Spring-Ford eyes PAC, District 1 contention in 2023

One year ago, Spring-Ford made a resounding statement in just two District 1 playoff games.

The Rams rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to dispatch Ridley in the opening round, then traveled to No. 1 Garnet Valley and lost in double overtime to the eventual District 1 Class 6A champion Jaguars.

“Down to the last play, with a chance to go to the district semifinals,” senior running back/linebacker Mike Bendowski said. “We had a lot of talent last year. We thought we had a real shot at a district title, and if we get that one there’s no limit to what we could’ve accomplished.”

The good news? While the Rams are replacing some talented players, the talent level remains as high as ever in Royersford. First-team All-Area quarterback Matt Zollers returns for his second season as full-time starter and is blessed with an array of weapons including seniors Mason Scott, Belal Abdelrahman, and sophomore tight end Ryan Kerchner.

Scott is the Pioneer Athletic Conference’s champion at the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter distances during track season, and can take the top off any defense.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Kerchner’s combination of size and speed is a walking mismatch for defenses. And as for Abdelrahman, he provides a different type of vertical threat.

“I can go up and get the ball – it’s mine or it’s nobody,” said Abdelrahman, also an All-Area first team selection at free safety last year. “Working alongside a receiver like Mase, I think it’s going to be hard for defenses to stop all of us.”

Zollers’ progression as a signal caller continues after an impressive sophomore season (23 passing TD, 3 INT, 6 rushing TD).

“As an athlete, things come naturally to Matt,” Spring-Ford coach Chad Brubaker said. “So the focus is those little things that make a good athlete a good quarterback, and then turn a good quarterback into a great quarterback.

“That’s meant a lot of footwork. Making the throws isn’t an issue, so it’s about putting himself in the ideal position to make those throws. It’s nice now to see Matt starting to work with the younger quarterbacks and become that mentor.”

“I definitely feel like things are better this year,” Scott said. “We know the routes, the plays, the timing. I believe Belal and I are the best receivers in the league – so now it’s time to show it.”

“Speed kills,” Bendowski said, “and I think we’ll be able to air it out a bit this year.”

When the Rams aren’t airing it out, they’ll turn to Bendowski, a bruising ball carrier who averaged a gaudy 11.6 yards per carry in 2022 and figures to share carries with junior Jamal Lewis, with Sean Hassis and Brady Welsh also in the backfield mix.

Up front, Mercury first team selection Luke Ellor moves back inside to center, making way for promising sophomore AJ Moyer at left tackle. Fellow All-Area honoree Owen Norman anchors the other tackle, while the guard positions may be the biggest competition in preseason camp.

“Between Luke and I, we’re taking leadership roles on the line, and we plan to make the line a strength on the offense,” Norman said.

“I’ve played guard, tackle, and center, and I feel like at center I can be more in control and lead the other guys,” Ellor added. “Owen and I have played together for a while, we’re on the same page and we need to communicate so we can be the solution to any problem.”

The defensive line is the area hardest hit by graduation, with Luke Pajovich, Franny Undercuffler and Zach Zollers having departed from last year’s unit. Senior Evan Strzeminski will be called upon as a leader up front, and figures to continue the same approach that allowed the Rams to accumulate 25 QB sacks and 87 total tackles for loss last season.

“I’m not the biggest guy, but I’ve got speed and quickness up front,” Strzeminski said.

Bendowski and Abdelrahman will be leaders at the linebacker and secondary levels on a defense that returns only four starters.

Asked for an area of the team that could be an X-factor, Brubaker identified his special teams unit where QB Zollers will also return as the Rams’ punter. Abdelrahman will handle punt return duties, while Liam McGarvey and Ryan Fields will compete for placekicking and kickoff duties.

Before Spring-Ford resumes last year’s thwarted pursuit of a District 1 title, there’s a demanding non-league slate including District 3 opponents Governor Mifflin, Cumberland Valley and Manheim Township, as well as a Labor Day weekend matchup with District 12’s Father Judge in Ocean City, N.J.

Of course, then the focus turns to the PAC Liberty race and reigning back-to-back champion Perkiomen Valley, who handed the Rams a frustrating one-point setback a year ago.

Scheduling quirks mean 2023 is the senior class’ lone shot to play the Vikings at home – an opportunity Strzeminski says drives him on a daily basis.

“Losing by one point was painful for all of us,” he said, “but this year, we’re going to bounce back from that. It’s what we need to win the PAC.”

“At the same time, PV is one game,” added Bendowski. “We need to win, we need to be better. Last year’s game provides us with motivation, but the motivation is to dominate all season long.”

SCHEDULE

Friday, August 25
Governor Mifflin vs Spring-Ford, 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 2
Spring-Ford vs Father Judge, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 8
Spring-Ford vs Cumberland Valley, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 15
Spring-Ford vs Manheim Township, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 22
Spring-Ford vs Boyertown, 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 30
Owen J. Roberts vs Spring-Ford, 2 p.m.
Friday, October 6
Perkiomen Valley vs Spring-Ford, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 13
Spring-Ford vs Methacton, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 20
Spring-Ford vs Norristown, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 27
PAC Crossover vs Spring-Ford, 7 p.m.