They ran, caught passes, threw passes, showed off their footwork and gave everything they had on the Souderton High football field on a Thursday night in May.
And most importantly, they (over 100 athletes) were seen by over 50 college football coaches at the second BuxMont Football Showcase.
“This is a really good thing for the kids and the coaches,” said Eric Fargo, a 2008 Souderton graduate who is now the defensive coordinator at Kutztown University.
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“You get a chance to see the kids on the field and talk to them and it helps confirm what you see on the highlight tapes. Bringing all these kids in one place helps everyone.”
Thursday’s Showcase, an idea brought to fruition last year by Souderton assistant coach Paul Fargo (Eric’s father), featured junior and sophomore football players (and a handful of freshmen) from seven schools – Souderton, Pennridge , Quakertown, North Penn, Cheltenham, Plymouth Whitemarsh and Downingtown East – working out and trying to get the attention of available college coaches.
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Banas from Quakertown, all in favor of the Showcase
“This is a great idea and I’m so glad we’re a part of it,” Quakertown coach George Banas said. “College coaches can watch the best athletes we have to offer and kids can be seen. It’s a win-win situation.
“Last year it was just the four schools. Adding Plymouth Whitemarsh, Cheltenham and Downingtown East this year makes it even better.”
The second time was easier for Souderton’s Walsh
For Souderton sophomore quarterback Ben Walsh, who helped lead the Big Red to a school-record 11 wins and a berth in the PIAA District One Class 6A quarterfinals last season, the event was easier in second time.
“I was a freshman last year when we did this and I was really nervous,” Walsh said. “This time I wasn’t as nervous and just tried to show what I can do. There were a lot more coaches here now than last year and it’s great to see how it’s growing.
“College coaches can see you and it really gets you excited about the season coming up.”
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An Opportunity for Fenstermacher of Quakertown
Quakertown junior forward Dylan Fenstermacher isn’t sure he wants to continue his football career after his senior year, but the Showcase was positive nonetheless.
“This was a really cool opportunity to get out here and show what you can do,” Fenstermacher said.
“You might get noticed by a college coach and you never know what might happen. I’m glad I got the chance to do that.”
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Coaches hope the idea of holding showcases on Thursday night will be popular elsewhere.
“The Central Bucks schools had one (Thursday) that these coaches were able to attend, but I don’t really know of any others,” Pennridge coach Kyle Beller said.
“I used to coach at (Lehigh) Valley and there was nothing like this. It would be great to see more of these happening because it really helps the kids.”
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Souderton manager Ed Gallagher would also love to see the idea grow.
“This is a great event for the kids and makes it easier for the college coaches who can see the kids doing the drills and also put a face with a name,” Gallagher said.
“We could add a few more teams – maybe get to 10 or 12 schools – that would be great. And hopefully other schools can pick up on the idea. Paul (Fargo) deserves credit for helping us and I hope it continues to grow because it helps kids to be noticed by colleges.”
Drew Markol covers local sports for PhillyBurbs. with. Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared in the Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County’s Top Players Show Off Skills in High School Football Showcase
