This week’s notebook includes a comprehensive preview of Friday’s National & American title showdowns and includes the SOL stat leaders.
By Scott Huff
And the beat goes on…
Tick, tick, tick…
The clock is slowly running down for the teams in the Suburban One League with the regular season coming to an end this week.
And two of the three Suburban One League championships will come down to a dramatic final week of the season.
North Penn (7-2, 6-0) is without question the outright champion in the SOL Continental Conference. The Knights polished off an unbeaten conference season with a 56-7 dismantling of William Tennent (0-9, 0-5) last week. No title to be decided in the SOL Continental this week.
Neshaminy (8-1, 5-0) and Pennsbury (8-1, 5-0) will decide the SOL National Conference championship. The long awaited battle of conference unbeaten teams will take place this week on Falcon Field with the winner the outright SOL National champion.
Upper Moreland (8-0, 5-0) and Upper Dublin (6-2, 5-0) will decide the SOL American Conference championship. A victory on the new home turf by Upper Moreland will present the Golden Bears with the outright SOL American championship.
An Upper Dublin win and a victory by Quakertown (6-2, 4-1) over Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-7, 1-4) would create a three-way knot at the top of the standings with the Golden Bears, Flying Cardinals, and Panthers all with identical 5-1 conference records.
The alarm for the regular SOL season will ring loud and clear before midnight on Friday night – and the winners will claim their dream of a conference championship.
SOL National Conference Championship Preview
Neshaminy (8-1, 5-0) @ Pennsbury (8-1, 5-0) – 7 pm
Coaches:
Neshaminy – Steve Wilmot (3rd year)
Coach Wilmont says:
“The Pennsbury-Neshaminy rivalry is a great night for neighboring communities. The rivalry has endured since the 1930’s and it tied with 39 wins each. With the SOL National & District #1 seed in the balance just adds to the mystique of the game. It should be a fun night for players and fans.
“Zach DeMarchis impresses with both his arm and his legs. He is the heart and soul of their team. What also impresses me is their offensive line. Obviously, to be successful we have to contain DeMarchis. On defense, they are quick of front and run to the ball well.
“Pennsbury is a senior-laden bunch who will be hungry to avenge last year’s (35-0) loss.”
Pennsbury – Dan McShane (2nd year)
Coach McShane says:
“It is what high school sports should be all about - my neighborhood against yours. Add the other “stuff” (SOL national title and District # 1 seed) and where else would you rather be on a Friday night in October.
“I love Neshaminy’s competitiveness. They play good, basic football in all phases of the game – offense, defense, and special teams. Getting the ball and keeping it is the key to winning the game.
“There is no revenge here. (Neshaminy beat Pennsbury 35-0 last year) Just the long tradition of wanting to win this one – no matter what happened last year or 50 years ago.”
Records:
Neshaminy has lost just a single game this year when the Redskins were upset in Week 3 by Downingtown West (4-5) – 36-34.
Signature wins for Neshaminy came against #8 Pennridge (23-14); # 14 Harry S Truman (56-7); # 9 Central Bucks South (21-14 in OT); and # 20 Bensalem (48-27).
Pennsbury has lost just a single game this year when the Falcons were defeated in Week 3 by # 4 North Penn (7-2) – 29-20.
Signature wins for Pennsbury came against # 5 (5A) Academy Park (27-20); # 15 Penn Wood (41-28); # 20 Bensalem (34-13); and # 14 Harry S Truman (47-32).
Stat Track [Per Game]
R/Yds P/Yds Points
Neshaminy (Off) 175.2 172.2 32.0
(Def) 135.3 98.0 14.9
Pennsbury (Off) 198.8 161.6 32.8
(Def) 206.0 89.4 20.4
Passing game comparison:
Neshaminy – Sophomore quarterback Brody McAndrew was been terrific all season for the Redskins. McAndrew has a QB rating of 152.6. He has completed 107 of 184 passes for 1550 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The receiving duo of Mike Garlick and Cory Joyce has been among the SOL leaders this year. Garlick has caught 35 passes for 599 yards (17.1 avg) and 6 touchdowns, while Joyce has caught 32 passes for 446 yards (13.9) and 5 touchdowns.
Pennsbury – Senior quarterback Zach DeMarchis is a dual threat as both a runner and passer. DeMarchis has a QB rating of 152.4. He has completed 99 of 172 passes for 1448 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The receiving duo of David Burke and Jason Cook has been outstanding this year. Burke has caught 22 passes for 505 yards (23.0) and 8 touchdowns, while Cook has 20 catches for 222 yards (11.1).
Running Back comparison:
Neshaminy – The Redskins feature Joe Stills in the running game, while Savion Hebron is the second leading rusher for NHS. Stills has rushed 79 times for 665 yards (8.4) and has scored 7 touchdowns, while Hebron has rushed 58 times for 338 yards (5.8) and 2 scores.
