Kevin McArdle's Views of the Eastern Conference

 
It's late November - week 13 to be exact - and 18 Eastern Conference teams are still dreaming State Championship dreams.  Here's a quick look at this week's games, with EC teams in CAPS, and my picks in italics!
 
Class A
 
SHENANDOAH VALLEY @ MARIAN  -  The Colts shut out Minersville, 25-0, sparked by a strong defense that surrendered just 24 yards and one first down in the first half;  WR-CB Chris Decker had a 16-yard catch for a TD and two interceptions, including one returned for another TD.  The Blue Devils outlasted Pius-X, 42-35, in overtime, led by WR Koury Kaplafka, who had six catches for 78 yards and three TDs, and tossed an option pass to QB Mike Reese to key a late, game-tying drive that forced the OT.
 
SOUTHERN COLUMBIA  vs. OLD FORGE  -  The Tigers fended off feisty Line Mountain, 49-31, to win their 16th straight 4-A title;  All-State FB Henry Hynoski finished with a season-high 19 carries for 210 yards and TD runs of 74, 7 and 4 yards.  The Blue Devils rallied past Northwest Area, 20-13, in a contest that featured 12 turnovers.  Banged up QB Michael Cusumano didn't start, but sparked a second-half rally, completing 6-of-10 passes for 77 yards.
 
Steel-Hi vs. MILLERSBURG  -  The Rollers topped Reading Central Catholic, 34-20, to reach their third 3-A final in four years, behind standout junior TB Jerimiah Young's 197 rushing yards and three TDs.  The Indians remained unbeaten by doubling up TVC rival Halifax, 28-14, rolling up 408 offensive yards, and will be playing for their first 3-A title ever. 
 
Class AA
 
PALISADES @ WILSON  -  The Warriors scalped Pen Argyl, 35-7, allowing just an 87-yard kick return by Dan Ruggerio and limiting the Green Knights to 81 net yards.  The Pirates won their ninth game in a row by pounding Lansdale Catholic, 24-6, running 54 times for 269 yards.
 
WYOMING AREA @ LAKELAND  -  The Warriors avenged a regular season loss to GAR by topping the Grenadiers, 28-18, getting 141 rushing yards and a TD from TB Tyler Serbin and two TDs - including a fumble return - from Dustin Barrett.  The Chiefs won their 11th in a row over Dunmore, 21-0, behind the running of FB Craig Chopko and TB Randy Nichols, who've both topped the 1,000-yard mark for the year.
 
ATHENS @ MONTOURSVILLE  -  The Warriors thumped CSC-I rival Mifflinburg, 45-18, scoring 38 points in the second and third quarters.  The Wildcats held off North Penn, 14-6, to reach their 2nd 4-AA final in three years.
 
WYOMISSING vs. Lancaster Catholic  -  The Spartans tripped up Trinity, 35-14, rolling up 414 yards of offense and allowing just 58 rushing yards.  The Crusaders blasted Boiling Springs, 52-0, behind a surprising performance by back-up QB Chris Peyton, who passed for 192 yards and four TDs.
 
Class AAA
 
POTTSVILLE vs. WEST SCRANTON  -  The Crimson Tide outlasted Northwestern Lehigh, 13-7, to win their third consecutive 11-AAA championship.  The Invaders stunned Crestwood, 13-12, scoring on the game's final play to win the school's first-ever district 2 title. 
 
Bradford vs. SELINSGROVE  -  The Owls clipped Clearfield, 37-30, to claim the 9-AAA title, but face a more than 200-mile drive to Shamokin.  The Seals mauled Milton, 56-6, and are holding opponents to a mere 5 points per game.
 
Class AAAA
 
EASTON @ LIBERTY  -  The Red Rovers handed Parkland its first loss of the season to advance, and are fresh from their Thanksgiving Day 21-7 victory over arch-rival Phillipsburg.  The Hurricanes decimated Abington Heights, limiting the Comets to just 101 yards and six first downs.
 
