Scott Huff recaps all of the weekend’s SOL action and highlights several of the big wins.
By Scott Huff
The greatest achievement is not in never falling,
but in rising again after you fall –
Vince Lombardi
There were three Suburban One League teamsthat fell extremely hard in season openers that quickly rose to gain important victories in the second week of the season.
North Penn was rocked in the first week of the season by Philadelphia Catholic League power La Salle – 20-7, but the Knights marched to an enormous 24-10 victory over the defending PIAA Class AAA state champion Archbishop Wood Vikings in the second week of the season.
“It was a great character building win for our football team,” said North Penn head coach Dick Beck. “We were down 10-0 and they were going in for another score. But Steve Gozur makes the big play defensively (95-yard fumble return for a touchdown) and we got on the back of (running back) Kyle Mayfield in the second half.
“I have so much respect for the Wood football program, and for us to be able to come from behind and win is very special,” added Beck. “We were down and out in the second quarter of that football game, but the players refused to quit.
“Now we get St. Joe Prep on Friday,” continued Beck. “We want to be able to measure exactly what type of football team we have this year. And to play La Salle, Archbishop Wood, and St. Joe Prep the first three weeks of the season gives us a great idea of what we have this year.”
Bensalem was rocked 44-7 in the first week of the seasonagainst defending PIAA Class AAA state champion Archbishop Wood, but the Owls soared to a huge 24-21 overtime victory over highly touted Pennridge in week two of the season.
“Anytime you play Wood you are setting the bar very high for your football program,” said Bensalem head coach Kevin Kelly. “I told the players after that game that we wouldn’t see a team any better than that the rest of the season. There is never any harm and going out and playing good football teams.
“I won’t lie, we had some luck with turnovers to beat Pennridge,” added Kelly as the Rams fumbled three times inside the Bensalem 10-yard line. “But if we don’t capitalize on their mistakes, we still don’t win the football game. It was a great win, and we’re certainly going to take it.”
Bensalem will meet another quality football program this week when the Owls host Archbishop Ryan this Friday.
“We wanted a chance to compete against some of the best teams in the area in our preseason,” said Kelly. “And we did just that.”
Upper Dublin was rocked 31-0 in the first week of the season as the Flying Cardinals were routed by Central Bucks West, but Upper Dublin came back and soared to a 28-7 victory over Truman in week two of the season.
“I really feel that we are right back on track,” said Upper Dublin head coach Bret Stover. “We are a very young football team, and last week wasn’t a total shocker. We had some things to correct, and we did a much better job of executing in the win over Truman.
“John Derr – (brother of standout UD quarterback Andrew Derr) is under some pressure, but he played much better this week,” added Stover. “He threw three touchdown passes – and all came on some nice throws. We made some adjustments to our protection, and I thought that we helped John out a lot more this week.
“Reed Rapine and Ben Winebrake each played great games on defense,” continued Stover. “Ben led the team in tackles last year and gets to the ball, and Reed might just be our best player off the edge.
“We play a Lincoln team this week that is physical and athletic,” added Stover. “That combination is always dangerous.”
That Was The Week That Was In the Suburban One League
North Penn (1-1) collected a huge victory as the Knights defeated defending PIAA Class AAA champion Archbishop Wood (1-1) by a 24-10 score. North Penn trailed the Vikings 10-7 at the half, but used the talents of both Kyle Mayfield and Steve Gozur to secure the win. Mayfield rushed for a team-high 135 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns, while Gozur turned the game in the Knights favor with a defensive strip and 95-yard touchdown return.
St. Joseph Prep (2-0) remained unbeaten as the Hawks soared to a 28-14 victory over Gonzaga in a game played at Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. Quarterback Chris Martin rushed for a pair of scores and also threw a 72-yard scoring strike to Vince Moffett. Martin completed nine passes for 211 yards.
Next: St. Joseph Prep Hawks @ North Penn Knights
Last Year: St. Joseph Prep 51 – North Penn 33.
