Football: Weathers fine for Marple’s first day of season

NEWTOWN TWP. >> There will be tougher nights ahead for Marple Newtown, but Friday’s season opener was a significant first step nonetheless.

The Tigers, at Primo Hoagies Stadium, handled their visitors from KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy, 43-0, with all the Tigers’ points coming in the first half.

Marple is coming off a semifinal appearance in the District 1 Class 5A semifinals and has hopes of competing once again for the Central League title. A blowout was in the cards.

“We just came out,” said running back Marlon Weathers, “and got right to it.”

Weathers was speaking of the team, but he might as well have been speaking about himself. He racked up 85 yards on just six carries and scored on rushes of 16 and 10 yards to spot the Tigers a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

“I feel like I have to be more of a leader and take over some games,” Weathers said. He was in control during his cameo before ceding the backfield to second stringers. He understood he needed to make a statement after rushing for 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns a year ago.

“Last year’s over with,” he said. “It’s a new season, a new schedule, a new beginning with new expectations.”

On his penultimate run, Weathers, two plays after spinning out of the pile for a gain of 14, broke outside and sprinted 26 yards deep into Lions’ territory. He went out of bounds, then, standing in front of the student section, beckoned for more noise.

“It’s go-time now,” Weathers said.

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