Central Bucks South Stuns Central Bucks West with Dominating 42-14 Victory

Tagged under: District 1, Gameday Hub, News, pfn, Playoffs

Michael Pietrangelo | November 18, 2023

Feature Photo courtesy of Kim Supko Photography

In a highly anticipated District 1-6A matchup, the 5^th-seeded Titans of Central Bucks South (12-1) faced off against the top-seeded Central Bucks West Bucks (12-1). The Titans came into the game as the underdogs but proved their worth on the field. In week nine of the regular season, the Bucks handed the Titans their only loss to date, 40-29. While most downplay the significance, I’d say it was etched in the minds of every player and coach who stepped on the field last night and added a little extra motivation. South controlled the line of scrimmage all evening. Senior running back Anthony Leonardi had nothing but positive praise for the big guys up front who paved the way for the backfield’s record-setting night. Linemen Collin Goetter, Rolan Hess, Nick Conte, Nick Micewski, & Kieran Padgett, along with tight end Jake Menaker continue to open up lanes no matter who’s getting the rock. “The game plan was what we’ve been doing for the last thirteen weeks and that’s to run the ball down people’s throats,” explained Senior lineman Collin Goetter after the contest.

The game started off with a bang as running back Corey Moore found the end zone with 5:34 left in the first quarter, rushing in from 5 yards out. The extra point was good, giving the Titans an early 7-0 lead and capping off a thirteen-play drive. However, the Bucks quickly responded, as quarterback Cooper Taylor connected with tight end Jack Williams for a 5-yard touchdown pass with 3:15 to go in the first quarter. The PAT was successful, tying the game at 7-7. But the Titans weren’t done yet. Just before the end of the first quarter, Corey Moore struck again, scoring his second of three touchdowns of the night from 5 yards out with only 22 seconds left on the clock. The Titans took a 14-7 lead into halftime. At the intermission, running back Anthony Leonardi had already made quite an impact, rushing for an impressive 119 yards on 13 carries. Corey Moore had also been productive, with 11 carries for 47 yards and 2 touchdowns.

With :22 seconds remaining in the 1st quarter #3 Corey Moore takes it in from 1 yard out. The PAT is good and the lead is now at 7. @CBSouthFootball 14@westcbfootball 7@PaFootballNews pic.twitter.com/EsFK49wWmy

— Michael “Mayhem” Pietrangelo (@ArtisticMayhem1) November 18, 2023

The third quarter began with a powerful statement from the Titans. With 11:47 remaining, the Titans’ defense forced a fumble, and South recovered it. On the very next play, Anthony Leonardi took the handoff and sprinted 41 yards to the end zone, extending the Titans’ lead to 21-7. Not content with just one touchdown in the quarter, Leonardi continued to shine. With 5:52 left in the third quarter, he broke free for a 52-yard touchdown run, leaving the Bucks defense in his dust. The Titans held a commanding 28-7 lead. The Titans’ dominance continued late in the third quarter. With 2:19 left on the clock, Leonardi showcased his speed and agility once again, racing 41 yards for his third touchdown of the game. The score now stood at an impressive 35-7 in favor of Central Bucks South.

@AntLeonardi2 takes the the handoff 52 yards to the house to extend the lead with 5:52 to go in the 3rd quarter. The PAT is good and the score is @CBSouthFootball 28@westcbfootball 7 @PaFootballNews pic.twitter.com/5365DewCYo

— Michael “Mayhem” Pietrangelo (@ArtisticMayhem1) November 18, 2023

As the game entered the final quarter, the Titans’ defense remained stout, shutting down the Bucks’ attempts to mount a comeback. Central Bucks South’s offense played smart and efficient football, milking the clock, and keeping the Bucks’ offense off the field. Another thirteen-play drive ended with a Corey Moore touchdown to put the game even further out of reach for the Bucks. The game ended with the Titans victorious, securing a stunning 42-14 win over the top-seeded Bucks. Anthony Leonardi finished the game with an impressive 301 rushing yards on 23 carries, leaving the Bucks’ defense grasping at thin air. Corey Moore also had an outstanding performance, contributing 81 rushing yards on 19 carries and 3 touchdowns.

Overall, it was a memorable night for the Central Bucks South Titans, who executed their game plan flawlessly and proved themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the statewide playoffs. The Titans will now ready themselves to host the district championship for the first time in school history next Friday against the 6^th-seeded Whippets of Downingtown West (11-2) who upset the 2^nd-seeded Cougars of Downingtown East (11-1) 17-14.

From left to right; Collin Goetter, Rolan Hess, Nick Conte, Nick Micewski, Kieran Padgett, & Jake Menaker

Running back Anthony Leonardi rushed for 301 yards on 23 attempts & 3 TouchdownsCorey Moore rushed 19 times for 81 yards & 3 Scores (Photo by: Michele C. Haddon)