This week’s football notebook features CB South, Springfield & CR North and highlights some of the SOL top performances.
By Scott Huff
“The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” – Mark Twain
In the Suburban One League National Conference – North Penn could have authored that quote as the Knights (5-3, 4-1) remained in the thick of both the conference title race and a PIAA Quad-A District One playoff spot after a thrilling 24-21 upset victory over previously unbeaten Pennsbury (7-1, 4-1).
The Falcons will host first place Central Bucks South (7-1, 5-0) on Friday – a win by Pennsbury and a win by North Penn over Neshaminy (4-4, 3-2) would create a three-way tie for first place in the conference standings. Pennridge (5-3, 2-3) will be playing for its district playoff lives this Friday against rival Souderton (3-5, 1-4), and Abington (4-4, 1-4) will be on the road against winless Bensalem (0-8, 0-5).
In the Suburban One League Continental Conference – unbeaten Quakertown (8-0, 5-0) will play what should be the conference title game on Saturday afternoon on the road at Council Rock North (6-2, 4-1). A win by the Panthers would secure them the title – a loss would tie them in conference standings with the host Indians.
In other conference games, Truman (5-3, 3-2) hopes to keep district playoff hopes alive with an away game at William Tennent (3-5, 1-4). Central Bucks East (3-5, 2-3) and Central Bucks West (2-6, 1-4) will square off at War Memorial Field in a neighborhood rivalry, and Council Rock South (4-4, 3-2) will host Norristown (3-5, 1-4).
In the Suburban One League American Conference – Upper Dublin (7-1, 5-0) would take one more step toward a conference title with a victory as the Cardinals travel to Hatboro-Horsham (2-5, 2-3).
The two remaining SOL American Conference contenders will face each other this week as Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-3, 4-1) hosts Cheltenham (5-3, 4-1). The remainder of the conference schedule features Springfield (4-4, 2-3) at Upper Moreland (5-3, 2-3) and Wissahickon (2-6, 1-4) at Upper Merion (0-8, 0-5).
And the beat goes on…
SOL National Conference ‘Snapshot’
Central Bucks South Titans
Central Bucks South is most definitely in the conversation when the topic of conference supremacy is being discussed.
“With the new realignment, there was a lot of talk about Pennsbury, North Penn, Neshaminy, and Abington,” said Central Bucks South head coach Tom Hetrick. “We talked to the kids about showing people that we belong in that group – and I think we have achieved that goal of at least being in the conversation.”
The Titans have done their talking on the field with an unbeaten conference record. Already on the resume for the 2014 season are impressive wins over North Penn (28-27), Neshaminy (52-36), Abington (23-7), and last week a come-from-behind win over Pennridge (28-21).
“I think that last week was a real testament to the players,” said Hetrick as CBS fell behind Pennridge 21-7 in the first half. “We faced a very difficult time in the first half, but the players didn’t panic and we responded with a great second half. To be able to shut out a team like Pennridge in the second half says a lot.”
Next up this week is a trip to Falcon Field to play powerful Pennsbury – the Falcons were upset 24-21 last week by North Penn.
“Pennsbury is a team that always seems to play angry, and after a loss, they will be even angrier,” said Hetrick. “We play against teams in this conference with talented running backs – and Pennsbury doesn’t have just one – they have three of them.
“We have to play the game down there, but really, when 7 o’clock comes, the players should tune out the crowd anyway,” added Hetrick. “You have to come ready to play – and the team that makes the most big plays will win the game.”
And then everyone will talk about it.
SOL National Conference ‘Honor Roll’
Josh Adams of Central Bucks South rushed for a team-high 193 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Titans marched to a 28-21 victory over Pennridge.
D’Andre Pollard of Neshaminy rushed for a game-high 171 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Redskins routed Bensalem 35-0.
Nyfease West of North Penn rushed for a team-high 77 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Knights upset Pennsbury 24-21.
Juawine Sowell of Abington rushed for a game-high 98 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Ghosts defeated Souderton 28-0.
Joe Unangst of Pennridge rushed for a game-high 231 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Rams lost to CB South 28-21.
Charles Snorweah of Pennsbury rushed for a game-high 145 yards and scored a touchdown as the Falcons were upset by North Penn 24-21.
