Upper Merion visits Norristown for 4th Battle of the Bridge
It’s Week 2 of the high school football season and two longtime rivals are kicking things off Thursday night. Upper Merion is traveling six miles to face Norristown in the fourth Battle of the Bridge.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Both teams are looking for their first wins after losing their season openers last weekend.
Upper Merion fell to Conwell-Egan, 48-20, Week 1. Quarterback Zayd Etheridge threw an early touchdown pass to tight end Preston Thomas to tie the game at seven, but then Conwell-Egan rattled off 27 straight points to take full control of the non-conference game. Wide receiver Qwynne Seals added a long touchdown run later in the game for the Vikings.
Norristown’s defense didn’t allow a touchdown in their opener against Bensalem, but still lost 24-6. The Owls returned a punt, fumble and interception for touchdowns in the Week 1 non-conference matchup.
Upper Merion leads the Battle of the Bridge series, 3-0, since it began in 2018.
The Vikings won the inaugural ‘Battle’ in 2018, 10-0, on a rainy evening. Zaire Savage ran 38 times for 175 yards and a touchdown in the win.
Upper Merion won the 2019 matchup, 39-14, and the rivals didn’t meet in 2020 due to COVID.
When the rivalry renewed last season, Upper Merion won, 23-7. The game was tied 7-7 in the fourth quarter before Etheridge threw a 51-yard touchdown to Alzere Thomas. Nolan Clayton added a one-yard touchdown run and then recorded a safety in the final minutes. Kaden Cruz scored in the first quarter for Norristown.
Thursday’s football game will be one of eight events that determines which school wins the Battle of the Bridge Cup. The boys and girls cross country teams will get things started at Heuser Park Thursday afternoon. Boys and girls soccer, field hockey, girls volleyball and girls tennis will compete Friday morning.
Upper Merion at Norristown
Time/Place: Thursday, 7 p.m., at Norristown
On Twitter: @emor09.
Last week: Upper Merion lost to Conwell-Egan, 48-20. Norristown fell to Bensalem 24-6.
Key players: Upper Merion quarterback Zayd Etheridge is an experienced signal caller while Meyon Ferrell is a key part of Norristown’s rushing attack.
Prediction: Upper Merion 24, Norristown 14
