Neshaminy football should get tested by Central Bucks South

Say what you want about the quality of the teams in this year’s Suburban One National League, the games are not lacking for excitement.

Although undefeated, Neshaminy continues to pretty much steamroll everybody, when the other six teams get together, just about anything could happen.

A case in point occurred last week when Pennsbury topped Bensalem in double overtime and Truman squeezed past Council Rock North, 21-14.

Look for more of the same this weekend as the teams continue to battle for possible playoff berths. Keep in mind a 5-5 or even a 4-6 record could very well get a team in the District 1 Class 6-A field under the PIAA’s new watered-down format.

Central Bucks South (5-1) at Neshaminy (6-0), Friday night, 7 p.m.

In terms of quality, this is easily the game of the week. C.B. South is coming off its first loss, but that was to North Penn, the team many consider the favorite to win the district. Sam Thompson directs a C.B. South offense that should give Neshaminy a test. It’s on the other side of the ball where it would appear the Redskins have the big edge. Following a 21-point performance on a dreary evening last week, look for Neshaminy’s offense to put up big numbers again behind the passing of senior quarterback Mason Jones.

Truman (2-4) at Pennsbury (3-3), Friday night, 7 p.m.

Pennsbury actually looked a bit like its old self last week for one quarter against Bensalem when it inserted fullback Joe Meglin in the backfield and scored two TDS with a power running game. Unfortunately, it didn’t last for long as the Falcons failed to score in the fourth quarter when they had first-and-goal at the 4 yard line. Truman got a big game last week against Rock North from quarterback Jordan Freeman, who won the game with a long TD run, passed for 142 yards and ran for 120. Pennsbury is probably favored, but until it shows consistency on offense, it will remain vulnerable against everyone it plays.

Conwell-Egan (4-1) at Bishop McDevitt (2-3), Friday night, 7 p.m.

The Eagles nailed down a berth in the District 12 Class AAA championship game with a 26-0 victory at Lansdale Catholic last week. Its defense was in total control of that one and sophomore Patrick Garvo led the offense with 86 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. Look for Conwell-Egan to keep on rolling. McDevitt has two wins, but one was against an 0-6 squad and the other was Abraham Lincoln of the Philadelphia Public League.

Abington (3-3) at Council Rock North (1-4), Friday night, 7 p.m.

The 31 points it gave up to Rock South not withstanding, Abington continued to show it can play defense by holding Neshaminy to 21 points. Rock North did get 138 rushing yards from Mike Welde against Truman last week, but was unable to follow up on its win over Pennsbury. To move the ball against Abington, you have to be diversified on offense and Rock North has not yet shown much of a passing game.

Nativity BVM (1-5) at Morrisville (1-4), Friday night, 7 p.m.

This sure looks like a good chance for the Dawgs to nail down victory No. 2. Nativity BVM has given up a lot of points and was blasted by the BAL’s Jenkintown. Morrisville, by contrast, has given up only a combined 28 points in its last four games. Morrisville is also coming off a bye week, which means it should be relatively healthy and has had time to work on its offense.

Bensalem (3-3) at Council Rock South (1-5), Saturday, 1 p.m.

The Owls are coming off the near miss at Pennsbury and Rock South was shut out by Pennridge last week. The records would suggest Bensalem is the favorite, but don’t be so sure. Rock South has played a much more difficult schedule that has included Father Judge, C.B. South and Pennridge. As mentioned up top, this matchup reflects the parity in the SONL.

PIAA Power Points

CLASS AAAAAA

1. North Penn (6-0) 1080; 2. Neshaminy (6-0) 970; 3. Perkiomen Valley (6-0), Central Bucks South, 5-1) 950 each; 5. Downingtown (East (5-1), Ridley (5-1) 870 each; 7. Central Bucks East (5-1), Coatesville (5-1) 800 each; 9. Spring-Ford (5-1) 760; 10. Penn Wood (5-1) 720; 11. Plymouth-Whitemarsh (50-1), Central Bucks West (4-2) 700 each; 13. Haverford (4-2) 690; 14. Garnet Valley (4-2) 680; 15. Pennridge (3-3), Souderton (3-3) 640 each; 17. Abington (3-3) 670; 15. Bensalem (3-3 600; Pennsbury (3-3) 570; 24. Truman (4-2) 460; 27. Council Rock North (1-4) 350; 28. Council Rock South (1-5) 340.

CLASS AAA

1. Kipp DuBois (5-1) 810; 2. Conwell-Egan (4-1) 670; 3. DelVal Charter (4-2) 630; 4. New Hope-Solebury (4-1) 540.

CLASS AA

1. Bristol (3-2) 670; 2. West Catholic (3-3) 630; 3. Bishop McDevitt (2-3) 470; 4. Strawberry Mansion (2-3) 470.

Class A

1. Jenkintown (2-3) 370; 2. Delco Christian (1-4) 290; 3. Morrisville (1-4) 260.

Contact Rick Fortenbaugh at rfortenbaugh@trentonian.com, or @RickFort7 on Twitter