6 Imhotep 183.00, D12, 11-3
Here’s another Philly elite that keeps churning out powerful teams (4 straight district titles), while putting together a seven year run of double digit winning seasons for an 89-12 record. This got them to the state final the last 4 years where they won it all in 2015, beating Cathedral Prep 40-3, with runner up silver medals in subsequent years via Cathedral Prep, including last year’s 38-7 loss. Whatever you might say about their competition in league action, there’s no denying they’ve stepped up in non-conference games, playing over the years Cardinal Mooney, LaSalle, Eastern Christian-MD, Trinity (Lou, KY), St. Francis-Balt, Friendship Academy-DC and especially the last two years playing Harrisburg in 2017 and DeMatha and St. Joseph Regional this season. Keyed by a number of D1 players, they opened the season with a convincing 34-10 win against LaSalle before losing to DeMatha 27-8 and St. Joseph Regional 14-8 the following two weeks. From there they went on a run, winning their next ten before losing to Cathedral. While this was a talented team, it wasn’t the explosive team we’re used to seeing over the years. From 2012 through 2017, they averaged 44ppg, never less than 37. This year’s finished the season with a 30ppg average, their lowest since 2011. Northeast held them to 22, Cardinal O’Hara to 20, while DeMatha and SJR both held them to 8 points. But the defense was almost always there as it has been over the years, allowing a 9ppg average from 2012 through last season. Last year’s allowed 10 a game. In post season action, they obliterated Boys Latin, Bartram, O’Hara, Valley View and Bethlehem Catholic by the average score of 35-5, surprising many by destroying Bethlehem Catholic 41-6. Ten straight wins and the destruction of BECA set us up for the fall where they lost what many felt would be a competitive game, losing to Cathedral Prep 38-7. They’ll be a significant rebuild for 2019 with the graduation of almost the entire O-Line (Quadir Hughes returns), and the loss of production of Qb Jalen Sutton Christian, running backs Tykee Smith (FS), Carl Jones and Symere Williams (LB) plus receiver Yusuf Terry. Half the defense will need replaced with Shaun Small, Lamar Johnson and Zymir Cobbs gone from the D-front. Coach Nick Lincoln will be entering his third year.
7 Garnet Valley 175.66, D1, 12-1
Garnet Valley ripped through the regular season unscathed, winning another Central League title on the way to their destiny that has been a meeting with powerful Coatesville the last two years. The difference this year over last is they were routed 42-7. A far cry from the 2017 team that lost 35-28 on a Pick-6 with 19 seconds left in the game. So what was the difference? G-Val had a far superior team statistically this year, scoring 38ppg while allowing 14. That’s an improvement of 8 points on offense and 3 less defensively. The Jaguars were a 3 seed both years while Coatesville moved from 4 in 2017 to a 2 seed last season. Two other things stand out. The 2018 game was in Coatesville while the 2017 game was in Garnet Valley. The Red Raiders matched 2017’s scoring average of 44ppg but the defense that was already solid in 2017 at 17ppg improved to an eye popping 12ppg. Also, that was a heck of a O-Line last year at Coatesville. Finally, the Jags struggled on the road against quality, all quality, beating Haverford 14-7, Springfield 6-0 and Radnor 29-28.
For the coming season they return Qb Ryan Gallagher who shared time with Cole Palis who graduated. You may recall he started at least 3 of their playoffs games in 2017 when Ryan Hamby and Cole Palis went down. Sam Morin (467 yards) and Greg Reynolds (399) will step up for graduated Colin Robinson (1002), Danny Bradley (714) and Dom Libricciosa (639) without skipping a beat as G-Val seems to do every year. Few teams rebuild lines as readily as the Jags where they always seem to excel. They’ll get a boost with at least 6 starters back on defense with large numbers of experienced players returning to both sides per blow outs. A won-loss of 81-24 the last ten years says they’ll again challenge for league honors with a team that will also challenge for district honors.
