The Last Big Weekend                                        

October 31, 2007

By Joe Stokes

After the ninth week of the 2007 season the PIAA District One playoff picture is finally clearing up. The top sixteen teams in Quad A and top six teams at Three A level have either clinched or are one victory away from a playoff invitation.

The Strath Haven upset victory over Conestoga on Monday night clinched a Three A slot for the Panthers and handed Ridley the Central League Championship. However Conestoga remained in the Four A top sixteen despite the set back. The games this weekend will be critical to several teams seeking to move up in the playoff rankings.

Malvern Prep remained number one in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top Twenty after defeating Germantown Academy 10-7 and remaining undefeated this season. St. Joe Prep stayed at the two spot by beating Catholic League rival Monsignor Bonner 41-0.

This writer comes off a 50-17 prediction record for 2006 and so far in 2007 has a 30-10 record in the last eight weeks of prognostications. Father Judge, Souderton and Downingtown West all won as predicted last week while Conestoga and Interboro lost hard fought contests on Monday night.

This weekend will be chilly and dry, perfect football weather for some great games. The featured contest this Friday pits Suburban One power North Penn traveling to Central Bucks South. CB South is led by tailback Eric Reynolds who has over 2000 yards rushing under his belt this season. North Penn must win to claim a part of the National Conference title with CB South and Neshamny. The Knights will not be able hold down Reynolds and will fall to the Titans.

Prediction:    Central Bucks South  28  North Penn  21    

In a Central League showdown both Conestoga and Marple Newtown need a victory to stay in playoff contention. The Pioneers offense will explode in this one and the Tigers will fade.

Prediction:    Conestoga  42  Marple Newtown  14

Here is the rest of my fearless forecast:

Prediction:    Unionville  35  West Chester Rustin  17

Prediction:    West Chester Henderson  24  Downingtown West  21

Prediction:    St Joe Prep  31  Roman Catholic  27