Week 3 Preview: Perkiomen Valley welcomes major test from Delaware state champions

Teams only get four non-league games, and Perkiomen Valley is determined to make the most of every one of them.

The Vikings could have taken it easy after a disappointing setback against Downingtown West last week, but that’s not how this program operates. Instead, they’ll host the Eagles of Smyrna (Del.) High School – only the defending Delaware state champions.

“This team won the Delaware state championship by a score of 52-7 last year,” said PV coach Rob Heist, “and they have plenty of size and athleticism. They’re well coached and they will present a great challenge for our program.”

Smyrna’s run/pass option (RPO) approach will force the Vikings to stay disciplined, as Heist admits any big plays could be the Vikings’ undoing. He adds the approach on offense will be similar – avoid the big mistake and cut back on penalties.

The coach continued to applaud the play of offensive lineman Franny Soto, while Anthony Miceli and Jack Tarloski’s efforts will be critical to the chances of a big Vikings victory. PV has some added motivation, playing the game in front of the community’s young players on Youth Night while celebrating the annual Gold Out game to support families in the battle with childhood cancer.

Around the Area (all times 7 p.m. Friday unless noted)

Boyertown (1-1) at Governor Mifflin (1-1)

It doesn’t figure to be much of an aerial show when the Bears travel to Shillington for this non-conference matchup. Both teams prefer a ball-control, power-running approach to the game, and do it quite well.

Boyertown had District 3-5A powerhouse Exeter reeling for a half last week before the Eagles rallied in the third quarter to send the Bears to their first defeat of 2023. Cole Yesavage and Jason Oakes continue to fuel that running game as the young Bears offensive line acclimates to the bright lights of Friday night football.

Mifflin bounced back from an opening defeat at Spring-Ford with a 28-21 win over Carlisle last week.

Spring-Ford (2-0) at Cumberland Valley (0-2)

Don’t let that 0-2 mark fool you – Cumberland Valley is a dangerous team, and Spring-Ford coach Chad Brubaker hopes his Rams realize it.

“Our staff’s concern is that kids see 0-2 and think this will be a game they can coast,” he said. “They’ve played two Top 20 programs to start off the year. If anything, they’re more dangerous in game 3.”

Cumberland Valley’s accolades speak for themselves – they’ve won eleven District titles and a state championship in 1992 – and the Rams make their second consecutive road trip this week. It didn’t bother them last Saturday in Ocean City, N.J., when Spring-Ford defeated Father Judge 38-21 thanks to a big day from an offensive line led by senior tackle Owen Norman.

Now Brubaker says the key is to keep the pedal down Friday night against Cumberland Valley as the Rams look to continue their winning ways.

Norristown (0-2) at Pottsgrove (0-2)

Someone will break through with their first ‘W’ of 2023 at Pennypacker Field. If it’s to be the host Falcons, the team’s senior leaders will provide the road map to the traditional winning ways.

“Riley Delp, Gabe Rinda, Joey Quinter – these guys are our leaders, and it’ll be their stellar play if we’re going to get back on track,” said coach Bill Hawthorne.

The Falcons battled gamely against Owen J. Roberts last week before falling 14-7. Bryce Caffrey’s second-quarter punt return provided their only score, so finishing drives and avoiding costly mistakes that hurt field position will be essential.

Norristown also looks for its first win after last week’s 20-13 loss to Upper Merion. Jayden Byrd provided the fireworks for the Eagles with a defensive and offensive touchdown in the losing effort.

Avon Grove (2-0) at Owen J. Roberts (2-0)

OJR coach Rich Kolka said he was happy with the team’s improved defense at Pottsgrove last week, where the Wildcats didn’t allow a single offensive point, compared to week one at Conestoga where a 25-22 win turned into a but of a shootout late.

This week, the Avon Grove running game and special teams are his primary concerns, as the Red Devils’ kicker Adam Okonowicz gives the visitors a rare weapon in high school football and a threat to score any time they cross midfield.

Lorenzo Satiro and Brody Mazzerle keyed the defensive effort last week from their linebacker spots, and the continued playmaking abilities of Mekhi Graham will be crucial for the Wildcats’ offense.

Methacton (1-1) at Radnor (0-2)

Last Thursday’s shoutout loss against Plymouth-Whitemarsh hopefully serves as a wakeup call for the Warriors after an opening win against Pottsgrove. Now they head to Radnor and face a Raptors squad desperate for a win before resuming Central League play.

