Reporter/Times Herald Football Week 9 Preview: Unbeaten rivals CB West, CB South clash at War Memorial Field

The Suburban One League National Conference title — and perhaps the top spot in the District 1-6A playoffs — could be settled Friday night in Doylestown as undefeated rivals Central Bucks West and Central Bucks South clash at 7 p.m. at the Bucks’ War Memorial Field.

West and South both enter the game 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the conference, the Bucks sitting first in the district’s 6A rankings with South just behind in second.

Friday’s winner clinches at least a share of the SOL National crown with the chance to secure the outright championship in Week 10. The Bucks’ last conference title came in 2019 in the Continental with the Titans last winning one in 2007.

Last season, CB South ended a three-game losing streak to the Bucks — the game tied 14-14 in the fourth quarter before the Titans pulled away for a 27-14 Week 9 win.

The teams this year have been stellar on the defensive side of the ball, each side allowing just 8.0 points per game.

South has posted three shutouts, including the last two weeks over Abington and Neshaminy, both wins coming via 42-0 scorelines. West has a pair of shutouts after blanking Pennridge 28-0 last Friday.

In the SOL Continental, there will be just one side left unbeaten in conference play as Souderton (8-0, 4-0) hosts defending champ Upper Dublin (6-2, 4-0) at 7.

The Indians are third in the District 1-6A rankings after going on the road last Friday and edging Council Rock South 7-0. Souderton, which has won its last 16 home games, last captured the Continental title in 2020.

Upper Dublin, meanwhile, has won five straight after back-to-back losses to CB West and North Penn. The Cardinals, who rolled past visiting Truman 47-19 last week, are fifth in the district 5A rankings.

UD has topped Big Red the last two seasons, winning 10-7 in 2021 and cruising 34-3 in 2022. In their last meeting at Souderton in 2020, the Indians earned a 28-7 victory.

Plymouth Whitemarsh can clinch at least a share of the SOL American Conference title when it visits Wissahickon.

The Colonials (6-1, 3-0, 7th 1-5A), who have won the conference outright the last two years, have picked up four straight wins since falling to Quakertown Sept. 14. Last Friday, PW rolled past host Springfield Montco 35-0.

Wissahickon (6-2, 2-1, 10th 1-6A), meanwhile, has bounced back from a two-game losing streak to win its last two — besting Upper Moreland 28-20 Oct. 6 then topping William Tennent 35-14 last Friday.

Last season’s matchup saw Plymouth Whitemarsh rout Wiss 56-6.

Saturday, the Pioneer Athletic Conference Frontier Division title is on the line as Phoenixville visits Pope John Paul II at 1 p.m.

The Golden Panthers (8-0, 4-0, 1st 1-4A) are aiming to secure a fourth straight Frontier championship, last season clinching the division with a 42-0 victory over Phoenixville in Week 9.

Saturday’s winner takes on Liberty champ Spring-Ford in the PAC title game.

PJP II has been dominant on both sides, averaging 40.3 points per game while allowing 7.5 per following a 38-6 victory last Friday over Pottstown.

The Phantoms (7-1, 4-0, 8th 1-5A) have won their last five since a Week 3 loss to Chester 34-23. Phoenixville defeated Upper Perkiomen 49-21 last Friday. Phoenixville averages 38.0 points per game while giving up 11.3 per contest.

Archbishop Wood at Father JudgeTime/Place: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Ramp Playground, Father Judge High School.Records: Archbishop Wood is 1-6 (0-3 Philadelphia Catholic League Red Division). Father Judge is 3-5 (0-2 PCL Red).Last Week: Archbishop Wood was shut out by La Salle 48-0 last Saturday. Judge lost to St. Joseph’s Prep 55-19 last Friday.Last Meeting: Father Judge bested the Vikings 28-21 in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: Nakai Robinson led Wood on the ground last week per easternpafootball.com with 91 yards on 23 carries. Judge QB Tyler Yerkov has thrown for 1,428 yards and 17 touchdowns this season per easternpafootball.com.Prediction: Father Judge 26, Archbishop Wood 15.

