Football Forecast – 11
By Scott Huff
The Suburban One League National Conference showcased a potential heavyweight rematch between No. 3 Pennsbury and No. 14 North Penn.
No wait – it was a PIAA District One 6-A opening round contest between the Falcons and the Knights – not a SOL National Conference rematch.
Pennsbury had defeated North Penn during the Suburban One League regular season as the eventual SOL National Conference champion Falcons knocked out the defending SOL National Conference champion Knights, 44-34.
But much like Rocky Balboa in Rocky 2 when Rocky knocks out Apollo Creed in a rematch – North Penn evened the score with a 22-21 devastating K.O. of Pennsbury in the District One playoffs.
And the victory was a classic one between the ‘Ground & Pound’ Falcons and the ‘Air-Beck’ Knights as each registered powerful counter punches.
North Penn jetted out to 14-0 in the first half, but Pennsbury got off the canvas and pounded its way to a 21-14 lead in the fourth quarter.
The Knights put together a scoring drive late in the fourth quarter and scored with 1:01 left in the game on a touchdown run by Amir Major to slice the lead to 21-20.
North Penn head coach Dick Beck decided to go for the win – and the Knight head coach rolled the dice – and threw box cars as Bobby Hill caught a pass from Ryan Zeltt for the 2-point conversion and the thrilling 22-21 victory.
The victory sends North Penn to the District One quarterfinal round – and a rematch @ Central Bucks West. Both the Knights and the Bucks squared off in a SOL National Conference showdown earlier in the year.
More on that later.
The ‘other’ Suburban One League National Conference rematch in the District One 6-A playoffs featured No. 6 Central Bucks East and those No. 11 seeded Central Bucks West Bucks.
Central Bucks West had defeated Central Bucks East 21-14 just the week before, and the ‘underdog’ Bucks more than had their way in a 42-26 victory over the higher seeded Patriots.
CB West dominated the first half of play, outscoring CB East by a resounding 28-0. The Bucks were never seriously threatened the remainder of the game and will set up their rematch showdown with North Penn.
In the win over the Patriots, Eli Boehm rushed for a game-high 127 yards and scored on a 2-yard touchdown run and also scored on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Ganz Cooper.
Cooper scored on a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs, while Vinny Cherubini scored on a 2-yard run. Cooper completed 6 passes for 112 yards, while Conor McFadden caught 3 passes for 62 yards.
P.S. Central Bucks West rolled to a 35-14 SOL National Conference victory over North Penn in their earlier meeting this season.
The Bucks punished the Knights with a relentless ground attack that garnered 344 yards rushing on 60 carries. Boehm rushed for a game-high 223 yards on 37 carries and 3 touchdowns. Cherubini added 2 rushing scores for the winners.
The Knights received a pair of rushing touchdowns against the Bucks as Michai Cuffie and Major each scored. Zeltt completed 15 passes for an even 200 yards in the loss, while receiver Yazeed Haynes caught 7 passes for 106 yards.
The PIAA District One quarterfinal game will be played @ CB West’s iconic War Memorial Field.
Stay tuned.
CB West/CB East Trivia: The Bucks and the Patriots have played 54 games during their storied rivalry. How many games has CB West won in the series?
The only numbers that matter are on the scoreboard
No. 7 Souderton advanced to the PIAA District One 6-A quarterfinals with a 10-0 shutout of No. 12 Central Bucks South.
The Indians were outgained in total offense by Central Bucks South by a 318 to 236-yard margin, and the Titans had more first downs, 17-11.
The Souderton defense, however, kept CB South out of the endzone all night, and stalled 3 Titans drives that reached inside the Indians’ 35-yard line. The Big Red also blocked a South field goal attempt.
The Souderton offense put up some modest numbers in the playoff victory as quarterback Jared Zimmerman rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown and passed for 102 yards.
The elite placekicker in all Suburban One – Ty Quintois – played his part in the victory with a 35-yard field goal. Quintois has been a dangerous scoring weapon for the Indians all season long.
