Football Forecast – Volume 6
By Scott Huff
I’m back!!
The calendar on the wall (If anyone still looks at a calendar on a wall) indicates that the Suburban One League football season ends on Friday - October 25, 2024 - not this Friday - October 4, 2024.
But this weekend features a pair of games under the Friday Night Lights that likely could determine championships in both the SOL National Conference and the SOL Continental Conference.
The SOL National Conference showcases unbeaten 6A powers North Penn (6-0 overall, 3-0 conference) and Central Bucks South (6-0, 3-0).
The game will be played @ Titans Stadium in Warrington.
North Penn Snapshot
- The Knights have scored an average of 34.5 points per game and has allowed an average of 11.8 points per game.
- North Penn has defeated Downingtown East (28-25), CR South (34-6), Quakertown (35-12), Neshaminy (37-7), Pennridge (31-0) & CB East (42-21).
Central Bucks South Snapshot
- The Titans have scored an average of 26.2 points per game and has allowed an average of 8.7 points per game.
- Central Bucks South has defeated Archbishop Wood (35-0), Souderton (21-6), Upper Dublin (33-7), CB East (34-15), CB West (22-17) & Pennsbury (12-7).
The SOL Continental Conference showcases conference unbeatens Quakertown (3-3, 3-0) & Upper Dublin (4-2, 3-0).
The game will be hosted by Upper Dublin @ Cardinal Stadium.
Quakertown Snapshot
- The Panthers have scored an average of 25.2 points per game and has allowed an average of 25.3 points per game.
- Quakertown opened the season with 3 losses – to Southern Lehigh (31-13), Pennsbury (17-7) & North Penn (35-12). The Black Cats rallied to defeat all conference opponents with wins over Bensalem (49-21), Souderton (35-34) & CR North (35-7).
Upper Dublin Snapshot
- The Cardinals have scored an average of 26.7 points per game and has allowed 18.3 points per game.
- Upper Dublin has lost games to CB West (35-14) & CB South (33-7). The Cardinals won a non-league over Wissahickon (38-21) and has claimed conference wins over CR North (42-7), CR South (24-7) & Harry S Truman (35-0).
Stay tuned.
Playoffs...we’re talking playoffs?
The 2024 Suburban One League football season is quickly winding down, and many teams that will not have a shot at a SOL conference championship still have hopes of gaining a spot in the District One playoffs.
The fact is that last year Central Bucks South captured a PIAA 6A District One championship without winning its Suburban One League title.
The Titans finished in second place during the regular season in the SOL National Conference behind champion Central Bucks West.
In the 6A classification16 of the 30 teams in D-1 will get an invitation to the postseason. And if the playoffs were to begin this week, the following SOL teams would be invited to the playoff dance.
- North Penn Knights (6-0) – ranked 1st
- Central Bucks South Titans (6-0) – 3rd
- Central Bucks West Bucks (4-2) – 7th
- Pennridge Rams (4-2) – 8th
- Neshaminy Redskins (4-2) – 10th
- Quakertown Panthers (3-3) – 13th (tie)
- Pennsbury Falcons (3-3) – 13th (tie)
- Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (4-2) – 16th
In the 5A classification 16 of the 27 teams in D-1 will get an invitation to the postseason. And if the playoffs were to begin this week, the following SOL teams would be invited to the playoff dance.
- Upper Dublin Cardinals (4-2) – ranked 7th
- Upper Moreland Bears (5-1) – 8th
- Wissahickon Trojans (4-2) – 13th
In the 4A classification 4 of the 8 teams in D-1 will get an invitation to the postseason. And if the playoffs were to begin this week the following SOL team would be invited to the dance.
- Springfield Spartans (5-1) – ranked 2nd
Stay tuned.
Rodney Dangerfield (google him) infamously said:
“I don’t get no respect!”
Springfield-Montco is the lone 4A school in the Suburban One League, and the sometimes-disrespected Spartans have gone to battle against schools with larger male enrollments.
The male enrollment of the SOL American Conference features two 6A schools – three 5A schools – and Springfield-Montco.
Those male enrollment figures are –
- Plymouth Whitemarsh – 653 male students – 6A
- William Tennent – 626 male students – 6A
- Wissahickon – 592 male students – 5A
- Hatboro Horsham – 530 male students – 5A
- Upper Moreland – 444 male students – 5A
- Springfield – 322 male students – 4A
Springfield has fashioned a terrific 5-1 record this year, and the Spartans earned its share of respect with a convincing 41-17 SOL American Conference victory over a previously unbeaten Upper Moreland in the conference opener.
