Red Sox-Yankees. Cowboys-Eagles. Duke-UNC. North Penn-Souderton. Knights-Big Red.
One of the most historic rivalries in the local area returns to Crawford Stadium again on Friday, for a second round playoff matchup that pits two Suburban One League teams, just 6 miles apart, against each other in a win-or-go-home scenario.
Although unlike the back and forth of the Lakers and Celtics of the 80’s, the neighboring district’s bouts have been a bit more one-sided. The Knights have taken the last 17 matches dating back to 1990, and their last loss to the Big Red came the year before, in 1989. North Penn (including Lansdale High School) is currently 52-27- 3 vs. Souderton, dating back to 1924.
“It has been a while since we played them, I have not played them yet in my time here. I would definitely say that there’ll be some extra motivation with the season on the line and the rivalry too. There’s a lot on the line and everybody there we will definitely be putting it all out there,” senior captain Matthew Pownall said.
#2 North Penn (9-2)(5-2 SOL Natl.) finds themselves in the second round of districts on the back of another successful season under longtime head coach Dick Beck, having routed #14 Boyertown 42-14 in the opening round.
The Knights dropped two in a row early in the season to now #1 Pennridge and Neshaminy, but have won six in a row coming into this game.
“We had two tough losses early on but it happens. We really just used those games and built off of them. Learning each week what we have to work on and improve in. Getting those six wins was a result of our hard work and we are just going to keep rolling with it. Just hope to continue the momentum and run with it all throughout playoffs and win this championship,” Pownall said.
After finishing second in the Suburban One Continental in the regular season, #7 Souderton (9-2)(6-1 SOL Cont.) topped #10 Ridley 23-6 to meet the Knights on Friday.
After losing in the District One championship last year, the Knights core of returning starters have propelled them deep into this season, highlighted by seniors Matt Bucksar, Matt Pownall, and Mason Franek, along with juniors Rylei Gray and Sal Colella.
“[Experience] plays a huge role in our success in the season so far and what’s coming. I would say the experience that most of our seniors have is what will win us games late in the season. When bigger pressure games come it’ll be tough for us to fold when we have already been here and experienced it,” Pownall said.
Bucksar, in his third year starting, has completed 98 of 171 passes for 1,348 yards, as well as completing 13 touchdowns to only 3 interceptions. A good portion of those passes have fallen into the hands of Franek, bringing in 29 receptions for a whopping 449 yards (15.6 YPR).
The North Penn running game has been led by Pownall and Grey, who, on 257 attempts, have combined for 1,611 yards (6.3 YPA) and 17 rushing touchdowns.
On the defensive side, Nate Schepian and Jacob Garrett have piloted a Knights defense that has allowed 14.6 PPG, accumulating 53 and 48 tackles, respectively.
Souderton has dominated their competition thus far, scoring 373 points (34 PPG) while only giving up a mere 86 (8 PPG). Senior Hunter Smeltz has led the receiving core with 74.2 YPG, and fellow WR Timmy Meehan has reeled in 6 touchdowns to date. On the ground, Jared HIgginbotham has led the way with 45.6 YPG.
The winner of this round of 8 matchup will take on the winner of the #14 Owen J. Roberts/#11 Neshaminy in the District semi-final. Crawford stadium is sure to be packed and rowdy for this instant classic rivalry game; you can get your tickets here.
“[Having home field advantage] means a lot considering the amount of people we get that come and support us at our games. It helps us players for momentum shifts and boosts our energy. Knowing that people want to come watch our games definitely ramps up the confidence and energy going into game time,” Pownall concluded.
