Scott Huff previews the District One Tournament games featuring SOL teams, highlighting the Pennridge/Quakertown game.
By Scott Huff
And the beat goes on…
Check the calendars…
Friday night is November 3, 2017 – not Thanksgiving morning on November 25, 2017.
But yes it is Quakertown versus Pennridge at Helman Field – but instead of the annual Turkey Day battle, the game is the opening round of the PIAA 6A District One Playoffs.
“It’s a little crazy that we are playing Pennridge in the first round,” said Quakertown head coach George Banas. “The same thing happened with the two of us three years ago.”
In 2014, it was Quakertown that had the ‘double home field advantage’ in the district playoff – Thanksgiving Day scenario. And the Panthers took advantage of that home field with a 14-10 win in the district playoffs, and an 8-7 victory on Thanksgiving.
This year – both games will be played at Pennridge.
“One of our goals all season is was to make the playoffs and get a home game for the seniors,” said Pennridge head coach Jeff Hollenbach. “It is challenging, though, to know how to think about a playoff-rivalry game.
“On one hand, it is a good thing to play a team that you are totally unfamiliar with in the first round,” added Hollenbach. “On the other hand, playing a rival makes the game more interesting and emotional.”
“The crowd is going to be huge, and the kids and fans on both sidelines are going to be ramped up,” said Banas. “The playoff game is still different than playing on Thanksgiving – there is no pep rally, no bon fire, and no early morning breakfast.
“We have made the playoffs three of the last four years and that has been important for our program,” added Banas. “And Pennridge is going to be a great test.”
Both Hollenbach and Banas know the tough challenges that face their respective teams.
“Quakertown is an excellent team – their running backs are talented and run hard,” said Hollenbach. “And on defense, they are aggressive and tough.
“They are well conditioned and they don’t quit,” added Hollenbach. “They have come from behind a few times this year to win games.”
“Pennridge is big – they always seem to be a lot bigger than us,” said Banas. “They play tough football.
“On offense they has tremendous team speed and can do a lot of things,” added Banas. “And of defense they are extremely hard to run against.
“And you have that Penn State recruit – Nick Tarburton – staring at you from across the line of scrimmage,” continued Banas. “He is a great football player – and it looks like they let him do his thing.”
“I know that the ‘body of work’ that both teams accomplished this season is relatively unimportant in this game,” said Hollenbach. “I know that it is going to be a great football game.”
And a great preview of the coming attraction on Thanksgiving morning.
A Closer Look
# 10 Quakertown Panthers (7-2) @ # 7 Pennridge Rams (8-2)
Regular Season Resume:
Quakertown finished the season in second place in the Suburban One League American Conference.
Pennridge finished the season in second place in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
Signature Wins:
Quakertown won key games against Upper Dublin (34-28 in OT) and Hatboro-Horsham (26-20).
Pennridge won key games over Perkiomen Valley (29-0), Central Bucks West (26-6), and Central Bucks South (21-7).
Losses:
Quakertown was defeated by both Central Bucks West (20-0) and Upper Moreland (35-14).
Pennridge was defeated by Neshaminy (23-14) and North Penn (45-35).
Last Week
Quakertown rallied from a first half deficit to defeat Plymouth Whitemarsh 42-23 in a SOL American Conference finale.
Pennridge broke open a 7-6 game at halftime to defeat visiting Central Bucks East 28-12.
Key Players
Quakertown – Brad Bryan (QB), Christian Patrick (RB), and Tim Shevlin (WR).
Pennridge – Nick Tarburton (LB), Joe Devine (WR), and Zak Kantor (QB).
Winner Gets:
The winner of this game will play the winner of the game between No. 2 Perkiomen Valley and No. 15 Penn Wood in a PIAA 6 A District One quarterfinal game.
‘Sweet 16’ Round of the PIAA 6 A District One Playoffs
# 16 Spring-Ford Rams (6-4) @ # 1 Neshaminy Redskins (9-1)
Regular Season Resume:
Spring-Ford tied for second place in the Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division.
