2022 Football: post season quick hits by district.
Here’s a snapshot of many of the teams across the state with no particular format, pulling what seemed interesting, district by district. Things like streaks, special players, upsets, new coaches, outstanding/disappointing seasons etc. I’ll post the other districts as I complete them. Enjoy and jump in with corrections and additions.
Suburban One League
National Conference
Pennsbury 6A 9-2
Pennsbury went from the very bottom fielding consecutive winless seasons in 2020 and 2021 to a 9-2 campaign where they won the National Conference title without a loss. They did it in Coach Galen Snyder’s second tenure after leading the Falcons from 2002-2015 with a 116-48 record. He won district titles in 2006 and 2014 along with National Conference titles in 09, 12, 13, 14. This year’s team won the way Pennsbury has always won, with a power running game (Ground and Pound) and stubborn defense. Their season ended in the first round, losing to old rival North Penn in a rematch 21-20 when the Knights went for it and made a two-point conversion for the win. Lead back Galamama Mulbah (6-1, 210) was special, rushing for 2035 yards and 24 Tds. Big loss there along with OL’ers Donovan Frascella (5-11, 230), Bailey McDonnell (5-11, 220) and Fabian Francois (5-10, 225). The LB corps (Mullery, Gabatt, Wade, Beighley O’Neal) all graduate.
Central Bucks East 6A 8-3
CB East put together one of their most productive offenses in years, scoring 28ppg. They’ve only done that (year-end high 28ppg avg) three times in the last 24 years. It got them second place in the National and a rare win against North Penn, with notable wins against Souderton (9-3) 30-13 and CB South (7-4) 21-7. The D was right there too, holding seven teams to 14 points or less. But their 8-1 start took a hit losing back-to-back to rival CB West in the regular season final 21-14 and the postseason a week later 42-26. They’ll enter 2023 graduating Qb Pat Keller (6-4, 190, 61%-1484), star RB/MLB Ethan Shine (5-11, 215) and his 1922 rush yards plus 82 tackles and three of the top four receivers. Other big losses to the D are DL Joe Collins (6-3, 290), DE Sean Connor (6-4, 210) and DB Matt LaBouliere.
Central Bucks West 6A 9-5
It’s tough opening the season with road trips to the eventual 6A and 5A district champions, losing to Garnet Valley 14-7 and Upper Dublin 35-7. Thereon, they went 9-3, ending the season with a rematch loss to Garnet Valley 35-7 in the district final. They got there by way of playoff wins against CB East and North Penn, both rematches, and a mild upset on the road against Perkiomen Valley (11-2) 14-13. The finals appearance was the Bucks first in 22 years. So it was quite a year, with an undersized and under rated defense keeping them in many games, holding eight opponents to 14 or less points. They return a great core for 2023 of at least 14 starters but must replace standout Eli Boehm (1655ry..?).
Central Bucks South 6A 7-4
Despite beating CB West 27-14, the Titans had little luck against the better teams, going 2-4 against those finishing above .500. The D was there, finishing at 16ppg. But it was unsupported by consistent offense (rushing) averaging 24ppg, losing to CB East 21-7, Pennsbury 28-6 and shutout by Souderton 10-0 in the playoff’s first round. Bret Szarko (66%!-1694, 14/7) was solid under center but they lacked a go to running back. He graduates along with their top receiver Tim Donnelly (799yds), with the defense rebuilding around 1st teamer LB Sean Moskowitz (6-2, 220) and LB Colin Kelly (6-0, 190).
North Penn 6A 6-6
The Knights had a number of close calls where it could have gone way south that they pulled out, beating Neshaminy in overtime 35-28 and Pennsbury in the playoffs (rematch), also in overtime 22-21. Other games did not go their way, like Upper Dublin, losing 32-28, and LaSalle, giving up 13 fourth quarter points to lose 37-28, out gained on the ground 249-74. Defense and the lack of a ground game (when needed) sums up the game and season, while allowing the ‘big play’ with LaSalle scoring on a 65 and 25-yard pass play and a 37 yard run. The defense was their worst EVER, meaning back through 1999 (my records) allowing 28ppg. For 2023, some losses include quarterback Ryan Zeltt, Yazeed Haynes (inelig for playoff per transfer from Neumann, Decom PSU-to GA.) and at least two lineman of note, Mikai Green (6-2, 300) and Kevin Pownall (6-0, 230).
Neshaminy 6A 4-6
It’s hard times at Neshaminy, experiencing an unheard of two consecutive losing seasons going 2-8 in 2021 and 4-6 last year. Interestingly, they were cranking out a decent season through the first six games going 4-2 with a road loss at Downingtown West and an overtime loss at North Penn. An offense that was already misfiring shot blanks the rest of the season scoring 12 total points the final four games while allowing 100. The offense that ended with a 12ppg average (12?) was their worst of record. The year before it was 14ppg so we’re talked a full on power outage with the Skins offense. With good numbers and experience returning to the defense, the offense should improve in Colin Baker’s second year under center after completing 50% for 1128 yards. The problem was interceptions with a 4/8 Td-Pick ratio. OL Charlie Sorka (6-4, 280) will stabilize the line with linebackers Joel Bonner and Colton Clee doing the same on defense. Still, DE’s Joey Zack (6-4, 220, 45 stops) and Nick Buchy (6-3, 245, 62 stops) with Jack Dunkley (6-4, 275) will be missed.
Pennridge 6A 2-9
2022 was the Rams lowest win total in over 25 years. Much of this was on the offense, fielding their second worst offense ever (2019-12ppg) at 17ppg. They suffered an uncanny number of close losses, losing road games to Souderton 24-21, CB East 16-13 in ot, Pennsbury 27-24 and at home to Neshaminy 7-6. They lost the last seven games of the season. I have no record (thru 1999) of the Rams ever losing their last seven games. This resulted in the administration deciding to move on from Coach Chuck Burgy after only one season at the helm. Probably didn’t help losing two straight to rival Quakertown in a game that does matter!
Abington 6A 2-8
84 wins and 38 losses. That’s the won/loss of the program from 2005 through 2014. Since then, they’ve gone 32-47 with only three winning season. Last year’s team allowed 28ppg on defense, the highest since 2002’s 2-8 team that allowed 31. The offense scored on average 15ppg, after scoring 14ppg the year before. These are their lowest averages since 2000’s 2-10 team that averaged ten points per game. Following a 2-1 start, the team collapsed, getting shutout four times and being outscored 225-46 the last seven games.
SOL-Continental Conference
Upper Dublin 5A 14-1
The Cardinals fielded one of their best teams, matching 2015’s mark with a 14-1 campaign and a record setting defense allowing 8ppg! They were undefeated through the regular season and four games into the postseason after beating all the quality teams (six) on the schedule (eg, Souderton, Rustin, Ply White) by an average score of 31-6 before losing to Imhotep in the semifinal 21-14. Senior quarterback Colin O’Sullivan completed 64% for 2839 yards with a 35/5 ratio. Running back Nyfise McIntyre also graduates taking 1365 yards with him along with the receiving corps taking 157 receptions and 2335 yards. The D graduates seven starters with the offense also losing four 1st team All-Continental Conference players and four from the 2nd Team. With all respect to Imhotep, it would have been nice to see how this group stacked up against Pine Richland.
Souderton 6A 9-3
Make that four straight winning seasons (30-12) since getting through a rough patch from 2013 to 2018 where they went 23-38. Their nine wins are the most they’ve had since 2007’s edition went 9-2. For 2023, they graduate Qb Jared Zimmerman (59%-1396, 10/5) and part of the group at running back with the top two rushers graduating. But the D that was both stubborn at 15ppg and young return a ton of bodies, at least eight starters/co-starters allowing them to hold on while the offense rebuilds.
Quakertown 6A 6-6
It’s been a decade since the Panthers had a defense this bad, allowing 30ppg that left them uncompetitive against the quality teams/programs on their schedule, losing to North Penn (6-6) 49-7, CB West (9-5) 56-14, Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-3) 49-9, Souderton (9-3) 34-20, Upper Dublin (14-1) 38-8 and Garnet Valley (13-1) 63-14 by a combined score of 289-63. That’s a significant drop for a program that won 70 games the previous nine years. But it was made better in the end by their second straight win over Pennridge 22-6, after beating them 21-0 in 2021.
