those patients a second chance at life.

    The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation’s fundraising efforts include events, such as their annual “Bash” in the Philadelphia area and a number of golf outings, to help support the expense of registering approximately 10,000 new bone marrow donors each year.  With a price tag of $100 per donor per test, the program relies on charitable donations from corporate sponsors and individuals to support the program.  To date, the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation has raised over $400,000 in support of the Be The Match program.

    Additional information about the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation is available on their website at http://www.TalleyBoneMarrow.org.

    Media Contact:
    Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
    Phone: 215-266-5943
    E-mail:  jim@jhdenterprises.com

    Source: The Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation

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