NHS cheerleaders get set for beg competitions

Taylor Selbst

Staff Writer

The New Hope Solebury cheer squad began their season in the beginning of November, but they aren’t going to be just cheering for basketball this year. This year the cheer squad will be attending a handful of competitions, even more than last year. There are 15 girls on the squad and many of the girls are new to cheer leading. Everyone has been working really hard to train the new members of the team and get ready for upcoming competitions.  

  The first competition the squad will be competing in is on Jan. 11. This competition is very important to the team because it determines whether or not they go to states. Head coach Nicole Kerr will be teaching the squad their 2 minute 30 second routine. The routine will include a cheer, dance, several stunts, and a variety of jumps. The event will be very competitive because everyone is trying to make it to states. In between qualifiers and states the squad will be participating in many other competitions to help them improve.  

 In addition to getting ready for competitions, the squad is getting ready for basketball season. They will be performing their routine at halftime, cheering on the sidelines, as well as doing a few stunts during timeouts and between quarters. Junior, Lauren Mangano says “I am very excited for this season because of how much the team has progressed since last year.” Coach Kerr and assistant coach, Dotty Kerr are hoping for a very successful season as well.

Preparing for the "Granddaddy of Them All"

Nina Coughlin and Jacqui Vergis

Staff Writers

An annual college football bowl game played on January 1st (or January 2nd if New Year’s day falls on a sunday) known as “The Granddaddy of Them All” is called the Rose Bowl. Played in Pasadena, California, the Rose Bowl has been the highest attended college football game since 1945. The 2014 Rose Bowl is going to be the 100th Rose Bowl game. This is a special football game showcasing two prestigious teams that have earned their way to prove themselves as the best.

The two teams competing in the 2014 rose bowl are the Michigan State Spartans(12-1) and the Stanford Cardinals(11-2). The Spartans being directed by head coach Mark Dantonio, and as for the Cardinals, head coach David Shaw. Both teams are currently preparing and resting up for the big game.

The 2014 Rose Bowl should be the game to watch. Both teams have similar playing strategies with the nation's number 1 (Michigan) and number 3 (Sandford) rush defenses and the number 4 and number 10 scoring defenses. In the long run the Cardinals are playing to uphold their reputation as Rose Bowl champs two years running, and as for the Spartans, preparing to break a winning streak.

Tune in to watch the big game on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 on ESPN network at 5 p.m. ET.

New Hope-Solebury Football Update

Kevin Jarrett

Staff Writer

The NHS football team has gotten off to a huge start this season. With expectations high from last year, the New Hope-Solebury Lions lost five of their six starting offensive lineman. This put the strength of the program into question.

 While the veterans have speed and athleticism, the very young and inexperienced offensive line was seen as a potential weakness. It was a huge question whether the Lions would be able to move the ball against some of the bigger teams in our league. Starting off the Lions were away at Nativity BVM. With a nice performance they put up 35 points and the defense started where they left off last year as the best defense in the league after the 35-0 shutout.

 For the home season opener, the Lions hosted Morrisville. Beating them the year before on a last second interception return by last year’s defensive standout Cody Foy, this game was not supposed to be a blowout like week one was. With the newspapers all picking Morrisville, the New Hope-Solebury Lions were just left to prove everyone wrong.

 “We know how good we are and that’s all that matters,” said coach Ditullio before the game.

  Surprisingly, the game wasn’t as close as the reporters anticipated. New Hope went into the locker room at the half up 42 and they continued what they are accustomed to doing on the defensive side of the ball with a zero spot on the scoreboard. In the second half the varsity was pulled and the second stringers finished out the 49-7 blowout.

   After two big wins, the Bristol Warriors were set to beat New Hope for the second consecutive year after their great year last year which ended at states where they finished in the top five. Playing behind their all-state running back Donte Simmons and all-league quarterback Trevor Leone, Bristol was looking to run all over the Lions in front of their home crowd. With the newspapers again ranting about the opposing team, the Lions were the underdogs yet again.

