Scott Huff highlights Upper Merion, Hatboro-Horsham & CR North and recaps all of last weekend’s games. To view photos of the North Penn/CB South, CR South/Truman and Tennent/Bensalem games, please visit the Photo Gallery.
By Scott Huff
The harsh reality is that they keep score in high school football games.
And the longer you lose, the more you hear about it.
“We preach to get ready for every game, but the kids know about how long we went without a win,” said Upper Merion head coach Harold Smith after his Vikings (1-5, 1-2) snapped a 25-game losing skid with a 42-12 Suburban One League American Conference victory over Springfield (3-3, 0-3). “The seniors on this team had never won a varsity football game until we beat Springfield. They had to hear about that from the other kids in school, the people in the community, and it had to be rough.
“But the seniors kept pressing on, and we were able to limit mental and physical mistakes this week,” added Smith. “We did a great job both on offense and defense.”
One senior that has excelled all season for Upper Merion has been running back Hassan Gardner. Gardner again carried the offensive load for the Vikings in the victory over the Spartans with 33 rushes for 185 yards and three touchdowns.
“Hassan is a great kid,” said Smith. “We are hard on him, but he might be even harder on himself. He wants to be the best football player he can be.
“Next we get Plymouth Whitemarsh, and they are at the top of our league,” added Smith. “It will be a real test for our kids. There won’t be a single team we play that is going to go easy on us.”
The losing streak may not have been as painfully long, but the agony of defeat was equally tough to handle this season for Hatboro-Horsham.
“Sometimes as a coaching staff we can work hard on preparation each week and get a sense of satisfaction out of that, but Friday night is for the players, and they want to win football games,” said Hatboro-Horsham head coach Gary Pagliaro after his Hatters (1-5, 1-2) won for the first time this season with a 14-13 Suburban One League Continental Conference victory over Quakertown (1-5, 0-2).
“We were in a position to win a few games this season, but we were never able to finish off games,” added Pagliaro. “It was finally nice to win a close game against Quakertown.”
Luke Spahits – who rushed for a game-high 202 yards on 18 carries – came up with key plays on both sides of the football for the Hatters.
“Luke is our guy who is going to control the ball for us on offense,” said Pagliaro. “And he came up with key defensive stops as well. He is just a very special player.
“Now we get North Penn this week, and it will be an angry North Penn,” added Pagliaro in reference to the Knights having their 30-game conference streak snapped last week in a 36-29 loss to CB South. “If there is one thing I can’t control, it is the schedule.”
The losing streak for Council Rock South was somewhat unexpected this 2012 season. The defending Suburban One League National Conference co-champions - under the watchful eye of head coach Vince Bedesem - had evolved into one of the finest programs in all of the Suburban One.
The Golden Hawks advanced to the PIAA District One Finals last season, and Bedesem-coached teams were discussed as among the elite in all of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
What a difference a year makes.
The season opened with a brutal stretch of games that resulted five successive losses. Central Bucks South (42-7), Father Judge (34-14), Pennridge (31-7), Bensalem (35-20), and Pennsbury (28-7) all took turns taking the Golden Hawks to the woodshed.
“We decided to look at the final five games of the season as being a new season,” said Bedesem after the Hawks flew to a 32-13 SOL National Conference victory over Truman to gain their first win of the season. “We have had a good work ethic all season.”
Rock South will take that work ethic to Neshmainy this week, but at the very least, the Hawks will not be in search of that elusive first victory.
That Was The Week That Was In The Suburban One League
SOL Continental Conference
Central Bucks South (6-0, 3-0) remained unbeaten for the season as the Titans stunned host North Penn (3-3, 2-1) – 36-29. CB South rallied from a 23-7 first half deficit to outclass the Knights in the second half. John Pileggi was masterful while throwing four touchdown passes in the second half – two each to Cale Mosher and Paul Weeks. Pileggi completed 18 passes for 231 yards. Josh Adams – who was ‘held’ to just 62 yards on 21 carries – scored on a 95-yard kickoff return for the Titans.
Pennridge (5-1, 2-0) remained unbeaten in the conference as the Rams outscored visiting Souderton (3-3, 1-2) – 45-35. Junior running back Michael Class was once again spectacular as he rushed for a staggering 270 yards on 20 carries and scored three touchdowns. Class scored on runs of 70, 60, and one yard. Quarterback Alex Krivda completed three passes – all for touchdowns – and all to Kyle Bigham. Bigham scored on touchdown passes of 46, 45, and 25 yards. Pennridge finished with 481 yards of total offense.
Next: Central Bucks South Titans @ Pennridge Rams
Last Year: Central Bucks South 28 – Pennridge 14.
Central Bucks West (3-3, 1-2) snapped a three-game losing streak as the Bucks blasted district rival Central Bucks East (3-3, 1-2) – 40-20. Quarterback Cody Riemenschneider orchestrated the victory with a pair of rushing touchdowns and a pair of passing scores. Sherrod Higginbotham also collected some fine stats with 180 yards rushing on just 10 carries and a touchdown.
