Football Forecast – 10
By Scott Huff
We are the champions*We are the champions*We are the champions***of the SOL!!!
The Suburban One League crowned three outright football champions last week.
In the SOL National Conference, Central Bucks West earned the outright crown with a 24-7 victory over rival Central Bucks East. The Bucks concluded the regular season with a perfect 7-0 record in the conference and a perfect 10-0 record overall.
Pennsbury was the 2022 SOL National Conference champion with a perfect 7-0 conference record. North Penn was the 2021 champion with a perfect 7-0 record. And Pennridge was the 2020 Covid champion with a perfect 5-0 record.
In the SOL Continental Conference, Souderton earned the outright crown with a 49-14 victory over Bensalem. The Indians concluded the regular season with a perfect 6-0 record in the conference and a perfect 10-0 record overall. Quakertown was the 2021 champion with a perfect 7-0 record.
Upper Dublin was the 2022 SOL Continental Conference champion with a perfect 6-0 conference record. Souderton was the 2020 champion with a perfect 5-0 conference record in the COVID-shortened season.
In the SOL American Conference, Plymouth Whitemarsh earned the outright crown with a 35-7 victory over Upper Moreland. The Colonials concluded the regular season with a perfect 5-0 record in the conference and an excellent 8-1 record overall.
Plymouth Whitemarsh was the 2022 SOL American Conference champion with a perfect 5-0 record. The Colonials were also the 2021 conference champions with a perfect 6-0 conference record. And Upper Moreland was the 2020 champion with a 4-0 conference record in the COVID-shortened season.
Central Bucks Cup * Unity Cup * Champions
Central Bucks West captured the Central Bucks Cup with its 24-7 win over CB East to complete the sweep of CB schools - the Bucks had defeated CB South 40-29 two weeks ago. CB West, CB East & CB South shared the CB Cup last season.
Council Rock South captured the Unity Cup with its 55-14 victory over Council Rock North. Rock North had won the three previous meetings that included last year’s 21-20 win over Rock South.
Playoffs – we’re finally talkin’ playoffs
In the PIAA District One football 6A classification there are 33 teams – and 16 of those teams make the playoffs – and nine of the playoff teams will come this season from the Suburban One League.
In the PIAA District One football 5A classification there are 24 teams – and 16 of those teams make the playoffs – and three of the playoff teams will come this season from the Suburban One League.
In my humble opinion – and that is the only opinion I have – the playoffs appear to have too many teams.
Cheltenham (5-5) is a .500 team that earned a selection as the No. 16 seed in the 16-team field in 6A. And Upper Moreland (4-6) is one of two teams in 5A that was selected as a No. 16 seed to be in the playoffs despite having a losing record.
Not to disparage either the Panthers or the Golden Bears – but are they really playoff teams this year?
Would an eight-team field be more reflective of a true playoff team?
But then there is the recent history of Central Bucks West in the 2022 season.
The Bucks were a No. 11 seed last year – and would not have been in my tournament field. However, CB West went on a run in the playoffs that ended in the District One 6A championship game.
The Bucks rattled off road wins over No. 6 Central Bucks East (42-26), No. 14 North Penn (44-35) & No. 2 Perkiomen Valley (14-13). CB West lost in the district final to No. 1 seed Garnet Valley (35-7).
Whatever, it is what it is – and what it is begins this weekend.
Stay tuned.
PIAA Distict One 6A Playoff Snapshots
No. 16 Cheltenham Panthers (5-5) @ No. 1 Central Bucks West Bucks (10-0)
Season Resumes
Cheltenham concluded the 2023 season as the second-place finisher in the Suburban One League American Conference.
The Panthers have captured wins over Abington (14-7), Springfield-Montco (26-19), Upper Moreland (20-14), William Tennent (48-14) & Wissahickon (39-12). Cheltenham has lost games to Chester (22-20), Wilson (40-26), Perkiomen Valley (27-12), Roman Catholic (32-12) & Plymouth Whitemarsh (42-13).
Cheltenham has scored an average of 23.0 points per game and has allowed an average of 22.9 points per game. A winning margin of 0.1 points per game.
