Kevin Cooney, Dan Dunkin and Scott Huff talk SOL football.
Back for its fourth season, the popular Intelligencer/Courier Times ‘Let’s Talk Football’ features high school football beat writers Kevin Cooney and Dan Dunkin. Cooney, the Phillies beat writer, covers schools in the Intelligencer area while Dan Dunkin – who has been covering sports at the high school and professional level for 25 years - covers teams in the Courier Times area. Both share their perspective on the teams in their coverage area. To stay on top of the high school football news in the area, visit the web site http://www.phillyburbs.com/sports/high_school/
SuburbanOneSports.com: The game National Conference fans have been waiting for is finally here. Talk about Friday’s Neshaminy-Pennsbury game.
Dan Dunkin: “It only took 10 weeks to get here, and this sets up as a great game. Both teams have been building very impressively to this point, improving every week, taking care of business; very, very few lapses, blowing everybody out. Right off the top, I really like both defenses a lot. I would be surprised if it’s a high-scoring, high-stat game. I think both defenses are too good. They’re quick, they’re both difficult to run against. It’s going to put more pressure on each passing game to an extent. Both teams have terrific running games.
“Neshaminy's a senior-dominated defense and offensive line. These kids have really grown over their three or four years. So far, it’s had the look of a special season, and Friday night will have a lot to say about that.
“You couldn’t have more on the line for a regular-season game. They’re archrivals, they’re both very good teams – two of the best in the district. Neshaminy has a chance at a number one seed and their first 10-0 regular season since the 2001 state championship team and only the second at Neshaminy in 25 years.
“A lot of people thought Pennsbury was going to be a year away. People knew they were going to be good, but not this good this soon. They have a strong underclass, yet a lot of those kids are experienced, so that could be a little misleading. It’s not like they’re all pups. A lot of them got experience last year, but it’s essentially a whole new defense starting this year, and they have really grown quickly. They’ve matured rapidly on both sides of the ball.
“Both teams are tough, strong, with a lot of athletes. I’m taking Neshaminy largely because of their experience edge on defense and how the changes they made in the offseason have really added to that defense. I think they’re going to win 24-17 in a great game.”
SuburbanOneSports.com: With all the buildup and all that’s at stake, is there any way this could turn into another one of those lopsided affairs that have been so prevalent in the conference this season?
Dan Dunkin: “It’s possible, but it’s not likely. If it was a blowout, I would say it would be Neshaminy doing the blowing out. They have a more diversified, versatile offense, but I don’t see either team getting steamrolled. It’s just not going to happen. I would be shocked if that would happen. I really think this is going to be a defense-first game and will be a purist’s delight. I’m hoping for that.”
SuburbanOneSports.com: What about those who say that Neshaminy hasn’t been tested so far this season?
Dan Dunkin: “I would counter that with this – Downingtown West, who they destroyed, is a 7-2 team. You can look at their wide margins of victory and say they haven't been tested, but the other side of that is they have been that good. You play the teams on your schedule. There are a lot of good teams that go 9-1 and have a lot of squeakers. Well, they’ve just mowed people down, so there’s something to be said for that.
“I’m interested to see what happens when they get in a really tight four-quarter game, and I think this will be that. I think this will be their biggest test of the year so far. Ditto for Pennsbury, including Easton, because I’ll put Neshaminy up there with anybody. They’re a physical team, and so is Pennsbury. I would also say Abington gave Neshaminy a test because they have a quick defense, and like Mark Schmidt told me, it had been about a month since they really had to play anybody with that kind of quickness. They had to adjust, and when they came out in the second half, it was men against boys, so they passed that test, and they had a lot going against them in that Abington game. There were a lot of questionable flags – a lot of holding calls. They were making calls just to make calls. They missed an Abington kid that fair-caught a punt. They didn’t see that, and the kid went another 30 yards on a punt return. It was ridiculous, really. Neshaminy had to deal with all that, and they’re showing themselves as a mature team. They didn’t let all the peripheral stuff affect their performance. That’s the thing about Neshaminy – they’re a mature, tough-minded, task-oriented group.”
