District 1: Review 2020, Preview 2021.
Here’s the District-1 section of a state review I do annually attempting to keep up with teams across the Commonwealth. So it’s a fast review, sometimes a preview varying from team to team including some historical/archival info the SE PA crowd might enjoy. Classes shown, jr, sr, etc are for the 2020 season.
Pioneer Athletic Conference
Liberty Conference
Spring Ford 6-1 6A
The Rams won back-to-back conference titles with another large and balanced offense averaging 32ppg (35ppg avg since 2010) supported by a record setting defense that allowed 10ppg; their lowest yield since at least 1999. Coach Chad Brubaker took over in 2010 by way of Wilson of West Lawn to immediately turn the Rams into a consistent winner, reversing a 10 year losing cycle (38-85) to one of the district’s top programs with a record of 95-30. No one is calling them Coatesville or North Penn but they have upgraded the schedule to play D3 notables Wilson and Exeter almost yearly, and others like Whitehall, State College, Unionville, Central Bucks South, Truman and Wayne Valley-NJ since Brubaker’s arrival. Now, if they can get over the hump of first round district playoff losses, losing the last four to Souderton 27-24 this year, Haverford in 2019, Downingtown East in 2018 and Neshaminy in 2017, they’ll have taken the next step. Although they have big losses on defense, many saw the field. Top tackler Ryan Horvath (5-9, 175, 36 stops) is back with at least 7 other starters/co-starters. The offense should be fine with quarterback Ryan Freed and running back Harry Adieyefeh returning with linemen Ian Harvie 6-0 250 and John Kaputa 6-2 280 to reload the offense. But WR/S Nicholas Teets (5-9, 185, 28/414py, 24/123ry, 27 tackles, Monmouth, lacrosse) will be missed.
Perkiomen Valley 6-2 6A
Too bad the Vikings had to open with Spring Ford, especially at their place with a young team (4 starters total returned) that had nine new starters on both sides. Spring Ford’s defense was just too strong, holding them to 163 total yards (96 rushing) in a 27-13 loss. The other loss was at home to PJP-II 34-22, where they again had no ground game, “rushing” for minus 4 yards. The strength of PV’s team in 2020 was a solid passing game fueled by Ethan Kohler (6-2, 195, jr, Mercury 1st team), who, if I did the math right from online articles completed 100 of 156 passes (64%) for 1537 yards with a 17 to 1 Td-Pick ratio. As a reminder, his 2019 stats were 2259 yards, 59%, 21/7 Td-Pick ratio. Impressive stuff. For 2021, they lose a few linebackers of note, Nico Holder and Aiden Qwens, but return big numbers/experience to both sides. Also took a few hits to the receiver corps including Kevin Beattie and Jason Posner, but Dawson Debebe (6-2, 190, jr) with Leo Hunsberger and Rasheem Grayson who combined caught 41 passes for 634 yards return with all the principal running backs. PV should enter 2021 as the PAC-Liberty favorite (Spg-Fd at PV) and more with Kohler set for a special year.
Owen J. Roberts 3-3 6A
OJR continued their six year streak of non-losing seasons with a young team that included only 8 seniors! Almost everyone returns for 2021 including two quarterbacks that got time, sophomores Mike Reed and Will Whitlock. Most of the line is back to allow Avery Grimm another strong season after gaining 667 yards last year. He had a four game streak gaining over 100 yards against Boyertown, Meth, Perk Val and Upper Perk. The PAC is a tough league to make a move in with Spring Ford and Perkiomen Valley dominating. Otherwise, parity rules almost exclusively excepting Pope John Paul II who is separating from the pack with a 34-22 win vs Perk Val this year, last year’s district title and 29-28 win against PCL-Blue champ Neumann Goretti in States. Otherwise, no one has had a stronger run at the alphas than OJR going 37-25 the last six years.
Methacton 4-3 6A
Methacton got their first winning season since 2014 by winning the last two games against Pottsgrove 17-6 and Council Rock South 13-0. Too bad they couldn’t muster more offense scoring 93 points, an anemic 13ppg average. The most anyone scored on them was Spring Ford in a 21-0 loss and Perk Val in a 27-14 loss. Fortunately they had a decent defense that gave up only 96 points enabling the four wins where they allowed a total of 24 points. Much of the D will graduate as well as the quarterback, leading rusher and receiver making 2021 a rebuilding year.
Boyertown 2-5 6A
Wow, what happened at Boyertown? They used to be at least representative with but four losing season from 1999 through 2015. Then the bottom fell out, going 14-34 since then. Like Upper Merion they ended the season with two wins that should provide impetus given how young they are with freshman and sophomores in the lineup. Freshman Ryder Gehris is the quarterback with most of their skill and O-Line returning. Their season ending 20-9 win against perennial power and rival Pottsgrove was huge, giving them a 20-19-1 lead in the series.
Norristown 6A……..did not play
Pioneer Athletic Conference
Frontier Conference
Pope John Paul II 3-0 4A
Pope John Paul II is the result of a merger of Kennedy Kenrick and St. Pius X for the 2010 season where they’ve been woeful the first 7 years winning 13 games before turning it around in 2017 and running off four winning seasons, going 28-10. 2020’s team was notable as a 4A beating Perkiomen Valley (6-2) 34-22, their first win against a 6A. NOTE: held PV to minus 4 yards rushing. The year before they went 10-3, beating Neumann Goretti (11-1) 28-27 in the playoffs before losing to Tamaqua. They have some skill returning for 2021 especially with soph Markese Williams (5-9, 145, so) who plays QB/RB/WR, RB/LB Josh Little (5-9, 180, jr) and RB/LB Steele DePetrillo (5-7, 195, jr). He lit up Perk Val with 4 receptions for 82 yards. Quarterback Rocco DeRico (652py, 70%, 6/2) is a big loss with those stats for 3 games. They were explosive last year at 39ppg. Too bad they didn’t play enough games to qualify for the playoffs as they looked like the best 4A in the district. There is now another quality football team in Royersford besides nearby Spring Ford High.
Pottsgrove 2-2 4A
It was a brand new day in Pottsgrove with the retirement of head coach Rick Pennypacker at the end of the 2017 season after 29 years at the helm. Longtime assistant Billy Hawthorne followed in shoes that will be hard to fill with Coach going 237-99-4 with just four losing seasons. Kind of like following Coach Bryant at Alabama or Coach Mike Pettine at CB West. Pennypacker is a PAC guy through and through graduating from Spring Ford in 1972 then to West Virginia as a lineman playing for Bobby Bowden. Back to the present; Coach Hawthorne went 12-2 his first year followed by a disappointing 2019 season going 5-6 where the losses were of the uncompetitive variety losing by an average score of 42-16. Last year’s offense struggled at 13ppg with much of it back in 2021. The D held it all together (13ppg) and should again the coming year with 7 returning including Mark White, a good looking sophomore DE at 6-2, 240.
Phoenixville 2-2 5A
The Phantoms return big numbers from a team that played a lot of underclassman to return a good core for 2021. Two freshman and three sophomores got significant time. Dual threat quarterback Tre Davis is back with the leading rusher Owen Koch who had 402 yards, 315 coming in the last two games. Roman Ciaverelli 5-9 210 jr is back on the line with Solomon Ortiz 6-3 305 jr, Andy McMahon 6-1 210 jr and Kael Gilbert 6-1 210 jr. Real shaky roster info but with QB Davis, RB Koch and soph QB/RB Ty Romance, they should be exciting. Coach Don Grinstead has been the man since 2018, succeeding Evan Breisblatt (2014-2017, 8-33) and going 4-7, 3-7 and 2-2. Before this he was HC at Pottstown (2013-2015, 10-25) and DL then DC at Great Valley (2009-2012).
Upper Merion 2-3 5A
It’s hard finding a lot to say about a program that’s had three winning seasons the last 16 years. But they did win their last two against Phoenixville 35-6 and Muhlenberg 35-7. And they haven’t done that since 2015. Actually they’ve shown a pulse the last 3 years going 6-5, 5-6 and 2-3 last year with much better statistics. Plus they return a ton of players for next year including most of their skill; QB Nolan Clayton 6-5 210 so, frosh RBs Jalen Alexander 6-0 170 fr, Nick Gerace jr and Qwynne Seals 5-6 140 soph, WR Alzere Thomas 5-9 150 soph and 8 to the defense including DE Wyatt Hart 6-2 215 and DT Tremayne Brown 6-0 285 jr. Numbers like that offer optimism on top of season ending back-to-back wins.
Upper Perkiomen 2-4 5A
Upper Perk had a tough go of it playing five of the largest schools in the PAC due the other small schools not deciding to play until after the schedule was made. UP plays in the small school Frontier Division and has the smallest roster in the PAC. Blow outs to OJR 31-14 and Boyertown 42-14 showed they had some players while losses to Perk Val 34-0 and Spring Ford 55-0 says there’s still a wide gulf as do narrow losses to Methacton 18-12 where Meth score in the last 35 seconds and Phoenixville simply out played them winning 20-12 at Upper Perk. A big loss entering 2021 will be their three year starting quarterback Hunter Flack (58%, 834), but they return running back Logan Simmon (5-9, 180, 836yds, jr). They had a nice group last year that would likely have done more with a normal Frontier Division schedule and a full season.
Pottstown 0-4 4A
The Trojans played an inordinate number of underclassman that hopefully laid a foundation for 2021. They only had 28 active players (started 2 srs) while struggling with a rebuilt line. Every other player was a sophomore; egs…. quarterback Mason Miller, running backs Joneil Oister, Malachi Neely, Jared Hewitt and wide out Rashean Bostic. Things would likely improve if they found stability at the head coaching position. Their recent coaches have been Don Grinstead (2013-2015), Gary Rhodenbaugh (2016), Mark Fischer (2017-2018) and in 2019, current coach Jeff Delaney. Be nice seeing the kids caught a break. Hopefully Delaney hangs.
Central League
Garnet Valley 6-0 6A
The Jaguars won another Central League title going undefeated in league action for the third straight year, winning by an average score of 43-17. Too bad this group couldn’t get to the playoffs. At 6-0, they were on their way to a fifth consecutive 10-plus win season, having gone 11-3, 12-2, 12-1 and 11-2 from 2016 thru 2019. At 43ppg, this was their most prolific offense ever, albeit, a stunted season. Still saying something knowing the success they’ve had since joining the Central in 2008, going 103-13 in league action (25 straight league wins) counting conference playoff games. They’ve upped their game recently by developing a passing attack which in part explains their offense the last two years averaging over 40ppg. They are a lot more than veers, traps and pitches averaging 100 yards passing per game in 2020. The last 10 years witnessed their ascendency to the top of the Central League. Next year promises the same with many returning on both sides, especially defense where at least 8 back gives them another quick-athletic front 7. The offense returns their lead rusher and receiver plus a talented quarterback in Max Busenkell (6-0, 175, jr) who went 8 for 9 for 168 yards and 2 Tds vs Marple Newtown in the final when senior Kevin McGarrey went down in the 1st quarter for the game. They have some holes on the OL but when has that ever been a problem at G-Val?
Ridley 3-3 6A
The Raiders 2-0 start was dampened by a 1-3 finish that was good enough to keep their non-losing season streak intact, not having a losing season since 1955 when they went 3-5-1 as Ridley Township. For a team that had a lot of youth spread throughout the lineup, they showed flashes and speed. Junior RB/LB Tahir Mills showed real promise and talent on both sides of the ball. He’s back with RB/DB Aubrey Daniels, wide outs Paul Jackson and junior quarterback John Heller. Many other underclassman got significant time including sophomores LB Stephen Gerace, WR/DB Steve O’Donovan, Antonio Saahir, Dean Contant, etc, etc. They have real losses at DE/LB Blaise Desmond 6-2 220, Nicholas Becker 6-3 220, NG Victor Ninson and Nathan Desmond 6-5 245. RB/LB Gavin Kingsborough is a big loss in terms of versatility and leadership. But, they have a lot of pieces with lineman B. O’Dea, H. Brown, A. Berry moving up. The D sustained them early this season but it could be a more experienced offense that leads them in 2021. 2020’s offense stumbled against the quality on their schedule losing to Haverford 33-3 (5-2), Garnet Valley (6-0) 44-0 and the heartbreaker at home to Radnor (4-2) 12-7. Lots of work to do but it’s Ridley!
Strath Haven 5-1 5A
The Panthers are once again relevant in the Central League going 5-1 this year and 9-3 the previous. Before this they went 31-46 from 2012 through 2018 with no winning seasons! Things changed in ‘19 with an exhilerating 49-13 win over Ridley, followed by sobering losses to Haverford 24-0 and G-Val 49-21 and a 20-14 ot loss to Kennett in Districts. The only loss this year was at Marple 33-27 in a fiercely contested game where Marple’s size slowly wore down Haven’s light/quick unit, allowing Charlie Box to bludgeon the Panther D for 182 yards on 22 carries. 2021 sees most of the team returning including the line in tackles Jake Millett (6-4, 250, jr) and Ben Farabaugh (6-0, 220, so), guards Ethan Barrar (6-10, 175, jr) and Nick Filos (5-10-180, jr) and center Jack Beck (6-1, 175, jr). They had a huge offense in 2021 averaging 43 a game, their best ever, with a defense at 17ppg with a young group. Nice seeing the Panthers back on the prowl.
