Join Jeff Nolan and Kevin Cooney for the WPHT High School Football Scoreboard Show as they recap the night of high school football on Friday 10 p.m. to midnight on 1210AM/WPHT and the Audacy app.
By Scott Huff
SOL National Conference Championship Week?
North Penn (7-0, 4-0) vs Central Bucks West (6-1, 4-0) is the Game of the Week in the SOL National Conference.
The No. 2 ranked (District 1 – 6A) Knights and the No. 8 ranked Bucks are two of the three teams in the conference that are still unbeaten in conference.
No. 6 ranked Central Bucks East (6-1, 4-0) is the third unbeaten conference team – but the Patriots will be severely tested this week as they go on the road to meet No. 13 ranked Pennridge (4-3, 2-2).
The North Penn 2021 resume has featured a balanced high-scoring offense that has averaged 40.1 points per game. Quarterback Ryan Zeltt has been firing TD passes to game breaker Levi Carroll, while running back Khalani Eaton has also fueled the explosive Knight offensive attack each and every week.
North Penn has handily defeated Souderton (42-27), Abington (58-8), Pennsbury (35-0), Upper Dublin (35-20), Neshaminy (42-21), and Harry S Truman (48-20).
The lone competitive game on the scoreboard for the Knights came in a 21-14 victory over Pennridge.
The Central Bucks West resume is more modest than NP in that the Bucks feature a punishing three back running attack to control the game. Donte Mancini, Eli Boehm and Vinny Cherubini have combined for over 1,200 yards this season.
Central Bucks West has claimed easy victories over Abington (21-0), Council Rock South (27-3), Pennsbury (42-14). The Bucks were awarded a 2-0 win over Hatboro Horsham in a forfeited game.
CB West- much like North Penn – also played a very competitive game with Pennridge in a hard fought 28-24 win. CB West defeated rival CB South in another one score victory, 28-20.
The lone loss of the season came on opening night when the Bucks were defeated by No. 3 (tied with Quakertown) ranked Coatesville, 35-14. The loss to the Red Raiders was actually a mercy-rule setback for West.
This 2021 CB West-North Penn contest may not have garnered the attention that the nationally aired ESPN documentary called The Season which was done in 1999, in part, about CBW and the NP.
[Google it – it is worth watching 22 years late!]
These are not the days of legendary Michael Pettine Sr. coaching those nationally-ranked Bucks against his son Michael Pettine Jr. coaching the surging Knight program.
The senior Pettine was coaching a CB West dynasty – and the junior Pettine (who later became a head coach with the Cleveland Browns and has made a career coaching in the NFL) wanted to create a dynasty of his own at North Penn.
And let the facts show that Senior coached against Junior five times – and won them all.
Those were the days, my friend, we thought they would never end.
Well, they did.
We will have to wait and see if this 2021 CB West-North Penn showdown game between SOL National Conference unbeatens will bring back thoughts of yesteryear and create yet another memorable contest for both elite programs.
Stay tuned.
Who is the best SOL American Conference 4A Team?
Upper Moreland (6-1, 3-1) and Springfield (5-1, 3-1) will square off to determine which team is the best 4A team in the conference – and maybe the remaining contender to the conference championship.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-1, 3-0) is unbeaten in conference play, while Cheltenham (3-4, 2-1) is also a one loss conference team along with the Golden Bears and the Spartans.
Upper Moreland and Springfield are in a battle for a berth in the upcoming PIAA District One 4A playoffs. There are just four slots available in those 4A playoffs.
UMHS is currently ranked No. 2 in the district, while SPHS is ranked the No. 4 team in the district – and a win in this game is critical with both conference and district implications.
No. 5 Chichester (3-2) and No. 6 Pope John Paul II (5-2) are still very much in the 4A running for a playoff berth.
The 2021 Golden Bear resume showcases wins over CR South (21-7), Archbishop Ryan (34-29), Phoenixville (21-19), Wissahickon (35-31), New Hope-Solebury (41-14), and William Tennent (49-21).
The lone Upper Moreland loss this season came against Cheltenham, 32-21.
The 2021 Spartan resume has victories over Schuylkill Valley (35-7), Academy of the New Church (31-7), William Tennent (35-21), Wissahickon (14-6), and New Hope-Solebury (41-0).
The lone Springfield loss this season came against Plymouth Whitemarsh, 35-14.
This should be a close one.
Stay tuned.
Can PIAA Defending 6A champion Souderton and Defending 5A champion Upper Dublin defend titles?
Defending District One 6A champion Souderton meets defending District One 5A champion Upper Dublin this week in a key SOL Continental Conference game with really only District One playoff implications on the line.