8 Neshaminy 173.00, D1, 8-4
Like North Penn, Neshaminy began the year with a new O-Line and a decent core of veterans returning to both side of the line. But that’s where the comparison ends with their failure to win the close games, measured against North Penn’s ability to do just the opposite. While the Knights thrived in tight games (see above), the Redskins struggled, losing to North Penn 34-33 in double overtime to open the season on a failed 2-pt conversion, then again in the district quarter final 13-6 on a 30-yd Pick-6, a missed field goal and extra point. The other losses were to Truman 27-26, on a blocked extra point, a missed extra point and quarterback Brody McAndrews throwing 3 picks and at Downingtown West 35-14. Special Teams and turnovers! But when is it ever easy opening with North Penn, Pennridge and Downingtown West your first three games of the year. A revived Truman in game # 6 also on the road like Pennridge and DWest made for a challenging opening first half of the season. But they revealed character, keeping it together to win six straight after opening the season 2-3. About those interceptions; McAndrew’s stats plummeted last year, completing 54% for 1492 yards with a Td/Pick ratio of 16 to 12. As a first year starting sophomore the year before, he threw for 1874 yards at a 59% clip while throwing just 4 interceptions against 17 touchdowns. Fullback Oleh Manzyk rushed for 556 yards and sophomore Chris James (5-6, 165) surprised at 1362 yards on 215 carries, so the run blocking was there. Maybe they schemed more towards a running game and they did have a new OL. Those interceptions influenced outcomes with the record falling from 10-2 to 8-4. Should mention the SOL-National was far more competitive in 2018 than 2017. Call it parity, whatever, but the number of 1, 2 and 3 point games are too many to list. At 28ppg, the offense dropped off 3 points. But the defense rarely failed them, allowing a mere 14ppg, holding six opponents to seven points or less. A play here or there would have seen the Skins re-matching with Downingtown West in the district semifinal. After winning back-to-back National titles in 2016 and 2017, they shared it last year with Truman. Rebuilding the defense will be the priority entering 2019 with most of the starters graduating including a real wipe out in the linebacking corps. But they’ll return their quarterback who will be a 3-yr starter, running back Chris James and a few lineman to give them another good nucleus. Roll Tribe.
9 Truman 172.10, D1, 10-2
Truman opening the season with wins that were unchallenging, routing Methacton 47-0, Avon Grove 46-12 and Tennett 49-14 before reality set in by way of a 20-6 loss to Council Rock South. But they soared in the final ratings following a seven game winning streak that included wins against Neshaminy 27-26, Pennsbury 29-24, Council Rock South 27-12, and the near miss against Downingtown West, 24-22 in the district quarterfinal. Here they blew a 14 point lead, had a punt blocked into the end zone for an easy 6, while rushing for 334 yards at Kottmeyer! But credit Downingtown for the comeback. Bottom line, those are monster wins and performances at Truman knowing the program has long been dormant. Not this year (or last) as they beat Neshaminy for the first time since 1995 and Pennsbury for the first time since 2001. 2017’s team went 7-4, so it’s been a nice ride the past two seasons under the guidance of head coach Mike LaPalombara and OC Galen Snyder. Actually, the program showed a pulse in 2013 after going 24-104 from 2002 to 2012. The 2013 team went 5-6, their best season since 2005 where they went 5-7. But in 2013 they showed tremendous statistical improvement, averaging 6 more points a game offensively while allowing 12 less. That gets your attention! They were at 22-22 points scored to points allowed. Another breakthrough came the following year going 7-5 with a 29-21 year ending scoring margin. They went 6-6 and 3-7 the following years before LaPalombara’s arrival. But, once again Truman will have to deal with the ongoing revolving door at the head coaching position (Smith, Isnnucci. Cubbage, Craig) with LaPalombara and staff moving on. Who knows how 2019 shakes out where they graduate some serious talent, while returning the same. Qb Dylan Snelling is gone with all of last year’s 12 returning starters. Still, Terrance Rodgers emerged at running back/DB with lineman Lawrence Baldwin (6-6, 260), Kashun Holden (6-6, 220), David Blay (6-2, 250), Elijah Narrah (6-1, 330) and Zayyan Saunders (6-5, 220, believe at TE?), Qb Rob Kessler (6-2, 160, backup, got time). Regardless of returning starters, it’s up in the air until we see who the new staff is and how they settle in.
