Scott Huff previews this week’s SOL football games and predicts the winners.
By Scott Huff
We are the champions …
Sometimes lost in the fanfare of the district playoffs is the fact that the Suburban One League was able to crown conference champions this unique 2020 pandemic season.
Pennridge was crowned champion of the SOL National Conference by virtue of its 21-15 victory over Abington (3-2). The Rams were a perfect 5-0 during the ‘irregular season’ in the conference.
And as for the scheduling luck of the draw, the Green & White did not have to face conference opponents North Penn (4-1) or Pennsbury (0-5).
Souderton was crowned champion of the SOL Continental Conference by virtue of its 55-12 victory over Bensalem (0-5). The Indians were a perfect 5-0 during the course of the ‘irregular season’ in the conference.
And as for the scheduling luck of the draw, the Big Red did not have face conference opponents Council Rock North (2-2) or Council Rock South (2-3).
Upper Moreland was declared champion of the SOL American Conference. The Golden Bears were a perfect 4-0 during the course of the ‘irregular’ season in the conference.
And as for the scheduling luck of the draw, the Purple & Gold did not have to face conference opponent Wissahickon (3-2).
Pennridge, Souderton, and Upper Moreland will all get to hang a championship banner for this memorable 2020 ‘irregular season’ – and there will not be, or should not be, an asterisk on that championship banner.
SOL championship trivia:
Who were the defending 2019 Suburban One League Conference champions?
Playoffs? – now we can talk about playoffs
Pennridge and Souderton will represent the Suburban One League in the semifinal round of the 6A PIAA District One playoffs.
The unbeaten Rams (5-0) finished the season as the top ranked team in all of District One and will host dangerous Coatesville (4-0). Pennridge finished its schedule with a ranking of 162.00 points, while the fourth ranked Red Raiders finished its schedule with a ranking of 150.00 points.
The unbeaten Indians (5-0) finished the season as the third ranked team in all of District One and will be on the road against Pioneer Athletic Conference champion Spring-Ford (6-0). Souderton finished with 152.00 points, while the second ranked Rams earned a total of 160.00 points.
Upper Moreland (4-1) finished the season as the top ranked team in all of District One in the 4A classification and will represent the SOL and District One in the state playoffs. The Golden Bears earned 144.00 points – only the top ranked team from D-1 will represent the district in the state playoffs. The Purple & Gold will face District 12 representative Archbishop Ryan (0-2) the first round of the state playoffs.
Upper Dublin (4-1) may not have won a conference title, but the Flying Cardinals were the top ranked team in all of District One in the 5A classification. Upper Dublin earned 140.00 points and will host fourth ranked Kennett (2-1) which earned 100.00 points.
Wissahickon (3-2) finished the season as the third ranked team in all of District One and qualified for the postseason in the 5A classification. The Trojans earned 100.100 points and will travel to meet second ranked West Chester Rustin (2-1) who earned 130.00 points.
New Hope-Solebury (2-3) finished the season as the top ranked team in all of District One in the 3A classification and will represent the SOL and District One in the state playoffs. The Lions earned 80.00 points – only the top ranked team from D-1 will represent the district in the state playoffs. New Hope-Solebury will face District 12 representative Archbishop Carroll (1-2) in the first round of the state playoffs.
Answer to SOL championship trivia:
Last season the SOL National Conference champion was Abington (6-0). The SOL Continental Conference champion was Central Bucks West (5-1), while the SOL American Conference champion was Cheltenham (6-0).
How about the Knights?
North Penn (4-1) will not be playing in the contracted 2020 PIAA District One tournament as the Knights could not overcome an opening season 35-19 defeat against Neshaminy (4-1).
North Penn rebounded from its damaging loss to the Redskins with four consecutive crushing victories. The Knights offensive explosion included blowout wins over Pennsbury (44-20), Central Bucks West (53-28), Central Bucks East (42-7), and Central Bucks South (52-20).
North Penn did not play SOL National Conference champion Pennridge (5-0) and a very good Abington (3-2) in the abbreviated schedule and that played its part in keeping the Knights out of the playoffs.
North Penn has had its history of losing games at the beginning of the season against quality non-league opponents - only to rebound and make a successful run in the playoffs.
But this season was different (really?) and the shortened season kept the Knights from making its traditional run to the postseason.
And now North Penn has been forced to pack its equipment and call the 2020 season one for the history books.
P.S.
Almost every other SOL team that did not qualify for the playoffs scrambled to schedule games to keep its pandemic 2020 season alive. There were no takers to play North Penn, though.
