First eight week predictions go 29-6
We are fast approaching the end of the 2010 high school football regular season and the top playoff contenders in District One held their ground last weekend. With our fighting Phillies out of the championship race there will be no distraction from the final weeks of the red hot playoff run.
The top ranked teams in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top 10 all found the winners circle last week and many have all but wrapped up a post season slot in either District One or Twelve. Once again it is LaSalle, Ridley, North Penn, Cardinal O’Hara and Archbishop Wood leading the pack. Two of the top five face off this Saturday as O’Hara and Wood will determine which of these Catholic League rivals will have a heads up going into the District Twelve playoffs.
Last week this prognosticator did well with a 4-1 prediction record. Springfield, North Penn, Interboro and Downingtown East all won as expected while Upper Darby fell to Central League rival Strath Haven 14-7 for the only blemish..
The last four years, this future teller has a 186-68 prognostication record and a 2010 record of 29-6.
This week there are loads of playoff caliber games to consume. One could argue that on the top of this list is the game between Cardinal O’ Hara and Archbishop Wood. Both of these Catholic League schools enter the contest undefeated. The O’Hara Lions are loaded with offensive skill at running back. Led by Jay Watkins 122 yards against Archbishop Carroll and QB Ryan Laughlin’s three TD passes any defense will be tested by this two pronged attack. If any defense can stop O’ Hara it is Wood. The wind may well be blowing hard on Saturday and that could be the difference in slowing the Lion passing game just enough for Wood to sneak out a hard fought win.
Prediction: Archbishop Wood 31 Cardinal O’Hara 27
The next game to consider features the yearly showdown between Central League rivals Ridley and Garnet Valley. Ridley has the most wins of any in the history of the Central League. However they have never defeated Garnet Valley since the Jaguars entered the League in 2008. The Green Raiders seem ready to remedy that problem this year behind the running attack led by Shahaid Smith and the passing skill of Sean Blundin. Garnet Valley has suffered losses to Upper Darby and Strath Haven and a loss this week could eliminate them from playoff contention. The Jaguars will be fighting for survival but the Green Raiders have too many weapons to defend.
Prediction: Ridley 27 Garnet Valley 14
Here is the rest of this weeks fearless five forecast:
Prediction: LaSalle 34 St Joe Prep 17
Prediction: Council Rock South 24 Abington 13
Prediction: Strath Haven 30 Penncrest 7