Quakertown (1-5, 0-2) was competitive but lost its fifth straight game as the Panthers were caged by Hatboro-Horsham (1-5, 1-2) – 14-13. Quakertown had a superlative effort turned in by running back Mike Sawyer. Sawyer rushed for a team-high 181 yards and scored on touchdown runs of 45 and 39 yards. The game was scoreless in the second half.
Next: Central Bucks West Bucks @ Quakertown Panthers
Last Year: Central Bucks West 44 – Quakertown 39.
Souderton (3-3, 1-2) lost its second consecutive conference game as the Indians were defeated by host Pennridge (5-1, 3-0) – 45-35. Souderton generated 18 first downs and 414 yards of total offense in the loss. Jarrett Reinhard rushed for a team-high 162 yards on 15 carries. Quarterback AJ Curotto completed six passes for 112 yards. Place kicker Jeff Wolf was perfect on all three of his field goal attempts from 18, 35, and 31 yards.
Central Bucks East (3-3, 1-2) led early, but the Patriots could not hold the lead in a 40-20 loss to district rival Central Bucks West (3-3, 1-2). CB East took a 14-7 first period lead as quarterback Zach Nelsen threw a 20-yard scoring pass to Ryan Kronmiller and Chris Burian scored on a two-yard run. The final Patriot tally came in the second half on a one-yard run by Nelsen.
Next: Central Bucks East Patriots @ Souderton Indians
Last Year: Souderton 35 – Central Bucks East 7.
North Penn (3-3, 2-1) surrendered a 23-7 halftime lead as the Knights were shocked by visiting Central Bucks South (6-0, 3-0) – 36-29. North Penn – which saw its 30-game conference win streak end - stacked up some impressive offensive numbers in the loss. Senior Kyle Mayfield rushed for a game-high 133 yards and scored a touchdown. Senior Steve Gozur added 104 yards rushing and a score. Senior quarterback Mike Berstecher fired touchdown passes to both Kris Akins and George Shipp. The Knights ended the night with 483 yards of total offense – and a loss.
Hatboro-Horsham (1-5, 1-2) won its first game of the season as the Hatters topped Quakertown (1-5, 0-2) – 14-13. Hatboro-Horsham never trailed in the game. The game was scoreless in the second half. Luke Spahits was the outstanding player for the Hatters with 202 rushing yards and touchdown runs of 30 and 54 yards.
Next: Hatboro-Horsham Hatters @ North Penn Knights
Last Year: North Penn 40 – Hatboro-Horsham 8.
SOL American Conference
Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-1, 3-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the conference as the Colonials marched to a 35-21 victory over Wissahickon (4-2, 2-1). PW registered an astounding 533 yards of total offense in the win. Senior running back Corey Kelly rushed for a game-high 254 yards and scored three touchdowns. Terry Brown added 167 yards on 21 carries. Quarterback Pete Giorgio scored on a 32-yard run and fired an 18-yard scoring pass to Erik Tucker.
Upper Merion (1-5, 1-2) won its first game of the season as the Vikings sailed to a convincing 42-12 victory over Springfield (3-3, 0-3). Senior running back Hassan Gardner finished his night with 185 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Carmen Fortino completed just two passes – both for touchdowns. Fortino fired a 57-yard scoring strike to Michael Grant and followed with a 75-yard scoring pass to Evon Dixon.
Next: Upper Merion Vikings @ Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
Last Year: Plymouth Whitemarsh 55 – Upper Merion 14.
Cheltenham (4-2, 2-1) moved into contention for a conference title as the Panthers defeated Upper Dublin (3-3, 1-2) – 28-7. Senior running back Mark Thompson was outstanding with a pair of scores – one on a 5-yard run – and the other on a 28-yard scoring pass from Hyneef Dockery. Dockery also scored on a one-yard run and scored on a 43-yard interception return. Thompson rushed for a game-high 110 yards, while Dockery completed six passes for a game-high 95 yards.
Wissahickon (4-2, 2-1) remained in contention for a conference title even though the Trojans dropped a 35-21 contest to first place Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-1, 3-0). Wissahickon led its game with PW at the close of the first period by a 14-7 margin. Quarterback Randy Frankenfield scored on a one-yard run, and fullback Dan Murphy scored on a 22-yard run. The final Trojan score came late in the game on a 29-yard scoring pass from Frankenfield to Gordon Bentley. Frankenfield completed 13 passes for 194 yards.
Next: Wissahickon Trojans @ Cheltenham Panthers
Last Year: Wissahickon 35 – Cheltenham 7.
Upper Moreland (4-2, 2-1) remained in contention for a conference title as the Golden Bears used a strong first half to defeat Norristown (1-5, 1-2) – 20-8. Upper Moreland scored three first half touchdowns to ice the win. Quarterback Charlie Hooker threw a pair of touchdown passes – one to Tom Robinson (seven yards) – and the other to Robert Knox (15 yards). Dan Cummings scored on an 11-yard run.
Upper Dublin (3-3, 1-2) could not score until the last play of the game as the Flying Cardinals were grounded by Cheltenham (4-2, 2-1) – 28-7. The lone scoring play of the game was a 29-yard scoring pass from Matt Thompson to Ryan Donacle. Reed Rapine rushed for a team-high 74 yards, while Khalid Weems rushed 14 times for 55 yards.
