Thanksgiving Day
High School Football:
Rams Crush Eagles On Turkey Day

By Gary Steiner
SJSports Staff Writer

This annual contest between the two Lower Camden County rivals began with much pomp and circumstance on a sunny but windy Thanksgiving morning. Being the last game of the season, both Overbrook and Edgewood honored their football and cheerleading seniors before the game. Overbrook also honored their alumnus Ron Dayne, now a running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.

Edgewood's Abner Tsadick kicked off with the gusty wind, but Overbrook's Imion Powell was still able to return it to the 32 yard line. A few plays later, Powell burst through the Eagle's line for a 54 yard touchdown run. Jamison Young's kick made it 7 - 0.

Both teams traded punts, with the wind a definite factor. Edgewood's Brian Grubb boomed a 54 yard punt with the wind. On a 4th and 4 into the wind, Overbrook did not even bother to punt, and converted to the Edgewood 45. But a personal foul call set them back, so the Ram's punted, putting the Eagles back on their own 18. Edgewood attempted the first pass play of the game with 1:16 left in the 1st quarter, throwing with the wind but incomplete. After an offsides penalty, followed by a holding call which negated a 30 yard run by Jedediah Miller, the Eagles had to punt. The kick was blocked by the Rams' Angelo Paganafanador, giving them a 1st and goal on the 8. The Rams scored their second touchdown a few plays later on a 4 yard run by Robert Ludwick. The point after attempt was no good, leaving the score 13 - 0 with 11:04 left in the half.

Edgewood started a drive with some good runs by Nana Gillett-Spio, but lost the ball on a fumble on the 40. Overbrook threw their first pass with 6:17 left in the half, from Rich Wilson to Robert Ludwick which took them down to the Eagle's 9 yard line. After exchanging a holding by Overbrook and a pass interference by Edgewood, the Rams' Imion Powell ran in his second touchdown from the 9. Young's kick was good, putting the score at 20 - 0. With the wind, Young kicked off though the end zone. With a 4th and 11 on their own 36, Edgewood elected to go for it rather than punt into the wind. The Rams took over on downs, and on 3rd and 10 attempted a flea flicker by Powell which was picked off on the 6 yard line by Damian McMillan. The Eagles were only able to run off one play before the half.

In the second half, the wind again came into play. The Rams' opening kickoff was to the Edgewood 38. When the Rams' defense held, the Eagles' Brian Grubb responded with a 56 yard punt with the wind. The Rams' stuck to the ground with several impressive runs by Imion Powell, capped off by a 40 yard run for a touchdown with 8:33 left in the 3rd quarter. Young's kick made it 27 - 0. Edgewood's offense was unable to produce in the 3rd quarter, giving up an interception, and failing on a 4th and 1 attempt.

In the 4th quarter, Edgewood gave up another turnover with a fumble at their own 24 yard line, which eventually resulted in an 8 yard touchdown run by Imion Powell. Jamison Young's point after with 3:48 left in the 4th made it 34 - 0. Young's following kickoff with the wind again went through the end zone, putting Edgewood back on their own 20. Again Edgewood was unable to effectively move the ball, and with 1:10 left in the game the Rams ran out the clock.