Council Rock North 6A 4-6
Council Rock North had their seventh consecutive non-winning season (2-2 in 2020) but did improve in the win column by one with an offense that was capable at 19ppg over 2021’s historic low of 8ppg. The problem was a sieve like defense and some questions at the quarterback position (Will Scibona, Jackson Farley, Jules Matera) until settling in on Matera who finished at 53%, 1099 yards and a 11/0 Td-Pick ratio. At 6-2, 175, that’s pretty good stuff for a sophomore. They may have found something in Matera. Lineman Gavin Swope (6-3, 285) and LBs Avi Patel and Dylan Siveter are a loss, but they return good numbers. Beating CR South 21-20 helped ease the pain of a four-win season.
Council Rock South 6A 4-6
The Golden Hawks offense has been non-existent the last 4 years, closing with year ending averages of 9, 11, 14 and 15ppg from 2019 through 2022. This year’s was shutout three times and held to seven or less points twice. But, the defense proved resilient, allowing a respectable 16ppg by year’s end, keeping them somewhat competitive against Upper Dublin losing 16-0 and Souderton 23-0; unsupported by any help from the offense. They look good again for 2023 on defense with at least six back on the D-Front and the offense returning quarterback Chase Ennis (6-4, 210) who was their offense much of the year, scoring three rushing touchdowns in the year ending 21-20 loss to rival CR North.
Bensalem 6A 2-8
Hard as it is to believe, the Owls have not had a winning season since 2004 when they went 6-5. Since then, they’ve gone 49-132 with 5-5 outings in 2016, 2017 and 2021.
Truman 6A 2-8
Like Bensalem except for a few more bright spots in 2014 going 7-5, 2017 going 7-4 and 2018 at 10-2, the Tigers have struggled, registering a 55-158 record from 1999 through 2022.
Hatboro Horsham 5A (Independent) 1-7
As bad as things are at Bensalem and Truman, they’re worse at Hatboro-Horsham where the Hatters haven’t played a full schedule the last three years going 0-5, 0-8 and 1-7. Numbers are a problem and youth with last year’s team showing 42 on the roster of which 20 were sophomores. So they have experience returning for 2023 and hopefully the participation numbers come up.
SOL-American
Plymouth Whitemarsh 5A 10-3
Evidently the Colonials are still baffling people with that option, getting their second straight 10-win season and American championship. But not against CB South in the season opener, fumbling four times with countless special teams errors in a 21-6 loss at home. You know you’re in trouble rushing for 154 yards with an option offense. Ridley beat them 35-13 getting them off to a 1-2 start. Thereon they pounded out nine straight wins until losing to Upper Dublin 30-0 in the district semifinal. Entering 2023, they have big holes to fill on the D-Front (four also OL) and with quarterback Aiden O’Brien graduating.
Upper Moreland 4A 8-3
Thought the Golden Bears would be more with a great nucleus returning of seven on each side and a veteran line. But they lost to all the winning teams they played except 2A Executive Education Academy, going down against Interboro 37-7, Plymouth Whitemarsh 56-20 and Great Valley 24-21 in the first round. For 2023, they look wiped out, losing five OL’ers, a running back and wideout plus three DLs, two LBs and at least one from the secondary. That was a veteran line of Tyler Darrow 6-6 290, John Hardee 5-11 265, Chase Ragan 6-1 270, John Baker 6-1 250 and TE Tahir Harris. Quarterback Shawn Herbert also grads
Cheltenham 5A 6-4
The Panthers were a competitive bunch with narrow losses at Northeast 24-20 and Upper Moreland 14-10 preventing more. The 35-25 loss to Perk Val saw them outgain the Vikings 452 to 400 yards. They’ll sneak up on you with three winning seasons the last four years, fielding an 8-4 team in 2018, 14-2 after the 5A final in 2019 where they were edged by Wood 19-15 (DNP 2020) and 6-4 last year. They went 5-6 in 2021. Their principle skill returns for 2023 with Qb Jon Ingram (6 starts, 50%, 366py), RB Tre McLeod (1006ry), wide out Julian Author (11/288). It looks like most of the line returns including well regarded Anthony Govens (6-1, 285, sr), Forey Cherry (6-0, 295, sr) and Kurt Scheuerman (6-3, 290, sr) with good numbers returning to the defense and quality numbers on defense that was outstanding at 14ppg. They look like the favorite in the SOLA entering 2023. But there’s a new coach in Troy Gore with Ryan Nase out and taking over at Northeast.
Springfield Township 4A 5-5
They may look average in the won/loss column (29-17 last 5), but there’s nothing average about Dylan McKenzie (6-3, 190, jr) who will line up at quarterback, running back, wide out, safety and assume kicking duties as needed to be one of most complete players (throw back) in the state. Best I can figure he had 1928 total yards with 19 Tds, 32 tackles and four picks. PA Football News made him their 1st Team All-State Athlete and he’s back for the 2023 season. Against Tennent, he had 354 yards on 33 carries and six Tds; a school record. They were eliminated by Pope John Paul II (10-2) in the playoffs 49-14.
Wissahickon 5A 1-9
Hard times continue at Wissahickon with nine straight non-losing seasons, going 3-3 in 2020 for a won/loss of 17-69.
New Hope Solebury 3A 2-9
The Lions played in the Bicentennial Athletic League until 2019 when they came to the Suburban One. It was easy pickins in the BAL going 51-22 from 2013-2018 before the wakeup call of the SOLA where they have yet to have a winning season, going 5-5, 3-5, 1-7 and 2-9 last year.
Tennent 6A 1-8
Tennent hasn’t had a winning season since 2006’s 6-4 team. Since then they’ve won 34 games against 124 losses.
Central League
Garnet Valley 6A 13-1
The Jaguars keep cranking out winning teams like few others in the state with a 5-year won-loss of 56-5 and 10-year record of 106-18. Nothing seems to slow them including the retirement in 2021 of Coach Mike Ricci (35 years, 260-125-1). The new head coach is Eric VanWyk, a 2008 grad with ten years on the staff working with the quarterbacks and coaching freshman football. Last year’s group defeated good stuff at Ridley, Spring Ford, Downingtown East and CB West before losing to St. Joseph’s Prep 48-7 in States. They have another rebuild for ’23 graduating underrated Qb Matt Mesaros (61%-1289-19/0 ratio) plus 759 rush yards, lead rusher Jason Bernard’s 1023 yards, top receiver Drew Van Horn’s 22 receptions for 556 yards and four of the top five tacklers gone.
Strath Haven 5A 12-1
Nice seeing the Panthers back on the prowl again with outstanding back-to-back seasons going 13-2 in 2021 and 12-1 last year. This ups the 4-year mark to 39-7 following an uncharacteristic 31-46 run from 2012 through 2018. This is the same program that went 136-29 the preceding 13 years, going 15-0 in 1999 and 2000 winning 3A state titles, followed by runner-up Silver Medal trophies in 2001 and 2002. Last year’s team fielded their best statistical defense since 2006, beating Interboro (10-4) 27-13 and Ridley (8-4) 41-14, both on the road before losing to Rustin (11-2) in the district semifinal 28-27 on a failed two-point conversion in ot.
Like the 2021 Ridley team, this looked like ‘THE’ team that could make a deep run in States. Now they face a major rebuild, graduating their top four backs who rushed for 4381 yards on 514 attempts for 62 touchdowns, led by Anthony Crawford’s 2097 yards and Bob Fooskas’s 1098. The D loses their top three tacklers, all linebackers, and DT Jason Williams (6-3, 300), returning 6 starters/co-starters.
Ridley 6A 8-4
Here’s one of most successful programs in the state, not having a losing season since 1955. While the offense has typically been high octane, the defense has taken a step back recently (2018-2022) with season ending yields of 28, 27, 17, 24 and 21ppg. They averaged 12.5ppg yield the previous ten years. Regular season losses came against Garnet Valley 35-7, Strath Haven 41-14 and Spring Ford (8-4) in the playoffs 42-28. But anyone that knows anything about Ridley football knows the 47-7 season ending pounding of bitter rival and neighbor (a few blocks down MacDade) healed some of those wounds. Looking back, 2021 (12-2) was ‘THE’ team, with Tahir Mills setting a Delco record of 2521 yards rushing, named Delco Player of the Year, and quarterback John Heller, also All Delco, throwing for 2197 yards and 26 Tds. 19 starters returned. That was a great team that left it all on the field in Lansdale beating North Penn in overtime 56-55, then coming up short the following week against Coatesville in the district semifinal 50-14.
