Insight into Falcons' workhorse
Eugene Byrd is a junior tailback for the North Catholic football team. The workhorse is a major reason the Falcons (4-1) are riding their first four-game winning streak since 1987.
Eugene Byrd is a junior tailback for the North Catholic football team. The workhorse is a major reason the Falcons (4-1) are riding their first four-game winning streak since 1987.
Byrd has 607 rushing yards and nine touchdowns through five games.
Question:
Are you surprised by the winning streak?
Answer: No. I knew this year was going to be our year to step up and that we were going to make plays.
Q:
What is the best thing about your team?
A:
We all know what we are capable of since we have been playing together for three years now. We know that we can come together no matter what, and we can win.
Q:
You had a total of only 57 rushing yards last season. This year, you are averaging 121.4 yards a game. What's going on?
A:
I'm just filling the shoes. Our team, for the past few years, had some great running backs. I knew I had to fill the shoes of those great running backs.
Q: How long have you been playing football?
A:
Since I was 6 years old.
Q:
What youth teams did you play for?
A: I played for the North Philly Aztecs, the CYA Gators and the Frankford Chargers.
Q:
Do you play any other sports?
A:
This year I am going to run track.
Q:
What's your favorite food?
A:
Chinese.
Q:
What kind of music do you listen to?
A:
Rap, hip-hop, gospel and a little R&B.
Q:
Who is your favorite musical artist?
A: Lil' Wayne.
Q:
What's your favorite TV show?
A:
Two-A-Days
.
Q:
How would you describe the North Catholic vs. Frankford football rivalry?
A:
No matter what, it is always a big game. We definitely think about it all year long. It's always on our minds no matter who we play.
Q:
How far can your team go this season?
A:
I think we have a chance to get to the [Class AAA] city championship and fight for the state title.
Three things about last week
1.
Thumbs up to the High School of the Future football team for its stunning win over Prep Charter on Friday. A first-year team, the Firebirds won for the first time in school history.
2.
A "You're the man" goes to Penn Wood boys' soccer player Menuh Wiah. The senior striker scored all five goals during Tuesday's shutout of Chichester.
3.
The early candidate for the straight-shooting quote of the year comes from North Penn field hockey coach Carrie Jankowski on her team's inconsistency: "We've been an enigma."
Three things about this week
1.
The Conestoga girls' soccer team faces Downingtown East today at 3:45 p.m. at DiSerafino Stadium. The much-anticipated game will be a rematch of last season's Class AAA state semifinal won, which the Pioneers won.
2.
Something will give Wednesday when Strath Haven's high-scoring offense clashes with Lower Merion's stingy defense in a matchup of Central League boys' soccer powers at the Panthers' field.
3.
Boys' cross-country will be in the limelight Saturday as Coatesville tries to win the Steel City Invitational title for the fifth consecutive season.
Pompey's Super Seven
My top seven teams in Southeastern Pennsylvania, regardless of sport:
1.
Downingtown West boys' soccer.
It has a big test tonight against Ches-Mont League rival West Chester Henderson.
2.
North Penn football.
The Knights were on cruise-control during Friday's 42-10 victory over Central Bucks East.
3.
Merion Mercy girls' volleyball.
The Golden Bears climbed two spots to 19th in the national Prepvolleyball.com poll.
4.
Conestoga girls' soccer.
They are winners of 29 consecutive matches, dating from last season.
5.
Malvern Prep football.
The team has not scored fewer than 34 points in a game.
6.
Lower Merion boys' soccer.
Low-key coach John Fadely may not admit it publicly, but his Aces are something special.
7.
Friends' Central girls' tennis.
They are unbeaten, including an early-season rout of Harriton.
Under consideration:
North Penn boys' cross-county, Upper Merion girls' volleyball, Downingtown West girls' soccer, Harriton girls' tennis, Garnet Valley football.