By Scott Huff
The most overused cliché in sports is – ‘a game of inches.’
Sorry – there’s no other way to describe just how Bensalem lost its heartbreaking 21-20 contest to Council Rock North.
Rock North scored on the final play of the game on what was officially recorded as a one-yard touchdown run. The ball was snapped from about 18-inches short of the goal line – and Indian quarterback Trevor Guzy apparently got 19 inches and the game winning score.
“The toughest thing about that play was that it took the officials over 15 seconds to decide that he got in the end zone,” said Bensalem head coach Kevin Kelly. “We played great defense the entire game, and it was incredibly disappointing for the game to end that way. But that wasn’t what lost the game for us. We gave up points on unforced errors, and that really hurt us.”
The unforced errors were a pair of peculiar Rock North scoring plays that came courtesy of the Bensalem punting game. There were two snaps from center that sailed over the head of the Owl punter and flew into the end zone. CR North recovered both loose balls for touchdowns.
Those miscues figured into a critical decision by Kelly to go for a first down late in the game from the Owl 30-yard line. Bensalem had a fourth and – excuse me – inches and the Owls went for the first down to continue the drive. They came up – you guessed it – an inch short.
The Indians took advantage of the short field to cash in on the game winning drive.
“The two previous bad snaps obviously had a lot to do with my decision to go for it in that situation,” said Kelly. “In the end, I guess it wasn’t the best decision. But we played so well on defense. Eric Burkey played a great game at linebacker, and Bill Labadie was dominant at tackle.
“We’ll go out and practice this week and prepare to win a football game (against winless Harry S Truman) this week,” added Kelly. “We have to put this game behind us.”
The season most likely will not end after the Owls (2-7, 0-6) play their Suburban One League National Conference game against the Tigers.
“(Bensalem) has always picked up games at the end of the season in the past,” said Kelly. “I talked with the seniors, and they don’t want to stop playing football. We’re still excited to play the game.”
Upper Moreland had its first win of the season in sight as the Golden Bears led Cheltenham in the fourth period – 15-6. However, the Golden Bears could not present first-year head coach Dave Heying with his first head coaching victory as the Panthers rallied back for a 28-22 Suburban One American Conference win.
“We have been playing very good football teams all season,” said Heying. “There has not been a single team on our schedule that hasn’t had a good record. The talent in this league is very good this year, and we have played against some very explosive football players.
“(Cheltenham running back) Mark Thompson played great against us, and PW has both (Russhon) Phillips and (Xavier) Ellington,” added Heying. “Norristown has (Brandon) Shippen and (Shannon) Mayer and Upper Dublin has (Andrew) Derr. And both (Ricky) O’Donnell and (Anthony) DeLegall have had good years at Wissahickon.”
The one SOL American Conference team that is left on the schedule for Upper Moreland is winless Upper Merion. The Golden Bears will host the Vikings on Friday night in the conference finale.
“Both teams go into that game with the hope of getting a win,” said Heying. “Upper Merion is in the same boat we are in. Both teams are young, and both have coaches (Heying and Upper Merion’s Harold Smith) that are starting out their programs.
“Our goal right now is to try and win out,” added Heying as the Golden Bears will close out its season with Upper Merion (0-8), Owen J Roberts (1-8) and against rival Hatboro-Horsham (3-6) on Thanksgiving Day. “We need to play our best football of the season.”
This Was ‘The Week That Was’ in the Suburban One League
SOL National Conference
Pennsbury (7-2, 5-1) slid itself into a first place conference deadlock with both Abington (8-1, 5-1) and Council Rock South (8-1, 5-1) as the Falcons soared to a 47-6 victory over Harry S Truman (0-9, 0-6). Pennsbury once again featured a punishing rushing attack to crush the winless Tigers. DeQuan Mack rushed for a game-high 90 yards for the Falcons and scored a pair of touchdowns. Adam Lewis also scored a couple of touchdowns on runs of 36 and five yards.