Last week the Panthers defeated Wissahickon, 39-12. Tre McLeod fueled the offense as he scored on runs of 35 & 63 yards. Adam Rogers had a pick-6 for a score and scored on a 2-yard run. Jonathan Ingram scored on a 48-yard run, while Jared Higginbotham scored on a 1-yard run.
Central Bucks West concluded the 2023 season as the champion of the Suburban One League National Conference.
The Bucks have captured victories over Garnet Valley (17-13), Upper Dublin (37-7), Quakertown (40-20), Pennsbury (20-3), North Penn (28-0), Abington (49-14), Neshaminy (31-7), Pennridge (28-0), Central Bucks South (40-29) & Central Bucks East (24-7).
Central Bucks West has scored an average of 31.4 points per game and has allowed an average of 10.0 points per game. A winning margin of 21.4 points per game.
Last week the Bucks defeated Central Bucks East, 24-7. The game was tied 7-7 @ the half. Ryan Clemens scored on runs of 8 & 6 yards and kicked a 33-yard field goal. Conor McFadden scored on a 61-yard run.
The Winner Gets….
The winner of the Cheltenham-Central Bucks West game will play the winner of the game between No. 8 Garnet Valley & No. 9 Owen J Roberts.
Prediction:
Central Bucks West Bucks 38 * Cheltenham Panthers 14
No. 15 Wissahickon Trojans (6-4) @ No. 2 Downingtown East Cougars (9-0)
Season Resumes
Wissahickon concluded the 2023 season as the third-place finisher in the Suburban One League American Conference.
The Trojans captured victories over Council Rock North (48-28), Hatboro-Horsham (41-40), Lower Merion (35-18), Simon Gratz (44-28), Upper Moreland (28-20) & William Tennent (35-14). Wissahickon lost games to Upper Dublin (53-42), Springfield-Montco (29-28 in overtime), Plymouth Whitemarsh (50-34) & Cheltenham (39-12).
Wissahickon has scored an average of 34.8 points per game and has allowed an average of 31.9 points per game. A winning margin of 2.9 points per game.
Last week the Trojans lost to Cheltenham, 39-12. Wissahickon trailed 32-0 @ the close of the first half. Quasir Sampson scored on a 1-yard run, while Cole Rogers scored on a 2-yard run.
Downingtown East concluded the 2023 season as the champion of the Ches-Mont National Conference.
The Cougars captured victories over Pennridge (43-0), State College (28-26), Delaware Valley (37-6), Bishop Shanahan (37-0), Kennett (42-0), Oxford (42-0), Avon Grove (49-0), Coatesville (21-0) & Downingtown West (35-7).
Downingtown East has scored an average of 37.1 points per game and has allowed an average of just 4.3 points per game. A winning margin of 32.8 points.
Last Week the Cougars defeated Downingtown West, 35-7. Ayden Harris fueled the offense with 3 touchdown runs of 2, 3 & 5 yards. Owen Lammy scored on a 42-yard run, while JJ Helverson fired a 31-yard touchdown pass.
The Winner Gets…
The winner of the Wissahickon-Downingtown East game will play the winner of the game between No. 7 Perkiomen Valley & No. 10 Quakertown.
Prediction:
Downingtown East Cougars 49 * Wissahickon Trojans 14
No. 14 Pennsbury Falcons (5-5) @ No. 3 Souderton Indians (10-0)
Season Resume
Pennsbury concluded the 2023 season as the fourth-place finisher in the Suburban One League National Conference.
The Falcons captured victories over William Tennent (45-0), Council Rock South (28-19), Central Bucks East (16-14), Abington (41-12) & Neshaminy (28-24). The Orange & Black lost games to Coatesville (29-7), Central Bucks West (20-3), Central Bucks South (24-13), Pennridge (15-14) & North Penn (24-21).
Pennsbury has scored an average of 21.6 points per game and has allowed an average of 18.1 points per game. A winning margin of 3.5 points.
Last week Pennsbury defeated Neshaminy, 28-24. A goal line stand at the end of the game secured the win. Nathan Beighley returned a kickoff 99-yards for a touchdown and scored on a 1-yard run. Jordan Brensinger scored on a 37-yard run for the winners.