Both the Big Red (4-3, 3-1) and Flying Cardinals (5-2, 3-1) have pretty much lost a shot at the SOL Continental Conference championship as both have lost convincingly to unbeaten Quakertown (7-0, 4-0).
Souderton lost to the Panthers 36-14, while Upper Dublin was whitewashed by the Black Cats, 31-0
Q-town has a forfeit win over Hatboro-Horsham this week but could be tested in the conference finale against Bensalem (4-3, 3-1).
The Big Red is on that 16-team 6A district playoff bubble. And a win over a five-win Upper Dublin team would be a nice boost to playoff hopes – even if that win is over a class 5A Cardinal team.
Upper Dublin is pretty much assured of a 16-team 5A district playoff berth even with a loss to Souderton. However, a win over the 6A Big Red would help get those Flying Cardinals a coveted home game in the district playoffs.
Can Souderton and Upper Dublin both defend their respective District One championships?
Unlikely – but both the Big Red and Flying Cardinals should get that chance as playoff teams.
Stay tuned.
P.S. Hatboro Horsham Season Over
Hatboro Horsham will forfeit the last 3 games of the 2021 SOL Continental Conference season against Quakertown, Souderton, and Upper Dublin due to “low numbers” in the program.
The Hatters are one of 25 teams in Class 5A from District One. There are 32 teams in 6A, there are 8 teams in 4A, there is one team (New Hope-Solebury) in 3A, and there are 4 teams in 1A.
That math calculates to 70 total teams in District One – and Hatboro Horsham will be the only team forced to forfeit games. The Hatters have the second highest enrollment in 5A – which is the second highest enrollment category in the state - in District One behind only Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Yes, it is sad for the players at Hatboro Horsham.
The season has not been a competitive one for the winless Hatters. On the field losses to Bensalem (39-0), Truman (42-0), CB South (50-8), and Council Rock South (48-13) – and forfeit losses to Council Rock North and CB West – have been difficult to take.
What also is sad is that, most likely, the second and third string players playing for Quakertown, Souderton, and Upper Dublin will not have opportunity to experience extended varsity football playing time due to the forfeited games.
It is what it is – and it isn’t very good.
Not to brag – but…….
Last week I was a perfect 12-0 on my predictions but I can almost guarantee you that won’t be the case this week.
The SOL National Conference has three very competitive games out of the four on the docket this week.
In addition to the featured North Penn-CB West game - a very good CB East team will face a stiff challenge against a very good Pennridge team. And a pair of proud programs – struggling in 2021 - Abington (1-6, 0-4) will host Neshaminy (1-6, 0-4).
The SOL American Conference, in addition to the featured Souderton-Upper Dublin game, could have a total of three competitive games on its schedule.
Bensalem has been slipping of late and must travel to Council Rock South to meet the improving Golden Hawks. And Truman (2-5, 1-3) and Council Rock North (2-5, 1-3) meet with identical records.
The SOL American Conference, in addition to the featured Upper Moreland-Springfield game, has a very interesting game between Cheltenham (3-4, 2-1) and host Wissahickon (2-5, 1-2).
The Panthers are coming off an emotional loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh (21-13), while the Trojans are coming off a nice non-conference win over Lower Moreland (48-28).
I predict that I go 10-2 with my predictions this week – does that even make sense?
Stay tuned.
Suburban One League Playoff Snapshot
If the PIAA District One playoffs were to begin today…….
PIAA District One 6 A Rankings
16 Teams Qualify
|
2. North Penn Knights |
7-0 |
1130 |
161.429 |
|
3. Quakertown Panthers |
7-0 |
1080 |
154.286 |
|
6. Central Bucks East Patriots |
6-1 |
1030 |
147.143 |
|
8. Central Bucks West Bucks |
6-1 |
990 |
141.429 |
|
12. Central Bucks South Titans |
5-2 |
860 |
122.857 |
|
13. Pennridge Rams |
4-3 |
820 |
117.143 |
|
14. Souderton Indians |
4-3 |
770 |
110.000 |
|
15. Bensalem Owls |
4-3 |
730 |
104.286 |
PIAA District One 5A Rankings
16 Teams Qualify
|
5. Upper Dublin Cardinals |
5-2 |
1010 |
144.286 |
|
6. Plymouth Whitemarsh |
5-1 |
860 |
143.333 |
|
15. Cheltenham Panthers |
3-4 |
620 |
88.571 |
PIAA District One 4A Rankings
|
2. Upper Moreland Bears |
6-1 |
1060 |
151.429 |
|
4. Springfield Spartans |
5-1 |
780 |
130.000 |
And the beat goes on…….
