The North Penn Knights football team looks to be finally settling into their comfort zone as they have now posted a season high three consecutive wins.
In a conference matchup, the Knights (4-2, 3-0) started out slow but stormed back to roll over Central Bucks West 40-14. Senior quarterback Corey Ernst had a productive game both running and passing as he passed for over 100 yards and ran for nearly over 100 as well.
“I thought it was cool [to pass and nearly run for 100 yards], but it should go to all the guys around me, all the receivers. I just give them short patterns and they make the plays. And the line did a great job on the runs.”
Ernst also torched down the field for a 74 yard touchdown run that broke the game open for the Knights, giving them 26-7 lead.
“The line did a great job. I just made one cut and it was open from there,” said Ernst about his long touchdown run.
Ernst also threw for three other touchdowns to three different receivers; seniors Dan Gevirtz, Danny Wynne, and Shayne Watson. James Fielder also had one long touchdown run for 42 yards that sealed the deal for the Knights.
The offense was not the only component of the Knights juggernaut to have a good game as the defense also succeeded in shutting down CB West’s offense. Senior Ralph Reeves was the key contributor for the Knights on defense as he had one sack, one interception, and one tackle that forced a turnover on downs.
“We played well defensively, pretty solid, a couple mistakes defensive wise…so we’ll work on [them].” Said Reeves.
Reeves would have had a 72 yard interception return to inside the 5 had it not been for a holding penalty that negated the return.
“It was disappointing but I was just happy to get the ball back,” said Reeves.
Head coach Dick Beck feels the defense is getting better but is still hesitant to say that they have it all together just yet.
“It’s a week to week thing. I hope it’s coming together but I guess we’ll see,” said Beck.
Beck also believes that the special teams unit has a lot to work on as they allowed several big returns on kickoffs.
“We have to stop giving up the big runs and we have to tackle better when we’re on special teams,” said Beck.
The Knights were coming off a shortened week of practice and still came out firing to cruise to the victory.
“It was one less day of practice but we still had hard work in the two days we had practice,” said Ernst.
The Knights will now have a longer week to prepare for their next matchup against Quakertown next Friday night. Beck plans to use the extra day fully to the team’s advantage.
“We’re gonna rest up, rest our guys and not practice until Monday,” said Beck.
The Knights now turn to the second half of their conference schedule as they hit the road next week before returning to Crawford Stadium for homecoming on October 21 against Souderton.