Mercury Week 8 Football Preview: Postseason push starts early for district hopefuls Phoenixville, Upper Merion

A second class of “playoff” games is fast becoming part of the sports culture.

Along with the games that make up the post-season — the ones that move a team toward championship finishes and championship hardware — are the nominal “playoff” games by which teams get in that position. Regular-season in nature, those games can dictate if a team does or doesn’t have a post-season.

Such a game will be taking place in King of Prussia Friday. Upper Merion will host Phoenixville in a Pioneer Athletic Conference clash that will go a ways toward determining if the teams get in District 1’s Class 5A playoff bracket or see their seasons end before November.

The 7 p.m. game will also be staged on the occasion of UM’s Senior Night festivities. But a win stands to put the Vikings (1-2 division, 3-3 overall), currently ranked 12th in the district’s 5A field, in an even-more festive mood by firming up its shot at a spot in the 16-team bracket.

For the Phantoms (1-2, 2-4), the opportunity to move on from a COVID-hampered slow start, build on last week’s solid (48-9) win over Upper Perkiomen and put their 14th-ranked team on more-solid footing of their own is big.

“At the end of practice, we talked about this being our ‘playoff’ game,” Phoenixville head coach Anthony Ciarlello said. “We’re treating it like that.”

Several weeks ago, Upper Merion was keeping company with Pope John Paul II and Pottsgrove at the top of the Frontier Division standings. Back-to-back losses to the division’s current co-leaders, though, have the Vikes reassessing their situation.

“We’re approaching it that we want to be 1-0 this week,” UM head coach Davis Chubb said. “We have to take care of business.

“We need to rebound in the worst way. The best thing will be to be 1-0 this week.”

Seeing his team play a “complete” game has been an ongoing mantra of Ciarlello’s. He’s still looking for it, but last weekend’s win over Upper Perkiomen was a step in that direction.

‘We’ve gotten better,” he said, “but we haven’t put in a full game yet. We’ve done things well, like blocking, but we need to play a perfect game. That will help our mindset.”

Owen Koch, who’s gained 628 yards on 98 carries and scored five touchdowns, currently ranks fourth among area running backs.

“Their running back, Owen Koch, doesn’t go down,” Chubb noted.

Mason Koch, Tre Davis (two) and Ali Green are bright spots on defense for the Phantoms with their interceptions against UP; Green, who ran a punt back for a touchdown, also had a “pick six” TD, as did Davis.

“The seniors as a whole, it was their night,” Ciarlello said. “We need to continue to do the things we did.”

In the wake of the PJP game (39-6 loss on Oct. 9), Chubb sees the need for his players to regroup mentally and respond positively to the challenges ahead of them.

“As a whole, we need to step up in the trenches, in running, in tackling,” he said. “We’ll stick to what we do best … things we can overcome.”

Chubb comes into the game with some hands-on knowledge of Phoenixville. He was a coach for the program from 2014 to 2016, and some of his other coaches also served there.

“There’s familiarity, knowing what they do,” he said.

Phoenixville brings an added goal into the game. It is still seeking a first-ever victory against UM since it joined the PAC.

“We get the chance to tackle one demon,” Ciarlello said. “It’s a redemption game … a chance to step up.”

And possibly get itself in the district’s post-season conversation. But first things first.

“We’re going week to week,” Ciarlello said. “We’re not looking ahead, and we don’t have to fight to keep the kids from looking ahead.”

Norristown at Owen J. Roberts, 7 p.m. Friday

Last week’s results: Owen J. Roberts fell to Perkiomen Valley, 49-7. Norristown was blanked by Spring-Ford, 49-0.

Last meeting: The Wildcats rolled the Eagies in 2019, 46-7.

Preview: Owen J. (2-1, 5-2) is coming off a lopsided loss in the first of two tests against the Liberty Division’s top clubs. It will be hosting a team at the other end of the standings spectrum in its annual Homecoming game, in advance of a Homecoming date with Spring-Ford Oct. 23.

Avrey Grimm remains the area’s dominant rushing leader, boosting his totals to 1,347 yards and eight touchdowns. Quarterback Michael Reed stands fifth among area passers, completing 72 of 123 throws for 756 yards.

Kaden Cruz continues to be the bright spot for Norristown (0-3, 0-7). The senior ranks among the area’s rushing leader with 450 yards.

Perkiomen Valley at Boyertown, 7 p.m. Friday

Last week’s results: Perkiomen Valley rolled Owen J. Roberts, 49-7. Boyertown topped Methacton, 42-11.

Last meeting: The Vikings got by the Bears in 2020, 14-6.

