Imhotep’s Defensive Speed too much for Communications Tech

Written by: Armand Vanore on Friday, September 7th, 2012. Follow Armand Vanore on Twitter.

PHILADELPHIA – The Imhotep Charter Panthers showed why they may be one of the most complete AA programs in the state of Pennsylvania. They shut out the Communications Tech Phoenix, 28-0 in the Philadelphia Public league’s conference opener for both teams Thursday night at the South Philly supersite stadium.

Coming off a week one 68-13 dismantling of Strath Haven, most Philly high school football experts were aware of the amount of points this team could generate. On this night the defense got its game in gear allowing the Phoenix only nine total yards of offense and virtually no time to muster any kind of sustained drive. The speed this team has on both sides of the ball will be a difficult task for most opponents to overcome.

After a scoreless first quarter Imhotep put together a six play drive culminating with sophomore quarterback Andre Dreuitt’s three yard toss to Brandon Smith and a 7-0 lead. Panther skill players David Williams and Eerin Young provided most of the damage in the drive and Williams’ 21 yard reception set up the first score.

Midway through the second quarter, upcoming sophomore star Nasir Bonner gave Williams a breather and slashed for a 33 yard touchdown up the middle on his first touch giving the Panthers a 14 point cushion at half.

Another TD pass from Dreuitt to Young (this time from 36 yards) ended a quick three play 46 yard drive giving the Panthers a three score advantage. Young broke five tackles on the play and made others miss on the play. Finally a 36 yard punt return touchdown by DeAndre Scott completed the scoring in this one.

Imhotep has a multitude of skill on offense that can score at a moment’s notice. Guys like Williams, Young, Dreuit, and Bonner are players that defenses have to game plan for. Both Young and Williams are also threats on the receiving end of Dreuitt’s passes. However this defense and the speed it exhibits (especially in the defensive backfield) is special. Defensive backs Najee Goode, Nyeem Thrones and Aramon Piedra play extremely well together and have been a huge reason this team has not given up a point in six quarters.
Everyone talks about this team’s offensive potential but the defense gets five stars in this one.
The Panthers rise to 2-0 and will entertain conference rival Roxborough next week. After drubbing non conference opponent Bristol, 38-12 last week Comm Tech falls to 1-1 and will visit the School of the Future next Friday.

Notes: Linebacker Brandon Chatmon was in the Phoenix backfield all night creating headaches for RB’s Diquan Gilbert and Abdur Saaba. Chatmon is receiving some D1 interest. The Panther offensive line averaged just under 270 pounds. Besides his highlight reel touchdown catch, Young also had a sizzling 41 yard run in the 4^th quarter. Dreuitt was 10 for 17 passing for 102 yards, 2 TD’s and one pick.

Scoring
1^st Quarter-
No Scoring
2^nd Quarter
IM- Brandon Smith- 3 yard pass from Andre Dreuitt- PAT- Denniston Moore- 11:54
IM- Nasir Bonner- 33 run- PAT- Moore- 5:29
3^rd Quarter
IM- Eerin Young- 36 pass from Dreuitt- PAT- Moore- 1:34
4^th Quarter
IM- DeAndre Scott- 36 punt return- PAT- Moore- 1:39