The citizens of Pennsylvania will have a new governor in January of 2015, but before that happens they will have four state high school football champions crowned. The District playoffs kick off this weekend and by mid-December we will all know which schools survived a rigorous and exciting 2014 season. It all started in the muggy heat of August and will end in the chilly winds of late autumn at Hershey Park Stadium.
The final district playoff seeds are now in place and it is time to take a look at this week’s key matchups in District One.
The last eight years the prognostication record stands at 396-170 while going 32-13 for this season. Pennsbury, North Penn and Coatesville all one as predicted while Haverford’s win over Ridley and Chester’s win over Interboro accounted for the failed picks last week. Only top competitive games have been chosen for this fearless forecast.
Haverford @ Coatesville
The Coatesville Red Raiders capped off an undefeated 2014 season with a hard fought 47-33 win over Downingtown West. The victory clinched the top playoff seed and QB Jordon Young warmed up with 378 yards passing along with two TD runs in the final regular season game. The Haverford Fords made their fans wait until the final game of the season to squeak into the 16th and final AAAA seed. Haverford bounced back from a devastating 44-41 loss to Garnet Valley the previous week to defeat Ridley in a game that decided which team would be eliminated from post season play. The Fords Junior QB Jack Donaghy and receiver Nick Costello connected for two TD’s on their way to a playoff clinching 17-8 win over a game group of Ridley Green Raiders. The Red Raiders are a little too deep and talented for the Fords this year and will move on to the second round.
Coatesville 38 Haverford 14
North Penn @ West Chester Henderson
The West Chester Henderson Warriors ran into a red hot Downingtown East Cougars squad last Friday night. Halloween was full of tricks as the Cougars defense stopped Henderson on two first period drives and a 28-7 victory. The Warriors slipped one slot to the 8th seed and a very tough draw in North Penn. The Knights under Coach Dick Beck have roared back from three early season losses to share in the Suburban One National Title and a 9th seed in the playoffs. The Knights tough schedule will get them another week of post season life with hard fought win.
North Penn 28 West Chester Henderson 20
Central Bucks South @ Garnet Valley
The Garnet Valley Jaguars earned the 7th playoff seed with an impressive win over Central League rival and 14th seed Conestoga 27-14. Running back Derrick West and QB Steve Flanagan generated the offense Friday night and they will need that and more to beat Central Bucks South. The CB South Titans surprising loss to Souderton last Friday knocked them down five playoff slots to the 10th seed. However the absence of running back Josh Adams might help explain the 14-10 setback. Count on the return of Adams to make a big difference in this contest.
Central Bucks South 27 Garnet Valley 23
Interboro @ Springfield
The AAA level of the District One playoffs offers additional interesting games to check out as well. The Springfield Cougars are on a roll, an undefeated regular season and their first Central League Title since 1994. The Cougars host the Interboro Bucs a team that always seems to be a factor in post season play. Springfield won their home opener over the Bucs this season 21-7. Interboro Coach Steve Lennox always has his team ready to play but the Cougar defense including lineman Brian Layden and Mike Fleagle won’t be in any mood to let this game get away.
Springfield 23 Interboro 6
Academy Park @ Pottsgrove
The next contest at the AAA has the Academy Knights 5th seed traveling to Pottsgrove to face the 4th seed Falcons. The Knights believed they would host a first round but a late day change in bonus points awarded have them on the road. Coach Rick Pennypacker will have his high powered offense ready to go while Knights Coach Jason Vosheski will be looking for ways to slow them down. This contest is a tough call but will give a slim advantage to the home team.
Pottsgrove 28 Academy Park 26
