Trouble at the top after upset                             

October 24, 2007

By Joe Stokes

After the eighth week of the 2007 season the AAAA playoff picture in District One suffered a major disruption when Neshaminy shocked North Penn 31-7 last Saturday afternoon. While the AAA favorites all found this week’s victories to keep them settled in their playoff slots.

The Neshaminy win propels Central Bucks South to the top position in Quad A District One with Ridley, North Penn and Souderton close behind. Unionville, Pottsgrove, Garnet Valley, Strath Haven and West Chester Rustin lead in the AAA race.

Malvern Prep jumped to number one in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top Twenty after defeating Haverford School 41-0 and remaining undefeated this season. St. Joe Prep jumped to the two spot by beating Catholic League rival Cardinal O’ Hara 16-7.

This writer comes off a 50-17 prediction record for 2006 and starts 2007 with a 27-8 record in the last seven weeks of prognostications. Ridley, West Chester Henderson, Interboro and St. Joe Prep all won as predicted. The only prediction set back was that surprising Neshaminy win over North Penn.

This coming weekend is yet another fantastic chance for high school football fans to see some great slugfests. One contest to watch is a Central League showdown between Strath Haven and Conestoga. Both of these teams are chasing Ridley for league honors and playoff hopes may well hinge on this game. The Panthers and Pioneers are on a roll in the last few weeks. Conestoga will avenge last years 19-0 setback to the Panthers.

Prediction:    Conestoga  17  Strath Haven  14    

In another Catholic League contest Father Judge has too much talent and momentum to be stopped this week.

Prediction:    Father Judge  28  Cardinal O’ Hara  17

Here is the rest of my fearless forecast:

Prediction:    Souderton  24  Central Bucks East  14

Prediction:    Interboro  27  Salesianum (Delaware) 21

Prediction:    Downingtown West  31  Coatesville  14