Central Bucks West, Upper Dublin look to live out district title dreams

Defense may unlock the final door to a district title for both the Central Bucks West and Upper Dublin football teams.

Both squads battle for District One crowns on Friday at 7 p.m., as the No. 11 Bucks travel to topseeded Garnet Valley in 6A and the top-seeded Cardinals host No. 3 West Chester Rustin in 5A.

CB West seeks its first district crown since 2000, when the Bucks last reached the state final.

West comes into the contest with a 9-4 mark, winning eight of their last nine. The Bucks pulled out a thrilling 14-13 victory over Perkiomen Valley last week, keyed by a 27-yard interception return for a score by Jack Williams.

West will need another inspired performance by the defense to stifle the top-seeded Jaguars, who come into the contest a perfect 12-0.

Garnet Valley beat Downingtown East 28-17 last week, with Jason Bernard pulling away for a 47-yard touchdown run and quarterback Matt Mesaros having a big night with his throwing and running ability.

The winner of this contest not only claims the district trophy but

also advances to the state semifinals, to take on either Parkland or St. Joe’s Prep. BACK AGAIN >> The Cardinals are in the District 1-5A Final for the third time in five years.

Upper Dublin played swarming defense last week

and gained valuable yards on the ground in its 30-0 shutout of rival PlymouthWhitemarsh.

Nyfise McIntyre powered for 76 yards on 18 carries and Shyne Roberts’ 39-yard TD run gave Upper Dublin the early edge.

Amazingly, the Cardinals have not allowed a single point during their postseason run, outscoring their three opponents 100-0.

Rustin looks to be their biggest challenge yet, the Golden Knights coming off a 28-27, overtime triumph over Strath Haven.

Chase Hatton was a key ground gainer for the Golden Knights, as he scored the big TD in overtime and totaled 76 yards and a pair of scores.

Upper Dublin last met Rustin in the 2020 District 1-5A Final, with the Cards

prevailing, 29-8, at Cardinal Stadium.

This will be Rustin’s third straight trip to the district final.

Quarterback Colin O’Sullivan returns to the big game for the Cards — he helped engineer the 2020 victory over Rustin.

The winner advances to the state semis, to take on either Imhotep Charter or Whitehall.