Football: Suburban One League Outlook

There's no chance of Upper Dublin flying under the radar this season.

Not after last year, when the Cardinals went 11-2 overall, 7-0 in the Suburban One League American Conference, and advanced to the District 1 Class AAAA semifinals. Bret Stover's squad opened 2015 with a 42-7 romp over District 2's Delaware Valley last Friday.

Quarterback Ryan Stover, the coach's son, threw for 2,187 yards and 21 touchdowns last year. He has drawn interest from FCS schools.

Upper Dublin's offense also features halfback Kaleif Lee, fullback Stacey Gardner, and receivers Gary Fields, John Barrett, and Mike Sowers. Linebackers Henry Winebrake and Jack Rapine are defensive mainstays.

Plymouth Whitemarsh (7-3, 6-1) should challenge Upper Dublin for top honors. The Colonials are led by speedy halfback Nafeese Nasir and two-way end Luke Mascio. Blaise Gravinese, Jake Winterbottom, and Manny Jones are also threats at running back.

Quarterback and safety Branden Mack, a Temple recruit, is Cheltenham's headliner. The Panthers (6-6, 4-3) have tested linebackers in Matt Tuszl, Tony Wilson, and Quran Smith.

Fullback and linebacker Brett Righter, an FCS prospect, is the catalyst for Springfield (Montco). The Spartans (6-7, 2-5) also return QB and defensive back Justin Hill, two-way lineman Nigel Fox, and two-way back Ben Fisher.

Upper Moreland (8-4, 4-3) is sparked by two-way lineman Connor Dolan and running back Rodney Morgan.

Paul Noon, previously at Valley Forge Military Academy, is the new coach at Wissahickon (2-8, 1-6). The Trojans are led by QB Mike Marino, two-way lineman Yondel Dudley (6-3, 285), and fullback and linebacker Ricky Pons.

Upper Merion (2-9, 1-6) is sparked by receiver and defensive back Isaiah Graham-Mobley, a Temple recruit, and two-way lineman Marcus Elliott.

National Conference. Steve Wilmot is the new boss at Neshaminy (4-6, 3-4). The Redskins' bid to rebound from a disappointing season centers around QB Mason Jones, multi-purpose threat Denzel Hughes, offensive tackle Hunter Kelly, and two-way end Billy Ritchey.

For Pennsbury (13-2, 6-1), Luke Snyder and Daulton Hose are big factors at running back and linebacker. The Falcons also return QB Mike Alley and defensive ends Joe Mauer and Jeremiah Wells.

The main playmakers for North Penn (7-4, 6-1) are tailback Nyfease West, fullback Nick Isabella, tight end Keith Earle, and receiver Ricky Johns.

Central Bucks South (7-4, 5-2) has an experienced offensive line anchored by Ethan Knapp, Dylan Tarasiewicz, Elias Jerman, and Lou Graham. Bill Donahue is a force at defensive tackle.

Hit hard by graduation, Abington (6-5, 2-5) is counting heavily on QB David Kretschman, halfback Mike Brooks, and two-way linemen Alvin Melhado and Luke Werner.

Souderton (4-6, 2-5) has a three-pronged rushing attack made up of Blake Gular, Jamar White, and Koby Khan. Swift junior receiver and cornerback Dajone Averett has a scholarship offer from Villanova.

Continental Conference. Quakertown's drive to repeat as conference champ is keyed by QB Tom Garlick, running backs Rob Burns and Rob Bonomo, and receivers Kyle Baskin and Aaron Besch. Jake Bovard booms punts for the Panthers (11-2, 7-1).

An experienced Council Rock South (6-4, 5-2) lineup features QB Shaun Stackhouse, halfback Brendan Patterson, and linemen John Anderson and Joe Carter.

Central Bucks East running back Alex Gibson and lineman Lamine Nouck-N-Awal are both headed to Columbia. Another FCS prospect for the Patriots (5-5, 4-3) is receiver and safety Tommy Strasburger.

With dual-threat QB Brandon McIlwain and receivers Devon Bibbens and Tyler Nowmos, Council Rock North (6-5, 4-3) has a dangerous passing game.

Harry S Truman (7-5, 4-3) is counting on major production from running back and linebacker Maurice Jackson.

Chas Cathers is new in charge at Central Bucks West (2-8, 1-6). The catalysts for the Bucks are QB Eddie Shields, defensive tackle Noah Hill, and linebacker Jake Reichwein.

Ed Cubbage, formerly at Harry S Truman, takes over at Bensalem (0-11, 0-7). The Owls' drive to climb the standings is headed by QB Kenny O'Connell and linebackers Matt Haffner and Tom Peagler.