10 Upper Dublin 163.24, D1, 12-2
Very quietly Upper Dublin has become one of the top programs in southeastern Pennsylvania. No one is calling them St. Joe’s or North Penn but they are succeeding at a level few schools attain. Few crack the 80% barrier but the Cardinals have, recording a 63-13 record from 2013 through last year. That’s 83%. A fast check shows only St. Joseph’s Prep, Imhotep, Archbishop Wood and Coatesville topping that. North Penn is at 82%, Garnet Valley at 80%, Downingtown East 79%. They had an interesting season last year, beating most teams handily except Quakertown who they edged 14-13. Penn Charter was their only regular season loss, 42-17 (Edward Saydee 228 rush-Temple), before running off nine straight including playoff wins against Phoenixville (4-7), Cheltenham (8-4), Unionville (6-7) and Rustin (10-3) to win the 5A district title before losing to Manheim Central (14-1) in the state semifinal 34-12. Few saw that season coming! This was their second district title in four years. In 2015 at 14-1, they beat North Penn (11-3) 42-21 as a 4A (only 4 classes) before losing to Parkland in the semifinal 30-14. Two district titles in four years. Looks like we have another power up in the northern burbs! Next year is looking good too with the return of quarterback Mike Slivka (6-2, 195) who passed for 1878 yards (63%, 20/6), while rushing for 374. His top two backs will graduate with Lucas Roselli being a loss, gaining 775 yards rushing with 527 yards in receptions as Slivka’s top receiver. They next 4 top receivers also will graduate. The line will miss big Quinton Derr, 6-5, 260. But they return a number of young linemen and a solid core defensively, especially at linebacker to give them every chance in 2019. They get Cheltenham at home who will be stronger and Penn Charter (8-2) if they’re on the schedule. PC will likely be a load too with most of their team back (played a lot of sophs, Qb, entire line) minus Saydee, their All-Time leading rusher. Q-town will be a road game. Whoever they play you know they’ll be ready, putting another competitive and well coached team with Coach Bret Stover entering his 17th season at UD.
Here’s another Philly elite that keeps churning out powerful teams (4 straight district titles), while putting together a seven year run of double digit winning seasons for an 89-12 record. This got them to the state final the last 4 years where they won it all in 2015, beating Cathedral Prep 40-3, with runner up silver medals in subsequent years via Cathedral Prep, including last year’s 38-7 loss. Whatever you might say about their competition in league action, there’s no denying they’ve stepped up in non-conference games, playing over the years Cardinal Mooney, LaSalle, Eastern Christian-MD, Trinity (Lou, KY), St. Francis-Balt, Friendship Academy-DC and especially the last two years playing Harrisburg in 2017 and DeMatha and St. Joseph Regional this season. Keyed by a number of D1 players, they opened the season with a convincing 34-10 win against LaSalle before losing to DeMatha 27-8 and St. Joseph Regional 14-8 the following two weeks. From there they went on a run, winning their next ten before losing to Cathedral. While this was a talented team, it wasn’t the explosive team we’re used to seeing over the years. From 2012 through 2017, they averaged 44ppg, never less than 37. This year’s finished the season with a 30ppg average, their lowest since 2011. Northeast held them to 22, Cardinal O’Hara to 20, while DeMatha and SJR both held them to 8 points. But the defense was almost always there as it has been over the years, allowing a 9ppg average from 2012 through last season. Last year’s allowed 10 a game. In post season action, they obliterated Boys Latin, Bartram, O’Hara, Valley View and Bethlehem Catholic by the average score of 35-5, surprising many by destroying Bethlehem Catholic 41-6. Ten straight wins and the destruction of BECA set us up for the fall where they lost what many felt would be a competitive game, losing to Cathedral Prep 38-7. They’ll be a significant rebuild for 2019 with the graduation of almost the entire O-Line (Quadir Hughes returns), and the loss of production of Qb Jalen Sutton Christian, running backs Tykee Smith (FS), Carl Jones and Symere Williams (LB) plus receiver Yusuf Terry. Half the defense will need replaced with Shaun Small, Lamar Johnson and Zymir Cobbs gone from the D-front. Coach Nick Lincoln will be entering his third year.
