Marple Newtown Tigers: All On The Line

NEWTOWN SQUARE–There’s a good reason why has clinched a PIAA District 1 Class AAA playoff berth this season—and it Tony Desiderio, Ken Smith, Chris Kurkian, Connor Breslin and Sean Ridinger and juniors Ed Graham and Corey Power.

They comprise the Tigers’ offensive line, giving open gaping running routes to and . What’s more impressive is it’s a unit that came together this year.

“I started at defensive tackle as a junior, so this is my first experience on the offensive line,” said. “There was a lot of learning for me to do. Sean Ridinger was the only one back. We took a lot of reps and it was important to get the experience."

Kurkian said it was with the help of the coaching staff that helped build the team up.

"We got great coaching, [Tigers’ head coach] Ray Gionta works with the offensive line. Coach Gionta stressed that we pretty much go hard and take advantage of every rep. The little things are what happens, how we step and block down, technique. All the coaches have been great,” shared Kurkian.

But it also helps working with smart players.

“That’s what we have here,” Gionta said. “Our offense has some degree of difficulty to it. We have line calls and assignments. We’re not a zone blocking team. It comes down to technique work and all that is big. We’re still coming together."

Gionta continued, "The biggest plus is that they’re pretty intelligent kids, which is important. To be an offensive lineman, you have to know the assignments. You have to be a stickler for detail.”

The Tigers travel to Springfield this Friday at 7 p.m. for a crucial Central League game that could determine a home PIAA District 1 Class AAA playoff game for the winner.

Marple Newtown last hosted a playoff game in 2006 against Unionville.