  Although New Hope got no respect or recognition, they had some stars of their own.  Behind quarterback Connor Hayden, running back Joseph Dwight, and the speedy receiver Jason Devenuto the Lions offense was able to give New Hope-Solebury an early lead. Hayden started the game with a 75-yard touchdown run on the first play from the scrimmage line, which sparked the Lions. Hayden followed his run up with a 46-yard touchdown pass to the underrated running back Joseph Dwight who also added two punt returns for touchdowns later in the game. After a trio of Bristol touchdowns in the second quarter, it seemed like the momentum had shifted to Bristol’s side. The Lions were not done yet though. Before intermission Hayden threw his second touchdown pass to DeVenuto to put the Lions back up 22-18. With huge games from both Bristol stars Simmons and Leone, the Warriors were able to rattle off 270 yards on the ground and 383 yards in the air. With big performances from their two best players, it still wasn’t enough to hold off Hayden and the Lions as their dynamic offense put up 35 points, which was their lowest scoring game of the season after they hosted Wilmington Friends during week four and put up 36 points on the scoreboard.

   The Lion’s fierce play has allowed them to become the first ever New Hope football team to start off 4-0 after a big win at home against Wilmington Friends.

   Week 5 was a tough week for the Lions as they fell for the first time of the season to Academy of the New Church by a final score of 35-22 after being ahead with 5 minutes to go in regulation. Although the tough loss stung, we were still without three key starters, and it was a non league game, which means New Hope keeps first place in the BAL race.

   With players getting healthy for the New Hope Lions, they were able to get back on track after the forfeit win vs Calvary Christian and a huge away victory against BAL powerhouse Delco Christian in a down to the wire game that combined for 83 points. New Hope was able to sneak away with the one point win behind quarterback Connor Hayden who played spectacular for the Lions offense, racking up 42 points and single handedly taking the must win BAL game.

   After the big Delco win the Lions set off to have another BAL showdown with Jenkintown. For New Hope this would be their last home game until Thanksgiving’s “Battle of the Bridges” game and also Senior Night. The Lions ran all over Jenkintown shutting them out 33-0 in front of their home crowd. New Hope looks to continue their great play as they still have some tough opponents including the highly anticipated “Battle of the Bridges” game that promises to be a good one at Lions stadium on Nov. 28.

Photo Courtesy of Mr. Covino

Field Hockey Walks Away with Big Wins

Kerry Leonardi

Staff Writer

New Hope-Solebury Field Hockey has shocked teams in the BAL with their unexpected winning streak. After playing eight games, they have only lost one game to an out-of-league team against Southern Lehigh, which is much larger school than New Hope.

 They had seven shuts out in a row due to Chloe Verwiel and the defense who had amazing saves when the team needed it the most.The offense contributed by going to work in front of the net scoring goals in clutch situations. The girls also had to endure two intense over times against Delaware Christian and Plumstead. The girls determination and endurance is what kept them in the games which eventually lead to victories.

 After losing six key players last year, many people did not have high expectations for New Hope to go far this year. New Hope was a target this year. Lower Moreland, Plumstead and Christopher Dock all decided that beating New Hope would be a team goal for the season and they were willing to shed blood to do so. The girls showed up to every game with the mentality to play and to win no matter who they were up against.

 After interviewing the team,they said that if they had to describe their team this season it would be “small but mighty.”  The team only has seventeen players and often do not have substitutes  and have to play the entire game and sometimes including over times. New Hope’s strength as a team this year is determination. The girls do not stop for anything or anyone. With only a few week left in the season they will continue with this mentality and hopefully their winning streak to claim the title of BAL champions.

Cross Country Championship Preview

Dylan Selbst

Opinions Editor

With championship season approaching, both the New Hope-Solebury Boys and Girls cross country teams are seeking victories. Last year, both teams captured the PIAA District 1 team title and moved on to the State Championship meet. This year, however, things are different; they are not the underdogs anymore in the district and they have their eyes set on States.

With two Invitational team victories already this season, the boys team have their hopes up for this year. “We still have our entire varsity team from last year;” said senior, Danny Schlussel “this year we are stronger and we know we can win districts... Our thoughts are on the state championship where we hope to finish in the top three.” The girls team is optimistic as well, they have a great chance of winning the District Championship at Lehigh University on Oct. 25, even with only three of last year’s varsity seven returning. “We are still strong” said sophomore, Hannah Singer, “we have a really good shot at a great finish at the state meet in November.”

The Bicentennial Athletic League championship on Oct. 18 is going to be the biggest post-season challenge for both teams. Holy Ghost Prep, the boys’ strongest rivals, and Lower Moreland, who edged out the girls by only two points last year, will be there seeking to return as champions. With strong performances by both teams, however, New Hope-Solebury could walk (or rather, run) away with two League Championships.