Central Bucks South at Central Bucks WestTime/Place: 7 p.m. Friday, War Memorial Field, Central Bucks West High School.Records: Central Bucks South is 8-0 (5-0 Suburban One League National Conference), second in District 1-6A rankings. Central Bucks West is 8-0 (5-0 SOL National), first in District 1-6A rankings.Last Week: Both teams posted shutouts last Friday – South beating Neshaminy 42-0 while West topped Pennridge 28-0.Last Meeting: CB South beat West 27-14 in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: CB South looks to Anthony Leonardi to pace its ground attack. West’s Conor McFadden can make an impact on both sides of the ball, last week collecting two TD runs and also scoring on an interception return.Prediction: Central Bucks West 27, Central Bucks South 24

Council Rock North at Hatboro-HorshamTime/Place: 7 p.m. Friday, Steinly Stadium, Hatboro-Horsham High School.Records: Council Rock North is 2-6 (2-3 SOL Continental), 24th in District 1-6A rankings. Hatboro-Horsham is 4-4, 15th in District 1-5A rankings.Last Week: CR North lost to Quakertown 50-7 last Friday. Hatboro-Horsham lost to Bensalem last Friday 52-20.Last Meeting: Rock North earned a 48-20 Week 9 win over the Hatter last season.Players to Watch: QB Chris Roughton aims to get the Hatters’ passing attack going.Prediction: Hatboro-Horsham 28, Council Rock North 15.

Neshaminy at Central Bucks EastTime/Place: 7 p.m. 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell Field at Patriot Stadium, Central Bucks East High School.Records: Neshaminy is 3-5 (2-3 SOL National), 19th in District 1-6A rankings. Central Bucks East is 4-4 (2-3 SOL National), 15th in District 1-6A rankings.Last Week: Neshamihy was shut out by Central Bucks South 42-0 last Friday for its second straight loss. Central Bucks East shut out Abington last Friday 49-0 to end a two-game skid.Last Meeting: The Patriots defeated Neshaminy 22-7 in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: Neshaminy’s Connor Frederick has caught 28 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns this season. East’s Dean Blacwell posted a pair of rushing TDs in last week’s win, boosting his season total to 10.Prediction: Central Bucks East 22, Neshaminy 17.

Owen J. Roberts at MethactonTime/Place: 7 p.m. Friday, Methacton High SchoolRecords: Owen J. Roberts is 6-2 (2-2 Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division), ninth in District 1-6A rankings. Methacton is 5-3 (2-2 PAC Liberty), ninth in District 1-5A rankings.Last Week: OJR rolled past Boyertown 40-14 last Friday for its second straight win. Methacton fell 30-6 to Spring-Ford last Friday.Last Meeting: The Wildcats blanked Methacton 35-0 last season in Week 9.Players to Watch: OJR quarterback Derek Hinrichs threw four touchdown passes and also ran for a score last week. Methacton’s Wesley Conover had a 15-yard TD catch and finished with six receptions for 60 yards last week.Prediction: Owen J. Roberts 26, Methacton 19.

Pennridge at North PennTime/Place: 7 p.m. Crawford Stadium, North Penn High SchoolRecords: Pennridge is 3-5 (2-3 SOL National), 21st in District 1-6A rankings. North Penn is 4-4 (3-2 SOL National), 14th in District 1-6A rankings.Last Week: North Penn erased a 14-7 halftime deficit on the road last Friday to beat Pennsbury 24-21 for its second straight win. Pennridge was shut out by Central Bucks West 28-0 last Friday.Last Meeting: North Penn rolled past the Rams 42-6 in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: Pennridge QB Noah Keating threw for 107 yards last week, finding Chase Marshall four times for 43 yards. Marc Cobbs, who broke off a 66-yard TD run last week, gives the Knights a big-play threat on offense.Prediction: North Penn 27, Pennridge 19.