Neshaminy (6-3, 3-3) evened its conference record as the Redskins tomahawked William Tennent (3-6, 2-4) – 39-15. Sean Ulmer rushed for a game-high 107 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback Joe Bianchino completed nine passes for 138 yards and a pair of scores – one to Like Carrezola of 24 yards – and the other to Ulmer for 32 yards. Justin Andrews caught four passes to lead all receivers. The Skins led 25-0 at the half.
Next: Neshaminy Redskins @ Pennsbury Falcons – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Neshaminy 35 – Pennsbury 14
Prediction: Pennsbury 24 – Neshaminy 14
Council Rock South (8-1, 5-1) won a huge conference game and received the key to the conference penthouse as the Golden Hawks soared to a 30-22 victory over Abington (8-1, 5-1). The Hawks, Ghosts, and Pennsbury are all knotted at the top of the conference standings. Rock South punished the Abington defense for a 388-yard rushing performance. Anthony Alimenti dialed long distance on a pair of touchdown runs with scores of 90 and 53 yards. Brian Donnelly and Christian Crane scored on runs of 10 and 39 yards respectively.
Council Rock North (5-4, 4-2) needed a score on the last play of the game as the Indians held off tough-luck Bensalem (2-7, 0-6) – 21-20. Quarterback Trevor Guzy scored on a one-yard run on the final snap to present Rock North with its only offensive touchdown. The Indians scored on a pair of fumble recoveries in the end zone – one by Nate English – and the other by Tyler Gallagher.
Next: Council Rock South @ Council Rock North – Friday – 7 pm
Last Year: Council Rock South 27 – Council Rock North 25
Prediction: Council Rock South 31 – Council Rock North 14
Abington (8-1, 5-1) suffered its first loss of the season as the Ghosts were defeated by visiting Council Rock South (8-1, 5-1) – 30-22. There is now a three-way tie for the conference lead between Abington, CR South, and Pennsbury as each has a single conference loss. Running back Ray Schreiner led the team with 101 rushing yards and also threw a 57-yard scoring pass to Josh Lee. Lee – who caught five balls for 130 yards – also caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Ken Cropper. Cropper also threw a scoring strike to Myles Grasty.
William Tennent (3-6, 2-4) fell behind 32-0 and could not rally as the Panthers were caged by Neshaminy (6-3, 3-3) – 39-15. Connor Geiger scored on a two-yard run for the Panthers, while Mark Issac scored on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Joey Lutz. Lutz completed 16 passes on the night for an even 200 yards. Kevin Kilkenny and Jeff Ledford each had four catches for WT.
Next: Abington Ghosts @ William Tennent Panthers – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Abington 28 – William Tennent 0
Prediction: Abington 42 – William Tennent 14
Bensalem (2-7, 0-6) lost its seventh straight game of the season as the Owls were edged by Council Rock North (5-4, 4-2) – 21-20. Rock North scored the game-winning touchdown on the very last play of the game. CJ Lebesco provided Bensalem with a 20-15 fourth period lead on a 50-yard touchdown run. Dovante Newkirk scored on a six-yard TD pass from Kevin Hopkins of offense and came up with two interceptions of defense.
Truman (0-9, 0-6) lost its ninth consecutive game of the season as the Tigers were caged by Pennsbury (7-2, 4-1) – 47-6. The only score of the game for HST came on a 1-yard touchdown run by Jordan Livingston. Larry Winton led the Tigers in rushing with 93 yards on 20 carries. Marvin Todd – one of the top players all season for Truman – was lost to injury in pre-game warm-ups.
Next: Bensalem Owls (2-7, 0-6) @ Harry S Truman Tigers – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Bensalem 31 – Harry S Truman 26
Prediction: Bensalem 28 – Truman 14
SOL Continental Conference
North Penn (7-2, 6-0) won its 27th consecutive conference game as the Knights marched to a 40-8 victory over Hatboro-Horsham (3-6, 1-5). North Penn had a wonderful performance turned in by James Fielder who scored three touchdowns – one on a six-yard TD pass from Corey Ernst – and on rushing scores of 53 and 7 yards. Ernst finished with 12 completions for 140 yards. Other Knight rushing scores came from Ernst (46 yards), Ralphie Reeves (five yards), and Kyle Mayfield (five yards). Fielder rushed for a game-high 105 yards, while Mayfield added 95 stripes.
