Football Fever
By Scott Huff
Verrry interesting
Back in a day, there was a comedian on the television show Laugh-In named Arte Johnson that repeated that iconic saying each week. It always made the audience think.
Verrry interesting.
Pennridge (0-3) played a very interesting game as the profound underdog Rams hosted state ranked Council Rock South (3-0) at Poppy Yoder Field in Perkasie last Friday.
Pennridge lost to the high-flying Golden Hawks – 2-0. Unbeaten Rock South entered the game with a gaudy 38.5 scoring average.
“It was almost a miracle,” said Pennridge head coach Randy Cuthbert. “We played that game with a lot of players injured, and against a football team – and a football program - that has a huge reputation. We lost the game, but we played a great football game. We took a huge step forward.”
The only points of the game came in the fourth period when the Hawks blocked a Ram punt out of the end zone early in the fourth period.
“(Pennridge defensive coordinator) Bob Rosenberger did a great job with our defensive game plan to get ready for them,” said Cuthbert. “We noticed on film that (CR South quarterback – Brian) Donnelly played against a couple of four man fronts in the big games that he had running the ball.
“We wanted to play a lot of guys in the box, and dare them to throw the football,” added Cuthbert. “It seemed to work out pretty well.”
Donnelly entered the game with a staggering total of 412 rushing yards in those first two games for a 13.7-yard per rush average. The Rams held him to a meager 56 yards on 17 carries – and limited Rock South to just 173 yards of total offense.
The fact Pennridge could compete with the Hawks was surprising as no less than three of its linemen – James Worthington (5-11, 235), Stefan Krause (6-0, 240), and Anthony Fecondo (6-2, 250) – were all sidelined with injuries.
“Anthony is one of the best players in the area, and he broke his arm in a car accident before the season,” said Cuthbert of his two-way performer who has aspirations of playing Ivy League football next season. “Last year he averaged around 10 tackles a game. We miss him, and we miss all the players that we counted on this season.
“We don’t open our (Suburban One Continental Conference) season until next week (Pennridge hosts Lansdale Catholic, 0-3), and that is a good thing,” continued Cuthbert. “We are encouraged by the way we played against Council Rock South, but with all the young kids we have playing - we need the reps to become a better football team.”
And a winning football team.
Verrry interesting.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-1) faced a huge non-conference challenge last Friday as the Colonials made the trek to West Chester to meet the high-scoring Warriors of West Chester Henderson. WCH (2-1) was unbeaten with wins over Chester and Great Valley and had featured a prolific offense that generated a scoring average of 35 points.
Plymouth Whitemarsh not only captured the victory, but also completely shattered the Warrior offensive game plan in a 20-0 victory.
“I have to give all the credit to my brother for coming up with a great defensive game plan,” said Plymouth Whitemarsh head coach Dan Chang in praise of Phil Chang – the PW defensive coordinator. “The players trusted that what we were doing was the right thing, and then the players went on the field and executed the game plan.”
The defensive ‘stats’ for PW were amazing in that the Colonials created three turnovers – forced eight three-and-outs – and held the Warriors to a minus 48 yards rushing in the second half. Henderson managed a scant 150 yards of total offense.
“Dan Meluskey played a great game for us at linebacker,” said Chang of his 5-8 inch, 160-pound dynamo. “He is a three year starter – is a very versatile player – and plays the game very fast.”
The opportunistic Colonial defense also accounted for two touchdowns as both Conor Watton and Xavier Ellington picked off Warrior aerials and returned them for critical scores.
“Watton really stepped us for us and made a big play,” said Chang. “And Xavier’s return for a touchdown was an incredible run.
“We open the (Suburban One American Conference) season with Wissahickon (2-1),” added Chang. “They came up with a huge win last week against (Central Bucks) West (21-14). They look much improved, and their players are buying into a new system. It should be a good football game.”
Verrry interesting.
William Tennent (1-2) had struggled offensively in its two losses this season against Wissahickon (10-7) and Central Bucks West (28-6). Two touchdowns in two games will not usually result in victories.
The Panthers clawed Upper Merion in game three for six touchdowns as Tennent sank the Vikings – 42-21.
“We were able to break some long runs, and we weren’t able to do that in the first two games,” said William Tennent head coach Biz Keeny as the Panthers scored on three runs of more than 50-yards. “The biggest number, though, is turnovers. We had four against Wissahickon, one against CB West, and none against Upper Merion.