Neshaminy was the Suburban One League National Conference champion.
Signature Wins:
Spring-Ford registered wins against Boyertown (16-0) and Pope John Paul (51-13).
Neshaminy registered key wins against Pennridge (23-14), Harry S Truman (56-7), Central Bucks South (21-14 in OT), and Pennsbury (21-20)
Losses:
Spring-Ford has lost games this season to Unionville (26-17), Wilson West-Lawn (28-21), Perkiomen Valley (28-7), and Owen J Roberts (33-0).
Neshaminy lost its only game of the season to Downingtown West (37-33).
Last Week:
Spring-Ford earned its district playoff berth with a resounding 51-13 victory over Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division rival Pope John Paul II.
Neshaminy earned the top seed in the district playoffs with a thrilling 21-20 victory over SOL National Conference rival Pennsbury.
Key Players:
Spring-Ford – TJ Pergine (QB), Justin DeFranesco (RB), and Dante Bonanni (WR).
Neshaminy – Brody McAndrew (QB); Joel Stills (RB), Mike Garlick (WR), and Oleh Manzyk (WR, LB)
Neshaminy Head Coach Steve Wilmont says:
“TJ Pergine does a real nice job running the Spring-Ford offense. He has passed for a whole lot of yards this year. Justin DeFrancesco does a really nice job running the ball. In many respects, they are a lot like Pennsbury.
“We have to contain Pergine and pick up the blitzes on defense. I am not concerned about a letdown, this team has some very good players.
Winner Gets:
The winner of this game will advance to the District One 6A quarterfinals against the winner of No. 8 Pennsbury (8-2) and No. 9 Central Bucks South (7-3).
# 9 Central Bucks South (7-3) @ # 8 Pennsbury Falcons (8-2)
Regular Season Resume:
Central Bucks Southfinished the season as the third place finisher in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
Pennsbury concluded the season as the second place finisher in the Suburban One League National Conference.
Signature Wins:
Central Bucks South registered signature wins over Central Bucks West (21-20) and Abington (34-6).
Pennsbury registered signature wins over Academy Park (27-20), Penn Wood (41-28), and Harry S Truman (47-32).
Losses:
Central Bucks South has lost games to North Penn (40-9), Neshaminy (21-14), and Pennridge (21-7).
Pennsbury has lost games to North Penn (29-20) and Neshaminy (21-20).
Last Week:
Central Bucks South earned its No. 9 seed with a 37-17 victory over winless William Tennent in a SOL Continental Conference game.
Pennsbury suffered a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to rival Neshaminy in what was the SOL National Conference championship game.
Key Players:
Central Bucks South – Matt Norris (LB), Ryan Watson (RB), and Jack Johns (WR).
Pennsbury – Zach Demarchis (QB), David Burke (WR), and Nason Robbins (RB).
Central Bucks South Head Coach Tom Hetrick says:
“(Pennsbury senior) Zach Demarchis is definitely a dynamic player. He makes you defend the entire field with his arm and legs.
“I’m proud of the way we have dealt with the injuries. We lost two quarterbacks and our top running back to injury, but kids have stepped up.
“Our defense has been consistently good all year. Matt Norris is a special linebacker. He always seems to be around the ball. He has great instincts and has the ability to play from sideline to sideline.
“Opponents don’t feel sorry for us, so our kids have responded by not feeling sorry for themselves.”
Pennsbury Head Coach Dan McShane says:
“The loss to Neshaminy last week was a big hit, but it has given us more confidence moving forward. We felt like we learned a lot about ourselves and it will be valuable in playing in district playoffs.
“On offense, CB South spreads the ball around and has a good balance in their run and pass game. They play good team defense and support each other.
“We learned last week the premium that must be played on ball security. Keep the ball – it is that simple.”
Winner Gets:
The winner of this game will advance to the District One 6A quarterfinals and will play the winner of the game between No.1 Neshaminy and No.16 Spring-Ford.
