By Scott Huff
How about those Football Forecasters?
The quintet of revered scholastic football prognosticators – Kevin Cooney [Phillyburbs.com], Chris Felton [WNPV], Scott Huff [SuburbanOneSports.com], Dan Morehouse [WNPV], and Vince Reed [WBCB] – were unanimously in agreement on/for/with a trio of Suburban One League contests last week.
And that collection of brilliant prognosticators - who make incisive selections for SuburbanOneSports.com each and every week - were unanimously wrong in predicting losses for Pennsbury, Wissahickon, and Pennridge last week.
“To be very honest, I don’t pay any attention to stuff like that,” said Pennsbury head coach Galen Snyder after his Falcons (4-1, 2-0) ‘upset’ previously unbeaten Council Rock South by a 13-10 margin on Saturday. “I don’t know if we are being overlooked by people or not. We just go out as players and coaches from week to week and prepare for the team we play next.
“We have a short week to get ready for William Tennent this Thursday,” added Snyder. “All of our focus will be on them.”
“I don’t really look for any bulletin board material,” said Wissahickon head coach Jeff Cappa after his Trojans (3-2, 1-1) ‘upset’ Norristown (3-2, 1-1) 28-16 under the Friday Night Lights @ Norristown’s Roosevelt Field. “I don’t know what people say about how we are going to do in a game, we just try to improve on what we did on the football field the week before.
“We don’t focus on the big picture,” added Cappa. “We need to focus on what we want to get accomplished from week to week.”
“We have had a lot of adversity, and we aren’t the same team that people saw the first three games of the season,” said Pennridge head coach Randy Cuthbert after his Rams (2-3, 1-0) shocked Souderton (2-3, 0-1) 27-7 in the Mud Bowl at Poppy Yoder Field. “This is a team that has stuck together, and we are going to continue to improve.
“We have put the first three games behind us,” added Cuthbert. “We want to focus on our conference schedule for the rest of the year.”
Pennsbury will travel to William Tennent (2-3, 0-1) to meet the Panthers in a SOL National Conference game, while Pennridge is on the road to play winless Central Bucks East (0-5, 0-2) in a SOL Continental Conference tilt. Wissahickon steps out of the league to play Episcopal Academy (2-2).
Pennsbury, Pennridge, and Wissahickon should all be favored to emerge victorious – not that Galen Snyder, Randy Cuthbert, or Jeff Cappa really cares one single smidgen.
‘This Was The Week That Was’ – Suburban One League
SOL American Conference
Upper Dublin (4-1, 2-0) prepped for its conference showdown against Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-1, 2-0) with a convincing 34-16 victory over winless Upper Merion (0-5, 0-2). The Cardinals soared and scored touchdowns on their first five possessions. Tybree Stallings rushed for a game-high 105 yards and scored on touchdown runs of 44 and 30 yards. Quarterback Andrew Derr fired a pair of touchdown strikes to Chris Naughton – one of 19 yards – and the other of 37 yards. Mike Lee scored on a nine-yard run.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-1, 2-0) prepped for its conference showdown against Upper Dublin (4-1, 2-0) with a convincing 31-0 victory over winless Upper Moreland (0-5, 0-1). The Colonials piled up 450 yards of total offense in the win. Senior quarterback Russhon Phillips rushed for a game-high 167 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns and also fired a pair of scoring strikes for an additional 150 yards. Place kicker Tyler Haney booted a pair of field goals – one from 23 yards – and the other from 30 yards.
Next: Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals @ Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials – Thursday 7 pm
Last Year: Upper Dublin 33 – Plymouth Whitemarsh 27
Prediction: Plymouth Whitemarsh 28 – Upper Dublin 21
Cheltenham (3-2, 0-1) snapped a two-game losing streak with an impressive 33-14 non-conference victory over Chichester. The Panthers rushed for a staggering 410 rushing yards. Aquil Reed led the assault with 275 yards and a pair of touchdown runs. Mark Thompson returned a kick off 87 yards for a touchdown. The Panthers lost their conference opener to Upper Dublin – 19-7.
Upper Merion (0-5, 0-2) remained winless for the season as the Vikings were sunk by Upper Dublin (4-1, 2-0) – 34-16. Carmen Fortino passed for 105 yards for Upper Merion that included a 44-yard touchdown aerial to Connor McGrath. Hassan Gardner led the Vikings with 90 yards and a touchdown.
Next: Upper Merion Vikings @ Cheltenham Panthers – Thursday 7 pm
Last Year: Cheltenham 43 – Upper Merion 6
Prediction: Cheltenham 42 – Upper Merion 14
Norristown (3-2, 1-1) dropped its first conference game of the season as the Eagles were clipped by Wissahickon (3-2, 1-1) – 28-16. The game was the last game to be played at Norristown’s legendary Roosevelt Field. The Eagles have hopes of playing the remainder of their home games on their new turf high school campus field. Brandon Shippen and Jalen Ramsey scored touchdowns for Norristown.