In the 5 wins this year, Springfield has defeated Kensington (41-0*6A), Elizabethtown Area (24-21*5A), Upper Moreland (41-17*5A), Lower Moreland (35-0*4A), & New Hope Solebury (54-0*2A).
The Spartans have lost its only game to 4A power Pope John Paul II, 34-27.
p.s. – Lower Moreland (308 male students * 4A) competes in the SOL in some sports but not in football.
The Lions play an independent football schedule that features two 4A schools (Springfield-Montco & Thomas Edison), one 3A school (Dobbins-Tech), four 2A schools (Vaux, Kipp DuBois Collegiate Academy), Bristol & New Hope-Solebury) and three 1A schools (Jenkintown, Morrisville & Academy of the New Church).
It’s about time to give Springfield the respect it has earned by playing ‘up’ in the SOL American Conference
And there should be no more Rodney Dangerfield quotes to endure for head coach Chris Shelly and his spirited Spartans.
‘Celebration Time…come on…let’s celebrate.’
Plymouth Whitemarsh head coach Dan Chang celebrated his 100th career victory last week when the Colonials routed Hatboro Horsham, 38-0.
Chang has been leading Plymouth Whitemarsh as the Colonial Commander-In-Chief for 15 years.
Over that decade and a half PW has claimed 7 SOL titles – including conference championships the last 3 seasons.
Can Plymouth Whitemarsh add to the championship Chang legacy this season with still another title?
Stay tuned.
And the beat goes on…
SOL National Conference
Friday
North Penn Knights (6-0, 3-0) @ Central Bucks South Titans (6-0, 3-0)
Last Year:
Central Bucks South 50 * North Penn 28
Last Week:
North Penn remained unbeaten with a 42-21 conference victory over Central Bucks East. Quarterback Matt Bucksar threw 3 touchdown passes – 2 to Adian Eves – and the other to Mason Franek. Aiden Ashley rushed for a pair to scores, while Christian Johns-Wallace and Josiah Coleman also rushed for touchdowns.
Central Bucks South remained unbeaten as the Titans ground out a 12-7 conference victory over Pennsbury. CB South made a pair of rushing touchdowns by Gavin Graham & Braylen Cope stand up. The Titans defense kept the Falcons off the scoreboard, however, Pennsbury scored a defensive touchdown.
Prediction:
North Penn Knights 24 * CB South Titans 17
Central Bucks West Bucks (4-2, 2-1) @ Pennsbury Falcons (3-3, 1-2)
Last Year:
Central Bucks West 20 * Pennsbury 3
Last Week:
Central Bucks West bounced back from its tough loss to CB South with a 21-10 conference victory over Neshaminy. Noah Miller and Ryan Clemens scored rushing touchdowns for the winners, while Miller also threw a TD pass to Clemens.
Pennsbury played a one score game against unbeaten Central Bucks South but lost to the Titans, 12-7. The lone score for the Falcons came on a ‘scoop & score’ of 101 yards (no typo) by Antonio Pehlam.
Prediction:
CB West Bucks 20 * Pennsbury Falcons 10
Central Bucks East Patriots (2-4, 0-3) @ Abington Ghosts (1-5, 0-3)
Last Year:
Central Bucks East 49 * Abington 0
Last Week:
Central Bucks East led unbeaten North Penn 14-7 early in the game, but the Patriots could not finish the job in a 42-21 conference loss to the Knights. An offensive highlight that gave the Patriots the lead was a touchdown pass from Joey Craig to Alex White.
Abington continued its losing spiral as the Ghosts were shut out by Pennridge, 47-0. Abington has been outscored 122-6 in its three conference losses this season to CB West (38-6), Neshaminy (37-0), and Pennridge.
Prediction:
CB East Patriots 38 * Abington Ghosts 7
*** Saturday***
Neshaminy Redskins (4-2, 1-2) @ Pennridge Rams (4-2, 2-1)
Last Year:
Neshaminy 17 * Pennridge 7
Last Week:
Neshaminy suffered a 21-10 conference loss to Central Bucks West. The Redskins scored on a field goal by Kaiden Nicastro and on a touchdown pass from Michael Eckart to Jason Gilardi.