Springfield 5A 8-4
Springfield has quietly had 11 winning seasons the last 13-years, going 99-51 with defense often their strong suit. They would be less of a ‘quiet’ success if they would beat the historic powers of the league meaning Garnet Valley, Ridley and Strath Haven more than just occasionally. They haven’t over the last 5 years, going 0-4 vs Garnet Valley, 0-5 vs Haven and 1-2 vs Ridley, with the Ridley win coming in 2018 in triple overtime. A 1-11 record against the ‘name’ teams is not going to get you any attention beyond Delco County if it even gets that. Regardless, it was a solid team last year that had their highest win total in five years.
Haverford 6A 6-5
Like Springfield, Haverford has experienced success quietly with 11 winning seasons (94-45) the last 12 years. Unlike Springfield, the Fords have managed a few wins against Central League powers the last five years, going 2-2 vs Strath Haven, 2-3 against Ridley and 0-5 vs G-Val. And against Springfield, they’ve gone 4-0, outscoring them 123 to 35 to establish themselves as the next in line (Marple 1-9 vs same) behind the Power-3 that is Ridley, Garnet Valley and Strath Haven. They also took on a decent team from Mass last year losing to Mansfield (9-2) 24-14.
Conestoga 6A 6-5
Coach Matt Diamond, a 1998 Stoga grad, enters his fifth year at the helm coming off 7-4 and 6-5 seasons to reverse his first three years where the Pioneers won six games. Last year’s team struggled offensively, scoring 15 or less points in seven games. This put it all on the defense that wore down, but was still ‘game’ at a 23ppg season ending average. Two back-to-back appearances in the district playoffs says the programs is going in the right direction.
Marple-Newtown 5A 6-6
Look out Central League for this group that was super young last year and still managed a 6-6 record, a 26-19 PF-PA average with 1, 1, 3 and 3 point losses! That close to a 10-2 record. But you have to start winning some of those games, or forever stay in the shadow of Strath Haven where they’ve gone 1-4 the last five years, 0-2 vs Ridley and 0-3 vs G-Val over the same period. Quarterback Dave Bertoline returns with his big tackle Andrew Kirlin (6-6, 305, PSU, OU, etc) and most of last year’s starters. Their 61-31 won/loss the last eight years says they’re knocking on the door.
Upper Darby 6A 4-7
Upper Darby continues in a seven-year funk at 35-41 since the 10-3 breakout season in 2015. Since parting ways with Coach Rich Gentile who went 170-125-1 from 1994 through 2019, the program has declined, going 2-6, 6-5 and 4-7 last year with near to anemic offenses averaging 10, 19 and 14ppg from 2020 through last season.
Radnor 5A 4-7
Radnor is another struggling program with four winning seasons since 1999! Last year’s team had severe difficulty with top tier and mid-level league teams going 0-6 against Springfield losing 36-0, Haverford 35-14, Conestoga 40-27, Marple 32-6, Garnet Valley 49-0 and Strath Haven 42-0. Outscored 124-47.
Harriton 5A 4-6
Harriton had one winning season of record (1999), going 6-5 in 2006, and 29-134 since then. Their ten-year record is 12-87.
Lower Merion 6A 2-9
With records going back to 1999, Lower Merion has not had a .500 or winning season since then, winning 34 games and losing 220.
Penncrest 5A 1-10
Like the four teams above, Penncrest is mired in an ongoing slump with one winning season the last ten years and only three in the last 19!
Delaware Valley League
Interboro 5A 10-4
The Bucs broke out of a four-year slump of losing seasons (DNP-2020) with a 10-4 outing powered by the running of senior Abu Kamara rushing for a single season Delco record of 2833 yards. Interestingly, they had difficulty against the local powers losing to Strath Haven (12-1) 27-13, Chester (10-2) 33-0, and Ridley (8-4) 47-7, with a playoff win against Pope John Paul II (10-2) 38-14 to win the district crown. The following week saw their season come to an end losing to Bonner (11-2) 33-21 at States in the first round.
Chester 5A 10-2
Good things are happening in Chester who registered their third straight winning seasons at 7-3 in 2019 (Del Val cancelled 2020 season), 7-4 in 2021 and 10-2 last year. Especially when knowing this was only their fifth winning season in the last 24 years. The 2021 season showed real progress losing competitively to Coatesville (12-2) 34-28, Academy Park (9-3) 14-8 and Kennett (8-4) 31-28. 2022 showed HUGE statistical improvement across the board with wins against Interboro 33-0 and Marple-Newtown (6-6) 18-15, despite losses to Downingtown West (9-2) 34-19 and Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-3) 30-12. Lots of bodies return for ’23 with freshman QB Jalen Harris coming off a 62% season throwing for 2261 yards with a 35/6 ratio with good numbers defensively.
Academy Park 5A 3-8
Academy Park took a rare step backward after not playing in 2020 and with on-campus issues last season. This followed a revival of the program over the years stringing together 13 consecutive winning seasons and multiple playoff appearances. Last year’s team was a feisty bunch losing in overtime to Great Valley 38-25 and Interboro 21-20. That was a vet team so there’s lots of work to do for the coming season.
Penn Wood 6A 1-9
Penn Wood struggled through a tough season where they were again uncompetitive at 1-9, following the 0-9 season the year before. 2021’s team averaged seven points a game offensively and allowed 40, while last year’s team scored on average 13ppg and allowed 39. Seniors started at most of the skill positions and on defense. So it looks like a full rebuild for 2023.
Chichester 4A 1-5
Chi also struggled with their 15th losing season in the last 16 years. The offense scored an unbelievably historic school low of 68 total points.
Pioneer Athletic League (The PAC)
Liberty Division
Perkiomen Valley 6A 11-2
Perkiomen Valley won their second straight Liberty title with their first double digit winning season since putting three in a row back in 2015 at 10-2, 2016 at 12-1 and 2017 going 10-2. This year’s had tight wins against Downingtown West 30-29, Spring Ford 7-6 and PJP-II 21-14 and Souderton in the postseason 27-14. They had losses to Roman Catholic 26-10 and CB West 14-13. With sophomore quarterback Patrick MacDonald (5-11, 165) throwing at 64% for 1208 yards, their leading rusher back plus good numbers on the D, they’re one of the early favorite in the PAC. Hopefully they continue scheduling games with upper tire Ches-Mont teams and get another shot at Roman or their equivalent.
Spring Ford 6A 8-4
Like Perkiomen Valley, Spring Ford broke in a sophomore quarterback in Matt Zoellers (6-4, 200) with good numbers at 62%, 2055yds and a 23/3 ratio. Three of their top five receivers are back. The defense was largely senior but a good core returns with a pile of sizeable lineman. Last year’s team had some ‘close call losses’ to quality teams losing to Perk Val 7-6, Manheim Township 17-14 and Garnet Valley 30-27 in overtime and Cumberland Valley 28-16. But they showed development in their last two games defeating Ridley 42-28 in the playoffs before the ot loss at Garnet Valley. They appear as a serious contender in the PAC and get Perk Val home.
Owen J. Roberts 6A 6-5
OJR has had some competitive teams (50-35 last eight) and great players but it’s hard getting out from under the shadow of Spring Ford and Perkiomen Valley who own the PAC. This year’s team graduated good stuff along the lines in OL/DT Christian Gregory (6-2, 265), OL/DE Brandon Kelley (6-5, 240) and Alec Karnbach (6-2, 260). And with quarterback Michael Reed (Derek Hinrichs, jr, got time), WR Danny Cashman and lead rusher Hunter Rhoades also graduating, it looks shaky for 2023.
Boyertown 6A 5-6
The Bears registered their seventh straight losing season that still came close to getting it right with their most prolific offense (27ppg average) since 2013’s 7-4 team scored 34ppg. Although they managed minor upsets against Pottsgrove 33-0 and OJR 34-21, they lost bad to Exeter (12-1) 37-21, Spring Ford 42-0, Perkiomen Valley 47-7 and Williamsport 57-21. The Bears hibernation resembles Hempfield’s in the Lancaster-Lebanon League where some wonder when the sleeping giant (?) will awake.
Methacton 5A 5-6
Coach Brian Kennedy may have the Warriors on the move in his second year going 5-5 in 2021 and 5-6 last season. This follows a run of six losing seasons out of the last seven. They showed improvement last year with competitive losses to Pottsgrove (5-5) 12-7 and Kennett (8-4), losing 8-3 as the 11th seed. It was a highly significant season with the Warriors making the playoffs for the first time since 1994.
Norristown 6A 3-7
Norristown has had ten consecutive losing season with a won-loss of 25-84!
