By Scott Huff
It might not have rivaled the great reunions in history, but former Quakertown head coach and current Central Bucks East head coach John Donnelly were back on the sidelines last Friday Night at Alumni Field in Q-town.
“This surely wasn’t a reunion tour, but it was great to come back to Quakertown,” said Donnelly after his Patriots stunned the Panthers 35-28 in overtime to earn its first win of the season. “I have nothing but great memories of coaching at Alumni Field. I was telling my players that there is no other place like it. You are right in a neighborhood – no track to separate the players and the fans – and just the best atmosphere to play a game in.
“But this wasn’t about me coming back, this was about coming in here and winning a football game,” added Donnelly. “It was been a real fight every week for this football team, and we have gotten better. The kids have never quit, and they have been buying into the game plan each week.”
Central Bucks East (1-7, 1-4) finally purchased a 2011 victory at the expense of Quakertown (4-4, 1-3) that had hopes of playing in the post-season district playoffs.
“Now we have to get ready to play Souderton (4-4, 3-2) this week,” said Donnelly. “It is a must win for them if they want to get into the playoffs, and they are very dangerous. We still have a lot to play for.”
The game is scheduled for Souderton on Friday at 7 pm. Indian Field – located in the rolling farmlands of Franconia Township - does not have the charm of Alumni Field. But the goal is the same for Central Bucks East – a victory.
The Wissahickon-Upper Dublin gamealways has something big on the line when the two neighboring school districts meet on the football field.
At the very least, bragging rights are to be had. But this year we’re talking playoffs – PIAA District One playoffs. The winner may be in the field of 16 – the loser may not. The only guarantee is that there is no guarantee with the volatile final two weeks of district play that will determine the final field.
“Our coaching staff doesn’t really talk about playoffs,” said Wissahickon head coach Jeff Cappa. “Our goal is to get better every week, and we focus on what we have in front of us. We don’t need to look at the big picture.
“(Upper Dublin) coach (Bret) Stover has his program to the point where we wantto go,” added Cappa. “Both teams are winning this year, and that is exciting for Wissahickon football. It is great for the student bodies for both schools to play an important football game – this is what you play football for.
“We have to continue to believe that we are a good football team,” continued Cappa. “Upper Dublin is an explosive football team. Andrew Derr is a great quarterback, but he has a very good supporting cast. We’re excited to play the game.”
It is hard to believe that Neshaminy may actually be on the outside looking in at the PIAA District One Playoffs. The Redskins (5-3, 2-3) would almost have to win out against both William Tennent (3-5, 2-3) and Pennsbury (6-2, 4-1) if the Skins want any shot to earn a post-season berth.
The last three seasons (2008-2009-2010) Neshaminy was an impressive 18-3 in the SOL National Conference, and a staggering 32-7 overall. And the Skins made three treks to the District One post season.
Stay tuned.
This Was ‘The Week That Was’ in the Suburban One League
SOL National Conference
Abington (8-0, 5-0) took care of business in preparation for its conference showdown with Council Rock South (7-1, 4-1) on Fridayas the Ghosts rolled to a 46-13 victory over Bensalem (2-6, 0-5). Senior quarterback Ken Cropper led the offensive attack with a pair of rushing touchdowns and a pair of touchdown passes. Cropper threw a 70-yard TD strike to Josh Lee and also fired a 6-yard TD pass to Gage Gormley. Ray Schriener led the Ghosts in rushing and also scored on a couple of touchdown bursts.|
Council Rock South (7-1, 4-1) also took care of business in preparation for its conference showdown with Abington (8-0, 5-0) on Friday as the Golden Hawks soared to a 35-14 victory over William Tennent (3-5, 2-3). Senior quarterback Brian Donnelly rushed for three short TD runs, while Anthony Alimenti scored on a 54-yard touchdown run. The Hawk defense also scored a touchdown as Christian Crane reached pay dirt on a 44-yard interception return.
Next: Council Rock South Golden Hawks @ Abington Galloping Ghosts – Friday 6 pm
Last Year: Abington 45 – Council Rock South 35
Prediction: Abington 21 – Council Rock South 17
Neshaminy (5-3, 2-3) snapped a rare two-game conference losing streak as the Redskins throttled winless Harry S Truman (0-8, 0-5) – 31-0. The Skins scored a pair of offensive touchdowns as Sean Ulmer and Denny Lord scored on TD blasts. Neshaminy also scored a defensive touchdown on a 5-yard fumble return for a score and tallied a special teams touchdown when Cole Creighton scored on a 64-yard punt return. Ulmer led all rushers with 155 yards on 17 carries.
William Tennent (3-5, 2-3) could not put together much of an offense as the Panthers were caged by Council Rock South (7-1, 4-1) – 35-14. Tennent could muster just 87 yards of total offense against the Hawks. The Panthers received a pair of long distance fumble returns for touchdowns – both by Pat Lydon. The first came from 65 yards and the second came from 58 yards.
