Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly
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<p>At the end of Monday's conditioning practice at the Lonnie Young Rec Center fields in East Germantown, the players engage in rugby scrum-like drills which got a bit heated. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Williams, who transferred to Imhotep from West Catholic this year, now practices mere blocks from where he lives. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>David Williams, a senior considered to be one of the nation's top running backs, has received interest or offers from 49 Division 1 college programs. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Eerin Young, one of Imhotep's premier running backs, talks about the play he just ran during Tuesday's practice. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>State-semifinal foe Wyomissing is justifiably concerned with the Panthers' speed. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Assistant Coach Troy Gore works with offensive linemen at Tuesday's practice. (Brad Larrison/For NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>An Imhotep wide receiver attempts an over-the-shoulder reception. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Imhotep quarterback Andre Dreuitt is only a sophomore. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Running drills at the start of practice. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Players and coaches alike exude a quiet confidence that they will reach their state-championship goal. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>At practice, Imhotep's players on defense wear red while the offense wears black. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>An offensive lineman suits up before a crisp practice commences. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>With four days to go until the state semifinals, the Imhotep Panthers get ready for practice at Johnston Memorial Stadium in Germantown on Tuesday. (Brad Larrison/For NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Attempting to block a kick. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Tuesday's practice ended with special-teams drills. At Lonnie Young, a baseball backstop is used to represent the goalposts which Johnston Memorial Stadium has. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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A game-battered Panthers helmet. (Brad Larrison/WHYY)
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<p>The first-team offense ran drills versus the scout-team defense as Imhotep prepares for its state-semifinal game on Saturday. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Eerin Young catches a pass. Going into the season, he was the top running back; now, he contributes in the passing game, as well. (Brad Larrison/For NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>David Williams run for the endzone during Thursday's practice. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>On Tuesday, Imhotep practiced at the Germantown supersite as opposed to the normal spot at Lonnie Young rec center on East Chelten Avenue. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Imhotep has outscored its opposition by a combined score of 638-73; of its 14 wins, six were shutouts. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>In Imhotep's first-ever football-playoff victory last week, David Williams scored four touchdowns including a 79-yard romp when the defense couldn't lay a hand on him. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>First-year head coach Albie Crosby said that between the successes of Imhotep and the Northwest Raiders youth programs, Northwest Philly has evolved into a football Mecca of late. (Brad Larrison/For NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Months, if not years, of hard work have come down to this. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Imhotep Institute Charter High School football head coach Albie Crosby addresses the team as they prepare to host a state semifinal game this weekend in Germantown. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Coach Crosby tells seniors that the time between now and Dec. 15 is the last chance they'll have to win a high-school football championship. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Head coach Albie Crosby points out areas where the team still needs to show improvement. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>In a rare ighthearted moment, the team has a laugh at an assistant coach who miscounted the days left until the next game. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>The Imhotep Panthers closed out Tuesday's practice with a huddle and a "Family" yell. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)</p>
Here’s a look at what you may have missed this week:
1. From a ragged E. Germantown field, a high-school football team reaches for greatness
You’re right. Philadelphia high-school football is still not the fan-favorite in a city where basketball rivalries still run deep. A Northwest Philadelphia team, though, may be changing that attitude as they charge towards a state title. Check out Brian Hickey’s story on Imhotep Institute Charter High School’s squad to learn more.
2. State Rep.-elect Kinsey: ‘People are depending on me to uplift the community’
In less than a month, Stephen Kinsey will lead the state’s 201st Legislative District, which covers parts of Germantown and Mt. Airy. It’s a position he’s contemplated since graduating college and one he worked towards as Rep. John Myers’ chief of staff. NewsWorks caught up with Kinsey for a pre-inauguration interview to discuss his vision for his first term in public office. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.
3. It’s about time; iconic East Falls clock tower repaired after months of motionless hands
Sometimes, complaining can be a good thing. In early September, NewsWorks editor Brian Hickey opined about Thomas Mifflin Elementary’s broken clock tower. The East Falls resident used the massive time piece to expertly cook barbeque in the summer. Recently, the clock’s hands high above Conrad Street became useful once more. Check out Matthew Grady’s story to learn more.
4. Court procedure questions give Bunting House a temporary reprieve
The historic property in Roxborough has been put in front of and saved from the wrecking ball too many times to count. A developer is interested in knocking the Ridge Avenue building down to make way for a new development. A group of community members would rather see the structure stand and be filled with a tenant. Check out Amy Z. Quinn’s story to learn more about this week’s court decision.
5. Mt. Airy neighbors pledge to help Houston’s playground stay open
A decade ago, near neighbors of Houston Elementary struck a deal with the Philadelphia School District. Under a contract, the community would pay for and handle the playground’s upkeep. In exchange, the playground would be open to the public throughout the year, including weekends and holidays. Recently, the playground hasn’t been receiving much TLC and the school district doesn’t have the funds to assume the responsibility. Check out Lane Blackmer’s story to learn more.
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