Reporter/Times Herald Football: Upper Dublin, Plymouth Whitemarsh battle for spot in District 1-5A semifinals
Two area rivals will square off in the District 1-5A Quarterfinals on Friday night, as fifth-seeded Plymouth Whitemarsh travels to No. 4 Upper Dublin.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m., at Wissahickon High School.
It’s a matchup of two squads that used to play each other on an annual basis as members of the Suburban One League American Conference before Upper Dublin joined the Continental in 2020.
And it’s a matchup of two squads playing their best football right now.
PW is coming off a 49-0 shutout of Cheltenham in the first round while Upper Dublin got here by virtue of a 35-7 rout of West Chester Henderson.
Both quarterbacks have been integral in their team’s success.
Colonial QB Aiden O’Brien threw for 148 yards and three touchdowns last week and also ran for 48 and another score. For Upper Dublin, quarterback Colin O’Sullivan threw for 214 yards and four scores in the victory a week ago.
Both squads put together stellar regular seasons.
The Colonials are now 9-1 overall and 6-0 in the SOL American. The Cardinals raised their record to 9-2 and are 6-1 in the SOL Continental.
Many players have stepped up for each respective squad.
Nyfise McIntyre has been a versatile weapon all year for the Cards and had a 15-yard touchdown reception last week to get things rolling.
Zion East has been a tough runner for the Colonials, and he gained 36 yards and a touchdown on four carries last week in the win.
The winner advances to the semis next week against West Chester Rustin or Kennett.
District 1-6A Quarterfinals
(8) Central Bucks West at (1) Garnet Valley
Time/Site: Friday, 7 p.m., at Garnet Valley.
Records: The Bucks are 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the SOL National. The Jaguars are 11-0 overall and 9-0 in the Central League.
Last Week: West advanced past Pennridge, 19-17. Garnet Valley beat Haverford 42-0.
Up Next: The winner advances to the semis, against Downingtown East or Quakertown.
Players to Watch: Conor McFadden had some big catches last week for West. Shane Reynolds broke free in the ground game last week for Garnet Valley.
Prediction: Garnet Valley 21, Central Bucks West 14.
(7) Ridley at (2) North Penn
Time/Site: Friday, 7 p.m., at North Penn.
On Twitter: @mpcabrey.
Records: The Knights are 11-0 overall and 7-0 in the SOL National. The Green Raiders are 10-1 overall and 8-1 in the Central League.
Last Week: North Penn got past CB South, 49-21. Ridley was a 42-23 winner over Conestoga.
Up Next: The winner advances to the semis against Coatesville or Perk Valley.
Players to Watch: Ryan Zeltt threw for four touchdowns last week for the Knights. Tahir Mills was tough to bring down last week in the Ridley ground attack.
Prediction: North Penn 28, Ridley 21.
District 1-5A Quarterfinals
(5) Plymouth Whitemarsh at (4) Upper Dublin
Time/Site: Friday, 7 p.m., at Wissahickon.
On Twitter: @emor09.
Records: The Colonials are 9-1 overall and 6-0 in the SOL American. The Cardinals are 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the SOL Continental.
Last Week: PW shut out Cheltenham 49-0. The Cards romped 35-7 over West Chester Henderson.
Up Next: The winner advances to the semis against West Chester Rustin or Kennett.
Players to Watch: PW quarterback Aiden O’Brien ran for 48 yards and a touchdown and threw for 148 yards and three scores last week for the Colonials. Quarterback Colin O’Sullivan threw for 214 yards and four scores last week.
Prediction: Upper Dublin 28, Plymouth Whitemarsh 27.
District 12-6A Semifinals
La Salle vs. St Joseph’s Prep
Time/Site: Saturday, 2 p.m., at Franklin Field, Philadelphia
Records: La Salle is 9-1 overall and 3-1 in the PCL Red. St. Joe’s is 7-2 overall and 3-1 in the PCL Red.
Last Week: The Explorers beat Roman Catholic 45-0. The Hawks edged Wood 17-14.
Last Meeting: La Salle beat Prep 28-21 back in October.
Up Next: The winner advances to face either Northeast or Olney.
Players to Watch: Sam Brown is a versatile threat to run and catch for the Explorers and can even throw the halfback pass for big plays. Blaine Bunch runs hard for the Prep.
Prediction: La Salle 35, St. Joseph’s Prep 28.
Inter-Ac League
Germantown Academy at Penn Charter
Time/Site: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. at Penn Charter.
Records: The Patriots are 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the Inter-Ac. Penn Charter is 3-5 overall and 1-3 in the Inter-Ac.
Last Week: GA beat Haverford School 19-12. Penn Charter defeated Springside Chestnut Hill 34-13.
Players to Watch: Brian Allen is having a tremendous year running the football for the Pats. Colin Michener is a speedy wideout for Penn Charter.
Prediction: Germantown Academy 24, Penn Charter 17.