Frontier Division
Pope John Paul II 4A 10-2
It took a while following the merger of Kennedy-Kenrick and St. Pius X in 2010 creating Pope John Paul II. But once the Golden Panthers settled in after seven losing seasons, they’ve been a postseason constant, running off six straight winning seasons for a 45-15 record. Last year’s team ran up a 9-0 slate before losing a close one to Liberty champ Perkiomen Valley 21-14 in the PAC crossover game and in the district final getting thumped at Interboro 38-14. They’ll be a handful in 2023 with nearly the entire team back on both sides of the ball.
Phoenixville 5A 6-5
The young Phantoms were outgunned last year going down hard against the better teams in losses to Chester 47-10, PJP-II 42-0, Spring-Ford 56-0 and Springfield-Delco 42-7. But they could make some noise in ‘23 after mimicking PJP-II with a youth movement that sees almost everyone back for the coming season. Although 2022 saw modest improvement to 6-5 from 5-5, this was their first winning season since 2012 and that’s big stuff at any school. Look for the purple gang to make some noise this year.
Pottsgrove 4A 5-5
Guess you have to call 2022 a disappointment for Coach Billy Hawthorne entering his sixth season in 2023 off a .500 season when 16 starters returned including four OL’ers and a TE. They can probably look at the 20-13 Norristown loss where the Eagles made a goal line stand and a few kneel-downs to pull off the upset as a turning point, going 3-4 thereon. The Falcons have gone 32-18 since legendary Rick Pennypacker retired following the 2017 season.
Upper Merion 5A 4-7
Thought the Vikings might make a turnaround last year with a decent core returning eight to the offense. But it didn’t happen, going 2-4 in their home games with narrow losses to Phoenixville (6-5) by 7, Pottsgrove (5-5) by 6 and Methacton (5-6) by 7. You’re supposed to win the close ones at home against similar level comp. Didn’t happen. Instead, they’re looking for their second winning season in the last 15 years, replacing TE/DE Nolan Clayton (6-5, 235, Nova) and two PAC-1st teamers in WR Marcus Crittendon and C/DT Dom Cacciacillani (6-2, 250) and Qb Zayd Etheridge.
Upper Perkiomen 4A 2-8
Last year’s young and inexperienced group, one of their youngest groups in years struggled most of the season losing by an average score of 45-11 (358-91) in their eight losses. In defense, they’re a 4A battling uphill most of the year against larger schools.
Pottstown 4A 1-9
Here’s another struggling program that have only one winning season the last 20 years, going 7-5 in 2015. The last time before that occurred in 2002 at 10-1, losing at Strath Haven in the postseason 35-7. The film below is that game (my first time seeing Haven or the field) behind Haven’s middle school. Pottstown had Brandon Nixon, a 6-7, 325-pound lineman who looked gassed into the third quarter. Check out the Panther’s stable of running backs including Dan Connors who went on to PSU to set the tackling record.
Ches-Mont League
National Division
Coatesville 6A 8-3
You can probably say your program has arrived if an 8-2 record is your worst in eight years and only the second time you’ve been below double digits in the win column the last ten years. Coatesville may be one of the dominant teams in the district. but it’s still a challenge coming off a 12-2 season having won their sixth Ches Mont National title in a row. Last season ended in a tie (3-0) with Downingtown West who they did not play. Since Matt Ortega took over in 2009, the Red Raiders have established all kinds of records while pounding out a 136-33 record.
Downingtown East 6A 9-4
The Cougars fought through a tough schedule with a 32-31 loss to State College (two-point conversion last 18 seconds), a 14-10 loss to Coatesville and a 31-28 loss to Downingtown West before reversing those losses in the postseason, beating Coatesville and D-West 31-15 and 34-9 respectively before losing to Garnet Valley 28-17. Since East is always about running the football, they have a monster hole to fill at running back with Bo Horvath (5-11, 185) graduating after rushing for 2315 yards on 364 carries (!), scoring 32 touchdowns. He is also one of the top midfielders (lacrosse) in the country and will play at Lehigh. But they return four of five lineman including C Ryan Konchek, OTs Adham Abouraya and Aidan Flaherty and Ryan Moses, a guard. Luke Flowers is the only loss.
Downingtown West 6A 9-2
Hard figuring how this group didn’t go farther with one of their best defenses in over ten years at 17ppg yield and an offense cranking out 38ppg. They lost to Perkiomen Valley 30-29, giving up a 26-10 half time lead (where did that defense go?), and in a rematch-revenge-rivalry game to Downingtown West 34-9. Big numbers return on offense with almost all their skill people back led by quarterback Quinn Henicle (6-2, 190, jr, 59%-1506, 16/5) and defense that returns at least 8 starters.
Bishop Shanahan 4A 4-6
Bishop Shanahan graduated their best team ever following the 2021 season going 11-4 (most wins ever) and winning their second district title in the last three years. It was also a senior laden team losing 33 seniors. The cost was a rebuilding season with a youthful group filling 19 open spots with only 3 returning starters. And it showed on the field with an opening loss to Phoenixville (6-5) 35-7 and a 14-0 loss to Avon Grove (4-6). The highlight of the season was a 6-3 road win at Great Valley (8-4) who was 5-0 at the time. They’ll build on that and the 1-3 finish that masked an offense coalescing over their last four games averaging 26ppg.
Avon Grove 6A 4-6
Since exploding onto the scene in 2009 with a 11-2 campaign, the Red Devils have imploded, running up 13 non-winning seasons (5-5 in 2017, 2018). But they recovered from a 1-3 start last year, winning three straight before losing out against a difficult slate of Downingtown East, Interboro and Coatesville. A defense that allowed on average 30ppg since the 11-2 season returns big numbers that should reverse that trend in head coach Joe Coffey’s fourth season
American Division
Rustin 5A 11-2
Few ‘new’ programs like Rustin have had almost instant success as they have since opening in 2006. Despite going 5-6, they’ve had only one other losing season (5-6, 2016) since then while generating one of the better records in the state at 143-44 from 2007 through last season. Mike St. Clair has been their only coach. Rustin is known for consistently putting strong defenses on the field and pounding ground games. Last year’s team went to overtime to beat Strath Haven in the postseason 28-27 after losing to them the preceding year 34-33, also in overtime. A 21-7 loss to Upper Dublin in the district final brought the season to a close.
Kennett 5A 8-4
The Blue Demons fielded another solid team last year going 8-4 with a good senior core returning. Wins against Rustin 24-14 and Great Valley 30-7 highlighted the year. 2023 sees them looking to replace RB/LB Julian Sparacino’s 1578 rush yards, Kicker Ryan Barker (PSU), Conner Tuk (6-5, 290….Army) and LBs Ryan King and Colin Jung. Good things are happening at Kennett Square with the Demons going 28-12 following six straight losing seasons at 16-45.
Great Valley 5A 8-4
The Patriots snapped a 4-year drought of losing seasons like gang busters with a 5-0 run before Bishop Shanahan beat them 6-3 in Malvern! Two more wins got them to 7-1 before the 1-3 finish against tougher comp including Kennett 30-7, Rustin 32-0 and Upper Dublin (14-1) in the playoffs, losing 35-0. Much of their offense returns for 2023 with big chunks of the defense graduating. Scores in their last three games shown above suggests those losses are largely replaceable.
Sun Valley/Northley 5A 6-6
Sun almost got to their first winning season since 2012 except for a 35-29 overtime loss at Avon Grove. But they made the 5A playoffs where they lost to Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-3) 41-0. It all ended on a positive not only making the playoffs for the first time in six years but in defeating arch rival Chichester 26-7 in the 54th annual Thanksgiving Day game; the only game that counts if you’re from the Aston-Brookhaven area.
Unionville 5A 3-7
Guess you’d have to call 2022 a disappointment going 3-7 with a veteran OL and good skill returning. But they were coming off one of their most successful seasons ever at 10-2, with some key grad losses. Losing winnable games in the home opener to Academy Park (3-8) 13-7 then later at Henderson (2-7) 14-7 prevented a 5-5 season. Bottom line, this was only the second losing season in the last 20 years. So look for the Longhorns (Longhorns!?) to bounce back in 2023.
Oxford 5A 3-7
The slump in Oxford continues with their fifth consecutive losing season in the last six years and twenty-second of record going back to 1999.
Henderson 5A 2-7
Henderson is also in a prolonged slump like Oxford the last six years (12-54!) with the difference being they have a recent history of success going back to 2001 with 15 winning seasons through 2016.
