Scott Huff features North Penn, CR South and Upper Merion and highlights some of the SOL’s top performances.
By Scott Huff
The Suburban One League is moving into its fifth week of conference play and the championship races are coming into sharper focus. And in doing the math, there should be three teams from each conference that have the best shot at the title.
In the SOL National Conference, both Pennsbury (7-0, 4-0) and Central Bucks South (6-1, 4-0) are unbeaten in conference action, while North Penn (4-3, 3-1) has a single conference loss. The Falcons (7-0) close the season at North Penn (4-3); home with CB South (6-1); and at Neshaminy (3-4). The Titans close the season at home with Pennridge (5-2); at Pennsbury (7-0); and at Souderton (3-4). The Knights close the season at home with Pennsbury (7-0); at Neshaminy (3-4); and at Abington (3-4).
In the SOL Continental Conference, Quakertown (7-0, 4-0) is the lone unbeaten team in the conference, while Council Rock North (5-2, 3-1) and Council Rock South (4-3, 3-1) have a single conference loss. The Panthers (7-0) close the season at home with CR South (4-3); at CR North (5-2); and at Central Bucks East (3-4). The Indians close out the season at home with Central Bucks West (2-5); at home with Quakertown (7-0); and at Council Rock South (4-3). The Golden Hawks close out the season at Quakertown (7-0); at home with Norristown (3-4); and Council Rock North (5-2).
In the SOL American Conference, Upper Dublin (6-1, 4-0) is the lone unbeaten team in the conference, while Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-3, 3-1) and Cheltenham (4-3, 3-1) each have a single loss. The Flying Cardinals close out the season at home with Upper Moreland (5-2); at Hatboro-Horsham (2-5); and at home with Upper Merion (0-7). The Colonials close out the season at home with Hatboro-Horsham (2-5); at home with Cheltenham (4-3); and at Springfield (3-4). The Panthers close out the season at Wissahickon (2-5); at Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-3), and home with Hatboro-Horsham (2-5).
And the beat goes on..
SOL National Conference ‘Snapshot’
North Penn Knights
North Pennhas been ‘king of the hill’ in the Suburban One League for decades – and the Knights rarely have been cast in the underdog role in conference play. However, this Friday night will be one of those exceptions when North Penn (4-3, 3-1) hosts state ranked and unbeaten Pennsbury (7-0, 4-0).
“The pressure is really on them – everyone expects them to win,” said North Penn head coach Dick Beck. “And for good reason. Pennsbury has size, speed, and tenacity – and they are very physical.
“We really don’t talk to the team about us being an underdog,” added Beck. “We will just line up and play the game.”
The Knights are playing the game pretty well since its 28-27 loss to Central Bucks South. North Penn – though – may indeed be playing for its PIAA District One playoff lives this week against the powerful Falcons.
“We have had some success in the past against Pennsbury,” admitted Beck after being reminded of his success against Falcon head coach Galen Snyder. “But I won’t be playing them with the players I had then. I have to beat them this year with the players I have now.
“We have been playing better football, but we have to continue to get a lot better,” continued Beck. “Like I said – Pennsbury is very impressive.”
SOL National Conference ‘Honor Roll”
Charles Snorweah of Pennsbury and Raheem Thompson of Pennsbury each rushed for over 100 yards as the Falcons soared to a 41-14 win over Pennridge. Snorweah finished with a game-high 239 yards and three touchdowns while Thompson rushed for 103 yards.
Josh Adams and Kevin Witchey of Central Bucks South each had terrific games as the Titans marched to a 23-7 victory over Abington. Adams raced for 159 yards and two touchdowns, while Witchey completed nine passes including a touchdown.
D’Andre Pollard and Mason Jones of Neshaminy each had terrific games as the Redskins captured a 29-10 win over Souderton. Pollard raced for 166 yards and two touchdowns, while Jones completed 13 passes for 147 yards and two scores.
Nyfease West and the North Penn defense came up big as the Knights marched to a 58-13 victory over Bensalem. West raced for 114 yards and two touchdowns, while the NP defense scored three touchdowns – two on fumble recoveries and one on an interception.
Juawine Sowell of Abington rushed for a team-high 129 yards and caught three passes that included a touchdown as the Ghosts were defeated by Central Bucks South 23-7.
