Football Mini Camp

In preparation for the upcoming 2008 football season, the Delco Monarchs have begun football mini camp which is held every Saturday from 2pm to 4pm at Penn Wood Middle School's Athletic Field which is located at 7th and Cedar Avenue in Darby, PA. This camp is open to all league members of Delaware Valley Pop Warner.

The Monarchs football mini camp is designed for new and returning players. Each player will be weighed to determine there Pop Warner weight / division classification and the players will be taught basic fundamental football drills, techniques, and concepts. Our goal / objective is to have our players better prepared when the football season actually starts which is August 1st. This camp is the real deal. It's not X-Box or playstation. Come out & learn how to play the game the right way.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Greg at 215-688-7463.

Also, please note, the Monarchs are currently looking for additional coaches and volunteers. Anyone interested should also contact Coach Greg.

LET'S GO MONARCHS!!!!

Monarchs Boast "Defense & the System"

2007 was not a particularly good year for the Delco Monarchs organization as a whole. The midget team (160lbs) went 0-5-2 while the junior pee wee team went 0-6. It was the first winless season in the organization's five year history and it was tough season according to the coaching staff. But with a new year comes a new opportunity and a chance at redemption. The coaching staff has been hard at work this off season preparing for the 2008 campaign. "I think we are ready" Coach Jamil stated. Between watching films, attending coaching clinics, and talking to other coaches, I finally think we have the formula to get us back on track.

"To be perfectly honest, we took it on the chin last year. But I also think our players grew up and matured as football players". A lot of games were close and could have gone either way. A play here or there and maybe we get one or two. But at the end of the day, our kids competed and had fun and that's what this is all about. FUN...

As usual, the Monarchs will run a 4-3 defense which has reputation for being stingy around the league. The offense on the other hand, is a top secret, but rumor has it that the wishbone attack will be part of the offensive scheme. During my conversation/interview with the coaching staff it appeared that "MUMS" the word when I asked about the exact type of offense the Monarchs will actually run... Just come check us out... One of the coaches replied... It will be on display early and often during the preseason when the Monarchs scrimmage the following organizations: 1. Sharon Hill, 2. Collingdale, 3. 69th Street, and 4 Kingsessing. The Monarchs have also entered a Pre Season Round Robin Tournament at Fairmount Park with league foe the Panthers and the Aztecs and the Chargers of Liberty Pop Warner of Philadelphia. The tournament which is scheduled on August 16th should be very interesting considering the Philadelphia teams notoriously sleep on teams from Delaware County. CAN U SAY RESPECT!!!!!!!!

Why all the scrimmages you ask?? Coach Greg indicated that the Monarchs are trying to get there kids as much game experience as possible before entering Delaware Valley Pop Warner league play which starts September 6th against a yet to be determine league foe. STAY TUNED!!!

The coaching staff...

Football Preview - Spring 2008

NO PROMISES FROM TOP COACH....

Delco Monarchs head football coach Greg James knows he doesn't have the talent he had a year ago, so he isn't about to make any promises for this up coming season. Like most other coaches, all coach Greg wants to do - at least for the early part of the year - is to evaluate what talent he does have and what he can do with it.

"I feel that a good solid goal for this season is to go .500. We have a lot of players with limited experience, but we should be competitive" Coach Greg said. If we win at least half our games, I'll be happy, but we could still do better than that and I would not be surprised. We are hurting for experience but we have a good young team and certainly will be able to compete with the teams in our league. The other organizations know we always have talent and they respect our program. Honestly, if everyone comes back hungry, we get some good new players and we gel at the right time, I think we will do all right.

PLAYERS LOSSED:
Ayub Ferron, WR (Roberson), John Pickens, LB (Bok), Jay Harris, QB (Roberson), Sharice Tisdale, DE (Bartram), Edwin Seals, RB (Bartram).

PLAYERS RETURNING:
Tyreese Butcher (160), Kashif Scott (160), Brian Siv (160), Dwayne Harmon (160), Solomon Zeon (120), Joe Zanne (120),Leon Cambridge (120), Andres Prez (120), Nyile Baker (120), Jordan Smith (120), Tymir Harmon (120), Zamir Jefferson (120), Carl Porter (120), Darius May (90), and Shawn Newman (120), Desmond Kirton (90), Damere Douglass (90),Kameer Cryor (120), Eddie Thomas (160), Kameron Ward (90), Kaazim Cryor (160) Andrew Siv (135).

NEW PLAYERS:
Rodney Lockett (120), Michael Jefferies (120), James Spivey (135), Darrin Brown (120)

Note: The Monarchs are actively recruiting players, coaches and volunteers. Anyone interested should contact Coach Greg at (215) 688 - 7463 or click the word "Comments" at the bottom of this post and leave a message. Also, the Monarchs will have Mini Camps for football every Saturday from 2 to 4pm beginning in May 2008...

LETS GO MONARCHS.....

