Easton - Pburg
- Thread starter HSFB99
- Start date
Pretty typical Phillipbsburg. They're tough, play pretty physical, don't have a ton of size on defense, but they're bigger than they've been normally on the offensive line. They have a load of a running back in Rai'Quan Dixon (6'0 240) and will try to grind Easton into a pulp. The center/defensive tackle Mulik Warren (6'3 250) is probably their best player and they've got 270, 285, and 260 on the offensive line.
They went 5-3 during the season, they went up and got beat 28-6 by St. Joseph's Regional in Montvale in a big non-conference test, then went 5-2 in league play and won their first round sectional game before bowing out in the Group V North II semifinal to Clifton. Liners had a lead that they coughed up late.
Easton is favored because they pretty much always are - they play in a better league all year and have a decided advantage in enrollment. But P'burg has absolutely had the better year, and I think they might smell blood in the water a little.
They went 5-3 during the season, they went up and got beat 28-6 by St. Joseph's Regional in Montvale in a big non-conference test, then went 5-2 in league play and won their first round sectional game before bowing out in the Group V North II semifinal to Clifton. Liners had a lead that they coughed up late.
Easton is favored because they pretty much always are - they play in a better league all year and have a decided advantage in enrollment. But P'burg has absolutely had the better year, and I think they might smell blood in the water a little.
Turkey Day Hall of Fame class was announced. Really solid set of four for Easton
Jermaine Moore ‘99 WR/CB
Jermaine was a standout corner and wideout for Easton who was the offensive MVP of the 1998 game. A two time all league cornerback, Moore also graduated third in school history in receptions. He was a star basketball player, who is currently fifth in school history in scoring, and averaged 20 point per game while leading Easton to the state tournament as a senior. He also was fourth in the state in the long jump. He initially went to Kutztown to play basketball before transferring to Allen Hancock Junior College in California to play football. From AHJC, Moore transferred to San Diego State where he was a two year starter, one at corner, one at receiver.
Marcus Millen ‘04 LB
Millen was a three year starter, All State pick, and the backbone of ferocious defenses in the early 2000s. As a senior, Millen set the single season tackles record and was an AP and Pa Football News All State pick as Easton won their first state playoff game and advanced to the PIAA semifinals. He also earned all league honors as a junior. As a sophomore, he stepped right in to the starting lineup and made 80 tackles for a defense that allowed 8 points per game and went 12-1, won the MVC and played for a D11 title. He played football at West Point, where he was a captain for the Cadets. He went on to serve as an Army Ranger before attending Harvard Business School. He is now a professor at the US Military Academy.
David Caldwell Jr. ‘11 DT
Caldwell was the key figure on the 2009 and 2010 D11 champions. An undersized but immensely explosive and strong interior defensive lineman, Caldwell earned LVC Player of the Year honors in 2009 as Easton won both conference and D11 titles before falling to eventual state champ LaSalle in state quarters. As a senior, Caldwell was an All State selection as the Red Rovers repeated as D11 champs, helped immensely by his three sacks in the final. Caldwell also got his feet wet as a sophomore starter at defensive end. After Easton, Caldwell played fullback at East Stroudsburg.
Doug Powell - Defensive Coordinator
The first pure assistant coach inducted into the Easton-P’Burg Hall of Fame, Powell was a mainstay on the Easton sideline for 23 years. The mild mannered and intellectual Powell was the architect of some of the greatest defenses in Valley history (2001, 2004,
2006, and 2009 immediately spring to mind). Powell was initially hired as the junior high coach in 1980 before getting promoted to the varsity staff as the defensive backs coach in 1985. He took over as coordinator in 1994, and held the job until 2016. Powell’s defenses were known for their sure tackling, incredible discipline against the run, and creative pressure schemes with physical corners on the outside. Few assistants have had the name recognition or universal acclaim that Powell held in his tenure at Easton.
Jermaine Moore ‘99 WR/CB
Jermaine was a standout corner and wideout for Easton who was the offensive MVP of the 1998 game. A two time all league cornerback, Moore also graduated third in school history in receptions. He was a star basketball player, who is currently fifth in school history in scoring, and averaged 20 point per game while leading Easton to the state tournament as a senior. He also was fourth in the state in the long jump. He initially went to Kutztown to play basketball before transferring to Allen Hancock Junior College in California to play football. From AHJC, Moore transferred to San Diego State where he was a two year starter, one at corner, one at receiver.
Marcus Millen ‘04 LB
Millen was a three year starter, All State pick, and the backbone of ferocious defenses in the early 2000s. As a senior, Millen set the single season tackles record and was an AP and Pa Football News All State pick as Easton won their first state playoff game and advanced to the PIAA semifinals. He also earned all league honors as a junior. As a sophomore, he stepped right in to the starting lineup and made 80 tackles for a defense that allowed 8 points per game and went 12-1, won the MVC and played for a D11 title. He played football at West Point, where he was a captain for the Cadets. He went on to serve as an Army Ranger before attending Harvard Business School. He is now a professor at the US Military Academy.