Imier Simmons of Pennridge scored both touchdowns as the Rams lost to Pennsbury 41-14.
DeVante Porter of Bensalem rushed for a team-high 60 yards and scored on a 25-yard TD run as the Owls were gunned down by North Penn 58-13.
Blake Gular of Souderton rushed for a team-high 64 yards and scored the only Indian touchdown as the Big Red lost 29-10 to Neshaminy.
This Week in the SOL National Conference
Pennsbury Falcons (7-0, 4-0) @ North Penn Knights (4-3, 3-1)
Last Week: Pennsbury defeated Pennridge 41-14 & North Penn defeated Bensalem 58-13.
Pennridge Rams (5-2, 2-2) @ Central Bucks South Titans (6-1, 4-0)
Last Week: Pennridge lost to Pennsbury 41-14 & Central Bucks South defeated Abington 23-7.
Souderton Indians (3-4, 1-3) @ Abington Ghosts (3-4, 0-4)
Last Week: Souderton lost to Neshaminy 29-10 & Abington lost to CB South 23-7.
Neshaminy Redskins (3-4, 2-2) @ Bensalem Owls (0-7, 0-4)
Last Week: Neshmainy defeated Souderton 29-10 & Bensalem lost to North Penn 58-13.
SOL Continental Conference ‘Snapshot’
Council Rock South Golden Hawks
Council Rock South will get its shot at first place in the conference standings this week as the Golden Hawks (4-3, 3-1) will travel to Quakertown (7-0, 4-0) to meet the unbeaten Panthers.
“Everyone knows that we have a huge opportunity in front of us,” said veteran Council Rock South head coach Vince Bedesem. “It is a motivating factor, for sure – and we have to be able to come into the game with a hunger to win.
“Quakertown isn’t 7-0 for nothing,” added Bedesem. “They have good overall size and speed – and right now there is no question that they are the class of the league.
“One of the biggest things I have noticed in watching them play is how disciplined they play the game,” continued Bedesem. “If we want to come away with a win, we have to play them toe-to-toe.”
The biggest assest that the Hawks have had all season is their remarkable running back – Vince Alimenti. The flashy senior has put up eye-popping numbers all season and is coming off a five-touchdown performance in a 46-41 win over William Tennent.
“Vince is a super kid – and the work ethic he has shown this season is second to none,” said Bedesem. “He played some as a freshman on our championship team, but what he has been able to do this year is incredible.
“He plays like he practices, and nobody practices harder than he does,” added Bedesem. “Vince has pushed himself into becoming a better football player, and we are a better team because of it.”
SOL Continental Conference ‘Honor Roll’
Vince Alimenti of Council Rock South rushed for a staggering 291 yards and scored five touchdowns as the Golden Hawks edged William Tennent 46-41.
Mark Lopez-Shefcyk of Truman rushed for two touchdowns and also threw a TD pass as the Tigers captured a 42-40 victory over Council Rock North.
Alex Gibson of Central Bucks East rushed for a game-high 197 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Patriots marched to a 31-14 win over Norristown.
Tom Garlick of Quakertown caught a pair of touchdown passes as the Panthers remained unbeaten with a 27-7 win over Central Bucks West.
Nik Banks of William Tennent threw for three touchdown passes and ran for another as the Panthers were defeated by Council Rock South 46-41.
Brandon McIlwain of Council Rock North passed for 260 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for 124 yards and a TD as the Indians were defeated by Truman 42-40.
Carlton Brown of Norristown returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown as the Eagles were gunned down by Central Bucks East 31-14.
Eddie Shields of Central Bucks West rushed for a team-high 58 yards and a touchdown as the Bucks were defeated by Quakertown 27-7.
This Week in the SOL Continental Conference
Council Rock South Golden Hawks (4-3, 3-1) @ Quakertown Panthers (7-0, 4-0)
Last Week: CR South defeated William Tennent 46-41 & Quakertown defeated CB West 27-7.
Truman Tigers (4-3, 2-2) @ Central Bucks East Patriots (3-4, 2-2)
Last Week: Truman defeated CR North 42-40 & Central Bucks East defeated Norristown 31-14.