Marple Newtown 5-1 5A
The Tiger had a veteran team last year that got off to a 5-0 start earning themselves a date in the Central League Championship game where they lost at Garnet Valley 52-30 after leading 14-0. They were fueled by an balanced offense (32ppg) led by a solid O-Line, a veteran quarterback in Joey Paoletti (802py) and an exciting junior running back in Charlie Box (5-8, 175). Dual threat Box ended the year with 575 yards rushing and a spot on Pa Football News’ 5A first team. With most of the team’s key parts graduating (OL, QB), they’ll rebuild around him. Tackle Ryan Lain (6-4, 275, PFN 1st team) and center Anthony Armento (6-1, 220) are big losses as are other senior starters Joey Goodman (6-0, 220), Johnnie Ebert (6-2, 245) and Chris Meiklejohn (6-0, 195). DT Ebert, NG Goodman and DT Lain gave them a legit front 3 that will be missed. They’ve got some skill returning and a few linebackers and DBs making the line and quarterback big concerns entering 2021. Looks like they’ll take a step back on offense from 32ppg while remaining dangerous with Charlie Box getting the ball.
Haverford 5-2 6A
It’s no secret a pile of talent has come through the school the last decade with this Ford running hot, garnering 10 straight winning seasons and an 82-33 won loss. Plus they took 6 of 10 from rival Ridley over that period and 6 of the last 8. They’ve tightened up the series with Garnet Valley losing on average 25-22 the last five games with one going to overtime. But they still lag behind in the series 8-2. For 2021 they graduate a lot of skill but return key parts in soph quarterback Tommy Wright (6-2, 180, 923py) plus returning lineman Mario Tascione (6-2, 265, jr) and Mike Powell (6-2, 285, jr). Mike McNicholas (6-1, 200, jr) and Pete Corcoran (6-3, 215, jr) also started or were in the rotation. Some of the big losses are RB/DB Jimmy Wright (913ry), TE Chris Dempsey, C Liam Collins, DL Ryan Buckton, WR/DB Casey Gilroy (26/477), DB George Moscony and LB Will Higson (6-2, 215, 68 tackles). The Fords haven’t had a losing season since 2010 (83-33 since) and will likely be exciting with their young quarterback and another group of talented players.
Springfield 4-3 5A
Springfield flew under the radar last year with a 4-3 team that suffered heartbreaking losses at home to Radnor (4-2) 13-10 on a missed FG and Marple Newtown (5-1) 24-21. They’ve gone 86-40 since their last losing season in 2009. The highpoints were 2014 (12-1), 2016 (12-2) and 2017 (13-1) where they lost to Academy Park in the district final in 2016 then lost the following year in the 5A quarterfinals 35-25 to Unionville. Look for another competitive team with a pile of starters back including sophomore QB Jake Fama (6-1, 160, 698, 69%). Also back is the entire secondary, 3 LB/DEs, and lineman Brian Layton (6-0 235), Tyler Klambara (6-4, 280) and Jalen Allen (6-2, 235). Many play corresponding position on offense. This looks like a highly competitive team for 2021.
Radnor 4-2 5A
Radnor like Strath Haven put themselves back on the map by upping their game the last 6 years with a 36-28 record. That’s a big deal when your won-loss the previous 16 years is 51-118 with one winning season. This year started with a 56-27 rout by Strath Haven and ended with a 12-7 win at Ridley. They had a sluggish offense scoring 22ppg backed by a solid, quick defense that allowed 12ppg, discounting the blow-out loss to Strath Haven in the opener. 2021 looks dicey with the graduation of All-Delco wide out Jahmir Dixon (15/415py), RB/LB Scott Belveal (860ry), WR/FS Reece Evans, QB Juan Pablo Moreland (732py), OT/DTs Daetreal Jerome (6-2, 280) and Gavin Holz. But, they got a taste of it the last 6 years to be at least competitive.
Upper Darby 2-6 6A
Upper Darby began a 3 game season-ending skid when Penncrest (2-4) stopped them on a 2 point conversion try with 28 seconds remaining, losing 27-26. Too bad. That was also their last shot at tasting .500 knowing their chances of defeating Springfield and Haverford were slim to none. Springfield won 48-0 while bitter rival Haverford prevailed 42-7. The losses drops them to 63-74 since 2009 with 4 winning seasons. Back in the day as a strong 4A, they were the measuring stick by which Strath Haven gaged their chances in the 3A postseason when Haven visited the finals 4 straight years from 1999 through 2002. Things have changed with UD fielding their worse offense and defense ever, averaging 10ppg while allowing 33. So it was a tough first year for head coach Dave Barr (Bonner). Because the Royals have big numbers walking the halls and coming out for football, maybe Coach Barr can get it going as they have always had the resources. They were too young last year starting sophomores at quarterback in Donte Shaw, WR/S Jihad Cove, RB Montez Ellis et al. Some of the key returns for 2021 are Center Shaqib Salahuddin (6-2, 225, jr), tackle Julien Laventure (6-2, 285, jr) and LB/RB Lucas Venuti (6-0, 180, jr).
Conestoga 1-4 6A
The once strong Conestoga program has fallen on hard time with their fifth straight losing season, going 9-36 (5-18 home) after a 17 year run of only one losing season. Their average points allowed over the last five years was a sieve like 30.4. Too bad the staff can’t turn things around in a talent rich area. Regardless of the record, they lost good players in LBs Patrick Nichols (6-0, 210) and Fred Mucklow (5-11, 185), DL/OL Connor Whitlow plus QB Michael Costigan. The good news is standout wide-out Pete Detwiler returns after snagging 28 passes for 570 yards along with a promising sophomore in Brody Eaton (6-3, 220). Calvin Shirley (5-11, 180, jr) should get the nod at quarterback replacing graduated Michael Costigan with three returning to the receiver corps.
Penncrest 2-4 5A
The Lions registered their seventh consecutive losing season since 2013, going 17-52 in that period with only 6 winning seasons going back to 1999! You’d think an area like Media/Middletown could put good teams out there once in a while? Since going 7-3 in 2013, their highest win total in any year is 3. They return big numbers for 2021 including quarterback Nick Chelo and much of the skill. The defense returns at least 7
Lower Merion 1-5 6A
Lower Merion completed their 22nd consecutive losing season (records to 1999) where nearly half were winless campaigns in 2019, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2007, 2006, 2003 and 2001. Their highest win total for any season was 3 games. Come on hoops....where they settle scores in a big way! But there is always hope! They return a nice back in Jay Zheng (5-8, 185, jr) and QB/S Jack Lledo (5-11, 180, jr). They'll lose C/G Ari Charmint (6-1, 225), TE/LB Phil Cook (6-1, 220) and OT/DL Elijah Philippe (6-7, 255). DE Dshawn Jemison 6-1, 215 also grads. With decent size on the lines coming up, maybe they can get some wins with the returns in the backfield.
Harriton 0-5 5A
Four miles away and evidently sipping from the same water supply is Harriton High who haven’t had a winning season since 2006, their only winning season since before 1999. They did go 5-5 in 2012 then nose-dived to 24-118 through last year. Last year’s team scored 22 points and allowed 259, fielding a super young team with only 13 seniors suggesting potential for improvement. They’ve only won 8 games the last 8 years, going 8-71.
Del-Val League
(Del-Val teams did not play football in 2020)
Interboro 5A
The Bucs long time coach Steve Lennox retired after a 38 year career where he compiled a 313-115-2 record, 229 of those wins coming at Interboro since his hiring in 1993. They won their only district title in 2012 but have since fallen on harder times, going 5-7 in 2017, 6-7 in 2018 and 2-9 in 2019. Coach Dennis Lux, a 2005 Interboro alum and former quarterback is the new head coach.
Academy Park 5A
The Knights exploded onto the scene in 2008 with quality teams that went 110-39 through the 2019 season. This followed a 6 year drought, recording an 18-47 mark. Back in 2008 (7-5), they were losing to Chester 29-14. By 2013 they were winning a district title, then back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016. But they were still losing to the Wood’s and Imhotep’s by wide margins. In 2019 they gave state runner-up Cheltenham one of their toughest games losing 43-42 showing even further development of the program. AP missed on a 2 point conversion attempt as time was expiring in that one. Time to take the Knights seriously.
Penn Wood 6A
Here’s another sleeper teams that keeps hinting at waking up with a 33-14 record the last four years. This is particularly special knowing they managed but five wins the preceding five years. With Interboro swooning (coach Lennox retired) and Glen Mills closed, the door is at least ajar for Penn Wood to join Academy Park as top dog in the Del-Val.
Glen Mills 4A
The Bulls had some monster teams over the years but really tailed off the last five going 22-32 before the court adjudicated school closed in 2019.
Chester 5A
The Clippers have been a perennial loser over the years with three winning seasons since 2000. They did a complete about face in 2019 with a 7-3 record that may have made further progress with many returning this year. Too bad. But like Lower Merion, the Clippers often settle all scores on the hardwood with powerful basketball teams that make you forget all about football. In Chester, hoops rules!
Chichester 4A
Hard as it is to believe, Chi has had two winning seasons from 1999-2019 and gone 40-118 since their last winning season in 2005.
SOL-Continental Conference
Souderton 7-1 6A
Good things are happening in Souderton with back-to-back winning seasons landing playoff slots, bringing a halt to six years of mediocrity where they went 23-38 from 2013 to 2018 with one winning season. 2019 got your attention with a 6-0 start before cooling off to 8-3. This year’s team was even more with a 7-0 start that included a conference title, district championship (first ever) and state semifinal appearance. Impressive stuff! Averaging 35ppg, they fielded their highest scoring offense ever, with a D at 19ppg that was their best in seven years. Districts saw them beat 2nd seeded Spring Ford (6-1) 27-24 and top seeded Pennridge (7-1) 31-17, both on the road as the 3rd seed before losing to St. Joseph’s Prep 51-43 in the semifinal. Abbreviated-pandemic season or not, how many of us projected Souderton to the state semifinal? For 2021 they graduate an under rated Qb in Evan Kutzler (6-3, 170) who had solid stats with a 6/1 ratio, 718 pass yards and a 62% completion rate. A good core returns to the D that allowed 13ppg before St. Joe’s and the O with Braylen Porter (5-10, 180, 612ry, jr) back, Sean McGoldrick and the receiver corps. The D returns a good core of 6 starters.
Upper Dublin 6-2 5A (Had a forfeit W and L)
Upper Dublin had another strong season, their 11th straight since 2009’s 4-6 team. The only loss this year was to Souderton 28-7 where they played them even in the second half after falling behind 21-7. They allowed 13ppg by season’s end with a forfeit loss to Cathedral Prep (7-3, D10) in the state semifinals. Too bad, as they had enough to compete against a less than special Rambler group. Upper Dublin in the final would have been a trip! The D started 8 underclassmen with 5 of their front 7 back next season including sophomore DLs Riley Hackett 6-4 220, freshman LB Nafis Blythe 5-11 190, sophomore Kyree Butler 6-2 295 and junior LBs Tristan Cairns 6-2 195 and Nicholas Rodriguez 5-9 195. Connor Dewitt (6-6, 310, jr) is also back with most of the linebackers and secondary. Sophomore QB Colin Sullivan (6-0, 180, 561, 55%, 4/3 ratio) returns plus a slew of backs and receivers to a group that scored 27ppg. Looks like another good group for 2021 to make another run.
Quakertown 5-3 6A
Unless you gave the Panthers a second look at 5-3, you wouldn’t know they fielded one of their best teams in years, missing the playoffs as the 7th seed in a field of four. They scored 35ppg, their best in over 22 years and allowed 15, their best since averaging 14ppg in 2014 and 2015 where they went 11-2 and 10-3 respectively. Their losses were competitive, losing to Souderton (7-1) in the opener 28-23 (Q leading 17-12 at ½), Perk Val (6-2) 35-28, PV scoring 21 unanswered pts, and the 91st Thanksgiving Day annual “pick-em” with Pennridge (7-1) 21-14 where the Rams scored 14 4th quarter pts for the win. Like Upper Dublin, Qtown was a young group in many positions but return a lot of skill including quarterback Will Steich (5-11, 160, jr, 56%, 1135, 16/2!, 1st Team Continental), most of the receiver corps and running backs and good stuff upfront in Fred Retter (6-2, 235, jr) and Anthony Schiller (6-2, 260, jr). Retter on the DL, Kaden Ruesener (5-11, 195, jr) and CB Tyler Woodman (5-9, 175, jr) are key returns to the defense.
Council Rock North 2-2 6A
After bottoming out with 5 wins the past 4 seasons going 1-8, 1-9, 1-9 and 2-8, the 2020 season represented something of a success going 2-2 that included a competitive 21-6 loss at Upper Dublin where they outrushed the Cardinals 184 to 122. Statistically, their 19ppg average on offense and 16 on defense were also their best numbers since 2015. All this should have them entering 2021 on a positive note if they can manage the loss of QB Mike Sylvester, OL/DL Luke Molden (6-4, 235, 1st Team), TE Connor Atkinson (6-0, 190) and wide out Ryan McCaffrey. They graduated a lot of skill but played underclassman including sophomores Gavin Papp, Dylon Herbert and junior Will Scibona.
