A closer look at Pennsbury-Pennridge

At this time of year, after 21/2 months of usage, Poppy Yoder Field is more dirt than natural grass.

The Perkasie field could take its biggest pounding Friday night when Pennsbury and Pennridge, two run-oriented teams, clash in a PIAA District 1 Class AAAA quarterfinal.

Pennsbury's wing-T offense is powered by halfback Shawn Pepper, who has rushed for 1,320 yards and 13 touchdowns, and bulldozing fullback Daquan Mack.

For the Rams, junior halfback Mike Class, in a wing-T, power scheme, has carried 248 times for an area-best 2,201 yards and 29 TDs.

Sixth-seeded Pennsbury is trying for its first district championship since 2006. This is No. 3 Pennridge's best playoff run since it reached the semifinals in 2004.

Here is a closer look at the 7 p.m. matchup between Suburban One League members.

Ranking. Pennsbury (9-2) is ranked No. 10 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer; Pennridge (10-1) is No. 3.

On a roll. The Falcons have won eight consecutive games since a 42-28 loss to Downingtown East in Week 3; the Rams have won nine straight since a 24-21 defeat against Bensalem in Week 2.

Tough to stop. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Class totaled a season-high 292 yards and four TDs on 21 attempts in last week's 35-14 win over No. 14 seed Abington.

One-two punch. In 11 games, Pepper and Mack, who is ticketed for Massachusetts, have combined for 1,987 yards and 20 TDs on the ground.

Support. Class gets help from fullback MacKenzie Crawford, quarterback Alex Krivda, and wingback Kyle Bigam.

Newcomer. Pennsbury's Breon Clark, a sophomore transfer from Bensalem, has completed 22 of 50 passes for 529 yards and five touchdowns.

Up front. The anchors of Pennridge's offensive line are tackles Shane Kraynik, guard Tyler Kio, and tight ends John Dubyk and Mike Supp.

Big surge. Leading the way for Pepper and company are center Jack Meehan and tackles Austin O'Neill and Sam Raywood.

Pass-catchers. Krivda's top targets have been Bigam and wideouts John Kim and Micah Stutzman.

Rugged group. The headliners on defense for the Falcons are linebackers Tommy Hose and Charlie Fisher and ends Sykeem Steward and Chad Hensor. Pepper fills in at outside linebacker.

Analysis. Pennsbury holds Class to 130 or so rushing yards, but ill-timed penalties and turnovers doom the visitors.

Pick. Pennridge, 21-14.