Sports

Pottsgrove Shining in the PAC-10

This column takes a look at Pioneer Athletic Conference football.

By Dave Devlin 

Let’s say Pottsgrove’s 47-7 this past Friday evening was “impressive."

But then again, that description might be an understatement.

Find out what's happening in Phoenixvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Remember, this was a match-up of two Class AAA Pioneer Athletic Conference teams which were No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the District I playoff points standings coming into the game. 

But long before anyone could settle into their seats for what many believed was going to be an instant classic, Pottsgrove quickly established there was a rather large gap between the two teams. 

Find out what's happening in Phoenixvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At least during the course of Friday evening’s contest.

The score was 13-0 after one quarter, 26-0 at halftime and 40-0 at the end of the third quarter.

The Falcons piled up 467 yards of total offense behind their increasingly impressive offensive line. Most of that damage was done on the ground as senior fullback Robbie Curtain romped for 132 yards rushing on 13 carries with a pair of touchdowns. 

Quarterback Tory Hudgins added 100 yards on eight carries and a score and added 52 yards with a scoring strike to Johnny Fowler.

Oh, and did I mention Pottsgrove starting tailback Mark Dukes and his 1,043 yards rushing and nine touchdowns were not available because the workhorse back broke his ankle a week earlier?

Mix in another fine effort on the defensive side of the ball and the fact the Falcons didn’t commit a turnover or were called for a single penalty and you can clearly understand this game was as one sided as it could be.

So, I am still looking for an adjective that best describes the performance.      

Pottsgrove head coach Rick Pennypacker doesn’t waste time looking for words to sum up his team’s performance. He leaves that to others. 

The veteran head coach keeps his goals pretty simple for his football program. He has stated on numerous occasions that he is most interested in seeing his squad continually get better as the weeks pass by.

Describe the performance any way you like, the veteran coach of this highly successful football program got what he was looking for.

This week at practice, Pennypacker and his coaching staff will be looking to improve on this performance.  

HERE COMES THE POST-SEASON – The District I Playoffs begin this weekend and the PAC-10 will be well represented.

In AAAA action, Spring-Ford will be at home against a yet to be determined opponent. The Rams will be looking to earn the PAC-10 its first playoff victory in AAAA post-season play.  

In AAA, Pottsgrove and Phoenixville will host first round playoff games while Pope John Paul II has also qualified, but will be on the road in the first week of play.

At the publish time of this article the official match-ups have yet to be finalized. 

 will be broadcasting a yet-to-be-determined game this Friday evening. 

REGULAR SEASON ACTION CONTINUES – There is still some unfinished regular season business to attend to this weekend.

On Thursday evening, Methacton travels to Perkiomen Valley (7 p.m.) for both teams' final game of the season.

On Friday, Boyertown will travel to Great Valley, Owen J. Roberts hosts Upper Moreland, Pottstown will entertain William Tennent and Upper Perkiomen has Upper Merion making the long trek to Pennsburg. All games are set for 7 p.m. kickoffs.

THANKSGIVING FEEDBACK – Thanks to those who contacted me about my commentary favoring the cancellation of Turkey Day high school football in the area a couple of weeks ago.

The majority favored my stance, but there were those who want to hang onto the tradition. And I must admit there was some food for thought. 

Before the season comes to a close I will spell out what I believe is a perfectly good alternative to keep the traditional match-ups alive and MORE vibrant than ever, but taken away from their Thanksgiving Day place on the schedule.            

Dave Devlin is the drogramming director at ." He can be reached at ddevlin@wbzh.net.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here