By Scott Huff
One was the star of the game – the other was on crutches.
But for two of the Council Rock North captains - Steve Sroba and Sam Ryan - the 20-9 victory over William Tennent on the turf at Walt Snyder Stadium was all part of the master plan.
The Indians (2-2 overall, 1-0 conference) have struggled recently to reach the top tier of the Suburban One League National Conference. A 2010 Rock North football season came to an unacceptable conclusion as the Indians ledger showed meager 1-6 conference mark and a 1-9 overall record.
Rival Council Rock South (4-0, 1-0) shared a SOL National Conference title last season with both Abington and Neshaminy with 6-1 records. The Golden Hawks finished the year with a gaudy 11-2 mark that included a trek into the PIAA District One Quad-A playoffs.
“Last season has been a big motivator for us coming into this season,” said Sroba who scored a pair of touchdowns against Tennent in the conference opener. “We are a little sick of hearing about the success that South had, and it is up to us to turn it around.
“It seems that people always talk about South, Abington, Neshaminy, and Pennsbury,” added Sroba. “We want to get people to talk about us the same way. We are going to have to be able to beat those teams, though, to make a statement.”
Ryan – known as ‘Big Country’ in the CR North program – stands an imposing 6-foot, 3-inches and 240 pounds. In the 10-7 loss to Hatboro-Horsham, Ryan was lost for the season with a tear in his ACL.
“It really stinks, especially since I will also miss the basketball season,” said Ryan who has no plans to play in college and in all probability played his very last football game against the Hatters. “But everything happens for a reason. And as a captain, I still go to the practices and I will support the team from the sidelines.
“We have nothing but respect for South,” added Ryan. “But we live just down the street from those kids, and we do get a little tired of hearing about how we compare to them. But we need to make that change.”
And with the fine victory over William Tennent on Saturday afternoon, Rock North is going in the right direction.
Upper Merion head football coach Harold Smith is a high school math teacher – at Norristown High School.
Last week Smith’s youthful Vikings (0-4, 0-1) hosted Norristown in a Suburban One League American Conference game, and the visiting Eagles (3-1, 1-0) soared to a 34-6 victory.
“We had a lot of fun with it during the week in class,” said Smith who is in his first year as head coach at Upper Merion. “I knew that Norristown had a senior dominated team, and it was going to be a tough game for us to win. We have a lot of sophomores playing varsity football in the Suburban One League and that doesn’t happen too often.”
Smith – who coached defensive backs last season at Cheyney University – was also the head coach at Jenkintown High School. The Drakes went to the PIAA post-season under the coaching of Smith.
“My first year at Jenkintown the team went through some tough times,” said Smith. “You have to be patient, and if the kids play hard positive things are going to happen.”
One of the members of Smith’s coaching staff at Upper Merion is Michael Evans. Evans is the successful head basketball coach at Norristown Area High School.
“We knew what we were getting into last week,” said Smith. “We knew the quality athletes we were going to face from Norristown.”
Smith and Evans have seen them walking the halls every single day.
Hatboro-Horsham (3-1, 1-0) earned the eye-popping score of the weekend in the SOL Continental Conference as the Hatters topped host Central Bucks East (0-4, 0-1) by a 40-14 score.
“We have worked really hard as a coaching staff and a team to install a new offense this season,” said Hatboro-Horsham head coach Gary Pagliaro. “We have gotten away from the Wing-T and we are now a split-backfield offense. Each and every day we have improved, and that improvement has come about through effort by the players.”
The Hatters obliterated the Patriot defense for 450 rushing yards. Junior Travis Young gutted the East defense for 205 yards on just 13 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns. Young dialed long distance on an electrifying 67-yard burst.
“Travis is a young kid that is blessed with ability to run the football,” said Pagliaro. “But we also feel that we have four other backs that can step into our offense and be almost as productive.”
Included in that notable list are senior Dom DeFazio, senior Casey Saverio, junior Chris Ejimonyeugwo, and sophomore Luke Spahits.