Pennsbury – The Falcons feature quarterback Zach DeMarchis as its leading ball carrier, while Nason Robbins is the second leading rusher for PHS. DeMarchis has rushed 118 yards for 1022 yards (8.7) and 15 touchdowns, while Robbins has rushed 73 times for 328 yards (4.5) and 5 scores.
SOL American Conference Championship Preview
Upper Dublin (6-2, 4-1) @ Upper Moreland (8-0, 5-0) – 7 pm
Coaches:
Upper Dublin – Bret Stover (13th season)
Coach Stover says:
“Upper Moreland is an extremely well coached football team.
“Upper Moreland has impressive team speed, not just with the two running backs (Sterlen Barr and Caleb Mead) who are exceptional. They have size up front to dominate you at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. They tackle well.
“To just have an opportunity for a SOL American title is quite an accomplishment considering we only returned three starters and lost three two-way starters to injury early in the year.
“The key to winning the game is to limit the big plays by their big play makers”
Upper Moreland – Adam Beach (12th season)
Coach Beach says:
“Upper Dublin is an extremely well coached football team.
“I like their running game – especially the one back (Malik Bootman). They run a very disruptive defense and their linebackers and safeties are very good tacklers.
“We need to execute on offense, tackle on defense, and have good team pursuit if we expect to win.”
Records:
Upper Dublin –lost two games this season. The Cardinals lost to Perkiomen Valley (7-1) by a 31-9 score, and also dropped a 34-28 overtime game against Quakertown (6-2).
The signature win for Upper Dublin came last week when the Cardinals edged Hatboro-Horsham 14-7.
Upper Moreland is unbeaten this season.
The signature wins for the Golden Bears came against Quakertown (35-14) and Hatboro-Horsham (41-40).
Passing Game Comparison
Upper Dublin - Senior Julian Gimbel is the quarterback for the Cardinals. Gimbel has a QB rating of 114.3. He has completed 49 of 101 passes for 666 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The top two receivers for Upper Dublin are Ryan Besachio and Selvin Haynes. Besachio has caught 14 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown, while Haynes has caught 7 passes for 94 yards.
Upper Moreland – Senior Brendan Olexa is the quarterback for the Golden Bears. Olexa has a staggering QB rating of 211.7. He has completed 43 of 63 passes for 683 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The top two receivers for Upper Moreland are Cole Kitchen and Brett Brossman. Kitchen has caught 19 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown, while Brossman has caught 8 passes for 174 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Running Game Comparison
Upper Dublin – the Flying Cardinals feature senior Malik Bootman. Bootman has rushed the ball 148 times for 1088 yards and a SOL-leading 17 touchdowns. The second leading rusher for UD is Gimbel with 33 carries for 236 yards and a score.
Upper Moreland – the Golden Bears showcase the most formidable duo in the SOL in senior Sterlen Barr and junior Caleb Mead. Barr has rushed 133 times for 1169 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Mead has rushed 100 times for 1027 yards and 13 touchdowns.
SOL Continental Conference Snapshot
Pennridge (7-2, 4-1) most likely secured a home game in the upcoming PIAA 6A District One Playoffs with a convincing 21-7 victory over Central Bucks South (6-3, 3-2). The Rams came up with five interceptions to spark the victory. Pennridge must win to earn that home playoff date and will close its season at home against dangerous Central Bucks East (4-5, 2-3).
SOL American Conference Snapshot
Cheltenham (2-7, 2-3) won for the second straight week in a row after losing the first seven games of the season. The Panthers escaped with a 23-20 victory overPlymouth Whitemarsh (1-8, 1-4) last week and close the season on the road against Hatboro-Horsham (4-4, 2-3).
SOL National Conference Snapshot
Bensalem (5-4) and Harry S Truman (6-3) may not be playing for a conference title, but the Owls and the Tigers may be playing for a district playoff berth this week. The Owls flew by CR North (1-8) by a 42-14 margin, while the Tigers routed Souderton (2-7) by a 33-7 score. The critical conference game will be played at Bensalem this Friday - and the winner may be in with the loser out.
