By Scott Huff, Suburban One Sports Senior Writer
The game of football is a never-ending maze of numbers. And those numbers don’t lie.The numbers say that the Suburban One American Conference’s Cheltenham Panthers (7-1, 3-1) are tied at the top of the top of the conference standings with Upper Moreland (7-1, 3-1).
And those two teams will meet this Friday at 7 pm as the Golden Bears will host Cheltenham.
The Panthers were not on anyone’s championship radar at the outset of the season as competing for a conference crown. Except, maybe, for veteran Cheltenham head coach – Joe Gro.
“I knew that we had the talent to do some things, but we had to play the game the right way,” said Gro. “We have gotten to the point of the season where we are blessed to have the opportunity to play for a championship.
“We had a share of the title in 2003, but we haven’t won a championship in over 20 years,” added Gro. “Now we have our chance, and I think we are going to have to beat the best team in the league when we play Upper Moreland.”
One of the reasons for the Panthers’ success this season has been the marvelous play of running back Aquil Reed.
“Aquil is a real heady football player,” said Gro. “He has natural instincts on the field and a sense of when to take the play inside or outside.
“He seems to make the most out of every play,” added Gro. “And so have a lot of the players on this team.”
The only blemish on the Panthers’ record has been a heartbreaking 27-20 loss to Upper Dublin – in double overtime.
Cheltenham blitzed through its non-league schedule with wins over Truman (26-8), Bishop McDevitt (27-13), Quakertown (25-12), and Chichester (47-8).
SOL American Conference victories include Upper Merion (43-6), Plymouth Whitemarsh (25-23), and last week over defending conference champion Norristown (28-21).
“We have flipped the script from seasons past,” said Gro. “This has been an awesome experience for the kids.”
The numbers say that the SOL Continental Conference’s Central Bucks South Titans are scoring points at an astounding 32.5 points per game.
And yet, CB South (3-5, 1-4) has notched only a trio of wins this season. The Titan defense – which ironically has a shutout against Council Rock North – has allowed an average of 37.9 points per game.
“Really, it isn’t good for the nerves,” said Central Bucks South head coach Dave Rackovan. “Right now, we are in the position of trying to outscore people every game.
“We have a lot of young kids on defense, and we’re having our problems holding teams down,” added Rackovan. “If you want to win football games in this league, you have to play good defense. You have to be ready to play each and every game.”
Titan senior quarterback Matt Johns has been nothing short of spectacular each and every game that South has played. And the best is still in the future for the lanky Johns.
“Matt has gotten a better feel for the offense as the season has gone along,” said Rackovan. “And his best games are still ahead of him.”
Rackovan was the offensive coordinator for Princeton University last season.
“I really didn’t know what to expect this year,” said Rackovan. “I have had a lot of fun with the offense – and a lot of challenges with the defenses.”
And the numbers tell that story.
The numbers say that the SOL National Conference’s Abington Ghosts (6-2, 4-1) are two wins away from an improbable conference championship.
“The players realize that we have gotten ourselves in a position to win a championship,” said Abington head coach Tim Sorber as the Ghosts prep for a showdown with unbeaten Council Rock South (8-0, 5-0) this Friday. “It is a real credit to the kids who have embraced a new offensive system this year.
“We have improved so much on offense since the losses to CB East (13-7 in OT) and Neshaminy (28-10),” added Sorber. “And we have gotten great leadership all season.”
Sorber pointed out that a pair of seniors – Tim Salley and Mike Kalinoski – might not have gotten the media recognition, but have had terrific seasons.
“Both Tim and Mike have earned the respect and admiration of the coaching staff this year,” said Sorber. “They play positions where you have to have some personal pride.
“Tim is a decent running back, but with the change in our offense he has become a blocking back on the edge to open things up for Julien (Ireland),” added Sorber. “Tim is the reason why our outside running game has been successful this season.
“And we didn’t know what we could get out of Mike,” continued Sorber of his 6-foot, 3-inch – 337 pound defensive tackle. “But he has far exceeded what the coaching staff had projected.”
The projections for the Ghosts as a team were not all that high this 2010 season. Graduation at the skill positions had hurt Abington big time.
“We are trying hard to build a program here at Abington,” said Sorber. “We had a nice core of players coming back, but we also have a number of first-year starters doing well.”
And those numbers have produced the most coveted number– wins.
SOL American Conference
Upper Moreland (7-1, 3-1) won a huge conference game last week as the Golden Bears hung on for a 14-13 win over Upper Dublin (6-2, 4-1). The lone conference loss for UM was a 27-7 loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Upper Moreland continued to punish teams on the ground as Greg Adamson (21 carries for 125 yards) and Jordan Spencer (19 carries for 85 yards) controlled the clock. The difference in the game was the two extra points booted by Dan Cripps.
Cheltenham (7-1, 3-1) also won a huge conference game last week as the Panthers rallied for a 28-21 victory over Norristown (3-5, 2-3).