The victory will send Souderton on the road in the PIAA District One 6-A quarterfinals against the No. 2 ranked Pioneer Athletic Conference champion Perkiomen Valley Vikings.
Stay tuned.
Answer to CB West/CB East Trivia: Central Bucks West has won 41 games over the course of this rivalry. The Bucks own a commanding 41-12-1 record against the Patriots – including winning the last 5 meetings between the district rivals.
Cardinals soar………Colonials march…….to 5-A victories
No. 1 Upper Dublin played like the unbeaten team it is as those Flying Cardinals soared to a 35-0 District One 5-A playoff victory over No. 16 Academy Park.
Quarterback Colin O’Sullivan was more than efficient with 9 completions for 166 yards and 5 touchdowns. O’Sullivan fired 2 touchdown passes to Starling Reaves (42 & 32 yards), 2 touchdown passes to DJ Cerisier (4 & 38 yards), and a single TD pass to Coleman Zamborsky (7 yards).
Upper Dublin will now host No. 8 Great Valley - the Patriots edged No. 9 Upper Moreland, 24-21.
No. 4 Plymouth Whitemarsh was impressive in its opening round of the District One 5-A playoffs as the Colonials marched to a 41-0 victory over No. 13 Sun Valley.
Quarterback Aiden O’Brien rushed for 182 yards and scored on a 94-yard (no typo) run. Tommy Hannon rushed for 100 yards and scored on touchdown runs of 59 & 7 yards, while Luke Winterbottom rushed for 95 yards and scored on a 16-yard run.
The Colonials’ special teams were more than special as they blocked 3 punts and returned 2 for touchdowns. Both Christian DiCiurcio and Jaeshaun Johnson returned blocked punts for scores.
Plymouth Whitemarsh will host No. 5 Chester - the Clippers edged No. 12 Marple Newtown, 18-15.
P.S.S. IF both Upper Dublin and Plymouth Whitemarsh win their respective quarterfinal games, the Flying Cardinals and the Colonials would square off in the district semifinals.
Stay tuned.
Exit Door
There were 11 Suburban One League teams that entered the PIAA District One playoffs – and six of those playoff teams were shown the exit door in the first round of the playoffs.
Pennsbury (9-2) will have to settle for a SOL National Conference championship as the Falcons were jettisoned from the District One 6-A playoffs in a 22-21 loss in what was a classic first round rematch against North Penn.
Pennsbury trailed 14-0 at halftime but rallied behind the sensational running of -who else - but ‘G’ Mulbah to take a 21-14 lead into the fourth period. Mulbah – who rushed for a game-high 273 yards on 36 carries – scored on touchdown runs of 1, 13, & 20 yards.
The Falcons, however, gave up a touchdown with 1:01 left in the game and North Penn converted a 2-point conversion to seal the winning deal for the Knights which ended the terrific season for the Orange & Black.
Pennsbury came into the season with a 16-game losing streak that stretched to 17 when the Falcons lost to Coatesville on opening night. Pennsbury went on to win 9 straight games – and a conference championship – before the playoff loss to the Knights.
The Falcons 2022 resume includes impressive regular season victories over four District One playoff teams. Pennsbury defeated CB West (26-21), CB South (28-6), CB East (37-22), & North Penn (44-34).
However, the Black & Orange were one-and-done in the D-1 playoffs.
Central Bucks East (8-3) could not solve the riddle that was Central Bucks West as the Patriots fell to the Bucks 42-26 in the opening round of the PIAA District One 6-A playoffs.
CB East lost to CB West 21-14 in the SOL regular season finale.
In the loss to the Bucks in the playoffs, the Patriots trailed 28-0 at the close of the first half and created a mountain that was far too high to climb.
The second half CB East showcased the offensive talents of punishing running back Ethan Shine and quarterback Pat Keller.