Next: Neshaminy Redskins @ William Tennent Panthers – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Neshaminy 40 – William Tennent 14
Prediction: Neshaminy 34 – William Tennent 13
Pennsbury (6-2, 4-1) remained in the conference title hunt as the Falcons rallied to defeat visitingCouncil Rock North (4-4, 3-2)- 19-8. The touchdown makers for Pennsbury were Adam Lewis (62-yard run), Bruce Campbell (one-yard run), and DaQuan Mack (two-yard run). Lewis rushed for a game high 114 yards while Mack added 70 stripes for the winners. The Falcon defense held Rock North to just 109 yards of total offense.
Harry S Truman (0-8, 0-5) remained winless this season as the Tigers were caged 31-0 by Neshaminy (5-3, 2-3). The Tigers have not won a football game since October 16, 2010, when HST defeated CR North – 27-8. Marvin Todd led the Tigers in rushing with 101 yards on 23 carries, and Bobby Hill led the defensive effort with an interception.
Next: Pennsbury Falcons @ Truman Tigers – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Pennsbury 34 – Truman 20
Prediction: Pennsbury 42 – Truman 14
Council Rock North (4-4, 3-2) struggled offensively in its 19-8 setback to host Pennsbury (6-2, 4-1). The Indians scored first on a one-yard run by quarterback Trevor Guzy and added a two-point conversion on a run by A.J. Nielsen. Rock North still led 8-6 by the close of the first half but could not score in the second half. The Indians managed just 109 yards of total offense against the Falcons.
Bensalem (2-6, 0-5) lost its sixth straight game as the Owls were clipped by unbeaten Abington (8-0, 5-0) 46-13. Kevin Hopkins completed ten passes for 106 yards. The scoring plays for Bensalem were a 20-yard run by CJ Lebesco and a three-yard burst by Gabe Nieves. The Owls were able to muster only 152 yards of total offense.
Next: Council Rock North Indians @ Bensalem Owls – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Council Rock North 38 – Bensalem 18
Prediction: Council Rock North 20 – Bensalem 14
SOL Continental Conference
Central Bucks South (5-3, 3-2) put a 50-spot on the scoreboard as the Titans defeated Hatboro-Horsham (3-5, 1-4) – 50-21 in a game played on the turf at War Memorial Field. Matt Johns – who rushed for a pair of scores for the winners – completed 11 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Veal snared a pair of scores (32 & 19 yards) and collected 115 yards receiving. Dan Brown – who caught a 57-yard touchdown pass – rushed for a game-high 185 yards and two scores.
Pennridge (5-3, 4-0) remained unbeaten in conference play as the Rams won their fifth straight game – 21-10 – over Central Bucks West (3-5, 1-4). Sophomore Mike Class was once again the workhorse for PHS with 268 yards rushing on 35 totes. Class also scored three touchdowns on runs of 17, three, and 73 yards. The Rams – who rushed for a 329-team yards - trailed 10-7 going into the final period but rallied for the win.
Next: Pennridge Rams @ Central Bucks South Titans – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Pennridge 24 – Central Bucks South 19
Prediction: Central Bucks South 28 – Pennridge 21
Quakertown (4-4, 1-3) continued to struggle in conference play as the Panthers were stunned by winless Central Bucks East – 35-28 – in overtime. Senior quarterback Zac Gravelle did most of his damage with his legs as he rushed for a game-high 180 yards on 20 carries. Gravelle scored on runs of 21, four, and four yards. Justin Wieder – who rushed for 77 yards – also scored for the Black Cats on a nine-yard run.
Central Bucks West (3-5, 1-4) continued to struggle in conference play as the Bucks were gunned down by Pennridge (5-3, 4-0) – 21-10. CB West led 3-0 at the half and led 10-7 going into the final period. Jake Poeske scored on a one-yard burst for the Bucks. Sophomore quarterback John Fitz completed 12 passes for 176 yards, and his favorite receiver was Seth Ehlo, who caught five balls for 80 yards.
Next: Quakertown Panthers @ Central Bucks West Bucks – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Central Bucks West 36 – Quakertown 19
Prediction: Quakertown 28 – Central Bucks West 24
Souderton (4-4, 3-2) scored first and last but gave up 37 points in between in a 37-14 loss to North Penn (6-2, 5-0). The Big Red scored on its first drive of the game when Joe McNamara scored on a three-yard run and on its last drive of the game when quarterback Tanner Allem fired a 22-yard scoring pass to Ry Yozallinas. Allem completed 13 passes for 136 yards.
Central Bucks East (1-7, 1-4) collected its first conference win as the Patriots won a 35-28 overtime contest against host Quakertown (4-4, 1-3). Brandon Sparks had a huge game for East with 174 yards rushing on 27 carries. Josh Bernard scored four times for the Patriots on runs of three, two, one and one yards. Chris Lavin scored the final East touchdown on a 20-yard run.
Next: Central Bucks East Patriots @ Souderton Big Red
Last Year: Souderton 21 – Central Bucks East 14
Prediction: Souderton 31 – CB East 21
North Penn (6-2, 4-0) won its 26th straight Continental Conference game as the Knights blasted Souderton (4-4, 3-2) – 37-14. Senior quarterback Corey Ernst had a wonderful outing with 226 passing yards and three touchdowns. Dan Gervitz. Ralphie Reeves, and Shayne Watson all had TD catches for the winners. Kyle Mayfield – who scored on an 82-yard touchdown burst – led all rushers with 132 yards.
