Rush to the finish line

This is week seven of the 2009 season and we are quickly approaching the end of the regular season. The next three weeks will determine both league championships and playoff seeds. This weekend’s games are critical for several teams on the playoff cuff in both Quad A and Triple A District One races.

 The AAAA top playoff point schools include Pennsbury, Downingtown West, North Penn, Ridley and Neshaminy. These top five squads look to clinch their spot in the sixteen team field with wins this week. At the AAA level Pottsgrove, Interboro, OJ Roberts and Baynard Rustin are all undefeated and well positioned to reach the final District One eight playoff slots.

 Last week the predictions went an almost perfect 4-1. The sole blemish was a 3 point loss by Abington to Council Rock South, while Interboro, Downingtown West, Ridley and Marple Newtown all followed the script and made this writer look good.

 The last three years this future teller has a 126-44 prognostication record and with a 2009 first six week record at 24-6 it is hoped we can keep up the pace the rest of this season.

 This weekend several contests will go a long way in deciding both playoff position and league standings. Once again a major nor’easter may impact the outcomes of these games with heavy rain and high winds. The squads that can survive these conditions may be well on their way to post season success.

 In a Central League face-off undefeated Ridley ranked third in Ed Thomas’ Southeast Pa Top Ten http://www.havenfootball.net/Ed%20Thomas%20Wk%207.html travels to meet the Penncrest Lions (4-2). The Green Raiders always seem to be in the thick of these posts season races and 2009 is no different. Ridley’s second half surge allowed for a 34-13 route of Conestoga last Friday night. However the powerful Penncrest offense raced to a 66-54 win over Springfield in a game that broke all kind of scoring records for both teams. The Lions offense is led by running back Jerry Boyer and QB Matt Atkinson with a season average of more than 40 points per game. However the Green Raiders feature a defense that allows just 4 points per contest. Ridley QB Colin Masterson has vivid memories of last season’s loss to Penncrest and this will provide great motivation for a proud of group of Green Raiders. Ridley’s combined good offense and defense will squeak out a hard fought win over the powerful Lion offense.

 Prediction:    Ridley  38  Penncrest  24

 This Friday also features a Chest-Mont League clash of West Chester School District’s Baynard Rustin at West Chester Henderson. The Golden Knights are just loaded with talent and well positioned to challenge the AAA field in the post season. The Rustin offense features brothers Rondell and Rahiem Whte with a combine 202 yards last week in an impressive defeat of Sun Valley 54-14. West Chester Henderson suffered its first defeat last week in a hard fought contest with seventh ranked Downingtown West 14-10. With wind swept rain in the area the White brother might be the difference.

 Prediction:    Baynard Rustin  27  West Chester Henderson  21

 The rest of the fearless forecast:

 Prediction:     North Penn  28  Quakertown  13

 Prediction:     Neshaminy  17  Council Rock South  12

 Prediction:     Strath Haven  13  Conestoga  6