Wilson-West Lawn @ GOVENOR MIFFLIN -  The Bulldogs bulldozed Lancaster McCaskey, 42-7, sparked by a defense that forced five turnovers and allowed just 70 total yards.  The Mustangs magical run continued with a 35-20 win over Conestoga Valley sparked by TB Dustin Manz, who carried 30 times for 352 yards and four TDs.

 
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To: tom@pafootballnews.com
Subject: Week 13 playoff previews

 
It's late November - week 13 to be exact - and 18 Eastern Conference teams are still dreaming State Championship dreams.  Here's a quick look at this week's games, with EC teams in CAPS, and my picks in italics!
 
Class A
 
SHENANDOAH VALLEY @ MARIAN  -  The Colts shut out Minersville, 25-0, sparked by a strong defense that surrendered just 24 yards and one first down in the first half;  WR-CB Chris Decker had a 16-yard catch for a TD and two interceptions, including one returned for another TD.  The Blue Devils outlasted Pius-X, 42-35, in overtime, led by WR Koury Kaplafka, who had six catches for 78 yards and three TDs, and tossed an option pass to QB Mike Reese to key a late, game-tying drive that forced the OT.
 
SOUTHERN COLUMBIA  vs. OLD FORGE  -  The Tigers fended off feisty Line Mountain, 49-31, to win their 16th straight 4-A title;  All-State FB Henry Hynoski finished with a season-high 19 carries for 210 yards and TD runs of 74, 7 and 4 yards.  The Blue Devils rallied past Northwest Area, 20-13, in a contest that featured 12 turnovers.  Banged up QB Michael Cusumano didn't start, but sparked a second-half rally, completing 6-of-10 passes for 77 yards.
 
Steel-Hi vs. MILLERSBURG  -  The Rollers topped Reading Central Catholic, 34-20, to reach their third 3-A final in four years, behind standout junior TB Jerimiah Young's 197 rushing yards and three TDs.  The Indians remained unbeaten by doubling up TVC rival Halifax, 28-14, rolling up 408 offensive yards, and will be playing for their first 3-A title ever. 
 
Class AA
 
PALISADES @ WILSON  -  The Warriors scalped Pen Argyl, 35-7, allowing just an 87-yard kick return by Dan Ruggerio and limiting the Green Knights to 81 net yards.  The Pirates won their ninth game in a row by pounding Lansdale Catholic, 24-6, running 54 times for 269 yards.
 
WYOMING AREA @ LAKELAND  -  The Warriors avenged a regular season loss to GAR by topping the Grenadiers, 28-18, getting 141 rushing yards and a TD from TB Tyler Serbin and two TDs - including a fumble return - from Dustin Barrett.  The Chiefs won their 11th in a row over Dunmore, 21-0, behind the running of FB Craig Chopko and TB Randy Nichols, who've both topped the 1,000-yard mark for the year.
 
ATHENS @ MONTOURSVILLE  -  The Warriors thumped CSC-I rival Mifflinburg, 45-18, scoring 38 points in the second and third quarters.  The Wildcats held off North Penn, 14-6, to reach their 2nd 4-AA final in three years.
 
WYOMISSING vs. Lancaster Catholic  -  The Spartans tripped up Trinity, 35-14, rolling up 414 yards of offense and allowing just 58 rushing yards.  The Crusaders blasted Boiling Springs, 52-0, behind a surprising performance by back-up QB Chris Peyton, who passed for 192 yards and four TDs.
 
Class AAA
 
POTTSVILLE vs. WEST SCRANTON  -  The Crimson Tide outlasted Northwestern Lehigh, 13-7, to win their third consecutive 11-AAA championship.  The Invaders stunned Crestwood, 13-12, scoring on the game's final play to win the school's first-ever district 2 title. 
 
Bradford vs. SELINSGROVE  -  The Owls clipped Clearfield, 37-30, to claim the 9-AAA title, but face a more than 200-mile drive to Shamokin.  The Seals mauled Milton, 56-6, and are holding opponents to a mere 5 points per game.
 
