PA EAST WEEK 4 GAME PREVIEW
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST @ PENNRIDGE
Week 4 features a huge showdown between the top two teams in District 1 6A football. Central Bucks West (3-0) and Pennridge (3-0) square off this Friday in a matchup where one team will continue its undefeated season while the other walks away with its first loss.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
The Bucks enter this matchup at 3-0 with three impressive wins over solid teams to start the season.
A big reason for that hot start is senior RB/MLB Nick Miletto. Miletto, who committed to play football at Army this summer, is a two-way star for CB West. He is a tough, physical downhill runner who isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and run straight through a defender.
On the defensive side of the ball, Miletto plays with speed and aggression, flying around the field and consistently finding himself around the football. He'll look to continue his hot start against Pennridge this Friday.
Then you have senior DE/TE Liam Laphen. Laphen is a MAJOR problem on the defensive side of the ball and has the ability to wreck an offense's game plan. He plays with intensity, speed and toughness and brings a physical presence on every snap.
He's also a very effective tight end for the Bucks, contributing as both a blocker and pass catcher.
Senior FS/WR Louie Cipollo is another key piece of that loaded CB West defense. Cipollo is an absolute ball hawk, recording three interceptions in a single game against Wilson in Week 2. He flies around the secondary and is a HARD HITTER for the Bucks.
He'll have his hands full Friday against a talented Pennridge receiving corps. Cipollo is also a major part of the Bucks' high-powered offense, contributing as a receiver, runner and blocker. He can do it all.
Senior QB Josh George is another player to watch. George has had a fantastic start to the season for the Bucks. He has an INCREDIBLE arm, impressive accuracy and makes smart decisions with the football. His play at quarterback has been a big part of CB West's 3-0 start.
OTHER PLAYER TO WATCH
Senior SB/WR Braylen Cape brings incredible speed and runs with toughness. His versatility on offense stands out—he can make an impact as a runner, pass catcher and blocker.
And don't forget about him on defense. If a play breaks loose, Cape has the speed to run it down.
CB WEST KEY TO VICTORY
SHUT DOWN THE RAMS' PASSING ATTACK.
CB West needs to prevent Pennridge from creating explosive plays through the air and make the Rams consistently earn yards on the ground.
That starts with containing WR Nate Derstine and preventing him from getting behind the secondary. If the Bucks can limit Pennridge's big-play passing attack and make the Rams sustain long drives, CB West will put itself in a great position to win.
PENNRIDGE
The Rams enter this matchup at 3-0, coming off an impressive 27-10 victory over Council Rock South.
Junior WR Nate Derstine has been a big reason for their success. Derstine is a big-play receiver who always seems to find a way behind the defense. He's fast, has excellent hands, runs crisp routes and consistently creates separation.
He's everything you want in a WR1, and CB West's secondary will have to know where No. 13 is at all times.
Then you have junior OLB/TE Blake Landherr. Landherr is a physical, old-school linebacker who always seems to be around the football. He brings speed, athleticism and toughness to the Rams' defense and excels at stopping the run and getting after the quarterback.
He'll face a major challenge this week against a loaded CB West offense.
Look for junior QB Aiden Tetkowski to play a huge role Friday night. Tetkowski is off to a fantastic start for the Rams, throwing seven touchdowns to just one interception.
He plays smart, throws an accurate deep ball and can hurt a defense through the air or with his legs. CB West cannot allow the Tetkowski-to-Derstine connection to get rolling, or the Bucks could be in for a long night.
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Trevor Picotti is off to a great start on the ground for the Rams, averaging 88 rushing yards per game. He's a physical runner who can also contribute as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
Sean Leuthe is another player to watch. Leuthe brings elite speed and another big-play threat to the Pennridge offense. I would expect him to be heavily involved this week, especially if CB West puts extra attention on Derstine.
PENNRIDGE KEY TO VICTORY
WIN THE GAME ON THE GROUND.
Pennridge needs to establish its running game and force CB West to respect it. If the Rams can consistently move the ball on the ground, it could create opportunities for Tetkowski and the big-play passing attack.
A major part of that will be limiting the impact of DE Liam Laphen and MLB Nick Miletto. Pennridge cannot allow those two to take over the game defensively.
PA EAST PREDICTION
Central Bucks West 21, Pennridge 13
This game was extremely difficult to pick because these are two outstanding football teams, but I think the Bucks have the edge.
CB West's defense is loaded with playmakers, and I think that unit will ultimately be the difference in this football game.
BUT—this game could go either way.
These are two top-notch high school football programs going head-to-head Friday night, and I can't wait to watch.