David Caldwell Jr. ‘11 DT
Caldwell was the key figure on the 2009 and 2010 D11 champions. An undersized but immensely explosive and strong interior defensive lineman, Caldwell earned LVC Player of the Year honors in 2009 as Easton won both conference and D11 titles before falling to eventual state champ LaSalle in state quarters. As a senior, Caldwell was an All State selection as the Red Rovers repeated as D11 champs, helped immensely by his three sacks in the final. Caldwell also got his feet wet as a sophomore starter at defensive end. After Easton, Caldwell played fullback at East Stroudsburg.
Doug Powell - Defensive Coordinator
The first pure assistant coach inducted into the Easton-P’Burg Hall of Fame, Powell was a mainstay on the Easton sideline for 23 years. The mild mannered and intellectual Powell was the architect of some of the greatest defenses in Valley history (2001, 2004,
2006, and 2009 immediately spring to mind). Powell was initially hired as the junior high coach in 1980 before getting promoted to the varsity staff as the defensive backs coach in 1985. He took over as coordinator in 1994, and held the job until 2016. Powell’s defenses were known for their sure tackling, incredible discipline against the run, and creative pressure schemes with physical corners on the outside. Few assistants have had the name recognition or universal acclaim that Powell held in his tenure at Easton.
I haven’t heard anything definitive, don’t think it comes down to the game. But a loss would mean a pretty historically bad run for the good guys. Certainly has me thinking what it would take to get Ryan Nase to drive up 611.
The other side of Cattell Street is usually your best bet. If you can find something on McCartney, then to for it, but if you cross over Cattell, it usually clears up and isn’t a bad walk. CHT or Milos for a pregame drink if you’re not tailgating is recommended (since my mom is no longer throwing her house party, otherwise I’d say come on over!)
That is possibly the worst football game ever played.
If Jeff Braido keeps his job because he’s 4-0 against P’burg, I’m going to lose my mind, and forever hold it against that P’burg kid for fumbling the football there
If Jeff Braido keeps his job because he’s 4-0 against P’burg, I’m going to lose my mind, and forever hold it against that P’burg kid for fumbling the football there
It was like watching two imbiciles trying to **** a doorknob. Just an atrocious football game.
P’burg just needed to take a knee and punt it away and the game was over. Just inept all around. How terrible is New Jersey football that Pburg made a decent playoff run? And Easton’s inability to run block is just astounding. It’s the one thing they’ve done truly well for 100 years.
All that said, hope you enjoyed the ambiance and pageantry around the game
P’burg just needed to take a knee and punt it away and the game was over. Just inept all around. How terrible is New Jersey football that Pburg made a decent playoff run? And Easton’s inability to run block is just astounding. It’s the one thing they’ve done truly well for 100 years.
All that said, hope you enjoyed the ambiance and pageantry around the game
It was my first time at the T-Day game. I’ve seen Easton live a hand full of times over the years. I think they are the worst coached high school team I’ve seen all year. I felt they were bigger, faster and stronger than Pburg across the board.
The lack of discipline (false starts, offsides, crack-backs, too many players in the backfield, late hits, etc) is shocking. If the admin cares at all about football, they’ll move on from Braido tomorrow. I know the fans would like to…
The lack of discipline (false starts, offsides, crack-backs, too many players in the backfield, late hits, etc) is shocking. If the admin cares at all about football, they’ll move on from Braido tomorrow. I know the fans would like to…
Co-sign all of this. It’s a joke. I’d also say they were bigger, faster, stronger than everybody in the LVC but Freedom, and they’re awful.
A few thoughts after finally settling in…
As I said before, Easton clearly had the size, speed and talent advantage. Phillipsburgs lack of size was somewhat surprising. I thought we may see a mercy-rule by the 3rd quarter or so. I was perplexed by Easton’s lack of offensive identity. You’ll see Pro-I, shotgun spread, under center split backs, etc. Rarely will you see the same formation more than two or three times. It feels like they are clinging to the past with Pro-I power run game, but they aren’t good at it (their OL has no technique). Then the next play, they’ll be in a four-wide set. It’s befuddling. I think they should choose what they want to be (both can work!) and stick with it.
The QB seems to have a lot of talent. He looks like an old-school pro style QB. Big kid with decent athleticism (enough to keep you honest). I don’t think they do the QB many favors. Their passing game design is very limited (most plays consist of him rolling out and trying to throw an out route to the sideline). He’s a big kid, with a strong arm, why not keep him in the pocket more often to use the full field? Why not give him so easy completions with short, quick throws to get the ball to your playmakers in space. He also has tons of weapons! I know RB #6 is the headliner, but I was quite impressed with #2, #1, #10 and #5 (who unfortunately left the game with an injury). The OL has some big boys that could move for their size. Considering the weapons of Easton, and talent disparity between the two teams, coming out of that game with 7 points is almost unfathomable.
