The 2010 high school football season opened for most teams last weekend as Hurricane Earl swirled out to sea leaving perfect weather for local players and fans.
Time to dust off the 2009 predictions as this writer went three for four in the PIAA finals at Hershey. That snowy weekend found LaSalle, Sellinsgrove, and Lancaster Catholic all winning as predicted while Clarion upended Bishop McCort to spoil a perfect record that weekend.
The last four years, this future teller has a 157-62 prognostication record and a 2009 sixteen week record at 55-24.
It is now time to jump into the 2010 fray and look at some of the top contests for week two. One could never ignore PIAA defending AAAA champion LaSalle as they opened this season with an impressive 27-14 win over perennial powerhouse North Penn. While many believed the Explorers would be in rebuild mode coach Drew Gordon found new Junior Quarterback Matt Magarity just in time to lead with 203 passing yards and three TD’s on day one of 2010 season. However this week LaSalle faces a well oiled veteran squad in Bergen Catholic New Jersey. This is Bergen’s first game but with home field and a veteran team they will put a chink in the Explorer armor for a good start.
Prediction: Bergen Catholic (NJ) 27 LaSalle High School 21
Another contest that bears watching is District 12 Cardinal O’Hara ranked 7th in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top Ten as they take on Philadelphia Public League power Dobbins. The Lions featured a running attack led by Adam Dempsey 138 yards and Brendan McLaughlin 89 yards for a 20-0 victory over Archbishop Ryan last week in a game played at Ocean City, NJ. Dobbins crushed Public League rival Lincoln 39-0 but will not be able to stop the O’Hara running attack this week.
Prediction: Cardinal O’Hara 30 Dobbins 18
Here is the rest of this weeks fearless forecast:
Prediction: Garnet Valley 24 Haverford 14
Prediction: Interboro 19 Episcopal Academy 13
Prediction: Strath Haven 35 Harriton 7