Council Rock South 2-5 6A
For a team that’s been in a funk the last nine years, going 31-55, 2020 was another disappointing season, winning two games while averaging a paltry 11ppg! 2020 and 2019 were their worst offenses (year ending average) over the last 22 years, going back to 1999. It’s been a hard row to hoe since 2011’s top seeded 12-2 Hawks scaled the rugged D1 ladder to the final before losing to a very good North Penn (13-3) team 34-14. The convoluted seeding system of District-1 had the Knights as the 11th seed....11th! All they did was get to the state final losing in a toss-up game to Central Dauphin 14-6. For 2021 there are positives with quarterback Matt Striffolino back and three from the 2nd Team All-Conference in RB Brady Beres (6-0, 190, jr), TE Alec Checchia (6-5, 235. jr) and OL Mason Shores (6-1, 295, jr). Last year’s D hung in there allowing a respectable 21ppg knowing the offense was no support averaging 11ppg. Went down swinging! So it’s a big deal losing a hitter like LB Aiden Geist (5-9, 200, 1st Team) and DL David Nolter (5-10, 250, HM). But the offense should improve. And if the D brings 2020’s attitude into 2021, they’ll be notably improved.
Bensalem 0-5 6A
The Fighting Owls have not had a winning season since 2004. This year’s group was not in any way competitive, losing by an average score of 46-10, allowing 40, 42, 52, 55 and 40 points. It’s ashamed the administration can’t find a staff capable of winning. And with a won-loss of 64-154 since 1999 with two winning seasons, that clearly has not been the priority. They won four games the last three years.
Hatboro Horsham 0-5 5A
Like Bensalem, the Hatters programs has also been in a death spiral for over a decade, going 51-89 with 3 winning seasons since 2007. Their offense this year reached record depths, scoring 31 total points; 6 points per game. You can score 6 points accidentally against today’s defenses!....making this the first year they’ve gone winless in over 22 years.
Truman 6A……..did not play.
SOL-National Conference
North Penn 4-1 6A
The Knights missed the playoffs for the first time since 2012 largely as a result of being handled in the opener at Neshaminy 35-19, ending with the 6th seed. Once again, defense was their Achilles Heel allowing 22ppg. Too bad as the offense was their best ever at 44ppg! But they finished strong (4-0) with Coach Beck getting his 200th career win playing CB East. They’ll enter 2021 with a boatload of skill beginning with quarterback Ryan Zeltt (6-3, 185, so) who has played since game two of 2019 when senior Kolby Barrow went down. He and running back Khalani Eaton (5-11, 210, jr, 1038ry, 14 Tds) with receivers Jalen Edwards, Levi Carroll and a solid kicker in Grace Macnamara are back with three gone from the line, rebuilding around tackle Darren Miller (6-1, 300, jr, 1st Team). With so many National teams rebuilding, the Knights will be favored to win the conference and challenge for district honors and more….if….they show just modest improvement on defense, knowing the offense should again be explosive, perhaps unstoppable.
Neshaminy 5-1 6A
The Skins emerged from a two year funk where they had nothing but bad luck in 2018 (8-4), losing to North Penn 34-33, Truman 27-26 and NP again in the postseason 13-6. 2019 (5-5) saw their defense take the year off losing to North Penn, Downingtown West, Truman, Abington and Pennsbury by an average score of 45-18. Unimaginable yields for Neshaminy. This year saw a real turnaround, opening with a 35-19 win against North Penn that got everyone’s attention. But it was followed by a 30-0 shellacking from eventual conference champ Pennridge the following week that would knock them out of the playoffs with the 5th seed. Stellar running back Craig James (5-7, 165!) who got everyone’s attention as a sophomore in 2018 with 1364 rushing yards was held to 38 yards vs the Rams. He finished with 1002 (15 Tds) after rushing for 852 yards in 2019. So that’s the mission; replacing 3 year starter James, seeing how Nunzio Zydzik handles full time status replacing graduating quarterback Aiden Schlupp and replacing 3 solid lineman in Nate McGlone (6-0. 270), Kenny Monaco (5-11, 265) and Nik Soska (6-4, 245). The D also suffered serious losses at DL, DE and 3 LBs leaving a lot of question marks for the Skins entering 2021.
Pennridge 7-1 6A
Talk about exploding onto the scene after a two year hiatus! The Rams roared back into the limelight following consecutive losing seasons in 2018 (5-6) and 2019 (3-8) by winning the SOL-National after going winless in the SOL-Continental in 2019 and gaining the top seed in Districts. Heck of a rebound! The losing seasons were well out of character given their 151-83 record with one losing season since 1999. Looks like they’re up and running again but face a serious rebuild for 2021 with five 1st teamers from the All-League defense graduating. Also lost 2 from the OL including Jake Tarburton (6-1, 240) and Eli Kantor (6-0, 265) plus RB Shane Hartzell (6-0, 220). Hartzell and Tarburton also made 1st team defense. Like Neshaminy, they’ll enter 2021 with some very substantial holes to fill.
Abington 3-2 6A
The Ghosts have been inconsistent the last six years with three losing seasons and a record of 27-32, peaking in 2019 at 8-3. Ten years before they were a consistent player at 84-38! Kevin Conlin came aboard as head coach in 2016 replacing Tim Sorber who went 104-86 in 16 season. This year’s group was very close to emulating last year’s success until a 4th quarter Pennridge drive eliminated them from conference contention and the playoffs with a 21-15 loss. The problem was a porous defense, allowing 26ppg! 2021 is questionable with big losses on both sides losing running back Oreck Frazier, WRs Caleb Baker and Khaliq Henry, OL/DLs DeAndre Townes-Blue (6-5, 325) and William Everett (6-4, 315), DE Dan Jeffreyas (6-2, 220), LBs Blaise Zuccaro and Beau Pearson and at least two from the secondary. Quarterback Johnny Dzielawa returns.
Pennsbury 0-5 6A
Dan McShane took over the Pennsbury head coaching position in 2016 following the retirement of Galen Snyder. His record since then is 26-24, with a standout season in 2017 where the Falcons went 10-3. Otherwise it’s been dismal with a 16-21 slate. That’s quite a drop off from a few years ago under the guidance of Coach Snyder when the Falcons went 116-48 in his 16 seasons at the helm. After losing their opener to CB East 28-21, the Falcons nose-dived, going 0-4, losing by an average score of 41-17 for their first winless season since? Unfortunately, they got jerked around early on not knowing if they were going to have a season or not. Too bad. Remember when Pennsbury played defense? Not anymore, allowing 19, 20, 28, 23 and 38ppg year-end average from 2016 through 2020.
Central Bucks West 2-4 6A
Since the Bucks last powerful team in ‘04 that was good enough to compete for “States”, going 9-2, it’s been all downhill with only four winning seasons (1 tie) and a won-loss of 70-97. This counts the 2019 team that went 10-2 and lost to Coatesville (10-3) 41-24 in the 2nd round. But last year ended on a positive note with back-to-back wins against CB East 40-20 and CB South 31-24. That’s the second straight year they’ve swept the series. Hopefully they get that Wing-T humming in ’21 with so many starters returning including quarterback Ganz Cooper, most of the skill and a pile of lineman. Eli Boehm (5-10, 155!) was a surprise as a sophomore at running back, gaining 134 against Abington and 109 vs North Penn. And the schedule starting with Pennridge, Abington, North Penn and Neshaminy was a brutal opening 4 game slate with no give up as evidenced by emotional, physical encounter wins vs CB East and CB South at the end. The Bucks should be a factor in 2021!
Central Bucks South 2-5 6A
Since the Titans last special team in 2012 that went 10-2, they’ve been a .500 team at 43-39, compiling a 90-78 record since opening in 2004. Like North Penn, they’ve found their success typically with a big offense that was rarely supported by a good defense. The years they’ve had decent defense, 2016, 2017 and 2018, allowing 15, 17 and 19ppg, they’ve had weak offenses averaging 21, 19 and 18ppg in corresponding years. For 2021 it looks like a big rebuild with quarterback Carter Hallgren (1675, 61%, 13/2) graduating plus their #1 rusher Jason Christensen, #1 receiver TE Ryan Schaub, 38/550, (Hallgren, Schaub 1st teamers) and lineman Aaron Collachi (6-4, 275) and Tommy Wood (6-0, 255). The D losses quality from front to rear in LB Owen Petrich (6-2, 220), DLs Collachi and Preston Jones (5-9, 215) and Chris Moore from the secondary. A bright spot is the return of diminutive Tommy Donnelley (5-7, 170), a sophomore who caught 25 passes for 362 yards and 5 scores.
Central Bucks East 1-5 6A
Like CB West and South, CB East had one of their worst seasons in many years. The defense that allowed 37ppg was their worst year ending average in over 22 years. This was a theme with the three Central Bucks teams. South allowed an all-time high of 39ppg while West allowed 30ppg, their worst since 2008’s 3-7 team that allowed 31. East’s season fell apart after beating Pennsbury in the opener when they lost 1st Team all SOL Continental “Honors” quarterback Anthony Giordano with a shoulder against CB South game-2 while playing safety. Sophomore Patrick Keller (6-4, 180) stepped in, completing 49% for 441 yards. Good luck starting sophomore quarterbacks in power conferences like the National, Mid Penn-Commonwealth and others. Other sophomores made their mark in the backfield in Ethan Shine (80/320), Tommy Day (19/142) and D.P. Kelly (17/69). The D returns 5. But you’ve got to wonder about a team that returned 8 starters to offense and 7 to defense in 2020 and went 1-5, allowing a record 37ppg!
SOL-American Conference
Upper Moreland 5-2 4A
The Golden Bears bounced back from two losing campaigns with a 5-2 outing, an American Conference title and a first round 35-0 4A playoff win over Archbishop Ryan. Unfortunately they lost a tough one the following week in Hollidaysburg to then undefeated Oil City (10-1, D-10 champ) 28-27 when the Oilers scored with four minutes left in the game. 2021 should see them as competitive again returning dual threat quarterback Byron Hopkins (21/33/312py, 35-133ry) and lead back Cameryn Jackson (35/385). With Jahaire Johnson and Jon Knight gone, Hopkins will be looking for new targets. Johnson was a special talent making 1st Team American at WR and DB. They’ll also miss 1st Teamer OL/DL Ryan Schernecke (6-7, 280) plus LB Jon Knight (6-0, 195), DB Jahaire Johnson (6-1, 165) and DL Nasir Thomas (-10, 210). Looks like they’ll have another competitive team despite some significant losses.
Wissahickon 3-4 5A (Had a forfeit loss)
Two overtime wins lifted the Trojans to .500 for the first time since 2013 (discounting forfeit) when they finished 6-2. They had to finish 4-0 that year telling you nothing comes easy for Wissy recently. In between, they went 10-50! But this year saw some gains getting to the postseason as the 3rd seed where they were trounced by Rustin 48-13. For 2021 they return quarterback Aiden Defeo (1166, 43%, 10/9), Lead back Kyle Lehman (80/462, 14-146py) and Jeremiah Clark (5-10, 185, 18-55py) who led the team in tackles with 56 as backer. They graduated a number of starters from the defense but return many experienced players on that side at DL, LB and DE.
Tennant 3-4 6A
Here’s another program stuck in the mud recording their 14th consecutive losing season! If it wouldn’t be for bad luck they’d have no luck losing by 8, 5 and by 7 in overtime. Saw them on CIT-28 Christmas Eve vs Whitemarsh (I lead a dull life) where they looked better than 3-4. And they were, losing tight ones mentioned above to Springfield 14-6, Upper Moreland 14-9 and Wissahickon 20-13 in overtime. 2021 will be about replacing quarterback Matt Miller, running back Ferando Delgado, OL/DL Mike Costello (5-11, 270) and key D players in LB Derrick Cosenza (6-4, 220) and DB Eric DeJesus (5-9, 165). Ryan Marinucci at LB and Matt Miller at DB are also holes to fill on a defense allowing 20ppg that was their best since 2006’s 6-4 squad that allowed 17.
Springfield 4-2 4A (One was a forfeit win)
Springfield is on a roll having completed their third straight winning season! This is heady stuff in Erdenheim. Four years ago they were forfeiting seven games in a 0-8 season because of player shortages, with the season being cancelled after a 47-20 opening day loss to Octorara. The SOL granted an exemption allowing an independent schedule against smaller schools that saw them get the #1 seed vs Upper Moreland in 2019 at 8-2! They rejoined the league in 2020. Nice story.
