Plymouth Whitemarsh, with a number of athletic skill-position players, is eyeing the Suburban One League American Conference title.
Abington, sparked by two experienced running backs and solid linebackers, plans to contend for the Suburban One National crown after sharing it last year with Neshaminy and Council Rock South.
In an intriguing tune-up for league action, the Colonials (1-0) and Ghosts (1-0) will meet at 7 p.m. Friday at Abington's Stephen A. Schwarzman Stadium.
Here is a closer look at the nonleague contest.
Last week. Abington rolled to a 35-20 win over Central Bucks East; PW easily handled Methacton, 35-7.
Transfer. After throwing for 1,576 yards as a junior at Cheltenham, Ken Cropper transferred to neighboring Abington. Against C.B. East, the 6-foot, 180-pounder completed all five of his passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Spark plugs. PW's catalysts on offense include quarterback Russhon Phillips, halfback Xavier Ellington, fullback Corey Kelly, and wideout Kenny Williams.
The 6-2, 175-pound Phillips, also a safety, is being looked at by Division I-A and I-AA schools. "He's quite a playmaker," Colonials second-year coach Dan Chang said.
Dangerous. Abington, in a shotgun-spread attack, has a pair of dangerous halfbacks: Ray Schreiner and Jim Shelinsky. Last season, the 5-7, 165-pound Schreiner carried 101 times for 924 yards and six TDs.
Dual-threat QB. Last season, Phillips completed 58 of 118 passes for 1,190 yards and 11 TDs. He rushed 89 times for 530 yards and eight scores.
Supporting role. The 5-9, 170-pound Ellington, also a cornerback, last season carried 106 times for 740 yards.
Savvy group. Abington's experienced linebacking corps is composed of Myles Grasty, a third-year starter receiving Division I-AA interest; Colin Emrich; Tom Kennedy; and James Heiler. Chris Duffy, an outside linebacker last year, was moved to free safety.
Villanova recruit. Abington's Bryan Osei, a 6-3, 235-pound tackle and defensive end, has committed to Villanova.
Analysis. In their option scheme, the Colonials run the ball about 70 percent of the time. We think Phillips, Ellington, and company do enough damage for the visitors to eke out a win.
Pick: PW, 26-24.
Contact staff writer Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019, robrien@phillynews.com, or @ozoneinq on Twitter.
