The Game:
Bensalem Owls @ Abington Ghosts
Friday, September 5, 2025
Kickoff: 7pm
900 Highland Ave, Abington, PA 19001 Team Details:
Abington Ghosts
Head Coach: Bruce Fleming (2nd year)
League: Suburban One Last Season: 1-9 (Conference: 0-7)
Last Game: Won 42-7 Against Truman
Ghosts Notables: Over the last two weeks, the Abington Ghosts have shown that this year will be different. With a close loss to Conrad Weiser in week one, then a dominant performance against Truman, this team has prepared themselves for everything. With players like Kai Taylor and Braylon Peterkin, this squad surely shines. I was given the opportunity to speak with Coach Fleming.
Malone: “What a great win last week! What are you going to do with your guys to prepare them for this Friday’s matchup?”
Fleming: “Last week was a good win, to see guys put things together and execute. Expectation this week is to develop consistency. Build on the things we did well last week, and correct the mistakes we made to execute at a higher level. That is what I'm looking for this week.”
Malone: “Now that school’s starting back up, what is something you might tell your squad to prepare them for school but to keep them game ready as well?”
Fleming: “Now that school is in session, distractions will be all around them. They will have to learn to make the right choices in the building so that it does not disrupt what we are trying to do on the field.”
Malone: “With a win like Fridays, what more are you expecting from this ongoing season?”
Fleming: “Friday showed the guys what they are capable of doing, now we have to show we can do that week after week.”
Malone: “Could you please select a player of the week and tell me why you chose them?”
Fleming: “Miles Yockus QB. He has developed well as a QB during the off-season and through 2 games, he is putting things together and will only get better as the season progresses.”
I then was given the chance to speak with Miles Yockus, the starting QB for the Abington Ghosts.
Malone: “Last season, you played a few snaps but now you’re in almost every play. Were there any mental preparations you made during the offseason because of the change?”
Yockus: “There were definitely a lot of mental preparations I did this offseason to ensure that I was ready to play varsity football. I studied all the defensive coverages so I know what the defensive players are responsible for and where the gaps are in the defense. I changed what I was looking at pre snap to the defense to give away any hints of what coverage the defense is playing. I go by this check list everytime I walk up to the line. First I check the middle of the field open or closed, I determine this by looking at how many safety’s there are. I then look to see if the corner backs are above or below the halo which gives me more hints at what coverage the defense is running. I then check my match ups between my wide receivers and the defensive backs. Lastly, I check my protection. Another mental preparation I did was a lot of play book studying and visualizing where my eyes are going to be post snap if this play gets called and the defense gives me this coverage.”
Malone: “Being the starting QB as just a sophomore, it must be a bit nerve racking. Are there certain things you do before or even during games to calm those nerves?”
Yockus: “I don’t get nervous before games because I prepared so much for these games. This offseason I lifted and ran everyday to get my body in the best shape for this season. I also played a lot of 7 on 7 games and got a lot of good reps. I also prepare so much throughout game weeks by watching a ton of film and studying all their defensive players tendencies.”
Malone: “Are there any goals that you are hoping to accomplish as the season continues?”
Yockus: “My goal for this season is to beat every team that gets put in front of us and make sure they remember who Abington is.”
Malone: “What are your predictions for this week’s game?” Yockus:
“My prediction for this week’s game is an Abington victory.”
Bensalem Fighting Owls
Head Coach: Alexander Houston
League: Suburban One Last Season: 5-5 (Conference: 3-4)
Last Game: Lost 33-36 Against Pennridge Owls
Notables: The Bensalem Owls, though coming off of a tough loss, are prepared for this week’s matchup. They have a strong core group with great players on both sides of the football. I then was given the opportunity to ask Coach Houston a few questions.
Malone: “After last week's loss, what are some changes you will be making to help your squad succeed this week?”
Houston: “After last week’s tough loss to Pennridge, we are not making wholesale changes. We simply want to focus on our fundamentals and assignments. Making sure that we are doing what we are coached to do and competing at a high level.”
Malone: “With school starting, are there any preparations you’ll be making so your boys can focus on both their academics and athletics?”
Houston: “We expect our football players to give great effort in the classroom as well as on the football field. We provide study hall for students that need a little help and always promote an open and supportive environment for our student athletes to thrive in.”
Malone: “What are some expectations you have for your team all together?”
Houston: “We want to prepare and compete at a high level each week this season. Taking it day by day and practice by practice to prepare our players and coaches to perform well on game day. We are hopeful that this approach leads to our first playoff appearance of my tenure”
Malone: “Could you please select a player of the week and tell me why you chose them?”
Houston: “Myles Annan played really well for us against Pennridge not only as QB but also as a returner and defensive back. He is a quiet leader, great student, and a dynamic athlete. We are glad that he is one of our team leaders and I expect him to have a great year.”
Unfortunately, I was unable to get up with Myles before this published.