Scott Huff looks at the playoff picture heading into the final week of the SOL season. To view photos of the Neshaminy/Abington and CR South/Tennent games, please visit the Photo Gallery.
By Scott Huff
Playoffs? We’re talking playoffs? – Jim Mora
Sure, why not?
As the season chugs down to the final Suburban One League conference game for most teams (with the exception of both Pennridge and Quakertown), there remain a number of possibilities as far as participants and even greater possibilities as far as potential seedings for those teams that have earned the right to the postseason.
The path to the PIAA District One Quad-A playoffs is clear for Souderton (6-3, 4-2) as the Indians must defeat rival North Penn (5-4, 4-2) in a SOL Continental Conference game to earn a coveted invitation to the 16-team field.
“The playoffs start for us this week,” said Souderton head coach Ed Gallagher. “Once we lost the game to Pennridge, we knew that we were going to have to win out in order for us to get in the playoffs. We kept our focus the last three weeks and won football games, and now we are in a position to get into the playoffs.
“North Penn has been the class of the league for so long,” added Gallagher. “I believe that we both have respect for each other’s program, but we have never been able to play four quarters and beat them.
“The one thing that we have in common is that both our league losses were to Central Bucks South and Pennridge,” continued Gallagher. “There are four good teams in our league – and we have to find a way to beat one of them. North Penn is our last chance to do that.”
Souderton was not at full strength in its losses to both the Titans and the Rams. The Indians will be much healthier against the Knights.
“We lost both Tyler McKeon and Kenny Yoder in those games,” said Gallagher of his senior cornerbacks. “It’s hard to ask junior varsity players to tackle Mike Class (Pennridge) and Josh Adams (CB South).
“And we lost (star running back) Anthony Williams in the Pennridge game when we were up 26-20,” added Gallagher. “Injuries can’t be used as excuses, and both of those teams deserved to beat us.”
Pennsbury (7-2, 6-0) has both a safety net in terms of district playoffs and the SOL National Conference championship as the Falcons face rival Neshaminy (7-2, 5-1) on Friday at Heartbreak Ridge. Pennsbury has a district playoff invite already tucked into its back pocket, and a loss to the Redskins would result in a co-championship with Neshaminy.
The Falcons played a brutal non-league schedule and began the season 1-2. Pennsbury lost to Lehigh Valley power Easton (32-13) in the first week of the season, and in the third week of the season, the Falcons lost to Ches-Mont power Downingtown East (42-28).
“When you play that type of schedule, it can be a gamble,” said Pennsbury head coach Galen Snyder. “It leaves you with no room for error in your league schedule. There are no guaranteed wins in our league.
“This season, though, our non-league schedule paid some dividends,” added Snyder. “We have continued to get better as the season goes on, and it will get us ready for the postseason.”
Neshaminy started its season 2-2, and the Skins were stunned in conference play by William Tennent (20-17). But Skins' head coach Mark Schmidt regrouped his band of Redskins, and Neshaminy has won its last five games – including last week’s 21-14 critical win over Abington.
“Playing Neshaminy for the title does not surprise me at all,” said Snyder. “Their offensive line does a great job, and both their tailback (Nate Hall) and fullback (Denny Lord) are good football players. It should be a good football game.”
Upper Moreland (6-3, 4-2) has been the SOL American Conference playoff killer the last two weeks as Golden Bear wins over Cheltenham (28-21) and Springfield (17-14) most likely eliminated both teams from playoff consideration.
“I told the players that we knocked Cheltenham out of the 4-A playoffs two weeks ago, and we knocked Springfield out of the 2-A playoffs this week,” said Upper Moreland head coach Dave Heying. And now we have earned our spot in the 3-A playoffs – win or lose this week against Wissahickon.
“You have to play good football to get in the playoffs, and we have been playing good football,” added Heying. “Even in our two league losses to Plymouth Whitemarsh (21-7) and Upper Dublin (14-7), we had chances to win those games.
“We want to win a league championship,” continued Heying. “But if we can’t do that, we want to be able to move on to the (3-A) playoffs.
“Robert Knox has been a man-child for us, and Chris Kitchen has been a factor on both offense and defense,” added Heying. “And both Evyn Stadulis and Joe Smith have been outstanding on the line. We run about 75 percent of our offense behind those two guys.”
Upper Moreland will prep for the postseason as the Golden Bears host Wissahickon in the conference finale.
“Wissahickon has an outside shot at the (4-A) playoffs, and we want to go into the playoffs with a win,” said Heying. “It is a huge game for both of us.”
Playoffs? We’re Talking playoffs!
That Was The Week That Was in the Suburban One League
SOL National Conference
Pennsbury (7-2, 6-0) will attempt to win the conference championship outright after the Falcons soared to a 35-10 victory over Bensalem (2-7, 1-5). Pennsbury was pure ‘ground and pound’ with a 400-yard rushing attack. Quarterback Breon Clark scored on runs of 1 and 32 yards. Shawn Pepper scored on a 31-yard run and rushed for a game-high 130 yards. Daquan Mack scored on a 3-yard run and rushed for 105 yards. Ryan Muse scored on a 55-yard interception return.