Phillipsburg had a few nice players. I liked QB. #6 and #10 were solid skill players (There may have been 1 or 2 kids on Pburg that would start for Easton). Their offense really lacked creativity. I give Easton’s defense credit though. They were in position for every mis-direction type of play. They intercepted a throwback and double pass. They always had guys staying home vs counters and reverses. Pburg had a modicum of success with their traditional plays (buck sweep and QB power), but Easton did a nice job of bending and not breaking. I was really impressed with Easton’s LB #29. He seemed to be all over the field.
I don’t like criticizing coaching, contrary to what many probably think considering I do it too often LOL. But there were some real head scratchers in this one. Easton’s staff had no plan as to what they wanted to do in fourth and short situations. Sometimes they’d punt, sometimes they’d go for it, sometimes they’d try a long FG (occasionally at a distance that seemed way out of the kickers range). It just didn’t appear to be thought out whatsoever. It felt as though they were flying by the seat of their pants. As Rover stated, Pburg handed the game to them. All they had to do was punt the ball (their punter was by far their best player) and stop some Hail Mary attempts.
As you can probably tell, I’m a “public school guy.” I enjoy watching the teams that have a strong tradition (Easton, CB West, etc). I guess it’s the nostalgia at my old age LOL. I still believe Easton has all the prerequisites in place to be one of the strongest programs in the state. There is no reason they can’t win D11 consistently (and beat Pburg like a drum). They’ll need a new (or improved) staff to accomplish this. The current one is simply overmatched.
All in all, it was a great experience. I’d highly recommend attending if you haven’t done so. I heard 13-14k tickets were sold. Lafayette was packed and the environment was electric. Most importantly, I’m sure those kids will never forget that game. What a great tradition. Kudos to both communities. You don’t see TDay games often anymore, but I’m really glad this one has survived! I’m also glad I made the trip, I can’t recommend it enough for any fan of high school football.
As I said before, Easton clearly had the size, speed and talent advantage. Phillipsburgs lack of size was somewhat surprising. I thought we may see a mercy-rule by the 3rd quarter or so. I was perplexed by Easton’s lack of offensive identity. You’ll see Pro-I, shotgun spread, under center split backs, etc. Rarely will you see the same formation more than two or three times. It feels like they are clinging to the past with Pro-I power run game, but they aren’t good at it (their OL has no technique). Then the next play, they’ll be in a four-wide set. It’s befuddling. I think they should choose what they want to be (both can work!) and stick with it.
The QB seems to have a lot of talent. He looks like an old-school pro style QB. Big kid with decent athleticism (enough to keep you honest). I don’t think they do the QB many favors. Their passing game design is very limited (most plays consist of him rolling out and trying to throw an out route to the sideline). He’s a big kid, with a strong arm, why not keep him in the pocket more often to use the full field? Why not give him so easy completions with short, quick throws to get the ball to your playmakers in space. He also has tons of weapons! I know RB #6 is the headliner, but I was quite impressed with #2, #1, #10 and #5 (who unfortunately left the game with an injury). The OL has some big boys that could move for their size. Considering the weapons of Easton, and talent disparity between the two teams, coming out of that game with 7 points is almost unfathomable.
Phillipsburg had a few nice players. I liked QB. #6 and #10 were solid skill players (There may have been 1 or 2 kids on Pburg that would start for Easton). Their offense really lacked creativity. I give Easton’s defense credit though. They were in position for every mis-direction type of play. They intercepted a throwback and double pass. They always had guys staying home vs counters and reverses. Pburg had a modicum of success with their traditional plays (buck sweep and QB power), but Easton did a nice job of bending and not breaking. I was really impressed with Easton’s LB #29. He seemed to be all over the field.
I don’t like criticizing coaching, contrary to what many probably think considering I do it too often LOL. But there were some real head scratchers in this one. Easton’s staff had no plan as to what they wanted to do in fourth and short situations. Sometimes they’d punt, sometimes they’d go for it, sometimes they’d try a long FG (occasionally at a distance that seemed way out of the kickers range). It just didn’t appear to be thought out whatsoever. It felt as though they were flying by the seat of their pants. As Rover stated, Pburg handed the game to them. All they had to do was punt the ball (their punter was by far their best player) and stop some Hail Mary attempts.
As you can probably tell, I’m a “public school guy.” I enjoy watching the teams that have a strong tradition (Easton, CB West, etc). I guess it’s the nostalgia at my old age LOL. I still believe Easton has all the prerequisites in place to be one of the strongest programs in the state. There is no reason they can’t win D11 consistently (and beat Pburg like a drum). They’ll need a new (or improved) staff to accomplish this. The current one is simply overmatched.
All in all, it was a great experience. I’d highly recommend attending if you haven’t done so. I heard 13-14k tickets were sold. Lafayette was packed and the environment was electric. Most importantly, I’m sure those kids will never forget that game. What a great tradition. Kudos to both communities. You don’t see TDay games often anymore, but I’m really glad this one has survived! I’m also glad I made the trip, I can’t recommend it enough for any fan of high school football.