SuburbanOneSports.com: The other game with playoff implications in the National Conference is the annual Council Rock South-Council Rock North game. What are your thoughts about that game?
Dan Dunkin: “Rock North will definitely not be in the district playoffs if they lose. That’s an interesting game. Typically, in this rivalry, no matter if one team has a poor record, it’s always a good game, and there’s the cliché – you throw the records out the window. I am very tempted to take CR South in this game. CR North has had trouble against the run, as has CR South, but North doesn’t stick with the running game enough, in my opinion.
“Rock South obviously has nothing to lose. They’ve had a terrible season. North has everything to play for – they haven’t been in the playoffs since ’09, and it would be an achievement for them. I think South can get physical, and North is not that big and not that physical of a team. A win wouldn’t salvage South’s season, but it would certainly make them feel a lot better after everything they’ve gone through this year. It would really devastate North to lose this game because they would have blown it.
“What I keep coming back to, though, is if you have a special player who can make some other players on your team better, you win a game like this. And that’s Brandon McIlwain. I don’t think he will let North lose. He’s that good. He gets you spread out, he’s an excellent dual threat, and in a tight game, he’ll find a way. He’ll find receivers, he’ll make the big run, but I do think it will be pretty close, and North will squeak by. South has playmakers – David Haun, Tyler Anderson, Vince Alimenti. These kids have shown that they can break runs and score touchdowns. Greg Paprocki, their quarterback, is another playmaker. He’s learned how to run the ball from the option, and the kid can throw the ball. They should let him throw more.”
SuburbanOneSports.com: Last week’s North Penn-Central Bucks West showdown turned into a blowout. Your thoughts about that game.
Kevin Cooney: “I think right now you’re seeing that North Penn is just playing a lot better than everybody else. You would think after West tied that game at 7-7 – all right, here we go. They survived the turnover to get the long touchdown run by Marvin Todd. You’re thinking everything is set up for them, and suddenly, North Penn just got rolling. It’s difficult when North Penn has been rolling like this to stop them, so I think what you’re seeing is that the cream rose to the top. That’s not a knock on CB West. We were hoping they were in the same conversation as North Penn, but they’re not. This is the story now that the Continental is breaking up, and this has been the story in the conference every year, with the exception of last year. You’re talking about North Penn through their history from 2008 to this year has had two conference losses. That’s pretty impressive on their part and a little bit damning on the others that no one was able to step up and challenge them.
“You look at what Nyfease West has been able to do, and they got a little bit of their defense together. Their line has been playing very well. North Penn is one of those danger teams going forward. It looks like they’re going to be on the road the first week of districts no matter what happens this week against Souderton, but you have to think they’re probably one of five teams that has a legitimate shot at winning this thing no matter what.
“If North Penn ends up in the nine spot, which is possible, they could be setting up some very interesting matchups. We could see CB West/North Penn again in week one of the playoffs, and we could see Neshaminy-North Penn in week two. There are a lot of variables at play here, but it’s going to be interesting to see how it all shakes down.
“With CB West, I think the one thing you look at is how do they bounce back this week against CB South. It’s a pretty good test game to see where they are.”
SuburbanOneSports.com: Pennridge needs some help this week to get into the playoffs. Talk about the Rams’ chances.
Kevin Cooney: “Pennridge needs CR North to lose. If CR North loses and Pennridge wins, Pennridge is in and CR North would not be in. Kyle Berger did a really good job of figuring all of this out, and he said – there used to be five or six teams on the outside that could get in the last night, but this year the field is kind of cut and dried. There are about 19 teams going for 16 spots. It’s pretty easy – if CR North wins, CR North will get in. Pennridge still has other backdoor ways of getting in. Oxford would have to win over Unionville, but realistically, it would be tough. Their best way in would be CR South beating CR North.