Next year?....maybe not so nice graduating Qb Gabe Fraczyk who threw for 1008 yards and rushed for 230 more after passing for 1828 yards and rushing for 895 yards the year before. Ditto senior Cam Dennis who had 1004 yards in receptions last year and 455 this year on 34 catches. Played a lot of youth in 2021 so the numbers are decent there at DE Colby Sabin (5-10, 170), LBs Ryan Marcino (5-11, 165) and Will Shapley (6-0, 210). Ben Cooney (6-3, 185, jr) is back with DL Owen Hussie (5-10, 175. jr). They graduated some good lineman as well in Luke Gozzard (5-9, 185), Dan Dallea (5-9, 245) and Gavin DeLarso (5-10, 190). Looks challenging but you’ve got to like their trajectory.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 2-3 5A
The Colonials dropped below .500 this year after fielding one of their better teams a year ago that went 9-2. Garnet Valley (11-2) beat them in the 6A D-1 quarterfinal. But PW gave Cheltenham (14-2) one of their better game in the regular season losing 28-24. Chelty went on to lose to Archbishop Wood (11-3) in the Class 5A state final 19-15. PW was very young this season so look for a rebound in 2021. Before the 9-2 season they were struggling big time with back-to-back 1-8 seasons. Here’s their 2020 game with 3A Wyomissing (9-1, D3) who lost in the final to Central Valley after beating PW 44-0 in the regular season. They looked terrible against Wyomissing but they were young and Wyo is one of the top programs in the state. Good announcers.
Wyomissing Football vs. Plymouth Whitemarsh - YouTube
New Hope-Solebury 3-4 3A
Here’s another team like many that just missed a few more wins losing in overtime to Wissahickon by 3 and to Carroll by 7. The Lions recently concluded an impressive three year run going 12-2 in 2015, then back-to-back 9-2 seasons in 2016 and 2017 and 9-3 in 2018. They’re playing decent football in New Hope! 2019’s team went 5-5, but finished strong at 5-2 to set up 2020 for better things that almost occurred but for those narrow losses. Dual threat Phillip Weinseimer (6-3, 215, 928py, 50%, 4/6, 541ry) is a loss to graduation plus running back Joey Capriotti’s 686 yards. Tough losses but they have a solid line backing corps returning in MLB Jude Hutkin (6-0, 205, jr), Greg Fudula (5-10, 165, jr), Ryan Sullivan (6-0, 185, jr), Ben Garritano (6-1, 190, jr) plus Sean Cooney (6-1, 175, jr) at SS and Dylan Hilderbrandt (5-10, 155, jr) at corner.
Cheltenham 5A…..denied the opportunity to defend their state runner up Silver Medal when administrators opted out of playing for the 2020 season….while most other schools across the state and country enjoyed the season.
Ches Mont-National Division
Coatesville 4-1 6A
Coatesville’s four year run of 13-2, 14-1, 10-3 and 4-1 seasons saw them pass North Penn who went 9-3, 13-1, 8-4 and 4-1 as the winningest team in District-1 since 2010 at 111-24 to NP’s 108-30. How about these two. And how about getting a state championship Coatesville and another for North Penn. Dumb me thinking they should have had one (two?) since 2003’s title team. Back in the day I bragged up coach Matt Ortega, he being a District-3 guy and after reviving a declining program like York High. The Bearcats were forever down until he lifted them to 37-18 (04-08) before arriving at Coatesville, going 10-2, 10-2 his final two years at York. And he’s done the same thing at Coatesville and more, going 116-29 since his arrival in 2009. Many felt they’d take a step back in 2020 but they didn’t, despite starting a mixed but largely young team. They survived a brief but rigorous schedule (both Dtown teams) with a pile of sophomores, juniors and a few freshman who took veteran Pennridge to the brink. They managed the schedule in part because both Downingtown teams were also young at quarterback. With quarterbacks Harrison Susi and Boulder Eubanks returning along with receivers Tommy Ortega, Dewayne Molina, running back Ashton Worley and others plus good numbers to the defense (lineman will have to step up), they’ll enter 2021 and into 2022 in good shape with all that talented youth. Like Steelton Highspire, they should have a strong two year run with the amount of talented youth in the program.
Downingtown East 2-3 6A
East had some good looking parts but not enough to get past the better teams on their schedule losing to LaSalle 27-7, Coatesville 20-14 and Rustin 32-13, dipping below .500 for the first time in seven years. Some key returnees are soph quarterback Jamy Jenkins, top receiver Mike Giordano, running backs Josh Asante, Brayden McClain and Bo Horvat, TE/DE George Bousum (6-3, 220, jr), OL Kyle Kacmar (6-6, 280, jr) and others for a good nucleus. RB Stanley Bryant will be missed, perhaps more on defense where he was a fierce hitter! Since the split in 2003, East has gone 147-57 (72%) with three losing seasons while Downingtown West has gone 130-68 (65.6%) with five losing seasons.
Bishop Shanahan 4-0 4A
Shanahan had a good year with their best defense ever, albeit, against a less than challenging schedule of Archbishop Carroll (2-3) 14-7, Wilson Area (3-5, D11) 28-7, Pottstown (0-4) 35-0 and Lansdale Catholic (0-4) 35-0, But 4-0 is 4-0 with more to come in 2021 with most of the team returning, especially in the backfield with running backs and quarterback Cooper Jordan. RB/LB Brandon Choi (6-2, 215, jr) and WR/CB Gus Ross (6-0, 180, jr) are standouts. The Ches Mont showed a lot of youth in 2020 that should pay dividends in 2021.
Downingtown West 2-2 6A
The Whippets ended the year at .500 despite losing to conference rivals Coatesville 22-14 in the opener and D-town East in the finale 21-7. Like many others in the conference, they’ll return a boatload from both sides of the line for 2021 (10 starters, co-starters), an experienced quarterback in Evan Wickersham and most of the backfield. Hopefully they can develop more depth as they were hindered in 2020 with a lot of 2-way players. They look to be particular strong at linebacker returning Josh Barron (5-9, 190, jr), Nahsir Harris (6-0, 180, jr), Ryan Waters (6-1, 205, jr), Will Mahmud (6-1, 210, jr), Constantino Villari (6-2, 205, jr), and DTs Heath Williams (5-10, 245, jr), Drew Shelton (6-5, 280, jr) and Cooper Young (6-5, 280, so!). DBs Jake Rivera (5-9, 160, fr), Jake Kucera (5-9, 160, fr), and Elijah Ford (6-3, 175, jr) are also back.
Avon Grove 1-4 6A
Avon Grove had another one win season following 2019’s 1-9 campaign that marks their 11th non-winning season in a row. They went 5-5 in 2017 and 18 and haven’t had a winning season since 2009’s 11-2 team, their only winning team since they started playing football in 2002, compiling a 66-123 record. Like everyone else in the National, they return their quarterback, Connor Walsh. They’ll have little trouble replacing graduated lineman with the group they have coming up to join senior returning tackle Nate Fish (6-2, 275) and a standout sophomore linebacker in Evan Schultz (5-9, 185, jr). First year coach Joe Coffey has them playing hard as evidenced by defeating previously undefeated Unionville (3-1) 42-21 following losses to Coatesville, D-Town East and West by an average score of 45-3. No give up!
Ches Mont-American Division
Rustin 4-3 5A
Bayard Rustin High was established in 2006 where after an initial 3-8 season they became a perennial winner in the Ches Mont with a 124-48 record (72%) under the guidance of coach Mike St. Clair who has been their only head coach. 2020’s team came close, losing narrowly to Unionville 35-27, then winning four straight including a 32-13 rout of Downingtown East in the regular season final. Then they routed Wissahickon 48-13 in the playoffs before bowing to Upper Dublin 29-8. Along the way they discovered running back Dayshawn Jacobs (5-9, 180, jr) who rushed for 258 yards vs Wissahickon with 5 tds, ending with 677ry and 857 total. He’ll join FB/MLB Anthony Meadows (6-1, 220, jr) in the backfield with Travis Riley and Tucker Flynn graduating. Qb Kolbe Freney (6-2, 180, jr) got time and will likely replace John Crispino who graduates. CJ Fisher (6-1, 220, jr) was a standout on the line. They were a young team with only 12 seniors so look for marked improvement.
Unionville 3-1 5A
Unionville is one of those teams that sneaks up on you with a notable upset and at least 8 wins (9 of last 16 years) then drops off the screen with an early exit from the postseason or surprising loss. Last year saw them open with an impressive 35-27 win at Rustin, then end the year with a 42-21 loss at previously winless Avon Grove. Bottom line, they win a decent amount of games with one losing season since 2004, going 126-50 since then. They were “pretty young” as coach Pat Clark put it, giving them good numbers returning for 2021 especially along the lines with Jack Tuel 6-5 270, Conrad Muhly 6-1 250, Jack Muhly 6-1 245 and TE Nate Holt 6-5 230 back. Qb Matt McCloskey returns with running back Ethan Bennick.
Henderson 2-3 5A
The once powerful program (105-62, 2001-2014) that was Henderson High has fallen to unimaginable depths in four short years, winning but six games since losing to Springfield in 2016’s district semifinal. At 9-4, that was also their last winning season. Thereon the decline was rapid, followed by 1-9, 0-10, 3-8 and 2-3 seasons….and three new head coaches. But, after a 0-3 start this season, coach John Lunardi has them on the same page, winning their last two games against Octorara (6-2) 24-6 who came in from the Lancaster Lebanon for Homecoming at 5-1 (big win!) and Great Valley (2-3) 23-7. Junior Qb Eddie Smink (6-0, 200) returns with experienced receivers and backs. With almost every quarterback returning to the National and American conferences, 2021 should be exciting, paving the way for a highly competitive season in the Ches Mont.
West Chester East 3-2 5A
East broke in a new line and a impressive sophomore running back with a veteran quarterback in senior Ryan Duell that got them above .500 for only the third time in fourteen years. Graduating 25 seniors, 4 lineman and a quarterback says 2020 was the year to make a move, making 2021 a rebuild. They also graduated almost all of the defense making it a full rebuild. But they’ll have sophomore Mitch Ragni (6-0, 210. 793ry) who had 174 yards in the opener vs Oxford and 232 vs Henderson. And the line will rebuild around monster lineman Max Bowman (6-7, 290, jr). The quarterback position is up for grabs with Ryan McIntire (6-4, 205, jr) having the inside track. Note; Many Ches Mont games are available on You Tube.
Great Valley 2-3 5A
Great Valley struggled the last three years going 3-7, 2-8 and 2-3. The last two years have seen their offense dip to new lows, averaging 10ppg in 2019 and 9ppg last year. Part of the problem is an undersized line featuring Nick Mort 6-1 170 jr, Gavin Greco 6-0 210 so, Jose Caballero 5-10 180 so, Sean McNamara 5-11, 180 jr, and senior Duffy Cotter 5-10 220. Quarterback Andy Talone 6-0 175, jr returns with a team that should be more competitive with a veteran line. Young team last year.
Kennett 2-3 5A (Had a forfeit loss)
Kennett resumed the football program in 2005 after an 89 year hiatus with little success, having three winning teams since then. But they are making real progress under head coach Lance Frazier (3rd HC in 3 yrs!) who arrived in 2018 to make major improvements not seen at a glance (3-7 to 4-7), but in all statistical categories. From 2017 to 2018 they were statistically one of the most improved teams in the district on offense and defense, with competitive losses to Unionville 10-7 and Quakertown 15-13, teams that would typically blow them off the field. 2019’s team went 10-2, defeating Rustin, U-ville, St, Mark’s (Wilmington) and Strath Haven in the playoffs before losing to Cheltenham 42-20 in the district semifinal. Coach Frazier who played in the NFL for Dallas, Seattle and Baltimore was recently name by the National Federation of High Schools as its Pennsylvania Football Coach of the Year for 2019-2020. He has upgraded the program to the point where you can safely say they are no longer a pushover.
Oxford 1-3 5A
The Hornets struggled through another losing season, their 20th in the last 22 years! But they showed real progress defensively giving up 22ppg with an unsupportive offense scoring 15ppg. 2019’s defense allowed 33 ppg. In fact, they haven’t had a better defense in terms of points allowed since 2007’s 3-7 team allowed 20 a game. There were only 15 seniors on the roster last year so they’ll return good numbers while looking to replace a few key people; quarterback Seth Yoder (6-1, 220), OT Caleb O’Connor (6-3, 290), OG Nolan Reilly (5-9, 185), TE Kelvin Figueroa (5-11, 205), RB/LB Davon Rueda, WR/FS Joey Foutrakis and OLB Nick Verderame, SS Jake Highfield. They’ll rebuild around NT Nick Richardson (6-3, 280, jr), DEs Evan Pechin (6-1, 210, jr) and Maven Brannon (6-3, 205) and C Seth Pearson (5-9, 210, jr), DBs/QB Dustin Long and Dak Jones and RB (QB?) LB Dom Pantalone. Scant info on the Hornets.
Sun Valley 0-3 5A
Sun Valley had one winning season the last fourteen years as the program continues to flounder with only five winning seasons in the last twenty two years. 2020’s team was largely veteran. A late announcement and start to the season (no in Aug, yes in Sept) seemed to impact them as it did many. So they have a lot of graduations entering 2021, namely along the line in Jacob Steinmetz (6-4, 235), Jake Crowder (6-6, 325), Cam Madison (6-2, 220) and Rob Powell (6-3, 210). Juniors Travis Powell (6-3, 270) and Ryan McKay (6-4, 225) return. Kevin Mayosis (6-0, 180, jr) who split reps with graduating Ty McLaughlin is back as is RB Andrew Kmett. Coach Greg Bernhardt will enter his fifth season in 2021 with a 9-28 record looking to turn it around. Before the Sun job he was at Bonner from 2012-2015, going 19-23.
