Neshaminy set to battle North Penn in huge Suburban One National duel
When Pennsbury and Council Rock South both came up short in pivotal league games last week, it was a big blow for Lower Bucks County football teams in terms of Suburban One League (SOL) title hopes.
There is, however, a way for a local to still share a Sub One and it all starts Friday when Neshaminy travels to North Penn.
At 6-2, Neshaminy can earn at least a share of the National league title by winning in Lansdale and then beating Pennsbury at Falcon Field next week. A win over either one will also put the Redskins in the playoffs.
Pennsbury, meanwhile, is in the somewhat odd position of actually rooting for arch-rival Neshaminy to have any realistic chance of a fourth straight SONL championship.
Neshaminy (6-2) at North Penn (6-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
While North Penn has clearly been the better team to date, the Redskins should not be counted out. For openers, they know this is practically a must win. Neshaminy can also hope North Penn suffers a bit of a letdown following last week. It was a very physical game against Pennsbury and perhaps the Knights are a bit banged up. North Penn’s versatility on offense is tough to stop, so one would think Neshaminy will need to score at least 21 points. This will not be easy against a North Penn defense that rarely gives up big plays and really swarms to the ball.
Pennsbury (6-2) at Central Bucks South (3-5), Friday, 7 p.m.
The Falcons may be down following the frustrating loss to North Penn, but are far from out. Just look back to last year when Pennsbury also lost to North Penn before roaring back to win the district title. C.B South is not a bad team, and has had competitive games with Neshaminy and Pennridge. But it will be hard pressed to withstand Pennsbury’s Ground and Pound over four quarters. A Falcon victory would also pretty much assure a playoff berth.
Valley Forge (1-6) at Bristol (3-5), Friday, 7 p.m.
The only win for Valley Forge was by the score of 14-0 against Morrisville. Bristol has been struggling a bit with two losses in a row, but can still make the playoffs. Look for the Warriors to bust loose.
Delco Christian (7-1) at Morrisville (2-6), Friday, 7 p.m.
The Dawgs are coming off a 60-0 loss to undefeated New Hope. Delco Christian just smacked Bristol and appears to be by far the best District 1 team for the Class A Sub Regional.
William Tennent (4-4) Truman (2-6), Friday, 7 p.m.
Leo Plenski’s Tennent squad ended a four-game slide last week by beating Norristown. Truman played much better defensively in a loss to C.B. East, but continued to struggle offensively due in large part to injuries. It won’t be easy, but look for the Tigers to use their athleticism on defense to finally get back in the victory column
Bensalem (0-8) at Abington (0-8), Friday, 7 p.m.
Obviously, something has to give between two teams that are a combined 0-16 and have been trounced often. Abington can throw the ball and seems to have the better offense. On the other hand it has given up at least 40 points three times and at least 30 points seven times. The Owls defense hasn’t been much better. Sensing this is their best chance to gain a victory, look for both teams to come out fired up.
Council Rock North (5-3) at Quakertown (8-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
Rock North could use the upset for big power points, but the powerful Panthers are tough to stop. At 4-1, the Indians are just a game behind the unbeaten Panthers (5-0: SOL) in the SOL Continental Conference with a battle pending next Friday, Nov. 6 against sister school South, which is facing a beatable Norristown team tomorrow. Look for Quakertown to remain unbeaten when the Rock comes calling. It could make for a long bus ride home.
Council Rock South (5-3) at Norristown (3-4), Saturday, 1 p.m.
Will the real Norristown team stand up? Is it the one that stunned Rock North, 44-43, a few weeks ago or is it the team that just lost to William Tennent? Coming off the loss to unbeaten Quakertown, Rock South knows if it wins its last two it will end a playoff drought. Norristown won’t be able to stop the Golden Hawks, who can then prime for Rock North a week from tonight.
Conwell-Egan (4-4) vs. Bishop McDevitt (3-5), Saturday at Cheltenham, 1 p.m.
This is the Eagles’ last game before the PCL playoffs and it will be interesting to see how it goes. On paper, it looks about dead even. Both teams have drubbed Neumann-Goretti and both lost to Lansdale Catholic by two touchdowns. It’s time for Conwell-Egan’s defense to regain its early-season form.
Contact Rick Fortenbaugh at rfortenbaugh@trentonian.com, or @RickFort7 on Twitter
PIAA District 1 Power Points
CLASS AAAA
- Dowingtown East (8-0) 1080
- Downingtown West (8-0) 1070
- Quakertown (8-0) 1040
- Upper Dublin (8-0) 1020
- Spring-Ford (8-0), Unionville (6-2) 990 each
- Perkiomen Valley (8-0) 970
- Haveford (7-1) 930
- Upper Darby (7-1) 920
- Central Bucks East (6-2), North Penn (6-2) 910 each
- Pennsbury (6-2) 890
- Neshaminy (6-2) 870
- Garnet Valley (6-2), Plymouth-Whitemarsh (6-2) 860 each
- Council Rock North (5-3), Council Rock South (5-3) 840 each
CLASS AA
- New Hope (8-0) 910
- Springfield (MontCo) (3-4) 630
- Bristol (3-5) 600
- Lower Moreland (2-6) 480
- Valley Forge (1-6) 350
CLASS A
- Delco Christian (7-1) 950
- Jenkintown (4-4) 730
- Bishop McDevitt (3-5) 700
- Calvary Christian (2-6) 590
- Morrisville (2-6) 470