Next: Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals @ Upper Moreland Golden Bears
Last Year: Upper Dublin 47 – Upper Moreland 15.
Norristown (1-5, 1-2) could generate little offense as the Eagles were clipped by Upper Moreland (4-2, 2-1) – 20-8. Norristown was held scoreless in the first half of its Homecoming afternoon affair, but the Eagles won the second half by an 8-0 tally. Joe Smith scored the lone touchdown for Norristown on an 18-yard run, and the Eagles added a 2-point conversion on a pass from Carlton Brown to Darius Wills.
Springfield (3-3, 0-3) remained winless in the conference as the Spartans were defeated by Upper Merion (1-5, 1-2) – 42-12. Springfield scored on a 79-yard scoring pass from Chris Stone to Brendan Doyle. Stone also scored on a 2-yard run. In the non-league wins for the Spartans, Springfield outscored opponents by a 112-20 margin. In the conference losses, the Spartans have been outscored 102-39.
Next: Norristown Eagles @ Springfield Spartans
Last Year: Did Not Play.
SOL National Conference
Pennsbury (4-2, 3-0) remained unbeaten in the conference as the Falcons overcame three turnovers and 100 yards of penalties to defeat Abington (4-2, 2-1) – 35-9. The defensive highlight for Pennsbury was a 75-yard return of an interception for a touchdown in the second half by Ryan Muse. Shawn Pepper rushed for a game-high 177 yards and scored on touchdown runs of 29 and 54 yards.
William Tennent (3-3, 2-1) rebounded nicely from its first conference loss as the Panthers – despite the loss of quarterback Joe Lutz (knee injury) - captured a 35-21 win over Bensalem (2-4, 1-2). Alex Perks stole the spotlight for Tennent with a three-touchdown performance. Perks – who rushed for 125 yards on 12 carries – scored on runs of 26, 12, and 67 yards. Pat Lydon and Cameron Jenkins also scored for the winners.
Next: Pennsbury Falcons @ William Tennent Panthers
Last Year: Pennsbury 44 – William Tennent 7.
Neshaminy (4-2, 2-1) got out to a huge early lead as the Redskins coasted to a 38-26 victory over Council Rock North (2-4, 1-2). Running back Nate Hall rushed for a game-high 150 yards on 21 carries, while quarterback Joe Falkowski completed seven of eight passes for 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Justin Andrews scored both receiving touchdowns for the Skins on passes of 50 and 18 yards.
Council Rock South (1-5, 1-2) won its first game of the season as the Golden Hawks soared by Truman (2-4, 0-3) – 32-13. Christian Crane raced for a team-high 145 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. Running back Tyler Anderson added 94 yards on 14 carries. Quarterback Greg Paprocki scored on touchdown runs of six and three yards.
Next: Council Rock South Golden Hawks @ Neshaminy Redskins
Last Year: Council Rock South 41 – Neshaminy 17.
Bensalem (2-4, 1-2) could not compete with the run game as the Owls were shot down by William Tennent (3-3, 2-1) – 35-21. Kevin Hopkins completed 16 passes for 215 yards and threw scoring passes to SeQuan Riggins (14 yards) and Donnie Reed (54 yards). Reed caught eight passes for 141 yards. Eric Pisarchuk scored on an 18-yard run for the Owls.
Council Rock North (2-4, 1-2) fell behind early and could not catch up to Neshaminy (4-2, 2-1) in a 38-26 setback. Freshman quarterback Brandon Mcllwain completed 12 passes for 198 yards and a 24-yard scoring pass to Josh McWilliams. Mcllwain rushed for a pair of touchdowns on runs of 13 and five yards, while Brandon Knotts scored on a 10-yard run.
Next: Council Rock North Indians @ Bensalem Owls
Last Year: Council Rock North 21 – Bensalem 20.
Abington (4-2, 2-1) closed to within 14-9 against Pennsbury but the Ghosts were outscored 21-0 down the stretch in a 35-9 loss to the Falcons. Dylan Collins scored the lone touchdown for Abington and also rushed for 96 yards on 21 carries. Craig Reynolds led Abington in rushing with a team-high 122 yards on 23 carries. Abington rushed for a team total of 230 yards.
Truman (2-4, 0-3) remained winless in conference play as the Tigers were caged by winless Council Rock South (1-5, 1-2) – 32-13. Marvin Todd finished the game as the leading rusher with 150 yards on 23 carries. Todd also scored on a three-yard run. The first Truman score came in the first half on a 20-yard burst by Trysten Hunt.
Next: Abington Ghosts @ Harry S Truman Tigers
Last Year: Abington 48 – Truman 12.
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
1. Central Bucks South Titans (6-0)
2. Pennsbury Falcons (4-2)
3. Pennridge Rams (5-1)
4. North Penn Knights (3-3)
5. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (5-1)
6. Abington Ghosts (4-2)
7. Neshaminy Redskins (4-2)
8. Souderton Indians (3-3)
9. Wissahickon Trojans (4-2)
10. Cheltenham Panthers (4-2)
- Log in to post comments