Pennridge (5-4, 4-1) lost its first conference game of the season as the Rams were captured by Central Bucks South (6-3, 4-2) – 28-14. The game was tied 14-14 in the final period, but PHS could not score the needed points to win the game. Sophomore sensation Mike Class – who rushed for a team-high 124 yards on 23 carries – scored on a 25-yard run. James Marrero – who rushed for 72 yards on 10 carries – scored on a 15-yard burst for the Rams.
Next: North Penn Knights @ Pennridge Rams – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: North Penn 41 – Pennridge 8
Prediction: North Penn 31 – Pennridge 14
Central Bucks South (6-3, 4-2) kept its district playoff hopes very much alive as the Titans gouged the Rams of Pennridge (5-4, 4-1) – 28-14. Once again it was the Dan Brown show for CB South as the talented senior running back rushed for four touchdowns on runs of 6, 11, one, and 49 yards. Brown rushed for 227 yards on 22 carries for the Titans. Quarterback Matt Johns completed eight passes for 129 yards – while receiver Chris Veal caught six of those aerials for 74 yards.
Central Bucks East (1-8, 1-5) lost an emotional game against Souderton (5-4, 4-2) – 35-7. East quarterback Josh Bernard lost his father on the day of the game. The Patriots scored their lone touchdown of the game in the third period when Brandon Ilkiw fired a 42-yard scoring pass to Vince Careghini. Brandon Sparks rushed for a team-high 31 yards on 12 carries.
Next: Central Bucks South Titans @ Central Bucks East Patriots – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Central Bucks South 38 – Central Bucks East 27
Prediction: Central Bucks South 49 – Central Bucks East 21
Souderton (5-4, 4-2) kept its slim district playoff hopes alive as the Big Red routed Central Bucks East (1-8, 1-5) – 35-7. The game entered the mercy rule in the third period as SAHS led 35-0 at the half. Javon White jetted for a game-high 180 yards and a pair of scores on just eight carries. Quarterback Tanner Allem was an efficient six of seven passing for 74 yards that included a touchdown pass to tight end Ry Yozallinas.
Quakertown (4-5, 1-4) had its playoff hopes dashed as the Panthers were caged by Central Bucks West (4-5, 2-4) – 44-39. Quakertown had leads of 13-0, 19-7, 26-14, and 33-21 but could not put the high-scoring Bucks away. Erik Jones completed 10 passes for 134 yards and threw a pair of touchdown passes. Mike Potynski scored on an 18-yard run and on a 63-yard punt return for the Panthers.
Next: Quakertown Panthers @ Souderton Big Red – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Souderton 31 – Quakertown 14
Prediction: Souderton 31 – Quakertown 14
Central Bucks West (4-5, 2-4) won a shootout last week as the Bucks outgunned Quakertown (4-5, 1-4) – 44-39. West scored 20 points in the third period to overcome the Panthers. John Fitz completed seven passes for 124 yards and fired a touchdown pass to Jake Poeske. Poeske – who rushed for 63 yards – also scored a pair of touchdowns. Sherrod Higginbotham carried the ball 18 times of 157 yards and scored on runs of one and 23 yards.
Hatboro-Horsham (3-6, 1-5) scored first to take an 8-0 lead, but the Hatters gave up the next 40 points in a 40-8 loss to North Penn (7-2, 6-0). Quarterback Aaron Channing threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Lee Riches in the first period, and Kyle Mullen threw a two-point conversion pass to Kyle Scannell to give the Hatters their 8-0 lead. Hatboro-Horsham gained 170 yards of total offense.
Next: Central Bucks West Bucks @ Hatboro-Horsham Hatters – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Central Bucks West 42 – Hatboro-Horsham 20
Prediction: Central Bucks West 35 – Hatboro-Horsham 28
SOL American Conference
Plymouth Whitemarsh (7-1, 5-0) had not played a football game in 17 days,but the Colonials had little rust as PW routed winless Upper Merion (0-8, 0-5) – 55-14. Quarterback Russhon Phillips scored on the first play of the game on a 66-yard run and also threw a pair of touchdown passes – one to Alton Custus (62 yards) – and the other to Kenny Williams (11 yards). Xavier Ellington had a pair of rushing scores to highlight the running attack for the Colonials.
