This week’s notebook features the two Thanksgiving Day games featuring SOL schools and includes previews of both games.
By Scott Huff
And the beat goes on….
Thanksgiving traditionsare awfully precious.
Family gatherings with mouth-watering turkey and all the delicious trimmings; extravagant parades down Main Street; and just plain old giving thanks are still strong components to the fourth Thursday in November.
High school football used to be an enormous part of the Turkey Day celebration – but the times have changed. Many high schools in these parts have simply decided not to play on Thanksgiving.
The notable exceptions being a pair of classic scholastic rivalries – Quakertown & Pennridge, and Hatboro-Horsham & Upper Moreland.
The ‘culprit’ of the reduction of Turkey Day gridiron contests is the PIAA District One playoffs. And those playoffs could have jeopardized both the Quakertown/Pennridge game – as well as the Hatboro-Horsham/Upper Moreland game this season.
Pennridge had reached the PIAA 6A semifinals, but the Green & White lost to Garnet Valley last Friday to end speculation of whether or not the Rams would play Quakertown on Thanksgiving.
Upper Moreland had reached the PIAA 5A quarterfinals, but the Purple & Gold lost to Marple Newtown two weeks ago to end the speculation of whether or not the Bears would play Hatboro-Horsham on Thanksgiving.
The irony of this 2017 season is that both Quakertown & Pennridge, and Hatboro-Horsham & Upper Moreland have already played each other this season.
Pennridge opened the PIAA 6A District One playoffs with a 24-0 victory over Quakertown, while Upper Moreland eked out a thrilling 41-40 victory over Hatboro-Horsham in a regular season SOL American Conference game.
But those games will not have all the wonderful trappings that only a Thanksgiving morning affair can provide to those four teams and their communities.
And that is indeed a Thanksgiving traditionto be cherished.
Quakertown Panthers (7-3) @ Pennridge Rams (10-3)
Thanksgiving Morning – 10:15 A.M.
Pennridge lead series 54-28-5
Last Thanksgiving:
Pennridge scored early and often in a 55-27 victory over Quakertown.
Season Resume:
Quakertown:
Quakertown finished the season as the second place finisher in the Suburban One League American Conference behind champion Upper Moreland.
The Panthers were eliminated in the first round of the PIAA 6A District One playoffs in a 24-0 loss to Pennridge.
Pennridge:
Pennridge finished the season as the second place finisher in the Suburban One League Continental Conference behind champion North Penn.
The Rams were eliminated in the semifinals of the PIAA 6A District One playoffs in a 28-20 loss to Garnet Valley. Pennridge had defeated Quakertown (24-0) and Perkiomen Valley (25-0) to earn its spot in the semifinals.
Signature Wins:
Quakertown:
Quakertown collected signature wins this year over Hatboro-Horsham (26-20)), Upper Dublin (34-28 in OT), Central Bucks East (15-12), and Souderton (16-13).
Pennridge:
Pennridge collected signature wins over Perkiomen Valley (29-0 & 25-0), Central Bucks South (21-7), Central Bucks West (26-6), and Quakertown (24-0).
Losses:
Quakertown:
Quakertown lost games this season to Central Bucks West (20-0), Upper Moreland (35-14), and Pennridge (24-0).
Pennridge:
Pennridge lost games this season to Neshaminy (23-14), North Penn (45-35), and Garnet Valley (28-20).
Stat Track:
Quakertown:
Offensive Points Per Game – 21.9 * Defensive Points Allowed Per Game – 19.4 * Plus/Minus +2.5.
Pennridge:
Offensive Points Per Game – 28.2 * Defensive Points Allowed Per Game – 14.2 * Plus/Minus +14.0.
Players To Watch:
Quakertown:
Brad Bryan, Christian Patrick, & Tim Shevlin.
Pennridge:
Zak Kantor, Ryan Garner, & Joe Devine.
Quakertown Head Coach George Banas says:Suburban One Sports: What did you do during the layoff?
George Banas: “We had some fun, gave them some days off, players coached in the annual powder puff games and I officiated them.”
SOLSports: Does your game plan change – or is it a matter of execution?
“It's mainly execution with some wrinkles added in for the game.”
SOLSports: What does playing on Thanksgiving mean to the players and the community – and you as a Q-town alum?
“I think it means a lot for everyone involved. The community comes together and talks about old times and sees old friends. The players have an opportunity to go out as winners and leave their mark on the program.
“For me, it’s stressful at times knowing how much this game means to everyone involved, but during the game and afterwards, there is no place I'd rather be than coaching Quakertown on Thanksgiving!
SOLSports: What impresses you about Pennridge?
“They are extremely big and physical.”
SOLSports: What is a key to winning the game?
“Momentum, 100 percent momentum.”
Pennridge Head Coach Jeff Hollenbach says:
“Thanksgiving rivalries are becoming a rare thing in Pennsylvania. I am thrilled that the rivalry continues and is alive and well in our neighboring communities.
“Players from both teams are always ready to play this game regardless of season record or, in this case, having played a few weeks ago.