Here’s a snapshot of many of the teams across the state with no particular format, pulling what seemed interesting, district by district. Things like streaks, special players, upsets, new coaches, outstanding/disappointing seasons etc. I’ll post the other districts as I complete them. Enjoy and jump in with corrections and additions.
Suburban One League
National Conference
Pennsbury 6A 9-2
Pennsbury went from the very bottom fielding consecutive winless seasons in 2020 and 2021 to a 9-2 campaign where they won the National Conference title without a loss. They did it in Coach Galen Snyder’s second tenure after leading the Falcons from 2002-2015 with a 116-48 record. He won district titles in 2006 and 2014 along with National Conference titles in 09, 12, 13, 14. This year’s team won the way Pennsbury has always won, with a power running game (Ground and Pound) and stubborn defense. Their season ended in the first round, losing to old rival North Penn in a rematch 21-20 when the Knights went for it and made a two-point conversion for the win. Lead back Galamama Mulbah (6-1, 210) was special, rushing for 2035 yards and 24 Tds. Big loss there along with OL’ers Donovan Frascella (5-11, 230), Bailey McDonnell (5-11, 220) and Fabian Francois (5-10, 225). The LB corps (Mullery, Gabatt, Wade, Beighley O’Neal) all graduate.
Central Bucks East 6A 8-3
CB East put together one of their most productive offenses in years, scoring 28ppg. They’ve only done that (year-end high 28ppg avg) three times in the last 24 years. It got them second place in the National and a rare win against North Penn, with notable wins against Souderton (9-3) 30-13 and CB South (7-4) 21-7. The D was right there too, holding seven teams to 14 points or less. But their 8-1 start took a hit losing back-to-back to rival CB West in the regular season final 21-14 and the postseason a week later 42-26. They’ll enter 2023 graduating Qb Pat Keller (6-4, 190, 61%-1484), star RB/MLB Ethan Shine (5-11, 215) and his 1922 rush yards plus 82 tackles and three of the top four receivers. Other big losses to the D are DL Joe Collins (6-3, 290), DE Sean Connor (6-4, 210) and DB Matt LaBouliere.
Central Bucks West 6A 9-5
It’s tough opening the season with road trips to the eventual 6A and 5A district champions, losing to Garnet Valley 14-7 and Upper Dublin 35-7. Thereon, they went 9-3, ending the season with a rematch loss to Garnet Valley 35-7 in the district final. They got there by way of playoff wins against CB East and North Penn, both rematches, and a mild upset on the road against Perkiomen Valley (11-2) 14-13. The finals appearance was the Bucks first in 22 years. So it was quite a year, with an undersized and under rated defense keeping them in many games, holding eight opponents to 14 or less points. They return a great core for 2023 of at least 14 starters but must replace standout Eli Boehm (1655ry..?).
Central Bucks South 6A 7-4
Despite beating CB West 27-14, the Titans had little luck against the better teams, going 2-4 against those finishing above .500. The D was there, finishing at 16ppg. But it was unsupported by consistent offense (rushing) averaging 24ppg, losing to CB East 21-7, Pennsbury 28-6 and shutout by Souderton 10-0 in the playoff’s first round. Bret Szarko (66%!-1694, 14/7) was solid under center but they lacked a go to running back. He graduates along with their top receiver Tim Donnelly (799yds), with the defense rebuilding around 1st teamer LB Sean Moskowitz (6-2, 220) and LB Colin Kelly (6-0, 190).
North Penn 6A 6-6
The Knights had a number of close calls where it could have gone way south that they pulled out, beating Neshaminy in overtime 35-28 and Pennsbury in the playoffs (rematch), also in overtime 22-21. Other games did not go their way, like Upper Dublin, losing 32-28, and LaSalle, giving up 13 fourth quarter points to lose 37-28, out gained on the ground 249-74. Defense and the lack of a ground game (when needed) sums up the game and season, while allowing the ‘big play’ with LaSalle scoring on a 65 and 25-yard pass play and a 37 yard run. The defense was their worst EVER, meaning back through 1999 (my records) allowing 28ppg. For 2023, some losses include quarterback Ryan Zeltt, Yazeed Haynes (inelig for playoff per transfer from Neumann, Decom PSU-to GA.) and at least two lineman of note, Mikai Green (6-2, 300) and Kevin Pownall (6-0, 230).
Neshaminy 6A 4-6
It’s hard times at Neshaminy, experiencing an unheard of two consecutive losing seasons going 2-8 in 2021 and 4-6 last year. Interestingly, they were cranking out a decent season through the first six games going 4-2 with a road loss at Downingtown West and an overtime loss at North Penn. An offense that was already misfiring shot blanks the rest of the season scoring 12 total points the final four games while allowing 100. The offense that ended with a 12ppg average (12?) was their worst of record. The year before it was 14ppg so we’re talked a full on power outage with the Skins offense. With good numbers and experience returning to the defense, the offense should improve in Colin Baker’s second year under center after completing 50% for 1128 yards. The problem was interceptions with a 4/8 Td-Pick ratio. OL Charlie Sorka (6-4, 280) will stabilize the line with linebackers Joel Bonner and Colton Clee doing the same on defense. Still, DE’s Joey Zack (6-4, 220, 45 stops) and Nick Buchy (6-3, 245, 62 stops) with Jack Dunkley (6-4, 275) will be missed.
Pennridge 6A 2-9
2022 was the Rams lowest win total in over 25 years. Much of this was on the offense, fielding their second worst offense ever (2019-12ppg) at 17ppg. They suffered an uncanny number of close losses, losing road games to Souderton 24-21, CB East 16-13 in ot, Pennsbury 27-24 and at home to Neshaminy 7-6. They lost the last seven games of the season. I have no record (thru 1999) of the Rams ever losing their last seven games. This resulted in the administration deciding to move on from Coach Chuck Burgy after only one season at the helm. Probably didn’t help losing two straight to rival Quakertown in a game that does matter!
Abington 6A 2-8
84 wins and 38 losses. That’s the won/loss of the program from 2005 through 2014. Since then, they’ve gone 32-47 with only three winning season. Last year’s team allowed 28ppg on defense, the highest since 2002’s 2-8 team that allowed 31. The offense scored on average 15ppg, after scoring 14ppg the year before. These are their lowest averages since 2000’s 2-10 team that averaged ten points per game. Following a 2-1 start, the team collapsed, getting shutout four times and being outscored 225-46 the last seven games.
SOL-Continental Conference
Upper Dublin 5A 14-1
The Cardinals fielded one of their best teams, matching 2015’s mark with a 14-1 campaign and a record setting defense allowing 8ppg! They were undefeated through the regular season and four games into the postseason after beating all the quality teams (six) on the schedule (eg, Souderton, Rustin, Ply White) by an average score of 31-6 before losing to Imhotep in the semifinal 21-14. Senior quarterback Colin O’Sullivan completed 64% for 2839 yards with a 35/5 ratio. Running back Nyfise McIntyre also graduates taking 1365 yards with him along with the receiving corps taking 157 receptions and 2335 yards. The D graduates seven starters with the offense also losing four 1st team All-Continental Conference players and four from the 2nd Team. With all respect to Imhotep, it would have been nice to see how this group stacked up against Pine Richland.
Souderton 6A 9-3
Make that four straight winning seasons (30-12) since getting through a rough patch from 2013 to 2018 where they went 23-38. Their nine wins are the most they’ve had since 2007’s edition went 9-2. For 2023, they graduate Qb Jared Zimmerman (59%-1396, 10/5) and part of the group at running back with the top two rushers graduating. But the D that was both stubborn at 15ppg and young return a ton of bodies, at least eight starters/co-starters allowing them to hold on while the offense rebuilds.
Quakertown 6A 6-6
It’s been a decade since the Panthers had a defense this bad, allowing 30ppg that left them uncompetitive against the quality teams/programs on their schedule, losing to North Penn (6-6) 49-7, CB West (9-5) 56-14, Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-3) 49-9, Souderton (9-3) 34-20, Upper Dublin (14-1) 38-8 and Garnet Valley (13-1) 63-14 by a combined score of 289-63. That’s a significant drop for a program that won 70 games the previous nine years. But it was made better in the end by their second straight win over Pennridge 22-6, after beating them 21-0 in 2021.
