To view action photos of the Council Rock North/Father Judge, Souderton/Neshaminy and North Penn/LaSalle contests, visit the photo gallery at the following link: http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/
By Scott Huff
Central Bucks West and William Tennent each had a single victory for the entire 2009 football season.
And after week one of the 2010 season, both West and Tennent have matched that win total with opening game victories.
“I would much rather begin the season 1-0 rather than 0-1,” said West head coach Brian Hensel as the Bucks opened the season with a convincing 42-28 win over Upper Dublin. “This season we really believe that every team we play is beatable – of course that includes us.”
“We feel that we can play with the best teams in the district,” said Buck senior quarterback Ward Udinski – a three-year starter for West. “The team feels really good about itself. We feel that we have the talent and the skill to compete with anyone.”
“It was great to see how we were able to come back and win that first game,” said William Tennent head coach Biz Keeny in reference to his team’s 20-13 win over Wissahickon. “We got down 13-0, and in the past we might have been waiting for bad things to continue to happen.
“I wasn’t too sure that the players believed – like this coaching staff does – that we have some good football players,” added Keeny. “I think we have added maturity to this team, and that should help as we go along.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh head coach Dan Chang also had a big win as the Colonials held off Methacton, 13-6, in Chang’s varsity head coaching debut.
“I was a little nervous when the game began,” said Chang – an assistant coach at North Penn the last few seasons. “But once the game began it was just another football game.
“Right now, I am calling the plays and focusing on the backs,” added Chang who was a line coach for Knights last year. “We have some things to learn, but you always have to be happy to get a win.”
North Penn head coach Dick Beck would have settled for any type of win as the highly regarded Knights lost to defending state champion La Salle – 27-14.
“I saw the highlights on TV, and I read on-line and in the newspapers about it,” said Chang. “I thought I would give Dick the weekend before I gave him a call.”
Suburban One League Continental Conference
Central Bucks West (1-0) brought back memories of years gone by as the Bucks blasted Upper Dublin (0-1), 42-28.
The terrific news was that the CB West offense generated 460 yards of total offense – the bad news was the flashy senior running back Raashad Williams left the game with an injury.
“Raashad will miss about a week to 10 days,” said Central Bucks West head coach Brian Hensel. “He really wants to get back as quickly as he can. He is a warrior.”
In a limited amount of playing time, Williams rushed for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The talented senior scored on runs of 33 and eight yards.
“When Raashad left the game, the game was tied at 14-14,” said West quarterback Ward Udinski. “The team really showed that we could regain our balance and play good football.”
Udinski put up some impressive numbers of his own with 14 completions, 190 passing yards, and a pair of touchdown passes. He also rushed for a pair of scores.
“We are blessed to have a three-year starter at quarterback,” said Hensel. “He has very good vision and can break down defenses. And he is the hardest worker on the team.”
And that effort paid dividends in an opening game victory.
Next: Central Bucks West (1-0) @ William Tennent (1-0) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Central Bucks West 8 – William Tennent 7.
Prediction: CB West 35 – William Tennent 20
Central Bucks East (1-0) made the coaching debut of John Donnelly a successful one as the Patriots defeated Abington (0-1) in overtime, 13-7.
Josh Bernard threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Scott Shields on the first play of overtime for the Pats to secure the win. East also scored a defensive touchdown as Ryan Whitney scored on a 23-yard interception.
Next: Council Rock South (1-0) @ Central Bucks East (1-0) – Saturday 2 pm
Last Year: CR South 31 – CB East 7
Prediction: CR South 27 – CB East 14
Hatboro-Horsham (1-0) made the coaching debut of Gary Pagliaro a successful one as the Hatters held off the Frankford Pioneers (0-1) of the Philadelphia Public League – 29-28.
Hatboro-Horsham led 29-12 in the second half of the game. Nick Dovidio rushed for a game-high 92 yards and scored on a 65-yard touchdown run. Matt Hollenbeck threw a TD pass to Joe Palo to feature the passing game.
Next: Neshaminy (1-0) @ Hatboro-Horsham (1-0) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Neshaniny 13 – Hatboro-Horsham 6
Prediction: Neshaminy 28 – Hatboro-Horsham 10
Pennridge (1-0) had never faced Haverford Prep (0-1) before – and the Fords may never want to face the Rams again as Pennridge blasted them 42-0.
Pennridge senior quarterback Kyle Peters completed just six passes – but four were for touchdowns. Receiver Rocky Ferrier caught two of those scoring passes in his varsity debut. The Rams accounted for a staggering 400 yards of total offense.
Next: Bensalem (0-1) @ Pennridge – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Pennridge 20 – Bensalem 0
Prediction: Pennridge 20 – Bensalem 8
North Penn (0-1) opened its season with a 27-14 loss to defending PIAA Quad-A champion La Salle (1-0). The loss dropped the Knights from first to fifth in the state rankings.
North Penn led the game 14-6 at the end of the first half. Dominic Taggart scored both Knight touchdowns, while Craig Needhammer rushed for over 100 yards.
