Playoff puzzle not yet solved                                

 

October 18, 2007

 

By Joe Stokes

 

After the seventh week of the 2007 season a few teams are in great position to clinch playoff slots in the District One AAAA and AAA divisions Some of the teams assured of post season play are North Penn, Central Bucks South, Ridley, Souderton and both Downingtown East and West at the Quad A level. While Unionville, Pottsgrove, West Chester Rustin and Strath Haven look fairly solid at the Three A level.

 

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 pounded Abington 29-7 and will face another Suburban One challenge this Saturday when they travel to Neshaminy.

 

This writer comes off a 50-17 prediction record for 2006 and starts 2007 with a 23-7 record in the last six weeks of prognostications. Ridley, West Chester Henderson and Souderton al won as predicted. However Unionville defeated Garnet Valley in an AAA showdown Thursday night while Father Judge surprised Roman Catholic in a Catholic League upset on Saturday night.

 

Once again this week features plenty of games that could help solve the playoff puzzle. The North Penn @ Neshaminy contest must be considered the featured game. The Knights are on a roll and behind the leadership of Coach Dave Beck may well repeat last years 29-7 win. Neshaminy will be hungry but not enough to upset North Penn.

 

Prediction:    North Penn  24  Neshaminy  7

 

The third ranked team by Ed Thomas is St. Joe Prep and they have a Red Division Catholic League showdown with Cardinal O’ Hara. Look for the Hawks to fly past the Lions

 

Prediction:    St. Joe Prep  31  Cardinal O’ Hara  14

 

Here is the rest of my fearless forecast:

 

Prediction:    West Chester Henderson  35  Coatesville  28

 

Prediction:    Interboro  24  Penn Wood  14

 

Prediction:    Ridley  28  Upper Darby  17