Plymouth Whitemarsh at WissahickonTime/Place: 7 p.m. Friday, Wissahickon High SchoolRecords: Plymouth Whitemarsh is 6-1 (3-0 SOL American), seventh in District 1-5A rankings. Wissahickon is 6-2 (2-1 SOL American), 10th in District 1-6A rankings.Last Week: Plymouth Whitemarsh shut out Springfield Montco 35-0 for its fourth win in a row. Wissahickon beat William Tennent 35-14 last Friday for its second straight victory.Last Meeting: The Colonial cruised to a 56-6 victory in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: Everett Baker had 106 yards and a TD last week is another quality runner in a PW backfield that also includes Nazye Boggs and Luke Winterbottom. Wissahickon quarterback Noland Pounds has thrown for 1,152 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023.Prediction: Plymouth Whitemarsh 28, Wissahickon 21.

Quakertown at TrumanTime/Place: 7 p.m. Friday, Truman High School.Records: Quakertown is 4-4 (2-2 SOL Continental), 13th in District 1-6A rankings. Truman is 1-7 (0-5 SOL Continental), 29th in District 1-6A rankings.Last Week: Quakertown cruised past Council Rock North 50-7 last Friday for its second straight win. Truman lost its fifth straight game last Friday, falling 47-19 to Upper Dublin.Last Meeting: Quakertown topped Truman 35-18 last season in Week 9.Players to Watch: Quakertown QB Vince Micucci looks to keep the Panthers’ offense rolling after it scored a season high last week.Prediction: Quakertown 33, Truman 13.

Spring-Ford at NorristownTime/Place: 7 p.m. Friday, Norristown Area High School.Records: Spring-Ford is 7-1 (4-0 PAC Liberty), fourth in District 1-6A rankings. Norristown is 0-8 (0-4 PAC Liberty), 33rd in District 1-6A rankings.Last Week: Spring-Ford beat Methacton 30-7 last Friday for the Rams’ fourth consecutive win. Norristown was shut out by Perkiomen Valley 40-0 last Friday.Last Meeting: Spring-Ford beat the Eagles 49-0 in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: Spring-Ford quarterback Matt Zollers threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns last week. Norristown looks to get the passing game going behind QB Brendan Farrell.Prediction: Spring-Ford 35, Norristown 7.

Upper Dublin at SoudertonTime/Place: 7 p.m. Friday, Souderton Area High School.Records: Upper Dublin is 6-2 (4-0 SOL Continental), fifth in District 1-5A rankings. Souderton is 8-0 (4-0 SOL Continental), third in District 1-6A rankings.Last Week: Souderton stayed perfect in a low-scoring affair last Friday, beating Council Rock South 7-0. Upper Dublin earned its fifth win in a row by rolling past Truman 47-19 last Friday.Last Meeting: The Cardinals cruised past Souderton 34-3 last season in Week 9.Players to Watch: UD is looking to get a few chunk plays on the ground from Shyne Roberts. Ryan Sadwoski scored Souderton lone touchdown last week and pairs with Danny Dyches for a superb playmaking combo.Prediction: Souderton 24, Upper Dublin 20.

Upper Merion at PottstownTime/Place: 7 p.m Friday, Pottstown High School.Records: Upper Merion is 2-6 (1-3 PAC Frontier), 18th in District 1-5A rankings. Pottstown is 4-4 (1-3 PAC Frontier), fourth in District 1-4A rankings.Last Week: Upper Merion fell to Pottsgrove 38-20 last Friday for its second straight loss. Pottstown lost 38-6 to Pope John Paul II last Friday.Last Meeting: Upper Merion shut out Pottstown 29-0 in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: Vikings QB Jackson Solley threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns last week. Quarterback Dillon Mayes paced Pottstown on the ground last week with 42 yardsPrediction: Upper Merion 20, Pottstown 14.

