Time for the hard work (Week 3 predictions)

The first two weeks of the 2012 season is giving local teams and their fans a preview of the possibilities for a successful season. The preseason question marks of how much talent and team work will come together is becoming clearer as on field performance has provided some early answers.

Coaches now have film to watch, plays to call and positions to fill, while players begin to fine tune technique, learn to work as a unit and perfect performance as the season marches forward.

Week two predictions went well as this future teller went 4-1 as Ridley, Cardinal O’Hara, North Penn and Strath Haven all won as predicted while Episcopal Academy’s 41-0 victory over Interboro accounted for the lone miscalculation.

The last six years the prognostication record stands at 271-106 while going 4-1 for the 2012 season.

This week one game to watch features 2011 Central League Champion Garnet Valley hosts  the Royals of Upper Darby on Friday night. With almost 1,500 male students to choose from no school should underestimate the possible talent pool available to Royal coach Rich Gentile. In past years this advantage has not led to any titles or great playoff runs. However Upper Darby fans can always hope this is the year that all that can change. The Royals opened the season with a difficult challenge as West Chester Rustin jumped out to a 24-0 win. The Royals bounced back last week with a 25-12 win over Penncrest for their first win of this season. Running back Cyrus Barlee will need to match his 194 yard effort this Friday to give Upper Darby any shot at an upset. Meanwhile the Jaguars have opened the season with victories over Unionville and Conestoga. Although the Garnet Valley offense got a little sloppy by losing two of their six fumbles, fullback Jake Irving pounded out two fourth quarter TD runs to assure a 28-16 victory. This contest will go a long way in determining this year’s Central League standout. Gotta believe the Jags will be passing this early season test after an early struggle.

Garnet Valley  34  Upper Darby 20

The rest of this week’s fearless forecast:

Neshaminy  37  Souderton  19

Downingtown East  27  Pennsbury  21

Strath Haven  31  Marple Newtown  24

LaSalle  21  Cardinal O’Hara  17