7 Garnet Valley 175.66, D1, 12-1
Garnet Valley ripped through the regular season unscathed, winning another Central League title on the way to their destiny that has been a meeting with powerful Coatesville the last two years. The difference this year over last is they were routed 42-7. A far cry from the 2017 team that lost 35-28 on a Pick-6 with 19 seconds left in the game. So what was the difference? G-Val had a far superior team statistically this year, scoring 38ppg while allowing 14. That’s an improvement of 8 points on offense and 3 less defensively. The Jaguars were a 3 seed both years while Coatesville moved from 4 in 2017 to a 2 seed last season. Two other things stand out. The 2018 game was in Coatesville while the 2017 game was in Garnet Valley. The Red Raiders matched 2017’s scoring average of 44ppg but the defense that was already solid in 2017 at 17ppg improved to an eye popping 12ppg. Also, that was a heck of a O-Line last year at Coatesville. Finally, the Jags struggled on the road against quality, all quality, beating Haverford 14-7, Springfield 6-0 and Radnor 29-28.
For the coming season they return Qb Ryan Gallagher who shared time with Cole Palis who graduated. You may recall he started at least 3 of their playoffs games in 2017 when Ryan Hamby and Cole Palis went down. Sam Morin (467 yards) and Greg Reynolds (399) will step up for graduated Colin Robinson (1002), Danny Bradley (714) and Dom Libricciosa (639) without skipping a beat as G-Val seems to do every year. Few teams rebuild lines as readily as the Jags where they always seem to excel. They’ll get a boost with at least 6 starters back on defense with large numbers of experienced players returning to both sides per blow outs. A won-loss of 81-24 the last ten years says they’ll again challenge for league honors with a team that will also challenge for district honors.
8 Neshaminy 173.00, D1, 8-4
Like North Penn, Neshaminy began the year with a new O-Line and a decent core of veterans returning to both side of the line. But that’s where the comparison ends with their failure to win the close games, measured against North Penn’s ability to do just the opposite. While the Knights thrived in tight games (see above), the Redskins struggled, losing to North Penn 34-33 in double overtime to open the season on a failed 2-pt conversion, then again in the district quarter final 13-6 on a 30-yd Pick-6, a missed field goal and extra point. The other losses were to Truman 27-26, on a blocked extra point, a missed extra point and quarterback Brody McAndrews throwing 3 picks and at Downingtown West 35-14. Special Teams and turnovers! But when is it ever easy opening with North Penn, Pennridge and Downingtown West your first three games of the year. A revived Truman in game # 6 also on the road like Pennridge and DWest made for a challenging opening first half of the season. But they revealed character, keeping it together to win six straight after opening the season 2-3. About those interceptions; McAndrew’s stats plummeted last year, completing 54% for 1492 yards with a Td/Pick ratio of 16 to 12. As a first year starting sophomore the year before, he threw for 1874 yards at a 59% clip while throwing just 4 interceptions against 17 touchdowns. Fullback Oleh Manzyk rushed for 556 yards and sophomore Chris James (5-6, 165) surprised at 1362 yards on 215 carries, so the run blocking was there. Maybe they schemed more towards a running game and they did have a new OL. Those interceptions influenced outcomes with the record falling from 10-2 to 8-4. Should mention the SOL-National was far more competitive in 2018 than 2017. Call it parity, whatever, but the number of 1, 2 and 3 point games are too many to list. At 28ppg, the offense dropped off 3 points. But the defense rarely failed them, allowing a mere 14ppg, holding six opponents to seven points or less. A play here or there would have seen the Skins re-matching with Downingtown West in the district semifinal. After winning back-to-back National titles in 2016 and 2017, they shared it last year with Truman. Rebuilding the defense will be the priority entering 2019 with most of the starters graduating including a real wipe out in the linebacking corps. But they’ll return their quarterback who will be a 3-yr starter, running back Chris James and a few lineman to give them another good nucleus. Roll Tribe.
