Quakers Finish Season One Win Shy of State Title Game

As the Quakers’ 2011 , the excitement for a winning record and a run deep into the South, Group 3 playoffs grew. The reasons for the excitement and optimism were obvious: The Quakers returned one of the most talented offensive groups in South Jersey, led by , and a big playmaking defense.

“I think it (the season) was a success. We had to replace almost the entire offensive line and defensive line. That is very difficult to do, so to advance that far has to be considered a successful season,” said head coach Russ Horton.

The Quakers opened the season with back-to-back wins against and before losing their first game of the year to eventual South, Group 3 State Champion . The team would hit a bump in the road with a second straight loss, , before going on a three-game winning streak that helped the team clinch a playoff berth.

The team would hit another regular season snag with a two-game losing streak against and to end the regular season schedule. The Quakers in the first round of the playoffs, 34-7, before seeing their season in the state semifinal round, 33-21.

The success of the Quakers’ offense can't be pinned on Lisa, running back Delaney Wallace, or receivers Zac Frantz and Anthony Bonett alone. The offensive line, manned mostly by first-year starters, helped protect Lisa and open running lanes for Wallace and Sidney Ruffin.

“The entire OL never seems to get enough credit," Horton said. "They did a great job considering that many were first-year starters."

One of the Quakers' most improved players as the season wore on was Alex Howard, a two-way starter on offense and defense.

“A first-year player, Alex Howard really developed as the year went by," said Horton. "He played a lot on offense, but saw a lot of action on defense as the year progressed and I thought he did a great job for us."

The seniors on this year’s squad have been with the varsity team for the majority of their football careers at Moorestown, helping maintain the success of the program.

“The seniors were a solid group that brought a lot of experience to the table. Many had played a lot since their sophomore year," the coach said. "I'll miss the fact that this group of seniors was such a good group of kids. This group never gave us a problem, and did everything that we asked."

The Quakers have a solid foundation of players and tradition to build on for the 2012 season, with their eye on winning the South, Group 3 State Championship next year.

“I hope that the younger kids want to be even more successful and now understand the hard work that must be put in to get there. We really need to improve in the off-season in the weight room. If we want to win next season, it all starts there,” Horton said.