Scott Huff reviews the district playoff picture, highlights Wissahickon, recaps all of last week’s games and picks the winners. (Photo by Geanine Jamison)
By Scott Huff
“Playoffs - we’re talking playoffs?”
In what has already been a memorable 2020 PIAA District One football season, we are still somehow talking playoffs in a season that has teams in D-1 playing anywhere from only four to six ‘regular season’ games.
That final week of the abbreviated ‘regular’ season is this week, and the Suburban One League will have its fair share of teams aiming for that coveted invitation to the postseason.
Both Class 6A and 5A teams are fighting for the four slots available in the D-1 playoffs, while in Class 4A and Class 3A only the team with the highest ranking in D-1 will make the state playoffs.
Here goes.
In the Class 6A classification, at the moment, there are two SOL teams among the four teams in the entire district that are unbeaten – Pennridge (4-0) and Souderton (4-0). The other two schools are Spring-Ford (5-0) and Coatesville (3-0).
Spring-Ford has a ranking of 156.0 – Pennridge has a ranking of 155.0 – Souderton has a ranking of 147.5 – and Coatesville has a ranking of 146.667.
If all four teams win in the final week the rankings will likely shift and the seeding can finally be determined.
All four teams will be favored to win in the final week, but Pennridge has the toughest opponent in Abington (3-1). Souderton plays winless Bensalem (0-4), Spring-Ford plays Cumberland Valley (1-4), and Coatesville plays Class 5A Kennett (2-1).
There are a handful of one loss 6A teams patiently waiting for a stumble by one or more of the four unbeaten teams that could allow them to slip into the playoffs.
That list includes Perkiomen Valley (4-1), Neshaminy (3-1), Abington (3-1), North Penn (3-1), and Quakertown (3-1) – in that current ranking order.
In the Class 5A classification, at the moment, there are two SOL teams among the teams in the district that would qualify for the playoffs – Upper Dublin (3-1) and Wissahickon (3-1). The other two teams are unbeaten Unionville (3-0) and West Chester Rustin (2-1).
Unionville has a ranking of 146.667 – Upper Dublin has a ranking of 135.0 – Wissahickon has a ranking of 115.0 – and WC Rustin has a ranking of 113.33.
If all four teams win in the final week – the rankings still could change, and the seeding can finally be determined.
WC Rustin has the toughest opponent as Golden Knights meet 6A Downingtown East (1-2). Upper Dublin is a huge favorite against winless Hatboro-Horsham (0-4), while Wissahickon could have its hands full with Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-3). Unionville should be a prohibitive favorite against winless Avon Grove (0-3).
The only viable bubble teams to make a case for the 5A playoffs are Kennett (2-1) and West Chester East (2-1).
In the Class 4A classification, Upper Moreland (4-0) is a lock to represent the SOL in the playoffs, while in the Class 3A classification, New Hope-Solebury (2-2) is a lock to represent the SOL.
Stay Tuned.
Happy 200th
North Penn head coach Dick Beck began his successful tenure as head coach of the Knights back in 2002 – succeeding Michael Pettine Jr. who moved on to the National Football League’s Baltimore Ravens.
Beck collected his 200th victory last week when North Penn routed Central Bucks East, 42-7. The Knights, however, appear to be on the outside looking in for the contracted 2020 District One playoffs.
If my math is correct, Beck has a sparkling overall career record of 200-46. The Knights, under Beck, won a PIAA state championship back in 2003. North Penn has been without question the gold standard year in and year out in the Suburban One League under Beck’s tenure.
Talking about gold standards – Beck and Souderton head coach Ed Gallagher each reached memorable coaching milestones this 2020 season.
Beck earned his 200th win with the win over CB East and Gallagher earned his 100th earlier this season and now stands at 103 wins for his fine coaching career. An impressive combined total of 303 victories for the two very successful SOL coaches.
Oh, by the way…
Michael Pettine Sr. coached 33 seasons at Central Bucks West. His final record for the Bucks was an incredible 326-42-4. Under the coaching of Pettine Sr., CB West won four PIAA state titles – and lost in one state title game. Pettine Sr. coached the Bucks to an amazing 55-game unbeaten streak from 1984-1989.