“If we can go into our conference schedule without turning the ball over, we should be okay,” added Kenny. “We get Council Rock North in our (Suburban One National Conference) opener, and they are a very physical team. I think we are going to be prepared.”
That Was The Week That Was
Suburban One League
SOL National Conference
Abington (3-0) was impressive in its sweep of the non-conference schedule as the Ghosts earned a surprisingly easy 38-17 win over Souderton (1-2). Abington senior Ray Schreiner racked up 297 yards of total offense in the win and scored three touchdowns. Schreiner – who rushed for 85 yards and accounted for 112 yards receiving – scored two rushing touchdowns and one TD catch. Quarterback Ken Cropper completed 12 passes for 277 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Neshaminy (3-0) completed its non-conference schedule perfect with a 35-12 victory over host Central Bucks East (0-3). Sean Ulmer scored four touchdowns for the Skins as he rushed for a game-high 165 yards on 21 carries. Ulmer scored on runs of 49, 2, and 6 yards and also scored a defensive touchdown with a 12-yard run on a blocked punt. Quarterback Joe Bianchino took the night off, completing two of five passes for 28 yards.
Next: Neshaminy Redskins @ Abington Galloping Ghosts – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Neshaminy 28 – Abington 10
Prediction: Abington 27 – Neshaminy 13
Council Rock South (3-0) remained unbeaten as the Golden Hawks struggled to defeat Pennridge (0-3) – 2-0. It took a superior defensive effort by Rock South to collect the hard-fought win. The Hawks limited Pennridge to a meager 160 yards of total offense and kept the Rams out of the end zone for the entire game. The lone score for CR South came on a blocked punt by its special teams in the fourth period that resulted in a safety.
Harry S Truman (0-3) is still in search of its first win as the Tigers were tamed by Upper Dublin (2-1) – 51-13. Truman had an excellent game turned in by running back Bob Hill, who rushed for a team-high 150 yards and dialed long distance on touchdown runs of 80 and 64 yards. The Tigers – who had zero passing yards – rushed for 240 yards against the Cardinal defense.
Next: Harry S Truman Tigers @ Council Rock South Golden Hawks – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: CR South 35 – Truman 0
Prediction: Council Rock South 56 – Truman 13
Pennsbury (2-1) is back to ground-and-pound as the Falcons routed Pocono Mountain West (0-3) – 47-14. Pennsbury threw just one pass (incomplete) in the game, but rushed for an overwhelming 305 yards. Daquan Mack led the Falcon attack with three rushing touchdowns. Pennsbury – which led 34-0 at the half – also scored a defensive touchdown when Adam Lewis returned a pass interception 85 yards for a score.
Bensalem (2-1) suffered its first loss of the year as the Owls were clipped by Archbishop Ryan – 14-12. Bensalem out gained Ryan as the Owls soared for 340 yards of total offense. The scoring plays for Bensalem were a 38-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Hopkins to Terrence Snetter and a 1-yard touchdown burst by C.J. Lebesco.
Next: Pennsbury Falcons @ Bensalem Owls – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Bensalem 23 – Pennsbury 12
Prediction: Pennsbury 24 – Bensalem 7
Council Rock North (1-2) lost a heartbreaking non-conference game to Hatboro-Horsham (2-1) – 10-7. The Hatters kicked a field goal with just 22 seconds left in the game to defeat the Indians. The lone score of the game for Rock North gave them a 7-0 lead when quarterback Trevor Guzy fired a three-yard scoring pass to A.J. Nielson. The Indian special teams play of the game came when Jake Yardley blocked a H-H field goal attempt.
William Tennent (1-2) exploded for six touchdowns in a 42-21 non-conference victory over Upper Merion (0-3). The Panthers dialed long distance on three of their scores – an 82-yard TD run by Chai Smith – a 70-yard TD run by Connor Geiger – and a 50-yard TD run by Cameron Jenkins. Geiger had a team-high 107 yards rushing on just eight carries. The Panthers – who led 28-0 at the half – racked up 284 rushing yards.