Punches Thrown at Girls' Soccer Game

Karli Burns

Staff Writer

Last weekend a fight between Lexi Morse and number 14 from Mast Charter broke out on Friday, September 20th, because the opposing players actions toward New Hopes soccer team.The girls Varsity soccer team played Mast Charter at Comly Elementary school in Philadelphia.

 “I saw what number 14 was doing to my team and I wasn’t okay with it. That’s my team and I felt obligated to step in and stick up for my teammates. I know anyone else on the soccer team would have done the same thing for me” said by Lexi Morse. Lexi felt that her actions were justified. “ I am so happy I have a teammate that will stick up for me in those types of situations. It really showed me how strong of a bond our team has.” said by freshman Kelly Hyland.

 The first instance of violence was when number 14 punched Anna Vidakovic and later threw Kelly Hyland to the ground by pulling her hair. Morse ran over to number 14 to confront her, which lead to more violence. Number 14 began to throw punches at Morse and Morse fought back my kneeing her in the stomach. The fight was separated by a parent watching close by. Both Morse and number 14 received red cards and were thrown out of the game. New Hope went on to win the game 6-0. Anna Vidakovic scored two goals while Lexi Morse, Channel D’Angelo, Jess Zimmerman, and Bella Devito all contributed with one goal. Even though a fight occurred, New Hope still came out on top.

From left to right: Jessica Zimmerman, Lexi Morse. Photo taken by Karli Burns

NH-S Girls Tennis Repeats Season

Rachel Locke
Staff Writer

The New Hope-Solebury High School Girls Tennis Team is on fire this year. The chances of repeating last year’s season are  likely, especially with the big win early in the season against the rivals, Lower Moreland. They are on their way to be league champions again this year!

  The girls lost a lot of talented seniors from last year, but we have many good returning players. The team has three experienced singles players that are very dedicated. Then, the first and second doubles lineup are returning varsity members from last year’s season. Third and fourth doubles are rising varsity players who are new to the varsity style, but they have adjusted to the roster well. The girls are 5-2 overall, 5-0 winning all the BAL matches. The last BAL game is scheduled for Oct. 3 at Delco. This will determine whether or not the team is capable of achieving another BAL title.

  The match against Lower Moreland took place on Sept. 3rd, the first day of school. The girls got on the bus with a positive attitude and that had a major impact on the success that took place that day. All the singles courts beat Lower Moreland as well as the first doubles team. Second, third, and fourth doubles suffered a loss that day, but fought long and hard. With the 4-3 defeat against the rivals, Lower Moreland, the girls had a good chance at the BAL champion title.

  Head coach Diane Roeser has high hope for the team’s success. “We have our sights set on districts, of course” coach Roeser said about the team in an interview with The Intelligencer. Team districts starts the week of Oct. 7. With the passion that the team has, the girls will win the Team districts. With Gen Hobson, the Intelligencer’s #1 Player of the year star at the first singles slot for the second consecutive year, she has helped get the team revved up and ready to win matches. And that is just what the team has done.

  The girls also want to truly thank all the dedicated fans that support them at every home match! Your support is greatly appreciated and recognized!

  Come out and cheer on the girls at their last home matches on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 1, and October 2 at 3:45pm. Bring your friends and come watch some good tennis! You won’t be disappointed!

Vertically Challenged rules

Christian Oliveira

Staff Writer

Last nights first annual volleyball tournament had it all. Upsets, incredible plays, and powerful slams mixed in with the heartbreak of defeat, and the ecstasy of victory.

 The tournament was organized and officiated by the NHS Girls' Volleyball team. Although controversial at first to many who are used to playing by the "free for all" style of gym class volleyball, the actual rules were enforced. "We were cracking down on lifts mostly, a lot people don't know all the rules of volleyball and we did the best we could to keep everything fair," said senior official and team member Hannah Lelie.

 One of the greatest, feel good stories of the tournament was the story of Seniors 2K14. After Seniors 2K14 lost their first game in astonishing fashion to Achenbach and His Disciples most ruled them out. However the Cinderella story of the tournament pulled together and came out with a string of major upsets, including historic wins over heavily favored Thunderballs and Get Salty, eventually making it all the way to the Loser’s bracket semifinals before bowing out to eventual champions Vertically Challenged. 2K14 team captain Casey Coughlin said, “The loss really hurt, especially since we had a five point lead late in the game, but hey we did what we could and I’m proud of our team. People better not sleep on this squad again in the flag football tournament.”