Central Bucks West (2-5, 1-3) @ Council Rock North Indians (5-2, 3-1)
Last Week: CB West lost to Quakertown 27-7 & CR North lost to Truman 42-40
William Tennent Panthers (2-5, 0-4) @ Norristown Eagles (3-4, 1-3)
Last Week: William Tennent lost to CR South 46-41 & Norristown lost to CB East 31-14.
SOL American Conference ‘Snapshot’
Upper Merion Vikings
Upper Merion is still in search of its first victory of the 2014 season, but head coach Harold Smith and his Vikings still come to work each and every week.
“There is absolutely no quit in this football team,” said Smith. “We come into each game prepared to win, but we have had a tough season with injuries
“Us being a AAA team makes it a little tougher to deal with injuries,” added Smith. “We don’t have the depth of the AAAA teams that we play in this league.”
Sophomore running back Shannon Carnard has been an outstanding discovery this year for Smith and the Vikings. Carnard started the season as the # 3 running back on the Upper Merion roster behind Alex Del Giudice and Isaiah Alicea – both of whom are injured.
“Shannon is extremely fast and has been a very bright spot this season – and we have a lot of underclassmen who have gained a lot of varsity time,” said Smith. “And Tony Zevallos has been great all season at a variety of positions.
“We play Springfield this week, and we will work very hard on a game plan to beat them,” added Smith. “They have a very athletic quarterback (Chris Stone), and are a very good football team.
“The one thing I will tell you is that these kids will work hard to be competitive,” added Smith. “And the coaches will work just as hard.”
SOL American Conference ‘Honor Roll’
Kalief Lee and Ryan Stover of Upper Dublin sparked the Cardinals to a 34-28 victory over Plymouth Whitemarsh. Lee rushed for a game-high 163 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Stover completed 13 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Tyler Whitmore of Upper Moreland rushed for a game-high 261 yards and 5 touchdowns as the Golden Bears captured a 42-6 win over Upper Merion.
Greg Morris of Cheltenham rushed for a game-high 135 yards and a touchdown as the Panthers collected a 14-0 victory over Springfield.
Casey Walsh of Hatboro-Horsham rushed for a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass as the Hatters topped Wissahickon 28-14.
Jake Winterbottom and Nyfeese Nasir led Plymouth Whitemarsh in rushing as the Colonials were defeated by Upper Dublin 34-28. Winterbottom ran for 105 yards and 2 scores, while Nasir rushed for 111 yards and scored a touchdown.
Josh Trunk of Wissahickon scored a defensive touchdown as the Trojans were defeated by Hatboro-Horsham 28-14. Trunk scored on an interception return and also led Wissahickon in rushing with 135 yards.
Shannon Carnard of Upper Merion scored on a 56-yard touchdown run as the Vikings were sunk by Upper Moreland 42-6.
This Week in the SOL American Conference
Upper Moreland Golden Bears (5-2, 2-2) @ Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (6-1, 4-0)
Last Week: Upper Moreland defeated Upper Merion 42-6 & Upper Dublin defeated Plymouth Whitemarsh 34-28.
Cheltenham Panthers (4-3, 3-1) @ Wissahickon Trojans (2-5, 1-3)
Last Week: Cheltenham defeated Springfield 14-0 & Wissahickon lost to Hatboro-Horsham 28-14.
Hatboro-Horsham (2-5, 2-2) @ Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (4-3, 3-1)
Last Week: Hatboro-Horsham defeated Wissahickon 28-14 & Plymouth Whitemarsh lost to Upper Dublin 34-28.
Upper Merion Vikings (0-7, 0-4) @ Springfield Spartans (3-4, 1-3)
Last Week: Upper Merion lost to Upper Moreland 42-6 & Springfield lost to Cheltenham 14-0.
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
1. Pennsbury Falcons (7-0, 4-0)
2. Central Bucks South Titans (6-1, 4-0)
3. North Penn Knights (4-3, 3-1)
4. Quakertown Panthers (7-0, 4-0)
5. Upper Dublin Cardinals (6-1, 4-0)
6. Pennridge Rams (5-2, 2-2)
7. Council Rock North Indians (5-2, 3-1)
8. Council Rock South Hawks (4-3, 3-1)
9. Truman Tigers (4-3, 2-2)
10. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (4-3, 3-1)
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