The playoff finish line is in full view as we reach the eighth week of the 2013 high school football season. In District One AAAA the top five in playoff points showed no changes from last week. West Chester Rustin, Garnet Valley, Neshaminy, Coatesville and Upper Dublin lead the pack but at least five teams are right on their heels. At the AAA level we have Pottsgrove, Academy Park, West Chester Henderson, Glen Mills and Bishop Shanahan leading the pack after week seven. http://www.pawrsl.com/pfn/rankings_2013_dist01.htm
The big story so far this season may not be the playoff leaders but some old faithful’s that are on the edge of missing a post season seed. North Penn, Ridley, Central Bucks South and Phoenixville are all in danger of an early end to their season. In addition AAA power house Strath Haven has little or any chance of making a post season appearance. This may be welcome relief to some teams that have had no success against these old reliables but for old timers it will take some time to adjust to the new squads in the playoff picture this season.
It is now time to dive right in with predictions on five of the most competitive contests this week.
Week seven predictions went perfectly well with a five for five winning record. St. Joseph Prep, Haverford, Pennridge, Great Valley and West Chester Henderson all tasted victory as projected.
The last seven years the prognostication record stands at 338-138 while going 21-9 for this season.
This weekend’s weather looks to be a big improvement over the showery Friday night last week. One of the toughest matchups to predict features Suburban One Continental League faceoff with Pennridge visiting North Penn. The Pennridge Rams kept their playoff dreams alive and well with a hard fought 24-13 win last Saturday afternoon over Central Bucks South. QB Matt Pasqaule passed for 182 yards and a TD while running back Mike Class rushed for 116 yards and a TD to lead the running attack. The North Penn Knights were bolstered by the 137 rushing yards and two TD’s of Nyfease West on their way to a 42-14 win over Hatboro-Horsham. The Knights cannot afford another loss as they sit just outside of playoff eligibility as they enter this contest. The Rams would like nothing better than to put this giant to sleep. Pennridge has just a slight edge in this contest.
Pennridge 28 North Penn 24
The next game to check out is a Chest-Mont League American Division contest between Unionville and West Chester Rustin. Coach Pat Clark will need QB Alex Pechin to pitch a perfect game to keep close in this contest. The Golden Knights of West Chester Rustin remain undefeated and running back Terry Loper is on a roll with 165 yards and 3 TD’s last week in a 49-0 win over Sun Valley. Rustin just too much to handle this season. This contest can be seen on live video Friday night. http://3ctvlive.com/fb_wcr_vs_uville_10_18_13_promo.cfm
West Chester Rustin 35 Unionville 17
The rest of the fearless forecast:
West Catholic 31 Neumann-Goretti 20
Interboro 23 Glen Mills 12
Central Bucks South 14 Central Bucks East 10
