First thirteen week predictions go 47-13
The cold winds will be blowing hard from the northwest and don’t be surprised to see flurries in the air as you head out to your favorite high school playoff contest this weekend. The teams left in the PIAA playoffs all have one goal in mind and that is to survive one game at a time and get a trip to Hershey in two weeks.
Last week will be hard to beat for entertaining football as both playoffs and Thanksgiving Day classics filled the dreams of local fans. Count on the teams left meeting this challenge as each game this week is win or your season is over.
This week saw the top teams in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top 10 hold their own in playoff action. The top five winners included North Penn and Neshaminy while LaSalle, Archbishop Wood, and West Catholic all had an off week as they all won their District 12 championships the previous week.
Last week this prognosticator had his worst week of the season with a 2-3 prediction record as Neshaminy and North Penn won as expected while Pottsgrove, Ridley and Upper Darby ended their season on a losing note despite my magic view of their future.
The last four years, this future teller has a 204-75 prognostication record and a 2010 record of 47-13.
One of the prediction miscues last week involved the thought that Pottsgrove would squeak by Strath Haven in the AAA District One final. The previous week I mentioned it was hard to pick against Haven coach Kevin Clancy in any big game. Well this was a big game and Clancy once again proved that point. With the return of running back Thurman Fortune the Panthers exploded in the second half to defeat Pottsgrove 42-28 and win their 11th District One Title. As hard as last weeks contest played out, Strath Have will really have to lace up their running shoes for District 12 champs Archbishop Wood. Although they had a week to rest they were impressive in their title game win over Dobbins in a 44-7 romp. Wood is led by QB Joey Monaghan and his hot receiver Colin Thompson and they are supported by running back Brandom Peoples. Brandon’s cousin Desmon Proples is out with injuries or this team would be impossible to beat. Strath Haven counters with a great running attack led by Thurman Fortune and Alex Hisey. However if Wood is able to stop the running attack they will have to deal with Chazz Fisher who is capable of some clutch receiving when necessary. How tough it is to pick against Coach Clancy but a deeper bench and a week of rest pushes the pick to Archbishop Wood.
Prediction: Archbishop Wood 38 Strath Haven 27
The next game to watch is the District One AAAA title game between North Penn and Neshaminy. This contest will be an all out slugfest. Neshaminy will be hungry to prove they belong and North Penn is out to avenge last year’s disappointment after losing to Ridley in this championship game. The Redskins follow the lead of QB Charlie Marterella while the North Penn Knights rely on QB Corey Ernest and running back Dom Taggart. This game can go either way and a close upset is the call.
Prediction: Neshaminy 27 North Penn 23
Here is the rest of this weeks fearless five forecast:
Prediction: LaSalle 34 Easton 14
Prediction: West Catholic 24 Northern Lehigh 20
Prediction: Allentown Central Catholic 41 Clearfield 26
