1970–1979
Player of the Decade Darrell Miller
Coach of the Decade Al Angelo
1980–1989
Player of the Decade Blair Thomas
Coach of the Decade Pat Manzi
1990–1999
Player of the Decade Brett Gordon
Coach of the Decade Glen Galeone
2000–2009
Player of the Decade Joe McCourt
Coach of the Decade Ron Cohen
“Thirty years. 78 names. The definitive answer to who built Philadelphia high school football.”
When Ted Silary sat down to name his 30-Year Team, he wasn't playing around. This wasn't a popularity contest or a highlights reel. This was Ted — who covered Philadelphia high school football for the Daily News from 1977 to 2013 — doing what he did better than anyone: putting thirty years of watching these kids play into one list that meant something.
The 1976–2005 window spans the golden age of Philly high school football. You're talking about a stretch that gave us Marvin Harrison lining up at Roman Catholic before the NFL had any idea what was coming, Blair Thomas running through Frankford defenders like they weren't there, Rich Gannon operating out of St. Joseph's Prep before he went to the AFC Championship Game. You're talking about Brett Gordon at La Salle, Raheem Brock at Dobbins, Darrell Miller at Frankford — names that left their mark on this city long before anyone knew their story.
Three full teams. First, Second, Third. Every position covered, offense and defense, from the Catholic League to the Public League to the Inter-Ac. The schools represented tell the story of Philly football itself — O'Hara, Frankford, Carroll, Ryan, SJ Prep, Roxborough, Episcopal, Washington, McDevitt, Germantown, Bartram. That's not one pipeline. That's a city.
Ted saw all of it. This is his verdict.
Selections by Ted Silary. Originally published on TedSilary.com. Preserved and republished by PhillySportsPack.