Here’s the District-1 section of a state review I do annually attempting to keep up with teams across the Commonwealth. So it’s a fast review, sometimes a preview varying from team to team including some historical/archival info the SE PA crowd might enjoy. Classes shown, jr, sr, etc are for the 2020 season.
Pioneer Athletic Conference
Liberty Conference
Spring Ford 6-1 6A
The Rams won back-to-back conference titles with another large and balanced offense averaging 32ppg (35ppg avg since 2010) supported by a record setting defense that allowed 10ppg; their lowest yield since at least 1999. Coach Chad Brubaker took over in 2010 by way of Wilson of West Lawn to immediately turn the Rams into a consistent winner, reversing a 10 year losing cycle (38-85) to one of the district’s top programs with a record of 95-30. No one is calling them Coatesville or North Penn but they have upgraded the schedule to play D3 notables Wilson and Exeter almost yearly, and others like Whitehall, State College, Unionville, Central Bucks South, Truman and Wayne Valley-NJ since Brubaker’s arrival. Now, if they can get over the hump of first round district playoff losses, losing the last four to Souderton 27-24 this year, Haverford in 2019, Downingtown East in 2018 and Neshaminy in 2017, they’ll have taken the next step. Although they have big losses on defense, many saw the field. Top tackler Ryan Horvath (5-9, 175, 36 stops) is back with at least 7 other starters/co-starters. The offense should be fine with quarterback Ryan Freed and running back Harry Adieyefeh returning with linemen Ian Harvie 6-0 250 and John Kaputa 6-2 280 to reload the offense. But WR/S Nicholas Teets (5-9, 185, 28/414py, 24/123ry, 27 tackles, Monmouth, lacrosse) will be missed.
Perkiomen Valley 6-2 6A
Too bad the Vikings had to open with Spring Ford, especially at their place with a young team (4 starters total returned) that had nine new starters on both sides. Spring Ford’s defense was just too strong, holding them to 163 total yards (96 rushing) in a 27-13 loss. The other loss was at home to PJP-II 34-22, where they again had no ground game, “rushing” for minus 4 yards. The strength of PV’s team in 2020 was a solid passing game fueled by Ethan Kohler (6-2, 195, jr, Mercury 1st team), who, if I did the math right from online articles completed 100 of 156 passes (64%) for 1537 yards with a 17 to 1 Td-Pick ratio. As a reminder, his 2019 stats were 2259 yards, 59%, 21/7 Td-Pick ratio. Impressive stuff. For 2021, they lose a few linebackers of note, Nico Holder and Aiden Qwens, but return big numbers/experience to both sides. Also took a few hits to the receiver corps including Kevin Beattie and Jason Posner, but Dawson Debebe (6-2, 190, jr) with Leo Hunsberger and Rasheem Grayson who combined caught 41 passes for 634 yards return with all the principal running backs. PV should enter 2021 as the PAC-Liberty favorite (Spg-Fd at PV) and more with Kohler set for a special year.
Owen J. Roberts 3-3 6A
OJR continued their six year streak of non-losing seasons with a young team that included only 8 seniors! Almost everyone returns for 2021 including two quarterbacks that got time, sophomores Mike Reed and Will Whitlock. Most of the line is back to allow Avery Grimm another strong season after gaining 667 yards last year. He had a four game streak gaining over 100 yards against Boyertown, Meth, Perk Val and Upper Perk. The PAC is a tough league to make a move in with Spring Ford and Perkiomen Valley dominating. Otherwise, parity rules almost exclusively excepting Pope John Paul II who is separating from the pack with a 34-22 win vs Perk Val this year, last year’s district title and 29-28 win against PCL-Blue champ Neumann Goretti in States. Otherwise, no one has had a stronger run at the alphas than OJR going 37-25 the last six years.
Methacton 4-3 6A
Methacton got their first winning season since 2014 by winning the last two games against Pottsgrove 17-6 and Council Rock South 13-0. Too bad they couldn’t muster more offense scoring 93 points, an anemic 13ppg average. The most anyone scored on them was Spring Ford in a 21-0 loss and Perk Val in a 27-14 loss. Fortunately they had a decent defense that gave up only 96 points enabling the four wins where they allowed a total of 24 points. Much of the D will graduate as well as the quarterback, leading rusher and receiver making 2021 a rebuilding year.
Boyertown 2-5 6A
Wow, what happened at Boyertown? They used to be at least representative with but four losing season from 1999 through 2015. Then the bottom fell out, going 14-34 since then. Like Upper Merion they ended the season with two wins that should provide impetus given how young they are with freshman and sophomores in the lineup. Freshman Ryder Gehris is the quarterback with most of their skill and O-Line returning. Their season ending 20-9 win against perennial power and rival Pottsgrove was huge, giving them a 20-19-1 lead in the series.
Norristown 6A……..did not play
Pioneer Athletic Conference
Frontier Conference
Pope John Paul II 3-0 4A
Pope John Paul II is the result of a merger of Kennedy Kenrick and St. Pius X for the 2010 season where they’ve been woeful the first 7 years winning 13 games before turning it around in 2017 and running off four winning seasons, going 28-10. 2020’s team was notable as a 4A beating Perkiomen Valley (6-2) 34-22, their first win against a 6A. NOTE: held PV to minus 4 yards rushing. The year before they went 10-3, beating Neumann Goretti (11-1) 28-27 in the playoffs before losing to Tamaqua. They have some skill returning for 2021 especially with soph Markese Williams (5-9, 145, so) who plays QB/RB/WR, RB/LB Josh Little (5-9, 180, jr) and RB/LB Steele DePetrillo (5-7, 195, jr). He lit up Perk Val with 4 receptions for 82 yards. Quarterback Rocco DeRico (652py, 70%, 6/2) is a big loss with those stats for 3 games. They were explosive last year at 39ppg. Too bad they didn’t play enough games to qualify for the playoffs as they looked like the best 4A in the district. There is now another quality football team in Royersford besides nearby Spring Ford High.
Pottsgrove 2-2 4A
It was a brand new day in Pottsgrove with the retirement of head coach Rick Pennypacker at the end of the 2017 season after 29 years at the helm. Longtime assistant Billy Hawthorne followed in shoes that will be hard to fill with Coach going 237-99-4 with just four losing seasons. Kind of like following Coach Bryant at Alabama or Coach Mike Pettine at CB West. Pennypacker is a PAC guy through and through graduating from Spring Ford in 1972 then to West Virginia as a lineman playing for Bobby Bowden. Back to the present; Coach Hawthorne went 12-2 his first year followed by a disappointing 2019 season going 5-6 where the losses were of the uncompetitive variety losing by an average score of 42-16. Last year’s offense struggled at 13ppg with much of it back in 2021. The D held it all together (13ppg) and should again the coming year with 7 returning including Mark White, a good looking sophomore DE at 6-2, 240.
Phoenixville 2-2 5A
The Phantoms return big numbers from a team that played a lot of underclassman to return a good core for 2021. Two freshman and three sophomores got significant time. Dual threat quarterback Tre Davis is back with the leading rusher Owen Koch who had 402 yards, 315 coming in the last two games. Roman Ciaverelli 5-9 210 jr is back on the line with Solomon Ortiz 6-3 305 jr, Andy McMahon 6-1 210 jr and Kael Gilbert 6-1 210 jr. Real shaky roster info but with QB Davis, RB Koch and soph QB/RB Ty Romance, they should be exciting. Coach Don Grinstead has been the man since 2018, succeeding Evan Breisblatt (2014-2017, 8-33) and going 4-7, 3-7 and 2-2. Before this he was HC at Pottstown (2013-2015, 10-25) and DL then DC at Great Valley (2009-2012).
Upper Merion 2-3 5A
It’s hard finding a lot to say about a program that’s had three winning seasons the last 16 years. But they did win their last two against Phoenixville 35-6 and Muhlenberg 35-7. And they haven’t done that since 2015. Actually they’ve shown a pulse the last 3 years going 6-5, 5-6 and 2-3 last year with much better statistics. Plus they return a ton of players for next year including most of their skill; QB Nolan Clayton 6-5 210 so, frosh RBs Jalen Alexander 6-0 170 fr, Nick Gerace jr and Qwynne Seals 5-6 140 soph, WR Alzere Thomas 5-9 150 soph and 8 to the defense including DE Wyatt Hart 6-2 215 and DT Tremayne Brown 6-0 285 jr. Numbers like that offer optimism on top of season ending back-to-back wins.
Upper Perkiomen 2-4 5A
Upper Perk had a tough go of it playing five of the largest schools in the PAC due the other small schools not deciding to play until after the schedule was made. UP plays in the small school Frontier Division and has the smallest roster in the PAC. Blow outs to OJR 31-14 and Boyertown 42-14 showed they had some players while losses to Perk Val 34-0 and Spring Ford 55-0 says there’s still a wide gulf as do narrow losses to Methacton 18-12 where Meth score in the last 35 seconds and Phoenixville simply out played them winning 20-12 at Upper Perk. A big loss entering 2021 will be their three year starting quarterback Hunter Flack (58%, 834), but they return running back Logan Simmon (5-9, 180, 836yds, jr). They had a nice group last year that would likely have done more with a normal Frontier Division schedule and a full season.
Pottstown 0-4 4A
The Trojans played an inordinate number of underclassman that hopefully laid a foundation for 2021. They only had 28 active players (started 2 srs) while struggling with a rebuilt line. Every other player was a sophomore; egs…. quarterback Mason Miller, running backs Joneil Oister, Malachi Neely, Jared Hewitt and wide out Rashean Bostic. Things would likely improve if they found stability at the head coaching position. Their recent coaches have been Don Grinstead (2013-2015), Gary Rhodenbaugh (2016), Mark Fischer (2017-2018) and in 2019, current coach Jeff Delaney. Be nice seeing the kids caught a break. Hopefully Delaney hangs.
Central League
Garnet Valley 6-0 6A
The Jaguars won another Central League title going undefeated in league action for the third straight year, winning by an average score of 43-17. Too bad this group couldn’t get to the playoffs. At 6-0, they were on their way to a fifth consecutive 10-plus win season, having gone 11-3, 12-2, 12-1 and 11-2 from 2016 thru 2019. At 43ppg, this was their most prolific offense ever, albeit, a stunted season. Still saying something knowing the success they’ve had since joining the Central in 2008, going 103-13 in league action (25 straight league wins) counting conference playoff games. They’ve upped their game recently by developing a passing attack which in part explains their offense the last two years averaging over 40ppg. They are a lot more than veers, traps and pitches averaging 100 yards passing per game in 2020. The last 10 years witnessed their ascendency to the top of the Central League. Next year promises the same with many returning on both sides, especially defense where at least 8 back gives them another quick-athletic front 7. The offense returns their lead rusher and receiver plus a talented quarterback in Max Busenkell (6-0, 175, jr) who went 8 for 9 for 168 yards and 2 Tds vs Marple Newtown in the final when senior Kevin McGarrey went down in the 1st quarter for the game. They have some holes on the OL but when has that ever been a problem at G-Val?
Ridley 3-3 6A
The Raiders 2-0 start was dampened by a 1-3 finish that was good enough to keep their non-losing season streak intact, not having a losing season since 1955 when they went 3-5-1 as Ridley Township. For a team that had a lot of youth spread throughout the lineup, they showed flashes and speed. Junior RB/LB Tahir Mills showed real promise and talent on both sides of the ball. He’s back with RB/DB Aubrey Daniels, wide outs Paul Jackson and junior quarterback John Heller. Many other underclassman got significant time including sophomores LB Stephen Gerace, WR/DB Steve O’Donovan, Antonio Saahir, Dean Contant, etc, etc. They have real losses at DE/LB Blaise Desmond 6-2 220, Nicholas Becker 6-3 220, NG Victor Ninson and Nathan Desmond 6-5 245. RB/LB Gavin Kingsborough is a big loss in terms of versatility and leadership. But, they have a lot of pieces with lineman B. O’Dea, H. Brown, A. Berry moving up. The D sustained them early this season but it could be a more experienced offense that leads them in 2021. 2020’s offense stumbled against the quality on their schedule losing to Haverford 33-3 (5-2), Garnet Valley (6-0) 44-0 and the heartbreaker at home to Radnor (4-2) 12-7. Lots of work to do but it’s Ridley!
Strath Haven 5-1 5A
The Panthers are once again relevant in the Central League going 5-1 this year and 9-3 the previous. Before this they went 31-46 from 2012 through 2018 with no winning seasons! Things changed in ‘19 with an exhilerating 49-13 win over Ridley, followed by sobering losses to Haverford 24-0 and G-Val 49-21 and a 20-14 ot loss to Kennett in Districts. The only loss this year was at Marple 33-27 in a fiercely contested game where Marple’s size slowly wore down Haven’s light/quick unit, allowing Charlie Box to bludgeon the Panther D for 182 yards on 22 carries. 2021 sees most of the team returning including the line in tackles Jake Millett (6-4, 250, jr) and Ben Farabaugh (6-0, 220, so), guards Ethan Barrar (6-10, 175, jr) and Nick Filos (5-10-180, jr) and center Jack Beck (6-1, 175, jr). They had a huge offense in 2021 averaging 43 a game, their best ever, with a defense at 17ppg with a young group. Nice seeing the Panthers back on the prowl.