Neshaminy (7-2, 5-1) will attempt to earn a share of the conference title after the Redskins captured a 21-14 victory over Abington (6-3, 4-2). Denny Lord scored on two of his three carries – one on a 1-yard run – and the other on a 66-yard burst. Justin Andrews scored on a touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Falkowski. The Skins finished the game with 173 yards rushing.
Next: Pennsbury Falcons @ Neshaminy Redskins
Last Year: Neshaminy 24 – Pennsbury 7.
Abington (6-3, 4-2) lost a key conference game last week as Neshaminy (7-2, 5-1) – 21-14, edged the Ghosts. Quarterback Dylan Collins scored on a 5-yard run and rushed for a team-high 75 yards. Collins also fired a 44-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Pickney.
William Tennent (4-5, 3-3) struggled offensively as the Panthers were caged by Council Rock South (2-7, 2-4) – 28-7. The lone William Tennent touchdown came on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Mike Touey to Anthony Aiken. Aiken caught four passes for 55 yards, while Touey completed nine passes for 110 yards.
Next: Abington Ghosts @ William Tennent Panthers
Last Year: Abington 28 – William Tennent 0.
Council Rock North (3-6, 3-3) prepped for its showdown with rival CR South as the Indians scored early and often in a 49-22 victory over Truman (2-7, 0-6).
Council Rock South (2-7, 2-4) soared to its second conference victory as Rock South collected a 28-7 victory over William Tennent (4-5, 3-3). Greg Paprocki had a terrific day for the Hawks, rushing for three touchdowns (1, 4, & 18 yards) and throwing an 83-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Crosley. Paprocki rushed for 87 yards and completed five passes for 140 yards. Vincent Alimenti rushed for a game-high 140 yards on 18 carries.
Next: Council Rock North Indians @ Council Rock South Golden Hawks
Last Year: Council Rock South 17 – Council Rock North 0.
Bensalem (2-7, 1-5) had some nice offensive numbers but the Owls scored just 10 points in a 35-10 loss to first place Pennsbury (7-2, 6-0). Kevin Hopkins completed 12 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown to Ohyle Elijah for 41-yards. Donnie Reed caught six passes for 90 yards. Alec Rosenfeld booted a 34-yard field goal for the Owls.
Truman (2-7, 0-6) remained winless in the conference as the Tigers made the trek to Newtown and dropped a 49-22 contest to Council Rock North (3-6, 3-3).
Next: Bensalem Owls @ Harry S Truman Tigers
Last Year: Bensalem 20 – Truman 6.
SOL Continental Conference
North Penn (5-4, 4-2) rebounded from its playoff elimination loss to Pennridge as the Knights exploded for a 48-28 victory over Central Bucks West (5-4, 3-3). Kyle Mayfield scored a pair of touchdowns on runs of three and 70 yards and rushed for a game-high 145 yards. Steve Gozur scored on long distance runs of 61 and 51 yards. Luke Berry also dialed long distance with an 80-yard run. Mike Berstecher fired a 55-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Posavec.
Souderton (6-3, 4-2) kept its playoff hopes alive as the Indians routed host Hatboro-Horsham (1-8, 1-5) – 37-7. Anthony Williams rushed for a game-high 110 yards and scored on runs of 25 and 35 yards. AJ Curotto scored on a three-yard run, Dan Knight scored on a four-yard run, and Jon Horton scored on a one-yard run for the Indians.
Next: North Penn Knights @ Souderton Indians
Last Year: North Penn 37 – Souderton 14.
Central Bucks South (8-1, 5-1) kept itself within striking distance of first place as the Titans routed host Quakertown (1-8, 0-5) – 48-6. Sophomore running back Josh Adams rushed for 155 yards and scored on runs of 38 and 36 yards. John Pileggi completed 13 passes for 205 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to Steve Veal – one of 53 yards – and the other of three yards.
Central Bucks West (5-4, 3-3) fell out of playoff contention as the Bucks were defeated by host North Penn (5-4, 4-2) – 48-28. Quarterback Cody Riemenschneider completed 25 of 30 passes for 215 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Mark Ciaudelli caught 12 passes and snared both TD catches – one for 17 yards – and the other for 10 yards. Riemenschneider scored on a 13-yard touchdown run.
Next: Central Bucks West Bucks @ Central Bucks South Titans
Last Year: Central Bucks South 45 – Central Bucks West 14.
Pennridge (8-1, 5-0) remained unbeaten in conference play as the Rams had to rally back twice to defeat Central Bucks East (3-6, 1-5) – 34-24. Michael Class rushed for a team-high 155 yards on 25 carries and scored on runs of eight, 33, and seven yards. Kyle Bigam scored on a 10-yard touchdown run and on a 63-yard pass from quarterback Alex Krivda. Krivda completed nine passes for 190 yards.