Next: William Tennent Panthers @ Council Rock North Indians – Saturday – 1 pm
Last Year: William Tennent 27 – Council Rock North 8
Prediction: Council Rock North 17 – William Tennent 14
SOL Continental Conference
Central Bucks South (2-1) looked very imposing in its 49-9 non-conference victory over visiting Norristown (2-1). Dan Brown set a school record with a six-touchdown performance. Brown – who rushed for a team-high 134 yards on 15 carries – scored on runs of 1, 7, 10, 2, 25, and 3 yards. The Titans gouged the Eagles for 375 yards of total offense – 322 of those yards came on the ground. The CBS defense limited Norristown running back Brandon Shippen to just 20 yards.
North Penn (1-2) had a school record setter of its own, but the Knights were outscored by host St. Joe Prep – 51-33. NP quarterback Corey Ernst fired four touchdown passes and set a school mark with 348 passing yards. Dan Gervitz caught a pair of TD passes, while Ralphie Reeves and Ed Posavec each scored a single TD. Prep’s Skyler Mornhinweg – son of Eagle offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg – torched the Knights as he scored a pair of rushing touchdowns and threw four TD passes. Mornhinwig – who has committed to Penn State next fall – had 386 yards of total offense for the Hawks.
Next: North Penn @ Central Bucks South – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: North Penn 55 – Central Bucks South 13
Prediction: Central Bucks South 31 – North Penn 24
Souderton (1-2) took a punishing blow in a 38-17 non-conference loss to Abington (3-0). The Big Red had its Wing-T offense clipped with only eight first downs and 171 yards of total offense. Quarterback Tanner Allem generated most of the Souderton offense with 11 completions for 115 passing yards. Anthony Williams and Jarrett Reinhard each scored touchdowns for the Big Red.
Central Bucks West (2-1) fell from the ranks of the unbeaten as the Bucks lost a 21-14 contest to Wissahickon (2-1). Sherrod Higgenbotham rushed for a team-high 75 yards and scored on runs of two and three yards. Quarterback Cody Riemenschneider completed five passes for the Bucks for 51 yards. West led 14-7 early in the game but failed to hold the lead.
Next: Souderton Big Red @ Central Bucks West Bucks – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Souderton 34 – CB West 24
Prediction: Souderton 27 – CB West 21
Central Bucks East (0-3) in still in search of its first win after the Patriots dropped a 35-12 verdict to Neshaminy (3-0). East – which played a non-conference slate that included Abington, Norristown, and Neshaminy who were a collective 8-1 – trailed the unbeaten Skins 14-9 in the first half. The lone score was a gadget play as Brandon Ilkiw threw a 38-yard scoring pass to Vince Careghini. QB Josh Bernard completed 15 passes for 131 yards.
Hatboro-Horsham (2-1) put together a game-winning scoring drive late in the game to secure a 10-7 win over Council Rock North (1-2). The Hatters drove 14 plays on their final drive to set up a 31-yard game winning field goal by place kicker Bobby Stumpp. The lone touchdown of the game for the Hatters came on a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Casey Saverio.
Next: Central Bucks East Patriots @ Hatboro-Horsham Hatters – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: CB East 42 – Hatboro-Horsham 20
Prediction: Central Bucks East 24 – Hatboro-Horsham 20
Downingtown West (3-0) remained unbeaten this 2011 season with a 28-7 non-conference victory over Cesar Rodney (Delaware). The Whippets feature a fierce running attack that is sparked by Zach Barr and Dante Harrell. Harrell scored three touchdowns in the win over Cesar Rodney. Quarterback Ken Fuhrman engineers the DTW high-powered offense.
Quakertown (3-0) remained unbeaten this 2011 season with a 28-7 non-conference over Cheltenham (2-1). The Panther defense played wonderful football and caused six turnovers. Justin Wieder was both the offensive and defensive player of the game with a pair of rushing touchdowns and a pair on interceptions. Zac Gravelle is a blue-chip scholastic quarterback.
Next: Downingtown West Whippets @ Quakertown Panthers – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Downingtown West 46 – Quakertown 18
Prediction: Downingtown West 35 – Quakertown 21
Winless Pennridge (0-3) played a superior game on defense, but the Rams were held off the scoreboard in a rare 2-0 loss to Council Rock South (3-0). Pennridge held the high-octane triple-option Golden Hawk offense to a scant 173 total yards and lost the game in the final period when Rock South blocked a punt out of the Ram end zone. Sophomore Mike Class was the leading rusher for PHS with 87 yards on 19 carries.