Class AAAA
 
EASTON @ LIBERTY  -  The Red Rovers handed Parkland its first loss of the season to advance, and are fresh from their Thanksgiving Day 21-7 victory over arch-rival Phillipsburg.  The Hurricanes decimated Abington Heights, limiting the Comets to just 101 yards and six first downs.
 
Wilson-West Lawn @ GOVENOR MIFFLIN -  The Bulldogs bulldozed Lancaster McCaskey, 42-7, sparked by a defense that forced five turnovers and allowed just 70 total yards.  The Mustangs magical run continued with a 35-20 win over Conestoga Valley sparked by TB Dustin Manz, who carried 30 times for 352 yards and four TDs.

 
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35 Eastern Conference teams still have hopes of winning a District Championship this week, so without further ado, lets take a look at the week 12 match-ups.  As usual, EC teams are in caps, while my projected winners are in italics.

 
Class A
 
MINERSVILLE @ MARIAN  -  The Battlin' Miners rolled up 383 rushing yards in their 21-7 win over Nativity, while the Colt defense limited District 1's Jenkintown to 95 total yards in their 46-0 rout.  Earlier this year, Marian took the AFL tilt between the two, 42-15.
 
PIUS-X @ SHENANDOAH VALLEY  -  The Royals topped District 1's Bristol, 30-20, as Adam Zara ran 22 times for 207 yards and two TDs, while the Blue Devils outlasted Tri-Valley, 42-20, as QB Mike Reese completed 12-of-15 passes for 241 yards and three TDs, and added a rushing TD, too.  The Blue Devils won a week 9 clash between the two, 28-7. 
 
NORTHWEST @ OLD FORGE  -  The Rangers rebounded from a 15-14 week 10 loss to Bucktail by topping 2-A kingpin Lackawanna Trail, 38-14, and seek their first football championship of any kind.  The Blue Devils improved to 8-3 with their 42-14 win over Mid-Valley, and seek their first D2 title since 1993.
 
LINE MOUNTAIN @ SOUTHERN COLUMBIA  -  The Eagles rebounded from their week 10 loss to Millersburg by topping Canton, 31-14, while the Tigers remained unbeaten with a businesslike, 48-12, thrashing of rival Bloomsburg.
 
HALIFAX @ MILLERSBURG  -  The Wildcats prepped by pummeling Camp Hill, 41-0, while the Indians remained unbeaten by overwhelming Hanover, 56-0.  Millersburg won a week 7 match-up, 41-7.
 
Steel-Hi @ READING CENTRAL CATHOLIC  -  The defending 3-A champion Rollers thumped Holy Name, 27-7, as Jerimiah Young racked up 261 yards rushing and scored two TDs.  The Cardinals struggled early on, but beat back Scotland, 36-24, as TB Nate Reinhart rushed 31 times for 273 yards and two TDs.
 
Class AA
 
PEN ARGYL @ WILSON  -  The Green Knights advanced with a gutsy, 14-13 overtime win over Northern Lehigh, and boast a defense allowing just 8.6 points per game.  The Warriors are looking to win their second consecutive 11-AA title, and can tie the school record for wins (12) in a season.
 
PALISADES @ Lansdale Catholic  -  The Pirates won their first district playoff game and eighth game in a row, topping Jim Thorpe, 31-29, and can tie the school record for wins (9) with a win.  The '04 AA state champion Crusaders are fresh off a 28-21 win over Lower Moreland, and are making their third consecutive appearance in the 1/11-AA tourney.
 
WYOMING AREA @ WILKES-BARRE GAR  -  Who's the best AA in the Wyoming Valley Conference?  The Warriors outlasted Valley View, 37-29, while the Grenadiers got a handful from Hanover Area in their 21-14 win.  GAR took the regular season meeting, 26-7, in week 5.
 
DUNMORE @ LAKELAND  -  Who's the best AA team in the Lackawanna Football Conference?  The Bucks beat back Riverside, 28-20, for the second time in as many weeks, while the Chiefs were busy mauling Meyers, 54-0.  Lakeland coasted in the week 7 regular season meeting, 35-0.
 
