Ground-and-pound Pennsbury attack takes win over CR South in Week 3 of Bucks County football
FAIRLESS HILLS — Rocco May's football world came crashing down early in the 2023 season.
May broke his left ankle when an opponent fell on it while he was down blocking in Pennsbury's Suburban One League National Conference-opening loss to Central Bucks West. He missed the remainder of the year.
While it was difficult sitting out the final six games of the season, May, a Falcons senior and third-year starter on the offensive line, believes the injury ended up making him a better player.
He appreciates the sport even more now after he "didn't play every snap like it was my last snap" as a junior. That followed a sophomore season in which he started all 11 games at left tackle and helped Pennsbury and head coach Galen Snyder win the SOL National championship.
"I'm a different player this year," he said. "I'm playing with more anger. ... I'm happy to be back for my senior year kicking butt on Fridays."
Now playing right tackle after he was the center as a junior, the 6-foot-2, 292-pound May anchors the offensive line that is essential to the Falcons' ground-and-pound attack's success.
"It's probably the most important thing on the whole team, especially in an offense like ours," said May, a 17-year-old who lives in Yardley. "If the offense can't score, you don't win games."
Junior left tackle Connor O'Brien, senior left guard Uriah Smart, junior center Spencer Grim, senior right guard Tyler Robinson, right tackle May, junior tight end Dante Sciolla and senior wingback Walker Murray helped Pennsbury rush for 164 yards in the second half of Friday night's 23-15 home win over Council Rock after accumulating 67 rushing yards in the first half.
"It may not always be hitting the first quarter or the first half, but we really start to wear these teams down," May said afterward. "Once we get moving the ball, they don't know how to stop it."
The week before in a victory at Quakertown, running backs Jordan Bensinger and Jaydyn Bright each rushed for 133 yards.
In addition to his on-the-field contributions, May became a team leader as a junior and has taken that part to another level this year.
"Rocco is a powerful lineman, a vocal leader and a great teammate," Snyder said.
The injury means May, who was receiving some Division I interest as a sophomore, has to re-prove himself to colleges. He's hoping to be a part of a second Pennsbury SOL National championship in three years while also finding a school.
"It makes this year more important," May said.
Vote for top junior football prospect: In Bucks County high school football
What it means for Council Rock South
The smaller Golden Hawks only trailed 13-7 at halftime and made it a one-score game again late. They're young and should continue to get better.
What it means for Pennsbury
The Falcons continue to be a run-dominant offense, winning again despite only attempting four passes (no completions) by sticking with smash-mouth football. There are no secrets to what Galen Snyder and the Falcons want to do on offense.
Key plays
A 55-yard touchdown drive, all on the ground, culminating in a 2-yard TD run by junior Kaden Brown increased Pennsbury's lead to 20-7 late in the third quarter.
Pennsbury runs past Quakertown: Senior Walker Murray has his typical football impact
By the numbers: Council Rock South vs. Pennsbury
Falcons junior running back Jordan Brensinger ran for 111 (on 11 carries) of his game-high 144 yards in the second half.
Golden Hawks sophomore quarterback Marley Emerson and senior receiver Jake Maurer combined for 106 yards on six pass plays, including a 28-yard score late in the second quarter.
Unsung heroes
Pennsbury junior Ray Vereen blocked the punt at the end of CR South's first possession that senior Chris Karamis returned 34 yards for a touchdown. Senior Liam Davis blocked the Golden Hawks' second punt.
CR South sophomore quarterback Marley Emerson passed for both Golden Hawks' touchdowns — the second an 18-yarder to junior Nate Szydlik, who had 13 tackles and forced two fumbles at linebacker — and a 2-point conversion pass to Szydlik to make it 23-15 with 4:46 remaining.
Pennsbury senior Angelo Pereira tied a career-high by making three field goals (30, 26 and 17 yards), in addition to converting both extra points.
They said it
"We knew they had a stout run defense, so it was our strength against their strength," said Pennsbury head coach Galen Snyder.
"They're one of the best run teams you're going to find," said CR South head coach CJ Szydlik. "They're going to run the football right at you. I think we did a really good job. … We battled. We're a tough team."
What's next for Council Rock South football?
The Golden Hawks (1-2) begin Suburban One League Continental competition Sept. 13 at 0-3 Cheltenham.
What's next for Pennsbury football?
The Falcons (2-1) open SOL National play Sept. 13 at 2-1 Pennridge.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhilly is a sports columnist for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County High School Football: Pennsbury takes win over CR South
