Thursday Night Showdowns to Watch
September 19, 2007
By Joe Stokes
The third week of the 2007 season saw a return of the favorites to the win column. For the most part the top rated teams played to their potential and disappointed some spirited challenges from upset minded squads.
North Penn ranked number one in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top Twenty overcame a slow start to defeat old time rival and previously undefeated Souderton 24-0. Souderton came into the contest with high hopes and great support from their fans. However Knights’ coach Dick Beck had his squad more than ready for the challenge. The impressive defensive shutout prevented any hope for a Souderton upset this year.
This writer comes off a 50-17 prediction record for 2006 and starts 2007 with a 9-1 in the last two weeks prognostications. Last week’s predictions all followed the script as North Penn, Malvern, Strath Haven, Don Bosco Prep and Haverford all rewarded my faith in them with hard fought victories.
The featured game this week is a Thursday Night Special. Ridley travels to Conestoga Teamer Field for a game that may determine the 2007 Central League championship. Ridley is the defending champion and the Pioneers finished on top in 2004 and 2005.
The Green Raiders have a balanced attack but struggled to beat Penncrest last Friday after leading rusher Andrew Hodges went out with an injury. With the expectation that Hodges will be available look for Ridley to prevail and win in a very close match up.
Prediction: Ridley 24 Conestoga 21
Independent Glenn Mills faces national power Roosevelt D.C and will surprise a few followers with a hard fought home victory on Friday night.
Prediction:
Glenn Mills 28
Here is the rest of my fearless forecast:
Prediction: Cardinal O’Hara 35 Bonner 14
Prediction: Interboro 31 Simon Gratz 17
Prediction: Strath Haven 28 Haverford 17