‘Coach’ Pettine Sr. concluded his magnificent career with a 45-game unbeaten winning streak that culminated in 1999 with a 14-13 victory over Erie Prep in the PIAA state championship game.
I guess, maybe, that Pettine Sr. must then be considered the platinum standard.
Trivia: Beck took over for Pettine Jr. back in 2002 when he went to the Baltimore Ravens. How many NFL teams has Pettine Jr. been with since he left North Penn?
How about those Trojans?
Wissahickon has been without question the best ticket to buy this Suburban One League season.
Oh, I forgot, you can’t buy tickets in this pandemic 2020 season.
In a SOL season that has been littered with blowouts each and every week, Wissahickon head coach Bruce Fleming’s Miracle 2020 Trojans have given the limited fans in the stands a sensational show under the Friday night lights.
Wissahickon opened the season with a 31-27 opening game loss to Upper Dublin. This setback came despite a furious 14-point fourth quarter Blue & Gold rally that came up just a little bit short.
The Trojans have not come up short ever since.
Wissahickon trailed Hatboro-Horsham 12-7 in its second game of the season with just two minutes left in the game. But the Miracle 2020 Trojans scored on an electrifying 61-yard touchdown pass from junior Aidan Defeo to Marice Johnson to snatch a 14-12 Trojan victory from defeat.
Wissahickon trailed New Hope-Solebury 31-21 the following week with just 1:30 left in the game. Defeo fired a scoring strike to senior EJ Schreiner that closed the score to 31-28 – a successful onside kick gave the Blue & Gold the ball back – and the Miracle 2020 Trojans sent the game into overtime on a 30-yard field goal by Nate DeVincent. DeVincent would nail the game winner in the OT from 30 yards out to snatch a 34-31 Trojan victory from certain defeat.
Wissahickon trailed William Tennent 13-7 last week going into the fourth quarter. No problem for the Miracle 2020 Trojans as senior Jaylen Quick caught a 14-yard touchdown pass in that final period to send the game into overtime. Sophomore Kyle Lehman bolted in on a 5-yard touchdown run in the OT to snatch a 20-13 Trojan victory from defeat.
Wissahickon’s hopes of earning a District One playoff invitation will depend on how the Trojans fare in their game against Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-3) this week.
We know - if we have learned anything from recent Wissahickon football history - it’s going to be a good one.
Not so fun fact: Wissahickon has gone through a brutal six season winning drought before this year. Over that span the Trojans have not had a winning season and ‘boasted’ a record of 10-49. The last winning season for Wissahickon came in 2013 when the Trojans finished 6-4.
Rivalry Week
Rivalries will provide some struggling SOL teams with something to play for in this final week of the regular season.
Council Rock North (1-2) and Council Rock South (2-2) will not compete in the playoffs, but both the Indians and the Golden Hawks will put community pride on the line as they compete for the coveted Rock Cup. Last year Rock South defeated Rock North, 14-7.
Central Bucks East (1-3) and Central Bucks West (0-4) will also not compete in the playoffs, but both the Patriots and the Bucks will also put community pride on the line. An East-West game was played for championships back in a day but still provides bragging rights for another year. Last year CB West defeated CB East 45-10.
Neshaminy (3-1) and Pennsbury (0-4) will most likely not compete in the playoffs (Neshaminy still has an outside shot and surely is not struggling), but both the Redskins and the Falcons will also put their community pride on the line. A win in this game will certainly take the sting out of a disappointing season for Pennsbury, while there is nothing better for Redskin fans than a win over the Falcons. Last year Pennsbury defeated Neshaminy, 28-13.
Answer to Trivia: Pettine has been with six NFL teams. In addition to the Baltimore Ravens (2002-2008) where he was the linebacker/defensive line coach - he was defensive coordinator with the New York Jets (2009-2012) – he was the defensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills (2013) – he was Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns (2014-2015) – he was a consultant for a season with the Seattle Seahawks (2017) – and now the defensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers (2018-present).