This Week in the SOL National Conference
Central Bucks South Titans (7-1, 5-0) @ Pennsbury Falcons (7-1, 4-1)
Last Week: CB South defeated Pennridge 28-21 & Pennsbury lost to North Penn 24-21.
North Penn Knights (5-3, 4-1) @ Neshaminy Redskins (4-4, 3-2)
Last Week: North Penn defeated Pennsbury 24-21 & Neshaminy defeated Bensalem 35-0.
Souderton Indians (3-5, 1-4) @ Pennridge Rams (5-3, 2-3)
Last Week: Souderton lost to Abington 28-0 & Pennridge lost to CB South 28-21.
Abington Ghosts (4-4, 1-4) @ Bensalem Owls (0-8, 0-5)
Last Week: Abington defeated Souderton 28-0 & Bensalem lost to Neshaminy 35-0.
SOL Continental Conference ‘Snapshot’
Council Rock North Indians
Council Rock North(6-2, 4-1) will play for a share of the conference lead this Homecoming Saturday afternoon as the Indians host unbeaten Quakertown (8-0, 5-0).
“One of the things that we talked about during the summer was winning the SOL Continental,” said Council Rock North head coach Adam Collachi. “And now we have a chance to do just that with a win against a quality team like Quakertown and closing out the season with a win against South.
“The loss to Truman really woke us up,” added Collachi in reference to the Indians 42-40 loss to the Tigers. “But we have bounced back and played some good football.”
Some of that good football was on display last week in CR North’s 39-14 win over Central Bucks West.
In fact, Penn State University head coach James Franklin flew in to watch Indian quarterback Brandon McIlwain play. However, by the time Franklin got to the North sideline, the Indians had the game well in hand and the Nittany Lion coach did not see McIlwain play a single snap.
“It was just one of those things,” said Collachi. “We had a nice lead and there was really no reason for Brandon to get into the game – I was not going to risk injury.
“We now have to focus on beating a Quakertown team that is fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball,” added Collachi. “We have to come up with a good game plan – and stick to the plan.”
Stay tuned.
SOL Continental Conference ‘Honor Roll’
Chris Welde and Brandon McIlwain of Council Rock North each had outstanding games as the Indians collected a 39-14 win over Central Bucks West. Welde rushed for a game-high 195 yards and scored two touchdowns, while McIlwain completed 14 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns.
Rob Burns and Nick Bonomo of Quakertown each rushed for over 100 yards as the Panthers remained unbeaten with a 19-7 win over Council Rock South. Burns rushed for a game-high 134 yards and scored a touchdown, while Bonomo rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Dan Costello of William Tennent rushed for a game-high 156 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Panthers captured a 42-13 victory over Norristown.
Mark Lopex-Shefcyk of Truman passed for 108 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown as the Tigers collected a 36-28 win over Central Bucks East.
Corey Davenport of Norristown rushed for a team-high 154 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Eagles were defeated by William Tennent 42-13.
Eddie Shields of Central Bucks West passed for 93 yards and a touchdown as the Bucks were defeated by Council Rock North 39-14. Reece Udinski threw for 43 yards as the QB duo combined for 136 yards in the air.
Jack Lamb of Central Bucks East completed 10 passes for 157 yards and touchdown as the Patriots were defeated by Truman 36-28.
Vince Alimenti of Council Rock South rushed for a team-high 103 yards and a touchdown as the Hawks were beaten by Quakertown 19-7.
This Week in the SOL Continental Conference
Quakertown Panthers (8-0, 5-0) @ Council Rock North Indians (6-2, 4-1)
Last Week: Quakertown defeated CR South 19-7 & CR North defeated CB West 39-14.
Central Bucks East Patriots (3-5, 2-3) @ Central Bucks West Bucks (2-6, 1-4)
Last Week: CB East lost to Truman 36-28 & CB West lost to CR North 39-14.
Truman Tigers (5-3, 3-2) @ William Tennent Panthers (3-5, 1-4)
Last Week: Truman defeated CB East 36-28 & William Tennent defeated Norristown 42-13.