SOL National Conference
Friday – 7 pm
North Penn Knights (7-0, 4-0) @ Central Bucks West Bucks (6-1, 4-0)
Last Week:
North Penn remained unbeaten for the year with a 48-20 non-conference victory over Harry S Truman. Khalani Eaton carried 21 times for 149 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. Eaton reached paydirt on runs of 16, 6, & 1 yard. Ryan Zeltt completed 11 passes for 129 yards and fired TD passes to Jabrie Gayon and Donovan Williams. Williams also scored on a 15-yard run. Jason Marrero closed the scoring for the Knights on a 47-yard run.
Central Bucks West was awarded a forfeit victory over winless Hatboro Horsham. The Bucks are coming off an on-field SOL National Conference victory over Pennridge, 28-24.
Prediction:
North Penn Knights 35 – Central Bucks West 24
Central Bucks East Patriots (6-1, 4-0) @ Pennridge Rams (4-3, 2-2)
Last Week:
Central Bucks East won for the sixth straight week as the Patriots marched to a 35-7 non-conference victory over Council Rock North. Pat Keller threw a pair of touchdown passes to Quinn Moody – one of 38 yards and the other of 48 yards. Ethan Shine scored on a 5-yard run, while Tommy Day scored on a 6-yard run. Dean Blackwell blocked a punt and Nick Carter scored a special teams touchdown returning a Rock North blocked field attempt 80 yards for a touchdown.
Pennridge rebounded from its tough loss to CB West with a convincing 45-0 non-conference victory over Bensalem. Brennan Fisher carried 16 times for a game-high 178 yards and scored on a 58-yard run. Tyler Wetzel scored a pair of touchdowns on runs of 22 & 26 yards. Nate Mossbrook scored on a 56-yard run, while Logan McGowan scored on a 29-yard run. Sean Curry booted a 28-yard field goal, while Dylan O’Brien intercepted a pass and scored on a 32-yard return.
Prediction:
Pennridge Rams 24 – Central Bucks East Patriots 21
Neshaminy Redskins (1-6, 0-4) @ Abington Ghosts (1-6, 0-4)
Last Week:
Neshaminy scored first and scored last but the Redskins didn’t score in the middle in a 35-10 non-conference loss to Quakertown. Brett Conrad opened the scoring in the game with a 30-yard field goal, while the final score of the contest came on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Colin Baker to Gavin O’Connor.
Abington lost for the sixth straight week as the Ghosts were defeated by Souderton 28-14 in a non-conference game. Abington led 14-0 after the first period on touchdown runs by Zahmir Lee (11 yds) and Johnny Dzielawa (2 yds). Dzielawa rushed for a team-high 121 yards on 20 carries, while Lee rushed for 119 yards on 17 carries.
Prediction:
Neshaminy Redskins 17 – Abington Ghosts 14
Central Bucks South Titans (5-2, 2-2) @ Pennsbury Falcons (0-7, 0-4)
Last Week:
Central Bucks South rallied from a 14-14 tie to defeat Council Rock South 38-14 in a non-conference game. Freshman quarterback Brett Szarko had an outstanding game for the Titans as he completed 16 passes for 292 yards and 5, yes 5, touchdowns. Tommy Donnelly caught 3 touchdown passes, while Jordan Becker caught a pair of TD passes for the winners.
Pennsbury led Upper Dublin 3-0 after the first period as Brady Burgfechtel booted a 30-yard field goal but could not add on to the lead in a 28-9 non-conference loss to the Flying Cardinals. The winless Falcons scored a fourth period touchdown on a 5-yard run by Nathan Beighley.
Prediction:
Central Bucks South Titans 38 – Pennsbury Falcons 14
SOL Continental Conference
Friday – 7pm
Souderton Indians (4-3, 3-1) @ Upper Dublin Cardinals (5-2, 3-1)
Last Week:
Souderton trailed 14-0 at the end of the first period but rallied for a 28-14 victory over Abington in a non-conference game. Brayden Porter was the touchdown machine for the Big Red, scoring all 4 Big Red touchdowns on runs of 10, 69, 9 & 46 yards. Porter carried 19 times for a game-high 193 yards.
Upper Dublin rallied from a 3-0 first period deficit to defeat visiting Pennsbury 28-9 in a non-conference game. Nyfise McIntyre rushed for 73 yards and scored on runs of 4 & 14 yards. Michael Wright scored a fourth period TD for the winners. Colin O’Sullivan fired an 11-yard scoring pass to Griffin Pensabene.
Prediction:
Souderton Indians 28 – Upper Dublin Cardinals 21
Bensalem Owls (4-3, 3-1) @ Council Rock South Hawks (1-6, 1-3)
Last Week:
Bensalem trailed Pennridge by only a 3-0 score after the first period but was outscored 42-0 the remainder of the game in a 45-0 non-conference loss to the visiting Rams. The Owls outstanding ballcarrier, Josiah Leonard, was held to just 39 yards on 16 carries.