Upper Moreland (0-5, 0-1) dropped its conference opener as the Golden Bears struggled in a 31-0 loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-1, 2-0). Upper Moreland quarterback Robert Knox rushed for a team-high 78 yards on 26 carries. The Golden Bears managed 132 yards of total offense and committed four turnovers.
Next: Norristown Eagles @ Upper Moreland Golden Bears – Thursday 7 pm
Last Year: Upper Moreland 17 – Norristown 14
Prediction: Norristown 35 – Upper Moreland 7
Wissahickon (3-2, 1-1) won its first conference game of the season as the Trojans defeated host Norristown (3-2, 1-1) – 28-16. Wissahickon had some impressive numbers turned in by running back Ricky O’Donnell who rushed for a game-high 150 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Gordon Bentley scored on a 30-yard touchdown pass from J.T. Crits.
Episcopal Academy (2-2) snapped a two game losing streak with an 11-8 victory over Hill School. Anthony Seliziani scored a touchdown for the winners, while Episcopal also came up with a couple of safeties. Episcopal Academy has also defeated Prep Charter (16-0) and has lost games to Interboro (14-7) and Hun School (20-13).
Next: Episcopal Academy @ Wissahickon Trojans – Thursday 7 pm
Last Year: Episcopal Academy 40 – Wissahickon 12
Prediction: Wissahickon 17 – Episcopal Academy 13
SOL Continental Conference
Central Bucks South (3-2, 1-1) won its first conference game as the Titans rolled to a 45-14 victory over district rival Central Bucks West (2-3, 0-2). CB South exploded for 45 first half points. Dan Brown – who rushed for 150 yards in the first half – scored on runs of 59, 25, and six yards. Brown also scored on an 88-yard kick-off return. Quarterback Matt Johns scored on touchdown runs of 26 and 11 yards.
Quakertown (4-1, 1-0) won its conference opener with a 35-20 victory over visiting Hatboro-Horsham (3-2, 1-1). Justin Wieder – who rushed for a game-high 98 yards - scored four rushing touchdowns for the Panthers on scoring bursts of six, six, nine, and three yards. Quarterback Zac Gravelle threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Matt Roberts.
Next: Quakertown Panthers @ Central Bucks South Titans – Thursday 7 pm
Last Year: Quakertown 41 – Central Bucks South 34
Prediction: Central Bucks South 34 – Quakertown 31
Souderton (2-3, 1-1) lost its first conference game as the Indians were surprised by rival Pennridge (2-3, 1-0) – 27-7. Souderton tied the game 7-7 in the first half on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Tanner Allem to Ry Yozallinas. The game was played in the mud at Poppy Yoder Field in Perkasie, and the Big Red managed just 44 yards of total offense.
Hatboro-Horsham (3-2, 1-1) lost its first conference game as the Hatters were defeated by host Quakertown (4-1, 1-0) – 35-20. Quarterback Aaron Channing threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Lee Riches - Travis Young scored on a two-yard run - and Dom DeFazio scored on a 52-yard run after recovering a fumble.
Next: Hatboro-Horsham Hatters @ Souderton Big Red – Thursday 7 pm
Last Year: Souderton 42 – Hatboro-Horsham 7
Prediction: Souderton 31 – Hatboro-Horsham 27
Central Bucks West (2-3, 0-2) struggled in its 45-14 conference loss to Central Bucks South (3-2, 1-1). The Bucks dialed long distance for both of their scores. Cody Riemenschneider returned a kick off 91 yards for a touchdown, while Sherrod Higginbotham darted 76 yards for the final Buck score. Higginbotham rushed for a team-high 145 yards on 17 carries.
North Penn (3-2, 2-0) won its 23rd consecutive conference game as the Knights routed winless Central Bucks East – 35-0. North Penn pounded the Patriots for 438 yards of total offense. Quarterback Corey Ernst completed 16 passes for 195 yards and three touchdowns – one to James Fielder for 26 yards – one to Dan Gervitz for 26 yards – and one to Shayne Watson for 12 yards. Kyle Mayfield scored two rushing touchdowns for the Knights.
Next: Central Bucks West Bucks @ North Penn Knights – Thursday 7 pm
Last Year: North Penn 38 – Central Bucks West 21
Prediction: North Penn 38 – Central Bucks West 14
Pennridge (2-3, 1-0) came up with a huge conference win as the Rams gouged rival Souderton (2-3, 0-1) - 27-7. Sophomore Mike Class continues to be at the head of the class for Pennridge with 21 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first time since 2002 that the Rams defeated Souderton.