“We had a great game with East, but we want to follow it up with our game this week against Quakertown (3-1, 0-0),” said Pagliaro. “(Panther quarterback) Zac Gravelle is a phenomenal football player. We have a lot of respect for Quakertown.”
And the Panthers surely have a lot of respect for eye-popping rushing offense of the Hatters.
‘This Was The Week That Was’ in the Suburban One League
SOL National Conference
Council Rock South (4-0, 1-0) opened its conference season on a winning note as the Golden Hawks soared to a 35-7 victory over Harry S Truman (0-4, 0-1). Quarterback Brian Donnelly rushed for a game-high 136 yards and scored on runs of 49 and 11 yards. Anthony Alimenti, Ryan Hickey, and PJ Steinmetz also scored on touchdown runs. Council Rock South finished the game with 339 yards rushing against the Tigers.
Pennsbury (3-1, 1-0) opened its conference season on a winning note as the Falcons soared to a 21-7 victory over host Bensalem (2-2, 0-1). The victory avenged a 23-12 loss to the Owls last season. Pennsbury rushed for 159 yards but controlled the ball with 47 rushing attempts. The highlight of the passing game was a 21-yard touchdown pass from Shawn Pepper to Lee Hamacher.
Next: Council Rock South Golden Hawks @ Pennsbury Falcons – Saturday
Last Year: CR South 24 – Pennsbury 0
Prediction: Council Rock South 21 – Pennsbury 17
Abington (4-0, 1-0) remained unbeaten for the season as the Ghosts captured a huge 35-21 win over Neshaminy (3-1, 0-1) in the conference opener for both teams. Senior running back Ray Schreiner was spectacular as he rushed for a game-high 247 yards and scored three touchdowns. Quarterback Ken Cropper passed for 76 yards – rushed for 70 yards – and scored a touchdown.
Council Rock North (2-2, 1-0) won its conference opener as the Indians defeated visiting William Tennent (1-3, 0-1). Rock
North had a huge day turned in by senior running back Steve Sroba who rushed for a game-high 114 yards on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns. AJ Nielsen rushed for 94 yards on 10 carries. Cornerback Alex Yardley scored the first score on a 60-yard interception return.
Next: Council Rock North Indians @ Abington Ghosts – Saturday
Last Year: Abington 49 – Rock North 31
Prediction: Abington 45 – Council Rock North 14
Neshaminy (3-1, 0-1) fell hard from the ranks of the unbeaten as the Redskins were defeated by host Abington (4-0, 1-0) – 35-21. Sean Ulmer was brilliant as he rushed for 177 yards and three touchdowns and finished with 203 yards of total offense. Ulmer scored on runs of 8, 55, and 4 yards. The Skins rallied in the second half to come to within 28-21 but were unable to make a complete comeback.
Bensalem (2-2, 0-1) lost its conference opener as the Owls were clipped by Pennsbury (3-1, 1-0) – 21-7. Bensalem closed to within 14-7 in the third period when Terrence Snetter scored on a 10-yard run. The Owl defense excelled against a potent Pennsbury offense, limiting the Falcons to just 200 yards of total offense. CJ Lebesco rushed for a team-high 37 yards and Bensalem registered just 110 yards of total offense.
Next: Neshaminy Redskins @ Bensalem Owls – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Neshaminy 28 – Bensalem 14
Prediction: Neshaminy 35 – Bensalem 13
William Tennent (1-3, 0-1) outscored Council Rock North (2-2, 1-0) by a 9-0 margin in the second half, but it was not enough as the Panthers lost to the Indians – 20-9. The lone scoring play for Tennent was a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Lutz to Jeff Ledford. Cameron Jenkins led the Panther rushing attack with 41 yards on 10 carries.
Harry S Truman (0-4, 0-1) lost its conference opener as the Tigers were defeated by Council Rock South (4-0, 1-0) – 35-7. The game became a mercy-rule contest in the third quarter. The lone score of the game for Truman came in the final period on a 4-yard run by John Todd.
