By Scott Huff
There is an incredibly fine line drawn between the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. And in five Suburban One League high school games this week that line was drawn by enormous plays by the special teams.
One of those very special plays came when Pennsbury defeated Harrisburg 16-13 in the final 19 seconds on a 22-yard field goal by Mikhail Kniaziewicz.
“Dave Crocker works with our kickers, and he has done a great job,” said Pennsbury head coach Galen Snyder. “And Mile LaPalombara is our special teams coach, and he also does a great job.”
Council Rock South used an 86-yard kick off return by Vincent Alimenti for a touchdown to jump-start a Golden Hawks team after it fell behind 14-0 early in a 35-34 victory over Father Judge. The score proved to be the game-winning margin.
“That was the change in momentum of the whole game,” said Rock South captain Andrew Cohen. “That got us up and got the whole team rolling.”
Central Bucks South used a pair of spectacular kick returns by senior Dan Brown as the Titans defeated Council Rock North. Brown – who missed last season with an injury – scored on a 77-yard kickoff return and a 53-yard punt return.
“Dan is a great returner because he can cut at full speed,” said Central Bucks South head coach Dave Rackovan. “We put a lot of emphasis on special teams – we practice hard every single day.”
Bensalem got on the scoreboard first in its 28-14 win over Pennridge thanks to a breathtaking 90-yard punt return by senior Terrence Snetter. Snetter also scored on an eight-yard run later in the game.
“That touchdown really got us off to a good start – it gave us some confidence,” said Bensalem head coach Kevin Kelly. “To be able to put points on the board on special teams goes a long way to helping you win football games.”
Norristown used the accurate foot of senior Gerard Fox as the Eagles flew to a win over Central Bucks East. Fox blasted three field goals – 38, 27, and 22 yards – through the goal posts at War Memorial Field.
“It is great to be able to have a kicker be a weapon,” said Norristown head coach E.J. Smith. “We needed to get points after moving the ball deep, and Gerard can be counted on to make those kicks.”
All five of those SOL teams – Pennsbury, Council Rock South, Central Bucks South, Bensalem, and Norristown – scored crucial points on special teams.
And all five teams crossed the fine line and experienced the thrill of victory.
That Was The Week That Was
Suburban One League
Abington (2-0) remained unbeaten with an 18-7 non-conference victory over visiting Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-1). The Galloping Ghosts led 12-0 after the first period and used a solid defensive effort to secure the win. Rob Phillips sparked the “D’ with a 36-yard return of a fumble for a touchdown. Ken Cropper scored on a one-yard run, while Ray Schreiner sealed the deal with a three-yard TD run late in the game. Schreiner rushed for a team high 85 yards on 17 carries.
Souderton (1-1) rebounded from its 20-13 opening game loss to Neshaminy with a 34-13 non-conference victory over Perkiomen Valley (1-1). The Big Red jetted to a 28-0 halftime lead, but was outscored 13-0 in the third period by the Vikings. Tyler Scholl racked up 183 yards on 13 carries and scored on touchdown runs of 36 and 91 yards. Joe McNamara also scored for Souderton.
Next: Abington Ghosts @ Souderton Big Red – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: Abington 16 – Souderton 15
Prediction: Abington 20 – Souderton 17
Quakertown (2-0) remained unbeaten with a resounding 43-12 non-conference victory over Pocono Mountain East (1-1). The Panthers – who led the game 20-6 at the half – defeated Upper Perkiomen in their season opener. Senior Zac Gravelle once again racked up enormous offensive numbers as he rushed for 135 yards and a pair of scores and threw for another pair of touchdowns. Gravelle – who scored on a 66-yard burst – completed 11 of 13 passes.
Cheltenham (2-0) remained unbeaten with a resounding 34-14 non-conference victory over Bishop McDevitt. The Panthers – who led 28-0 after the first period – defeated Harry S Truman 35-0 in their season opener. Mark Thompson – who returned the opening kick off 85 yards for a touchdown – also scored on an 82-yard run. Ryan Phillips earned a defensive TD as he scooped up a fumble and rumbled for a 35-yard score.
Next: Cheltenham Panthers @ Quakertown Panthers – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: Cheltenham 25 – Quakertown 12
Prediction: Cheltenham 28 – Quakertown 21
Neshaminy (2-0) remained unbeaten with a 27-0 non-conference win over visiting Hatboro-Horsham (1-1). The Skins converted three fourth period fumbles into scores to secure the win. Sean Ulmer rushed for a game-high 162 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns for the winners. Jahmier Wilson also scored for Neshaminy on a 32-yard TD burst in the fourth period. The Skins led 6-0 after three periods on the talents of placekicker Nicholas Tucci, who booted a pair of 30-yard field goals.
Central Bucks East (0-2) remained winless after the Patriots were stunned by Norristown (2-0) – 36-7. The game was originally scheduled to be played at Upper Merion but was moved to the turf at War Memorial Field. The only score of the game came in the final period when Vince Careghini scored on a 47-yard pass from Josh Bernard. Bernard completed 13 passes for 90 yards.