Hatboro-Horsham (3-5, 1-4) closed to within 27-21 but the Hatters suffered a 50-21 setback to Central Bucks South (5-3, 3-2). Quarterback Aaron Channing completed eight passes for 121 yards and a pair of scores – one to Jimmy Murphy of four yards – and one to Tyler Crews for 19 yards. Casey Saverio scored a rushing touchdown for the Hatters on a one-yard run.
Next: Hatboro-Horsham Hatters @ North Penn Knights – Friday 7:30 pm
Last Year: North Penn 34 – Hatboro-Horsham 7
Prediction: North Penn 42 – Hatboro-Horsham 13
SOL American Conference
Upper Dublin (6-2, 4-1) prepped for its huge conference game against Wissahickon (6-2, 3-1) with a 47-15 beat down of Upper Moreland (0-8, 0-4). Andrew Derr – who rushed for three touchdowns for the Cardinals – completed eight passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Jino Park led the Upper Dublin rushing attack with 83 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.
Wissahickon (6-2, 3-1) prepped for its huge conference game against Upper Dublin (6-2, 4-1) with a 48-18 beat down of Upper Merion (0-7, 0-4). The Trojans scored all 48 points in the first half of the game. Anthony DeLegall scored on a pair of runs (66 & 36 yards) and also scored on a pass reception (30 yards) and on an interception return (30 yards). Ricky O’Donnell scored on runs of 55 and two yards.
Next: Wissahickon Trojans @ Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Upper Dublin 24 – Wissahickon 13
Prediction: Upper Dublin 28 – Wissahickon 27
Cheltenham (4-4, 1-3) struggled offensively in the first halfand could not come all the way back in a 14-7 loss to Norristown (5-3, 3-2). The Panthers cut the lead to 14-7 in the final period when quarterback Hyneef Dockery scored on a 24-yard run. Remy Walsh added the placement for CHS.
Upper Moreland (0-8, 0-4) is still in search of its first win of the season as the Golden Bears dropped a 47-15 verdict to Upper Dublin (6-2, 4-1). The touchdown makers for Upper Moreland were Dan Cummings – who caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Charlie Hooker – and Hooker – who scored on a one-yard run. Hooker completed 16 passes for 153 yards.
Next: Upper Moreland Golden Bears @ Cheltenham Panthers – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Cheltenham 21 – Upper Moreland 14
Prediction: Cheltenham 35 – Upper Moreland 21
Plymouth Whitemarsh (6-1, 4-0) is coming off a bye week. The Colonials – who rank second in District One in playoff points – have been led all season by running back Xavier Ellington and quarterback Russhon Phillips. Ellington has rushed for over 700 yard and has scored 12 touchdowns. Phillips has thrown for six touchdown passes and over 500 yards.
Upper Merion (0-7, 0-4) is still in search of its first win of the season as the Vikings were sunk by Wissahickon (6-2, 3-1) – 48-18. Carmen Fortino completed 12 passes for Upper Merion that included a pair of touchdown strikes to Connor McGrath – the first one for seven yards – and the second one for 15 yards. Hassan Gardner led the Viking rushing attack with 89 yards on 24 carries.
Next: Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials @ Upper Merion Vikings – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Plymouth Whitemarsh 41 – Upper Merion 12
Prediction: Plymouth Whitemarsh 49 – Upper Merion 13
Norristown (5-3, 3-2) moved to over .500 in the conference with a 14-7 victory over Cheltenham (4-4, 1-3). After a scoreless first half, the Eagles scored single touchdowns in both the third and fourth periods. Quarterback Shannon Mayer scored on a one-yard run, and Brandon Shippen scored what proved to be the winning touchdown in the fourth period on an 80-yard dash.
Wyomissing (8-0) is a Class AA school that is located southwest of Reading. The Spartans are a scoring machine averaging 44.8 points per game and allowing just 9.6 per contest. Last week, Wyomissing faced its toughest test of the season in a 14-7 victory over Blue Mountain. Included in the Spartan resume this season is a 70-7 win over Kutztown High School.
Next: Norristown Eagles @ Wyomissing Spartans – Saturday 1:30 pm
Last Year: Did Not Play
Prediction: Norristown 24 – Wyomissing 21
Suburban One Sports.com *** Top Ten***
1. Abington Galloping Ghosts (8-0, 5-0)
2. North Penn Knights (6-2, 5-0)
3. Council Rock South Golden Hawks (7-1, 4-1)
4. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (6-1, 4-0)
5. Pennsbury Falcons (6-2, 4-1)
6. Central Bucks South Titans (5-3, 3-2)
7. Neshaminy Redskins (5-3, 2-3)
8. Pennridge Rams (5-3, 4-0)
9. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (6-2, 4-1)
10. Wissahickon Trojans (6-2, 3-1)
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