Next: William Tennent Panthers @ Harry S Truman Tigers – Saturday
Last Year: William Tennent 22 – Harry S Truman 21
Prediction: William Tennent 21 – Harry S Truman 13
SOL Continental Conference
Central Bucks South (2-2, 0-1) could not overcome a muddy field as the Titans were handled by North Penn (2-2, 1-0) – 28-14. CB South was held scoreless in the first half, but scored both a rushing and passing touchdown in the second half. Quarterback Matt Johns threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Chris Veal while Tommy Brino scored on a 10-yard run.
Central Bucks West (2-2, 0-1) lost its conference opener as the Bucks were handled by Souderton (2-2, 1-0) – 34-14. CB West was led in rushing by Sherrod Higginbotham who gained 110 yards on 20 carries. Seth Ehlo scored on a 55-yard TD pass from Cody Riemenschneider, while Kevin Duggan scored on a one-yard run.
Next: Central Bucks South Titans @ Central Bucks West Bucks – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Central Bucks West 49 – Central Bucks South Titans 7
Prediction: Central Bucks South 31 – Central Bucks West 20
Hatboro-Horsham (3-1, 1-0) looked impressive in its 40-14 conference opening contest victory over Central Bucks East (0-4, 0-1). Travis Young rushed for 205 yards (15.8 average) and a pair of scores, while Dom DeFazio added 120 yards (20.0 average) and a score. The Hatters rushed for a staggering 450 yards. Aaron Chandler threw a TD pass to TJ Keleher.
Quakertown (3-1, 0-0) completed its non-conference schedule with a 20-0 loss to Downingtown West. The numbers were not pretty for the Panthers as the Black Cats had 45 yards of total offense – 11 penalties – three lost fumbles including one in their own end zone – and no pass completions. Quakertown did play a strong defensive game against a highly regarded Downingtown West offense.
Next: Hatboro-Horsham Hatters @ Quakertown Panthers – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Quakertown 21 – Hatboro-Horsham 14
Prediction: Hatboro-Horsham 20 – Quakertown 14
Souderton (2-2, 1-0) opened its conference season on a winning note as the Big Red rumbled to a 34-14 victory over Central Bucks West (2-2, 0-1). Junior running back Anthony Williams showcased both his arm and legs by throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Ry Yozallinas and scoring on an 11-yard burst. Williams rushed for a team-high 80 yards. Quarterback Tanner Allem was an efficient 10-for-11 passing for 125 yards.
Pennridge (1-3, 0-0) won its first game of the season as the Rams defeated visiting Lansdale Catholic (0-4) at a sloppy – Poppy – Yoder Field – 28-7. Sophomore running back Mike Class dialed long distance on a pair of touchdown runs – one of 69 yards – and the other of 64 yards. Quarterback Alex Krivda threw two passes – completed two passes – and fired two touchdown passes. James Marrero and Peter Psomiadis caught the TD passes for the Rams.
Next: Souderton Big Red @ Pennridge Rams – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Souderton 10 – Pennridge 7
Prediction: Souderton 27 – Pennridge 14
North Penn (2-2, 1-0) won its conference opener with a key 28-14 victory over Central Bucks South (2-2, 0-1). The Knights had a superb outing from running back James Fielder, who rushed for 151 yards that included a 68-yard touchdown run. Ralphie Reeves and Corey Ernst each scored on three-yard runs. Ernst completed seven passes for 113 yards.
Central Bucks East (0-4, 0-1) lost is conference opener as the Patriots were defeated by Hatboro-Horsham (3-1, 1-0) – 40-14. CB East scored on an 88-yard kickoff return, while running back Chris Lavin scored on a 55-yard run. Lavin rushed for a team-high 139 yards on 13 carries.