# 13 Truman Tigers (7-3) @ # 4 Coatesville Red Raiders (9-1)
Regular Season Resume:
Truman finished the season as the third place finisher in the Suburban One League National Conference.
Coatesville finished the season as the champion of the Ches-Mont League National Division.
Signature Wins:
Truman registered wins over Council Rock South (42-0), Souderton (33-7), and Bensalem (49-20).
Coatesville registered wins over Reading (48-15), Downingtown West (42-6), and Downingtown East (38-27).
Losses:
Truman has lost games to Neshaminy (56-7), Pennsbury (47-32), and Abington 14-0.
Coatesville lost its only game of the season to Cumberland Valley (21-14).
Last Week:
Truman earned its way into the playoff field with a 49-20 must-win over Bensalem in the Tigers SOL National Conference finale.
Coatesville was once again untested in Ches-Mont League National Division play as the Red Raiders routed Bishop Shanahan 55-13..
Key Players:
Truman – David Akinwande (RB), Javeer Peterson (RB), and Sayyid Saunders (RB).
Coatesville – Aaron Young (RB), Ricky Ortega (QB), and Bryant Dapree (WR).
Truman Head Coach Michael LaPalombara says:
“Like I told our players, we are one of 16 teams left in the district, and our goal is to win a district title. We feel that if we don’t turn the ball over, don’t have three-and-outs, and hit a couple of homeruns on offense – we have an opportunity to win the game.
“Coatesville is impressive. They are athletic with size and speed on both sides of the ball.
“We know that we have a long bus ride – but to be honest, we travel well. We have less distractions and can focus on the game the whole ride down there.”
Winner Gets:
The winner of this game will play the winner of No. 5 Downingtown East and No. 12 Owen J Roberts in a PIAA 6A District One quarterfinal contest.
# 14 Central Bucks West (6-4) @ # 3 Garnet Valley (9-1)
Central Bucks Westfinished in fourth place in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
Garnet Valley finished in second place in the Central League.
Signature Wins
Central Bucks West collected key wins over Quakertown (20-0), Hatboro-Horsham (21-13), and Bensalem (41-21)
Garnet Valley registered key wins over Ridley (24-14), Strath Haven (42-14), and Haverford (28-13)
Losses:
Central Bucks West lost game to North Penn (28-14), Pennridge (26-6), Central Bucks South (21-20), and Souderton (21-14).
Garnet Valley lost its only game of the year to Central League champion Springfield (Delco) – 14-7.
Last Week:
Central Bucks West was upset by Souderton (21-14) in a SOL Continental Conference finale.
Garnet Valley – concluded its regular season with an impressive 49-19 victory over Conestoga.
Key Players:
Central Bucks West – Jake Reichwein (RB-LB) & Joshua Crecca (QB)
Garnet Valley – Matt Lasik (RB) & Danny Guy (RB)
Winner Gets:
The winner of this game will play the winner of the game between No. 6 North Penn and No. 11 Haverford in a PIAA 6A District One quarterfinal game.
# 11 Haverford Fords (8-2) @ # 6 North Penn (8-2)
Regular Season Resume:
Haverford finished the regular season as the third place finisher in the Central League.
North Penn finished the regular season as the champion of the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
Signature Wins:
Haverford collected key wins over Ridley (13-9), Marple-Newtown (35-0), and Lansdale Catholic (42-14).
North Penn registered key wins over Pennsbury (29-20), Pennridge (45-35), Central Bucks South (40-9), and Central Bucks West (28-14).
Losses:
Haverford was defeated by Garnet Valley (28-13) and Springfield (Delco) – 31-17.
North Penn was defeated by La Salle (41-28) and Downingtown East (61-44).
Last Week:
Haverford closed out its Central League season with a 37-13 loss to league champion Springfield.
North Penn closed out its regular season a 46-8 non-league win over Abington. It was the Knights’ eighth win in a row.
