On Friday, for the 10th time in the past 12 years, rivals and familiar foes Quince Orchard and Northwest will meet in the playoffs.
The two teams last met on Oct 20., which resulted in a 34-21 win for the Cougars. Wet conditions forced a sloppy game on both sides, but once Quince Orchard struck first, Northwest never stopped trailing.
Quince Orchard’s quarterback Nino Marzullo threw three touchdown passes and running back Iverson Howard rushed for two.
Northwest’s hybrid receiver Tony Berry gave Quince Orchard’s defense some issues, rushing and even throwing a touchdown on a trick play.
The only years since 2012 that the two schools didn’t meet in the playoffs are 2016 and 2020. For reference, 2020 was just a two-game regular season with no playoffs due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Quince Orchard (9-0) holds home-field-advantage throughout the playoffs, setting up another clash at the Cougar Dome with its bitter rival Northwest (8-2). Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Quince Orchard High School.
Northwest shut out Seneca Valley last Thursday, 36-0, advancing to the second round. Quince Orchard received a bye after dominating the regular season.
The Cougars enter the game unbeaten in their last 39, with six straight wins over the Jaguars.
Quince Orchard and Northwest have dominated the county over the last decade. Since 2011, either Quince Orchard or Northwest has made the 4A State Championship Game, with the lone exception being 2015.