“Obviously, I think this year you look at last week’s game against CB East – they gave the ball to Mike Class in the second half, and he blew the game open. The question is – was he healthy the whole year. The scuttlebutt is there may have been an injury of some sort. His touches obviously were down. When you look at this going forward, does Pennridge deserve to be in the playoffs before CR North? Yes, I think they’re a better team, but I can’t make that argument. If Pennridge doesn’t get in, it’s a real kick in the (gut), but to be honest, you lose three out of four at one point in the season, and it’s kind of tough to sit here and say, ‘You got shafted.’
“Pennridge lost a lot (of last year’s team to graduation). Last year was the year they were supposed to make their run. It’s tough when you look at what happens to players who get hurt. If he was hindered his senior year by different things, it’s kind of sad because we almost feel a little cheated - through no fault of the kid - that we saw a player who was special who just had injuries crop up, and it’s a shame.”
SuburbanOneSports.com: Talk about the Pennsbury-Neshaminy game.
Kevin Cooney: “It’s funny – you talk to coaches, and this is the game they all want to talk about. We’ve been talking about it for three-four weeks. I saw Mark Schmidt today, and I think the one thing Neshaminy has done all year is they’ve played great defense, and they rise to the occasion. Last week against Abington, they overcame some penalties, and that’s not an easy task when you have your rivalry game the week after and you’re on the road playing a playoff team. I think what Neshaminy showed is how good they are that they were able to overcome that.
“Pennsbury is so big and so physical, and they’re able to pound the football. They’re able to pass it a little bit. This is why this is the best rivalry in the district anymore. You can take CB East/CB West, you could take Downingtown East/Downingtown West, you could take Coatesville/Downingtown, but, no, this is the one. This is the one that every year has something riding on it. Both sides have that natural animosity towards each other. It’s not vicious, but it’s a true rivalry. It doesn’t get out of hand, it doesn’t get silly or stupid. There are no cheap shots. It’s almost like Ohio State/Michigan. You don’t like each other, but you play down the middle.
“Neshaminy has a lot at stake – a potential number one seed and all that. Pennsbury, I believe Kyle said, could move up to three with a win, but I think this game is way more important for Pennsbury right now. If Neshaminy comes into your building with the conference title on the line and a number one seed on the line and wins – boy, that lingers. Assuming you might have to play each other down the road, which is a pretty distinct possibility, yes, I think that would make an impact and would be a real tough thing for the Falcons to overcome. I think this is a more critical game for Pennsbury than it is for Neshaminy.
“I’m going to go with Neshaminy late – I think Neshaminy will win it late with Denny Lord breaking a TD run.”
Suburban One Sports: Plymouth Whitemarsh won the SOL American Conference showdown for first place last week against Upper Dublin. You were there – what are your thoughts on the game?
Scott Huff: “Last week when I talked about the game I mentioned how much alike both teams were. And that assessment was correct as both teams have wonderful backfields with terrific senior quarterbacks. Connor Hanlon of Plymouth Whitemarsh and John Derr of Upper Dublin stole the offensive spotlight for both teams – Hanlon with three truly magical runs of 25, 8, and 55 yards for touchdowns – and Derr slicing the Colonial defense for 191 passing yards.
“I picked PW to win because of slight ‘difference’ factors. The Colonials (1) were a 2-time defending champion; (2) had a clear size advantage; (3) had a varsity experience advantage; and (4) were playing a Homecoming Game. And I think factor #2 – a clear size advantage – may have been the biggest difference in the 28-23 PW victory.
“Unless, of course, you were an Upper Dublin fan who watched the game from the stands or the Cardinal coaching staff that had a front row ‘seat’ from the sidelines. The officiating crew during the course of the game flagged the Cardinals 16 times (11 accepted) and only penalized PW four times. There is nothing in the rules that says that the calls have to be 50/50, but the UD fans and coaching staff were a little more than concerned with the disparity in calls.
“But in the end, really, the better team won this game. There were two excellent teams – two PIAA District One Quad-A qualifying teams. In the end, it was a magnificent win for the Colonials and a very disappointing loss for the Cardinals.”
