To run in the September 11th Bucks County Herald
Pennridge scored on their first six offensive possessions- and held visiting Harry S. Truman to just two first half first downs- in the Rams’ 41-12 dominance Friday night.
The Rams are now 3-0 for the first time since 2020. “It’s year three and you see consistency,” said third year coach Kyle Beller. “Offensively, Coach Hollenbach and his staff have some phenomenal game plans and it’s great to see them keeping people off balance.
“They are learning how to win: week in and week out,” Beller added.
Just 4:15 into the game Pennridge had only 36 total yards but 14 points. Devin Kelly recovered the opening pooched kickoff; a subsequent penalty gave the Rams starting field position at the Truman-24. Ryan Rowe punched it in from the six five plays later.
After forcing a 3-and-out, and pouncing on a fumbled punt snap, Pennridge quarterback Noah Keating hit Jackson Gregoire on a 17-yard touchdown pass one play later to make it 14-0.
At that point, the only remaining suspense was what Pennridge’s winning score would ultimately be.
Gregoire and Keating (4-for-6, 75 yards) connected again on a 21-yard scoring toss late in the first quarter. The Tigers had just two first quarter yards as Blake Landherr, Ian Gallagher and Rowe had multiple tackles for loss or no gain.
“We were physical up front,” Gallagher said. “We ran some blitzes and stunts but our base defense was beating them. We were more physical than they were.”
Keating ended a 45-yard drive by calling his own number from the one, making it 10 straight quarters where Pennridge has scored.
The Marist-bound quarterback’s tackle breaking, effort filled 14-yard touchdown scramble halfway in the second put the Rams up 35-0.
“That run started last year- week 10 against CB South,” Beller observed. “He started to run more and get that confidence level, and he’s done it all three games. That was a senior captain saying ‘I’m going to go score.’”
Brody Blomgren took a shovel pass 30 yards for Pennridge’s final score of the evening. Raheem Bradley and Luke Quitola both had fourth quarter touchdown runs for Truman.
The combination of playing just one half mixed with outstanding field position- Pennridge’s worst first half start was their own 44- limited Ram rushing stats. But Rowe (5 carries, 19 yards), Keating (5 carries, 39 yards) and William Dougherty (5 carries, 21 yards) spearheaded a run game that racked up over 500 yards in the Rams’ first two games.
“They’re awesome,” Beller said. “They all just do their job. They’ve all been playing for three years, they are all in the weight room and it’s showing now. They are three great options and it’s clicking.”
Pennridge averages 36 points per game. “Credit to the O-line: it’s been a great first three games rushing wise,” Keating shared. “At the beginning of the game, it was a little tough to get the run game going. They obviously watch film and saw that we can run the ball so they stacked the box. Once we got some passes off, they widened out.”
“Our run game has been very good. We have better chemistry this year, especially with our O line and D line,” noted Gallagher, a two-way lineman.
“Like Ian said, the team chemistry. Compared to the four years I’ve been here, this is the closest team by far,” Keating added, “and I think that translates onto the field. We’re a lot more physical and have a lot more experience, which has gotten us off to a good start.”
Pennridge plays their SOL National opener at Pennsbury this Friday. Truman hosts Souderton in their SOL Continental opener.
Note: Friday was the first time the Rams were home since playing their 1,000th football game – a season opening win at Bethlehem Liberty. Former Ram alumni were honored at halftime, including Keating’s father and grandfather.
“That was super cool,” Keating said. “Both of my uncles were out there too. It was really cool to see all of that Pennridge tradition.”