Next: Neshaminy Redskins @ Central Bucks East Patriots – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: Neshaminy 30 – Central Bucks East 7
Prediction: Neshaminy 27 – Central Bucks East 10
Council Rock South (2-0) remained unbeaten with a thrilling 35-34 non-conference victory over host Father Judge (1-1). Brian Donnelly had an impressive outing as he rushed for a staggering 232 yards and scored three touchdowns for the Golden Hawks. Donnelly scored on runs of 79, 45, and four yards. Vincent Alimenti returned a kick off 86 yards for a touchdown. Ian McDermott also found the end zone on a 19-yard bolt.
Pennridge (0-2) remained winless after the Rams were gunned down by host Bensalem (2-0) – 28-14. Pennridge fell behind the Owls 28-0 but scored two fourth period touchdowns to make the score more respectable. Sophomore Mike Class moved to the head of the Ram class by gaining exactly 100 yards on 16 carries. Class also had 41 yards receiving and scored on a 6-yard TD pass from junior Alex Krivda.
Next: Council Rock South Golden Hawks @ Pennridge Rams – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: Council Rock South 31 – Pennridge 0
Prediction: Council Rock South 42 – Pennridge 13
Norristown (2-0) remained unbeaten with a huge 36-7 non-conference victory over host Central Bucks East (0-2). The Eagles had a pair of 100-plus rushers as tailback Brandon Shippen rushed for 176 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while quarterback Shannon Mayer rushed for 101 yards. Mayer also threw a 69-yard scoring strike to Derrick Jordan. Gerard Fox was perfect on all three of his field goal attempts. Linebacker Kyle McClure spearheaded the defense.
Central Bucks South (1-1) rebounded from it opening game loss to throttle Council Rock North (1-1) – 42-6. It was the Dan Brown Show for the Titans as the senior scored on a 20-yard run – a 53-yard punt return – and a 77-yard kickoff return. CB South led Rock North 42-0 after three quarters and notched the mercy rule win.
Next: Norristown Eagles @ Central Bucks South Titans – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: Central Bucks South 51 – Norristown 35
Prediction: Norristown 34 – Central Bucks South 31
Central Bucks West (2-0) remained unbeaten with a 28-6 victory over William Tennent (0-2). The Bucks had a wonderful performance from running back Sherrod Higginbotham, who rushed for 102 yards on 14 carries. Higgehbotham scored on touchdowns runs of one and two yards. Jake Poeske rushed for an additional 60 yards and a score. Cody Riemenschneider completed six passes for West for an even 100 yards.
Wissahickon (1-1) lost its home opener as the Trojans were defeated by Archbishop Ryan (1-1) – 20-6. Wissahickon opened the season with a 10-7 win over William Tennent. The lone score of the game for the Trojans came in the fourth period when quarterback JT Crits scored on a one yard run. Ricky O’Donnell set up with the touchdown with a 43-yard run.
Next: Central Bucks West Bucks @ Wissahickon Trojans – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: Central Bucks West 48 – Wissahickon 14
Prediction: Central Bucks West 28 – Wissahickon 13
Upper Dublin (1-1) earned its first win of the season as the Flying Cardinals defeated Germantown Academy 20-6 in a non-conference game. The Cards running attack featured Khalid Weems who rushed for a game-high 161 yards that included a 79-yard TD burst. Quarterback Andrew Derr threw a pair of touchdown passes – one to Chris Naughton for 36 yards – and the other to Jake Gibbons for 38 stripes.
Harry S Truman (0-2) remained winless as the Tigers were caged by Penn Charter – 33-0. The Tigers managed to rush for 150 yards and were led in rushing by Larry Winton with 56 yards on 11 carries.
Next: Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals @ Harry S Truman Tigers – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: Upper Dublin 44 – Truman 13
Prediction: Upper Dublin 38 – Truman 13
William Tennent (0-2) remained winless as the Panthers dropped a 28-6 loss to Central Bucks West (2-0). Tennent was held scoreless until the final play of the game when Alex Perks scored on a 16-yard run. William Tennent lost a tough 10-7 contest to Wissahickon in its season opener.
Upper Merion (0-2) remained winless as the Vikings lost a 35-7 contest to host Methacton (1-1). The lone Viking scoring play came in the fourth period when quarterback Jake Keszczyk fired a 30-yard touchdown pass to Will Tyler. Haasan Gardner rushed for a team-high 94 yards and 153 all-purpose yards for the Vikings.
Next: Upper Merion Vikings @ William Tennent Panthers – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: William Tennent 24 – Upper Merion 6
Prediction: William Tennent 13 – Upper Merion 7
North Penn (1-1) rebounded from its 44-27 opening season loss to La Salle to defeat cross-town rival Lansdale Catholic – 36-6. Junior Kyle Mayfield rushed for a game-high 97 yards and scored three touchdowns for the Knights. Senior quarterback Corey Ernst completed eight passes for an even 100 yards and threw touchdown passes to Kris Akins and Dan Gervitz.