Central Bucks East (0-5, 0-2) is still in search of its first win of the season as the Patriots were routed by North Penn (3-2, 2-0) – 35-0. Quarterback Josh Bernard completed seven passes for 63 yards. The Patriots – who endured the mercy-rule loss – accounted for 175 yards of total offense.
Next: Pennridge Rams @ Central Bucks East Patriots – Thursday 7 pm
Last Year: Central Bucks East 7 – Pennridge 0
Prediction: Pennridge 28 – CB East 13
SOL National Conference
Neshaminy (4-1, 1-1) rebounded from its conference opening loss to defeat Bensalem (2-3, 0-2) – 26-0. Quarterback Joe Bianchino threw a pair of touchdown passes – one to Justin Andrews for eight yards – and the other to Bobby Marterella for 30 yards. Nick Tucci added a 17-yard field goal, and the defense came up with a safety. Denny Lord scored on a one-yard run.
Council Rock North (2-3, 1-1) lost its first conference game of the season as the Indians were shut out by Abington (5-0, 2-0) – 27-0. Quarterback Trevor Guzy completed 10 passes and 68 yards. Billy McAlister caught nine passes for Rock North for 85 yards. The Indians had a minus-eight yards rushing.
Next: Neshaminy Redskins @ Council Rock North Indians – Thursday 7 pm
Last Year: Neshaminy 35 – Council Rock North 8
Prediction: Neshaminy 27 – Council Rock North 14
Council Rock South (4-1, 1-1) lost its first game of the season as the Golden Hawks were clipped by Pennsbury (4-1, 2-0) – 13-10. CR South scored 10 points in the second period to assume a 10-6 lead, but the Hawks could not score in the second half. Rock South scored points on a 26-yard field goal by Ben Solis and a one-yard run by quarterback Brian Donnelly. The Hawks outgained Pennsbury in total offense by a 250-227 yard margin.
Bensalem (2-3, 0-2) suffered its third straight loss of the season as the Owls were shot down by Neshaminy (4-1, 1-1) – 26-0. Bensalem – which generated four sacks from a defensive front that included Bill Labadie, Fran Bitting, and Chris Robbins – had 188 total yards of offense and 11 first downs.
Next: Council Rock South Golden Hawks @ Bensalem Owls – 7 pm
Last Year: Council Rock South 35 – Bensalem 7
Prediction: Council Rock South 35 – Bensalem 14
Pennsbury (4-1, 2-0) claimed a huge conference victory as the Falcons held on to defeat Council Rock South (4-1, 1-1) – 13-10. The Falcons rushed for a total of 232 yards that included touchdown bursts from both Adam Lewis and Daquan Mack. Mack – who scored on a five-yard run – rushed for a game-high 100 yards on 25 carries. Lewis – who scored on a 30-yard bolt – added 66 yards on nine totes.
William Tennent (2-3, 1-1) even its conference record with a 22-14 victory over Harry S Truman (0-5, 0-2). Kevin Kilkenny threw a pair of touchdown passes to Anthony Brunell – one of four yards – and the other of 11 yards. The Panthers iced the game late when Connor Geiger returned an interception for a touchdown.
Next: Pennsbury Falcons @ William Tennent Panthers – Thursday – 7 pm
Last Year: Pennsbury 40 – William Tennent 10
Prediction: Pennsbury 28 – William Tennent 6
Abington (5-0, 2-0) remained unbeaten for the season as the Ghosts defeated host Council Rock North (2-3, 1-1) – 27-0. Abington scored a pair of defensive touchdowns – one on a 41-yard INT return by Chris Ruhl – and the other on a 65-yard INT return by Myles Grasty. The Ghosts scored a rushing touchdown on a 1-yard run by Ray Schreiner and added a passing score on a 14-yard TD pass from Ken Cropper to Grasty.
Truman (0-5, 0-2) fought the good fight but remained winless in a 22-14 setback to William Tennent (2-3, 1-1). The Tigers led 14-7 in the second half but failed to secure the lead. Marvin Todd – who scored on a 50-yard punt return – rushed for 105 yards on 13 carries. Dave Blount also scored for HST on a one-yard blast.
Next: Abington Galloping Ghosts @ Harry S Truman Tigers
Last Year: Abington 42 – Truman 6
Prediction: Abington 49 – Truman 13
Suburban One Sports.com * Top Ten *
1. Abington Galloping Ghosts (5-0, 2-0)
2. North Penn Knights (3-2, 2-0)
3. Pennsbury Falcons (4-1, 2-0)
4. Neshaminy Redskins (4-1, 1-1)
5. Council Rock South Golden Hawks (4-1, 1-1)
6. Central Bucks South Titans (3-2, 1-1)
7. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (4-1, 2-0)
8. Quakertown Panthers (4-1, 1-0)
9. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (4-1, 2-0)
10. Wissahickon Trojans (3-2, 1-1)
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