Time for the Playoff Run                                    

 

October 3, 2007

 

By Joe Stokes

 

After the fifth week of the 2007 season we are starting to get a glimpse of what teams may be heading for post season play. The next several weeks will feature key match ups at all division levels in District One.

 

North Penn ranked number one in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top Twenty stayed on top by pounding conference rival Pennsbury 28-14. The Knights continue to build up playoff points and will face several tough opponents including sixth ranked Neshaminy and 17th ranked Abington in next few weeks.

 

This writer comes off a 50-17 prediction record for 2006 and starts 2007 with a 16-4 record in the last four weeks of prognostications. Abington, St. Joe Prep and Cardinal O’Hara all came through as expected. However Strath Haven knocked off previously undefeated Marple Newtown with great running and a tough defense to keep them alive in the AAA playoff hunt. In addition Glenn Mills saw its offense explode in the second half for a surprising 41-28 victory over Coatesville. The Bulls broke into Ed Thomas’ top twenty and must be watched in the AAAA playoff race.

 

One of this weeks featured games is a battle of undefeated Central League rivals with Ridley traveling to Haverford. Ridley had little problem in dispensing Radnor last Friday with an impressive 44-0 victory. Haverford won a defensive struggle over Penncrest with Fords quarterback Liam McGrath accounting for the only touchdown in a tight 7-0 win.

 

The Haverford defense will be hard pressed to pitch a shut out against the explosive Green Raider offense led by running back Andrew Hodges. The Fords will keep it tight but you can’t pick against these Green Raiders

 

Prediction:   Ridley 28  Haverford 14

 

The sixth ranked Neshaminy Red Skins will seek to reverse last years set back to Pennridge and will stay undefeated.

 

Prediction:   Neshaminy  31  Pennridge 10

 

Here is the rest of my fearless forecast:

 

Prediction:   Interboro  21  Chester 14

 

Prediction:   Cardinal O’Hara 31  Roman Catholic 21   

 

Prediction:   Garnet Valley  35  Oxford  7