First ten week predictions go 40-10
The first round of playoff action was not kind to AAAA top seed Ridley last weekend. The 16th seed team from West Chester Henderson hung in the game long enough to take advantage of several Green Raider miscues for 14-13 shocker. The loss by defending D-1 champion Ridley leaves this years tournament wide open with no clear favorite as we enter round two this Friday.
This week saw number two Ridley drop out of Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top 10 while red hot West Chester Henderson finally breaks on to the list at number eight. The win by Henderson sends them to face cross town rival West Chester Rustin on Saturday afternoon. The rest of the top five LaSalle, North Penn, Neshaminy and Archbishop Wood all held their positions with round one game victories.
Last week this prognosticator struggled with a 3-2 prediction record as Strath Haven, Archbishop Wood and North Penn won as predicted while West Chester Henderson shocked Ridley and Central Bucks West surprised Coatsville for the two failed calls in playoff week one…
The last four years, this future teller has a 197-72 prognostication record and a 2010 record of 40-10.
What a great high school football weekend is in store for area fans. There are so many hot contests that even the most rabid fan could be exhausted by Saturday night. Several playoff contests feature rematches of games played just a few weeks ago during the regular season. The two time AAA Pa State Champions from Strath Haven will have their hands full with one of the most prolific offenses of this years playoff teams. Central League rival Springfield advanced to the second round with a 56-49 win over Bishop Shanahan last Saturday morning. Led by senior running back Matt Craig the Cougars jumped to a 35-12 half time advantage. The Bishop Shanahan Eagles offense exploded in the second half and took a brief 49-48 lead. However Matt Craig saved the day with his sixth touchdown run of the day to close this score fest. The Panthers were one of the few teams that slowed this Cougar offense just two weeks ago with a 27-7 win. However Strath Haven has suffered several major injuries that may change the flow of this rematch. Defensive back and starting QB Bryan Downs and running back Thurman Fortune will not be on the field this time around and that could make this contest almost too close to call. It is impossible to pick against Coach Kevin Clancy with this much on the line. Haven wins a cliff hanger.
Prediction: Strath Haven 34 Springfield 30
The next game worth a mention is a Suburban One National Conference rematch as Abington travels to Neshaminy. Redskins QB Charlie Marterella has been on a roll with four TD passes on the way to a 41-13 pounding of Upper Dublin in round one. Abington will be no pushover as they enjoyed a break out 47-7 win over Cheltenham to advance. Although running back Julien Ireland may provide some Ghostly scares, Neshaminy will prevail.
Prediction: Neshaminy 38 Abington 27
Here is the rest of this weeks fearless five forecast:
Prediction: Pottsgrove 20 Interboro 12
Prediction: Council Rock South 31 Central Bucks West 27
Prediction: West Chester Rustin 28 West Chester Henderson 22
