Scott Huff previews the games with championship implications in each of the three SOL conferences.
By Scott Huff
Championship Week.
The upcoming week in the Suburban One League will showcase games from each conference that have huge, maybe even gigantic, or even enormous, or perhaps colossal implications on who will wear conference crowns in 2012.
In the SOL Continental Conference,Central Bucks South (5-0, 2-0) will put its early season reputation on the line against perennial conference power and defending champion North Penn (3-2, 2-0). The unbeaten Titans will attempt to put an end to the Knights 30-game Continental Conference winning streak.
“There is no question that North Penn is the giant in our division,” said Central Bucks South head coach Dave Rackovan after the Titans defeated visiting Souderton 44-28 on Friday night. “This is a football program that has been one of the best in the state for years. We are excited to have the chance to compete with them.”
“We are calling this championship week,” said North Penn head coach Dick Beck after his Knights routed Quakertown 42-7 on Friday. “The team that wins this game is going to be in the driver’s seat.”
Central Bucks South has put up some big numbers early in the season against a non-league schedule that looked better on paper than on the field. The Titans blasted Council Rock South (0-5) by a 42-7 margin; defeated Council Rock North (2-3) by a 48-21 score; and shutout Norristown (1-4) by a 42-0 score. CB South opened the conference schedule with wins over both winless Hatboro-Horsham (0-5) by a 49-21 tally and Souderton (3-2) by a 44-28 count. The collective record of the Titan opponents is 6-19.
Central Bucks South sophomore Josh Adams has been more than impressive in the early going with 21 touchdowns and 1094 yards in just five games. Senior quarterback John Pileggi III is coming off his best game of the season passing the football against Souderton and gives the Titans needed balance on the offensive side of the football.
North Penn played perhaps the most difficult non-league schedule in the state. The Knights opened the season with a 20-7 loss to La Salle (5-0); followed with a 24-10 victory over defending PIAA Class AAA state champion Archbishop Wood (4-1); and followed with a 31-3 setback against St. Joe Prep (4-0). North Penn opened conference play with a 42-7 rout over Central Bucks East (3-2) and followed with an identical 42-7 rout over Quakertown (1-4). The collective record of the Knight opponents is 15-7.
North Penn senior Kyle Mayfield has carried the rushing load for the Knights this season, while Steve Gozur can be counted on for the tough inside runs. Beck has decided to rotate a pair of quarterbacks during the conference schedule with Austin Shearer and Michael Berstecher sharing time behind center.
Tale of the Tape:
Scoring Average – Central Bucks South (47.0) – North Penn (23.6)
Defensive Average – Central Bucks South (15.4) – North Penn (15.0)
Plus/Minus – Central Bucks South (+ 31.6) – North Penn (+ 8.6)
In the SOL National ConferenceAbington (4-1, 2-0) will attempt to defend its share of the conference title when the Ghosts play powerful Pennsbury (3-2, 2-0) on Saturday night. The surprising Ghosts will have their hands full against the talented Falcons.
“We talked after the game about how if you want to compete for a championship, you have to win games in October,” said Abington head coach Tim Sorber after the Ghosts beat Bensalem 39-20. “Pennsbury looks like it just might be the team to beat this year in our conference. They have a combination of athleticism, size, and speed that creates problems all over the field.”
Abington is a very inexperienced team that has been able to gain experience while winning football games. The Ghosts opened the season with a 24-8 victory over Fels (0-5); followed with a 45-17 loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-1); and closed its non-league slate with a 21-6 win over Central Bucks East (3-2). Abington opened conference play with a 19-17 win over Council Rock North (2-3) and a 39-20 victory over Bensalem (2-3). The collective record of the Ghost opponents is 11-14.
Abington has featured the running of junior Craig Reynolds and both the passing and running of senior quarterback Dylan Collins. The Ghosts feature both the run and the pass this season, and the Abington defense has been strong.
Pennsbury – much like North Penn – played a brutal non-league schedule. The Falcons lost to Lehigh Valley power Easton (5-0) by a 32-13 margin; followed with a 34-23 win over Frankford (3-2); and closed out its non-league schedule with a 42-28 setback against Ches-Mont power Downingtown East (5-0). Pennsbury claimed a 51-2 conference win over Truman (2-3), and a 28-7 victory over winless Council Rock South (0-5). The collective record of the Falcon opponents is 15-10.
