Football: Former Marple player Chris Gicking taking the helm for Tigers this season

Late August has arrived and with it comes the anticipation of the 2014 high school football season on the part of coaches, players, and fans alike.

One of those local folks who has reason to be just a bit more pumped up is first year Marple Newtown head coach Chris Gicking.

After serving as an assistant mentor at Conestoga, Gicking is taking the reins at his alma mater, where he starred as a quarterback in the 90s.

“It is very exciting to be coaching here,” Gicking agreed.

Gicking was speaking following Saturday morning’s scrimmage against visiting Archbishop Carroll – a tussle which his Tigers unofficially “won.”

Gicking is accompanied on his return by a number of former Marple players who are serving as assistant coaches (as is his father Harry, a longtime coach in the area).

The fact that Gicking and his staff will be bleeding “black and orange” is an item which he feels is important to the program.

“Some of the alumni assistants are volunteering to do this,” he said. “It’s good to have those guys here.”

Gicking is replacing Ray Gionta, who moved on to Sun Valley after eleven years as Marple’s head coach.

While the Tigers did not capture any Central League crowns during Gionta’s tenure, Gicking appreciates what his predecessor accomplished during his lengthy stay.

“Ray did a great job here,” said Gicking. “His teams had the most wins in the program’s history. We will try to build on that.”

Gone with Gionta is the traditional wing-T offense. Arriving is the pro style (primarily I-formation) look that Gicking brings with him from ‘Stoga.

“We will be running the same offense and defense (3-4, 5-2) which Conestoga uses,” he noted.

As for the scrimmage itself, Gicking said that “there are a ton of things to work on, but we played with a lot of energy.”

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Marple Newtown football players (from left) Mark Freeney, Sebastian DiCrecenza and Anthony Goodman congratulate each other after a play during a scrimmage against Archbishop Carroll. Photo by Anne Neborak.