Major Showdowns for Top Teams                      

 

October 10, 2007

 

By Joe Stokes

 

After the sixth week of the 2007 season the playoff picture is just starting to be drawn with the traditional powers being joined by several new comers in both Quad A and Triple A divisions in PIAA District One.

 

North Penn remained number one in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top Twenty as well as maintaining the top position in points for AAAA playoff slot. The Knights face a conference rival and 18th ranked Abington this Saturday night (TV CN8). This contest will be no pushover for North Penn. The Ghosts lost a tight decision Central Bucks South in an offensive shoot out 49-45.

 

This writer comes off a 50-17 prediction record for 2006 and starts 2007 with a 20-5 record in the last five weeks of prognostications. Ridley, Neshaminy, Interboro and Garnet Valley all won as predicted last week. However Roman Catholic knocked off Cardinal O’Hara behind the balanced running and passing attack that resulted in a 31-7 shocker.

 

This week has so many critical games it is tough to feature anyone of them. However in the AAA playoff hunt you cannot ignore the Thursday night clash with Garnet Valley at Unionville Both squads are undefeated and boast powerful offense and defensive efforts in each of their five victories. Unionville won last years meeting late in the fourth quarter on a two point conversion. It is Garnet Valley’s turn this year.

 

Prediction:   Garnet Valley  34  Unionville  28

 

The sixth ranked Ridley Green Raiders will seek to beat back their only remaining challenge of the regular season. The Marple Newtown Tigers have too many injuries to mount a successful challenge.

 

Prediction:   Ridley  28  Marple Newtown  7

 

Here is the rest of my fearless forecast:

 

Prediction:   West Chester Henderson  31  Bayard Rustin  21

 

Prediction:    Souderton  21  Hatboro Horsham  17

 

Prediction:    Roman Catholic  35  Father Judge  14