The upset of two previously undefeated District One AAAA teams last Friday leaves only North Penn with an unblemished record heading into week ten of this exciting 2009 high school football season. Pennsbury fell to Suburban One National Conference rival Abington 27-13 while Garnet Valley upset Central League leader Ridley in a hard fought 20-13 win at Ridley.
The District One AAAA playoff picture changed as a result of these upsets last week with Pennsbury falling into a three way tie for the third playoff seed with Downingtown West and Neshaminy. Garnet Valley jumped to the two seed while Ridley dropped to sixth. However the AAA playoff race remained stable with three undefeated squads leading the pack as Pottsgrove, Interboro and West Chester Rustin continue to control their own destiny with OJ Roberts and Marple Newtown close behind in the eight team field.
Last week the predictions were disappointing with a 3-2 call. The Garnet Valley and Abington upset victories spoiled what could have been a perfect week. while Penncrest, Downingtown West and Avon Grove all followed the script and won as predicted..
The last three years this future teller has a 137-48 prognostication record and with a 2009 first nine week record at 35-10 it is hoped we can pick up the pace the rest of this season.
Once again this weekend there are several games that will help determine league standings and final playoff seeds.
In a Del Val League showdown Interboro hosts Glen Mills to determine the league champion for 2009. The Bucs have nine straight titles, are undefeated and will be fighting for a high AAA playoff seed. The Glen Mills Bulls are just a desperate; they are tied for the fifteenth seed at AAAA level and must win to make the final field of sixteen in this years post season playoff. The Bulls pulled off a last minute victory over Academy Park when Kareem Johnson returned an interception for a 32 yard TD to seal a hard fought 38-24 win and set up this weeks shot at a league title. The Interboro Bucs followed the efforts of running backs Charles Bolger, Scot McNeil and Monte Jenning to an impressive 41-6 win over University City last Friday. Although both teams have potent offensive attacks it will be the Bucs defense that will make the difference in this tight win for Interboro.
Prediction: Interboro 35 Glen Mills 27
The next big showdown to watch features Suburban One, National Conference rivals Pennsbury (8-1) hosting Neshaminy (8-1) with the winner clinching a league championship. The Falcons are ranked sixth in Ed Thomas’ SE Pa Top Ten http://www.havenfootball.net/ and have followed QB Brandon Pepper and running back Dante Devine to a successful season. However last weeks loss to Abington puts them in a dog fight for a good playoff seed. The Neshaminy Redskins have jumped to second on the Ed Thomas’ list and will need a strong showing by wide receivers Rick Brebner and quarterbacks Bryan Titus and Charles Marterella to take home a title. Count on a big effort by QB Pepper in this win for Pennsbury.
Prediction: Pennsbury 28 Neshaminy 24
The rest of the fearless forecast:
Prediction: Avon Grove 21 Coatsville 13
Prediction: Council Rock South 27 Council Rock North 21
Prediction: Springfield 24 Strath Haven 21
