To view photos of the Pennsbury/Tennent, Upper Dublin/PW, North Penn/CB West, Abington/Truman and Upper Moreland/Norristown contests, visit the Photo Gallery.
By Scott Huff
Suburban One Sports.com Senior Writer
There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.
I doubt that Upper Dublin head coach Bret Stover, or Abington head coach Tim Sorber, or Quakertown head coach George Banas ever clicked their collective heels together and uttered that well-known phrase.
But this trio of respected Suburban One League coaches is home again. All three currently coach at their high school alma maters.
“It is rather incredible that I have the opportunity to coach at Upper Dublin,” said Stover – a 1984 graduate from Upper Dublin. “I played (quarterback) under John Pavlick, and learned a lot about how to play the game.”
Stover took that knowledge to Millersville University where he played for the Marauders. But Stover’s heart remained with the Flying Cardinals.
“I came back in 1990 and became the ninth grade coach,” said Stover who teaches both physical education and driver education at Upper Dublin. “I had a chance to go to Hatboro-Horsham and Upper Moreland as an assistant, but I really wanted to stay at Upper Dublin.”
Stover is also awfully proud to say that – “I married my high school sweetheart.”
Tim Sorber grew up in the Abington school district, and the lifetime Ghost played along the offensive and defensive line for veteran head coach Doug Moister.
“I had the honor of playing at Abington for the legendary Doug Moister – and he taught me a lot,” said Sorber – a 1990 Abington graduate. “And then I went to play at Millersville from 1991 to 1995.”
Sorber reunited with Moister for two seasons and coached until Moister’s retirement in 1999. Sorber became offensive coordinator under Marshall Roberts in 1999.
In 2000 – Sorber – who also teaches social studies at Abington High School - became the head coach.
“I always had aspirations of becoming a head coach, but I didn’t think that it would come that soon,” said Sorber – who has been at the helm for the last 11 seasons. “I have worked with some great people here in the administration. They have been very supportive.”
George Banas has been a resident of the Quakertown community his entire life. He played his football and baseball for the Panthers and graduated in 1994.
“Everything so far has been great about coaching at Quakertown,” said Banas, who is in his first year as head coach of the Panthers. “It has been exciting – and fun. That is what I hoped it would be.”
Unlike Stover and Sorber, Banas took his athletic talent to Shippensburg. And unlike Stover and Sorber, Banas does not teach in his district. Banas has a teaching job with the Wilson-Easton School District.
“It is about a 30-minute commute, but I know all the back roads, and it isn’t that big a deal,” said Banas who served the last five seasons as the defensive coordinator for Quakertown under John Donnelly. “I never really thought I would be back and head coach at Quakertown, but I am happy with the opportunity.”
The one thing that all three coaches have in common is that they currently live and coach in the district they grew up in.
There’s no place like home.
This is the Week that Was in the Suburban One League
SOL American Conference
Upper Dublin (5-1, 3-0) captured a huge conference victory over Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-3, 2-1) – 33-27.
“We were flying under the radar the first few weeks of the season,” said Upper Dublin head coach Bret Stover. “I knew coming into the season that we had some skill players back, but I have been thrilled with the way that both our offensive and defensive lines have played so far this season.
“If we keep playing mistake-free football and continue to take advantage of turnovers, we can continue to be successful,” added Stover.
In the win over PW, junior quarterback Andrew Derr completed 14 passes for 165 yards and a pair of touchdowns – one to Jake Gibbons and the other to Jino Park. Park also scored a rushing touchdown, while Anthony Williams scored on a pair of TD runs.
Norristown (3-3, 2-1) lost its first conference game of the season with a tough 17-14 loss to Upper Moreland (5-1, 1-1). The Golden Bears kicked a field goal on the final play of the game.
The Eagles – who had a ‘quick whistle’ cost them an 89-yard TD fumble return by Anthony DiNolfi – scored both an offensive and defensive touchdown. Brandon Shippen – who rushed for a game-high 90 yards – scored on a 17-yard run, while Lawrence Croyor scored on a 14-yard interception return.
Next: Upper Dublin (5-1, 3-0) @ Norristown (3-3, 2-1)
Last Year: Upper Dublin 18 – Norristown 15
Prediction: Upper Dublin 21 – Norristown 17
Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-3, 2-1) lost its first conference game with in a 33-27 shootout with Upper Dublin (5-1, 3-0).
Wakeen Blythe scored a pair of touchdowns for the Colonials while Xavier Ellington also scored on a 10-yard run. PW registered 304 yards of total offense.
Cheltenham (5-1, 1-1) waded back into conference play with a 43-6 victory over Upper Merion (0-6, 0-3). The Panthers clawed Chichester 47-8 in a nonleague game two weeks ago.
Acquil Reed raced for 115 yards on 11 carries and scored on runs of three and 22 yards. Chris Stephens scored on a 10-yard run. Ken Cropper threw a pair of TD passes to Dan Rouse. Rouse caught three balls for 80 yards of offense.
