CB South football ground attack proves too much for Souderton

FRANCONIA — The physical aspect, getting bumped around and making hard tackles worked, for a while for Central Bucks South senior quarterback Owen Pinkerton.

Then it was time to move on from playing soccer.

"I played soccer up until sixth grade, but I was getting too many yellow cards," Pinkerton said with a laugh. "So my dad thought it would be a good idea for me to try football, instead, so I did and I really liked playing it right away."

A natural athlete (Pinkerton is also a baseball standout as an outfielder), he quickly became a quarterback and last year he helped lead the Titans to their first PIAA District One Class 6A title.

On Friday night, Pinkerton and the Titans, with Kaden Kube's 105 rushing yards, led a punishing Central Bucks South ground attack to a 21-6 win over host Souderton. The win moved the defending PIAA District One Class 6A champions to 2-0 while the Big Red slipped to 0-2.

"That's just a good football team and they can wear you down," Souderton head coach Ed Gallagher said.

"They're just really physical. For us, we just have to find a way to get better."

Pinkerton, who had a rushing touchdown of his own in the win over the Big Red that gave the Titans a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter, showed potential early in his young career, his coach said before Friday's game.

"I first saw him play quarterback when he was in sixth grade and you could see the potential," CB South head coach Tom Hetrick said. "Owen is just good at sports, not just football, and that has translated well for him."

So well that he may considering staying with football when he gets to college.

"I committed to play baseball at Penn State-Harrisburg, but I'm open to football if something comes along," Pinkerton said. "I hope we have another really good season and we'll see where it goes."

What it means for Central Bucks South football

It means the Titans have quickly shown they need to be reckoned with. Through two games, they've yet to allow a touchdown and haven't skipped a beat, especially defensively.

What it means for Souderton football

After winning their first 11 games last year (a school record), the Big Red have dropped three straight dating back to last year. Of course, the three losses have come against heavyweights Downingtown West, Spring-Ford and CB South, but Souderton needs to turn things around.

Key plays

On Souderton's first drive of the third quarter, they had a first and goal on the CB South 3-yard line only to be pushed back four straight times, losing possession and pretty much any hope of getting back in the game.

"I was very pleased with the play of our defense and that stand they made in the third quarter was really something," Hetrick said.

Game balls

Kaden Kube, CB South. The senior continually picked up the tough yards by breaking tackle after tackle on his way to the 100-plus yard outing.

Gavin Graham, CB South. Remember the name. Graham is a punishing runner who runs with an attitude. He had 47 yards on just seven rushes, including a touchdown, and left many defenders in his wake.

Hunter Smeltz, Souderton. The junior wide receiver caught seven passes for 94 yards and is a threat each time he touches the ball.

They said it

"Ed Gallagher is an unbelievable football coach and to come here and get the win against a really good football team was not easy," Hetrick said.

"We stayed within striking distance with them, but we didn't strike," Gallagher said.

What's next for Central Bucks South football

The Titans host 1-1 Upper Dublin on Sept. 6 in their final non-conference game.

What's next for Souderton football

The Big Red play at 2-0 Central Bucks West on Sept. 6 in their final non-conference game.

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

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: CB South football ground attack proves too much for Souderton