Neshaminy (2-0) continued its early season dominance as the Redskins routed Hatboro-Horsham (0-2) by a 45-0 score. Neshaminy opened the season with a 24-0 victory over Northeast. The Skins led 33-0 at the half and featured running back Nate Hall who scored a pair of touchdowns in the first period. Neshaminy rushed for 295 yards in the win and scored four rushing touchdowns.
Souderton (1-1) hosted highly regarded Unionville (1-1) and suffered a tough 29-23 defeat to the visiting Indians. Anthony Williams forged a 23-23 deadlock for the Big Red with a sensational 90-yard kick off return. Dan Knight led Souderton with 77 yards on 12 carries that included a 15-yard touchdown run. Jarrett Reinhold scored on a 15-yard scoring pass from AJ Curotto.
Next: Souderton Indians @ Neshaminy Redskins
Last Year: Neshaminy 20 – Souderton 13.
Central Bucks South (2-0) scored the final 31 points of the game as the Titans shattered Council Rock North (0-2) – 58-21. Sophomore running back Josh Adams continued to gain tremendous respect as he rushed for 250 yards and six touchdowns. Adams scored on runs of 32, 27, 21, 73, 2, and 23 yards. The Titans accounted for a staggering 530 yards of total offense. Quarterback Jon Pileggi completed 12 of 14 passes for 170 yards and a score. Jon Mullins highlighted the defensive effort with a 50-yard interception return.
Norristown (0-2) led 15-14 at intermission but the Eagles were held scoreless in the second half in a 20-15 loss to Central Bucks East (2-0). Quarterback Sonny Brewer scored a pair of rushing touchdowns for Norristown. Brewer also fired a 70-yard pass completion to Jonathan McCray. The Eagles held a 273-209 advantage in total offense over the Patriots in the loss.
Next: Norristown Eagles (0-2) @ Central Bucks South Titans (2-0)
Last Year: Central Bucks South 49 – Norristown 9.
Central Bucks West (2-0) was forced to rally as the Bucks edged William Tennent (0-2) – 28-20. West collected a staggering 25 first downs and 470 yards of total offense. Sherrod Higginbotham raced for 277 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. Nick Danilo provided the margin of victory booting field goals of 23, 33, and 28 yards.
Wissahickon (1-1) took an early lead but the Trojans failed to hold the advantage in a 29-22 loss to Archbishop Ryan (1-1). Quarterback Randy Frankenfield threw a pair of long-distance touchdown passes to Gordon Bentley (48 yards) and Brandon Pace-Jerry (56 yards). Dan Murphy was the featured running back with a team-high 77 yards and a touchdown.
Next: Wissahickon Trojans (1-1) @ Central Bucks West Bucks (2-0)
Last Year: Wissahickon 21 – Central Bucks West 14.
Central Bucks East (2-0) used a ‘trick’ play late in the game as the Patriots rallied to defeat Norristown (0-2) – 20-15. CB East used a fourth quarter double pass from Sean Usowski-to Brian Ilkiw-to Vince Careghini for the game deciding 32-yard touchdown. The remaining Patriot scores came on a 26-yard run by Chris Burian and a 23-yard burst by Vince Thompson.
Abington (1-1) fell behind 19-0 in the first period and never fully recovered as the Ghosts were defeated by host Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-0) – 45-17. The offensive highlights for Abington included a nifty 3-yard touchdown scamper by junior Craig Reynolds and an 18-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Collins to Trey Guaglionona. Sean Tracy added a field goal for the Ghosts.
Next: Central Bucks East Patriots (2-0) @ Abington Ghosts (1-1)
Last Year: Abington 35 – Central Bucks East 20.
Pennridge (1-1) was upset by visiting Bensalem (1-1) at Poppy Yoder Field as the Rams lost in overtime – 24-21. Pennridge fumbled the ball three times deep in Owl territory at the three, one, and eight-yard lines. The Rams had an overtime score called back due to penalty. Michael Class had another wonderful game with 220 yards on 31 carries that included touchdown runs of three, one, and eight yards.