Next: Cheltenham (5-1, 1-1) @ Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-3, 2-1)
Last Year: Plymouth Whitemarsh 27 – Cheltenham 7
Prediction: Plymouth Whitemarsh 28 – Cheltenham 24
Upper Moreland (5-1, 1-1) evened its conference record when Dan Cripps booted a 40-yard field goal with no time left on the clock to defeat Norristown (3-3, 2-1) – 17-14.
Greg Adamson led the Golden Bear rushing attack with 175 yards on 26 carries. He also scored on runs of two and 50 yards.
Wissahickon (0-6, 0-2) continues to search for its first win of the season. The Trojans were thumped last week in a nonleague game by Episcopal Academy – 40-12.
The offensive player of the game for Wissy was Anthony Delegall who rushed 24 times for 120 yards. Delegall scored on a 55-yard TD run, while the other Trojan score came on a one-yard run by Jimmy Thelemaque.
Next: Upper Moreland (5-1, 1-1) @ Wissahickon (0-6, 0-2)
Last Year: Upper Moreland 34 – Wissahickon 17
Prediction: Upper Moreland 42 – Wissahickon 13
Upper Merion (0-6) continues to search for its first win of the season. The Vikings were sunk by visiting Cheltenham – 43-6 – at their Homecoming Day game.
The lone score of the game for Upper Merion came on a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Kecszyk to Naim Cheeseboro.
Next: Upper Merion (0-6) @ Radnor (2-4)
Last Year: Did Not Play
Prediction: Radnor 21 – Upper Merion 7
SOL National Conference
Abington (4-2, 2-1) remained in the hunt for a conference title with a 42-6 destruction of Harry S Truman (1-5, 0-3).
The Ghosts are focused on this week’s formidable opponent - the revitalized Pennsbury Falcons (3-3, 1-2) who whipped William Tennent (4-2, 2-1), 40-10.
“Pennsbury went back to (Brandon) Pepper at quarterback, and that gives us a lot more to prepare for,” said Abington head coach Tim Sorber. “They might just go back to the ‘other’ offense – it’s going to be a lot of work for our coaching staff.
“You can’t assume that it is just going to be back to what they have always done,” added Sorber. “Pennsbury is a very physical team, and maybe even a little more athletic.”
Abington showed its athleticism in the win over Truman. Julien Ireland scored on three touchdown runs of one, 13, and 21 yards. Ray Schreiner scored long distance on a 47-yard run, while Tom Salley scored on a 14-yard run.
Pennsbury (3-3, 1-2) scrapped its ‘new’ offense for the ‘old’ in a 40-10 conference win over William Tennent (4-1, 2-1). The Falcons flew to 345 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Daquan Mack gave Pennsbury a ‘Mack Attack’ as he blasted for 150 yards on 19 carries and a 15-yard touchdown run. Brandon Pepper scored three touchdowns on runs of 12, 25, and 13 yards.
Next: Abington (4-2, 2-1) @ Pennsbury (3-3, 1-2)
Last Year: Abington 27 – Pennsbury 13
Prediction: Abington 21 – Pennsbury 17
Neshaminy (6-0, 3-0) remained unbeaten with a convincing 35-8 victory over winless Council Rock North (0-6, 0-3).
Quarterback Charlie Marterella completed 15 passes for 235 yards that included a 65-yard scoring dart to Dwight Williams. Sean Ulmer, Anthony Woodroffe, and Corey Majors each scored rushing touchdowns for the Redskins.
Council Rock South (6-0, 3-0) remained unbeaten with a convincing 35-7 victory over Bensalem (1-5, 1-2).
Golden Hawk quarterback Billy Fleming led the offensive surge with three touchdown runs of three, seven, and 40 yards. Mark Damirgian found the end zone twice on runs of four and ten yards. South generated 370 yards of rushing offense in the win.
Next: Council Rock South (6-0, 3-0) @ Neshaminy (6-0, 3-0)
Last Year: Neshaminy 42 – Council Rock South 17
Prediction: Neshaminy 24 – Council Rock South 21
Bensalem (1-5, 1-2) struggled in its 35-7 conference loss to unbeaten Council Rock South (6-0, 3-0).
The Owls did score the first touchdown off the Golden Hawks in the last five games with a 25-yard TD run by Christian Fernandez. Fernandez rushed for a team-high 85 yards on 18 carries.
William Tennent (4-2, 2-1) struggled in its 40-10 confernce loss to Pennsbury (3-3, 1-2).
The good news for the Panthers came early when Connor Geiger gave them a 7-0 lead on a one-yard TD run. Tennent trailed the Falcons by a 19-10 score at intermission.
Next: William Tennent (4-2,2-1) @ Bensalem (1-5, 1-2)
Last Year: Bensalem 20 – William Tennent 6
Prediction: Bensalem 21 – William Tennent 13
Truman (1-5, 0-3) was handled by Abington (4-2, 2-1) in a ‘mercy-rule’ contest – 42-6.
The Tigers did, though, have some impressive numbers turned in by fullback Larry Winton. Winton rushed for 207 yards on 26 carries and scored on a 59-yard touchdown burst.
