Scrabble prodigy OUTDOES Philly councilman [photos]

A ninth-grade Scrabble prodigy and a Philadelphia councilman kicked off Philly Plays Scrabble, a citywide campaign aiming to get students to play more Scrabble, with a heated game at Science Leadership Academy Wednesday afternoon.

Councilman W. Wilson Goode Jr. faced Liam Hart, the top Pennsylvania finalist in the 2013 National School Scrabble Championship, in the school’s library where about 20 other students also played each other in the word-building game.

During the match, Goode said that he isn’t known for his Scrabble prowess and that his ‪fiancee often beats him at the digital game, Words With Friends.

“He’s the toughest I’ve faced since my national event,” said Liam of the councilman.

“He’s the toughest person I’ve played period!” Goode responded.

In the end, Liam was the victor of the match with 348 points to Goode’s 321.  Their highest scoring word?  Goode received 33 points for “carp” and Liam received 68 points for “leaders.”