Will Albano and Christopher Kolen
Staff Writers
One year ago, the New Hope-Solebury Lions football team took the field against Upper Moreland for the first time. They had hopes and aspirations of being nothing short of spectacular with an abundant amount of starters returning on both sides of the ball. One of the most important starters and best players on the field was New Hope Quarterback Philip Weinseimer. Philip’s accolades his sophomore year were the stepping stones to an even greater junior year. His stats were 2,109 total yards and 27 total touchdowns He was unanimously named BAL MVP. As NFL legend Barry Sanders said though: “Football has a weird way of humbling you. Just as you think you're on top you get brought back down.”
In Philip’s first game last season he tragically broke his ankle in the first quarter. Unfortunately, the injury woes didn't stop there. Star Defensive End and Center Connor Fitzgerald also went down in the same game with an ankle injury that kept him sidelined most of the season. With their two best players out, the Lions found it tough to piece together wins with their most heartbreaking loss to Upper Moreland losing 21 to 0.
One year later, Philip Weinseimer is back and better than ever, proof being a 4.6 - 40 in the Lions combine. He also has some nice players around him this year starting with senior running back Joe Capriotti. A first team BAL running back last year, Capriotti will look to build off a strong junior season. Most important to Phil and Joe's success this year is the offensive line, and it all starts with Charlie Honer A.K.A “The Bodyguard.” Charlie's 6’3, 260 pound frame matched with his quickness makes him one of the best tackles in the Suburban One League. He will be paired with senior guard Tanner Richmond. Tanner has been consistent in proving he can compete with any player that matches up in front of him.
One the defensive side, the Lions want to be quick and fly over the field this year and it starts with their secondary. Dylan Hildebrandt was thrown into the fire his sophomore year and, although challenging, he quickly grew as a player. The linebackers are led by middle linebacker Jude Hutkin. Jude’s instincts of a ball hawk and while laying phenomenal hits have been on display for years and hopefully does it again this year.
When talking to Lions players, the common theme is that they are hungry and very anxious to return to the field. When asked how much this first game means to him senior guard Dan Flavin said, “It means a lot to us, last year we played these guys (Upper Moreland) to start off the season and they got the best of us. I promise you we are not going to let that happen this year.”
After watching a few practices during preseason, their intensity as a team is evident. Even in practice reps players have been giving every play their best, and they definitely want the season to start off with a win. Senior guard Tanner Richmond had this to say about how important a Week One win is, “It's very important, especially with a shortened season because every game matters for playoffs. And a Week One win builds confidence and sets the tone for the rest of the season.”
The NH/S Lions vs. Upper Moreland will be held without fans on Friday Night at 7 p.m. All games will be live streamed on NFHS network and teams will have individual recorder’s filming. Best of luck to the Lions. Seize the Day!!