Council Rock South played a strong first half and forged a 14-14 tie with Central Bucks South, however, the Golden Hawks were outscored 24-0 for the remainder of the game in their 38-14 non-conference contest. Jake Zarnowsky had a terrific game for Rock South as he ran the opening kickoff back 88 yards for a touchdown and also scored on a 67-yard run.
Prediction:
Bensalem Owls 24 – Council Rock Golden Hawks 14
Council Rock North Indians (2-5, 1-3) @ Truman Tigers (2-5, 1-3)
Last Week:
Council Rock North could generate little offense in a 35-7 non-conference contest against Central Bucks East. The Indians were mercy-ruled by the Patriots in the third quarter.
Harry S Truman trailed unbeaten North Penn 7-0 at the close of the first period but could not keep up with the Knights in a 48-20 non-conference loss. Terrell Delp completed 13 passes for 147 yards and threw 3 touchdown passes. Makai Jackson caught a pair of touchdown passes for the Tigers, while Rondell caught a 10-yard TD strike.
Prediction:
Harry S Truman Tigers 28 – Council Rock North Indians 13
Quakertown has been awarded a 2-0 forfeit win over Hatboro Horsham.
Last Week:
Quakertown remained unbeaten for the season as the Panthers clawed visiting Neshaminy 35-10 in a non-conference game. Tyler Woodman carried 20 times for 160 yards and scored on runs of 12 & 1 yard, while John Eatherton carried 14 times for 129 yards and scored on runs of 17 & 1 yard. Will Steich threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Zach Fondl to close out the scoring for the winners.
SOL American Conference
Friday – 7 pm
Springfield Spartans (5-1, 3-1) @ Upper Moreland Bears (6-1, 3-1)
Last Week:
Springfield captured a no-doubt-about-it 41-0 SOL American Conference victory over New Hope-Solebury. Ben Cooney fired a 13-yard touchdown pass to Dylan McKenzie and also scored on runs of 24 and 4 yards. McKenzie scored on a 15-yard run, while Ryan Gibbons scored on a 13-yard run. Ryan Marcino highlighted the defense and scored on a 50-yard interception return.
Upper Moreland remained in contention for a SOL American Conference title with a 49-21 victory over William Tennent. Cam Jackson & Byron Hopkins figured into the Golden Bear scoring attack to lead the Purple & Gold to the win. Jackson scored 3 rushing touchdowns for the Golden Bears and also scored on a TD pass from Hopkins.
Prediction:
Upper Moreland Golden Bears 28 – Springfield Spartans 24
PW Colonials (5-1, 3-0) @ William Tennent Panthers (0-6, 0-3)
Last Week:
Plymouth Whitemarsh assumed sole possession of first place in the SOL American Conference with a 21-13 victory over Cheltenham. Aiden O’Brien scored 2 rushing touchdowns for the Colonials on runs of 5 & 10 yards. Taji Hubbard scored a defensive touchdown on a 20-yard interception return, while Jimmy Foy intercepted a pass late in the game to seal the win for PW.
William Tennent remained winless for the season as the Panthers were handed a 49-21 SOL American Conference defeat by Upper Moreland.
Prediction:
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials 38 – William Tennent Panthers 13
Cheltenham Panthers (3-4, 2-1) @ Wissahickon Trojans (2-5, 1-2)
Last Week:
Cheltenham lost a pivotal SOL American Conference game as the Panthers lost a 21-13 contest to Plymouth Whitemarsh. Zaheim Welton-Salahuddin rushed for 131 yards and scored on an 85-yard touchdown run. T.J. Taylor fired a 29-yard touchdown strike to Kam Wyatt.
Wissahickon captured a 48-28 non-conference victory over Lower Moreland. Kyle Lehman rushed 13 times for 153 yards and scored 3 touchdowns on runs of 31, 7 & 60 yards. Jeremiah Clark rushed 8 times for 94 yards and scored on runs of 14 & 17 yards. Aidan DeFeo completed 18 passes for 261 yards that included a scoring pass to Jason Michaels.
Prediction:
Cheltenham Panthers 27 – Wissahickon Trojans 17
New Hope-Solebury (1-6, 0-4) has a bye
Last Week:
New Hope-Solebury remained winless in the SOL American Conference as the Lions were caged by Springfield, 41-0.
New Hope-Solebury is the only 3A program in the conference – and all of District One for that matter. It has been a major struggle for the Lions to compete with the larger schools in the SOL this season.
The Lions have a 9-8 victory over Academy of the New Church in a non-conference game.
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