Pennridge, Quakertown set for Thanksgiving battle
After narrowly missing the postseason, Pennridge wants to finish its season on a high while Quakertown looks for its first Thanksgiving Day win over the Rams since 2015.
The two teams will play in their annual Turkey Day battle at Quakertown’s Alumni Field Thursday morning, with kickoff slated for 10:15.
“Thanksgiving’s coming, and that’s the benefit of being at Pennridge is knowing you have that game against Quakertown,” Rams coach Cody Muller said after Week 10’s contest against Central Bucks East. “I’m glad the guys have another game left, especially the seniors.”
Pennridge suffered a heartbreaker back in Week 10, falling 24-20 to the Patriots in a back-and-forth battle that decided the final spot in the District 1-6A Playoffs.
The Rams have a chance to erase some of that hurt with a win over their rival.
Pennridge comes into this one at 4-6 overall and went through the Suburban One League Continental Conference with a record of 3-3.
Quakertown, meanwhile, reached the District 1-6A Quarterfinals, defeating Pioneer Athletic Conference power Perkiomen Valley in the first round, 26-14, before falling to powerful Garnet Valley, 49-14.
The Panthers went through the regular season 8-2 and come into this one with an overall mark of 9-3. Quakertown was 4-2 this fall in the SOL American.
On what should be a frigid morning for football, both squads would like to put the ball into the hands of their feature back as many times as possible.
Christian Patrick rolled for over 200 yards in Quakertown’s playoff win over PV and gives the Panthers a tough, reliable runner who can break one. Tyler Merwarth is also a difficult back to bring down, especially around the goal line.
Quakertown coach George Banas called the win over PV the Panthers’ “best game of the year in terms of execution.”
Quakertown looks for more of the same in trying for its first Turkey Day victory over the Rams since 2015.
Pennridge, meanwhile, would like to get a big game from Ryan Garner, who had several sensational games this season for the Ram attack. Shane Hartzell has to be accounted for, in all three phases. He even blocked a punt in the loss to CB East.
Pennridge at Quakertown
Time/Place: 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Quakertown High School.
Records: Pennridge is 4-6 overall and 3-3 in the Suburban One League Continental Conference. Quakertown is 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the SOL American.
On Twitter: @khunter10.
On the Air: The game will be broadcast on the radio on WNPV 98.5 FM/1440 AM.
Last Week: The Rams’ last game was a tough 24-20 loss to Central Bucks East that knocked Pennridge out of the playoff hunt. The Panthers reached the second round of the District 1-6A Playoffs, defeating Perkiomen Valley 26-14 and then falling to Garnet Valley 49-14.
Last Meeting: The Rams took last year’s Turkey Day battle, 34-6 over the Panthers. Pennridge has won two in a row over Quakertown on Thanksgiving.
Players to Watch: Quarterback Zak Kantor directs the Pennridge attack. Shane Hartzell is a versatile player for the Rams and has made big plays in the special teams as well. Ryan Garner is an elusive back for Pennridge. On Quakertown’s side, Christian Patrick is a workhorse running back who went for over 200 yards in the playoff win over PV. Tyler Merwarth is also a tough runner for the Panthers.
Prediction: Quakertown 27, Pennridge 21.