St. Joseph Prep (2-0) flew to a 41-14 win over Gonzaga (Washington D.C.) and remained undefeated. Senior quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg – who has committed to Penn State University - passed for 207 yards in the win. The Hawks opened the season with a 49-7 home victory over St. Marguerite d’Youville – a team from Canada.
Next: North Penn Knights @ St. Joseph Prep Hawks - Saturday – 9/17/11
Last Year: North Penn 38 – St. Joseph Prep 7
Prediction: North Penn 24 – St. Joe Prep 20
Hatboro-Horsham (1-1) played extremely well for three periods before dropping a 27-0 contest to host Neshaminy (2-0). The Hatters trailed the unbeaten Redskins 6-0 after three periods, but three fourth period fumbles led to three Neshaminy touchdowns and a loss. The highlights for the Hatters were a pair of defensive plays – fumble recoveries by Frankie Coluntuoro and Matt Schuck.
Council Rock North (1-1) had a rough defeat as the Indians were defeated by Central Bucks South (1-1) – 42-6. Rock North – who defeated Haverford 20-19 in its season opener – managed 13 first downs for the game. A.J. Garbowski scored on a three-yard run in the fourth quarter to account for the lone points for the Indians. Quarterback Trevor Guzy completed six passes for 84 yards.
Next: Council Rock North Indians @ Hatboro-Horsham Hatters – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: Hatboro-Horsham 27 – Council Rock North 21
Prediction: Hatboro-Horsham 20 – Council Rock North 14
Pennsbury (1-1) rebounded from its opening season loss to defeat Harrisburg (0-2) – 16-13. The Falcons kicked a game-winning 22-yard field goal by Mikhail Kniaziewicz in the final 19 seconds of the game to earn the win. Daquan Mack rushed for a pair of touchdowns for Pennsbury on runs on four and three yards.
Pocono Mountain West (0-2) remained winless as it lost its second game of the season by a 21-6 score to Crestwood. West opened the season with a 39-14 loss to Bethlehem Catholic.
Next: Pennsbury Falcons @ Pocono Mountain West
Last Year: Did Not Play
Prediction: Pennsbury 20 – Pocono Mountain West 8
Bensalem (2-0) remained unbeaten as the Owls flew to a 28-14 non-conference victory over visiting Pennridge (0-2). Terrence Snetter scored on a 90-yard punt return and an eight-yard run for the winners. C.J. Lebesco rushed for a team-high 77 yards and scored on a 33-yard run. The Owl defense came up with three interceptions.
Archbishop Ryan (1-1) notched its first win of the season as the Raiders defeated host Wissahickon – 20-6. Ryan opened the season with a 24-21 loss to Cardinal O’Hara.
Next: Archbishop Ryan Raiders @ Bensalem Owls – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: Archbishop Ryan 21 – Bensalem 20
Prediction: Archbishop Ryan 17 – Bensalem 14
Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-1) fell behind early and could not catch Abington (2-0) in an 18-7 non-conference loss. The lone Colonial score came on a four-yard touchdown burst by running back Corey Kelly. Kelly rushed for 51 yards on 10 carries. Russhon Phillips was the leading ball carrier for PW with 106 yards on 20 carries.
West Chester Henderson (2-0) remained unbeaten with a 28-13 victory over Great Valley in a non-conference game. Stafford Foster scored on a 61-yard touchdown run for the Warriors and had 170 yards of total offense. WCH blasted Chester 42-6 in its season opener.
Next: Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials @ West Chester Henderson Warriors – Friday – 9/16/11
Last Year: West Chester Henderson 31 – Plymouth Whitemarsh 27
Prediction: West Chester Henderson 20 – Plymouth Whitemarsh 14
Upper Moreland (0-2) played better, but the Golden Bears remain winless after a 36-25 loss to Upper Perkiomen (1-1). Upper Moreland cranked out 333 yards of total offense. The stat leader for the Golden Bears was quarterback Robert Knox with 128 yards on 15 carries and nine completions for an additional 117 yards.
Exeter (2-0) captured its second straight win of the 2011 season with a 28-7 win over the Concord Crimson Tide. The Blue Hawks opened the season with a 37-0 victory over the Spaulding Red Raiders.
Next: Exeter Blue Hawks @ Upper Moreland Golden Bears
Last Year: Did Not Play
Prediction: Upper Moreland 21 – Exeter 20
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
Week of 9/11/11
1. Neshaminy Redskins (2-0)
2. North Penn Knights (1-1)
3. Council Rock South Golden Hawks (2-0)
4. Abington Galloping Ghosts (2-0)
5. Souderton Big Red (1-1)
6. Norristown Eagles (2-0)
7. Cheltenham Panthers (2-0)
8. Quakertown Panthers (2-0)
9. Central Bucks West Bucks (2-0)
10. Bensalem Owls (2-0)
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