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TEAM GROWTH
The week between game one and game two might well be the most important week of the year. In terms of growth, teams generally see more growth between weeks one and two than perhaps the entire preseason combined.
The teams have one game under their belt. They have played four quarters of football when it counts. By this point, coaches have had an opportunity to evaluate their players and schemes. What do they do well? What does the team continue to struggle with? Do we have any surprises? What kind of leadership do we have? For football coaches, it is an ongoing evaluation process right up to the end of the year. Successful coaches never stop evaluating and are not afraid to make changes that will improve their team. No matter what time of year.
No doubt the morning after opening night in football offices all around the Suburban One League you would be able to the following comments:
"We have to figure out a way to get him on the field."
“We need to work on tackling"
“We need to find someone else to play corner.”
“We cannot let offenses force us to play with one linebacker in the middle.”
“We need to work on pursuit.”
“We found our running back.”
“We’ll see what kind of resiliency we have.”
“I heard apple cider and vinegar stops cramps.”
“We can be a great three-step team.”
“Our double-threat quarterback will give defensive coordinators around the league nightmares.”
“Let's focus on the positives and work to improve the negatives.”
“We need to get the ball in his hands more.”
So with that being said, what teams look as if they truly have improved from week one to week two?
1) Souderton played a dominating first half in its win over Perk Valley. Using their stable of running backs - Javon White, Tyler Scholl, and Joe McNamara, they put on a wing-t clinic. Additionally, I was impressed with their O-line led by senior guard Mike Dimmig. Keep the name Rick Young on your radar. Young is a 6-2, 275 lb sophomore who is already dominating opponents.
Souderton has a high risk, high reward approach on defense. Defensively, I was impressed with their linebackers Colby Johnson, Zakk Hecht, Tyler Scholl, and Jarrett Reinard. This active unit stops the run well, covers well, and has excellent timing on their blitzes.
2) North Penn took a businesslike approach to Saturday night's game against Lansdale Catholic. Kyle Mayfield continues to impress, and the offense line looks like it is starting to gel.
3) Hats off the Kevin Kelly and the Bensalem Owls. All reports indicate that the Owls won in all three phases of the game against Pennridge. This program will improve every week as coach Kelly, and the staff continue to put their stamp on the program. Bensalem runs an offense that takes some time to learn how to run well. They have some very speedy and talented skilled position players led by senior quarterback Kevin Hopkins and junior running back CJ Lebesko. Remember big plays can be the great equalizer. Moving foward teams better be ready for the Owls.
4) Kudos to Pennsbury for rebounding from a tough opening night loss to Easton. Harrisburg is no pushover, and it is even more difficult to win a road game that is more than two hours away. The team’s response is a real positive sign coming out of Fairless Hills.
5) Norristown looked impressive in their victory over CB East. Explosive back Brandon Shippen rushed for 209 yards. Great job by Norristown to keep their focus despite having their Friday night home game moved to Saturday morning in Doylestown They have a big game this week against CB South.
There are some very interesting games in week three:
1. Abington at Souderton
I have had the chance to see both of these teams live. Although they run different systems, they are very similar in terms of level of play. They each have players with big play capabilities. I cannot stress enough how much of a dangerous weapon Abington has with quarterback Ken Cropper. He can beat you with his arm and his legs. Souderton has a three headed - actually a four-headed monster - with their three backs and quarterback Tanner Allem.
Defensively, both teams have two very solid defenses that must prevent the big play. The team that best prevents the big play wins the game.
2. Norristown at CB South
Both teams are coming off of decisive victories. CB South is in an eerily similar place at this point of the season compared to last season. Like last season, CB South struggled against CR South and played well against Council Rock North on both sides of the ball. Regarding CB South, the big question in people's minds is has the defense improved? This game may go a long way in answering that question. Last year Norristown scored over 40 points against the Titans. If Norristown has similar success on Friday, then one may seriously doubt if the defensive questions at CB South have been answered. If the Titans led by quarterback Matt Johns can stop an explosive Norristown offense, it can go long way for their confidence and may show the league that the Titans may be a playoff team.
3. CB West at Wissahickon
This game may not be picked up on too many radars, but this week three matchup has a direct and indirect importance for both the Trojans and the Bucks. Both teams are in position to finish their non league schedules with very good records. Additionally, looking forward, both teams will be very competitive in their leagues which will provide the victor of this week’s contest potentially important points later down the road. First year head coach Jeff Cappa has his Trojans playing hard, and they will be winning football games this year. On the other side, the Bucks - led by seniors Seth Ehlo, Anthony Ponente, and Jake Poeske - are looking to 3-0 for the second year in a row.
4. North Penn vs St Joe’s Prep
I don't think this game has playoff implications, but I do believe that this game will provide coach Dick Beck and the Knights an answer to a big question.
Has the secondary improved? Coming off a tough week one contest against La Salle, the North Penn secondary received a bit of a break in week two against Lansdale Catholic which runs the flexbone offense. LC only threw the ball 11 times. The verdict is still out on the North Penn secondary. We’ll find out on Saturday when North Penn faces Prep quarterback and Division 1 recruit SkylerMornhinweg
There is some excellent potential in this group and it just a matter of time before things come together for the back end of North Penn’s defense. I think that Sophomore Kris Akins has tremendous potential and we are already starting to see glimpses.
Finally, I would like to urge all readers to get out there and support these local high school teams. We have some tremendous teams and player in our area. Take your family, go with your friend, or just stop in by yourself.
And, of course, as always if you have any questions, need additional information, or would like to suggest a future topic please email me at christopherjfelton@gmail.com