Council Rock North 6A 4-6
Council Rock North had their seventh consecutive non-winning season (2-2 in 2020) but did improve in the win column by one with an offense that was capable at 19ppg over 2021’s historic low of 8ppg. The problem was a sieve like defense and some questions at the quarterback position (Will Scibona, Jackson Farley, Jules Matera) until settling in on Matera who finished at 53%, 1099 yards and a 11/0 Td-Pick ratio. At 6-2, 175, that’s pretty good stuff for a sophomore. They may have found something in Matera. Lineman Gavin Swope (6-3, 285) and LBs Avi Patel and Dylan Siveter are a loss, but they return good numbers. Beating CR South 21-20 helped ease the pain of a four-win season.
Council Rock South 6A 4-6
The Golden Hawks offense has been non-existent the last 4 years, closing with year ending averages of 9, 11, 14 and 15ppg from 2019 through 2022. This year’s was shutout three times and held to seven or less points twice. But, the defense proved resilient, allowing a respectable 16ppg by year’s end, keeping them somewhat competitive against Upper Dublin losing 16-0 and Souderton 23-0; unsupported by any help from the offense. They look good again for 2023 on defense with at least six back on the D-Front and the offense returning quarterback Chase Ennis (6-4, 210) who was their offense much of the year, scoring three rushing touchdowns in the year ending 21-20 loss to rival CR North.
Bensalem 6A 2-8
Hard as it is to believe, the Owls have not had a winning season since 2004 when they went 6-5. Since then, they’ve gone 49-132 with 5-5 outings in 2016, 2017 and 2021.
Truman 6A 2-8
Like Bensalem except for a few more bright spots in 2014 going 7-5, 2017 going 7-4 and 2018 at 10-2, the Tigers have struggled, registering a 55-158 record from 1999 through 2022.
Hatboro Horsham 5A (Independent) 1-7
As bad as things are at Bensalem and Truman, they’re worse at Hatboro-Horsham where the Hatters haven’t played a full schedule the last three years going 0-5, 0-8 and 1-7. Numbers are a problem and youth with last year’s team showing 42 on the roster of which 20 were sophomores. So they have experience returning for 2023 and hopefully the participation numbers come up.
SOL-American
Plymouth Whitemarsh 5A 10-3
Evidently the Colonials are still baffling people with that option, getting their second straight 10-win season and American championship. But not against CB South in the season opener, fumbling four times with countless special teams errors in a 21-6 loss at home. You know you’re in trouble rushing for 154 yards with an option offense. Ridley beat them 35-13 getting them off to a 1-2 start. Thereon they pounded out nine straight wins until losing to Upper Dublin 30-0 in the district semifinal. Entering 2023, they have big holes to fill on the D-Front (four also OL) and with quarterback Aiden O’Brien graduating.
Upper Moreland 4A 8-3
Thought the Golden Bears would be more with a great nucleus returning of seven on each side and a veteran line. But they lost to all the winning teams they played except 2A Executive Education Academy, going down against Interboro 37-7, Plymouth Whitemarsh 56-20 and Great Valley 24-21 in the first round. For 2023, they look wiped out, losing five OL’ers, a running back and wideout plus three DLs, two LBs and at least one from the secondary. That was a veteran line of Tyler Darrow 6-6 290, John Hardee 5-11 265, Chase Ragan 6-1 270, John Baker 6-1 250 and TE Tahir Harris. Quarterback Shawn Herbert also grads
Cheltenham 5A 6-4
The Panthers were a competitive bunch with narrow losses at Northeast 24-20 and Upper Moreland 14-10 preventing more. The 35-25 loss to Perk Val saw them outgain the Vikings 452 to 400 yards. They’ll sneak up on you with three winning seasons the last four years, fielding an 8-4 team in 2018, 14-2 after the 5A final in 2019 where they were edged by Wood 19-15 (DNP 2020) and 6-4 last year. They went 5-6 in 2021. Their principle skill returns for 2023 with Qb Jon Ingram (6 starts, 50%, 366py), RB Tre McLeod (1006ry), wide out Julian Author (11/288). It looks like most of the line returns including well regarded Anthony Govens (6-1, 285, sr), Forey Cherry (6-0, 295, sr) and Kurt Scheuerman (6-3, 290, sr) with good numbers returning to the defense and quality numbers on defense that was outstanding at 14ppg. They look like the favorite in the SOLA entering 2023. But there’s a new coach in Troy Gore with Ryan Nase out and taking over at Northeast.
Springfield Township 4A 5-5
They may look average in the won/loss column (29-17 last 5), but there’s nothing average about Dylan McKenzie (6-3, 190, jr) who will line up at quarterback, running back, wide out, safety and assume kicking duties as needed to be one of most complete players (throw back) in the state. Best I can figure he had 1928 total yards with 19 Tds, 32 tackles and four picks. PA Football News made him their 1st Team All-State Athlete and he’s back for the 2023 season. Against Tennent, he had 354 yards on 33 carries and six Tds; a school record. They were eliminated by Pope John Paul II (10-2) in the playoffs 49-14.
Wissahickon 5A 1-9
Hard times continue at Wissahickon with nine straight non-losing seasons, going 3-3 in 2020 for a won/loss of 17-69.
New Hope Solebury 3A 2-9
The Lions played in the Bicentennial Athletic League until 2019 when they came to the Suburban One. It was easy pickins in the BAL going 51-22 from 2013-2018 before the wakeup call of the SOLA where they have yet to have a winning season, going 5-5, 3-5, 1-7 and 2-9 last year.
Tennent 6A 1-8
Tennent hasn’t had a winning season since 2006’s 6-4 team. Since then they’ve won 34 games against 124 losses.
Central League
Garnet Valley 6A 13-1
The Jaguars keep cranking out winning teams like few others in the state with a 5-year won-loss of 56-5 and 10-year record of 106-18. Nothing seems to slow them including the retirement in 2021 of Coach Mike Ricci (35 years, 260-125-1). The new head coach is Eric VanWyk, a 2008 grad with ten years on the staff working with the quarterbacks and coaching freshman football. Last year’s group defeated good stuff at Ridley, Spring Ford, Downingtown East and CB West before losing to St. Joseph’s Prep 48-7 in States. They have another rebuild for ’23 graduating underrated Qb Matt Mesaros (61%-1289-19/0 ratio) plus 759 rush yards, lead rusher Jason Bernard’s 1023 yards, top receiver Drew Van Horn’s 22 receptions for 556 yards and four of the top five tacklers gone.
Strath Haven 5A 12-1
Nice seeing the Panthers back on the prowl again with outstanding back-to-back seasons going 13-2 in 2021 and 12-1 last year. This ups the 4-year mark to 39-7 following an uncharacteristic 31-46 run from 2012 through 2018. This is the same program that went 136-29 the preceding 13 years, going 15-0 in 1999 and 2000 winning 3A state titles, followed by runner-up Silver Medal trophies in 2001 and 2002. Last year’s team fielded their best statistical defense since 2006, beating Interboro (10-4) 27-13 and Ridley (8-4) 41-14, both on the road before losing to Rustin (11-2) in the district semifinal 28-27 on a failed two-point conversion in ot.
Like the 2021 Ridley team, this looked like ‘THE’ team that could make a deep run in States. Now they face a major rebuild, graduating their top four backs who rushed for 4381 yards on 514 attempts for 62 touchdowns, led by Anthony Crawford’s 2097 yards and Bob Fooskas’s 1098. The D loses their top three tacklers, all linebackers, and DT Jason Williams (6-3, 300), returning 6 starters/co-starters.
Ridley 6A 8-4
Here’s one of most successful programs in the state, not having a losing season since 1955. While the offense has typically been high octane, the defense has taken a step back recently (2018-2022) with season ending yields of 28, 27, 17, 24 and 21ppg. They averaged 12.5ppg yield the previous ten years. Regular season losses came against Garnet Valley 35-7, Strath Haven 41-14 and Spring Ford (8-4) in the playoffs 42-28. But anyone that knows anything about Ridley football knows the 47-7 season ending pounding of bitter rival and neighbor (a few blocks down MacDade) healed some of those wounds. Looking back, 2021 (12-2) was ‘THE’ team, with Tahir Mills setting a Delco record of 2521 yards rushing, named Delco Player of the Year, and quarterback John Heller, also All Delco, throwing for 2197 yards and 26 Tds. 19 starters returned. That was a great team that left it all on the field in Lansdale beating North Penn in overtime 56-55, then coming up short the following week against Coatesville in the district semifinal 50-14.