Norristown (5-3, 3-2) did not want a bye week, but the Eagles got one anyway as the game between the Birds and Wyomissing was cancelled. The game was to have been played on Saturday at 1:30 pm and was postponed until 6 pm Monday night due to the pre-Halloween snowstorm. However, that Monday game was cancelled, and the Eagles can now focus on its huge game against host Plymouth Whitemarsh this week. Wyomissing (8-0) was an unbeaten Class AA school. Norristown defeated Cheltenham (5-4, 2-3) – 14-7 – two weeks ago.
Next: Norristown Eagles @ Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
Last Year: Plymouth Whitemarsh 28 – Norristown 21
Prediction: Plymouth Whitemarsh 35 – Norristown 14
Wissahickon (6-3, 3-2) lost a tough contest last week as the Trojans dropped a 17-10 contest to rival Upper Dublin (7-2, 4-1). Ricky O’Donnell led Wissahickon in rushing with 71 yards on 12 carries and scored on a two-yard burst. JT Crits completed 7 passes for the Trojans for 147 yards. Wissahickon tied the game in the second half on a 23-yard field goal by Dan Matthews.
Cheltenham (5-4, 2-3) had to rally back to defeat winless Upper Moreland (0-9, 0-5) – 28-22. Junior running back Mark Thompson had a huge day for the Panthers with a four touchdown night. Thompson scored on runs of 39, 65, and 28 yards and also scored on a 13-yard TD pass from Hyneef Dockery. Thompson rushed for a game-high 166 yards on just 11 carries.
Next: Cheltenham Panthers @ Wissahickon Trojans – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Cheltenham 35 – Wissahickon 7
Prediction: Wissahickon 21 – Cheltenham 20
Upper Moreland (0-9, 0-5) had a fourth period lead, but the Golden Bears could not close out their first win of the season in a 28-22 loss to Cheltenham (5-4, 2-3). Robert Knox scored three touchdowns for Upper Moreland that included two rushing touchdowns and a 36-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Charlie Hooker. Knox – who also intercepted a pass for the Bears – rushed for a team-high 90 yards. Dan Cripps kicked a 27-yard field goal for Upper Moreland.
Upper Merion (0-8, 0-5) fell behind first place Plymouth Whitemarsh (7-1, 5-0) on the very first snap of the game and was hammered by the Colonials – 55-14. The winless Vikings – who will travel to Upper Moreland on Friday to meet the winless Golden Bears – scored single touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarters to avert the shutout. Hassan Gardner – who scored both touchdowns on seven-yard bursts – led the Vikings in rushing with 131 yards on 23 carries.
Next: Upper Merion Vikings @ Upper Moreland Golden Bears – Friday 7 pm
Last Year: Upper Moreland 47 – Upper Merion 8
Prediction: Upper Moreland 36 – Upper Merion 14
Upper Dublin (7-2, 4-2) finished its conference schedule with a 17-10 victory over visiting Wissahickon (6-2, 3-2). The Cardinals will await their expected invitation to the PIAA District One playoffs. Quarterback Andrew Derr completed 17 of 24 passes for 241 yards. Wideout Luke Felix caught 11 passes for 139 yards for the winners. Derr scored the game-winning touchdown in the final 1:11 on a nine-yard run.
Next: Bye
SuburbanOneSports.com***Top Ten***
1. North Penn Knights (7-2, 6-0)
2. Council Rock South Golden Hawks (8-1, 5-1)
3. Abington Ghosts (8-1, 5-1)
4. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials (7-1, 5-0)
5. Pennsbury Falcons (7-2, 5-1)
6. Central Bucks South Titans (6-3, 4-2)
7. Neshaminy Redskins (6-3, 3-3)
8. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (7-2, 5-1)
9. Pennridge Rams (5-4, 4-1)
10. Wissahickon Trojans (6-3, 3-2)
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