Next: North Penn @ Lansdale Catholic – Friday 7:30 pm
Last Year: North Penn 28 – Lansdale Catholic 7
Prediction: North Penn 34 – Lansdale Catholic 6
Souderton (0-1) outgained visiting Neshaminy (1-0) 314-266 yards of total offense. But the Big Red could not come out on the winning side of the scoreboard losing the Redskins – 21-19.
Tyler Scholl led the Indian running attack with a game-high 81 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Tanner Allem found the end zone twice – on running plays.
Next: Souderton (0-1) @ Perkiomen Valley (0-1) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Did Not Play
Prediction: Souderton 35 – Perkiomen Valley 13
Quakertown (0-1) took on PIAA Class AAA power Archbishop Wood (1-0) and couldn’t match the Vikings firepower as the Panthers lost a 38-23 contest.
The loss was the coaching debut of Q-town coach George Banas. Panther quarterback Zac Granville accounted for 250 yards of total offense – rushed for a score – and passed for another score.
Next: Quakertown (0-1) @ Pocono Mountain East (1-0) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Did not play
Prediction: Pocono Mountain East 21 – Quakertown 17
Central Bucks South (0-1) could not give first year coach Dave Rackovan a win in his debut with the Titans. CB South was humbled by Council Rock South (1-0) – 35-14.
Rackovan – who was the offensive coordinator with Princeton University last year – had to be encouraged by the play of quarterback Matt Johns. Johns – who completed 10 passes for 160 yards – threw a touchdown pass to Dan Bechta.
Next: CR North (0-1) @ CB South (0-1) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: CR North 17 – CB South 7
Prediction: CR North 24 – CB South 13
Suburban One League American Conference
Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-0) struggled last season and finished with a 3-7 record. The Colonials got off to nice start this season with a 13-6 victory over Methacton (0-1).
It was the scholastic coaching debut of Dan Chang.
“The difference between this season and last season is ‘fun’,” said Plymouth Whitemarsh senior linebacker Phil Bucci. “The coaches insist that we play the game with heart, and I felt like we played with a lot of heart in the second half.”
A key play in the game came in the second half with Methacton on its way to a possible game winning drive. That drive ended, however, when Bucci stepped in front of a receiver and intercepted the Warriors final thrust toward the goal line.
“I saw the receiver coming over the middle, and I just made my drop,” said Bucci. “I guess I made a pretty good play on the ball.”
“The defense was there when we needed, and Phil made that huge play for us,” said Chang. “Both Lamar Palmer and Morgan Jackson also had big games for us on the defensive side of the ball.”
Next: Abington @ Plymouth Whitemarsh – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Abington 38 – Plymouth Whitemarsh 0
Prediction: Abington 21 – Plymouth Whitemarsh 17
Norristown (1-0) opened its season with an impressive 21-7 victory over Northeast (0-1) from the Philadelphia Public League.
The Eagle defense soared as it created four turnovers and scored a touchdown. Tyreese White scored on a 68-yard return of an interception. Quarterback Shannon Mayer was very efficient completing six of seven for 52 yards including a 25-yard TD pass to Tyler McAlpine.
Next: Downingtown East (0-1) @ Norristown (1-0) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Downingtown East 27 – Norristown 14 (playoff game)
Prediction: Downingtown East 21 – Norristown 14
Cheltenham (1-0) began the 2010 season with a 26-8 victory over Truman (0-1).
The Panthers took the lead for good on a gadget play with running back Dan Rouse tossing a TD pass to LeKan Ajibade. Kenneth Cropper threw a touchdown pass to Jonathan Tsipori. Chris Stephens and Chris Ramsey had rushing touchdowns for the winners.
Next: Bishop McDevitt @ Cheltenham – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Bishop McDevitt 27 – Cheltenham 14
Prediction: Bishop McDevitt 24 – Cheltenham 13
Upper Moreland (1-0) had a great start to its season with a 14-7 victory over Strath Haven (0-1).
The Golden Bears trailed 7-0 at the half, but rallied back for the win. Greg Adamson rushed for 60 yards and a pair of scores, while Jordan Spector broke the 100-yard barrier with 105 yards on 18 carries.
Next: Upper Moreland (1-0) @ Pottstown (1-0) – Saturday
Last Year: Upper Moreland 47 – Pottstown 14
Prediction: Upper Moreland 27 – Pottstown 14
Upper Dublin (0-1) had a difficult time holding the explosive CB West offense in check as the Flying Cardinals lost to the Bucks (1-0), 42-28.
Junior quarterback Andrew Derr completed 10 passes for 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Rich Orth caught five passes for 115 yards and a pair of scores, while Jeff Buchanan also caught five passes for 110 yards and a single touchdown.
Next: Upper Dublin (0-1) @ Upper Perkiomen (1-0) – Saturday
Last Year: Upper Perkiomen 34 – Upper Dublin 0
Prediction: Upper Perkiomen 35 – Upper Dublin 28
Wissahickon (0-1) left a 13-0 lead slip away and dropped a tough 20-13 contest to William Tennent (0-1).