Preview: Boyertown will have a special guest as it tries to topple the PAC favorite. Boyertown graduate and Super Bowl champion James Develin will serve as an honorary captain for the Bears Friday night. The retired NFL player who won three Super Bowls as a member of the New England Patriots will be in attendance just days after running the Boston Marathon.

While Perk Valley (3-0, 5-2) continues to be an offensive force in the airways, the defense is also playing a big part in its success. Jake Beaudoin was lauded for his play at outside linebacker, as were Luke Ricci at safety and Gage Young at SAM linebacker. Head coach Rob Heist sees that level of performance necessary against Boyertown (1-2, 3-4), whose offense is a triple-option that also incorporates elements of the wing-T.

“Our defense has another large challenge this week with Boyertown’s run schemes,” he said. “Boyertown’s (Leo) Egbe and supporting cast of backs are very good at running their offense. This offense can be very difficult to stop when you don’t see it routinely.”

On Boyertown’s side, Anthony Panarello (16-for-40, 279 yards) has raised his performance level behind center. Leo Egbe is third among area rushers with 638 yards and eight TDs.

Head coach T.J. Miller sees that as a key to the Bears faring well against the Vikings.

“Once again, Anthony Panarello really controlled the offense last week,” Miller said. “He’s doing a really nice job on his reads. He’s improved leaps and bounds since the start of the year.

“This week, we need every single player on the field to do their job and take pride in their job. Perkiomen Valley is phenomenal in all phases of the game.”

Vikings QB Ethan Kohler (89-for-134, 1,488 yards, 18 touchdowns) and WR Dawson Debebe (24 catches, 470 yards, 5 TDs) continue to excel in the passing game, with WR Michael Poruban (20-389, 6 TDs) another major contributor.

“Coach Heist does a tremendous job over at PV,” Miller said, “and his players are always ready to go. His team is one of the most aggressive defenses we have played. They swarm to the ball. We need to make sure we are ready for their defensive speed.”

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

Last week’s results: Pope John Paul II handled Upper Merion, 39-6. Pottstown was blanked by Pottsgrove, 35-0.

Last meeting: The Golden Panthers shut out the Trojans in 2019, 28-0.

Preview: Another big challenge awaits Pottstown (0-3, 0-7) in the form of PJP (3-0, 5-2), which continues to play solid on both sides of the ball. D.J. Clarke (92-for-117, 1,137 yards, 14 touchdowns) and Josh Little (800 yards, 14 TDs) both stand second in the area’s passing and rushing charts, respectively, while Steve Rist (33 points) remains consistent in the kicking game. The offense is stepping up even with the leg-injury absence of leading receiver Kese Williams. Steele Depetrillo, a star on the defensive side with two interceptions, has meshed with Little to form a solid 1-2 running combination; he gains the hard yards inside while Little strikes big outside. That is prominent in the Trojans’ game plan.

“How to slow down the running and passing attack of PJP, both of which can be deadly,” head coach Jeff Delaney noted. “How to move the ball on a very aggressive and physical defensive team. They are well-coached, have talent, and they run around the field. All aspects present a challenge.”

Pottstown faces a continuing challenge of its own, the roster down three more players as a result of COVID-19 protocols. As was the case last week, Pottstown will need Nahzier Booker and Devon Green leading the defense and Rashean Bostic keying the rushing game.

“We need them and the younger players to continue to work hard and rise up on game day,” Delaney said.

Pottsgrove at Upper Perkiomen, 7 p.m. Friday

Last week’s results: Pottsgrove shut out Pottstown, 35-0. Upper Perkiomen lost to Phoenixville, 48-9.

Last meeting: The Falcons topped the Indians in 2019, 21-6.

Preview: Its performance on defense and special teams has been a hallmark of Pottsgrove (3-0, 5-1) this fall. Offensively, the focus is on cleaning up penalties.

Key players in those aspects have been Vinny Scarnato, who’s shown his stuff in coverage on defense, the kick return team and as a receiver on offense. Max Neeson has become a punishing ballcarrier, and Bryce Caffrey continues to be solid in kickoff returns and the rushing game. More of the same level of play is being sought against UP (1-2, 2-5).

“Upper Perk is a well-coached team that is as healthy as they have been all year,” Falcon head coach Bill Hawthorne said. “Its offense is diverse and explosive as they are very balanced. The defense is disciplined and unyielding as usual and the special team’s play has been phenomenal.”

Brady Thompson continues to be the workhorse of the Indian offense, gaining 514 yards on 83 carries and scoring three touchdowns. Defensively, Nevan Smith is still one of the area’s top performers with three interceptions.

Spring-Ford at Methacton, 7 p.m. Friday

Last week’s results: Spring-Ford shut out Norristown, 49-0. Methacton fell to Boyertown, 42-11.

