9/25/26

You know the saying: adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it. Friday night at War Memorial Stadium, we found out exactly what the Central Bucks West Bucks are made of.

Another chapter in the old Bux-Mont rivalry. Another classic battle.

Coming off their first loss of the season to Pennridge, the question wasn't whether Coach Rob Rowan's squad would respond. The question was how.

Well, probably not the way it was drawn up.

North Penn came out swinging. The Knights' dynamic duo of Ziyon Smith and Rylei Gray each found the end zone, and just like that CB West was staring at a 14-0 deficit after one quarter. The visitors with all the momentum.

But early in the second quarter, after forcing a Ziyon Smith fumble on a punt return, the Bucks seized the opportunity. Louie Cipollo ripped off a 17-yard scamper, setting up Braylan Cape, who stretched the ball across the goal line from five yards out.

A much-needed sequence for the Bucks to stay in the fight. Still, North Penn held control, taking a 20-7 lead into halftime.

The Bucks knew what was required for the final 24 minutes.

A botched quarterback-center exchange by the Knights gave CB West a golden opportunity in the third quarter, and big No. 42 Nick Milletto wasted no time cashing it in. Twelve yards out, lowered the shoulder, bad intentions. Touchdown. Now it's 20-14, and momentum is wearing black and gold.

The fourth quarter became a test of will.

Coach Rowan's group signed up for all 48 minutes, and they started leaning on North Penn. Cape and Milletto continued churning out tough yards as the Bucks marched deep into Knights territory. Then quarterback Josh George sold the fake, kept it himself, and raced to the corner stretching across for the go-ahead score.

For the first time all night, CB West had the lead.

The defense answered the bell, getting off the field and handing the offense another opportunity. And when the Bucks needed a closer, they turned again to their battering ram. Following the powerful legs of Milletto, CB West pounded its way back into the end zone and stretched the lead to 28-20.

But rivalry games don't end that easily.

Coach Beck's Knights had one last charge. Quarterback London Evans marched North Penn down the field, completing five straight passes before finding Duke Horgan in the end zone to set up a critical two-point conversion.

Game on the line.

Tight coverage from Davis Parisi closed the passing window and London Evan’s throw went into the hands of the captain Louie Cipollo.

Victory formation. Exhale.

Intestinal fortitude.

That's CB West football.

A tough, resilient group that never panicked when they fell behind early and never wilted when the pressure arrived late.

CB West 28 North Penn 26