Football Trophies / Basketball Season

Football trophies will be available for all 2007 participants beginning on Monday November 26th at Penn Wood Middle School' s gym which is located at 7th and Fern Streets in Darby. Trophies will available for all weight classes at 7:00pm every Monday until the end of the year. All football equipment must be turned in prior to receiving your trophy. No trophy will be given to anyone who still has football equipment. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!!!

Also, the Monarchs will be holding tryouts for our 2007/2008 basketball program. If you plan on trying out for the basketball team practice starts a 6:00pm sharp on Monday November 26th. Please note, only 13 kids make the team and it is very competitive. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Barnes at 610-394-0325. Please note, there is a registration fee and all children are required to participate in the basketball fundraiser.

GO MONARCHS..............

Delco Tri County Monarchs Football Team

Monarchs 2007 Team Photo of the Junior Pee Wee & Pee Wee team...

Ground Level Monarch vs C.A.T.S

See Ya... Soloman Zeon takes another kick off the house as Tymir Harmon points were number one to the Monarchs fans.

Teammates Forever.....

Junior Pee Wee teammates Khalil, Godwin, Andres "AJ", & Adam pose for a picture during last week game against the Bensalem Cowboys. The Delco Monarchs Youth Organization, Inc. are more than just sports.

WE ARE NEIGHBORS.. WE ARE COMMUNITIES... WE ARE A FAMILY.... COME JOIN THE FUN...

Field Level - Monarchs vs Cowboys

Jay Harris, Ayub Ferron and Edwin Seals walk of the field after an another tough game. The Bensalem Cowboys defeated the Monarchs 14-7.

Ground Level Monarchs vs Cowboys

Ayub Ferron puts a move on the Cowboy's defender as Jaleel Smith watches.

Week Six Review

Jay Harris on the move and looking for a block against the Cowboys.

COWBOYS AVENGE AN '06 HEARTBREAKER

Yesterday, the Bensalem Cowboys paid there first ever visit to Penn Wood Middle School's Athletic Field aka the Moose and home of the Darby Monarchs. On there minds was nothing but revenge. In last season's contest the Monarchs slipped past the Cowboys with a late 4th quarter touchdown scored by the since departed Eric McClellan. Unfortunately, this year was a different story as the young and inexperienced Monarchs dropped another tough decision. The final score was 14 - 7 but the Cowboys blitzing 3-5-3 defense kept the Monarchs offense off balanced and out of sync all day.

As usual, the Monarch's defense led by Edwin Seals, Jaleel Smith, Jaleel McMillian, Ayub Ferron, and Jay Harris kept the game close. Edwin's interception return for a touchdown was the Monarchs only score and cut the Cowboys lead to 8-7. That's as close as the Monarchs would get as Bensalem's suffocating defense halted every Monarch's offensive possession. There defense was better than advertised Coach Greg indicated after the game. When I was scouting them, I knew that they played a pressure defense. All they want to do is blitz, blitz, and blitz. So, I put some new offensive wrinkles in thinking we could catch them blitzing. It worked momentarily but then they made some adjustments. That's what good teams do. I'm a little disappointed in our performance but the bottom line is we don't practice. Some kids show up and some kids don't. It makes it very hard to get things done when only 10 or 11 kids are present.

Field Level - Monarchs vs Wildcats

After the dust settled, the Monarchs & Wildcats try to locate the ball carrier.

Week Five Review

Five yards and a cloud dust is what Soloman Zeon got at Oak Lane

BAD CALLS DOOM MONARCHS

The Monarchs first ever visit to the Delco League powerhouse the West Oak Lane Wildcats proved to be a very memorable affair. Simmons Recreation Center aka the "Dust Bowl" was the scene of the crime. Up first were the Junior Pee Wee team. Under sized and out weighed by about 15 pounds per kid, the Monarchs played the game of there lives. Trailing 7-0 at halftime, the Monarchs wishbone offense got things going early and often in the second half. The offense lead by Solomon Zeon, Jordan Smith, Shawn Newman, and Godwin Dickar scored there first touchdown of the year to cut the Wildcats lead to 7-6. Oak Lane answered midway in the fourth quarter with another touchdown despite the efforts of Andres "AJ" Perez and Nyile Baker on defense. Solomon Zeon score his second touchdown of the afternoon to trim the lead to 13-12. The Monarchs missed the extra point which would have tied the game because the referees failed clear the area behind the end zone where the Wildcats midget team and some of there fans had gathered. The noise the fans and the team were making appeared to distract the the young Monarchs. Bottom line, the referee blew the call Coach Jamil stated after the game. According to the PIAA rule book fans are not permitted to stand in the end zone and cheer. That is unsportsmen like conduct. That is a penalty and the down should have been replayed after the end zone was cleared.

