The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Upper Dublin, Plymouth-Whitemarsh clash again
Cardinals, Colonials meet in District 1-5A semis
The lights had just turned off on Upper Dublin’s 35-0 victory over Great Valley in the District 1-5A quarterfinals Friday night, and Cardinals coach Bret Stover looked forward to the challenge ahead.
“We’re gonna have our hands full. So it’s gonna be a big week for us,” he said. “A lot of late nights here at Upper Dublin.”
The Cardinals had earned a trip to the district semis, and a shot at redemption.
Upper Dublin and rival Plymouth-Whitemarsh played an instant classic last year in the district quarterfinals, with PW prevailing 42-36 in overtime.
The Cardinals would like to be on the other side this time around.
“We’ve had that taste in our mouth for about a year now,” said Cards quarterback Colin O’Sullivan. “Being able to get that chance is everything you could ask for.”
Top-seeded Upper Dublin comes into the contest 12-0.
The Cardinals earned 35-0 victories over both Academy Park and Great Valley to start the playoffs. They haven’t lost a game since last year’s thriller against PW.
“That was a great game. That’s one of the greatest games I’ve ever been involved in,” Stover said.
“Even though we didn’t end up on the right side of it, I can look at it from a football perspective and say that’s one of the greatest games I’ve been involved in.
“We’ll see what we can do. They’re very good. I know (coach) Dan (Chang) is gonna have his guys ready. And we’re gonna have our guys ready.”
The Colonials, seeded fourth, come into this one at 10-2 and on a nine-game winning streak.
PW won 41-0 over Sun Valley and 30-12 over Chester to get the postseason started.
Said Chang after the win over Chester: “I think we played some good ‘D.’ We’ve got guys who fly around, guys who can get off
blocks and then our secondary guys, I thought, did a great job, too.”
The ground attack got it done for the Colonials last week, with Tommy Hannon carrying 23 times for 122 yards and three scores. Quarterback Aiden O’Brien,
Nazye Boggs, Luke Winterbottom and Greg Feinberg also made key contributions.
PW is trying to advance a step further than it did in 2021, when the Colonials fell to West Chester Rustin in the district semis.
To do so, containing a hot Upper Dublin offense will be vital.
O’Sullivan had it rolling again last week, throwing for 279 yards and three scores. Nyfise McIntyre rushed for 125 yards and two TD’s and O’Sullivan spread the ball around to a variety of receivers, including Griffin Pensabene, Djevanni Cerisier, Starling Reaves, Chris Kohlbrenner and Coleman Zamborsky.
The winner of this contest takes on Strath Haven or West Chester Rustin in the district final.