Archbishop Carroll at Neumann-GorettiTime/Place: 1 p.m. Saturday, South Philly SupersiteRecords: Archbishop Carroll is 3-5 (1-4 PCL Blue). Neumann-Goretti is 6-1 (5-0 PCL Blue)Last Week: Carroll was shut out by Cardinal O’Hara 17-0 last Friday. Neumann-Goretti topped Conwell-Egan 28-14 last Friday for its sixth win in a row.Last Meeting: The Saints routed Carroll 44-0 in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: Ty Ty Mattson leads the Patriots in both receptions (16) and receiving yards (175) per easternpafootball.com. Terrence Page paces Neumann-Goretti in rushing per easternpafootball.com with 548 yards on 92 carriesPrediction: Neumann-Goretti 27, Archbishop Carroll 12.

Germantown Academy at SCH AcademyTime/Place: 1 p.m. Saturday, SCH Academy.Records: Germantown Academy is 5-1 (0-1 Inter-Ac League). SCH Academy is 6-0 (1-0 Inter-Ac).Last Week: GA was handed its first loss of the season, the Patriots falling 45-7 to visiting Haverford School last Saturday. SCH Academy defeated Penn Charter 34-15 last Saturday.Last Meeting: In a high-scoring Week 9 battle, Germantown Academy topped the Blue Devils 42-32.Players to Watch: GA quarterback Xavier Stearn aims to get the Patriots’ offense back on track. Jayden Sumpter helps lead the Blue Devils’ ground attack.Prediction: SCH Academy 22, Germantown Academy 17.

Lansdale Catholic at West CatholicTime/Place: 1 p.m. Saturday, Vidas Athletic Complex, Drexel UniversityRecords: Lansdale Catholic is 4-4 (2-3 PCL Blue). West Catholic is 0-7 (0-5 PCL Blue).Last Week: LC lost 28-7 to Bonner & Prendergast last Friday. West fell to Archbishop Ryan 20-0 last Friday.Last Meeting: The Crusaders shut out West 14-0 in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: Lansdale Catholic’s Jacahi Streeter had 10 carries for 108 yards last week, scoring a touchdown on a 34-yard run.Prediction: Lansdale Catholic 27, West Catholic 13.

Phoenixville at Pope John Paul IITime/Place: 1 p.m. Saturday, Pope John Paul II High SchoolRecords: Phoenixville is 7-1 (4-0 PAC Frontier), eighth in District 1-5A rankings. Pope John Paul II is 8-0 (4-0 PAC Frontier), first in District 1-4A rankings.Last Week: Phoenixville rolled past Upper Perkiomen 49-21 last Friday for its fifth straight win. PJP II had no trouble staying perfect last Friday as it defeated Pottstown 38-6.Last Meeting: PJP II rolled past the Phantoms 42-0 last season in Week 9.Players to Watch: The matchup has two of the PAC’s top running backs in Phonexville’s Deacon Williams and Pope John Paul’s Boyd SkarbekPrediction: Pope John Paul II 34, Phoenixville 30.

Roman Catholic at La SalleTime/Place: 1 p.m. Saturday, Wissahickon High School.Records: Roman Catholic is 6-1 (2-0 PCL Red). La Salle is 4-3 (1-1 PCL Red).Last Week: Roman Catholic had a bye. La Salle shut out Archbishop Wood 48-0 last Saturday.Last Meeting: Roman earned a 31-14 victory over the Explorers in Week 9 last season.Players to Watch: The PCL Red matchup should be a quality QB duel – per easternpafootball.com, Roman quarterback Semaj Beals has thrown for 1,974 yards and 20 TDs while Explorers signal caller Gavin Sidwar has passed for 1,672 and 19 TDs.Prediction: Roman Catholic 33, La Salle 28.