The Game Deets
William Tennent Panthers @ Wissahickon Trojans
Trojan Stadium
521 Houston Road, Ambler, PA 19002
9/26/25 kickoff: 7pm
The Suburban One American Conference kicks off with a classic David vs. Goliath showdown this Friday night, as the gritty William Tennent Panthers (1-4) storm into Wissahickon’s fortress to face the undefeated Trojans (5-0) in a battle that could shake up the league. Fresh off a hard-fought 22-6 road win over McCaskey, Tennent’s senior-led squad, fueled by their “Dare to Be Different” mantra, is hungry to pull off a seismic upset. Meanwhile, Wissahickon, riding a wave of dominance after a 41-21 rout of Interboro with over 400 yards of offense, looks to keep its perfect season alive behind a relentless attack and ball-hawking defense. With playmakers like Tennent’s Jordan Lawson and Wissahickon’s Evan Tolmie ready to light up the field, this SOL American opener promises fireworks under the Friday night lights.
Head Coach: Colin Leach (3rd Season)
League & Conference: SOL-American
Season Record: 1-4
Conference Record: 0-0
Last Week: Defeated J.P. McCaskey 22-6
Panther Notables: William Tennent’s senior core has been the engine behind the Panthers’ “Dare to Be Different” fight through a 1-4 start, and they’re primed to challenge unbeaten Wissahickon (5-0). Junior QB Gavin Mensch has been a dual-threat dynamo, piling up 371 passing yards, 326 rushing yards, and 2 touchdowns, steering the offense with poise. Trey Noll has added 164 rushing yards while also being a threat on defense. Derrek Guenther, a bruising RB/OLB/QB, has 28 tackles and 1 interception, anchoring a gritty defense. Jordan Lawson (WR/FS) mirrors that intensity with 23 tackles and 1 pick, plus game-breaking speed on offense. After a 22-6 defensive gem against McCaskey, this versatile quartet must bring its season-long swagger to disrupt Wissahickon’s high-octane attack—fresh off a 41-21 rout of Interboro—in a hostile road environment Friday night.
Interview with Coach Colin Leach and Player Jordan Lawson Suburban
I caught up with Panthers head coach Colin Leach and senior standout Jordan Lawson to preview this week’s road battle against undefeated Wissahickon.
Coach Leach, despite a tough 0-4 start, the Panthers showed their grit in that 22-6 win over McCaskey. What’s been the biggest driver of growth for this squad at the season’s midpoint, and how’s the “Dare to Be Different” mindset keeping the team locked in?
“Being 0-4 was not the goal, but even with the losses, the players never let up in practice,” Leach said. “Everyone is still bought in and listening to the message we’re preaching. It’s easy to pack it in when you’re losing, but our guys are hungry to find ways to win, and it shows every day. The biggest driver of growth is how our younger players have stepped up for seniors like, Trey Noll, Derrek Guenther, and Jordan Lawson and Junior Gavin Mensch, who’ve combined for nearly 700 yards of offense and 52 tackles. We love this senior group and want to make this season successful, so the entire team has rallied around that. ‘Dare to Be Different’ means taking risks and getting out of our comfort zone—that’s how we turn this season around.”
Facing a 5-0 Wissahickon team that just steamrolled Interboro 41-21, what are the critical keys for Tennent to pull off the road upset? “Wissahickon is a great team and so well-coached,” Leach noted. “The goal is to play physical and limit their offensive possessions. Ball control will be key to slowing down their high-octane attack, which just racked up over 400 yards. We need guys like Guenther and Lawson, who’ve been disruptive with 28 and 23 tackles, to set the tone defensively.”
Who’s a student-athlete to highlight this week and why? “I’d love to highlight senior WR/DB Jordan Lawson,” Leach said. “He’s a warrior who never leaves the field. He’s a silent leader who plays with a tenacity everyone tries to emulate. With 23 tackles, an interception, and his speed on offense, he makes plays on both sides of the ball and special teams that put us in a position to win every night.”
Jordan, your 23 tackles, one interception, and offensive spark have been huge through this 1-4 start. What’s been the biggest shift for you personally that’s helped fuel the team’s resilience?
“I’ve focused on being more consistent and finishing plays. As a team, we’ve stuck together and kept working hard.”
What’s the key for two-way players like yourself to disrupt Wissahickon’s rhythm and steal a road win?
“The key is staying disciplined, playing physical, and not giving up big plays. We just need to play our game.”
What’s a must-have on game day?
“Headphones, listening to music helps me get ready.”
Head Coach: Rory Graver (4th Season)
League & Conference: SOL-American
Season Record: 5-0
Conference Record: 0-0
Last Week: Defeated Interboro 41-21
Trojan Notables: Wissahickon’s explosive offense and relentless defense have driven a perfect 5-0 start, setting the stage for their SOL American opener against a gritty William Tennent (1-4). Senior QB Evan Tolmie has been electric, throwing for over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 200+ rushing yards. RB Quasir Sampson, a first-team All-SOL American returner, has powered through for 450 rushing yards and 6 TDs with his bruising style. WR Quentin West has been a deep threat with 25 catches for 400 yards and 5 scores. On defense, LB Zion Ford anchors the unit with 35 tackles and 2 forced fumbles, part of a group that’s forced 8 turnovers—including two picks in their 41-21 rout of Interboro, where they held the Bucs under 200 yards. The offensive and defensive lines, the unsung backbone, have paved the way for Tolmie and Sampson’s big plays while giving Ford’s crew time to swarm. After a 38-14 dismantling of Archbishop Carroll in Week 3, the Trojans look to stay unbeaten against a Panthers squad riding a 22-6 defensive gem over McCaskey.
Interview with Coach Rory Graver I caught up with Trojans head coach Rory Graver amid a hectic week to preview Friday’s SOL American home opener against William Tennent. Despite limited time, Coach Graver shared insights on the team’s hot start and the challenge ahead.
Coach Graver, the Trojans are 5-0 after a 41-21 beatdown of Interboro, where the offense piled up over 400 yards and the defense came up with two huge picks—what's been the standout element of this team's chemistry or execution that's kept the unbeaten streak alive through five weeks of conference and nonleague tests?
“As we kick off league play this week, every team is starting fresh with a 0-0 record. Our focus has been on continuous improvement—getting better every single day. Discipline, attention to detail, and putting the team first has been key for us, and we need to continue this mindset as we move forward this season.”
With William Tennent coming off a gritty 22-6 road win over McCaskey and their “Dare to Be Different” edge after starting 0-4, what do you see as the biggest challenge from Tennent, and how can Wissahickon impose its will early to keep the momentum rolling at home on Friday?
“William Tennent definitely has our full attention. They’re a well-coached team with playmakers all over the field. We will need to be at our best to compete on Friday night.”
Which student-athlete do you select to be featured this week and why? (This student should be someone who embodies your team culture.) “Our offensive and defensive lines—they have shown consistent improvement each week and rarely get the credit they deserve. We go as they go.”