Lansdale Catholic (0-3) remained winless for the season as the Crusaders were lanced by Monsignor Bonner (2-1) – 54-22. LC had fine offensive numbers turned in by quarterback Tyler Schoenberger and running back Kevin Sabo. The Crusaders opened the season with a 27-26 triple overtime loss to Perkiomen Valley, and followed with a 36-6 loss to North Penn (1-2).
Next: Lansdale Catholic Crusaders @ Pennridge Rams – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Pennridge 34 – Lansdale Catholic 8
Prediction: Pennridge 28 – Lansdale Catholic 13
SOL American Conference
Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-1) played a superior game on defense, and the Colonials found three ways to get into the end zone in a 20-0 victory over previously unbeaten West Chester Henderson (2-1). Two of the PW scores came on interception returns – one of 17-yards by Conor Watton – and the other of 61-yards by Xavier Ellington. The lone Colonial offensive touchdown came on a TD burst by Connor Ferst.
Wissahickon (2-1) rallied from a 14-7 deficit to overcome visiting Central Bucks West (2-1) – 21-14. The Trojans showcased a pair of 100-plus rushers as Anthony Delegall rushed for 108 yards and Ricky O’Donnell rushed for 105 markers. Delegall scored on a 52-yard burst, while O’Donnell scored on a 10-yard run. Wissy scored a defensive touchdown as Pat Bauer scored on a 19-yard interception return.
Next: Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials @ Wissahickon Trojans – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Plymouth Whitemarsh 42 – Wissahickon 10
Prediction: Plymouth Whitemarsh 27 – Wissahickon 14
Upper Dublin (2-1) exploded for 51 points on its way to a huge 51-13 non-conference win over Harry S Truman (0-3). The Flying Cardinals accumulated 508 yards of total offense and 23 first downs. Andrew Derr threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns on 17 completions. Jino Park scored three times for the Cardinals – twice on pass receptions – and once on a run.
Cheltenham (2-1) was its own worst enemy in its 28-7 non-conference loss to Quakertown (3-0). The Panthers turned the ball over six times and were penalized 12 times for 98 yards. Mark Thompson emerged with a game-high 113 yards on 19 carries and the lone CHS score. Quarterback Hyneef Dockery completed eight passes for 94 yards.
Next: Cheltenham Panthers @ Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Upper Dublin 27 – Cheltenham 20
Prediction: Upper Dublin 27 – Cheltenham 20
Norristown (2-1) fell hard from the unbeaten ranks as the Eagles were gunned down by Central Bucks South (2-1) – 49-9. Norristown secured a 9-7 lead early in the game courtesy of a 32-yard field goal by Gerard Fox and a 74-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Shannon Mayer to senior Brandon Shippen. Mayer threw for 170 yards over the course of the game but was sacked eight times.
Upper Merion (0-3) remained winless for the season as the Vikings were sunk by William Tennent (1-2) – 42-21. Quarterback Carmen Fortino collected 173 passing yards and threw a TD pass. Connor McGrath was the leading receiver with 160 yards in pass receptions, while Hassan Gardner rushed for a game-high 88 yards.
Next: Norristown Eagles @ Upper Merion Vikings – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Norristown 41 – Upper Merion 0
Prediction: Norristown 38 – Upper Merion 6
Interboro (2-1) won its second game of the season as the Bucs rallied back from a 13-7 first quarter deficit to defeat Penn Charter (1-1) – 27-19. Interboro opened the season with a 35-21 loss to Springfield (Delaware County) and a 14-7 victory over Episcopal Academy.
Upper Moreland (0-3) is in search of its first win after the Golden Bears were gutted by Exeter (2-1) – 55-0. Upper Moreland managed 125 yards of total offense. Quarterback Robert Knox rushed for 41 yards and passed for 27 more yards. The Golden Bears have been outscored this season by a 133-31 total.
Next: Interboro Bucs @ Upper Moreland Golden Bears – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Upper Moreland 28 – Interboro 20
Prediction: Interboro 17 – Upper Moreland 13
Suburban One Sports.com
Top Ten
1. Abington Galloping Ghosts (3-0)
2. Neshaminy Redskins (3-0)
3. Council Rock South Golden Hawks (3-0)
4. Central Bucks South Titans (2-1)
5. North Penn Knights (1-2)
6. Pennsbury Falcons (2-1)
7. Quakertown Panthers (3-0)
8. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (2-1)
9. Norristown Eagles (2-1)
10. Souderton Indians (1-2)
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