Souderton concluded the 2023 season as the champion of the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
The Indians captured victories over Haverford (21-17), Pennridge (19-14), Central Bucks East (23-21), Council Rock North (42-0), Harry S Truman (49-21), Quakertown (35-14), Warwick (41-14), Council Rock South (7-0), Upper Dublin (31-6) & Bensalem (49-14).
Souderton has scored an average of 31.7 points per game and has allowed an average of 12.1 points per game. A winning margin of 19.6 points.
Last week the Indians routed Bensalem, 49-14. Joey Nase scored 2 touchdowns - while Danny Dyches, Thomas Bailey, Ryan Sadowski, and Grayson Largent each scored a single TD. Ben Walsh fired a touchdown pass to Dyches, while Hayden Swartley scored on a pick-6.
The Winner Gets…
The winner of the Pennsbury-Souderton game will play the winner of the game between No. 6 Downingtown West & No. 11 Council Rock South.
Prediction:
Souderton Indians 24 * Pennsbury Falcons 21
No. 13 North Penn Knights (6-4) @ No. 4 Spring-Ford Rams (8-2)
Season Resume
North Penn finished the 2023 season as the third-place finisher in the Suburban One League National Conference.
The Knights captured victories over Upper Dublin (42-7), Neshaminy (22-14), Central Bucks East (14-7), Pennridge (17-16), Abington (35-18) & Pennsbury (24-21). North Penn lost games to La Salle (34-3), Quakertown (38-17), Central Bucks West (28-0) & Central Bucks South (50-28).
North Penn has averaged 20.2 points per game and has allowed an average of 23.3 points per game. A losing margin of 3.1 points.
Last week the Knights shellacked Abington, 35-18. Amir Major sparked the offense with a 4-touchdown performance. Matt Bucksar threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Aiden Eves.
Spring-Ford finished the 2023 season as the champion of the Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division.
The Rams have captured victories over Father Judge (38-27), Governor Mifflin (49-19), Cumberland Valley (63-17), Boyertown (48-9), Owen J Roberts (37-0), Perkiomen Valley (28-7), Methacton (30-7), & Norristown (35-6). S-F has lost games to Manheim Township (63-28) & Pope John Paul II (28-27).
Spring-Ford has scored an average of 38.3 points per game and has allowed an average of 18.3 points per game. A winning margin of 20.0 points.
Last week the Rams lost in the PAC championship game to Pope John Paul II, 28-27. Matt Zollers fired 3 touchdown passes in the setback. Mason Scott caught 2 of those passes – one of 73 yards and the other of 10 yards. Beial Abdelrahman caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Zollers. Scott also returned a kickoff 94-yards for a touchdown.
The Winner Gets…
The winner of the North Penn-Spring-Ford game will play the winner of the game between No. 5 Central Bucks South & No. 12 Coatesville.
Prediction:
Spring-Ford Rams 35 * North Penn Knights 21
No. 12 Coatesville Red Raiders (7-3) @ No. 5 Central Bucks South Titans (9-1)
Season Resume
Coatesville finished the 2023 season as the third-place finisher in the Ches-Mont National Conference.
The Red Raiders have captured victories over Pennsbury (29-7), Academy Park (48-0), Penn Wood (44-0), Unionville (42-0), West Chester Rustin (28-0), Bishop Shanahan (55-25) & Avon Grove (42-7). C-ville has lost games to Central Dauphin (35-13), Downingtown West (21-14) & Downingtown East (21-0).
Coatesville has scored an average of 30.5 points per game and has allowed an average of 11.6 points per game. A winning margin of 18.9 points.
Last week the Red Raiders routed Avon Grove, 42-7. Matt Ortega scored on an 18-yard run and threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Nasir Jackson. Damon Watson scored on runs of 17 & 97 yards, while Jim Jordan scored on a 2-yard run.
Central Bucks South finished the 2023 season as the second-place finisher in the Suburban One League National Conference.
