Lower Bucks County football teams off to rough start in 2016

With the exception of two exciting wins for Neshaminy and Bensalem ending a 29-game losing streak, it has not been a good start for the Lower Bucks County football teams from the Suburban One National League.

Last week was particularly rough as Pennsbury, Truman and the two Rocks were outscored by a combined margin of 132-13 against non-league competition.

Starting next week, the wins will start coming for the simple reason the Suburban One National teams will begin playing each other. In the meantime, the Sub One National will attempt to rebound against some opposition that is far from easy pickings.

Neshaminy (2-0) at Downingtown West (0-2), Friday, 7 p.m.

The Redskins won another thriller when they rallied past Pennridge, 31-24, with two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter. Senior quarterback Mason Jones had another big game and now has 564 passing yards and five TD’s in just two outings. Downington West is a traditional power that was 9-2 last year and beat Neshaminy, 20-14. Led by quarterback Kyle Geiser and running back Mike Riddick, the Whippets are again explosive and have scored 72 points in two games. Problem is, they have also given up 76. Look for more fireworks tonight.

Pennsbury (1-1) ) at North Penn (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

This does not look good for the locals. North Penn posted an impressive win over La Salle in week one and La Salle just beat Pennsbury, 28-0. Pennsbury’s defense is competitive, but its offense has produced just one TD in two games and is clearly still finding its footing. Quarterback Reese Udinski and receiver Ricky Johns head up a North Penn squad that may very well be the team to beat in the district.

Truman (0-2) at William Tennent, Friday, 7 p.m.

It’s hard to get a feeling what might happen here. Truman has been outscored by a whopping margin of 82-6, but the losses were two strong teams in Ridley and Upper Dublin. Tennent played fairly well in its opener, but just got picked off by Bensalem. Both have struggled offensively and both will view this as a great opportunity for a first win. Should come right down to the end.

Bensalem (1-1) at Abraham Lincoln (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

The Owls are flying high after beating William Tennent and have an excellent chance to make it two straight. The Philadelphia Public League team was crushed by Bishop McDevitt in its opener and Bensalem should be able to control the line of scrimmage.

Conwell-Egan (1-0) at Episcopal (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

It was a solid debut for the Eagles and sophomore running back Patrick Garwo in a 21-7 win over Archbishop Carroll. Garwo scored all three touchdowns and piled up 234 total yards as Conwell-Egan took control right from the start. This game looks to be more difficult. The Churchmen blasted Wyoming Seminary in their opener and beat C-E, 42-14, last year. Priority No. 1 is stopping Episcopal QB C.J. McNally, who can both run and throw it.

Central Bucks South (2-0) at Council Rock South (0-2), Friday, 7 p.m.

If you go by scoring stats, Rock South is in trouble. C.B. South has given up only 12 points in two games, while Rock South has scored just seven. Turnovers have hurt the Golden Hawks and they need to clean that up in a hurry.

Pennington (1-0) at Bristol (1-0), Saturday, 2 p.m.

The Warriors beat Kensington in their opener behind two TDs and over 100 rushing yards by Eric Bell, but this is a much tougher task. Pennington won this game last year largely behind the running of Nyshere Woodson and now it has an accurate passer in transfer Brandon West.

Morrisville (0-2) at George (0-0), Saturday, 2 p.m.

Despite Zeek Kershaw accounting for 205 total yards, Morrisville’s losing streak reached 11 straight after falling to Strawberry Mansion, 12-7. The good news is Mo’ville has two games in the books and George has none. On the other hand, George did win this game by 29 points last year and is coming off a solid five-win season.

Coatesville (1-1) at Council Rock North (0-1), Saturday, 7 p.m.

It was a disappointing debut for Rock North’s new coach Matt McHugh as the team played for the first time in four years without quarterback Brandon McIlwain and was shutout by C.B. South, 35-6. It doesn’t get any easier this weekend. Coatesville always seems to have a physical team and has a proven quarterback in Ricky Ortega.

Contact Rick Fortenbaugh at rfortenbaugh@trentonian.com OR @RickFort7 on Twitter