Cheltenham fell behind 14-0 in the first half but scored 28 unanswered points to secure the win. Aquil Reed scored on a 29-yard pass from Kenneth Cropper and also scored on a one-yard run. Dan Rouse returned a punt 80 yards for a score, and Cropper threw a TD pass to Jon Tsatori.
Next: Cheltenham (7-1, 3-1) @ Upper Moreland (7-1, 3-1)
Last Year: Upper Moreland 28 – Cheltenham 22
Prediction: Upper Moreland 21 – Cheltenham 20
Upper Dublin (6-2, 4-1) lost its unbeaten conference record in its 14-13 loss to Upper Moreland (7-1, 3-1). The Flying Cardinals, though, can secure a share of a title this week with a win.
Andrew Derr completed 12 passes for 165 yards in the loss to Upper Moreland. Ken Piccari caught five passes for 57 yards and a score. Rich Orth also scored on a TD pass from Derr.
Wissahickon (1-7, 1-3) won its first game of the season with a 34-23 victory over winless Upper Merion (0-8, 0-4).
Anthony Delegall rushed for a game-high 170 yards and three touchdowns for the Trojans. He also scored a fourth TD on a pass from J.T. Crits. Crits also scored on a 10-yard run.
Next: Upper Dublin (7-1, 4-1) @ Wissahickon (1-7, 1-3)
Last Year: Wissahickon 35 – Upper Dublin 34
Prediction: Upper Dublin 42 – Wissahickon 14
Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-5, 2-2) took a trip outside the SOL and was hammered by Delaware power Salesianum (7-1) – 41-15.
The Colonials led 6-0 early in the game on a touchdown pass from Russhon Phillips to Kenny Williams. Phillips finished the game with seven completions for 160 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Upper Merion (0-8, 0-4) remained winless for the season in a 34-23 loss to previously winless Wissahickon (1-7, 1-3).
Naim Cheeseboro rushed for an even 100 yards and scored on a 10-yard TD run. Dan Yarnell threw a touchdown pass to Brandon Henderson, while Carmen Fortino threw a TD aerial to Jaquan Mitchell.
Next: Upper Merion (0-8, 0-4) @ Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-5, 2-2)
Last Year: Plymouth Whitemash 20 – Upper Merion 18
Prediction: Plymouth Whitemarsh 42 – Upper Merion 7
Norristown (3-5, 2-3) lost another close game as the Eagles were defeated by host Cheltenham (7-1, 3-1) – 28-21.
Norristown took a 14-0 lead in the first half on touchdowns by Shannon Mayer and Brandon Shippen. The final Eagle score came when Mayer threw a 19-yard TD pass to Anthony DiNolfi.
Next: Norristown has a bye
SOL Continental Conference
North Penn (7-1, 5-0) remained unbeaten in the conference with a resounding 40-22 victory over host Souderton (5-3, 4-1).
Dominic Taggart stepped out of a phone booth somewhere and scored five touchdowns for the Knights. Taggart scored on three runs and on a pair of TD passes from Corey Ernst.
Hatboro-Horsham (2-6, 0-5) remained winless in the conference as the Hatters were beaten by Central Bucks South (3-5, 1-4) – 51-33.
Nick Dovidio rushed for an even 100 yards on 18 carries and scored a pair of rushing touchdowns. Matt Hollenbeck and Travis Young also scored touchdowns for the Hatters.
Next: North Penn (7-1, 5-0) @ Hatboro-Horsham (2-6, 0-5)
Last Year: North Penn 35 – Hatboro-Horsham 0
Prediction: North Penn 49 – Hatboro-Horsham 7
Central Bucks West (6-2, 3-2) kept its District One playoffs hopes alive with a 13-3 victory over visiting Pennridge (4-4, 1-3).
Rashaad Williams led the Bucks’ rushing attack with 160 yards on 23 carries. He also scored on a 24-yard run. Jake Poeske scored the other touchdown for West on a 23-yard run.
Quakertown (3-5, 2-2) stumbled hard in its loss to Central Bucks East (4-4, 3-2) – 40-6. The game was the first for East head coach John Donnelly against the team he coached last season.
Zac Gravelle did not play in the first half for the Panthers. The lone score for Q-town came in the second half on a pass from Gravelle to Nick Barndt.
Next: Central Bucks West (6-2, 3-2) @ Quakertown (3-5, 2-2)
Last Year: Quakertown 28 – CB West 18
Prediction: CB West 27 – Quakertown 21
Souderton (5-3, 4-1) lost its first conference game of the season in a 40-22 loss to North Penn (7-1, 5-0).
The Indians led 16-0 in the first half but failed to hold the lead. Clint Passerella scored on a 53-yard fumble return for the Big Red, while Tyler Scholl scored on a 15-yard TD run. Jeff Wolf kicked a 23-yard field goal.