Sneak Peek @ 6A SOL District One Rankings
16 Qualify for District One Playoffs
1. Neshaminy Redskins 8-1 165.556
3. Pennsbury Falcons 8-1 164.444
4. North Penn Knights 7-2 161.111
8. Pennridge Rams 7-2 155.556
9. Central Bucks West 6-3 140.000
Central Bucks South 6-3 140.000
Quakertown Panthers 6-2 140.000
14. Harry S Truman Tigers 6-3 127.778
On the bubble
20. Bensalem Owls 5-4 112.222
21. Hatboro-Horsham Hatters 4-4 111.250
Sneak Peek @ 5A SOL District One Rankings
16 Qualify for District One Playoffs
2. Upper Moreland Bears 8-0 176.250
4. Upper Dublin Cardinals 6-2 140.000
SOL ‘Fab Five’ Team Offensive Leaders
Points Scored Per Game
1. North Penn Knights 41.6
2. Upper Moreland Golden Bears 39.3
3. Pennsbury Falcons 32.8
4. Harry S Truman Tigers 32.7
5. Neshaminy Redskins 32.0
SOL ‘Fab Five’ Team Defensive Leaders
Points Allowed Per Game
1. Central Bucks South Titans 14.9
Neshaminy Redskins 14.9
3. Central Bucks West Bucks 15.2
4. Pennridge Rams 16.1
5. Upper Moreland Golden Bears 17.1
SOL ‘Fab Five’ Passing Leaders
QBR C/Att. TD/INT
1. Steve DePaul (NP) 177.1 84/147 18 / 4
2. Evan O’Donnell (CBE) 176.0 116/168 15 / 7
3. Max Perry (Spr) 165.5 66/132 16 / 5
4. Brody McAndrew (N) 152.6 107/184 15 / 3
5. Zach DeMarchis (PB) 152.4 99/172 15 / 4
SOL ‘Fab Five’ Receiving Leaders
Rec. Yds Avg TD
1. Justis Henley (NP) 38 698 18.4 8
2. Chris Lochetta (CBE) 37 616 16.6 7
3. Mike Garlick (N) 35 599 17.1 6
4. Andrew Vera (CRS) 32 607 19.0 7
5. Cory Joyce (N) 32 446 13.9 5
SOL ‘Fab Five’ Rushing Leaders
Att Yds Avg TD
1. Darryl Davis-McNeil (A) 156 1209 7.8 14
2. Sterlen Barr (UM) 133 1169 8.8 14
3. Malik Bootman (UD) 148 1088 7.4 17
4. Michael Welde (CRN) 197 1076 5.5 9
5. Caleb Mead (UM) 100 1027 10.3 13
SOL National Conference Schedule
# Game of the Week
Neshaminy Redskins (8-1, 5-0) @ Pennsbury Falcons (8-1, 5-0)
Last Year: Neshaminy 35 – Pennsbury 0
Last Week:
Neshaminy 28 – CR South 0
Pennsbury 42 – Abington 28
Council Rock South (3-6, 2-3) vs. Council Rock North (1-8, 0-5)
Last Year: CR South 35 – CR North 14
Last Week:
Neshaminy 28 – CR South 0
Bensalem 42 – CR North 14
Truman Tigers (6-3, 2-3) @ Bensalem Owls (5-4, 3-2)
Last Year: HST 44 – Bensalem 43
Last Week:
HST 33 – Souderton 7
Bensalem 42 - CR North 14
SOL American Conference Schedule
# Game of the Week
Upper Dublin (6-2, 4-1) @ Upper Moreland (8-0, 5-0)
Last Year: Upper Dublin 41 – Upper Moreland 21
Last Week:
Upper Dublin 14 – Hatboro-Horsham 7
Upper Moreland 46 – Wissahickon 26
Cheltenham Panthers (2-7, 2-3) @ Hatboro-Horsham (4-4, 2-3)
Last Week:
Cheltenham 23 – Plymouth Whitemarsh 20
Upper Dublin 14 – Hatboro-Horsham 7
Quakertown (6-2, 4-1) @ Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-7, 1-4)
Last Week:
Quakertown – Did Not Play
Cheltenham 23 – PW 20
SOL Continental Conference Schedule
# Game of the Week
Central Bucks East (4-5, 2-3) @ Pennridge Rams (7-2, 4-1)
Last Year: CB East 35 – Pennridge 0
Last Week:
Pennridge 21 – CB South 7
CB West 14 – CB East 13
Souderton (2-7, 1-5) @ CB West (6-3, 2-3)
Last Year: Souderton 33 – CB West 15
Last Week:
Truman 33 – Souderton 7
CB West 14 – CB East 13
William Tennent (0-9, 0-5) @ CB South (6-3, 3-2)
Last Year: Central Bucks South 45 – William Tennent 7
Last Week:
Pennridge 21 – CB South 7
North Penn 56 – William Tennent 7
SOL Non-Conference Schedule
# Game of the Week
Abington (4-5, 2-4) @ North Penn (7-2, 6-0)
Last Year: North Penn 45 – Abington 7
Last Week:
North Penn 56 – William Tennent 7
Pennsbury 42 – Abington 28
High School of the Future @ Wissahickon (2-7, 0-6)
Last Year: Did Not Play
Last Week:
Upper Moreland 46 – Wissahickon 26
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