NEWTOWN — Adam Beach is counting on senior Frankie McDermott to be a difference-maker for the 2024 Upper Moreland football team.
"He is our heart and soul," Beach said.
A 6-foot-3, 185-pounder, McDermott plays tight end/linebacker for the Golden Bears. He was the starting tight end at the beginning of last season but didn't start on defense until a Week 3 win over Interboro.
His best game was in a Week 6 victory against William Tennent, when he had 11 tackles (three for loss) and caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Foley, but Beach and McDermott believe he can be a bigger factor this year.
"I think having all that starting experience throughout the year definitely gives me a lot of confidence in my game," McDermott said. "After playing against kids, you realize, 'I can do this. I can play this game.'"
McDermott played well, particularly on defense, during Friday night's season-opening 35-7 victory in Brandon Garrett's debut as Council Rock North head coach at Walt Snyder Stadium.
McDermott had the game's first tackle and remained involved the rest of the way, finishing with 13 tackles, four of which went for loss. One highlight was a stop two yards behind the line of scrimmage midway through the second quarter.
"He made a lot of plays for us," Beach said afterward. "He was bringing it. He was just being a leader. He was doing the things he was taught to do and he executed perfectly. We couldn't be any happier for him."
"I think the impact I have is just bringing the energy," McDermott said. "First play of the game on the kickoff, I'm coming hard and I make a tackle. I'm trying to keep our defense going."
While Upper Moreland qualified for the PIAA District One Class 5A playoffs a year ago, McDermott expects the Golden Bears to improve on their 4-6 regular season. They have plenty of quality skill-position players back, including first-team All- Suburban One League American Conference tight end Larry Hughes and second-team selections Foley and receiver Aidan Tuffy.
"Anything less than an SOL championship would be disappointing, with all the work we put in and all the confidence the coaches have put in us," McDermott said.
What it means for Council Rock North
Coming off of a 2-8 season, CR North played a solid first half and was able to move the ball prior to being outscored 21-0 after intermission. Garrett's squad has made progress, but he knows there is more work to do.
What it means for Upper Moreland
The Golden Bears were effective at mixing the run and the pass, and didn't commit a turnover. Beach's team appears to have the elements for a strong season.
Key play
On third-and-19 at its own 39-yard line in a 7-7 game early in the second quarter, Upper Moreland's Foley scrambled and found Tuffy behind the secondary on a deep ball over the middle for a 61-yard touchdown. That put the Golden Bears ahead to stay.
By the numbers: Upper Moreland vs. Council Rock North
Foley completed 11 of 16 passes for 241 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. The four TD completions were to four different receivers. He also scrambled for 28 yards on third-and-8 at the Bears' 22 prior to UM's fourth score.
CR North accumulated 153 yards of total offense and two trips to the red zone in the first half, then 67 yards and no drives to the UM 20-yard line or beyond following the break.
Unsung heroes
UM's Hughes caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Foley and had an interception on a CR North third-and-goal from the 10-yard line late in the second quarter to keep the Bears ahead 14-7 at halftime.
Tuffy had three catches for 89 yards, including the 61-yard score.
They said it
"Obviously not the outcome we wanted," said Garrett, the former New Hope-Solebury head coach and Pennsbury player. "In the first half (only being) down 14-7 into halftime (was encouraging). … We want to compete and that's what the kids did in the first half. We knew coming out the second half (that) they're a really good football team and they're going to make adjustments."
"It's nice having experience at the quarterback position," Beach said of Foley. "I think we have a lot of guys that can catch the ball. They can't just take one guy away."
CR North plays Aug. 30 at Neshaminy.
What’s Next for Upper Moreland football
The Bears play Aug. 30 vs. visiting West Chester East.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com ; @TomMoorePhilly is a sports columnist for PhillyBurbs.com . Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: McDermott takes on big role for Upper Moreland football as team takes win over CR North
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