9 Truman 172.10, D1, 10-2
Truman opening the season with wins that were unchallenging, routing Methacton 47-0, Avon Grove 46-12 and Tennett 49-14 before reality set in by way of a 20-6 loss to Council Rock South. But they soared in the final ratings following a seven game winning streak that included wins against Neshaminy 27-26, Pennsbury 29-24, Council Rock South 27-12, and the near miss against Downingtown West, 24-22 in the district quarterfinal. Here they blew a 14 point lead, had a punt blocked into the end zone for an easy 6, while rushing for 334 yards at Kottmeyer! But credit Downingtown for the comeback. Bottom line, those are monster wins and performances at Truman knowing the program has long been dormant. Not this year (or last) as they beat Neshaminy for the first time since 1995 and Pennsbury for the first time since 2001. 2017’s team went 7-4, so it’s been a nice ride the past two seasons under the guidance of head coach Mike LaPalombara and OC Galen Snyder. Actually, the program showed a pulse in 2013 after going 24-104 from 2002 to 2012. The 2013 team went 5-6, their best season since 2005 where they went 5-7. But in 2013 they showed tremendous statistical improvement, averaging 6 more points a game offensively while allowing 12 less. That gets your attention! They were at 22-22 points scored to points allowed. Another breakthrough came the following year going 7-5 with a 29-21 year ending scoring margin. They went 6-6 and 3-7 the following years before LaPalombara’s arrival. But, once again Truman will have to deal with the ongoing revolving door at the head coaching position (Smith, Isnnucci. Cubbage, Craig) with LaPalombara and staff moving on. Who knows how 2019 shakes out where they graduate some serious talent, while returning the same. Qb Dylan Snelling is gone with all of last year’s 12 returning starters. Still, Terrance Rodgers emerged at running back/DB with lineman Lawrence Baldwin (6-6, 260), Kashun Holden (6-6, 220), David Blay (6-2, 250), Elijah Narrah (6-1, 330) and Zayyan Saunders (6-5, 220, believe at TE?), Qb Rob Kessler (6-2, 160, backup, got time). Regardless of returning starters, it’s up in the air until we see who the new staff is and how they settle in.
10 Upper Dublin 163.24, D1, 12-2
Very quietly Upper Dublin has become one of the top programs in southeastern Pennsylvania. No one is calling them St. Joe’s or North Penn but they are succeeding at a level few schools attain. Few crack the 80% barrier but the Cardinals have, recording a 63-13 record from 2013 through last year. That’s 83%. A fast check shows only St. Joseph’s Prep, Imhotep, Archbishop Wood and Coatesville topping that. North Penn is at 82%, Garnet Valley at 80%, Downingtown East 79%. They had an interesting season last year, beating most teams handily except Quakertown who they edged 14-13. Penn Charter was their only regular season loss, 42-17 (Edward Saydee 228 rush-Temple), before running off nine straight including playoff wins against Phoenixville (4-7), Cheltenham (8-4), Unionville (6-7) and Rustin (10-3) to win the 5A district title before losing to Manheim Central (14-1) in the state semifinal 34-12. Few saw that season coming! This was their second district title in four years. In 2015 at 14-1, they beat North Penn (11-3) 42-21 as a 4A (only 4 classes) before losing to Parkland in the semifinal 30-14. Two district titles in four years. Looks like we have another power up in the northern burbs! Next year is looking good too with the return of quarterback Mike Slivka (6-2, 195) who passed for 1878 yards (63%, 20/6), while rushing for 374. His top two backs will graduate with Lucas Roselli being a loss, gaining 775 yards rushing with 527 yards in receptions as Slivka’s top receiver. They next 4 top receivers also will graduate. The line will miss big Quinton Derr, 6-5, 260. But they return a number of young linemen and a solid core defensively, especially at linebacker to give them every chance in 2019. They get Cheltenham at home who will be stronger and Penn Charter (8-2) if they’re on the schedule. PC will likely be a load too with most of their team back (played a lot of sophs, Qb, entire line) minus Saydee, their All-Time leading rusher. Q-town will be a road game. Whoever they play you know they’ll be ready, putting another competitive and well coached team with Coach Bret Stover entering his 17th season at UD.
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