Springfield 5A 8-4
Springfield has quietly had 11 winning seasons the last 13-years, going 99-51 with defense often their strong suit. They would be less of a ‘quiet’ success if they would beat the historic powers of the league meaning Garnet Valley, Ridley and Strath Haven more than just occasionally. They haven’t over the last 5 years, going 0-4 vs Garnet Valley, 0-5 vs Haven and 1-2 vs Ridley, with the Ridley win coming in 2018 in triple overtime. A 1-11 record against the ‘name’ teams is not going to get you any attention beyond Delco County if it even gets that. Regardless, it was a solid team last year that had their highest win total in five years.
Haverford 6A 6-5
Like Springfield, Haverford has experienced success quietly with 11 winning seasons (94-45) the last 12 years. Unlike Springfield, the Fords have managed a few wins against Central League powers the last five years, going 2-2 vs Strath Haven, 2-3 against Ridley and 0-5 vs G-Val. And against Springfield, they’ve gone 4-0, outscoring them 123 to 35 to establish themselves as the next in line (Marple 1-9 vs same) behind the Power-3 that is Ridley, Garnet Valley and Strath Haven. They also took on a decent team from Mass last year losing to Mansfield (9-2) 24-14.
Conestoga 6A 6-5
Coach Matt Diamond, a 1998 Stoga grad, enters his fifth year at the helm coming off 7-4 and 6-5 seasons to reverse his first three years where the Pioneers won six games. Last year’s team struggled offensively, scoring 15 or less points in seven games. This put it all on the defense that wore down, but was still ‘game’ at a 23ppg season ending average. Two back-to-back appearances in the district playoffs says the programs is going in the right direction.
Marple-Newtown 5A 6-6
Look out Central League for this group that was super young last year and still managed a 6-6 record, a 26-19 PF-PA average with 1, 1, 3 and 3 point losses! That close to a 10-2 record. But you have to start winning some of those games, or forever stay in the shadow of Strath Haven where they’ve gone 1-4 the last five years, 0-2 vs Ridley and 0-3 vs G-Val over the same period. Quarterback Dave Bertoline returns with his big tackle Andrew Kirlin (6-6, 305, PSU, OU, etc) and most of last year’s starters. Their 61-31 won/loss the last eight years says they’re knocking on the door.
Upper Darby 6A 4-7
Upper Darby continues in a seven-year funk at 35-41 since the 10-3 breakout season in 2015. Since parting ways with Coach Rich Gentile who went 170-125-1 from 1994 through 2019, the program has declined, going 2-6, 6-5 and 4-7 last year with near to anemic offenses averaging 10, 19 and 14ppg from 2020 through last season.
Radnor 5A 4-7
Radnor is another struggling program with four winning seasons since 1999! Last year’s team had severe difficulty with top tier and mid-level league teams going 0-6 against Springfield losing 36-0, Haverford 35-14, Conestoga 40-27, Marple 32-6, Garnet Valley 49-0 and Strath Haven 42-0. Outscored 124-47.
Harriton 5A 4-6
Harriton had one winning season of record (1999), going 6-5 in 2006, and 29-134 since then. Their ten-year record is 12-87.
Lower Merion 6A 2-9
With records going back to 1999, Lower Merion has not had a .500 or winning season since then, winning 34 games and losing 220.
Penncrest 5A 1-10
Like the four teams above, Penncrest is mired in an ongoing slump with one winning season the last ten years and only three in the last 19!
Delaware Valley League
Interboro 5A 10-4
The Bucs broke out of a four-year slump of losing seasons (DNP-2020) with a 10-4 outing powered by the running of senior Abu Kamara rushing for a single season Delco record of 2833 yards. Interestingly, they had difficulty against the local powers losing to Strath Haven (12-1) 27-13, Chester (10-2) 33-0, and Ridley (8-4) 47-7, with a playoff win against Pope John Paul II (10-2) 38-14 to win the district crown. The following week saw their season come to an end losing to Bonner (11-2) 33-21 at States in the first round.
Chester 5A 10-2
Good things are happening in Chester who registered their third straight winning seasons at 7-3 in 2019 (Del Val cancelled 2020 season), 7-4 in 2021 and 10-2 last year. Especially when knowing this was only their fifth winning season in the last 24 years. The 2021 season showed real progress losing competitively to Coatesville (12-2) 34-28, Academy Park (9-3) 14-8 and Kennett (8-4) 31-28. 2022 showed HUGE statistical improvement across the board with wins against Interboro 33-0 and Marple-Newtown (6-6) 18-15, despite losses to Downingtown West (9-2) 34-19 and Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-3) 30-12. Lots of bodies return for ’23 with freshman QB Jalen Harris coming off a 62% season throwing for 2261 yards with a 35/6 ratio with good numbers defensively.
Academy Park 5A 3-8
Academy Park took a rare step backward after not playing in 2020 and with on-campus issues last season. This followed a revival of the program over the years stringing together 13 consecutive winning seasons and multiple playoff appearances. Last year’s team was a feisty bunch losing in overtime to Great Valley 38-25 and Interboro 21-20. That was a vet team so there’s lots of work to do for the coming season.
Penn Wood 6A 1-9
Penn Wood struggled through a tough season where they were again uncompetitive at 1-9, following the 0-9 season the year before. 2021’s team averaged seven points a game offensively and allowed 40, while last year’s team scored on average 13ppg and allowed 39. Seniors started at most of the skill positions and on defense. So it looks like a full rebuild for 2023.
Chichester 4A 1-5
Chi also struggled with their 15th losing season in the last 16 years. The offense scored an unbelievably historic school low of 68 total points.
Pioneer Athletic League (The PAC)
Liberty Division
Perkiomen Valley 6A 11-2
Perkiomen Valley won their second straight Liberty title with their first double digit winning season since putting three in a row back in 2015 at 10-2, 2016 at 12-1 and 2017 going 10-2. This year’s had tight wins against Downingtown West 30-29, Spring Ford 7-6 and PJP-II 21-14 and Souderton in the postseason 27-14. They had losses to Roman Catholic 26-10 and CB West 14-13. With sophomore quarterback Patrick MacDonald (5-11, 165) throwing at 64% for 1208 yards, their leading rusher back plus good numbers on the D, they’re one of the early favorite in the PAC. Hopefully they continue scheduling games with upper tire Ches-Mont teams and get another shot at Roman or their equivalent.
Spring Ford 6A 8-4
Like Perkiomen Valley, Spring Ford broke in a sophomore quarterback in Matt Zoellers (6-4, 200) with good numbers at 62%, 2055yds and a 23/3 ratio. Three of their top five receivers are back. The defense was largely senior but a good core returns with a pile of sizeable lineman. Last year’s team had some ‘close call losses’ to quality teams losing to Perk Val 7-6, Manheim Township 17-14 and Garnet Valley 30-27 in overtime and Cumberland Valley 28-16. But they showed development in their last two games defeating Ridley 42-28 in the playoffs before the ot loss at Garnet Valley. They appear as a serious contender in the PAC and get Perk Val home.
Owen J. Roberts 6A 6-5
OJR has had some competitive teams (50-35 last eight) and great players but it’s hard getting out from under the shadow of Spring Ford and Perkiomen Valley who own the PAC. This year’s team graduated good stuff along the lines in OL/DT Christian Gregory (6-2, 265), OL/DE Brandon Kelley (6-5, 240) and Alec Karnbach (6-2, 260). And with quarterback Michael Reed (Derek Hinrichs, jr, got time), WR Danny Cashman and lead rusher Hunter Rhoades also graduating, it looks shaky for 2023.
Boyertown 6A 5-6
The Bears registered their seventh straight losing season that still came close to getting it right with their most prolific offense (27ppg average) since 2013’s 7-4 team scored 34ppg. Although they managed minor upsets against Pottsgrove 33-0 and OJR 34-21, they lost bad to Exeter (12-1) 37-21, Spring Ford 42-0, Perkiomen Valley 47-7 and Williamsport 57-21. The Bears hibernation resembles Hempfield’s in the Lancaster-Lebanon League where some wonder when the sleeping giant (?) will awake.
Methacton 5A 5-6
Coach Brian Kennedy may have the Warriors on the move in his second year going 5-5 in 2021 and 5-6 last season. This follows a run of six losing seasons out of the last seven. They showed improvement last year with competitive losses to Pottsgrove (5-5) 12-7 and Kennett (8-4), losing 8-3 as the 11th seed. It was a highly significant season with the Warriors making the playoffs for the first time since 1994.
Norristown 6A 3-7
Norristown has had ten consecutive losing season with a won-loss of 25-84!