Council Rock South (0-2) was competitive in the first halfbut the Golden Hawks could not stop Father Judge in the second half in a 34-14 loss. The game was 14-0 at intermission in favor of the Crusaders. Rocco Spadaccino rushed for 100 yards and a score, while Christian Crane also scored for the Hawks. Rock South advanced to the PIAA District One semi-finals last season, but thus far this year the Golden Hawks have been outscored 76-21. Rock South lost its season opener to Central Bucks South – 42-7.
Next: Pennridge Rams (1-1) @ Council Rock South Golden Hawks (0-2)
Last Year: Council Rock South 2 – Pennridge 0.
Cheltenham (1-1) bounced back from its opening game loss as the Panthers clawed rival Bishop McDevitt (0-2) – 35-28. Mark Thompson led the team with 80 yards rushing and scored on a 16-yard run. Greg Morris scored a pair of touchdowns for the winners, while Mark Heimann also scored a rushing score. Quarterback Hyneef Dockery rushed for 120 yards and scored on a 68-yard burst.
Quakertown (1-1) scored 51 points in its season opener against Upper Perkiomen, but the Panthers were shutout in the second week in a 10-0 loss to Upper Moreland (2-0). In the opener Q-town had 500 yards of total offense – in the second week the Panthers were held to just 82 yards of total offense. Mike Sawyer rushed for 62 yards to lead Quakertown and caught a pass for eight yards.
Next: Quakertown Panthers @ Cheltenham Panthers
Last Year: Quakertown 24 – Cheltenham 7.
William Tennent (0-2) held a 20-15 lead after three periods but when the scoreboard clock hit 0:00 the Panthers were beaten by Central Bucks West – 28-20. The good news for the Panthers was a 321-yard total offense effort. Cameron Jenkins rushed for an even 100 yards that included a 78-yard touchdown run. Jeff Ledford and Joe Lutz also scored touchdowns for the Black Cats.
Upper Merion (0-2) suffered its 22nd consecutive loss as the Vikings were sunk by Lansdale Catholic (2-0) – 38-14, Carmen Fortino completed 10 passes for 153 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Fortino fired a 13-yard scoring strike to Connor McGrath and a 20-yard scoring pass to Michael Grant. A 71-yard scoring pass from Fortino-to-Grant was called back due to penalty.
Next: William Tennent Panthers @ Upper Merion Vikings
Last Year: William Tennent 42 – Upper Merion 21.
Council Rock North (0-2) remains in search of its first win as the Indians dropped a 58-21 contest to Central Bucks South (2-0). The Indians closed to within 27-21 but surrendered the final 31 points of the game. Brandon Mcilwain scored a pair of touchdowns on an eight-yard run and a 19-yard run. He completed 15 passes for 160 yards. Ed Mackin scored on a three yard burst for the Indians.
Hatboro-Horsham (0-2) remains in search of its first win as the Hatters struggled against powerful Neshaminy (2-0) in a 45-0 loss. The bad news for the young Hatters was that they managed just 52 yards of total offense and collected just three first downs. Even worse news for Hatboro-Horsham was that the Hatters missed seven starters due to injury.
Next: Council Rock North Indians @ Hatboro-Horsham Hatters
Last Year: Hatboro-Horsham 10 – Council Rock North 7.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-0) kept its record perfect as the Colonials marched to a surprisingly easy 45-17 victory over Abington (1-1). The two-headed monster of Corey Kelly and Terry Brown spearheaded the PW attack. Kelly rushed for a game-high 138 yards that included a 47-yard touchdown, while Brown added 120 yards and a pair of scores for the winners. Brown also scored on a 65-yard fumble recovery.
West Chester Henderson (2-0) kept its record perfect as the Warriors defeated Springside Chestnut Hill – 42-6. West Chester Henderson opened the season with a 39-0 victory over Chester.
Next: West Chester Henderson Warriors @ Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
Last Year: Plymouth Whitemarsh 20 – West Chester Henderson 0.
