Father Judge Gets First U10 Win, 26-12 over Reading High

Written by: Bruce Badgley on Saturday, March 20th, 2021. Follow Bruce Badgley on Twitter.

READING – It had been seven months since the Reading High Football team took the field Friday night. It had only been one week for Father Judge. But to start this U10 contest, the Red Knights were the team clicking on all cylinders. Led by Sophomore Quarterback Amier Burdine, Reading built a 12-0 lead early in the second quarter. Father Judge battled back to move in front just before halftime. When Burdine exited the contest late in the first half, the Crusaders’ defense took over. Reading Highs one-dimensional wildcat offense sputtered in the second half. Father Judge (1-1) then used a solid running attack to pull away late and beat Reading High (0-1) 26-12.

The turning point of the game was in the second quarter when Father Judge’s Nymeir Appling grabbed a punt deep in his own end and bolted down the sidelines for the go-ahead score. The Crusaders Running Back, Eric Smith, continued to impress. Eric racked up TD runs of four and 19 yards. Despite an early exit, Reading QB Amier Burdine was the most impressive player on the field.

@fjfootball27 a big defensive effort in the 2nd half and @FJAthletics grinds out a 26-12 win over @RDGschools #u10beat @EPAFootball @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/MWJqQJoLY5

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 20, 2021

@fjfootball27 Frank McArdle postgame comments on @FJAthletics 26-12 win over @RDGschools tonight #u10beat @EPAFootball @HSFBamerica @CaryMoyer pic.twitter.com/HxOHxjYNuD

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 20, 2021

Reading was off to the races to start the game. The Red Knights controlled most of the first quarter and led 6-0 on a Burdine run.

Amir Burdine 9 yards for the @RDGschools score! XP no good and we end quarter one with @GriddersRed up 6-0 over @fjfootball27 Wow! @FJAthletics #u10beat @EPAFootball @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/dFF6K5oX1e

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 19, 2021

Reading built a 12-0 lead in quarter two. Father Judge battled back to earn a 13-12 advantage at the break.

@RDGschools forces the turnover on the first play of quarter two leading @fjfootball27 6-0 #u10beat @EPAFootball @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica @FJAthletics pic.twitter.com/sXzm9LpkML

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 19, 2021

And look here Elijah Williams in from the 2 for @RDGschools 2 pointer no good @GriddersRed up 12-0 over @fjfootball27 10:24 until halftime! #u10beat @EPAFootball @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/CPkULMS8aQ

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 19, 2021

On 4th and Goal Eric Smith for @fjfootball27 gets in! XP no good @RDGschools still up 12-6 over @FJAthletics 7:10 until halftime #u10beat @EPAFootball @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/KgpT6J5Sqp

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 20, 2021

On the bounce that’s @fjfootball27 Nymeir Appling with the punt return score! @FJAthletics now tied with @RDGschools 3:25 until halftime #u10beat @EPAFootball @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/DP3EcrL4rY

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 20, 2021

@RDGschools Jayse Ganns with a pick to end the first half but @fjfootball27 leads @GriddersRed 13-12 at halftime #u10beat @EPAFootball @HSFBamerica @CaryMoyer pic.twitter.com/4wy8ci6cBn

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 20, 2021

The third quarter was dominated by each team’s defense. Father Judge got its ground game moving in the fourth quarter. The Crusaders controlled the clock and came away with a 26-12 win over Reading High.

Stretching into the end zone for @fjfootball27 is Eric Smith 20-12 now @FJAthletics in front over @RDGschools 10:26 remaining #u10beat @EPAFootball @HSFBamerica @CaryMoyer pic.twitter.com/Uxdt0ubE7N

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 20, 2021

Jake Marquis carried the ball the entire drive for @fjfootball27 and in for the TD for @FJAthletics up now 26-12 over @RDGschools 3:39 remaining #u10beat @EPAFootball @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/R9zpYI1ztm

— Bruce Badgley (@BadgleyBruce) March 20, 2021