We have reached week eight of the 2009 season and inclement weather has become a recent weekend pattern. Although there were only a few postponements last Friday night the rain and wind depressed attendance and made for some sloppy play. The latest forecasts are encouraging and hold off the wet weather until after midnight this Friday.
The playoff picture is beginning to clear with big wins last week Pennsbury, North Penn, Ridley, Neshaminy and Garnet Valley lead the AAAA pack. At the AAA level it appears that Pottsgrove, Interboro, West Chester Rustin, OJ Roberts and Academy Park control their own destiny in the final weeks of the regular season.
Last week the predictions went well with a 4-1 call. The sole blemish was a 48-35 win by Conestoga over Central League rival Strath Haven, while Ridley, Bayard Rustin, North Penn and Neshaminy all followed the script and made this writer appear knowledgeable.
The last three years this future teller has a 130-45 prognostication record and with a 2009 first seven week record at 28-7 it is hoped we can keep up the pace the rest of this season.
Once again this weekend there are several games that will help determine final playoff seeds.
In a Suburban One Continental Conference face-off undefeated North Penn ranked number one in Ed Thomas’ Southeast Pa Top Ten http://www.havenfootball.net/ entertains Souderton (4-3). The Knights just seem to get better every game they play this season. Running back Craig Needhammer and QB Todd Smolinsky are well protected by a solid offensive line and have made every opponent pay with a dual attack of run and pass. Although Souderton has a four game win streak they will be no match for North Penn even on a wet playing field.
Prediction: North Penn 38 Souderton 13
Another big contest features the battle of Downingtown when East meets West with Chest-Mont National Division bragging rights and District One playoff position on the line. The Cougars of Downingtown East would love to avenge last year’s loss to the Whippets and add to their mid season four game win streak. Downingtown East will need a big game from running back Drew Harris to keep West’s offense off the field. If conditions are dry QB Bret Gillespie may rule the roost. The will be a tough call but West will squeak it out.
Prediction: Downingtown West 27 Downingtown East 21
The rest of the fearless forecast:
Prediction: Ridley 35 Springfield 14
Prediction: Glenn Mills 26 Penn Wood 12
Prediction: Strath Haven 28 Haverford 6