And the beat goes on…
SOL National Conference
Friday
October 30, 2020
Abington Ghosts (3-1) @ Pennridge Rams (4-0)
Last Week:
Abington rebounded from its 49-28 loss to Neshaminy to defeat Pennsbury 35-14. Robert Bell was the featured back as the Ghost running back scored a pair of touchdowns. Caleb Baker returned a punt for a touchdown and also scored on a 30-yard pass from Johnny Dzielawa. Dzielawa added a rushing score for the Maroon & White.
Pennridge remained unbeaten with an impressive 32-0 conference victory over CB South. South entered the game with a staggering 39-point per game scoring average, but the Rams kept the Titans off the scoreboard. Pennridge has not allowed a single point in the last 12 quarters that included wins over Neshaminy (30-0), CB East (42-0), and now CB South. In the win over the Titans, the Rams had a pair of 100-yard rushers as Dillon Powles carried seven times for 101 yards and Elias Dantzler carried 10 times of an even 100 yards. QB Bobby Croyle rushed for two scores, while Brandon Shire booted a 23-yard field goal.
Prediction:
Pennridge 28 – Abington 14
Central Bucks South Titans (2-2) @ North Penn Knights (3-1)
Last Week:
Central Bucks South had its faint district playoff hopes end in a 32-0 loss to host Pennridge. Despite not scoring a point, the Titans had some decent offensive numbers. Quarterback Carter Hallgren completed 18 of 30 passes for 142 yards, while running back Jason Christiansen carried 15 times for 83 yards.
North Penn won its third straight contest as the Knights rolled to a 42-7 victory over Central Bucks East. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Zeltt had an outstanding game, completing eight passes for 153 yards and four touchdowns. Levi Carroll caught five passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Khalani Eaton carried 11 times for 138 yards that included a 50-yard touchdown run.
Prediction:
North Penn 38 – Central Bucks South 21
Pennsbury Falcons (0-4) @ Neshaminy Redskins (3-1)
Last Week:
Pennsbury continued its winless season with a 35-14 loss to Abington. The Falcons scored a touchdown in the second and fourth period, but it was not enough to earn their first victory of the season.
Neshaminy played an outstanding defensive game in shutting out Central Bucks West, 21-0. Chris James was once again the featured back for the Skins as he carried 23 times for 179 yards and scored on touchdown runs of 20 and 5 yards. Quarterback Nunzio Zydzik completed a TD pass to Andrew Kindness and also ran for another score.
Prediction:
Neshaminy 31 – Pennsbury 14
Central Bucks East Patriots (1-3) @ Central Bucks West Bucks (0-4)
Last Week:
Central Bucks East suffered its third straight loss as the Patriots were defeated by North Penn, 42-7. The lone score for CB East came on a 42-yard pass from Pat Keller to Will Silverman. Keller completed six passes for 91 yards, while Silverman caught four passes for 66 yards. Ethan Shine rushed for a team-high 103 yards on 24 carries.
Central Bucks West suffered its fourth straight loss as the Bucks were defeated by Neshaminy, 21-0. West played solid defense against the potent Redskin offense, but the Bucks could only generate 96 yards of total offense. The CBW offense could only run 34 plays from scrimmage.
Prediction:
Central Bucks West 20 – Central Bucks East 17
SOL Continental Conference
Friday
October 30, 2020
Souderton Indians (4-0) @ Bensalem Owls (0-4)
Last Week:
Souderton led 36-0 at the close of the first half and ‘mercy-ruled’ Hatboro-Horsham 36-13. Elijah Good scored on a 40-yard fumble return to ignite the scoring, and Braydon Porter added a 19-yard TD run. Jalen White rushed for over 100 yards and scored on runs of 48, 34, and 31 yards.
Bensalem continued its difficult season as the Owls were routed by Quakertown, 52-7. The Blue & White has been outscored this season by an unforgiving 164-27 margin.
Prediction:
Souderton 42 – Bensalem 6
Council Rock South Hawks (2-2) @ Council Rock North Indians (1-2)
Last Week:
Council Rock South was ‘upset’ by Springfield Township by a 21-13 margin. The winning Spartans are a 4A program. Ben Mangle fired an 11-yard TD pass to Alex Checcia, while Vincent DePaola scored on a 29-yard run.
