Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Countdown to Kickoff: North Penn

North Penn, which went 14-1 and advanced to the PIAA Class 6A state semifinals, is looking to defend its Suburban One League Continental Conference title.

Senior Justis Henley (No. 5) is one of the leaders for North Penn as a wide receiver and defensive back.
Senior Justis Henley (No. 5) is one of the leaders for North Penn as a wide receiver and defensive back.Read more(Photo by Mark C Psoras)
    by Rick O'Brien | Columnist
    Published 

Countdown to Kickoff: North Penn

North Penn

Coach: Dick Beck (16th year, 168-36)

Last season: 14-1 overall; 6-0 Suburban One League National Conference; advanced to the PIAA state semifinals.

Offensive scheme: Pro-I

Defensive Scheme: 4-4.

Offensive starters returning: 5.

Defensive starters returning: 6.

Players to watch: Owen Thomas, TE-LB, 6-4, 225; Justis Henley, WR-DB, 5-11, 165; Jon Haynes, WR-DB, 5-11, 180; Matt Bevan, OL-DL, 5-11, 235; Ryan Cody, OL-DL, 6-0, 240; Khan Jamal, RB-LB, 5-10, 205; Dars Bowsky, RB-DB, 5-9, 180; Shamar Edwards, WR-DB, 5-11, 185; Julian White, FB-DE, 6-0, 210; Anthony Andrews, FB, 5-11, 200; Owen Verespy, DL, 6-0, 225; Kelly McNamara, PK, 5-9, 155; Steve DePaul, QB, 5-11, 180; Nick Intrieri, LB, 6-3, 200.

Quick facts: Thomas has committed to Villanova, where he is projected to play tight end … Henley had 47 catches for 967 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He has scholarship offers from Air Force, Army, and Delaware. … Haynes, a junior, is drawing interest from Division I and I-AA teams. … Thomas, Henley and Bevan earned first-team all-Suburban One League Continental Conference honors last season. … The Knights must replace Reece Udinski, who threw for 4,088 yards and 40 touchdowns. He is now at Virginia Military Institute. … Also gone is Ricky Johns, who starred as a receiver and outside linebacker. He is now at West Virginia. … North Penn opens up against La Salle (6-5 record last year) on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at Crawford Stadium. The Knights won last year's meeting, 33-24. … Next on the non-league schedule are road games against Downingtown East (9-3) and Pennsbury (5-5).