Central Bucks East (4-4, 3-2) looked very impressive in its 40-6 win over Quakertown (3-5, 2-2).
Josh Bernard stole the offensive spotlight for the Patriots. Bernard threw a 30-yard TD pass to Eric Brink – fired a 36-yard TD pass to Brandon Sparks – and scored on a 50-yard run from scrimmage.
Next: Souderton (5-3, 4-1) @ Central Bucks East (4-4, 3-2)
Last Year: Souderton 35 – CB East 7
Prediction: Souderton 21 – CB East 20
Central Bucks South (3-5, 1-4) won its first conference game of the season with a 51-33 win over Hatboro-Horsham (2-6, 0-5).
Josh Williams was outstanding with three touchdowns. Williams scored on a 90-yard kickoff return – scored on an 18-yard run – and scored on a 35-yard pass from Matt Johns. Johns – who rushed for a score – passed for 205 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Pennridge (4-4, 1-3) failed to score a touchdown in its 13-3 loss to Central Bucks West (6-2, 3-2).
The lone score for the Rams came on a 27-yard field goal by Dan Caya. Fullback Brandon Cope rushed for a team-high 95 yards.
Next: Central Bucks South (3-5, 1-4) @ Pennridge (4-4, 1-3)
Last Year: Central Bucks South 42 – Pennridge 31
Prediction: Central Bucks South 35 – Pennridge 24
SOL National Conference
Council Rock South (8-0, 5-0) remained unbeaten on the season with a 43-0 shutout of William Tennent (4-4, 2-3).
Mark Damirgian – who rushed for a game-high 115 yards - scored three touchdowns for the Golden Hawks on runs of 63, 12, and 12 yards. Billy Fleming threw a 20-yard TD pass to PJ Gallo.
Abington (6-2, 4-1) prepped for its showdown this week with CR South with a 41-6 rout of Benalem (2-6, 2-3).
Julien Ireland raced for five scores for the Ghosts and rushed for a game-high 165 yards. Abington generated 400 total yards of offense in the ‘mercy-rule’ victory.
Next: Abington (6-2, 4-1) @ Council Rock South (8-0, 5-0).
Last Year: CR South 41 – Abington 38
Prediction: Council Rock South 21 – Abington 17
Pennsbury (4-4, 2-3) evened its season record with a 29-7 victory over Council Rock North (0-8, 0-5).
Daquan Mack scored a pair of touchdowns for the Falcons. Zach Ganie and Brandon Pepper also found the end zone for Pennsbury.
Truman (2-6, 1-4) tied the score early in its game with Neshaminy (7-1, 4-1) but lost to the Skins – 35-19.
Derron Thompson scored on a five-yard run for the Tigers and also threw a TD pass to Lionel Chapman. Larry Winton also scored for Truman in the fourth period.
Next: Truman (2-6, 1-4) @ Pennsbury (4-4, 2-3)
Last Year: Pennsbury 41 – Truman 0
Prediction: Pennsbury 35 – Truman 20
Neshaminy (7-1, 4-1) took care of business with a 35-19 victory over Truman (2-6, 1-4).
Sean Ulmer scored three touchdowns for the Redskins, while Anthony Woodroffe added a pair of scores for the winners. Woodroffe raced for a game-high 185 yards, while Ulmer added 110 yards for the Skins.
William Tennent (4-4, 2-3) took one on the chin as the Panthers were knocked out by unbeaten Council Rock South (8-0, 5-0) – 43-0.
The Panthers were limited to just 150 yards of total offense and never really threatened to score any points.
Next: William Tennent (4-4, 2-3) @ Neshaminy (7-1, 4-1)
Last Year: Neshaminy 35 – William Tennent 7
Prediction: Neshaminy 42 – William Tennent 13
Bensalem (2-6, 2-3) ran into a buzz saw last week as the Owls were clipped by Abington (6-2, 4-1) – 41-6.
Quarterback Anthony Prisco – who scored on a one-yard run – completed 12 passes for 165 yards. Davonte Newkirk caught nine passes for the Owls.
Council Rock North (0-8, 0-5) remained winless for the season as the Indians were humbled by Pennsbury (4-4, 2-3) – 29-7.
Brandon Cottom scored the lone touchdown for North on a one-yard run. The Indians could manage just 40 yards of total offense.
Next: Bensalem (2-6, 2-3) @ Council Rock North (0-8, 0-5)
Last Year: CR North 25 – Bensalem 14
Prediction: Bensalem 27 – CR North 13
Suburban One Sports.com Top Ten
1. Council Rock South Golden Hawks (8-0)
2. North Penn Knights (7-1)
3. Neshaminy Redskins (7-1)
4. Abington Ghosts (6-2)
5. Souderton Indians (5-3)
6. Upper Moreland Golden Bears (7-1)
7. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (6-2)
8. Cheltenham Panthers (7-1)
9. Central Bucks West Bucks (6-2)
10. Central Bucks East Patriots (4-4)
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