We’re approaching crunch time in the PAC’s divisional races.
Nothing can be officially decided this weekend, but the area’s biggest rivalry – and another annual encounter that’s gaining plenty of momentum – headline a slate that will have an immeasurable effect on the final standings.
All games are 7 p.m. on Friday.
Spring-Ford (3-3, 2-0 PAC Liberty) at Perkiomen Valley (4-2, 2-0 PAC Liberty)
As the Rams and Vikings prepare to renew the Battle of the Horns – yet again, with first place in the division on the line – it’s worth reviewing how both teams got to this point.
A nightmarish first month for Spring-Ford wasn’t that way because of their record. When you play three District 1 powerhouses and one of the state’s most storied programs, losses are part of the deal. But a 1-3 start was compounded by losing three valuable seniors in Gyasi Romu, Zack Stead and Missouri commit and all-state QB Matt Zollers.
The Rams, however, have rallied behind RB Jamal Lewis (averaging 199.5 rushing yards over the past two games, including the 17th 200-yard rushing game in school history in last week’s win over Methacton) and sophomore QB Trent Yoder, who’s growing within the offense each week.
“We’re improving our efficiency,” said head coach Chad Brubaker. “But we still need to finish our drives and stop hurting ourselves with penalties.”
Thus far Spring-Ford has managed its shortcomings thanks to an excellent defense and special teams. After an embarrassing outing at Easton in Week 2 (a 49-7 loss), the Rams have allowed just 12 points per game in a quarter of contests that included Downingtown East and Downingtown West.
Ryan Reavy already holds the school record for touchbacks, a hidden key to excellent field position, while Ryan Fields’ place kicking gives Spring-Ford an added special teams weapon.
Likewise, Perkiomen Valley head coach Rob Heist is aware of the importance of special teams in what he anticipates being a tight game that could be determined by field position. “Every point will matter,” said Heist. “They have dynamic offensive weapons, and we need to be disciplined and not allow explosive plays.”
For the Vikings’ part, the emergence of Will Stein and Carter McCabe adds to the diversity of weapons at the disposal of QB Patrick MacDonald (59 percent completions, 481 yards passing, 298 yards rushing). Andrew Keenan, Eddie Smith and Cooper Bolton lead the group tasked with protecting MacDonald from a resurgent Rams’ defense that is hoping to limit the Vikings as they have their past several opponents.
“It’s Spring-Ford versus PV,” summarized Heist. “We will get their absolute best this week. They are extremely well-coached and well-prepared. We know each other well, and the atmosphere will be incredible.”
Pope John Paul II (5-1, 2-0 PAC Frontier) at Pottsgrove (5-1, 2-0 PAC Frontier)
The biggest obstacle remaining between the Golden Panthers and a fifth consecutive division title is the host Falcons, winners of four straight and coming in off two decisive victories to start the PAC Frontier slate.
Pottsgrove head coach Bill Hawthorne knows the stretch run begins with a bang this weekend as the defending league champions visit Pennypacker Field.
“Braden Reed is the most dynamic player in the area, and he makes incredible plays on offense, defense and special teams,” said Hawthorne of the Villanova commit and all-everything weapon for the Golden Panthers, who lines up at receiver and corner but contributes to just about every facet of the game.
“Luke Terlesky is a great QB who can run and pass and puts his team in the right position in all situations,” Hawthorne continued. “Dylan Skarbek, Makel Parker, Chase Frantz…they’re all excellent players who have the experience and ability to change the complexion of the game on any given play.”
How can Pottsgrove counter? Not only did junior halfback Mikhi Dargan rush for a career-high 291 yards and five total TDs last week, but he did so on only 15 total touches, suggesting he’ll be plenty fresh to go against the ornery PJP defense. Cam Waller, Isaiah Rivera, Deymein Doctor, and Tommy Sambrick comprise a diverse and skilled group of targets for junior QB Chase Hawthorne (60 percent completions, 488 passing yards, 5 TD passes without an interception.)
Bill Hawthorne also mentioned the importance of two-way standouts Brandon McGinley and Mason Kraichley to the Falcons’ hope of ending PJP’s run on Friday night.
“Pottsgrove looks very fast and physical on defense,” said PJP head coach Scott Reed. “Our offense must execute at a high level, limit mistakes and play as many downs as possible at manageable down and distance. They are extremely athletic on offense, they look impressive up front and their QB makes great decisions.”
Reed also mentioned junior CB Zahaid Edwards-Boone and sophomore OL Dan Tammaro as players who have emerged as major contributors for the Golden Panthers in the past few weeks.
Phoenixville (4-1, 1-1 PAC Frontier) at Pottstown (1-5, 0-2 PAC Frontier)
If anyone’s going to upend the Frontier race it’s the Phantoms, who roll into Pottstown with only a narrow loss to PJP on their resume. Deacon Williams continues to lead the PAC in rushing at 836 yards despite his team playing one less game than everyone else, and Talon Romance leads the passing offense that can strike for a big play with WRs Kevin Kingsbury and Trey Lear as soon as defenses key on stopping Williams.
Pottstown continues to show growth behind QB Cole Boyles and WRs Ikeem Wolloh and Tyson Robbins, with junior Kingston Allen putting in yeoman’s work on both lines.
Boyertown (0-6, 0-2 PAC Liberty) at Owen J. Roberts (5-1, 1-1 PAC Liberty)
Similarly, the result of Spring-Ford/Perkiomen Valley has the potential to open things up for one-loss OJR, who got back on track with a shutout victory over Norristown last week. Lorenzo Satiro continues to pace the defense, while QB Corey Schock commandeers an offense that can strike from anywhere with play-making sophomores Mekhi Graham and Matt Gregory.
Boyertown continues to fight for coach Jami Sands’ first victory as the young Bears travel to Bucktown.
Upper Perkiomen (3-3, 0-2 PAC Frontier) at Upper Merion (1-5, 1-1 PAC Frontier)
The upper hand in this battle will go to the team whose quarterback can continue to display the improvement both coaches have lauded of late.
Upper Merion coach Marquis Weeks was complimentary of Jackson Solley’s play (292 pass yards, three TDs) last week against Phoenixville, while Upper Perkiomen’s bright spot in a loss to Pope John Paul II was a long completion from Logan O’Donnell to Aiden Void. The Tribe looks to stop a three-game skid as they battle for a playoff berth in their first season at Class 5A.
Methacton (2-4, 1-1 PAC Liberty) at Norristown (3-3, 0-2 PAC Liberty)
The Eagles’ stated preseason goal of qualifying for the Class 6A playoffs for the first time reaches a critical juncture this week when they host Methacton. A victory this week puts a winning record well within reach for head coach Joe Milligan’s team, but they’ll need to solve a Methacton outfit hungry to get back on track after Spring-Ford stopped their two-game winning streak last week.
“Norristown’s shown a lot of toughness all season,” said Methacton head coach Eric Ranieri. “We need to run the ball, take care of the football and tackle well, and we’ve stressed those things in practice all week.”
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