First two week predictions go 10-0
The fourth week of the 2010 high school football season is already upon us and it won’t be long before the playoff talk will be in full stride. But before we get ahead of ourselves it is time to look back to see how the pre-season favorites are holding up.
The top ranked team in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top 10 remains to be the 2009 AAAA Pa champion LaSalle Explorers. After a week two set back to Bergen Catholic New Jersey the Explorers won a hard fought 14-7 win over Catholic League rival West Catholic in week three. Recovery from defeat is the true test of champions and La Salle will face many tests in the defense of their 2009 championship season.
There are several teams right on the Explorers heals that need to be watched in the upcoming weeks. These include Neshaminy, Ridley, North Penn and Archbishop Wood to name a few.
Last week this prognosticator lucked out again with five correct predictions for the second straight week and a season record of 10-0. Red Lion, North Penn, Strath Haven, Ridley and LaSalle all won as predicted.
The last four years, this future teller has a 167-62 prognostication record and a 2010 record of 10-0.
This week provides local football enthusiasts with several exciting matchups. On the top of the list is a showdown of top ranked teams from Suburban One National Conference as Neshaminy hosts Abington. These two clubs split their two games in 2009 with Abington winning the regular season contest while Neshaminy got its revenge with a 24-17 win in playoff action. The Redskins enter the weekend undefeated thanks to solid running backs Sean Ulmer and Anthony Woodroff, these two rushers can consume time and yardage throughout the game. The Abington Ghosts will be no pushover with QB Julien Ireland a double threat to the Neshaminy defense. However Neshaminy wins in a squeaker at home.
Prediction: Neshaminy 27 Abington 24
The Central League has another interesting match as long time rivals settle in for Friday night fun when Ridley travels to Springfield. This is a lopsided series with Ridley winning all but three games in the last forty years. The Springfield Cougars have some hope this year behind 2009 Delaware County rushing leader Matt Craig. However Ridley is loaded again with running backs Shahaid Smith and Jalen Randolph returning from last years District One championship squad. Although the Cougars will roar, count on the Green Raiders to triumph once again.
Prediction: Ridley 31 Springfield 14
Here is the rest of this weeks fearless forecast:
Prediction: Roman Catholic 16 Cardinal O’Hara 13
Prediction: Strath Haven 20 Haverford 12
Prediction: Interboro 28 Upper Moreland 7