Pennsbury is still primarily a running team – and why not with the trio of Daquan Mack, Shawn Pepper, and Sykeem Steward. The Falcons, though, have thrown the football more than in past seasons with quarterback Breon Clark.
Tale of the Tape:
Offensive Scoring Average – Abington – (24.0) – Pennsbury (30.6))
Defensive Scoring Average –Abington – (19.2) – Pennsbury (21.4)
Plus/Minus – Abington (+ 4.8) – Pennsbury (+9.2 )
In the SOL American Conference Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-1, 2-0) will attempt to defend its conference title when the Colonials play Wissahickon (4-1, 2-0) in a critical contest on Friday night.
“The players all know what a win in this game would mean for our season,” said Plymouth Whitemarsh head coach Dan Chang. “Wissahickon has played well this season, and going into the year most people would consider them the favorite.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh has only played teams with winning records this season. The Colonials opened the season with a 21-16 victory over Perkiomen Valley (4-1); followed with a 45-17 victory over Abington (4-1); and followed that with its only loss of the season in a 21-13 loss to West Chester Henderson (5-0). Plymouth Whitemarsh claimed a 21-7 conference win over Upper Moreland (3-2) and followed with a 34-28 overtime victory over Cheltenham (3-2). The collective record of the Colonial opponents is 19-6.
Plymouth Whitemarsh has showcased the running talents of both Corey Kelly and Terry Brown this season. Alton Custis is the favorite receiver of quarterback Pete Giorgio.
Wissahickon won two of three of its non-league contests. The Trojans opened the season with a 43-7 victory over William Tennent (2-3); followed with it lone loss of the season – 29-22 – to Archbishop Ryan (3-2); and closed the non-league schedule with a 38-35 victory over Central Bucks West (2-3). Wissahickon claimed a 41-21 conference win over Upper Dublin (3-2) and followed with a 27-13 victory over Springfield (3-2). The collective record of the Trojan opponents is 13-12.
The Wissahickon running game is anchored by Dan Murphy. Quarterback Randy Frankenfield has been terrific, while Gordon Bentley has shown big-play capabilities both on offense and on special teams.
Tale of the Tape:
Offensive Scoring Average – (Plymouth Whitemarsh – 26.6) – (Wissahickon – 34.0)
Defensive Scoring Average – (Plymouth Whitemarsh – 17.4) – Wissahickon – 21.0)
Plus/Minus – (Plymouth Whitemarsh + 9.2) – (Wissahickon – + 13.0)
That Was The Week That Was In The Suburban One League
SOL Continental Conference
Central Bucks South (5-0, 2-0) remained unbeaten for the season as the Titans rolled to a 44-28 victory over visiting Souderton (3-2, 1-1). Sophomore sensation Josh Adams was once again sensational as he rushed for 194 yards on 31 carries and scored on touchdown runs of 56, 30, 20, and one yards. Quarterback John Pileggi was masterful with 12 completions in 13 attempts for 239 yards and TD passes to Cale Mosher and Steve Veal.
North Penn (3-2, 2-0) remained in conference play as the Knights rolled to a 42-7 victory over visiting Quakertown (1-4, 0-1). Senior Kyle Mayfield had a terrific outing with a 142-yard - four touchdown performance on just eight carries. North Penn – who have now won 30 consecutive conference games – led by a mercy-rule score by the close of the first half. The Knights continued to rotate their quarterbacks effectively as both Austin Shearer and Michael Berstecher had strong games.
Next: Central Bucks South Titans @ North Penn Knights
Last Year: North Penn 28 – Central Bucks South 14.
Pennridge (4-1, 1-0) won its conference opener as the Rams scored late in the game to secure a 28-21 victory over Central Bucks West (2-3, 0-2). Junior flash Michael Class again was at the head of the class with a three-touchdown – 175-yard rushing performance. Class scored on runs of 88, eight, and the game-winning nine-yard score with 1:26 left in the game. MacKenzie Crawford rushed for 127 yards and scored on a 38-yard run.
Souderton (3-2, 1-1) could not contain the high octane CB South offense as the Indians were outscored 44-28 by the Titans (5-0, 2-0). Anthony Williams – who led the team in rushing with 65 yards – scored on a 15-yard run and a 92-yard kickoff return. Jarrett Reinhold scored on touchdown bursts of four and two yards.
Next: Souderton Indians @ Pennridge Rams
Last Year: Pennridge 27 – Souderton 7.
