Mercury Week 3 Football Preview: Pottsgrove in unfamiliar territory heading into match-up with Boyertown

It’s not just the 0-2 start that feels unfamiliar at Pottsgrove this fall.

It’s the way the two losses have occurred – the Falcons falling behind early, hurting their own cause with penalties, missed assignments, and other mistakes. Arguably the area’s hallmark for consistency, Pottsgrove is straining to find its balance through the first two contests.

That’s why this week’s visit from Boyertown comes at a perfect time. The Bears (1-1) and Pottsgrove are both young teams looking to gain experience in key positions. But more importantly, each side knows what the finished product looks like for the other – a hard-nosed running game driven by a cohesive offensive line and backed by a defense that makes the opposing offense work for everything they get.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the reality of the first two weeks, where Pottsgrove allowed an average of 43 points a game in losses to 6A Souderton and 5A Academy Park. While the Falcons are to be lauded for stepping up to the challenge of playing bigger schools, coach Bill Hawthorne doesn’t allow his team to use that discrepancy as an excuse.

“I firmly believe [playing strong opposition] will make us better,” said Hawthorne. “Nothing will change over the course of a season to magically boost the number of players on our roster; in fact, generally we may lose a player or two over the course of a season due to attrition. I want to learn the schematic and personnel changes that are needed now, so we are prepared for the talented teams we face throughout the season.”

An 0-2 start is uncharted territory in recent Pottsgrove football history, but Hawthorne proudly stated there’s been no effect on morale.

“These young men are winners,” he said. “They continue to work hard, improve with every rep. That’s no different than any other week.”

Joe Silvestri continues to find his footing running the offense, throwing a late touchdown pass last week, while last year’s Pioneer Athletic Conference leading rusher Isaiah Taylor got on track with a 59-yard touchdown run.

Boyertown was able to break its nine-game losing streak dating back to last season with an opening 35-27 win over Upper Perkiomen, but last week saw some familiar problems emerge in a 37-0 loss to Exeter. The Eagles gained 170 yards and scored four touchdowns on only 11 passing attempts, while the Bears’ offense struggled to mount much of a response.

While Boyertown coach T.J. Miller lauded the efforts of his special teams, specifically kicker/punter Declan Coyle, for keeping the Bears above water in the field position battle, he admitted that the real growing pains are up front.

“Huge focus on the basics this week,” summarized Miller. “We need our lines, offensive and defensive, to grow into their positions, and once that happens our backs need to take care of the ball.”

All easier said than done against a Pottsgrove unit that Miller sees as a cornered animal of sorts – most dangerous when its back is against the wall.

“They could be the best 0-2 team in the state,” he said, “We know how hungry they’ll be to get that first win. They have playmakers across the field, great size and aggression. It’s going to be a huge challenge for us.”

Daniel Boone at Bishop Shanahan, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> Boone topped Shanahan in a high-scoring affair last season, 36-29.

Preview >> Boone coach Rob Flowers was understandably displeased with a performance in which the Blazers fumbled nine times and gained under 100 yards in a 42-0 shutout loss to Owen J. Roberts. Protecting the football was an obvious point of emphasis in practice this week, along with sharper focus and greater physicality.

The Blazers will need all three against a Bishop Shanahan squad out to a 2-0 start and gearing up for a treacherous run through the Ches-Mont’s National Division. The Eagles also have motivation on their side after last year’s loss to Boone.

Murrell Dobbins Vo-Tech at Phoenixville, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> Schools have not met over the past decade.

Preview >> The Phantoms could be proud of their effort against a talented Martin Luther King High squad last Thursday, but still left dissatisfied after a 26-18 setback. The squad looks to get healthy and see the work they’ve put in on the offensive line pay off against Murrell Dobbins Vo-Tech, who dropped its opener to Roxborough, 52-0.

Friday is Code Blue Night at Phoenixville. In support of Ann’s Heart of Phoenixville, all fan who bring an item such as toilet paper, paper towels, soups, pasta, chili, or others will receive a free Phantoms football t-shirt. 

Kutztown at Pottstown, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> Pottstown went on the road to top Kutztown, 42-12, last season.

Preview >> Coach Jeff Delaney emphasized the Trojans’ need to play with composure after a penalty flag-filled affair with Upper Moreland turned against Pottstown in the fourth quarter last week. After playing Upper Moreland – a top 4A school this season— even through three quarters, Pottstown fell 25-13 on a pair of late turnovers that turned into scores.

This week’s matchup with Kutztown brings an opportunity to get freshman QB Joneil Oister added experience before PAC play begins, while also offering more opportunities to work Daniel and Dereck Darden into the offense.