The Titans have captured victories over Father Judge (13-10), Harry S Truman (42-7), Council Rock North (47-0), Central Bucks East (13-6), Pennsbury (24-13), North Penn (50-28), Abington (42-0), Neshaminy (42-0) & Pennridge (42-14). The lone loss for CBS came against Central Bucks West (40-29).
Central Bucks South has scored an average of 34.4 points per game and has allowed an average of 11.8 points per game. A winning margin of 22.6 points.
Last week the Titans defeated Pennridge, 42-14. Anthony Leonardi scored 3 touchdowns – 2 on runs of 13 & 9 yards – and one on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Owen Pinkerton. Pinkerton also threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jack Mauz. Corey Moore scored a pair of touchdowns on runs of 1 & 9 yards.
The Winner Gets…
The winner of the Coatesville-CB South game will play the winner of the game between No. 4 Spring-Ford and No. 13 North Penn.
Prediction:
Central Bucks South Titans 21 * Coatesville Red Raiders 20
No. 11 Council Rock South Hawks (7-3) @ No. 6 Downingtown Whippets (8-2)
Season Resume
Council Rock South finished the 2023 season as the second-place finisher in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
The Golden Hawks captured victories over William Tennent (27-3), Neshaminy (28-7), Quakertown (20-17), Hatboro-Horsham (23-13), Bensalem (24-0) & Council Rock North (55-14). Rock South lost games to Pennsbury (28-19), Upper Dublin (17-10) & Souderton (7-0).
Council Rock South has scored an average of 25.4 points per game and has allowed an average of 12.5 points per game. A winning margin of 10.9 points.
Last week the Golden Hawks soared by rival Council Rock North, 55-14. Chase Myers scored on runs of 34, 21 & 1 yards, while Chase Ennis scored on runs of 1 & 7 yards. Nate Szydik and Reed Curtier scored rushing touchdowns, while Jack Hemple had a pick-6 for the winners.
Downingtown West finished the 2023 season as the second-place finisher in the Ches-Mont National Conference.
The Whippets have captured wins over Lincoln (32-27), Perkiomen Valley (35-14), Neshaminy (42-17), Avon Grove (44-6), West Chester Henderson (42-7), West Chester East (28-0), Coatesville (21-14) & Bishop Shanahan (43-7). DW has lost games to Chester (28-19) & Downingtown East (35-7).
Downingtown West has scored an average of 31.3 points per game and has allowed an average of 15.5 points per game. A winning margin of 15.8 points.
Last week the Whippets lost to Downingtown East, 35-7. Downingtown West trailed 28-0 @ the close of the first half. The lone score came on a 37-yard touchdown pass to Dean Hangey from Quinn Henicke. DW was held to just 111 yards of total offense.
The Winner Gets…
The winner of the Council Rock South-Downingtown West game will play the winner of the game between No. 3 Souderton and No. 14 Pennsbury.
Prediction:
Downingtown West Whippets 28 * Council Rock Golden Hawks 21
No. 10 Quakertown Panthers (6-4) @ No. 7 Perkiomen Valley Vikings (8-2)
Season Resume
Quakertown finished the 2023 season as the second-place finisher in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
The Panthers captured victories over North Penn (38-17), Plymouth Whitemarsh (21-0), Bensalem (38-14), Council Rock North (50-7), Truman (49-0) & Upper Dublin (21-17). Q-town lost games to Southern Lehigh (28-21), Central Bucks West (40-20), Council Rock South (20-17) & Souderton (35-14).
Quakertown has scored an average of 28.9 points per game and has allowed 17.8 points per game. A winning margin of 12.1 points.
Last week the Panthers defeated Upper Dublin, 21-17. Vince Micucci threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Burgy and scored on a 1-yard run. Ed Bittner scored on a 4-yard run for the Black Cats.
Perkiomen Valley finished the season as the second-place finisher in the Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division.
The Vikings have captured wins over Chester (31-0), Smyrna/DE (46-38), Cheltenham (27-12), Owen J Roberts (13-8), Methacton (42-3), Norristown (40-0), Boyertown (35-7) & Phoenixville (28-21). PV has lost games to Downingtown West (35-14) & Spring-Ford (28-7).