Pennridge had quite the turnaround with a 47-0 conference win over Abington. The Rams had lost the week before to unbeaten North Penn, 31-0. William Dougherty rushed for 180 yards and scored 2 touchdowns, while Noah Keating completed 8 of 10 passes for 85 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Prediction:
Pennridge Rams 21 * Neshaminy Redskins 17
SOL Continental Conference
Friday
Quakertown Panthers (3-3, 3-0) @ Upper Dublin Cardinals (4-2, 3-0)
Last Year:
Quakertown 21 * Upper Dublin 17
Last Week:
Quakertown remained unbeaten in conference play as the Panthers rolled to a 35-7 victory over Council Rock North. Brady Martin threw a pair of touchdown passes to Aiden Burgy & added a rushing touchdown. Gavin Carroll and Aiden Whitely also found paydirt for the Black Cats.
Upper Dublin remained unbeaten in conference play with a 35-0 victory over Harry S Truman. Ron Shepard scored a pair of touchdowns for the Cardinals, while Jordan Fields caught a touchdown pass from Kevin Etkin.
Prediction:
Quakertown Panthers 24 * Upper Dublin Cardinals 21
Bensalem Owls (3-3, 1-2) @ Souderton Indians (3-3, 2-1)
Last Year:
Souderton 49 * Bensalem 14
Last Week:
Souderton rebounded from its stunning 35-34 loss to Quakertown to rout Cheltenham, 39-14. Quarterback Ben Walsh fired a pair of touchdown passes to highlight the offense. Elijah Hampton highlighted the defense with an interception and a ‘scoop & score’ for a touchdown.
Bensalem celebrated Homecoming with a 31-13 conference victory over CR South. Offensive highlights included a 2-touchdown performance by Thomas Bailey, while Aidan Mayfield also scored a rushing touchdown. Tommy Hurst kicked a field goal for the winners.
Prediction:
Souderton Indians 31 * Bensalem Owls 21
***Saturday***
Truman Tigers (1-5, 0-3) @ CR South Hawks (2-4, 1-2)
Last Year:
Council Rock South 48 * Truman 19
Last Week:
Truman lost for the 5th straight week as the Tigers suffered a 35-0 conference loss to Upper Dublin. HST has been shut out 3 times so far this season. The Tigers have been competitive in losses to Abington (7-6) & CR North (16-13).
Council Rock South was deadlocked with Bensalem 7-7 at halftime, but the Golden Hawks were outscored 24-6 in the second half and suffered a 31-13 conference loss to the host Owls.
Prediction:
CR South Golden Hawks 24 * Truman Tigers 13
CR North Indians (1-5, 1-2) @ Cheltenham Panthers (1-5, 1-2)
Last Year:
Did Not Play
Last Week:
CR North scored late in the fourth quarter with the clock running in a 35-7 conference loss to Quakertown. The Indians had beaten Truman 16-13 to win their first win of the season prior to the loss to the Panthers.
Cheltenham played Souderton even in the first period as the Panthers and Indians played to a 7-7 tie. Jared Higgenbotham scored for CHS. However, Souderton led 28-7 by halftime and cruised to a 39-14 conference victory over the Panthers.
Prediction:
Cheltenham Panthers 35 * CR North Indians 14
SOL American Conference
Friday
William Tennent Panthers (3-3, 1-0) @ Upper Moreland Bears (5-1, 0-1)
Last Year:
Upper Moreland 19 * William Tennent 0
Last Week:
Upper Moreland had not lost to Springfield in 10 years – but that winning streak is history as the Spartans ‘upset’ the previously unbeaten Golden Bears, 41-17. The offensive highlight for Upper Moreland was an 80-yard touchdown pass from Alex Foley to Larry Hughes.
William Tennent quieted a potent Wissahickon offense in a 21-14 conference victory over the Trojans. The Panthers received touchdown performances from Derrick Guenther (2 scores) and Joey Hebling.
Prediction:
William Tennent Panthers 21 * Upper Moreland 20
***Saturday***
PW Colonials (4-2, 1-0) @ Wissahickon Trojans (4-2, 0-1)
Last Year:
Plymouth Whitemarsh 56 * Wissahickon 28
Last Week:
Plymouth Whitemarsh opened the defense of its SOL American Conference title with a no-doubt-about-it 38-0 victory over Hatboro Horsham. Everett Baker – who scored 5 touchdowns against Penn Wood the previous week – fueled the offense with a pair of touchdowns.
Wissahickon had averaged 49 points per game going into the conference opener with William Tennent, however the high-powered Trojans offense could manage just 14 points in a 21-14 loss to the Panthers. Nolan Pounds and Quasir Sampson scored touchdowns for Wissahickon.