Key Players:
Haverford – Jonathan Idee (RB) & Jordan Mosley (WR)
North Penn – Steve DePaul (QB), Owen Thomas (LB), and KJ Cartwright (RB).
North Penn Head Coach Dick Beck says:
“Haverford has two big and athletic wide receivers. The quarterback is a second-year starter and is big and very good with a strong arm and can run. They have a tenacious defense.
“I feel that we are playing at our best defensively. I felt we played our best defensive game of the year last week against Abington. KJ Cartwright has been a spark for us at running back.”
Winner Gets:
The winner of this game will play the winner of the game between No. 3 Garnet Valley and No. 14 Central Bucks West in a PIAA 6A District One quarterfinal contest.
‘Sweet 16’ of the PIAA 5A District One Playoffs
# 15 Sun Valley (4-6) @ # 2 Upper Moreland Bears (9-0)
Regular Season Resume:
Sun Valley finished the regular season as the fifth place finisher in the Ches-Mont American Division.
Upper Moreland finished the season unbeaten and champion of the Suburban One American Conference.
Signature Wins:
Sun Valley defeated Upper Merion (33-0) and Kennett (42-21).
Upper Moreland defeated Hatboro-Horsham (41-40), Quakertown (35-14), and Upper Dublin (21-20).
Losses:
Sun Valley has lost games to Pope John Paul II (34-0), Great Valley (26-22), Oxford (55-13). Bayard Rustin (70-29), Unionville (42-14), and West Chester East (35-20).
Upper Moreland – None
Last Week:
Sun Valley closed out its regular season with a 35-20 loss to West Chester East.
Upper Moreland captured the SOL American Conference championship with a thrilling 21-20 victory over Upper Dublin.
Key Players
Sun Valley – Anthony Ellis (QB), Caliph Jones (RB), and John Kelly (RB).
Upper Moreland – Sterlen Barr (RB), Caleb Mead (RB), and Brendan Olexa (QB).
Upper Moreland Head Coach Adam Beach says:
“The win against Upper Dublin gives us more confidence moving into the playoffs. Sun Valley has some size and toughness and will be a good test for us in the first round.
“We just opened our new beautiful stadium, and we have only played two games on it. Our team is excited to play on it in the playoffs.”
Winner Gets:
The winner of this game will play the winner of the game between No. 7 Marple-Newtown and No. 10 Oxford in a PIAA 5A District One quarterfinal.
# 12 Radnor (5-5) @ # 5 Upper Dublin Cardinals (6-3)
Regular Season Resume:
Radnor finished the regular season as the eighth place team in the 12-team Central League.
Upper Dublin finished the regular season as the third place finisher in the Suburban One League American Conference.
Signature Wins:
Radnor defeated Conestoga (12-6), West Chester East (40-7), and Penncrest (35-13).
Upper Dublin defeated Hatboro-Horsham (14-7) and Lansdale Catholic (28-3).
Losses:
Radnor has lost games to Marple-Newtown (45-14), Upper Darby (39-14), Ridley (14-6), Haverford (10-0), and Strath Haven (21-14).
Upper Dublin has lost games to Perkiomen Valley (31-9), Quakertown (34-28 in OT), and Upper Moreland 21-20.
Last Week:
Radnor – The Red Raiders closed out its Central League season with an impressive 35-13 victory over Penncrest.
Upper Dublin – The Flying Cardinals played for a share of the SOL American Conference, but fell to champion Upper Moreland 21-20.
Key Players
Upper Dublin – Mailk Bootman (RB) & Max Winebrake (LB).
Upper Dublin Head Coach Bret Stover says:
“We are impressed with the discipline they play with on defense. They are aggressive but play within their schemes. They have big-play capability.
“We have to value the ball on offense and not turn it over. Having a home game is huge – not getting on a bus and sitting in traffic. We need to continue to play well on special teams – that has been a strong part of our game the last month,”
Winner Gets:
The winner of this game will play the winner of the game between No. 4 Academy Park and No. 13 Chichester in a PIAA Class 5A District One quarterfinal game.
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