Shine rushed for a game-high 136 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns, while Keller completed 14 passes for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns. Matt LaBouliere scored on a 19-yard scoring pass, while Joe Maeglin scored on a 10-yard scoring strike.
The 2022 season saw the Patriots capture impressive victories over three 6-A District One playoff teams. CB East defeated Souderton (30-13), North Penn (42-35), and Central Bucks South (21-7).
If only the Patriots could only have answered the riddle to Central Bucks West.
Central Bucks South (7-4) was dismissed from the District One 6-A playoffs as the Titans were shut out by Souderton, 10-0.
Quarterback Bart Szarko completed 16 passes for 216 yards, and Tommy Donnelly caught 10 passes for 137 yards. However, CB South could not find the endzone as the Titans were turned away three times inside the Souderton 35-yard line.
Szarko finished a wonderful season completing 119 passes for 1644 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The 2022 season saw CB South register two impressive victories over District One playoffs teams. The Titans delivered a 21-6 win over Class 5-A Plymouth Whitemarsh, and a 27-14 victory over Class 6-A Central Bucks West.
The CB South win over the rival Bucks – the win by CB West over CB East – and the win by CB East over CB South created a 3-way draw for the Central Bucks Cup.
But for now – it is wait until next year for the Titans.
Quakertown (5-6) lost its opening round game of the District One 6-A playoffs to No. 1 seeded Garnet Valley, 63-14.
The good news for the Panthers was that the score was tied 7-7 at the conclusion of the first period. The bad news for the Black Cats was that they were outscored 56-7 over the final three periods.
Quarterback Vince Miccuci fired a 64-yard touchdown pass to John Eatherton in the first period, and Eatherton scored on a 55-yard run in the third period.
Last season Garnet Valley ended the Q-town season in the D-1 semifinals. The Jaguars posted a 58-39 victory over the Panthers.
Quakertown – the SOL Continental Conference champion last season – had opened the 2021 playoffs with a 33-7 win over Souderton and followed with a 42-21 win over Downingtown East.
What a difference a year makes.
The Panthers still have rival Pennridge on the schedule on Thanksgiving morning. The game will be played at Q-town’s historic Alumni Field @ 10:15 a.m.
Gobble…. gobble.
Upper Moreland (8-3) put its successful 2022 season in the history book as the Golden Bears fell to Great Valley, 24-21, in the opening round of the District One 5-A playoffs.
Upper Moreland led 7-0 after Shawn Herbert scored on a 1-yard run. The Golden Bears led 14-7 after Stephen Broderick scored on a spectacular 80-yard run. And Upper Moreland led 21-14 after Aiden Casey scored on an 8-yard run.
However, Upper Moreland was held scoreless in the second half and failed to hold the 7-point lead.
Broderick had some sensational games this season. He scored 3 touchdowns against Hatboro Horsham. He scored 3 touchdowns against Archbishop Carroll. He scored 4 touchdowns against Executive Education Charter School. He scored 4 touchdowns against Wissahickon.
In fact, Broderick has at least one touchdown in each of the 11 games Upper Moreland played this season
The final numbers for the talented senior are eye-poppers.
Broderick carried the ball 191 times for 1555 yards and 22 touchdowns. He averaged 8.1 yards per carry and had ten games where he rushed for over 100 yards.
He will be missed by Golden Bear fans.
Springfield (5-5) completed its season with a 49-14 District One 4-A loss to Pope John Paul II.
The Spartans trailed 28-0 at the end of the first period and trailed 49-0 at one point during the second half.
Springfield scored on an 80-yard touchdown pass from Matteo Ringgold to Miles Goodwin and a 26-yard touchdown run by Max Sanchez.
The explosive Spartan running back – Dylan McKenzie – rushed for a team-high 91 yards on 21 carries.
McKenzie had some outstanding games during the 2022 season that included a 3-touchdown performance against Lower Moreland and a 3-touchdown performance against Harriton.