Pennsbury (1-1) avenged its opening season loss as the Falcons soared to a 34-23 victory over Frankford (1-1). The only long distance scoring play came on an 85-yard interception return for a touchdown by Tom Hose. Pennsbury rushed for 322 yards and were led in rushing by Sykeem Steward. Steward – playing for the injured Daquan Mack – rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Shawn Pepper and Tony Donovan each scored rushing touchdowns for the winners.
Downingtown East (2-0) remained unbeaten as the Cougars clawed to another huge win. Downingtown East defeated Monsignor Bonner 42-18 in its season opener and followed with a 42-20 victory in its second week against Roman Catholic.
Next: Pennsbury Falcons @ Downingtown East Cougars
Last Year: Did Not Play
Upper Moreland (2-0) collected its second straight win as the Golden Bears clawed to a 10-0 victory over host Quakertown (1-1). Upper Moreland rushed for 234 yards in the win. Robert Knox carried 20 times for 127 yards, while Chris Kitchen added 48 yards and scored the lone touchdown of the game. The Golden Bears scored on their first offensive possession of the game.
Interboro (1-1) was outmatched in its last game as the Bucs were throttled by Episcopal Academy – 41-0. Interboro opened its 2012 season with a 21-14 victory over Springfield-Delco.
Next: Upper Moreland Golden Bears @ Interboro Bucs
Last Year: Interboro 34 – Upper Moreland 7.
Bensalem (1-1) stunned host Pennridge (1-1) as the Owls flew to a 24-21 overtime victory over the Rams. Alec Rosenfeld connected on a game winning field goal from 17 yards out. Wide receiver Donnie Reed hauled in seven catches for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Kevin Hopkins completed nine passes for 225 yards.
Archbishop Ryan (1-1) avenged its opening game loss as Ryan captured a 29-22 victory over Wissahickon. Archbishop Ryan lost the season opener to Cardinal O’Hara – 13-7.
Next: Archbishop Ryan @ Bensalem Owls
Last Year: Archbishop Ryan 14 – Bensalem 12.
Upper Dublin (1-1) bounced back into the victory column as the Flying Cardinals soared to a 28-7 victory over Truman (1-1). Upper Dublin featured the passing of quarterback John Derr who fired touchdown strikes to Reed Rapine (15 yards), Khalid Weeks (42 yards), and Brad Shidkrout (17 yards). Rapine also scored on a 21-yard fumble return.
Lincoln (0-2) lost its second straight contest as the Railspliters were defeated 26-6 by Northeast (2-0). Lincoln opened the season with a 13-7 setback against Truman.
Next: Lincoln Railspliters @ Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals
Last Year: Did Not Play
Truman (1-1) could not overcome a poor second period as the Tigers fell to Upper Dublin (1-1) – 28-7. Upper Dublin scored all 28 points in the second period. Jordan Livingstone led HST with 113 yards on 18 carries. Manny Fisher scored the lone Tiger touchdown on a one-yard run.
Samuel Fels (0-2) lost its second straight contest of the season as Fels was beaten by Penn Charter (2-0) – 30-0. Fels opened the season with a 24-8 loss to Abington.
Next: Harry S Truman Tigers @ Samuel Fels
Last Year: Did Not Play
Springfield (Montco) remained unbeaten for the seasonas the Spartans (2-0) marched to a 25-0 victory over Neumann-Goretti (0-2). Chris Stone threw a pair of touchdown passes to Brendan Doyle – the first one of 18 yards – and the second one of 58 yards. Jhaloni Johnson threw a 22-yard halfback touchdown pass to Billy Dahm. The Spartan defense held N-G to just 42 yards of total offense and forced six turnovers.
Academy of the New Church has not played to date this season.
Next: Academy of the New Church @ Springfield Spartans
Last Year: Springfield 37 – Academy of the New Church 0.
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
1. North Penn Knights (1-1)
2. Neshaminy Redskins (2-0)
3. Central Bucks South Titans (2-0)
4. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (2-0)
5. Pennsbury Falcons (1-1)
6. Central Bucks West Bucks (2-0)
7. Souderton Indians (1-1)
8. Central Bucks East Patriots (2-0)
9. Bensalem Owls (1-1)
10. Pennridge Rams (1-1)
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