Pennsbury, North Penn collide with top spot in SONL on the line

It’s going to be a hot time at Pennsbury’s Falcon Field Friday night.

In addition to a homecoming game that always attracts a full house on the home side of the field, Pennsbury will host North Penn in a game that will have a huge bearing in on the Suburban One National League title race.

Ranked No. 1 in The Trentonian’s ratings, Pennsbury as well as North Penn are undefeated in league play. Both have home games remaining against Neshaminy, but tonight’s winner will be in a commanding position to gain at least a share of the league title.

In addition, the winner of this game is going to pick up major points on the District 1 Class AAAA power points chart. Considering the depth in this year’s district field, anytime you can get a home playoff game it’s a big bonus.

North Penn-Pennsbury is not the only game of note in Lower Bucks County tonight. There’s another big one in Newtown this evening with unbeaten Quakertown traveling to Council Rock South. The winner of this game will be in great shape in terms of securing a Sub One Continental League crown.

North Penn (5-2) at Pennsbury (6-1), tonight, 7:00

You know what you are going to get from the Knights: Solid fundamental football, a diversified offense and a team that rarely beats itself. In terms of common opponents, both teams have lost to La Salle by two touchdowns. North Penn beat Pennridge by a much larger margin, but Pennsbury’s 38-32 win over Pennridge last week was weird because the Falcons actually led, 38-6, at one point. North Penn can effectively throw the ball with Jake Bevan, and has a one-two running punch with speedster Nyfease West and Nick Isabella. Tight end Keith Earle is another weapon. Obviously, Pennsbury’s very capable defense must be at its best. You would think the Pennsbury offense is going to need to score at least 21 points and avoid turnovers and penalties. Most people consider North Penn the favorite, but it figures to be very much up for grabs in the fourth quarter.

Quakertown (7-0) at Council Rock South (5-2), tonight, 7:00

Rock South will be up against an offensive juggernaut at the Walt Snyder Stadium. Quakertown has scored 296 points in seven outings, which translates into an average of 42 per game. Tom Garlick, who transferred from Archbishop Wood the previous year, is an accurate passer who takes advantage of a variety of receivers. Rob Burns receives by far the bulk of the carries and has been piling up all kinds of average. The Quakertown defense has been very stout as well, allowing more than one touchdown in only one game. Featuring an option game under the direction of steady quarterback Shaun Stackhouse, and the running of Brendan Patterson and speedster Kyle Hickey, Rock South must limit Quakertown’ opportunities and control the clock. If the Hawks can also play turnover free, they have a shot.

Bensalem (0-7) at Neshaminy (5-2), tonight, 7:00

Coming off a must win over Souderton, Neshaminy can use this as a tune-up for the next two weeks when it will travel to North Penn and Pennsbury. What the Redskins need to do is once again get their offense operating on all cylinders.

Morrisville (2-5) at New Hope (7-0), tonight, 7:00

If the Dawgs win this one it would be a monumental upset. After a promising 2-1 start, they have lost four in a row. New Hope’s defense has been outstanding. It has not allowed more than one touchdown in any game and has given up only 42 points all season.

Central Bucks East (5-2) at Truman (2-5), tonight, 7:00

Although some of the pre-season predictions for the Tigers may been overly optimistic, you have to some sympathy for the Tigers. Injuries have really hurt the team, including the loss of its starting quarterback and a star running back. The reeling Tigers have lost four in a row.

Council Rock North (4-3) at Central Bucks West (2-5), tonight, 7:00

Currently occupying the 16th spot for the 16-team District 1 playoffs, Rock North obviously has to win this game in order to qualify for the third straight year. Last week Brandon McIlwain didn’t throw a single pass because of a thumb injury, but still ran for all kinds of yardage. C.B. West did a pretty good of holding Quakertown to 28 points last week, but for the most part has not been strong defensively.

Bristol (3-4) at Delco Christian (6-1), tomorrow, 7:00

If you just go by the records, it looks like Bristol might be in trouble. The Warriors, however, have played the tougher schedule and the teams have beaten two common opponents by similar scores. Still, the Knights are at home and they have scored at least 30 points in all of their wins.

West Catholic (4-3) at Conwell-Egan (4-3), tomorrow, 7:00

For the first time in a long time, the Eagles go into a game against long-time power West Catholic with a fighting chance. The teams beat Neumann-Goretti by nearly identical scores and West Catholic has not been nearly as dominant as in years past. But also keep in mind West Catholic’s losses were to North Penn, undefeated Haverford and unbeaten Archbishop Wood.

PIAA District 1 Power Points

CLASS AAAA

1. Downingtown East (7-0) 920, Downingtown West (7-0) 920 apiece
2. Quakertown (7-0) 860
3. Perkiomen Valley (7-0), Upper Dublin (7-0) 840 apiece
4. Unionville (5-2) 820
5. Spring-Ford (7-0) 810
6. Pennsbury (6-1), Upper Darby (6-1) 790 apiece
7. Haveford (6-1) 780
8. C.B. East (5-2) 750
9. Council Rock South (5-2), Neshaminy (5-2) 730 apiece
10. North Penn (5-2), Plymouth-Whitemarsh (5-2), 700 apiece
11. Council Rock North (5-2) 690
12. Truman (2-5) 500

CLASS AA

1. New Hope (7-0) 790
2. Springfield Montco (2-4) 450
3. Bristol (3-4) 500

CLASS A

1. Delco Christian (6-1) 770
2. Jenkintown (3-4) 580
3. Bishop McDevitt (2-5) 520
4. Calvary (2-5) 510
5. Morrisville (2-5) 360