Marple Newtown 5-1 5A
The Tiger had a veteran team last year that got off to a 5-0 start earning themselves a date in the Central League Championship game where they lost at Garnet Valley 52-30 after leading 14-0. They were fueled by an balanced offense (32ppg) led by a solid O-Line, a veteran quarterback in Joey Paoletti (802py) and an exciting junior running back in Charlie Box (5-8, 175). Dual threat Box ended the year with 575 yards rushing and a spot on Pa Football News’ 5A first team. With most of the team’s key parts graduating (OL, QB), they’ll rebuild around him. Tackle Ryan Lain (6-4, 275, PFN 1st team) and center Anthony Armento (6-1, 220) are big losses as are other senior starters Joey Goodman (6-0, 220), Johnnie Ebert (6-2, 245) and Chris Meiklejohn (6-0, 195). DT Ebert, NG Goodman and DT Lain gave them a legit front 3 that will be missed. They’ve got some skill returning and a few linebackers and DBs making the line and quarterback big concerns entering 2021. Looks like they’ll take a step back on offense from 32ppg while remaining dangerous with Charlie Box getting the ball.
Haverford 5-2 6A
It’s no secret a pile of talent has come through the school the last decade with this Ford running hot, garnering 10 straight winning seasons and an 82-33 won loss. Plus they took 6 of 10 from rival Ridley over that period and 6 of the last 8. They’ve tightened up the series with Garnet Valley losing on average 25-22 the last five games with one going to overtime. But they still lag behind in the series 8-2. For 2021 they graduate a lot of skill but return key parts in soph quarterback Tommy Wright (6-2, 180, 923py) plus returning lineman Mario Tascione (6-2, 265, jr) and Mike Powell (6-2, 285, jr). Mike McNicholas (6-1, 200, jr) and Pete Corcoran (6-3, 215, jr) also started or were in the rotation. Some of the big losses are RB/DB Jimmy Wright (913ry), TE Chris Dempsey, C Liam Collins, DL Ryan Buckton, WR/DB Casey Gilroy (26/477), DB George Moscony and LB Will Higson (6-2, 215, 68 tackles). The Fords haven’t had a losing season since 2010 (83-33 since) and will likely be exciting with their young quarterback and another group of talented players.
Springfield 4-3 5A
Springfield flew under the radar last year with a 4-3 team that suffered heartbreaking losses at home to Radnor (4-2) 13-10 on a missed FG and Marple Newtown (5-1) 24-21. They’ve gone 86-40 since their last losing season in 2009. The highpoints were 2014 (12-1), 2016 (12-2) and 2017 (13-1) where they lost to Academy Park in the district final in 2016 then lost the following year in the 5A quarterfinals 35-25 to Unionville. Look for another competitive team with a pile of starters back including sophomore QB Jake Fama (6-1, 160, 698, 69%). Also back is the entire secondary, 3 LB/DEs, and lineman Brian Layton (6-0 235), Tyler Klambara (6-4, 280) and Jalen Allen (6-2, 235). Many play corresponding position on offense. This looks like a highly competitive team for 2021.
Radnor 4-2 5A
Radnor like Strath Haven put themselves back on the map by upping their game the last 6 years with a 36-28 record. That’s a big deal when your won-loss the previous 16 years is 51-118 with one winning season. This year started with a 56-27 rout by Strath Haven and ended with a 12-7 win at Ridley. They had a sluggish offense scoring 22ppg backed by a solid, quick defense that allowed 12ppg, discounting the blow-out loss to Strath Haven in the opener. 2021 looks dicey with the graduation of All-Delco wide out Jahmir Dixon (15/415py), RB/LB Scott Belveal (860ry), WR/FS Reece Evans, QB Juan Pablo Moreland (732py), OT/DTs Daetreal Jerome (6-2, 280) and Gavin Holz. But, they got a taste of it the last 6 years to be at least competitive.
Upper Darby 2-6 6A
Upper Darby began a 3 game season-ending skid when Penncrest (2-4) stopped them on a 2 point conversion try with 28 seconds remaining, losing 27-26. Too bad. That was also their last shot at tasting .500 knowing their chances of defeating Springfield and Haverford were slim to none. Springfield won 48-0 while bitter rival Haverford prevailed 42-7. The losses drops them to 63-74 since 2009 with 4 winning seasons. Back in the day as a strong 4A, they were the measuring stick by which Strath Haven gaged their chances in the 3A postseason when Haven visited the finals 4 straight years from 1999 through 2002. Things have changed with UD fielding their worse offense and defense ever, averaging 10ppg while allowing 33. So it was a tough first year for head coach Dave Barr (Bonner). Because the Royals have big numbers walking the halls and coming out for football, maybe Coach Barr can get it going as they have always had the resources. They were too young last year starting sophomores at quarterback in Donte Shaw, WR/S Jihad Cove, RB Montez Ellis et al. Some of the key returns for 2021 are Center Shaqib Salahuddin (6-2, 225, jr), tackle Julien Laventure (6-2, 285, jr) and LB/RB Lucas Venuti (6-0, 180, jr).
Conestoga 1-4 6A
The once strong Conestoga program has fallen on hard time with their fifth straight losing season, going 9-36 (5-18 home) after a 17 year run of only one losing season. Their average points allowed over the last five years was a sieve like 30.4. Too bad the staff can’t turn things around in a talent rich area. Regardless of the record, they lost good players in LBs Patrick Nichols (6-0, 210) and Fred Mucklow (5-11, 185), DL/OL Connor Whitlow plus QB Michael Costigan. The good news is standout wide-out Pete Detwiler returns after snagging 28 passes for 570 yards along with a promising sophomore in Brody Eaton (6-3, 220). Calvin Shirley (5-11, 180, jr) should get the nod at quarterback replacing graduated Michael Costigan with three returning to the receiver corps.
Penncrest 2-4 5A
The Lions registered their seventh consecutive losing season since 2013, going 17-52 in that period with only 6 winning seasons going back to 1999! You’d think an area like Media/Middletown could put good teams out there once in a while? Since going 7-3 in 2013, their highest win total in any year is 3. They return big numbers for 2021 including quarterback Nick Chelo and much of the skill. The defense returns at least 7
Lower Merion 1-5 6A
Lower Merion completed their 22nd consecutive losing season (records to 1999) where nearly half were winless campaigns in 2019, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2007, 2006, 2003 and 2001. Their highest win total for any season was 3 games. Come on hoops....where they settle scores in a big way! But there is always hope! They return a nice back in Jay Zheng (5-8, 185, jr) and QB/S Jack Lledo (5-11, 180, jr). They'll lose C/G Ari Charmint (6-1, 225), TE/LB Phil Cook (6-1, 220) and OT/DL Elijah Philippe (6-7, 255). DE Dshawn Jemison 6-1, 215 also grads. With decent size on the lines coming up, maybe they can get some wins with the returns in the backfield.
Harriton 0-5 5A
Four miles away and evidently sipping from the same water supply is Harriton High who haven’t had a winning season since 2006, their only winning season since before 1999. They did go 5-5 in 2012 then nose-dived to 24-118 through last year. Last year’s team scored 22 points and allowed 259, fielding a super young team with only 13 seniors suggesting potential for improvement. They’ve only won 8 games the last 8 years, going 8-71.
Del-Val League
(Del-Val teams did not play football in 2020)
Interboro 5A
The Bucs long time coach Steve Lennox retired after a 38 year career where he compiled a 313-115-2 record, 229 of those wins coming at Interboro since his hiring in 1993. They won their only district title in 2012 but have since fallen on harder times, going 5-7 in 2017, 6-7 in 2018 and 2-9 in 2019. Coach Dennis Lux, a 2005 Interboro alum and former quarterback is the new head coach.
Academy Park 5A
The Knights exploded onto the scene in 2008 with quality teams that went 110-39 through the 2019 season. This followed a 6 year drought, recording an 18-47 mark. Back in 2008 (7-5), they were losing to Chester 29-14. By 2013 they were winning a district title, then back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016. But they were still losing to the Wood’s and Imhotep’s by wide margins. In 2019 they gave state runner-up Cheltenham one of their toughest games losing 43-42 showing even further development of the program. AP missed on a 2 point conversion attempt as time was expiring in that one. Time to take the Knights seriously.
Penn Wood 6A
Here’s another sleeper teams that keeps hinting at waking up with a 33-14 record the last four years. This is particularly special knowing they managed but five wins the preceding five years. With Interboro swooning (coach Lennox retired) and Glen Mills closed, the door is at least ajar for Penn Wood to join Academy Park as top dog in the Del-Val.
Glen Mills 4A
The Bulls had some monster teams over the years but really tailed off the last five going 22-32 before the court adjudicated school closed in 2019.
Chester 5A
The Clippers have been a perennial loser over the years with three winning seasons since 2000. They did a complete about face in 2019 with a 7-3 record that may have made further progress with many returning this year. Too bad. But like Lower Merion, the Clippers often settle all scores on the hardwood with powerful basketball teams that make you forget all about football. In Chester, hoops rules!
Chichester 4A
Hard as it is to believe, Chi has had two winning seasons from 1999-2019 and gone 40-118 since their last winning season in 2005.
SOL-Continental Conference
Souderton 7-1 6A
Good things are happening in Souderton with back-to-back winning seasons landing playoff slots, bringing a halt to six years of mediocrity where they went 23-38 from 2013 to 2018 with one winning season. 2019 got your attention with a 6-0 start before cooling off to 8-3. This year’s team was even more with a 7-0 start that included a conference title, district championship (first ever) and state semifinal appearance. Impressive stuff! Averaging 35ppg, they fielded their highest scoring offense ever, with a D at 19ppg that was their best in seven years. Districts saw them beat 2nd seeded Spring Ford (6-1) 27-24 and top seeded Pennridge (7-1) 31-17, both on the road as the 3rd seed before losing to St. Joseph’s Prep 51-43 in the semifinal. Abbreviated-pandemic season or not, how many of us projected Souderton to the state semifinal? For 2021 they graduate an under rated Qb in Evan Kutzler (6-3, 170) who had solid stats with a 6/1 ratio, 718 pass yards and a 62% completion rate. A good core returns to the D that allowed 13ppg before St. Joe’s and the O with Braylen Porter (5-10, 180, 612ry, jr) back, Sean McGoldrick and the receiver corps. The D returns a good core of 6 starters.
Upper Dublin 6-2 5A (Had a forfeit W and L)
Upper Dublin had another strong season, their 11th straight since 2009’s 4-6 team. The only loss this year was to Souderton 28-7 where they played them even in the second half after falling behind 21-7. They allowed 13ppg by season’s end with a forfeit loss to Cathedral Prep (7-3, D10) in the state semifinals. Too bad, as they had enough to compete against a less than special Rambler group. Upper Dublin in the final would have been a trip! The D started 8 underclassmen with 5 of their front 7 back next season including sophomore DLs Riley Hackett 6-4 220, freshman LB Nafis Blythe 5-11 190, sophomore Kyree Butler 6-2 295 and junior LBs Tristan Cairns 6-2 195 and Nicholas Rodriguez 5-9 195. Connor Dewitt (6-6, 310, jr) is also back with most of the linebackers and secondary. Sophomore QB Colin Sullivan (6-0, 180, 561, 55%, 4/3 ratio) returns plus a slew of backs and receivers to a group that scored 27ppg. Looks like another good group for 2021 to make another run.
Quakertown 5-3 6A
Unless you gave the Panthers a second look at 5-3, you wouldn’t know they fielded one of their best teams in years, missing the playoffs as the 7th seed in a field of four. They scored 35ppg, their best in over 22 years and allowed 15, their best since averaging 14ppg in 2014 and 2015 where they went 11-2 and 10-3 respectively. Their losses were competitive, losing to Souderton (7-1) in the opener 28-23 (Q leading 17-12 at ½), Perk Val (6-2) 35-28, PV scoring 21 unanswered pts, and the 91st Thanksgiving Day annual “pick-em” with Pennridge (7-1) 21-14 where the Rams scored 14 4th quarter pts for the win. Like Upper Dublin, Qtown was a young group in many positions but return a lot of skill including quarterback Will Steich (5-11, 160, jr, 56%, 1135, 16/2!, 1st Team Continental), most of the receiver corps and running backs and good stuff upfront in Fred Retter (6-2, 235, jr) and Anthony Schiller (6-2, 260, jr). Retter on the DL, Kaden Ruesener (5-11, 195, jr) and CB Tyler Woodman (5-9, 175, jr) are key returns to the defense.
Council Rock North 2-2 6A
After bottoming out with 5 wins the past 4 seasons going 1-8, 1-9, 1-9 and 2-8, the 2020 season represented something of a success going 2-2 that included a competitive 21-6 loss at Upper Dublin where they outrushed the Cardinals 184 to 122. Statistically, their 19ppg average on offense and 16 on defense were also their best numbers since 2015. All this should have them entering 2021 on a positive note if they can manage the loss of QB Mike Sylvester, OL/DL Luke Molden (6-4, 235, 1st Team), TE Connor Atkinson (6-0, 190) and wide out Ryan McCaffrey. They graduated a lot of skill but played underclassman including sophomores Gavin Papp, Dylon Herbert and junior Will Scibona.