Council Rock North outgained Upper Dublin 236-213 yards, but the Indians fell short on the scoreboard, losing to the Cardinals, 21-6. The lone score for Rock North came on a 33-yard scoring pass from Ryan McCaffrey to Michael Sylvester. Gavin Papp rushed for a team-high 76 yards on 14 carries.
Prediction:
Council Rock North 24 – Council Rock South 17
Hatboro-Horsham Hatters (0-4) @ Upper Dublin Cardinals (3-1)
Hatboro-Horsham continued its difficult 2020 season in a 36-13 loss to Souderton. The Hatters scored two fourth period touchdowns to avert the shutout. Christian Avery scored on a pass from Markel Jackson, while Josh Kim scored a rushing touchdown.
Upper Dublin did not allow a point until the final minute of the game in a 21-6 victory over Council Rock North. The Flying Cardinals received a pair of touchdown runs as Jake Rossman scored on a one-yard run and Michael Wright scored on a three-yard run. Colin O’Sullivan fired a 51-yard touchdown pass to Micah Bootman.
Prediction:
Upper Dublin 45 – Hatboro-Horsham 13
SOL American Conference
Friday
October 30, 2020
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (1-3) @ Wissahickon Trojans (3-1)
Last Week:
Plymouth Whitemarsh scored 35 points, but the Colonials were very much on the short end in a 63-35 loss to Upper Moreland. There were four PW runners that found paydirt in the loss as Aiden O’Brien, Nate Kern, Chris McLaughlin, and Tommy Hannon. Hannon also scored on a punt block return.
Wissahickon continued to work its magic as the Trojans edged William Tennent 20-13 in overtime. The Blue & Gold trailed 13-6 before mounting its comeback. The scoring plays for Wissahickon included a 40-yard pass from Aiden DeFeo to Jackson Intrieri and a 14-yard TD pass from DeFeo to Jaylen Quick. Kyle Lehman scored on a five-yard run in the overtime to seal the deal.
Prediction:
Wissahickon 24 – Plymouth Whitemarsh 14
New Hope-Solebury Lions (2-2) @ William Tennent Panthers (1-3)
Last Week:
New Hope-Solebury captured its second win of the season with a non-conference 16-2 win over Academy of the New Church. The Lion defense held ANC to just two first downs in the contest. Philip Weinseimer completed six passes for 81 yards – carried 17 times of 52 yards – and scored on a two-yard run. Joey Capriotti carried 23 times for 123 yards and scored on an eight-yard run.
William Tennent lost another heartbreaker as the Panthers lost a 20-13 overtime game to Wissahickon. William Tennent led 13-6 after three periods but failed to secure the win. The Panthers have led in all three of their losses. Fernado Delgado scored on a 91-yard run and rushed for a game-high 186 yards. Ryan Emmerich scored on a 68-yard kickoff return.
Prediction:
William Tennent 22 – New Hope-Solebury 21
Non-League Game
Friday
October 30, 2020
Upper Moreland Golden Bears (4-0) @ Quakertown Panthers (3-1)
Last Week:
Upper Moreland remained unbeaten as the Golden Bears exploded for 63 points in a 63-35 conference victory over Plymouth Whitemarsh. Quarterback Byron Hopkins completed six of seven passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns – one to Anthony Broderick and another to Jahaire Johnson. Broderick was the leading rusher with 104 yards on just four carries. Cameryn Jackson and Hopkins each had two rushing touchdowns for the winners. Jason Lobban returned the opening kickoff 95-yards for a touchdown.
Quakertown won its third straight game as the Panthers clawed winless Bensalem 52-7. Will Stiech threw three touchdown passes – one to Tyler Woodman of 69 yards – one to Zach Fondl of 19 yards – and one to Micah Kunkle of 21 yards. Woodman also rushed for two touchdowns on runs of seven and 37 yards, while Brady Williams (41 yards), Tyler Merwarth (19 yards), and Nate Laudenberger (five yards) also rushed for Black Cat touchdowns.
Prediction:
Quakertown 31 – Upper Moreland 21
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