Norristown at Plymouth-Whitemarsh, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> The Eagles gave Coach Joe Milligan his first career win last year in week 3 when they topped P-W, 26-14.

Preview >> Norristown tries to get past the disappointment of last week’s “Battle of the Bridge” loss to Upper Merion when they visit P-W. The Colonials gashed Methacton’s typically ornery defense with their triple-option attack last week.

After a strong start, the Eagles allowed the game’s final 32 points and will need renewed effort on defense from Liam Smith and others to avoid a similar fate this week.

Owen J. Roberts at Avon Grove, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> Schools have not met over the past decade.

Preview >> It’ll be difficult for the Wildcats to surpass – or match – their defensive efforts from the first two weeks, in which they shut out Conestoga and Daniel Boone, but they’ll take their shots against a desperate 0-2 Avon Grove squad that needs to get into the win column before embarking upon the Ches-Mont league portion on its schedule.

OJR’s offense got a shot in the arm last week as the Wildcats submitted a 200+ yard rushing performance, led by dual-threat QB Cooper Chamberlain, whose chemistry with junior WR Dante DeNardo is pushing the duo into the conversation as one of the area’s most potent passing connections.

Perkiomen Valley at Pennridge, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> Perkiomen Valley outlasted Pennridge, 18-12, in a mud-soaked contest last season.

Preview >> Despite a 28-13 loss to Downingtown East, PV coach Rob heist was pleased with the defensive effort against a physical, downhill rushing attack. The Vikings figure to see another one this week against annual nonleague rival Pennridge, and will need repeated strong performances from defensive tackle Jacob Sterling plus linebackers Matt Brock and Aidan Owens.

On offense, the Vikings will rely on their traditional multiple style of attack. QB Ethan Kohler will be looking at a 4-2-5 Pennridge alignment led by standout LB Jamie Hartzell.

Pope John Paul II at Chichester, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> Pope John Paul II blocked a PAT in the final minute to preserve a 21-20 win over Chichester last year.

Preview >> Coach Rory Graver hopes to see more of the effort in all three phases the Panthers exhibited last week in topping New Hope-Solebury. Justin Mitala’s standout performance put him into the team lead in tackles, while PJP was able to rotate eight offensive linemen to open holes for a resurgent running game.

Chichester presents a new set of challenges with a balanced attack and strengths in all three facets of the game. Chris Bruder leads a stable of PJP backs who hope to repeat last week’s breakout performance to complement QB Kamal Gray and the prolific passing game.

Upper Merion at Methacton, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> The Vikings shut out Methacton, 14-0, last season.

Preview >> Upper Merion capitalized on Norristown’s mistakes last week, finishing with a 19-point 4th quarter in a 39-7 victory. The Vikings look for a 3-0 start for the first time in recent school history this week against an upstart Methacton team, which found some bright spots in the passing game despite a loss to Plymouth-Whitemarsh. The Warriors’ two QBs, Mike Merola and Dylan Schultz, eclipsed the 60-percent mark in passing accuracy, while Marcus Melle had a breakout game at receiver.

Both coaches seem to agree that the running game will determine this contest, however, as UM’s Victor Brown is prepared for Methacton to load the box to stop RB Anthony Swenda, who led the Vikings with 121 yards and three scores a week ago.

Upper Moreland at Upper Perkiomen, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> The Indians fell 48-33 to Upper Moreland last season.

Preview >> The Tribe takes a step up this week when they face the visiting 2-0 Bears, who topped Pottstown last week. Coach Tom Hontz was obviously pleased with the breakout offensive performance in a 57-6 win against Kutztown, as QB Hunter Flack played efficiently and added seven PAT conversions as a kicker. Logan Simmon’s second straight 150-yard outing paced the running attack alongside Jaden Fisher’s first career touchdown.

This week, a defense led by Trey Robinson will have to be prepared for the physicality and passing prowess of Upper Moreland, a team that has bested Upper Perk in each of the past three seasons.

Wilson West Lawn at Spring-Ford, 7 p.m. Friday

Last Meeting >> The Rams fell to Wilson, 33-22, in last year’s contest.

Preview >> The Rams hope to offset Wilson’s size and strength advantage with a diverse offensive game plan that fulfilled coach Chad Brubaker’s goal of “taking what the defense gives us” in last week’s 58-19 trouncing of Harry S. Truman. A resurgent defense caused three Tigers turnovers and will need to be at the top of its game if they hope to top a smashmouth, yet balanced, Wilson attack headlined by dual-threat QB Kaleb Brown and bruising backs Avanti Lockhart and Mason Lenart.