Central Bucks East (3-2, 1-1) won its first conference game as the Patriots registered a 43-29 victory over Hatboro-Horsham (0-5, 0-2). CB East collected 437 yards of total offense in the win. Running back Vince Thompson rushed for 186 yards and scored three touchdowns, while Chris Burian matched the three-touchdown total and added 90 yards on the ground. Zach Nielsen completed six passes for 110 yards.
Central Bucks West (2-3, 0-2) lost its game in the final quarter as the Bucks fell to visiting Pennridge (4-1, 1-0) – 28-21. Sherrod Higginbotham scored on a six-yard run and caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Cody Riemenschneider. Riemenschneider – who completed 18 passes for 215 yards – also threw a 35-yard scoring pass to Kurt Logan.
Next: Central Bucks West Bucks @ Central Bucks East Patriots
Last Year: Central Bucks West 13 – Central Bucks East 7.
Hatboro-Horsham (0-5, 0-2) remained winless for the season as the Hatters were topped by Central Bucks East (3-2, 1-1) – 43-29. Hatboro-Horsham led the Patriots 22-21 at the close of the first half. Luke Spahits led the team in rushing with 90 yards on 15 carries and scored on a 2-yard run. Quarterback Steve Palo threw a 17-yard TD pass to TJ Kelcher, while Chris Ejimoyeugwo scored on a four yard run.
Quakertown (1-4, 0-1) lost its conference opener as the Panthers were caged by defending conference champion North Penn (3-2, 2-0) – 42-7. The Black Cats – playing with a depleted roster due to injuries – managed 128 yards of total offense. The offensive highlight for Q-town was a fourth period touchdown run of 18 yards by junior Keegan Williamson.
Next: Quakertown Panthers @ Hatboro-Horsham Hatters
Last Year: Quakertown 35 – Hatboro-Horsham 20.
SOL American Conference
Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-1, 2-0) had to work overtime as the Colonials marched to a 34-28 victory over Cheltenham (3-2, 1-1). Plymouth Whitemarsh trailed in the game by a 28-14 margin at the close of the half, but the Colonials outscored the Panthers 20-0 in the second half. PW tied the game on a 12-yard TD pass from Pete Giorgo to the Alton Custis in the fourth period – and won the game in overtime on a four-yard touchdown run by Corey Kelly.
Wissahickon (4-1, 2-0) remained unbeaten in conference play as the Trojans marched to a 27-13 victory over Springfield (3-2, 0-2). Dan Murphy scored on runs of 10 and one yards and led the team in rushing with 146 yards on 17 carries. Dave Stellato scored on a 13-yard run, while Gordon Bentley scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Randy Frankenfield.
Next: Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials @ Wissahickon Trojans
Last Year: Plymouth Whitemarsh 31 – Wissahickon 7.
Upper Dublin (3-2, 1-1) won its first conference game as the Flying Cardinals soared to a 35-19 victory over visiting Norristown (1-4, 1-1). Upper Dublin had scoring runs by Khalid Weems (one yard), Mike Lee (38 yards), and Reed Rapine (four yards). Quarterback John Derr threw touchdown passes to Weems (25 yards) and Chris Matteo (13 yards).
Cheltenham (3-2, 1-1) lost its first conference game as the Panthers were outscored 20-0 in the second half in a 34-28 overtime loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-1, 2-0). Senior running back Mark Thompson had an incredible game with 246 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Thompson scored on touchdown runs of 33, 27, 75, and nine yards – all in the first half.
Next: Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals @ Cheltenham Panthers
Last Year: Upper Dublin 19 – Cheltenham 7.
Upper Moreland (3-2, 1-1) won its first conference game as the Golden Bears collected a 35-20 victory over winless Upper Merion (0-5, 0-2). Upper Moreland was led in rushing by Robert Knox who ran for a game-high 115 yards on 13 carries. Vince Cardelli scored a pair of touchdowns for the Golden Bears – both on one-yard runs. Charlie Hooker (six yards), Tyler Whitmore (10 yards), and Jayvon McGown (20 yards) also scored for UM.
Norristown (1-4, 1-1) lost its first conference game as the Eagles were gunned down by host Upper Dublin (3-2, 1-1) – 35-19. Norristown scored a pair of rushing touchdowns in the game as Robert Parker scored on a 43-yard run and quarterback Sonny Brewer scored on a one-yard run. The highlight play of the game was an 82-yard kickoff return for a score by Joe Smith.
Next: Upper Moreland Golden Bears @ Norristown Eagles
Last Year: Norristown 38 – Upper Moreland 28.
