LANSDALE — When asked about last year's early loss to Quakertown, North Penn junior quarterback Matt Bucksar cringes.

"They really took it to us and that was a bad loss," Bucksar said of the 2023 game. "That loss kind of stuck with us for a long time."

What happened Friday night, though, should help erase those memories as the host Knights scored on their first three possessions to build an insurmountable lead on the way to a 35-12 non-league win over visiting Quakertown.

The Knights improved to 3-0 while the Panthers, who beat North Penn 38-17 a year ago, fell to 0-3.

"We wanted to get revenge for last year," said Bucksar of the 38-17 defeat that put the Knights at 0-2 in a season they would finish 6-5.

One reason for the big turnaround has been the play of Bucksar. He threw for just over 850 yards in eight games last year with eight touchdowns. On Friday night, he used his legs effectively by rushing for 83 yards on just seven carries.

"When Matty sees an opening and he's in space, he's so dangerous," veteran NP head coach Dick Beck said. "He can just make things happen with his arm and his legs.

"And he has really good speed — he's one of the fastest kids on the team. And he has a really good arm and can make all the throws. Matt has come a long way from last year and he's only a junior."

Bucksar was behind then senior, and four-year starter, Ryan Zeltt (now playing at Millersville) as a freshman and gaining that experience was invaluable.

"To be able to watch Ryan and learn from him really helped," Bucksar said. "I was just a nervous freshman and he helped show me what I had to do."

What it means for Quakertown football

The Panthers, who battled all the way against the Knights, need to get a win under their belts. At 0-3, they'll need to go on a strong run the rest of the way in the Suburban One League Continental Conference play in order to make the PIAA District One Class 6A playoffs yet again.

What it means for North Penn football

The undefeated Knights head into SOL National Conference play on a roll. They've scored at least 28 points in their first three games with an offense that looks to only get better.

Key play

With the Knights already up 7-0, their defense forced a fumble that was recovered by sophomore Sal Colella on the Quakertown 38-yard line. Five plays later, senior Aidan Eves ran it in to give the Knights a 14-0 lead midway through the opening quarter.

Game balls

Josiah Coleman, North Penn. The senior scored the Knights' final touchdown on an 88-yard run in which he fell on top of a teammate, rolled over him, and got up and go the distance untouched down the sideline.

Ryan Bocklet, North Penn. The rocket-legged senior kicker put two kickoffs in the end zone and also nailed all five of his extra point tries.

Aiden Burgy, Quakertown. The senior tight end hauled in three passes for 80 yards, including a 36-yard strike from junior quarterback Brady Martin that put the Panthers on the board early in the second quarter.

What they said:

"We knocked on the door at least three times, but we came up a little short," Quakertown head coach George Banas said. "And I was happy that our kids never gave up and fought all the way. I think we have a pretty good team — we (the coaches) just have to keep bringing it out of them."

"The key was that we were able to get the first stop and make them punt," Beck said of Quakertown's opening drive of the second half. "Then we were able to go down and score. That was big for us."

What's next for Quakertown football?

The Panthers host Bensalem in the Suburban One League Continental Conference opener for both teams on Sept. 13.

What's next for North Penn football?

The Knights host Neshaminy in the Suburban One League National Conference opener for both teams on Sept. 13.

Drew Markol covers local sports for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: High school football: Bucksar making North Penn offense go in big way