Prediction:
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials 35 * Wissahickon Trojans 21
Hatboro Horsham Hatters (2-4, 0-1) @ Springfield Spartans (5-1, 1-0)
Last Year:
Hatboro Horsham 27 * Springfield 0
Last Week:
Hatboro Horsham had averaged 31 points in the previous four games but could not find the endzone in a 38-0 conference loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Springfield received another spectacular outing from CJ Johnson as the ‘touchdown maker’ sparked a 41-17 conference victory over Upper Moreland. The Spartans led 21-17 halftime but outscored the Golden Bears 20-0 in the second half to secure the victory.
Prediction:
Springfield Spartans 28 * Hatboro Horsham Hatters 17
-30-
Editor’s note: By way of explanation, Scott Huff – back from his vacation in London & Paris – is allowing me to add a portion of an interview I had with Souderton coach Ed Gallagher after his team’s win over Cheltenham last week. Although it didn’t apply to the game we were discussing, I asked the veteran coach how tough it was to bounce back from his team’s devastating loss to Quakertown a week earlier.
If you’ve ever wondered what coaches are really thinking and feeling, the stuff that doesn’t typically show up in post- or pre-game interviews, here’s a glimpse of one coach’s thoughts.
A loss in retrospect…
For those who think Souderton Ed Gallagher has gotten over his team’s 35-34 loss to Quakertown in a game his team led 28-0 after the first quarter, guess again.
How do you come back from a loss like that? The Souderton coach gave a refreshingly honest answer.
Souderton coach Ed Gallagher: “In a nutshell, it was awful. I’m not going to lie. We dominated that game and were killing that team (leading 28-0 after one quarter). We thought we were going to mercy rule that team, and Quakertown is a good football team, but we were doing everything right.
“All of a sudden – I’m not going to make excuses, but our center gets hurt, and we fumbled three snaps in the second half.
“And their kids made plays. I will give credit to them. I felt so helpless on the sideline because we dominated that team, and they all of a sudden got some life, so credit Quakertown because they came back. They made the plays they needed to make to get back in the game and then to win the game.
“At the end of the day, we’re still up 34-29, and they’ve got to go 80 yards with no timeouts with 17 seconds left. We’ve got to get a stop, and we didn’t, so they’ve got to get the credit for winning the game. It is what it is, and it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s one we’ve got to swallow and move on.
“Now we have to hope somebody else beats them in the league and we run the table. The goals are still there. We can still win the league if someone beats them, and even if somebody doesn’t beat them, we can still get to the playoffs. The season can still be successful. It’s just tough to swallow, very tough to swallow.
“I’m not going to say I’ve gotten over it because I haven’t gotten over it. I haven’t gotten over the North Penn game from Hurricane Sandy when we blew a 10-0 lead and lost 11-10. I haven’t gotten over the first round playoff game against Downington East in 2008 or 2009 when we were up 13-0 in the fourth quarter and lost 14-13. They’re games you’re never going to get over. The Quakertown game goes with those two, so there have been three games that you can ‘should have, could have, would have’ all you want, but at the end of the day, we didn’t get it done. The other team won, so you’ve got to find a way to move on.
“With the other two, the bad thing was we were done. That was the end of the year, but this one we have hope. We can continue to live, learn and move on from it. I talked to a bunch of the kids one-on-one. What did we learn from this and how do we make it better, so we don’t go through this same situation again.
“I’m going to keep saying it – they earned it on the last drive, but they shouldn’t have been in the game. It never should have come to that.”
“It’s one of those things where we are going to keep moving forward. We’re a good football team, we’re not a 3-3 football team, and everyone who has seen us plays know that. We’ve had some things go one way, but we’ve also beaten a pretty good CB West team. We’re hopefully going to keep moving forward. We have four games left before the playoffs. If we can find a way to win all four, we’re in great shape. If we can win three, we’re still probably in the playoffs, so it’s all sitting in front of us. We just have to keep working and keep getting better.
“But, no, there’s no coming back from a game like that is what I’m trying to say. It was awful, and it’s going to remain awful for the rest of my life. Taking nothing away from George (Banas) or his kids who made all the plays to win the game. It’s just that way. When you play games, someone’s going to win, and someone’s going to lose. When it’s a decisive win like we had over Cheltenham, it is what it is, but when it’s a game like that, it’s just devastating, it’s really tough.”
--By Mary Jane Souder
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