However, his best performance of the year came in a 50-24 victory over William Tennent. McKenzie carried 33 times for 354 yards and scored a school record 6 touchdowns.
The 2022 season saw the Spartans return to the District One playoffs. Springfield last qualified for districts in 2019.
Congratulations to Pennsbury, Central Bucks East, Central Bucks South, Quakertown, Upper Moreland, & Springfield for qualifying for district playoffs.
And the beat goes on…
PIAA District One 6-A Quarterfinal Playoffs
Thursday/November 10, 2022
No. 7 Souderton Indians (9-2) @ No. 2 Perkiomen Valley Vikings (10-1)
Season Resume:
Souderton has captured victories over Haverford (27-7), Pennridge (27-24), Council Rock North (35-14), Harry S Truman (38-0), Quakertown (34-20), Warwick (45-24), Council Rock South (23-0), Bensalem (45-6), & Central Bucks South (10-0). The Indians have lost games to CB East (30-13) & Upper Dublin (34-3).
Perkiomen Valley has captured victories over Penn Wood (66-6), Downingtown West (30-29), Cheltenham (35-25), Owen J Roberts (20-13), Methacton (49-7), Spring-Ford (7-6), Norristown (32-13), Boyertown (41-7), Pope John Paul II (21-14), & Owen J Roberts (56-18). The lone loss of the season came against Roman Catholic, 26-10.
Last week:
Souderton advanced to the D-1 quarterfinals with a 10-0 victory over Central Bucks South.
Perkiomen Valley advance to the D-1 quarterfinals with a 56-18 victory over Owen J Roberts.
Offensive/Defensive Scoring:
Souderton has scored an average of 27.0 points per game and has allowed an average of 14.2 points per game. A winning margin of 12.8 points per game.
Perkiomen Valley has scored an average of 33.4 points per game and has allowed an average of 15.0 points per game. A winning margin of 18.4 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the game between Perkiomen Valley and Souderton will play the winner of the game between No. 11 Central Bucks West and No. 14 North Penn.
Prediction:
Perkiomen Valley Vikings 24 – Souderton Indians 17
PIAA District One 6-A Quarterfinal Playoffs
Friday/November 11, 2022
No. 14 North Penn Knights (6-5) @ No. 11 Central Bucks West Bucks (7-4)
Season Resume:
North Penn has captured victories over Quakertown (49-7), Neshaminy (35-28 in overtime), Central Bucks South (35-21), Pennridge (42-6), Abington (38-21), & Pennsbury (22-21). The Knights have lost to La Salle (37-28), Upper Dublin (32-28), Central Bucks West (35-14), Central Bucks East (42-35), & Pennsbury (44-34).
Central Bucks West has captured victories over Quakertown (56-14), North Penn (35-14), Abington (27-0), Neshaminy (22-0), Pennridge (27-8), Central Bucks East (21-14), & Central Bucks East (42-26). The Bucks have lost to Garnet Valley (14-7), Upper Dublin (35-7), Pennsbury (26-21) & Central Bucks South (27-14).
Last Week:
North Penn advanced to the D-1 quarterfinals with a 22-21 victory over Pennsbury.
Central Bucks West advanced to the D-1 quarterfinals with a 42-26 victory over Central Bucks East.
Offensive/Defensive Scoring:
North Penn has scored an average of 32.8 points per game and has allowed an average of 26.8 points per game. A winning margin of 6.0 points per game.
Central Bucks West has scored an average of 25.4 points per game and has allowed an average of 16.2 points per game. A winning margin of 9.2 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the game between North Penn & Central Bucks West will play the winner of the game between No. 2 Perkiomen Valley and No. 7 Souderton.