Council Rock South 2-5 6A
For a team that’s been in a funk the last nine years, going 31-55, 2020 was another disappointing season, winning two games while averaging a paltry 11ppg! 2020 and 2019 were their worst offenses (year ending average) over the last 22 years, going back to 1999. It’s been a hard row to hoe since 2011’s top seeded 12-2 Hawks scaled the rugged D1 ladder to the final before losing to a very good North Penn (13-3) team 34-14. The convoluted seeding system of District-1 had the Knights as the 11th seed....11th! All they did was get to the state final losing in a toss-up game to Central Dauphin 14-6. For 2021 there are positives with quarterback Matt Striffolino back and three from the 2nd Team All-Conference in RB Brady Beres (6-0, 190, jr), TE Alec Checchia (6-5, 235. jr) and OL Mason Shores (6-1, 295, jr). Last year’s D hung in there allowing a respectable 21ppg knowing the offense was no support averaging 11ppg. Went down swinging! So it’s a big deal losing a hitter like LB Aiden Geist (5-9, 200, 1st Team) and DL David Nolter (5-10, 250, HM). But the offense should improve. And if the D brings 2020’s attitude into 2021, they’ll be notably improved.
Bensalem 0-5 6A
The Fighting Owls have not had a winning season since 2004. This year’s group was not in any way competitive, losing by an average score of 46-10, allowing 40, 42, 52, 55 and 40 points. It’s ashamed the administration can’t find a staff capable of winning. And with a won-loss of 64-154 since 1999 with two winning seasons, that clearly has not been the priority. They won four games the last three years.
Hatboro Horsham 0-5 5A
Like Bensalem, the Hatters programs has also been in a death spiral for over a decade, going 51-89 with 3 winning seasons since 2007. Their offense this year reached record depths, scoring 31 total points; 6 points per game. You can score 6 points accidentally against today’s defenses!....making this the first year they’ve gone winless in over 22 years.
Truman 6A……..did not play.
SOL-National Conference
North Penn 4-1 6A
The Knights missed the playoffs for the first time since 2012 largely as a result of being handled in the opener at Neshaminy 35-19, ending with the 6th seed. Once again, defense was their Achilles Heel allowing 22ppg. Too bad as the offense was their best ever at 44ppg! But they finished strong (4-0) with Coach Beck getting his 200th career win playing CB East. They’ll enter 2021 with a boatload of skill beginning with quarterback Ryan Zeltt (6-3, 185, so) who has played since game two of 2019 when senior Kolby Barrow went down. He and running back Khalani Eaton (5-11, 210, jr, 1038ry, 14 Tds) with receivers Jalen Edwards, Levi Carroll and a solid kicker in Grace Macnamara are back with three gone from the line, rebuilding around tackle Darren Miller (6-1, 300, jr, 1st Team). With so many National teams rebuilding, the Knights will be favored to win the conference and challenge for district honors and more….if….they show just modest improvement on defense, knowing the offense should again be explosive, perhaps unstoppable.
Neshaminy 5-1 6A
The Skins emerged from a two year funk where they had nothing but bad luck in 2018 (8-4), losing to North Penn 34-33, Truman 27-26 and NP again in the postseason 13-6. 2019 (5-5) saw their defense take the year off losing to North Penn, Downingtown West, Truman, Abington and Pennsbury by an average score of 45-18. Unimaginable yields for Neshaminy. This year saw a real turnaround, opening with a 35-19 win against North Penn that got everyone’s attention. But it was followed by a 30-0 shellacking from eventual conference champ Pennridge the following week that would knock them out of the playoffs with the 5th seed. Stellar running back Craig James (5-7, 165!) who got everyone’s attention as a sophomore in 2018 with 1364 rushing yards was held to 38 yards vs the Rams. He finished with 1002 (15 Tds) after rushing for 852 yards in 2019. So that’s the mission; replacing 3 year starter James, seeing how Nunzio Zydzik handles full time status replacing graduating quarterback Aiden Schlupp and replacing 3 solid lineman in Nate McGlone (6-0. 270), Kenny Monaco (5-11, 265) and Nik Soska (6-4, 245). The D also suffered serious losses at DL, DE and 3 LBs leaving a lot of question marks for the Skins entering 2021.
Pennridge 7-1 6A
Talk about exploding onto the scene after a two year hiatus! The Rams roared back into the limelight following consecutive losing seasons in 2018 (5-6) and 2019 (3-8) by winning the SOL-National after going winless in the SOL-Continental in 2019 and gaining the top seed in Districts. Heck of a rebound! The losing seasons were well out of character given their 151-83 record with one losing season since 1999. Looks like they’re up and running again but face a serious rebuild for 2021 with five 1st teamers from the All-League defense graduating. Also lost 2 from the OL including Jake Tarburton (6-1, 240) and Eli Kantor (6-0, 265) plus RB Shane Hartzell (6-0, 220). Hartzell and Tarburton also made 1st team defense. Like Neshaminy, they’ll enter 2021 with some very substantial holes to fill.
Abington 3-2 6A
The Ghosts have been inconsistent the last six years with three losing seasons and a record of 27-32, peaking in 2019 at 8-3. Ten years before they were a consistent player at 84-38! Kevin Conlin came aboard as head coach in 2016 replacing Tim Sorber who went 104-86 in 16 season. This year’s group was very close to emulating last year’s success until a 4th quarter Pennridge drive eliminated them from conference contention and the playoffs with a 21-15 loss. The problem was a porous defense, allowing 26ppg! 2021 is questionable with big losses on both sides losing running back Oreck Frazier, WRs Caleb Baker and Khaliq Henry, OL/DLs DeAndre Townes-Blue (6-5, 325) and William Everett (6-4, 315), DE Dan Jeffreyas (6-2, 220), LBs Blaise Zuccaro and Beau Pearson and at least two from the secondary. Quarterback Johnny Dzielawa returns.
Pennsbury 0-5 6A
Dan McShane took over the Pennsbury head coaching position in 2016 following the retirement of Galen Snyder. His record since then is 26-24, with a standout season in 2017 where the Falcons went 10-3. Otherwise it’s been dismal with a 16-21 slate. That’s quite a drop off from a few years ago under the guidance of Coach Snyder when the Falcons went 116-48 in his 16 seasons at the helm. After losing their opener to CB East 28-21, the Falcons nose-dived, going 0-4, losing by an average score of 41-17 for their first winless season since? Unfortunately, they got jerked around early on not knowing if they were going to have a season or not. Too bad. Remember when Pennsbury played defense? Not anymore, allowing 19, 20, 28, 23 and 38ppg year-end average from 2016 through 2020.
Central Bucks West 2-4 6A
Since the Bucks last powerful team in ‘04 that was good enough to compete for “States”, going 9-2, it’s been all downhill with only four winning seasons (1 tie) and a won-loss of 70-97. This counts the 2019 team that went 10-2 and lost to Coatesville (10-3) 41-24 in the 2nd round. But last year ended on a positive note with back-to-back wins against CB East 40-20 and CB South 31-24. That’s the second straight year they’ve swept the series. Hopefully they get that Wing-T humming in ’21 with so many starters returning including quarterback Ganz Cooper, most of the skill and a pile of lineman. Eli Boehm (5-10, 155!) was a surprise as a sophomore at running back, gaining 134 against Abington and 109 vs North Penn. And the schedule starting with Pennridge, Abington, North Penn and Neshaminy was a brutal opening 4 game slate with no give up as evidenced by emotional, physical encounter wins vs CB East and CB South at the end. The Bucks should be a factor in 2021!
Central Bucks South 2-5 6A
Since the Titans last special team in 2012 that went 10-2, they’ve been a .500 team at 43-39, compiling a 90-78 record since opening in 2004. Like North Penn, they’ve found their success typically with a big offense that was rarely supported by a good defense. The years they’ve had decent defense, 2016, 2017 and 2018, allowing 15, 17 and 19ppg, they’ve had weak offenses averaging 21, 19 and 18ppg in corresponding years. For 2021 it looks like a big rebuild with quarterback Carter Hallgren (1675, 61%, 13/2) graduating plus their #1 rusher Jason Christensen, #1 receiver TE Ryan Schaub, 38/550, (Hallgren, Schaub 1st teamers) and lineman Aaron Collachi (6-4, 275) and Tommy Wood (6-0, 255). The D losses quality from front to rear in LB Owen Petrich (6-2, 220), DLs Collachi and Preston Jones (5-9, 215) and Chris Moore from the secondary. A bright spot is the return of diminutive Tommy Donnelley (5-7, 170), a sophomore who caught 25 passes for 362 yards and 5 scores.
Central Bucks East 1-5 6A
Like CB West and South, CB East had one of their worst seasons in many years. The defense that allowed 37ppg was their worst year ending average in over 22 years. This was a theme with the three Central Bucks teams. South allowed an all-time high of 39ppg while West allowed 30ppg, their worst since 2008’s 3-7 team that allowed 31. East’s season fell apart after beating Pennsbury in the opener when they lost 1st Team all SOL Continental “Honors” quarterback Anthony Giordano with a shoulder against CB South game-2 while playing safety. Sophomore Patrick Keller (6-4, 180) stepped in, completing 49% for 441 yards. Good luck starting sophomore quarterbacks in power conferences like the National, Mid Penn-Commonwealth and others. Other sophomores made their mark in the backfield in Ethan Shine (80/320), Tommy Day (19/142) and D.P. Kelly (17/69). The D returns 5. But you’ve got to wonder about a team that returned 8 starters to offense and 7 to defense in 2020 and went 1-5, allowing a record 37ppg!
SOL-American Conference
Upper Moreland 5-2 4A
The Golden Bears bounced back from two losing campaigns with a 5-2 outing, an American Conference title and a first round 35-0 4A playoff win over Archbishop Ryan. Unfortunately they lost a tough one the following week in Hollidaysburg to then undefeated Oil City (10-1, D-10 champ) 28-27 when the Oilers scored with four minutes left in the game. 2021 should see them as competitive again returning dual threat quarterback Byron Hopkins (21/33/312py, 35-133ry) and lead back Cameryn Jackson (35/385). With Jahaire Johnson and Jon Knight gone, Hopkins will be looking for new targets. Johnson was a special talent making 1st Team American at WR and DB. They’ll also miss 1st Teamer OL/DL Ryan Schernecke (6-7, 280) plus LB Jon Knight (6-0, 195), DB Jahaire Johnson (6-1, 165) and DL Nasir Thomas (-10, 210). Looks like they’ll have another competitive team despite some significant losses.
Wissahickon 3-4 5A (Had a forfeit loss)
Two overtime wins lifted the Trojans to .500 for the first time since 2013 (discounting forfeit) when they finished 6-2. They had to finish 4-0 that year telling you nothing comes easy for Wissy recently. In between, they went 10-50! But this year saw some gains getting to the postseason as the 3rd seed where they were trounced by Rustin 48-13. For 2021 they return quarterback Aiden Defeo (1166, 43%, 10/9), Lead back Kyle Lehman (80/462, 14-146py) and Jeremiah Clark (5-10, 185, 18-55py) who led the team in tackles with 56 as backer. They graduated a number of starters from the defense but return many experienced players on that side at DL, LB and DE.
Tennant 3-4 6A
Here’s another program stuck in the mud recording their 14th consecutive losing season! If it wouldn’t be for bad luck they’d have no luck losing by 8, 5 and by 7 in overtime. Saw them on CIT-28 Christmas Eve vs Whitemarsh (I lead a dull life) where they looked better than 3-4. And they were, losing tight ones mentioned above to Springfield 14-6, Upper Moreland 14-9 and Wissahickon 20-13 in overtime. 2021 will be about replacing quarterback Matt Miller, running back Ferando Delgado, OL/DL Mike Costello (5-11, 270) and key D players in LB Derrick Cosenza (6-4, 220) and DB Eric DeJesus (5-9, 165). Ryan Marinucci at LB and Matt Miller at DB are also holes to fill on a defense allowing 20ppg that was their best since 2006’s 6-4 squad that allowed 17.
Springfield 4-2 4A (One was a forfeit win)
Springfield is on a roll having completed their third straight winning season! This is heady stuff in Erdenheim. Four years ago they were forfeiting seven games in a 0-8 season because of player shortages, with the season being cancelled after a 47-20 opening day loss to Octorara. The SOL granted an exemption allowing an independent schedule against smaller schools that saw them get the #1 seed vs Upper Moreland in 2019 at 8-2! They rejoined the league in 2020. Nice story.