And the beat goes on…
PIAA District One Semi-Final Playoffs
Friday
November 7, 2020
Class 6-A
No. 4 Coatesville Red Raiders (4-0) @ No. 1 Pennridge Rams (5-0)
Last Week:
Coatesville punched its ticket to the D-1 playoffs with a 34-6 victory over Kennett (2-2). Dametrius McClain-Jackson had a spectacular outing for the Red Raiders rushing for 177 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Dowayne Molina added a rushing touchdown on a 34-yard run.
Pennridge punched its ticket to the D-1 playoffs with a hard-fought 21-15 victory over Abington (3-2). Shane Hartzell returned a kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown that provided the scoring margin of victory. Dillion Powles and quarterback Bobby Croyle scored rushing touchdowns for the winners.
Season Resume:
Coatesville was the champion of the Ches-Mont National Conference. The Red Raiders claimed victories over Avon Grove (41-10), Downingtown West (22-14), Downingtown East (20-14), and Kennett (34-6).
Pennridge was champion of the Suburban One League National Conference. The Rams claimed victories over Central Bucks West (35-14), Neshaminy (30-0), Central Bucks East (42-0), Central Bucks South (33-0), and Abington (21-15).
Offense/Defense Points Per Game
Coatesville has averaged 29.3 points per game and has allowed an average of 11.0 points per game.
Pennridge has averaged 32.2 points per game and has allowed an average of 5.8 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the Coatesville-Pennridge game will play the winner of the game between No. 2 Spring-Ford and No. 3 Souderton.
PREDICTION:
PENNRIDGE RAMS 21 /COATESVILLE RED RAIDERS 20
No. 3 Souderton Indians (5-0) @ No. 2 Spring-Ford Rams (6-0)
Last Week:
Spring-Ford punched its ticket to the D-1 playoffs with a come from behind 20-14 victory over Cumberland Valley (1-5). Ram quarterback Ryan Freed completed 13 passes for 145 yards and scored a rushing touchdown. Andrew Yoon carried 15 times for 64 yards and score, while Harry Adieyefefeh carried 16 times for 46 yards and a score.
Souderton punched its ticket to the D-1 playoffs with a 55-12 thrashing of winless Bensalem (0-5). Jalen White had a spectacular night as he scored five touchdowns on runs of 67, 8, 11, 18, and 43 yards. Kyle Bob intercepted a pass for a score, while Evan Kutzler and Nate Hageman scored rushing touchdowns.
Season Resume:
Spring-Ford was champion of the Pioneer Athletic Conference. The Rams captured victories over Perkiomen Valley (27-13), Boyertown (49-13), Upper Perkiomen (55-0), Methacton (21-0), Owen J Roberts (28-0), and Cumberland Valley (20-14).
Souderton was champion of the Suburban One League Continental Conference. The Big Red captured victories over. Quakertown (28-23), Council Rock North (31-8), Upper Dublin (28-7), Hatboro-Horsham (36-13), and Bensalem (55-12).
Offense/Defense Points Per Game:
Spring-Ford has scored an average of 34.3 points per game and has allowed an average of 6.7 points per game.
Souderton has scored an average of 35.6 points per game and has allowed an average of 12.6 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the Spring-Ford – Souderton game will play the winner of the No. 1 Pennridge-No. 4 Coatesville game.
PREDICTION:
SOUDERTON BIG RED 31/ SPRING-FORD RAMS 28
Class 5-A
No. 4 Kennett Blue Demons (2-2) @ No. 1 Upper Dublin Cardinals (4-1)
Last Week:
Kennett led 3-0 early in the game, but the Blue Demons could not stop a talented Coatesville in a 34-6 loss. Ryan Barker provided all the scoring with a pair of field goals. Julian Sparacio is the leading rusher for the season and caught six passes in the loss to the Red Raiders.
Upper Dublin concluded the ‘regular’ season with a 32-0 rout of winless Hatboro-Horsham. Offensively, Colin O’Sullivan fired a pair of touchdown passes to John Kohlbreener – defensively, Jake Rossman scored on a fumble return, while the Cardinals recorded a pair of safeties.
Season Resume:
Kennett was unbeaten in the Ches-Mont American Conference with a record of 2-0. The Blue Demons won conference games over Great Valley (28-0) and West Chester Henderson (30-22) and lost non-conference games to Exeter (36-8) and Coatesville (34-6).
Upper Dublin finished second in the SOL Continental Conference behind unbeaten champion Souderton. The Flying Cardinals defeated Wissahickon (31-27), Bensalem (42-8), Council Rock North (21-6), and Hatboro-Horsham (32-0). Upper Dublin’s lone loss came against Souderton (28-7).
Offensive/Defensive Points Per Game:
Kennett has scored an average of 18.0 points per game and has allowed an average of 23.0 points per game.
