The Marple Junior Tigers 80lb team went undefeated and won the Bert Bell football championship on Saturday, November 17th, by beating the undefeated Prospect Park Termites 19 to 12 in an exciting game that saw the Tigers drive down the field using most of the 4th quarter to score the game winning touchdown.

The game began with a reverse on the opening play to Anthony Purnell who ran for a 60 yard touchdown. Leading the play were crushing blocks by Eric Mckee and Charlie Box. Prospect Park fought back and was able to tie the game late in the third quarter 12 to 12. The Tigers, lead by quarterback Joe Paoletti who kept his cool under tremendous pressure the whole game. One of the days biggest plays came with a 16 yard carry by Charlie Box on 4th and 15 , keeping the ball in the Tigers hands for most of the 4th quarter. Big runs by Billy Brosco, and blocking from a strong offensive line of Matt Cantwell, Dante Paoletti, Ryan Duckworth, Kevin Heinricks, Jack Bradley, and Jack Haggerty. The Tigers scored the game winning TD at the 2 minute mark as Joey Paoletti dove in for the games final TD.
The Tigers made a huge defensive stand during prospects last drive, with big plays by Johhny Small, Will Reger, Xavior Lozowicki,Josh Funk, and Nico Coronel.
Bert Bell is made up of 20 teams throughout the area, and is a very competitive football league that is celebrating its 50th anniversary.