Prediction:
***Upset Special***
North Penn Knights 28 – Central Bucks West Bucks 21
PIAA District One 5-A Quarterfinal Playoffs
Friday/November 11, 2022
No. 8 Great Valley Patriots (8-3) @ No. 1 Upper Dublin Cardinals (11-0)
Season Resume:
Great Valley has captured victories over Phoenixville (27-20), West Chester East (34-16), Sun Valley (40-6), Oxford (14-7), Academy Park (28-25 in overtime), West Chester Henderson (28-6), Unionville (34-7), & Upper Moreland (24-21). The Patriots have lost games to Bishop Shanahan (6-3), West Chester Rustin (32-0), & Kennett (30-7).
Upper Dublin has captured victories over Kennett (37-13), Central Bucks West (35-7), North Penn (32-28), Bensalem (33-7), Wissahickon (47-0), CR North (41-13), CR South (16-0), Harry S Truman (44-14), Souderton (34-3), Quakertown (38-8), & Academy Park (35-0).
Last Week:
Great Valley advanced to the D-1 quarterfinals with a 24-21 victory over Upper Moreland.
Upper Dublin advanced to the D-1 quarterfinals with a 35-0 victory over Academy Park.
Offensive/Defensive Scoring:
Great Valley has scored an average of 21.7 points per game and has allowed an average of 16.0 points per game. A winning margin of 5.7 points per game.
Upper Dublin has scored an average of 35.6 points per game and has allowed an average of 8.5 points per game. A winning margin of 27.1 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the game between Upper Dublin and Great Valley will play the winner of the game between No. 4 Plymouth Whitemarsh and No. 5 Chester.
Prediction:
Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals 38 – Great Valley Patriots 13
No. 5 Chester Clippers (10-1) @ No. 4 Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (9-2)
Season Resume:
Chester has captured victories over Central (80-0 – no typo), Bartram (32-0), Phoenixville (47-10), Interboro (33-0), West Chester East (41-0), WC Henderson (22-0), Penn Wood (54-8), Chichester (24-0), Academy Park (39-16), & Marple Newtown (18-15). The lone loss of the season for the Clippers came against 6-A Downingtown West, 34-19.
Plymouth Whitemarsh has captured victories over Methacton (35-0), Quakertown (49-0), McCaskey (46-0), Cheltenham (37-6), William Tennent (57-7), Springfield-Montco (42-13), Wissahickon (56-6), Upper Moreland (56-20), & Sun Valley (41-0). The Colonials lost games to 6-A Central Bucks South (21-6) & 6-A Ridley (35-13).
Last Week:
Chester advanced to the D-1 quarterfinals with an 18-15 victory over Marple Newtown.
Plymouth Whitemarsh advanced to the D-1 quarterfinals with a 41-0 victory over Sun Valley.
Offensive/Defensive Scoring:
Chester has scored an average of 37.2 points per game and has allowed an average of 7.5 points per game. A winning margin of 29.7 points per game.
Plymouth Whitemarsh has scored an average of 39.8 points per game and has allowed an average of 9.8 points per game. A winning margin of 30.0 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the game between Plymouth Whitemarsh and Chester will play the winner of the game between No. 1 Upper Dublin and No. 8 Great Valley.
Prediction:
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials 28 – Chester Clippers 14
Suburban One Sports.com
Great Eight
Last Week in [XXXX]
1. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (11-0) --- [1]
2. Central Bucks West Bucks (7-4) --- [5]
3. North Penn Knights (6-5) --- [NR]
4. Souderton Indians (9-2) --- [7]
5. Pennsbury Falcons (9-2) --- [2]
6. Central Bucks East Patriots (8-3) --- [3]
7. Central Bucks South Titans (7-4) --- [4]
8. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (9-2) --- [6]
I know….I know… CB South defeated CB West and is ranked lower….CB East defeated Souderton and is ranked lower…Pennsbury, CB East & Pennsbury all defeated North Penn and are ranked lower…Pennsbury defeated CB West & North Penn and is ranked lower…no easy solutions…except for Upper Dublin as No. 1…playoff performance counts…If this bothers you (and why should it?) ….You just have to get over it.!
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