First four week predictions go 17-3
District One area fans will have a difficult time concentrating on high school football this Friday as the Phillies are set to play game two of the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds at the same time as many local football games. Living up to a no hitter by Roy Halladay will be a tough act to follow. One way for high school football fans to stay alert is just take one glance at the playoff point standings. The games this week will be critical to many teams in the post season hunt.
The top ranked team in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top 10 remains to be the 2009 AAAA Pa champion LaSalle Explorers. They defeated previously ninth ranked Roman Catholic 43-17. While this win solidified the Explorers hold on the number one spot it knocked the Cahillites right out of the rankings.
There are several teams right on the Explorers heals that need to be watched in the upcoming weeks. These include Ridley, Neshaminy, North Penn and Archbishop Wood to fill out the top five.
Last week this prognosticator did well with a 4-1 prediction record. LaSalle, Cardinal O’Hara, Monsignor Bonner, and Downingtown East all won as expected while a mid season surge pushed Strath Haven over Conestoga as the lone misguided prediction.
The last four years, this future teller has a 174-65 prognostication record and a 2010 record of 17-3.
This week’s games offer a few possible mismatches as some of the top ten appear to face less challenging opponents. It would be a dangerous mistake to underestimate these upset minded teams as it would make their season to knock off a top ranked team. One contest that will be far from a mismatch features fourth ranked North Penn facing Suburban One-Continental rival Central Bucks West. It has been a few years since the Bucks have been this successful with an early season 4-1 surge. The question is can CB West overcome well respected and experienced running back Craig Needhammer ? The answer is not this year.
Prediction: North Penn 27 Central Bucks West 10
The next game to consider features undefeated and sixth ranked Cardinal O’Hara Lions traveling to the State of Delaware to visit the eighth grade wonder QB Dave Sills. Many may recall that QB Sills made some big news by verbally committing to USC coach Pete Carroll while still in the seventh grade. Red Lion Christian defeated another Delaware County team when they visited Interboro a few weeks ago. O’Hara has too many weapons to defend and will come home with a hard fought win.
Prediction: Cardinal O’Hara 34 Red Lion Christian 21
Here is the rest of this weeks fearless forecast:
Prediction: Penn Wood 20 Interboro 12
Prediction: Strath Haven 27 Marple Newtown 17
Prediction: Garnet Valley 24 Upper Darby 21