Frontier Division
Pope John Paul II 4A 10-2
It took a while following the merger of Kennedy-Kenrick and St. Pius X in 2010 creating Pope John Paul II. But once the Golden Panthers settled in after seven losing seasons, they’ve been a postseason constant, running off six straight winning seasons for a 45-15 record. Last year’s team ran up a 9-0 slate before losing a close one to Liberty champ Perkiomen Valley 21-14 in the PAC crossover game and in the district final getting thumped at Interboro 38-14. They’ll be a handful in 2023 with nearly the entire team back on both sides of the ball.
Phoenixville 5A 6-5
The young Phantoms were outgunned last year going down hard against the better teams in losses to Chester 47-10, PJP-II 42-0, Spring-Ford 56-0 and Springfield-Delco 42-7. But they could make some noise in ‘23 after mimicking PJP-II with a youth movement that sees almost everyone back for the coming season. Although 2022 saw modest improvement to 6-5 from 5-5, this was their first winning season since 2012 and that’s big stuff at any school. Look for the purple gang to make some noise this year.
Pottsgrove 4A 5-5
Guess you have to call 2022 a disappointment for Coach Billy Hawthorne entering his sixth season in 2023 off a .500 season when 16 starters returned including four OL’ers and a TE. They can probably look at the 20-13 Norristown loss where the Eagles made a goal line stand and a few kneel-downs to pull off the upset as a turning point, going 3-4 thereon. The Falcons have gone 32-18 since legendary Rick Pennypacker retired following the 2017 season.
Upper Merion 5A 4-7
Thought the Vikings might make a turnaround last year with a decent core returning eight to the offense. But it didn’t happen, going 2-4 in their home games with narrow losses to Phoenixville (6-5) by 7, Pottsgrove (5-5) by 6 and Methacton (5-6) by 7. You’re supposed to win the close ones at home against similar level comp. Didn’t happen. Instead, they’re looking for their second winning season in the last 15 years, replacing TE/DE Nolan Clayton (6-5, 235, Nova) and two PAC-1st teamers in WR Marcus Crittendon and C/DT Dom Cacciacillani (6-2, 250) and Qb Zayd Etheridge.
Upper Perkiomen 4A 2-8
Last year’s young and inexperienced group, one of their youngest groups in years struggled most of the season losing by an average score of 45-11 (358-91) in their eight losses. In defense, they’re a 4A battling uphill most of the year against larger schools.
Pottstown 4A 1-9
Here’s another struggling program that have only one winning season the last 20 years, going 7-5 in 2015. The last time before that occurred in 2002 at 10-1, losing at Strath Haven in the postseason 35-7. The film below is that game (my first time seeing Haven or the field) behind Haven’s middle school. Pottstown had Brandon Nixon, a 6-7, 325-pound lineman who looked gassed into the third quarter. Check out the Panther’s stable of running backs including Dan Connors who went on to PSU to set the tackling record.
Ches-Mont League
National Division
Coatesville 6A 8-3
You can probably say your program has arrived if an 8-2 record is your worst in eight years and only the second time you’ve been below double digits in the win column the last ten years. Coatesville may be one of the dominant teams in the district. but it’s still a challenge coming off a 12-2 season having won their sixth Ches Mont National title in a row. Last season ended in a tie (3-0) with Downingtown West who they did not play. Since Matt Ortega took over in 2009, the Red Raiders have established all kinds of records while pounding out a 136-33 record.
Downingtown East 6A 9-4
The Cougars fought through a tough schedule with a 32-31 loss to State College (two-point conversion last 18 seconds), a 14-10 loss to Coatesville and a 31-28 loss to Downingtown West before reversing those losses in the postseason, beating Coatesville and D-West 31-15 and 34-9 respectively before losing to Garnet Valley 28-17. Since East is always about running the football, they have a monster hole to fill at running back with Bo Horvath (5-11, 185) graduating after rushing for 2315 yards on 364 carries (!), scoring 32 touchdowns. He is also one of the top midfielders (lacrosse) in the country and will play at Lehigh. But they return four of five lineman including C Ryan Konchek, OTs Adham Abouraya and Aidan Flaherty and Ryan Moses, a guard. Luke Flowers is the only loss.
Downingtown West 6A 9-2
Hard figuring how this group didn’t go farther with one of their best defenses in over ten years at 17ppg yield and an offense cranking out 38ppg. They lost to Perkiomen Valley 30-29, giving up a 26-10 half time lead (where did that defense go?), and in a rematch-revenge-rivalry game to Downingtown West 34-9. Big numbers return on offense with almost all their skill people back led by quarterback Quinn Henicle (6-2, 190, jr, 59%-1506, 16/5) and defense that returns at least 8 starters.
Bishop Shanahan 4A 4-6
Bishop Shanahan graduated their best team ever following the 2021 season going 11-4 (most wins ever) and winning their second district title in the last three years. It was also a senior laden team losing 33 seniors. The cost was a rebuilding season with a youthful group filling 19 open spots with only 3 returning starters. And it showed on the field with an opening loss to Phoenixville (6-5) 35-7 and a 14-0 loss to Avon Grove (4-6). The highlight of the season was a 6-3 road win at Great Valley (8-4) who was 5-0 at the time. They’ll build on that and the 1-3 finish that masked an offense coalescing over their last four games averaging 26ppg.
Avon Grove 6A 4-6
Since exploding onto the scene in 2009 with a 11-2 campaign, the Red Devils have imploded, running up 13 non-winning seasons (5-5 in 2017, 2018). But they recovered from a 1-3 start last year, winning three straight before losing out against a difficult slate of Downingtown East, Interboro and Coatesville. A defense that allowed on average 30ppg since the 11-2 season returns big numbers that should reverse that trend in head coach Joe Coffey’s fourth season
American Division
Rustin 5A 11-2
Few ‘new’ programs like Rustin have had almost instant success as they have since opening in 2006. Despite going 5-6, they’ve had only one other losing season (5-6, 2016) since then while generating one of the better records in the state at 143-44 from 2007 through last season. Mike St. Clair has been their only coach. Rustin is known for consistently putting strong defenses on the field and pounding ground games. Last year’s team went to overtime to beat Strath Haven in the postseason 28-27 after losing to them the preceding year 34-33, also in overtime. A 21-7 loss to Upper Dublin in the district final brought the season to a close.
Kennett 5A 8-4
The Blue Demons fielded another solid team last year going 8-4 with a good senior core returning. Wins against Rustin 24-14 and Great Valley 30-7 highlighted the year. 2023 sees them looking to replace RB/LB Julian Sparacino’s 1578 rush yards, Kicker Ryan Barker (PSU), Conner Tuk (6-5, 290….Army) and LBs Ryan King and Colin Jung. Good things are happening at Kennett Square with the Demons going 28-12 following six straight losing seasons at 16-45.
Great Valley 5A 8-4
The Patriots snapped a 4-year drought of losing seasons like gang busters with a 5-0 run before Bishop Shanahan beat them 6-3 in Malvern! Two more wins got them to 7-1 before the 1-3 finish against tougher comp including Kennett 30-7, Rustin 32-0 and Upper Dublin (14-1) in the playoffs, losing 35-0. Much of their offense returns for 2023 with big chunks of the defense graduating. Scores in their last three games shown above suggests those losses are largely replaceable.
Sun Valley/Northley 5A 6-6
Sun almost got to their first winning season since 2012 except for a 35-29 overtime loss at Avon Grove. But they made the 5A playoffs where they lost to Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-3) 41-0. It all ended on a positive not only making the playoffs for the first time in six years but in defeating arch rival Chichester 26-7 in the 54th annual Thanksgiving Day game; the only game that counts if you’re from the Aston-Brookhaven area.
Unionville 5A 3-7
Guess you’d have to call 2022 a disappointment going 3-7 with a veteran OL and good skill returning. But they were coming off one of their most successful seasons ever at 10-2, with some key grad losses. Losing winnable games in the home opener to Academy Park (3-8) 13-7 then later at Henderson (2-7) 14-7 prevented a 5-5 season. Bottom line, this was only the second losing season in the last 20 years. So look for the Longhorns (Longhorns!?) to bounce back in 2023.
Oxford 5A 3-7
The slump in Oxford continues with their fifth consecutive losing season in the last six years and twenty-second of record going back to 1999.
Henderson 5A 2-7
Henderson is also in a prolonged slump like Oxford the last six years (12-54!) with the difference being they have a recent history of success going back to 2001 with 15 winning seasons through 2016.
