FORT WASHINGTON — Vance Morelli didn’t play much varsity football during his sophomore and junior years at Central Bucks West.
“I didn’t get a lot of time as a sophomore and a junior and I just want to make the most of it,” Morelli said. “It’s my last year.”
And he’s certainly making a difference for the Bucks this season.
Morelli, a running back/wingback/cornerback, contributed a pair of touchdowns in CB West’s 35-14 victory over Upper Dublin on Thursday night at Cardinal Stadium.
The 5-foot-11, 155-pound Morelli caught a 76-yard TD pass from senior quarterback Noah Miller to give the Bucks a 21-6 lead in the second quarter, then grabbed an interception that went off a receiver and took it 51 yards for a score in the third period for a 28-6 advantage.
“I’ve said from Day One, Vance going into this year was the most underrated player in the SOL,” Miller said. “He has tools no other player possesses and it’s hard for people to stop our attack with him in the mix on both sides of the ball. He’s an absolute beast.”
In West’s 21-12 season-opening win against Easton, Morelli scored on a 90-yard kickoff return and 15-yard run, meaning his four touchdowns have come in four different ways.
“Before every game, I envision myself making plays,” said Morelli, who also had an interception vs. Easton.
While CB West coach Rob Rowan acknowledged some people might be surprised by what Morelli has done through two games, he isn’t.
“For as long as he’s been in the program, he’s been one of the toughest, most resilient kids that I’ve been around,” Rowan said. “He’s got tremendous conviction in himself — he really believes in himself. He practices incredibly hard every single day and holds himself to high standards.
“I think it’s validation for him. He’s been behind some really talented players the past couple years and he’s getting his opportunity to shine and he’s taking full advantage of it. I couldn’t be more happy and proud of him that he has seized the early portion of this season and he’s putting his impact on the team.”
What it means for Central Bucks West
The Bucks ran for over 200 yards and passed for 190, which is the kind of balance good times want in order to prevent defenses from keying on one thing. The defense had some big stops, starting on fourth-and-1 from the West 41-yard line on the game’s opening possession.
What it means for Upper Dublin
The Cardinals had their moments, highlighted by holding West without points twice in the red zone. The offense produced some big plays, but was hurt by five Bucks’ sacks.
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Key play
After running the ball on the first 10 plays from scrimmage, CB West’s first pass was a 75-yard touchdown completion from senior quarterback Noah Miller to wide-open senior running back Ryan Clemens over the middle two plays after Upper Dublin scored to cut its deficit to 7-6.
By the numbers: Central Bucks West vs. Upper Dublin
The Bucks scored on three plays of at least 51 yards.
CB West senior running back Ryan Clemens touched the ball 23 times from scrimmage and gained 248 yards for an average of 10.8 per play. He had 20 carries for 140 yards and three receptions for 108 yards, totaling three touchdowns.
Quarterback Noah Miller went 5 for 7 passing for 190 yards and two TDs, in addition to running 16 times for 82 yards.
Unsung heroes
Sophomore linebacker Owen Pudlo recorded sacks on consecutive fourth-quarter plays to give the ball back to CB West and keep its lead at 28-14.
In addition to his running and receiving exploits, senior Ryan Clemens was involved in a lot of plays at linebacker, kicked five extra points, plus returned kicks and punts.
They said it
“The biggest thing is how much fight we play with,” said senior quarterback Noah Miller. “Each guy is playing for the person next to him. This is a special group of guys and we know it.”
“He’s a Swiss Army knife kind of a guy,” said CB West head coach Rob Rowan of senior Vance Morelli. “We use him a lot of different places because mentally he’s really sharp and he can handle a lot. He’s a dynamic kid.”
The Bucks host 2023 District One 6A quarterfinalist Souderton on Sept. 6 in their final non-conference game.
What’s Next for Upper Dublin Football
The Cardinals visit defending district 6A champion Central Bucks South on Sept. 6.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhilly is a sports columnist for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: High School Football: Central Bucks West takes win over Upper Dublin