 When Vertically Challenged beat Madison’s unnamed team in the Loser’s bracket final to make it to the final, the journey was far from over. Having already lost to The Beautiful Dude Squad in their opening game they would have to defeat them not only once, but twice, as the BD Squad had yet to lose. Powered by Danny Sutton's curving surve and Dalton Waterman and David Cherkowsky's powerful slams, Vertically Challenged was able to comfortably defeat the BD Squad twice and take home the first volleyball tournament title ever.

Philadelphia Eagles: Reid Was Not the Problem

Jack Dougherty

Sports Editor

 The excitement surrounding the 2013-2014 Philadelphia Eagles team is understandable.  A new coach, a new offense, and a new confidence are all intriguing reasons to fall back in love with the team that breaks our hearts almost every year, it seems.  The amount of hype that circles the Eagles is insanely higher than that of any other team in the National Football League, and there is no secret as to why this occurs.  The fact is that football fans thrive on change, and the Eagles do that more often, and more excitingly than everyone else.  

 In 2011, it was the signings of defensive beasts Jason Babin and Nnamdi Asomugha who were supposedly the final pieces of the “Dream Team” puzzle.  In 2012, the firing of Defensive Coordinator, Juan Castillo, was supposed to fix every flaw in the underachieving defense.  And in 2013, the firing of head coach, Andy Reid, and the hiring of former Oregon head coach, Chip Kelly, was destined to patch up the rough spots on the team and send them to a long-awaited Super Bowl victory.  None of these position changes turned out to be successful (although Chip Kelly can still prove me wrong), which brought the Philadelphia Faithful down from their short high.  Avid Eagles fan, Keegan Hawkins, has experienced these ups and downs, and he chimed in on his views of the 2013 team.  “Realistically, the Eagles have a 7-9 season to look forward to. But, if we look at the division now, everyone’s struggling to stay or reach .500. There’s always hope.”  His sense of optimism is encouraging, but right now 7-9 might even be a stretch.

 To make things worse, Andy Reid strolled back into Philadelphia at the helm of a Kansas City Chief’s team that went 2-14 the previous year, and beat the Eagles 26-16 on week 3 of the 2013 season.  Reid single-handedly proved the point that the Eagles’ radical moves each season do nothing but excite the fans and bring them back to the stadium each week.  It’s simple really: general manager Jeffrey Lurie and the rest of the front office has to stick with the talented team of players and coaches they have and believe in them.  It won’t happen overnight, but this team will eventually become a powerhouse in the NFL.  The only thing Chip Kelly should be worried about is improving the defense and special teams just to a point where they can be considered decent.  A decent defense paired with their high-flying offense would be enough to take The Eagles to the playoffs, and hopefully a Super Bowl victory is in the near future.  

Second win for New Hope-Solebury girls’ volleyball vs. George School

Anna Sirianni

Web Editor

The New Hope-Solebury High School girls’ volleyball team took their second win against George School on Friday, September 27.  The New Hope Lady Lions had a quick three-game win, led by captains Emma Singer (senior) and Casey Coughlin (senior).

 In the first set, New Hope had multiple, consecutive service errors. Freshman Libero Caleigh Roach managed to turn the game around with her serves. The first set ended 25-16 for New Hope.

 In the second set, sophomore Jacqueline Whitney kept the pressure on George School with five offensive kills. New Hope-Solebury’s most statistically consistent defender, captain Emma Singer, helped pick up many of George School’s offensive moves, bringing the second set to a 25-19 win for New Hope.   

 In the final set of Friday’s match, captain Casey Coughlin began with thee consecutive service aces, setting New Hope up for another win. Coughlin’s assists throughout the matches also brought New Hope to another victory.

 New Hope’s key middle hitter, Madison Jaronski (senior), was not in attendance at Friday’s game. Sophomore Toni Suler quickly compensated for the position. Suler’s first leading appearance in a varsity match this season was a success, as she assisted the team’s win offensively.

 The New Hope-Solebury lions have had a successful season thus far. Coach Roy Watson has high hopes for a district bid as well as success in the Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL).  

 New Hope volleyball’s next home match is Thursday, October 3 at 5PM against Archbishop Wood High School.

Sophomores Toni Suler (left) and Jacqueline Whitney (right) prepare for a serve from George School at Friday’s match.