Norristown Eagles (3-5, 1-4) @ Council Rock South Golden Hawks (4-4, 3-2)
Last Week: Norristown lost to William Tennent 42-13 & CR South lost to Quakertown 19-7.
SOL American Conference ‘Snapshot’
Springfield Spartans
Springfield is talking playoffs – PIAA Class AA playoffs. The Spartans are one of five teams in District One that is Class AA, and four will compete for the district title.
The top four teams in PIAA District One Class AA are Bristol (7-1 – 890 points), Springfield (4-4 – 720 points), Valley Forge Military Academy (4-3 – 570 points), and New Hope-Solebury (2-5 – 480 points). Lower Moreland (0-7) is the fifth team.
“Our goal right now is to try and get a home playoff game,” said Springfield head coach Chris Shelly as the top two seeds get home games. “Right now Bristol is the #1 seed and we would like to be the #2 seed.
“We would love to pick up a win in our last two Suburban One League games,” added Shelly as the Spartans play at Class AAA Upper Moreland (5-3) and home against Class AAAA Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-3) – while VFMA plays Class A Delaware County Christian (5-2) and Class A Jenkintown (4-4). “But that is going to be very tough thing for us to do.”
One of the most difficult assignments is going to try and stop Upper Moreland’s sensational senior running back Tyler Whitmore – Whitmore has distinguished himself as the elite back in the conference.
“The one good thing about playing a back like Whitmore is that Bristol has an explosive back just like him,” said Shelly in reference to Bristol standout Donte Simmons. “And hopefully we get to play against them in the playoffs.”
Yes – Springfield is talking playoffs – PIAA Class AA playoffs.
SOL American Conference ‘Honor Roll’
Nyfeese Nasir of Plymouth Whitemarsh rushed for an astonishing 308 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Colonials marched to a 37-24 victory over Hatboro-Horsham.
Martin Worgan of Springfield rushed for a team high 145 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Spartans marched to a 37-20 victory over Upper Merion.
Ryan Stover of Upper Dublin completed 13 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns as the Flying Cardinals soared to a 28-7 win over Upper Moreland.
Gene Han and Greg Morris of Cheltenham each played key roles as the Panthers captured a 14-2 win over Wissahickon. Han kicked a pair of field goals for the winners, while Morris rushed for a game-high 91 yards and scored a touchdown.
Casey Walsh of Hatboro-Horsham completed 23 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns as the Hatters were topped by Plymouth Whitemarsh 37-24.
Shannon Carnard of Upper Merion rushed for a game-high 196 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Vikings were defeated by Springfield 37-20.
Tyler Whitmore of Upper Moreland rushed for a team-high 125 yards and scored a touchdown as the Golden Bears were beaten by Upper Dublin 28-7.
This Week in the SOL American Conference
Cheltenham Panthers (5-3, 4-1) @ Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (5-3, 4-1)
Last Week: Cheltenham defeated Wissahickon 14-2 & Plymouth Whitemarsh defeated Hatboro-Horsham 37-24.
Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (7-1, 5-0) @ Hatboro-Horsham Hatters (2-6, 2-3)
Last Week: Upper Dublin defeated Upper Moreland 28-7 & Hatboro-Horsham lost to Plymouth Whitemarsh 37-24.
Springfield Spartans (4-4, 2-3) @ Upper Moreland Golden Bears (5-3, 2-3)
Last Week: Springfield defeated Upper Merion 37-20 & Upper Moreland lost to Upper Dublin 28-7.
Wissahickon Trojans (2-6, 1-4) @ Upper Merion Vikings (0-8, 0-5)
Last Week: Wissahickon lost to Cheltenham 14-2 & Upper Merion lost to Springfield 37-20.
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
1. Central Bucks South Titans (7-1, 5-0)
2. North Penn Knights (5-3, 4-1)
3. Pennsbury Falcons (7-1, 4-1)
4. Quakertown Panthers (8-0, 5-0)
5. Upper Dublin Cardinals (7-1, 5-0)
6. Council Rock North Indians (6-2, 4-1)
7. Pennridge Rams (5-3, 2-3)
8. Truman Tigers (5-3, 3-2)
9. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (5-3, 4-1)
10. Neshaminy Redskins (4-4, 3-2)
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