Perkiomen Valley has scored an average of 28.3 points per game and has allowed an average of 15.2 points per game. A winning margin of 13.1 points.
Last week the Vikings trailed Phoenixville 7-0 early in the game but rallied for a 28-21 victory. Xavier Nunez fueled the offense with 134 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.
The Winner Gets…
The winner of the Quakertown-Perkiomen Valley game will play the winner of the game between No. 2 Downingtown East and No. 15 Wissahickon.
Prediction:
Perkiomen Valley Vikings 27 * Quakertown Panthers 20
PIAA District One 5A Playoffs
No. 16 Upper Moreland Golden Bears (4-6) @ No. 1 Chester Clippers (9-1)
Season Resume
Upper Moreland finished the 2023 season as the third-place finisher in the Suburban One League American Conference.
The Golden Bears have captured wins over Interboro (25-0), New-Hope Solebury (41-9), William Tennent (26-14) & Springfield (24-7). UM has lost games to Hatboro-Horsham (16-7), Boys Latin (36-28), Radnor (20-6), Wissahickon (28-20), Cheltenham (20-14) & Plymouth Whitemarsh (35-7).
Upper Moreland has scored an average of 20.6 points per game and has allowed an average of 18.5 points per game. A winning margin of 2.1 points.
Last week the Golden Bears lost a conference game to Plymouth Whitemarsh, 35-7. Upper Moreland trailed 35-0 @ the close of the first half and played under the mercy-rule in the second half.
Chester finished the 2023 season as the champion of the Delaware Valley League.
The Clippers have captured wins over Cheltenham (22-20), Phoenixville (34-23), Interboro (52-0), West Chester East (32-0), West Chester Henderson (36-14), Penn Wood (44-0), Downingtown West (48-8) & Academy Park (22-0). The lone loss of the season came against Perkiomen Valley (31-0) in the season opener.
Chester has scored an average of 31.8 points per game and has allowed an average of 11.5 points per game. A winning margin of 20.3 points.
Last week the Clippers shut out Academy Park, 22-0. The offense was led by sophomore quarterback Jalen Harris and junior running back Dayshan Jackson.
The Winner Gets…
The winner of the Upper Moreland-Chester game will play the winner of No. 8 Phoenixville and No. 9 West Chester East.
Prediction:
Chester Clippers 49 * Upper Moreland Golden Bears 14
No. 13 Hatboro-Horsham Hatters (5-5) @ No. 4 Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (8-1).
Season Resume
Hatboro-Horsham finished the season with a .500 record playing an independent schedule.
The Hatters have captured victories over Upper Moreland (16-7), Springfield-Montco (27-0), Lower Moreland (43-13), New-Hope Solebury (40-3) & Council Rock North (21-7). H-H lost games to Wissahickon (41-40), William Tennent (24-6), Council Rock South (23-13), Bensalem (52-20) & Twin Valley (48-7).
Hatboro-Horsham has scored an average of 23.3 points per game and has allowed an average of 21.8 points per game. A winning margin of 1.5 points.
Last week the Hatters were routed by Twin Valley, 48-7. The Raiders play in the Lancaster-Lebanon area and are 9-1 so far this season.
Plymouth Whitemarsh finished the 2023 season as the champion of the Suburban One League American Conference.
The Colonials have captured wins over Upper Merion (21-19), Methacton (35-0), JP McCaskey (48-14), Cheltenham (42-13), William Tennent (49-7), Springfield-Montco (35-0), Wissahickon (50-34) & Upper Moreland 35-7.
Plymouth Whitemarsh has scored an average of 35.0 points per game and has allowed an average of 12.8 points per game. A winning margin of 22.2 points.
Last week the Colonials defeated Upper Moreland, 35-7. Nazye Boggs scored 2 rushing touchdowns for the winners, while Luke Winterbottom also scored a rushing touchdown. Everett Baker scored on both a rushing touchdown and a TD pass reception.
The Winner Gets:
The winner of the Hatboro-Horsham-Plymouth Whitemarsh game will play the winner of the game between No. 5 West Chester Rustin and No. 12 Chichester.