“We didn’t make any real progress from week 1 to 2,” said Methacton coach Brian Kennedy. “We need to get back to our basics and work on our fundamentals.”

The return of senior captain Anthony Perillo should give Methacton a shot in the arm, but Kennedy emphasized the need for every player to step forward and take control of the game. On offense, quarterback Kolby Howarth looks to bounce back with a strong showing.

Fleetwood (2-0) at Upper Perkiomen (0-2)

The youth of Dan Heinrichs’ first team at Upper Perkiomen means a renewed focus on playing a full 48 minutes and not allowing opponents to seize momentum after a setback.

Thus far, Aiden Void and Brody Weiss have been keys on both sides of the ball through injuries to other key players. Last week, Void had a pair of scores while Weiss stabilized the running game.

Zane Saeger has stepped into a leadership role for the Tribe’s defense in terms of both communication and on-field performance. Against a Fleetwood squad averaging 39 points per game in their two opening victories, continued improvement will be needed if Upper Perk is to break into the win column.

Pope John Paul II (2-0) at Berks Catholic (1-1)

PJP coach Scott Reed was happiest with the improvement shown in the passing game between quarterback Luke Terlesky and his receiving corps that includes Denny Owens, Braden Reed, Brandon DeAngelo and Brent Mitala.

“I think our offensive line will always determine our success on offense,” said Reed. “But I was very proud of the way our receivers blocked on the outside they showed a real desire to play team football.”

Sustaining the improvement in a tough environment like Berks Catholic will mean discipline – avoiding penalties and turnovers on offense, while maintaining gap integrity defensively against a precision Wing-T offense.

“We don’t see [this approach] any other week,” said Reed. “We need to stay under control.”

Upper Merion (1-1) at William Tennent (0-2)

If the Vikings are going to make it two wins in a row, the team needs to navigate what should be its longest road trip of the season to Warminster to take on Tennent.

“Tennent plays a really tough schedule and it’s our first away game, and not one that’s right around the corner,” explained coach Davis Chubb. “Our guys need to make sure they are focused to take on a really good team during this business trip.”

Justin Besz and Zay Robinson look to run behind an improving Upper Merion line, and kicker Cyrus Palladino hopes to continue powering UM’s advantage in field position, as he did last week against Norristown by booming a pair of kickoffs for touchbacks.

Harriton (1-1) at Pottstown (1-1)

No one is celebrating moral victories at this point in the season, but for Pottstown a nine-point loss to a defending District champion in Interboro last week was progress from a 48-7 setback against the Bucs one year ago.

This week, the Trojans open their home schedule hoping to grab their second win – one more than they had in 2022.

A defense that stood up admirably against a big Interboro offensive front gets a different challenge this week, as Harriton figures to test the edges with quick passes and mesh routes.

Dimark Lyons continued to excel on both sides for Pottstown after an electrifying 72-yard touchdown run a week ago, while Dillon Mayes grows more comfortable at the quarterback position each week.

Germantown Academy (1-0) at Hill School (0-0)

The Blues look to christen brand-new Madden Stadium when they host Germantown Academy Friday night.

The new facility hosts its first contest, and the program welcomes a new head coach in Mike Boyer, who doesn’t plan to make wholesale changes to the offense piloted by junior quarterback Charlie Hewitt.

“It’s the same as what we ran last year,” said Boyer. “We’re just a little better at understanding what we’re supposed to do, and we’ve had more time to implement it.”

What will be different? The need to replace All-Area back Kayden White and a pair of first-team MAPL specialists in kicker Max Elmore and punter Anthony McMullan.

Phoenixville (2-0) at Chester (1-1), 11 a.m. Saturday

The size and speed of the Clippers is a concern for 2-0 Phoenixville as they make the trip down 476 early Saturday morning.

“The key to both sides is increased physicality,” said coach Anthony Ciarlello. “Chester is a very good team, big, fast, and strong.”

Thus far, Ciarlello has to be pleased with a running game with a pair of 300 yard-plus performances to their credit, powered by two-way lineman TJ Howard as well as Cameron English. In addition, the Phantoms’ special teams are improved in both performance and discipline through two games.

But they will see a new challenge this week in Chester’s array of skill position athletes, led by prolific sophomore quarterback Jalen Harris.