Council Rock North (0-6, 0-3) is still in search of its first win of the season after the Indians lost a conference game to Neshaminy – 35-8.
The lone scoring play of the game for Rock North came on a 27-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Vince Piacentio to Ryan Henritzy.
Next: Council Rock North (0-6, 0-3) @ Truman (1-5, 1-2)
Last Year: Council Rock North 40 – Truman 0
Prediction: Truman 28 – Council Rock North 21
SOL Continental Conference
Quakertown (3-3, 2-0) remained unbeaten in conference play with a breathtaking 41-34 victory over Central Bucks South (2-4, 0-3).
“The game was exciting to the spectators, but not so much for the coaches,” said Quakertown head coach George Banas. “There are still some mistakes that we have to correct, and we still haven’t really played to our ability.”
Quakertown will play that ‘other’ unbeaten SOL Continental Conference team this week – North Penn.
“There is no question that North Penn is back where they used to be,” said Banas. “They might have gotten off to a slower than usual start, but they certainly have an explosive team.”
Quakertown showed that explosiveness on the offensive side of the ball in the victory over CB South.
The Panthers generated 480 yards of total offense – most coming off the arm and leg of senior quarterback Zac Gravelle. Gravelle threw three TD passes – two to Nick Barndt – and dazzled the crowd with a school record 96-yard run.
North Penn (5-1, 3-0) remained unbeaten in conference play with a 38-21 victory over host Central Bucks West.
Brandon Mercer scored a pair of touchdowns for the Knights – one on a 30-yard run and the other on a 20-yard TD catch and run on a reception from QB Corey Ernst. Gerard Wendowski caught a game-high four passes and scored on a nifty 43-yard return of a West punt.
Next: Quakertown (3-3, 2-0) @ North Penn (5-1, 3-0)
Last Year: North Penn 43 – Quakertown 14
Prediction: North Penn 42 – Quakertown 14
Central Bucks West (4-2, 1-2) opened with a 7-0 lead over North Penn, but fell to the talented Knights by a 38-21 score.
Rashaad Williams scored on a 39-yard run and rushed for a team-high 133 yards. Bill Bell caught a pair of TD aerials from quarterback Ward Udinski – one of 27 yards and the other of 21 yards.
Central Bucks East (3-3, 2-1) made three red zone stops as the Patriots shut out Pennridge (3-3, 0-2), 7-0.
The offensive highlights focused on senior running back Justyn White. White ran for a game-high 88 yards on 17 carries and scored the game’s only touchdown on a 36-yard run.
Next: Central Bucks East (3-3, 2-1) @ Central Bucks West (4-2, 1-2)
Last Year: Central Bucks East 22 – Central Bucks West 14
Prediction: Central Bucks West 28 – Central Bucks East 14
Souderton (4-2, 3-0) remained unbeaten in conference action with a resounding 42-7 victory over Hatboro-Horsham (2-4, 0-3).
The Indians rushed for a game-high 310 yards. The Big Red scored on the ground with scoring runs by Javon White and Joe McNamara; they scored in the air on a pass from Tanner Allem to Clint Passarella; and they scored on defense as Passarella scored on a 35-yard interception return.
Central Bucks South (2-4, 0-3) continued to play well offensively, but the Titans still fell to Quakertown – 41-34.
South generated 450 yards of total offense in defeat. Quarterback Matt Johns completed 22 passes for 294 yards that included a pair of TD passes to Bobby DiPasquale.
Next: Central Bucks South (2-3, 0-3) @ Souderton (4-2, 3-0)
Last Year: Souderton 14 – Central Bucks South 10
Prediction: Souderton 38 – Central Bucks South 28
Pennridge (3-3, 0-2) is still in search of its first conference win as the Rams were shut out by Central Bucks East (3-3, 2-1), 7-0.
The passing combination of quarterback Kyle Peters to Rocky Ferrier accounted for most of the offense. Peters – who completed 11 passes – made eight connections with Ferrier.
Hatboro-Horsham (2-4, 0-3) is still in search of its first conference win as the Hatters were topped by Souderton (4-2, 3-0), 42-7.
The game with the Big Red was tied at 7-7 after the first period. Junior running back Travis Young scored the lone TD for the Hatters and led the team with 65 yards rushing on 13 carries.
Next: Hatboro-Horsham (2-3, 0-3) @ Pennridge (3-3, 0-2)
Last Year: Pennridge 21 – Hatboro-Horsham 12
Prediction: Pennridge 35 – Hatboro-Horsham 13
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
1. North Penn Knights (5-1, 3-0)
2. Neshaminy Redskins (6-0, 3-0)
3. Council Rock South Golden Hawks (6-0, 3-0)
4. Abington Galloping Ghosts (4-2, 2-1)
5. Souderton Indians (4-2, 3-0)
6. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (5-1, 3-0)
7. Pennsbury Falcons (3-3, 1-2)
8. Cheltenham Panthers (5-1, 2-0)
9. Central Bucks West Bucks (4-2, 1-2)
10. Upper Moreland Golden Bears (5-1, 1-1)
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