Suburban One Sports: Both PW and Upper Dublin will move on to the PIAA District One Quad-A Playoffs. Where does each stand after Week 9 of the season?
Scott Huff: “As the math computes this week in Quad-A football, Upper Dublin (8-1 – 1120 points) is tied with Abington (7-2 - 1120) for sixth place in the district, while PW (7-2 - 1100) is tied with Downingtown West (7-2 - 1100) for 10th place. If both Upper Dublin and PW win next week it is likely that the Cardinals would host a first round game (perhaps a rematch with PW?), while Plymouth Whitemarsh would have to play its first game on the road.”
Suburban One Sports: Springfield – a Class AA team - won a huge game last week when the Spartans held on for an 18-16 win over Class AAA Upper Moreland. How does that impact where Springfield is currently in the Class AA postseason playoffs?
Scott Huff: “Both District 1 and District 12 combine to create a four-team playoff field, and Springfield (5-3) is currently the third ranked team in that combined field. If the playoffs were to start today – and we know they don’t – the Spartans would play the second ranked team – West Catholic (7-2).:
Suburban One Sports: What about Upper Moreland and Upper Merion and their chances to compete in the PIAA District One Class AAA playoffs?
Scott Huff: “Poof!!!
“Both Upper Moreland (3-6) and Upper Merion’s (3-6) chances for a Class AAA playoff spot went up in smoke last week as both the Golden Bears and Vikings lost key conference games.
“The most damaging was Upper Moreland’s 18-16 loss to Springfield. Not only did the Purple & Gold lose – the Golden Bears lost to a Class AA school. And Upper Merion’s failure to win its second SOL American game of the season when Upper Merion lost to Cheltenham dealt a severe blow to the Vikings playoff hopes.
“Right now – in the eight-team PIAA District One Class AAA playoff field – Upper Moreland ranks 10th - while Upper Merion ranks 11th. Chances for both the Bears and Vikings are slim and none.
“Bet on none.”
Suburban One Sports: What are your thoughts on the games in the final week of the conference season?
Scott Huff: The final week of the SOL American Conference should have four clear winners in each of the games played.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (7-2, 6-0) will complete its conference season unbeaten with little opposition against Springfield (5-3, 3-3). The Colonial rushing attack of Brian Afflick, Jose Mora-Vera, and Connor Hanlon should rack up some impressive numbers. Springfield – which like PW will advance to the postseason but on the Class AA level – will feature the talents of Brandon Doyle and Martin Worgan. The Spartans would like to put up a good fight – but expect a quick PW knockout.
Prediction: Plymouth Whitemarsh 49 – Springfield 21.
Upper Dublin (8-1, 5-1) will get ready for its Quad-A postseason run with a home game against Upper Merion (3-6, 1-5). The Cardinal offensive backfield of John Derr, John Lee, and Kyleif Lee will be tough to stop for a Viking defense that has struggled to hold teams down this year. JeQuan Mitchell has been very good for Upper Merion this season – but good will be far from enough against the talented high-flying Cardinals.
Prediction: Upper Dublin 49 – Upper Merion 21.
Wissahickon (5-4, 4-2) has lost only twice during the conference season dropping games to both Plymouth Whitemarsh and Upper Dublin. Josh Smith and Dave Stellato have been impressive. Upper Moreland (3-6, 2-4) has been able to move the football in almost every game with the talents of Tyler Whitmore and Charlie Hooker, but the Golden Bears have not been ‘golden’ defensively this year.
Prediction: Wissahickon 49 – Upper Moreland 21.
Cheltenham (4-5, 3-3) has racked some impressive offensive totals the last few weeks with quarterback Marcus Heimann cranking out touchdowns in alarming numbers. In the last three games Heimann has recorded five, four, and three touchdowns for the Panthers. Norristown (0-9, 0-6) is in real danger of not winning a game this season. The Eagles – who will play Methacton (5-4) in a non-conference contest next week in its season finale – will be more than happy to just see this season come to a close.
Prediction: Cheltenham 49 – Norristown 21.
P.S. – yes, I know that I predicted 49-21 in every game.
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