Next year?....maybe not so nice graduating Qb Gabe Fraczyk who threw for 1008 yards and rushed for 230 more after passing for 1828 yards and rushing for 895 yards the year before. Ditto senior Cam Dennis who had 1004 yards in receptions last year and 455 this year on 34 catches. Played a lot of youth in 2021 so the numbers are decent there at DE Colby Sabin (5-10, 170), LBs Ryan Marcino (5-11, 165) and Will Shapley (6-0, 210). Ben Cooney (6-3, 185, jr) is back with DL Owen Hussie (5-10, 175. jr). They graduated some good lineman as well in Luke Gozzard (5-9, 185), Dan Dallea (5-9, 245) and Gavin DeLarso (5-10, 190). Looks challenging but you’ve got to like their trajectory.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 2-3 5A
The Colonials dropped below .500 this year after fielding one of their better teams a year ago that went 9-2. Garnet Valley (11-2) beat them in the 6A D-1 quarterfinal. But PW gave Cheltenham (14-2) one of their better game in the regular season losing 28-24. Chelty went on to lose to Archbishop Wood (11-3) in the Class 5A state final 19-15. PW was very young this season so look for a rebound in 2021. Before the 9-2 season they were struggling big time with back-to-back 1-8 seasons. Here’s their 2020 game with 3A Wyomissing (9-1, D3) who lost in the final to Central Valley after beating PW 44-0 in the regular season. They looked terrible against Wyomissing but they were young and Wyo is one of the top programs in the state. Good announcers.
Wyomissing Football vs. Plymouth Whitemarsh - YouTube
New Hope-Solebury 3-4 3A
Here’s another team like many that just missed a few more wins losing in overtime to Wissahickon by 3 and to Carroll by 7. The Lions recently concluded an impressive three year run going 12-2 in 2015, then back-to-back 9-2 seasons in 2016 and 2017 and 9-3 in 2018. They’re playing decent football in New Hope! 2019’s team went 5-5, but finished strong at 5-2 to set up 2020 for better things that almost occurred but for those narrow losses. Dual threat Phillip Weinseimer (6-3, 215, 928py, 50%, 4/6, 541ry) is a loss to graduation plus running back Joey Capriotti’s 686 yards. Tough losses but they have a solid line backing corps returning in MLB Jude Hutkin (6-0, 205, jr), Greg Fudula (5-10, 165, jr), Ryan Sullivan (6-0, 185, jr), Ben Garritano (6-1, 190, jr) plus Sean Cooney (6-1, 175, jr) at SS and Dylan Hilderbrandt (5-10, 155, jr) at corner.
Cheltenham 5A…..denied the opportunity to defend their state runner up Silver Medal when administrators opted out of playing for the 2020 season….while most other schools across the state and country enjoyed the season.
Ches Mont-National Division
Coatesville 4-1 6A
Coatesville’s four year run of 13-2, 14-1, 10-3 and 4-1 seasons saw them pass North Penn who went 9-3, 13-1, 8-4 and 4-1 as the winningest team in District-1 since 2010 at 111-24 to NP’s 108-30. How about these two. And how about getting a state championship Coatesville and another for North Penn. Dumb me thinking they should have had one (two?) since 2003’s title team. Back in the day I bragged up coach Matt Ortega, he being a District-3 guy and after reviving a declining program like York High. The Bearcats were forever down until he lifted them to 37-18 (04-08) before arriving at Coatesville, going 10-2, 10-2 his final two years at York. And he’s done the same thing at Coatesville and more, going 116-29 since his arrival in 2009. Many felt they’d take a step back in 2020 but they didn’t, despite starting a mixed but largely young team. They survived a brief but rigorous schedule (both Dtown teams) with a pile of sophomores, juniors and a few freshman who took veteran Pennridge to the brink. They managed the schedule in part because both Downingtown teams were also young at quarterback. With quarterbacks Harrison Susi and Boulder Eubanks returning along with receivers Tommy Ortega, Dewayne Molina, running back Ashton Worley and others plus good numbers to the defense (lineman will have to step up), they’ll enter 2021 and into 2022 in good shape with all that talented youth. Like Steelton Highspire, they should have a strong two year run with the amount of talented youth in the program.
Downingtown East 2-3 6A
East had some good looking parts but not enough to get past the better teams on their schedule losing to LaSalle 27-7, Coatesville 20-14 and Rustin 32-13, dipping below .500 for the first time in seven years. Some key returnees are soph quarterback Jamy Jenkins, top receiver Mike Giordano, running backs Josh Asante, Brayden McClain and Bo Horvat, TE/DE George Bousum (6-3, 220, jr), OL Kyle Kacmar (6-6, 280, jr) and others for a good nucleus. RB Stanley Bryant will be missed, perhaps more on defense where he was a fierce hitter! Since the split in 2003, East has gone 147-57 (72%) with three losing seasons while Downingtown West has gone 130-68 (65.6%) with five losing seasons.
Bishop Shanahan 4-0 4A
Shanahan had a good year with their best defense ever, albeit, against a less than challenging schedule of Archbishop Carroll (2-3) 14-7, Wilson Area (3-5, D11) 28-7, Pottstown (0-4) 35-0 and Lansdale Catholic (0-4) 35-0, But 4-0 is 4-0 with more to come in 2021 with most of the team returning, especially in the backfield with running backs and quarterback Cooper Jordan. RB/LB Brandon Choi (6-2, 215, jr) and WR/CB Gus Ross (6-0, 180, jr) are standouts. The Ches Mont showed a lot of youth in 2020 that should pay dividends in 2021.
Downingtown West 2-2 6A
The Whippets ended the year at .500 despite losing to conference rivals Coatesville 22-14 in the opener and D-town East in the finale 21-7. Like many others in the conference, they’ll return a boatload from both sides of the line for 2021 (10 starters, co-starters), an experienced quarterback in Evan Wickersham and most of the backfield. Hopefully they can develop more depth as they were hindered in 2020 with a lot of 2-way players. They look to be particular strong at linebacker returning Josh Barron (5-9, 190, jr), Nahsir Harris (6-0, 180, jr), Ryan Waters (6-1, 205, jr), Will Mahmud (6-1, 210, jr), Constantino Villari (6-2, 205, jr), and DTs Heath Williams (5-10, 245, jr), Drew Shelton (6-5, 280, jr) and Cooper Young (6-5, 280, so!). DBs Jake Rivera (5-9, 160, fr), Jake Kucera (5-9, 160, fr), and Elijah Ford (6-3, 175, jr) are also back.
Avon Grove 1-4 6A
Avon Grove had another one win season following 2019’s 1-9 campaign that marks their 11th non-winning season in a row. They went 5-5 in 2017 and 18 and haven’t had a winning season since 2009’s 11-2 team, their only winning team since they started playing football in 2002, compiling a 66-123 record. Like everyone else in the National, they return their quarterback, Connor Walsh. They’ll have little trouble replacing graduated lineman with the group they have coming up to join senior returning tackle Nate Fish (6-2, 275) and a standout sophomore linebacker in Evan Schultz (5-9, 185, jr). First year coach Joe Coffey has them playing hard as evidenced by defeating previously undefeated Unionville (3-1) 42-21 following losses to Coatesville, D-Town East and West by an average score of 45-3. No give up!
Ches Mont-American Division
Rustin 4-3 5A
Bayard Rustin High was established in 2006 where after an initial 3-8 season they became a perennial winner in the Ches Mont with a 124-48 record (72%) under the guidance of coach Mike St. Clair who has been their only head coach. 2020’s team came close, losing narrowly to Unionville 35-27, then winning four straight including a 32-13 rout of Downingtown East in the regular season final. Then they routed Wissahickon 48-13 in the playoffs before bowing to Upper Dublin 29-8. Along the way they discovered running back Dayshawn Jacobs (5-9, 180, jr) who rushed for 258 yards vs Wissahickon with 5 tds, ending with 677ry and 857 total. He’ll join FB/MLB Anthony Meadows (6-1, 220, jr) in the backfield with Travis Riley and Tucker Flynn graduating. Qb Kolbe Freney (6-2, 180, jr) got time and will likely replace John Crispino who graduates. CJ Fisher (6-1, 220, jr) was a standout on the line. They were a young team with only 12 seniors so look for marked improvement.
Unionville 3-1 5A
Unionville is one of those teams that sneaks up on you with a notable upset and at least 8 wins (9 of last 16 years) then drops off the screen with an early exit from the postseason or surprising loss. Last year saw them open with an impressive 35-27 win at Rustin, then end the year with a 42-21 loss at previously winless Avon Grove. Bottom line, they win a decent amount of games with one losing season since 2004, going 126-50 since then. They were “pretty young” as coach Pat Clark put it, giving them good numbers returning for 2021 especially along the lines with Jack Tuel 6-5 270, Conrad Muhly 6-1 250, Jack Muhly 6-1 245 and TE Nate Holt 6-5 230 back. Qb Matt McCloskey returns with running back Ethan Bennick.
Henderson 2-3 5A
The once powerful program (105-62, 2001-2014) that was Henderson High has fallen to unimaginable depths in four short years, winning but six games since losing to Springfield in 2016’s district semifinal. At 9-4, that was also their last winning season. Thereon the decline was rapid, followed by 1-9, 0-10, 3-8 and 2-3 seasons….and three new head coaches. But, after a 0-3 start this season, coach John Lunardi has them on the same page, winning their last two games against Octorara (6-2) 24-6 who came in from the Lancaster Lebanon for Homecoming at 5-1 (big win!) and Great Valley (2-3) 23-7. Junior Qb Eddie Smink (6-0, 200) returns with experienced receivers and backs. With almost every quarterback returning to the National and American conferences, 2021 should be exciting, paving the way for a highly competitive season in the Ches Mont.
West Chester East 3-2 5A
East broke in a new line and a impressive sophomore running back with a veteran quarterback in senior Ryan Duell that got them above .500 for only the third time in fourteen years. Graduating 25 seniors, 4 lineman and a quarterback says 2020 was the year to make a move, making 2021 a rebuild. They also graduated almost all of the defense making it a full rebuild. But they’ll have sophomore Mitch Ragni (6-0, 210. 793ry) who had 174 yards in the opener vs Oxford and 232 vs Henderson. And the line will rebuild around monster lineman Max Bowman (6-7, 290, jr). The quarterback position is up for grabs with Ryan McIntire (6-4, 205, jr) having the inside track. Note; Many Ches Mont games are available on You Tube.
Great Valley 2-3 5A
Great Valley struggled the last three years going 3-7, 2-8 and 2-3. The last two years have seen their offense dip to new lows, averaging 10ppg in 2019 and 9ppg last year. Part of the problem is an undersized line featuring Nick Mort 6-1 170 jr, Gavin Greco 6-0 210 so, Jose Caballero 5-10 180 so, Sean McNamara 5-11, 180 jr, and senior Duffy Cotter 5-10 220. Quarterback Andy Talone 6-0 175, jr returns with a team that should be more competitive with a veteran line. Young team last year.
Kennett 2-3 5A (Had a forfeit loss)
Kennett resumed the football program in 2005 after an 89 year hiatus with little success, having three winning teams since then. But they are making real progress under head coach Lance Frazier (3rd HC in 3 yrs!) who arrived in 2018 to make major improvements not seen at a glance (3-7 to 4-7), but in all statistical categories. From 2017 to 2018 they were statistically one of the most improved teams in the district on offense and defense, with competitive losses to Unionville 10-7 and Quakertown 15-13, teams that would typically blow them off the field. 2019’s team went 10-2, defeating Rustin, U-ville, St, Mark’s (Wilmington) and Strath Haven in the playoffs before losing to Cheltenham 42-20 in the district semifinal. Coach Frazier who played in the NFL for Dallas, Seattle and Baltimore was recently name by the National Federation of High Schools as its Pennsylvania Football Coach of the Year for 2019-2020. He has upgraded the program to the point where you can safely say they are no longer a pushover.
Oxford 1-3 5A
The Hornets struggled through another losing season, their 20th in the last 22 years! But they showed real progress defensively giving up 22ppg with an unsupportive offense scoring 15ppg. 2019’s defense allowed 33 ppg. In fact, they haven’t had a better defense in terms of points allowed since 2007’s 3-7 team allowed 20 a game. There were only 15 seniors on the roster last year so they’ll return good numbers while looking to replace a few key people; quarterback Seth Yoder (6-1, 220), OT Caleb O’Connor (6-3, 290), OG Nolan Reilly (5-9, 185), TE Kelvin Figueroa (5-11, 205), RB/LB Davon Rueda, WR/FS Joey Foutrakis and OLB Nick Verderame, SS Jake Highfield. They’ll rebuild around NT Nick Richardson (6-3, 280, jr), DEs Evan Pechin (6-1, 210, jr) and Maven Brannon (6-3, 205) and C Seth Pearson (5-9, 210, jr), DBs/QB Dustin Long and Dak Jones and RB (QB?) LB Dom Pantalone. Scant info on the Hornets.
Sun Valley 0-3 5A
Sun Valley had one winning season the last fourteen years as the program continues to flounder with only five winning seasons in the last twenty two years. 2020’s team was largely veteran. A late announcement and start to the season (no in Aug, yes in Sept) seemed to impact them as it did many. So they have a lot of graduations entering 2021, namely along the line in Jacob Steinmetz (6-4, 235), Jake Crowder (6-6, 325), Cam Madison (6-2, 220) and Rob Powell (6-3, 210). Juniors Travis Powell (6-3, 270) and Ryan McKay (6-4, 225) return. Kevin Mayosis (6-0, 180, jr) who split reps with graduating Ty McLaughlin is back as is RB Andrew Kmett. Coach Greg Bernhardt will enter his fifth season in 2021 with a 9-28 record looking to turn it around. Before the Sun job he was at Bonner from 2012-2015, going 19-23.
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