“I am excited about the way we have played all season. My players truly have each other's backs through 13 games now, and I believe that will happen again on Thursday.
“It has been an honor for me to coach many players over many years, and for that privilege, I am deeply grateful and humble. These young men, while not perfect, have worked hard, have shown tremendous respect for other players and coaches, and have played with a purpose on the field.
“My hope for all of them is that they find a purpose in life also, a purpose that is bigger than themselves, and one that will help them become good husbands and fathers, and positive contributors in the community.
“The game of football is an excellent place to learn perseverance, dealing with adversity, and teamwork (among other important qualities).
“I hope at least some of my players have walked away from Pennridge football with positive memories, and are better young men for the experience.”
Hatboro-Horsham Hatters (5-4) @ Upper Moreland Bears (10-1)
Thanksgiving Morning – 10 A.M.
Hatboro-Horsham leads series 52-27-5
Last Thanksgiving:
Hatboro-Horsham dominated the scoreboard with a 33-6 victory over visiting Upper Moreland.
Season Resume:
Hatboro-Horsham:
Hatboro-Horsham finished the season in fourth place in the Suburban One League American Conference.
Although the Hatters had a winning record they did not receive a berth in the postseason.
Upper Moreland:
Upper Moreland finished the season as the champion of the Suburban One League American Conference.
The Golden Bears collected a 57-30 victory over Sun Valley in the first round of the PIAA 5A District One playoffs. Upper Moreland lost 24-18 to Marple Newtown in the district quarterfinals.
Signature Wins:
Hatboro-Horsham:
Hatboro-Horsham collected signature wins over Central Bucks East (21-17), Souderton (28-3), and Cheltenham (45-20).
Upper Moreland:
Upper Moreland collected signature wins over Hatboro-Horsham (41-40), Quakertown (35-14), Upper Dublin (21-20), and Sun Valley (57-30).
Losses:
Hatboro-Horsham:
Hatboro-Horsham lost games to Central Bucks West (21-13), Upper Moreland (41-40), Quakertown (26-20), and Upper Dublin (14-7).
Upper Moreland:
Upper Moreland lost its only game of the season to Marple Newtown (24-18).
Stat Track:
Hatboro-Horsham:
Offensive Points Scored Per Game – 27.1 * Defensive Points Allowed Per Game – 20.2 * Plus/Minus +6.9
Upper Moreland:
Offensive Points Scored Per Game – 37.3 * Defensive Points Allowed Per Game – 19.2 * Plus/Minus +18.1
Players To Watch:
Hatboro-Horsham:
Chris Edwards, Josh Smith, & Calvin Broaddus Jr.
Upper Moreland:
Sterlen Barr, Caleb Mead, & Brendan Olexa.
Hatboro-Horsham Head Coach Michael Kapusta says:
“During the layoff after Cheltenham we took a small break, got back into lifting, practicing (and) then rolled into a fulltime practice schedule.
“The whole time we planned on playing a game, in order to make sure we would be prepared in the event that we would be playing. As a coaching staff, we tried to make sure the team believed they would play, therefore we would be focused and mentally prepared.
“Our team is very excited to play their cross-town rival on Thanksgiving and have a chance to avenge the week four defeat.
“Our seniors get one more opportunity to play Hatters football and the tradition is still a big one for our school, alumni and community.
“I think that both teams are improved from week four, so it will be a different game. Week four showed that we are pretty evenly matched, so it will be extremely competitive.
“Both sides want to win badly, it should shape up to be a crowd pleaser.
“Upper Moreland is a well-coached football team. They have major league speed, which always plays a factor, but their supporting cast often is the difference makers in winning close games. The key to winning is tackling.”
Upper Moreland Head Coach Adam Beach says:
“I’m not sure what to expect from this game. Hatboro will have been off for a month and we have had two playoff games.
“I think the game is important to our players because they did not want their last game on our field to end the way it did.
“Hatboro is strong and physical their offensive line gets off the ball and their RB (Josh Smith) runs tough. Their quarterback (Chris Edwards) is a dual threat to run or throw and has quality receiver (Calvin Broaddus) as well.
“Defensively they are showing some different looks so we will have to ready to handle anything they throw at us.
“The key is to go out and play our brand of football. We must be fundamentally sound and let our seniors lead us in all phases of the game.”
Exit Door
No. 7 Pennridge was shown the PIAA 6A District One playoff exit door in a 28-20 loss to No. 3 Garnet Valley. The Rams led 14-7 at halftime but could not contain the Jaguar triple option attack in the second half.
No. 8 Pennsbury was shown the PIAA 6A District One playoff exit door in a 42-2 loss to No. 4 Coatesville. In an unexpected ‘mercy-rule’ contest, the Red Raiders led 28-0 at halftime.
No. 5 Upper Dublin was shown the PIAA 5A District One playoff exit door in a 17-6 loss to No. 1 Springfield (Delco). The Flying Cardinals trailed 17-0 and averted a shutout with a fourth quarter touchdown.
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