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In the night cap, the Monarchs midget team proved why records don't mean anything. The always stingy Monarchs defense led by Jaleel Smith, John Pickens, Ayub Ferron, Tarek Johnson, and Jay Harris limited the undefeated and high powered Oak Lane offense to exactly one touchdown which came late in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats other touchdown came on a controversial fumble by Edwin Seals which came right before halftime. I thought Ed's forward progress was stop and his knee was definitely down prior to the fumble Coach Greg stated after the game. Its just ashamed how the referees cheated us today. I'm not one to complain but the Central PIAA Referee Association is terrible. My kids played hard and I just feel like the game was not decided on the field. We fought to the end, they were not the better team. They just executed when they needed to execute and we didn't excute. Monarchs if your listening, there is a thin line between winning or losing and it happens so fast. And its that thin line between excuting a one play or just playing through the whole game that makes the difference.

Next Saturday, the Monarchs will host the surprising 3-1-1 Bensalem Cowboys. Game time is set for 2pm at "The Moose". This game should be a very interesting contest Coach Greg said. I know Coach Wayne and his kids are out for revenge after the Monarchs slipped past the Cowboys 14-13 last year with only 15 kids.

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Finally, word around the league is that Coach Alabama from the Eastwick Dynasty Dragons Midget squad called the Monarchs a bunch of "Cry Babies". Hey Alabama, this is Coach Greg. I'm pretty sure our teams won't make the playoffs this year. With that being said, on 10/20/07 , the Monarchs are available for a rematch. This time around bring your scale. FYI, Coach Don has my number but just in case he forgot my number is 215-688-7463. I'll be waiting for your call.

Junior Pee Wee Team Photo 2007

Field Level - Monarchs vs Dragons

Coach Jamil gives instructions to members of the Jr. Pee Wee Team.

Ground Level II - Monarchs vs Dragons

The Monarchs offense line up for another play against the Dragons.
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All game pictures are provided by Mrs. Clarke who is a team mom. Mr. & Mrs. Clarke have two sons on the team Kevin (160lbs) and Khalil (105lbs). Great Job!!!!!!!

Ground Level - Monarchs vs Dragons

E. Seals runs over a helpless Dragon's defender.

Week Four Review

E. Seals looks for running room while A. Ferron & J. McMillian block.

EASTWICK DYNASTY SURPRISE MONARCHS

Yesterday, the Eastwick Dynasty jumped out to a 14-0 lead and held off a late charge by the Monarchs and won 14-13. The Dynasty blocked the extra point attempt by J. McMillian which is worth two points in Delco Pop Warner. When asked why the Monarchs opted to go for two points Coach Greg indicated that he wanted to go for the win instead of a tie. I hate to second guess myself, but I thought we would be able to execute the kick. Our field goal unit has been practicing extra points for a couple weeks now, so it was an easy decision to make.

The Dynasty took there opening possession and drove straight down the field and scored there first ever touchdown at the 160lb weight class. After that, the Monarchs switched to a 5-3 defense and keep the Dynasty offense in check for the rest of the day. In the second half, the Dynasty defense intercepted a pass attempt by Dwayne Harmon and returned it for another score giving the Dynasty a 14-0 lead.

The Monarchs got things going after that. They proceeded to drive 50 yards down the field on there next possession. Dwayne Harmon scored on a quarterback keeper to cut the lead to 14 - 7. Late in the fourth quarter, D. Harmon found Edwin Seals in the flat area. Ed scampered 40 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 14-13. The in sueing kickoff sailed out of bounds and the Dynasty ran out the clock.

The game, which was the Dynasty's first ever win in the midget division was marred by an off the field incident which involved the Dynasty's coaches and players taunting the Monarchs bus. When asked about the incident and the Monarchs second straight loss, Coach Greg stated the following. "I take full responsibility for this loss. I put my kids in jeopardy. It is my job too make sure that the opposing team is the proper weight and age. I failed to do that. The Dynasty had kids out there that were excessively and noticeably overweight. I did not realize that the Dynasty wanted to win so bad that they had to cheat. But I'm proud of my kids. They stepped up and did the best job they could do and they almost pulled it off.

Next week, the Monarchs visit the undefeated and league power West Oak Lane Wildcats. Game time is set for 6pm. Its going to be tough. But I know my kids will be ready. They got something that you can't buy in the store and it's called HEART... See you there!!!!

Jay's Auto Supports the Monarchs

"We believe that kids need positive activities says Jay Pugh owner of Jay's Auto in Darby"

The Delco Tri-County Monarchs would like to thank Mr. Pugh for supporting our youth sports program.

Week Three Review

The O-Line, B. Siv & J. McMillian attempt to push the Panthers back.

Midget (160lbs) Football Standing

1. West Oak Lane Wildcats 4-0-0
2. West Philly Panthers 3-1-0
3. Bensalem Cowboys 2-1-1
4. Mt. Airy Bantams 2-1-1
5. Eastwick Dynasty Dragons 1-3-0
6. Upper Darby Trojans 0-2-2
7. Darby Monarchs 0-2-2
8. South Philly Hurricanes 0-2-2

Ground Level - Monarchs vs Trojans

S. Tisdale, K. Clarke J. Pickens, & D. Hairston wait for Trojans.