The Trojans scored a pair of rushing touchdowns to take the lead before intermission. Finding the end zone for Wissy were Tyler Crothers (14-yard TD run) and Anthony Delegall (80-yard TD run).
Next: Archbishop Ryan (0-1) @ Wissahickon (0-1) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Did Not Play
Prediction: Archbishop Ryan 20 – Wissahickon 14
Upper Merion (0-1) trailed Academy Park (1-0) by a 19-0 score at the half and suffered a 39-0 loss at the final horn.
The Vikings allowed two special team touchdowns and a defensive touchdown. Academy Park also rushed for three scores.
Next: Methacton (0-1) @ Upper Merion (0-1) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Did Not Play
Prediction: Methacton 20 – Upper Merion 7
Suburban One League National Conference
William Tennent (1-0) used a superior effort by junior quarterback Shakat Kofa to rally back for a 20-13 win over Wissahickon (0-1).
“I thought (Kofa) got better as the game went along,” said William Tennent head coach Biz Keeny. “He brings a positive attitude to the team, and he can throw the ball very well.
“I really thought that we were defensively sound the entire game,” added Kenny. “Both us and Wissahickon were pretty well matched teams, and I was glad to see us come back and get a win.”
Kofa finished with 80 yards and a touchdown pass. Connor Geiger rushed for a pair of touchdowns and flirted with 100 yards as he finished with 98 yards.
Next: Central Bucks West (1-0) @ William Tennent (1-0) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: CB West 8 – William Tennent 7
Prediction: Central Bucks West 35 – William Tennent 20
Council Rock South (1-0) looked good in coming up with a 35-14 victory over Central Bucks South (0-1).
The Golden Hawks kept it simple as it pounded the Titan defense for 340 yards rushing. Mark Dimigian rushed 12 times for 110 yards and a score, while Bill Fleming rushed 14 times for 86 yards and three touchdowns.
Next: Council Rock South (1-0) @ Central Bucks East (1-0) – Saturday 2 pm
Last Year: CR South 31 – CB East 7
Prediction: CR South 27 – CB East 14
Neshaminy (1-0) had to hold on by its fingernails in a 21-19 victory over Souderton (0-1).
Redskin quarterback Charlie Marterella completed 11 passes for 140 yards and a score. Neshaminy had Corey Majors and Anthony Woodroffe each rush for a touchdown.
Next: Neshaminy (1-0) @ Hatboro-Horsham (1-0) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Neshaminy 13 – Hatboro-Horsham 6
Prediction: Neshaminy 28 – Hatboro-Horsham 10
Pennsbury (0-1) refused to eat a cupcake in its opening game as the Falcons scheduled state respected Easton (1-0) – and lost 34-13.
The Falcons threw for 225 yards that included an 88-yard TD pass from Jeff Prine to John Sibel. Brandon Pepper rushed for a team-high 65 yards.
Next: Harrisburg @ Pennsbury (0-1) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Did Not Play
Prediction: Pennsbury 20 – Harrisburg 13
Council Rock North (0-1) came out on the short end of a 22-14 verdict to Father Judge (1-0). It was the Indian coaching debut for Rock North’s Adam Collachi.
Sophomore Brandon Knotts rushed for 40 yards and passed for 60 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns to lead the Indians. Brandon Cottom – bound for the Purdue University – left the game after the first series due to an injury.
Next: Council Rock North (0-1) @ Central Bucks South (0-1) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: CR North 17 – CB South 7
Prediction: CR North 24 – CB South 13
Abington (0-1) lost a tough overtime contest to Central Bucks East (1-0) – 13-7.
The Ghosts had their chances in both regulation and overtime to win the game but came up just short. Julien Ireland scored the lone touchdown for Abington.
Next: Abington (0-1) @ Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-0) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Abington 38 – Plymouth Whitemarsh 0
Prediction: Abington 21 – Plymouth Whitemarsh 17
Bensalem (0-1) lost its 2010 season opener as the Owls lost to Overbrook (1-0) – 26-7.
Bensalem managed just six first downs – turned the ball over three times – and had just 20 yards rushing. Anthony Prisco threw a touchdown pass to Davonte Newkirk to account for the Owl points.
Next: Bensalem (0-1) @ Pennridge (1-0) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Pennridge 20 – Bensalem 0
Prediction: Pennridge 20 – Bensalem 8
Truman (0-1) dressed just 23 players, but all played hard in a 26-8 loss to Cheltenham (1-0).
Tiger Derron Thompson rushed for a team-high 95 yards and scored the lone Truman touchdown. Thompson also rushed for the two-point conversion.
Next: Ben Franklin (0-1) @ Truman (0-1) – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Did Not Play
Prediction: Ben Franklin 14 – Truman 8
Suburban One Sports.com ‘Fab Five’
1. North Penn Knights (0-1)
2. Neshaminy Redskins (1-0)
3. Council Rock South Golden Hawks (1-0)
4. Norristown Eagles (1-0)
5. Pennridge Rams (1-0)
- Log in to post comments
0