Last meeting: The Rams blanked the Warriors in 2020, 21-0.

Preview: Cole Turner made himself the area’s leader in interceptions (five) by collecting four picks on Norristown. Ryan Freed (2,000 passing yards) and Harry Adieyefeh (1,500 rushing yards) are in position to achieve career milestones, and the Rams (2-1, 4-3) look healthier for this week’s game, which could be win No. 100 for head coach Chad Brubaker.

“We are getting some injured players back this week who have been out for some time, including Donnie Nicoline, Kyle Keckler and Evan Strzeminski,” Brubaker noted. “They will provide rotational depth at key positions.

”Methacton is very sound and has players with snap-to-whistle motors.”

In keeping with the theme of honoring its senior players, Methacton (1-2, 4-3) will be looking for Brian Dickey, Giancarlo DeFillippis and quarterback Dan Brandi to lead the way.

“Brian Dickey gives great effort on both sides of the ball, one of leaders with receptions and tackles. Plays hard, never takes a play off,” head coach Brian Kennedy said. “Giancarlo DeFillippis has excelled in the secondary and also as a kick returner, he has been a great addition to our program. Dan Brandi continues to provide our offense with a spark with his feet and arm.”

“Spring-Ford is a great team, well coached with a stout defense and a very dynamic offense,” he added. “They are coached extremely well on both sides of the ball. Steve Schein does a great job with the defense, and Chad gives opponents fits with the many offensive looks.”

Reading High at Daniel Boone, 7 p.m. Friday

Last week’s results: Daniel Boone romped over Muhlenberg, 34-7. Reading High lost to Berks Catholic 34-12.

Last meeting: The Red Knights beat the Blazers in 2019, 40-17.

Preview: Boone’s defensive play resonated with head coach Rob Flowers. measured by three takeaways and just one touchdown allowed to Muhlenberg along with A.J. Hofer’s eight tackles. . Flowers sees that as key for the Blazers in the course of their remaining regular-season run.

“This is important for our development and confidence as we approach the remaining three regular season games,” he said. “The biggest challenge for us this week is the speed of Reading. We have to keep their runners in a box. We cannot allow any big plays.”

Hofer is fifth in the area in rushing with 580 yards and 8 TDs, forming a quality tandem with JT Hogan (43 rushes, 379 yards, 6 TDs). Dean Rotter has done well since stepping in at QB (57-for-99, 665 yards, 7 TDs, 0 INTs) with area No. 2 WR Alex Vassallo his top target.  Nate Millard remains one of the area’s leading placekickers, with an area-best four field goals making up a significant percentage of his 25 points.

“We continue to play together,” Flowers said. “We have won four of our last five, and that is a good thing. Our players are playing with confidence in themselves and each other.  We will continue to climb the ladder.”

DeShawn Wilson is the offensive star for the Raiders (0-1, 1-4), leading the team in points (48), receiving (13 catches for 294 yards) and total yards (455). Quarterback Daronyl Fontanez is 32-for-60 in passing, good for 571 yards, seven touchdowns and a 155.11 QB rating.

Valley Forge MA at Perkiomen School, 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week’s results: Perkiomen School handled Delco Christian, 42-18. VFMA fell to Mercersburg, 40-6.

Last meeting: The Panthers rolled the Trojans three weeks ago, 34-8.

Preview: Perkiomen (3-1) continues to follow the lead of junior quarterback Mikey Boyle, senior running back/linebacker Drew Malone, senior slot/cornerback Brandon Charon and senior wide receiver/safety Hunter Eschallier.

Valley Forge (1-3) is headed by seniors Alvin Carpenter (O. and D. lines), Chris Howard (defensive end/outside linebacker), Alex Sible (tight end/defensive end) and James Dillard (running back/linebacker).

Hun School at Hill School, 2 p.m. Saturday

Last week’s results: Hill was topped by Peddie School, 26-17. Hun School beat Suffield Ac., 21-7.

Last meeting: Hun defeated Hill 60-7 in Oct 13, 2018.

Preview: The Hill (0-1 Mid-Atlantic Prep League, 2-3 overall) is known to get a large number of players involved on the offensive side, as was the case in its game with Pennington Prep where a dozen Rams got touches. The defense has been sparked by the play of performers like Jake Voynar, who had a two-interception game against Pennington.

Marco Lainez III has been the driving force for the Raiders in the course of their 4-0 start, during which they’ve outscored the opposition 144-35. The junior quarterback had completed 45-of-58 pass attempts for 788 yards and seven touchdowns; he is also Hun’s leading runner, picking up 256 yards and another TD in amassing 1,044 yards total offense.