Prediction:
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials 45 * Hatboro-Horsham Hatters 14
No. 10 Methacton Warriors (6-4) @ No. 7 Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (6-4)
Season Resume
Methacton finished the 2023 season as the fourth-place finisher in the Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division.
The Warriors have captured wins over Pottsgrove (16-13), Radnor (22-19), Upper Perkiomen (41-21), Norristown (26-7), Boyertown (43-40) & Pottstown (22-14). Methacton has lost games to Plymouth Whitemarsh (35-0), Perkiomen Valley (42-3), Spring-Ford (30-7) & Owen J Roberts (42-7).
Methacton has scored an average of 18.7 points per game and has allowed an average of 26.3 points per game. A losing margin of 7.6 points.
Last week the Warriors defeated Pottstown, 22-14. Quarterback Kolby Howarth scored 2 touchdowns on runs of 1 & 1 yards, while Anthony Perillo also scored on a 1-yard run.
Upper Dublin finished the 2023 season as the second-place finisher in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
The Flying Cardinals have captured wins over Kennett (21-0), Bensalem (31-7), Wissahickon (53-42), Council Rock North (17-0) & Truman (47-19). UD has lost games to Central Bucks West (37-7), North Penn (42-7), Souderton (31-6) & Quakertown (21-17).
Upper Dublin has scored an average of 22.3 points per game and has allowed an average of 20.9 points per game. A winning margin of 1.4 points.
Last week the Cardinals lost to Quakertown, 21-17. Ronald Shepard scored on a 2-yard run, while Shyne Roberts scored on a 3-yard run. Matthew Miller kicked a 23-yard field goal that had given UD a 17-14 fourth quarter lead.
The Winner Gets…
The winner of the Methacton-Upper Dublin game will play the winner of the game between No. 2 Strath Haven and No. 15 Great Valley.
Prediction:
Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals 31 * Methacton Warriors 13
Exit Door
There were nine Suburban One League teams that were shown the exit door as the 2023 regular season concluded.
Neshaminy (4-6) finished the season as the No. 20 ranked team in the 6A classification. The Redskins lost their season finale to Pennsbury, 28-24. The signature win for Neshaminy this season was a 28-27 victory over No. 21 Central Bucks East.
Central Bucks East (4-6) finished the season as the No. 21 ranked team in the 6A classification. The Patriots lost their season finale to Central Bucks West, 24-7. The signature win for CB East this season was an 18-17 victory over No. 22 Pennridge.
Springfield (3-6) finished the season as the No. 6 ranked team in the 4A classification. The Spartans lost their season finale to William Tennent, 28-14. The signature victory for Springfield was a 29-28 overtime victory over Wissahickon.
Pennridge (3-7) finished the regular season as the No. 22 ranked team in the 6A classification. The Rams lost their season finale to Central Bucks South, 42-14. The signature win for Pennridge this season was a 15-14 victory over No. 14 Pennsbury. The Rams will host Quakertown on Thanksgiving morning.
William Tennent (3-7) finished the season as the No. 25 ranked team in the 6A classification. The Panthers won their season finale with a 28-14 victory over Springfield. The signature victory for WT was a 24-6 victory over Hatboro-Horsham.
Council Rock North (2-8) finished the season as the No. 26 ranked team in the 6A classification. The Indians lost their season finale to Council Rock South, 55-25. The signature win for Rock North was a 28-6 win over No. 30 Harry S Truman.
Bensalem (2-8) finished the season as the No. 28 ranked team in the 6A classification. The Owls lost their season finale to Souderton, 49-14. The signature win for Bensalem was a 52-20 victory over Hatboro-Horsham.
Harry S Truman (1-9) finished the season as the No. 30 ranked team in the 6A classification. The Tigers lost their season finale to Strath Haven, 42-6. The signature win for Truman was a 13-6 victory over No. 32 Abington.
Abington (1-9) finished the season as the No. 32 ranked team in the 6A classification. The Ghosts lost their season finale to North Penn, 35-18. The signature win for Abington was a 44-7 victory over Council Rock North.
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