Upper Dublin has scored an average of 26.6 points per game and has allowed an average of 13.8 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the Kennett-Upper Dublin game will play the winner of the game between No. 2 West Chester Rustin and No. 3 Wissahickon.
PREDICTION:
UPPER DUBLIN CARDINALS 27 / KENNETT BLUE DEMONS 17
No. 3 Wissahickon Trojans (3-2) @ No. 2 West Chester Rustin (3-1)
Last Week:
Wissahickon had its three-game winning streak snapped in a 35-19 loss to SOL American conference opponent Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-3). The Trojans – who won two consecutive overtime games – trailed going into the fourth quarter by a 21-19 margin. The highlight for Wissahickon came on a pair of long touchdown passes from Aiden Defeo to EJ Schreiner of 62 & 72 yards.
West Chester Rustin played its finest game of the season in a 32-13 victory over 6-A Downingtown East. The Golden Knights rushed for 365 yards in the win. Dayshawn Jacobs highlighted the rushing attack as he gained 215 yards.
Season Resume:
Wissahickon finished the regular season as the second-place team in the Suburban One League American Conference behind Upper Moreland. The Trojans captured wins over Hatboro-Horsham (14-12), New Hope-Solebury (34-31 in overtime), and William Tennent (20-13 in overtime). Wissahickon lost to Upper Dublin (31-27) and Plymouth Whitemarsh (35-19).
West Chester Rustin was the second-place team in the Ches-Mont American Conference. The Golden Knights collected wins over West Chester East (27-13), Great Valley (42-0), and Downingtown East (32-13). The lone loss of the season for WCR came against Unionville (35-27).
Offensive/Defensive Points Per Game:
Wissahickon has scored an average of 22.8 points per game and allowed an average of 24.4 points per game.
West Chester Rustin has scored an average of 32.0 points per game and has allowed an average of 15.3 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the Wissahickon-West Chester Rustin game will play the winner of the game between No. 1 Upper Dublin and No. 4 Kennett.
PREDICTION:
WEST CHESTER RUSTIN KNIGHTS 35 / WISSAHICKON TROJANS 27
PIAA Opening Round State Playoffs
District 1 vs. District 12
Friday
November 7, 2020
Class 4-A
Upper Moreland Golden Bears (4-1) vs. Archbishop Ryan Raiders (0-2)
Last Week:
Upper Moreland suffered its first loss of the season as the Golden Bears played ‘up’ against 6-A Quakertown and lost 37-6. Byron Hopkins completed nine passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. Hopkins fired a 10-yard scoring pass to Jahire Johnson.
Archbishop Ryan did not play last week.
Season Resume:
Upper Moreland was the champion of the Suburban One League American Conference with a perfect 4-0 conference record. The Golden Bears captured wins over New Hope-Solebury (21-7), William Tennent (14-9), Springfield-Montco (47-28), and Plymouth Whitemarsh (63-35). The lone loss came against Quakertown (37-6).
Archbishop Ryan is a member of the Philadelphia Catholic League and is replacing Bonner-Prendergast (3-0) in the playoffs due to a COVID-19 issue with the Friars. The Raiders’ resume is not a good one as Ryan has lost big to both Archbishop Carroll (40-6) and Bonner (42-7).
Offensive/Defensive Points Per Game:
Upper Moreland has scored an average of 30.4 points per game and has allowed an average of 23.2 points per game.
Archbishop Ryan has scored an average of 6.5 points per game and has allowed an average of 41.0 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the Upper Moreland-Archbishop Ryan game will play the winner of Oil City (District 10) – Juniata (District 6) game.
PREDICTION:
UPPER MORELAND BEARS 38 / ARCHBISHOP RYAN 7
Class 3-A
New Hope-Solebury Lions (2-3) vs. Archbishop Carroll (1-2)
Last Week:
New Hope-Solebury lost a conference game to William Tennent, 34-20. Quarterback Philip Weinseimer rushed for a touchdown and also threw a touchdown pass. Joey Capriotti and Ryan Sullivan also had rushing touchdowns for the Lions.
Archbishop Carroll lost a Philadelphia Catholic game to Neumann-Gorretti, 28-21. The Patriots trailed 16-6 at the half but outscored the Saints 15-12 in the second half – but it was not enough to collect a victory.
Season Resume:
New Hope-Solebury made its Suburban One League American Conference debut this season. The Lions won a conference game over Springfield-Montco (45-35) and won a non-conference game against Academy of the New Church, 16-2. NHS lost games to Upper Moreland (21-7), Wissahickon (34-31 in overtime), and William Tennent (34-20).
Archbishop Carroll won its season opener over Archbishop Ryan (40-6), but followed with losses to both Bishop Shanahan (14-7) and Neumann-Goretti (28-21).