Upper Merion (0-5, 0-2) remained winless for the season as the Vikings were sunk by Upper Moreland (3-2, 1-1) – 35-20. Quarterback Carmen Fortino was sidelined for the game with a head injury. Hassan Gardner once again led the Vikings in rushing with 140 yards on 27 carries and a 16-yard touchdown run. JeQuan Mitchell scored on a two-yard run, while backup quarterback Bobby Landmesser fired a 28-yard scoring pass to Connor McGrath.
Springfield (3-2, 0-2) remained winless in the conference as the Spartans were defeated by visiting Wissahickon (4-1, 2-0) – 27-13. Springfield had a pair of touchdowns scored by Jhaloni Johnson who scored on runs of four and one yards. The Spartans trailed 20-0 at the half.
Next: Springfield Spartans @ Upper Merion Vikings
Last Year: Did Not Play.
SOL National Conference
Pennsbury (3-2, 2-0) remained unbeaten in the conference as the Falcons soared to a 28-7 victory over visiting Council Rock South (0-5, 0-2). Shawn Pepper rushed for 215 yards and a pair of touchdowns and also scored on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Breon Clark. Daquan Mack rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Abington (4-1, 2-0) remained unbeaten in the conference as the Ghosts routed Bensalem (2-3, 1-1) – 39-20. Craig Reynolds rushed for a team-high 70 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. Dustyn Collins fired a pair of scoring passes for Abington – one to Kendall Stewart – and the other to Trey Guaglionona. Collins had eight completions for 100 yards.
Next: Abington Ghosts @ Pennsbury Falcons
Last Year: Abington 20 – Pennsbury 7 (regular season)
Pennsbury 35 – Abington 24 (playoffs)
Neshaminy (3-2, 1-1) rebounded from its stunning conference loss as the Redskins routed Harry S Truman (2-3, 0-2) – 48-13. Nate Hall scored three touchdowns for the Skins on runs of 58, 27, and 11 yards. Hall rushed for a team-high 140 yards. Hugh Hart fired a 46-yard scoring pass to Justin Andrews. Devon Brown (16 yards) and Matt Magdenkinskas (two yards) also scored for the winners.
Council Rock North (2-3, 1-1) won its first conference game as the Indians used a swarming defense to shut out William Tennent (2-3, 1-1) – 17-0. Freshman quarterback Brandon Mcllwain completed 10 passes to highlight a Rock North offense that generated 300 yards of total offense.
Next: Council Rock North Indians @ Neshaminy Redskins
Last Year: Council Rock North 17 – Neshaminy 14.
Bensalem (2-3, 1-1) lost its first conference game of the season as the Owls were gunned down by Abington (4-1, 2-0) – 39-20. Ian Piarchuk rushed for a game high 100 yards, while Alex Arcangeli scored on runs of five and one yards. Donnie Reed scored on a 24-yard scoring pass from Kevin Hopkins.
William Tennent (2-3, 1-1) lost its first conference game of the season as the Panthers were shut out by Council Rock North (2-3, 1-1) – 17-0. William Tennent, which stunned Neshaminy 20-17 last week, could account for only 128 yards of total offense against Rock North. Quarterback Joe Lutz passed for 105 yards.
Next: Bensalem Owls @ William Tennent Panthers
Last Year: William Tennent 21 – Bensalem 18.
Harry S Truman (2-3, 0-2) remained winless in the conference as the Tigers were defeated by Neshaminy (3-2, 1-1) – 48-13. Truman was able to get on the scoreboard with a pair of long distance runs. Marvin Todd scored on a 75-yard run, while Gianni Adamo scored on a 63-yard scamper.
Council Rock South (0-5, 0-2) remained winless for the season as the Golden Hawks were gunned down by host Pennsbury (3-2, 2-0) – 28-7. The game was rescheduled to Monday night after a ‘skin infection’ was contracted by a couple of Rock South players, which forced a postponement from Friday night.
Next: Harry S Truman Tigers @ Council Rock South Golden Hawks
Last Year: Council Rock South 35 – Truman 7.
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
1. Central Bucks South Titans (5-0)
2. North Penn Knights (3-2)
3. Pennsbury Falcons (3-2)
4. Pennridge Rams (4-1)
5. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (4-1)
6. Wissahickon Trojans (4-1)
7. Abington Ghosts (4-1)
8. Souderton Indians (3-2)
9. Neshaminy Redskins (3-2)
10. Cheltenham Panthers (3-2)
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