Hatboro-Horsham (1-8, 1-5) scored a touchdown late as the Hatters averted a shutout in a 37-7 loss to Souderton (6-3, 4-2). Steve Palo earned the scoring honors for Hatboro-Horsham on a four-yard touchdown run. Jeff Panara rushed for a team-high 65 yards on 12 carries.
Next: Hatboro-Horsham Hatters @ Pennridge Rams
Last Year: Pennridge 21 – Hatboro-Horsham 13.
Central Bucks East (3-6, 1-5) led first place Pennridge twice, but the Patriots fell to the Rams – 34-24. Vince Thompson rushed for a game-high 170 yards on 17 carries and scored on runs of 59 and 65 yards. Pete Donovan scored on a 50-yard burst for the CB East. The Patriots – which led 14-0 and 24-20 – collected 380 yards of total offense.
Quakertown (1-8, 0-5) lost its eighth straight game as the Panthers were caged by visiting Central Bucks South (8-1, 5-1). Quakertown closed to within 13-6 in the first half on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Pat SanAngelo to Doug Barndt.
Next: Central Bucks East Patriots @ Quakertown Panthers
Last Year: Central Bucks East 35 – Quakertown 28.
SOL American Conference
Wissahickon (6-3, 4-2) is fighting for its district playoff life after the Trojans marched to a 42-13 victory over Norristown (1-8, 1-5). Dan Murphy was the ‘the man’ with a five touchdown night. Murphy scored on runs on one, 19, 25, and 20 yards – and caught a touchdown pass from Randy Frankenfield. Dave Stellato scored on a 28-yard TD run for the Trojans.
Upper Moreland (6-3, 4-2) came up with a hard-fought win as the Golden Bears captured a 17-14 victory over Springfield (4-5, 1-5). Robert Knox rushed the football 18 times for a game-high 170 yards. Chris Kitchen scored on a 2-yard run, while Charlie Hooker scored on a 30-yard burst. Dan Cripps kicked a 35-yard field goal for the Golden Bears.
Next: Wissahickon Trojans @ Upper Moreland Golden Bears
Last Year: Wissahickon 41 – Upper Moreland 19.
Upper Dublin (5-4, 3-3) lost a critical conference game as the Flying Cardinals were defeated by first place Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-1, 6-0) – 42-14. Mike Lee scored on a one-yard run for Upper Dublin, while Khalid Weems scored late in the game on a 10-yard run.
Upper Merion (1-8, 1-5) scored 35 points, but the Vikings were sunk by Cheltenham – 54-35. Hassan Gardner lugged the ball 42 times for 205 yards and a pair of one-yard touchdown runs. Carmen Fortino threw a pair of touchdown passes – one to Jordan Moffett for 27 yards – and the other to Dixon for 43 yards. Fortino also scored on a nine-yard touchdown run.
Next: Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals @ Upper Merion Vikings
Last Year: Upper Dublin 34 – Upper Merion 16.
Cheltenham (6-3, 4-2) exploded for eight touchdowns as the Panthers captured a 54-35 victory over Upper Merion (1-8, 1-5). Mark Thompson scored six touchdowns to spark the Cheltenham attack. Thompson scored on runs of 25, 28, 51, 20, and 18 yards – and also scored on a 45-yard punt return. Ryan Phillips scored on a 31-yard run, and Mark Heimann threw a 50-yard TD strike to Ahjavon Patrick.
Norristown (1-8, 1-5) continued its struggles this season as the Eagles were defeated by Wissahickon (6-3, 4-2) – 42-13. Quarterback Sonny Brewer scored on a seven-yard run, while Mike Brown scored on a 76-yard touchdown burst. The game was 35-0 at the half.
Next: Norristown Eagles @ Cheltenham Panthers
Last Year: Norristown 14 – Cheltenham 7.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-1, 6-0) remained unbeaten in the conference as the Colonials marched to a 42-14 victory over Upper Dublin (5-4, 3-3). Terry Brown went over the 1000-yard mark with 185 yards and three touchdowns. Corey Kelly rushed for 120 yards and scored two touchdowns for the Colonials. Quarterback Pete Giorgio fired a 21-yard touchdown pass to Erik Tucker.
Springfield (4-5, 1-5) gave Upper Moreland all it could handle as the Spartans dropped a 17-14 verdict to the Golden Bears. Chris Stone completed seven passes for 115 yards that included a 24-yard touchdown pass to Brendan Doyle. Martin Worgan scored on a three yard for the Spartans.
Next: Springfield Spartans @ Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
Last Year: Did Not Play.
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
1. Pennsbury Falcons (7-2, 6-0)
2. Pennridge Rams (8-1, 5-0)
3. Central Bucks South Titans (8-1, 5-1)
4. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (8-1, 6-0)
5. North Penn Knights (5-4, 4-2)
6. Souderton Indians (6-3, 4-2)
7. Neshaminy Redskins (7-2, 5-1)
8. Abington Ghosts (6-3, 4-2)
9. Cheltenham Panthers (6-3, 4-2)
10. Wissahickon Trojans (6-3, 4-2)
- Log in to post comments