Next: Central Bucks East Patriots @ North Penn Knights – Friday 7:30 pm
Last Year: North Penn 28 – Central Bucks East 6
Prediction: North Penn 42 – Central Bucks East 13
SOL American Conference
Norristown (3-1, 1-0) opened its conference season with a 34-6 victory over host Upper Merion (0-4, 0-1). The first score of the game for the Eagles came on a 35-yard interception return by Najee Harris. Brandon Shippen rushed for a game-high 110 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Shannon Mayer threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Shippen.
Wissahickon (2-2, 0-1) opened its conference season with a 31-7 loss to visiting Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-1, 1-0). The lone score of the game came on a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown by Anthony DeLegall. DeLegall also intercepted a second pass on the final play of the first half. Ricky O’Donnell led the Trojans with 51 yards rushing.
Next: Wissahickon Trojans @ Norristown Eagles – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Norristown 33 – Wissahickon 6
Prediction: Norristown 28 – Wissahickon 13
Upper Dublin (3-1, 1-0) opened its conference season with a 19-7 victory over Cheltenham (2-2, 0-1). The Flying Cardinals took a 19-0 lead in the first half and held on for the win. Jino Park scored a pair of rushing touchdowns for the Cardinals on runs of 27 and 2 yards. Park rushed for a game-high 112 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Andrew Derr scored on a five-yard run for the winners.
Upper Merion (0-4, 0-1) lost its conference opener as the Vikings were sunk by visiting Norristown (3-1, 1-0) – 34-6. Carmen Fortino completed eight passes for 125 yards and threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jake Keszczyk. Hassan Gardner led the Vikings in rushing with 70 yards.
Next: Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals @ Upper Merion Vikings – Saturday
Last Year: Upper Dublin 35 – Upper Merion Vikings 6
Prediction: Upper Dublin 49 – Upper Merion 13
Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-1, 1-0) opened its conference season with a 31-7 victory over host Wissahickon (2-2, 0-1). Running back Xavier Ellington jetted for 187 yards rushing and added 46 yards receiving for a total offense of 233 yards. He also scored three touchdowns for the Colonials. Corey Kelly scored two TDs, while the defense forced six turnovers and limited the Trojans to 111 yards.
Upper Moreland (0-4, 0-0 is still in search of its first win as the Golden Bears were gouged by Interboro – 34-7 – in a non-conference game. Upper Moreland – under first year coach Dave Heying – scored on a 15-yard scoring pass to Kareem Archer to close the gap in the first half to just 14-7. The Golden Bears return just one starter from last season.
Next: Upper Moreland Golden Bears @ Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
Last Year: Plymouth Whitemarsh 27 – Upper Moreland 7
Prediction: Plymouth Whitemarsh 42 – Upper Moreland 6
Cheltenham (2-2, 0-1) opened its season with a 19-7 loss to Upper Dublin (3-1, 0-1). The only scoring play of the game came in the second half for the Panthers when Hyneef Dockery fired a 35-yard touchdown pass to Ahjavon Patrick. Mark Thompson finished with 87 yards and caught three passes for 58 yards. Dockery finished the game with five completions for 94 yards.
Chichester (0-4) is winless this season and has given up 50-plus points in each of the last two weeks. Chichester has lost to Harriton (41-26), Archmere (22-20), Bishop Shanahan (55-12), and Kennett (53-23). Chichester has given up an average of 47.8 points per game.
Next: Cheltenham Panthers @ Chichester – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Cheltenham 47 – Chichester 8
Prediction: Cheltenham 49 – Chichester 13
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
1. Abington Galloping Ghosts (4-0, 1-0)
2. Council Rock South Golden Hawks (4-0, 1-0)
3. North Penn Knights (2-2, 1-0)
4. Neshaminy Redskins (3-1, 0-1)
5. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (3-1, 1-0)
6. Pennsbury Falcons (3-1, 1-0)
7. Souderton Big Red (2-2, 1-0)
8. Hatboro-Horsham Hatters (3-1, 1-0)
9. Central Bucks South Titans (2-2, 0-1)
10-A. Norristown Eagles (3-1, 1-0)
10-B. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (3-1, 1-0)
10-C. Quakertown Panthers (3-1, 0-0)
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