First fourteen week predictions go 51-14
The 2010 high school football season will soon be history but the next two weeks will determine how this season’s story will be told. The winners of sweet sixteen weekend will get the taste of Chocolate Town and a shot at that coveted state championship that every team dreams of in the heat of summer two-a-days.
The matchup’s at all four class levels this week provide for interesting contrasts in style and skill. Will it be defense or offense, passing or ground attack that wins the day? The answer to this question will be known by Saturday night.
This week saw the top teams in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top 10 shake just a bit as Neshaminy fell to the sixth position while LaSalle, North Penn, Archbishop Wood and West Catholic all held service with big playoff victories.
Last week this prognosticator rebounded from his worst week at 2-3 to this weeks 4-1 prediction record as LaSalle, Archbishop Wood, West Catholic and Allentown Central Catholic all won as predicted while Neshaminy fell to rival North Penn to spoil what could have been a perfect week.
The last four years, this future teller has a 208-76 prognostication record and a 2010 record of 51-14.
The sole prediction miscue last week involved the thought that Neshaminy would squeak by North Penn in the AAAA District One final. As it turned out it was not even close as the Knights showed a balanced offensive attack led by running back Craig Needhammer and QB Corey Ernest. North Penn scored early and often for a 42-6 wipe out of a very tough Neshaminy squad. The Knights will face a more difficult challenge this Saturday afternoon as the face defending Pa champion LaSalle. In the season opener LaSalle won this matchup 27-14. The Explorers will rely on running back Jamal Abdur-Rahman and QB Matt Magarity to get them back to Hershey. This is one of those games that could turn on a fumble, interception or untimely penalty. LaSalle will find a way to make it happen. If you can’t make it to the game check out the live video webcast on this site http://www.lschs.org/page.cfm?p=4159.
Prediction: LaSalle 30 North Penn 27
The next game to watch is the Eastern AAA title game featuring Archbishop Wood and Allentown Central Catholic. Wood overcame a few penalties and a scary third quarter interception to Defeat District One champion Strath Haven 24-14. They needed every one of Brandon People’s 230 rushing yards to seal this win in the fourth quarter. Allentown Central Catholic enters this game undefeated with several quality wins over AAAA teams including Downingtown East. QB Brenden Nosovitch has passed for over 2000 yards and Colin McDermott has rushed for over 1600 yards with 16 touchdowns to his name. This is another contest that will go down to the wire with Allentown Central a slight favorite.
Prediction: Allentown Central Catholic 34 Archbishop Wood 28
Here is the rest of this weeks fearless five forecast:
Prediction: West Catholic 38 Lewisburg 13
Prediction: North Allegheny 28 Cumberland Valley 21
Prediction: Bishop McDevitt 31 Erie Cathedral Prep 17