Offensive/Defensive Points Per Game:
New Hope-Solebury has scored an average of 23.8 points per game and has allowed an average of 25.2 points per game.
Archbishop Carroll has scored an average of 22.6 points per game and has allowed an average of 16.0 points per game.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the New Hope-Solebury/Archbishop Carroll game will play the winner of the District 4 championship – either Montoursville or Danville.
PREDICTION:
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY LIONS 28 / ARCHBISHOP CARROLL PATRIOTS 24
SOL Postseason Menu
Thursday
November 6, 2020
Methacton Warriors (3-3) @ Council Rock South Golden Hawks (2-3)
Last Week:
Methacton captured its third win of the season as the Warriors marched to a 17-6 victory over Pottsgrove. Dan Brandi scored on an 80-yard run and also caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Mike Merola.
Council Rock South lost its Rock Cup game against Council Rock North, 23-7. The Golden Hawks trailed the rival Rock North by just 7-0 at the half but could not mount a comeback. Jack O’Neill carried the ball 18 times for a team-high 63 yards, while Brady Beres scored the lone touchdown on a four-yard run.
Prediction:
Methacton Warriors 28 / Council Rock South Hawks 13
Friday
November 7, 2020
Quakertown Panthers (4-1) @ William Tennent Panthers (2-3)
Last Week:
Quakertown knocked unbeaten Upper Moreland out of the unbeaten ranks with a 37-6 non-conference victory. Tyler Woodman stole the spotlight with a pair of electric kickoff returns for touchdowns – one of 79 yards – and the other of 83 yards. Woodman also rushed for a touchdown. Will Steich completed nine passes for 88 yards and a touchdown pass to Zach Fondl. Brady Williams carried 16 times for 87 yards and scored a touchdown.
William Tennent captured its second win of the season as the Panthers clawed New Hope-Solebury, 34-20. Ryan Marinucci scored two touchdowns for the winners, while Eric DeJesus also scored a rushing touchdown. Matt Miller fired a scoring pass to Derrick Cosena.
Prediction:
Quakertown Panthers 31 / William Tennent Panthers 14
Central Bucks West Bucks (1-4) @ Central Bucks South Titans (2-3)
Last Week:
Central Bucks West won its first game of the season as the Bucks outscored Central Bucks East, 40-20. Ganz Cooper threw just three passes – completed all three – and tossed two touchdown passes. Eli Boehm caught all three passes and scored on passes of 48 and 33 yards. Boehm carried 15 times for a game-high 186 yards. Donte Mancini carried 13 times for 84 yards and a score.
Central Bucks South lost for the second week in a row as the Titans had no answer for North Penn in a 52-20 loss. Quarterback Carter Hallgren completed 19 passes for 276 yards that included a TD pass to Zak Fischer. Jason Christiansen and Ben Wenzke also scored rushing touchdowns for the Titans
Prediction:
Central Bucks West Bucks 35 / Central Bucks South Titans 34
Bensalem Owls (0-5) @ Springfield (Montco) Spartans (2-2)
Last Week:
Bensalem the Owls continue to struggle in this 2020 season. The Blue & White lost a SOL Continental Conference game to Souderton, 55-12. Bensalem has been outscored 219-39 this season and hopes to collect a win over Class 4-A Springfield.
Springfield did not play.
Prediction:
Springfield Spartans 20 / Bensalem Owls 14
Manheim Township Blue Streaks (5-2) @ Pennsbury Falcons (0-5)
Last Week:
Manheim Township won for the fifth straight week as the Blue Streaks routed Cocalico, 41-7. Over the course of the season, Manheim has scored an average of 37.7 points per game and has allowed an average of 16.3 points per game.
Pennsbury lost for the fifth straight week as the Falcons were defeated 34-0 by rival Neshaminy. Patrick Kirk completed nine passes for 112 yards, while C.J. Kohler caught six passes for 90 yards. Pennbury has scored an average of 18.0 points per game and has allowed an average of 38.0 points per game.
Prediction:
Manheim Township 35 / Pennsbury 20
Saturday
November 7, 2020
Central Bucks East Patriots (1-4) @ Council Rock North Indians (2-2) (Postponed)
Conwell-Egan (1-2) @ Central Bucks East (1-4)
Last Week:
Central Bucks East lost for the fourth week in a row as the Patriots were defeated by rival Central Bucks West, 40-20. Pat Keller completed 15 passes for 264 yards and a scoring pass to Quinn Moody. Moody caught five passes for 81 yards. Ethan Shine carried 21 times for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Conwell-Egan lost to Bishop McDevitt 14-0.
Prediction:
Central Bucks East Patriots 31/Conwell-Egan 13
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