MIFFLINBURG @ MONTOURSVILLE  - Who's the best AA team in the Central Susquehanna Conference?  The Wildcats toasted Towanda, 48-0, in week 11, while the Warriors humbled Hughesville, 34-0.  Mifflinburg led their week 8 showdown, 18-0, at halftime, before Montoursville rallied for a 26-18 win.
 
ATHENS @ NORTH PENN  -  Who's the best AA team in the Northern Tier League?  The Wildcats trailed Loyalsock 12-7 through 3 quarters before rallying for a 26-18 win, while the Panthers clawed their way past Warrior Run, 12-7.  Athens pulled out the week 4 regular season tilt, 17-16.
 
Trinity @ WYOMISSING  -  The Shamrocks shellacked Columbia, 56-12, for their seventh straight win, while the Spartans topped Milton Hershey, 31-14, and have won 19 straight.
 
Class AAA
 
NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH @ POTTSVILLE  -  The Tigers pulled the upset of week 11, by besting Bethlehem Catholic, 35-33, and seek their first D11 title since winning the AA trophy in '02.  The Crimson Tide rolled over Lehighton, 56-21, are are looking to win their third consecutive 11-AAA crown.
 
MILTON @ SELINSGROVE  -  The Black Panthers beat Col-Mon Vo-Tech, 34-19, behind 350 rushing yards, while the Seals shut out Jersey Shore, 42-0, and seek their third straight 4-AAA title.  The Seals won the regular season meeting, 34-19, but had to rally from 19-14 halftime defecit.
 
WEST SCRANTON @ CRESTWOOD  -  The Invaders upset Dallas, 32-20, and are seeking their first football title in school history, while the Comets turned back Tunkhannock, 36-16, and are looking to win their first trophy since winning the Eastern Conference Class B title in '85.
 
Manheim Central @ DANIEL BOONE  -  The Barons prepped by whitewashing West York, 57-13, and are looking to win their 16th 3-AAA title;  The Blazers galloped past Gettysburg, 30-3, for their first-ever D3 win. 
 
Class AAAA
 
EASTON @ PARKLAND  -  The Red Rovers blanked D2's Wyoming Valley West, 28-0, and have pitched eight shutouts in '06, while the Trojans outlasted East Stroudsburg South, 21-7, and are riding a 16-game winning streak.
 
LIBERTY @ ABINGTON HEIGHTS  -  The Hurricanes swept past Delaware Valley, 42-13, and have topped the 40-point mark eight times, while the Comets snuck by Hazleton Area, 14-7, and have won nine in a row.
 
Conestoga Valley @ GOVERNOR MIFFLIN  -  The Buckskins beat Muhlenberg, 35-21, and seek their first D3 championship since winning the AAA crown in '91.  The Mustangs are fresh off their first-ever D3 win (14-13 over Penn Manor) and could wind up facing neighboring Wilson-West Lawn again.
 

The Eastern Conference Playoffs are an afterthought these days, but the vaunted Eastern Conference is still home to some of the best high school football programs in Pennsylvania.  So with that in mind, here is a brief look at each district playoff game involving an EC team.  The teams in caps are EC members.  Those in italics are my predicted winners.

 
Class A
 
Jenkintown @ MARIAN - Through 10 games, the Colts' defense held opponents to a mere 57 yards rushing per game.
MINERSVILLE @ NATIVITY - The Battlin' Miners three losses came to Shenandoah Vy, Jim Thorpe, and Marian - a combined 26-4.
TRI-VALLEY @ SHENANDOAH VY - The Bulldogs' first D11 date since '02; the Blue Devils' lone loss came at Jim Thorpe (28-7) in week 5.
PIUS-X @ Bristol - The Royals lost a possible home playoff game with a week 10 loss in Baltimore. Plus, QB Cole Hildabrandt may not play.
MID-VALLEY @ OLD FORGE - The Blue Devils' were the most consistent team in LFC-III this year.
LACKAWANNA TRAIL @ NORTHWEST AREA - The Lions' have been here before and their LFC schedule trumps the Rangers' AAFC slate.
BLOOMSBURG @ SOUTHERN COLUMBIA - Already 10-0, the Tigers set their sights on a 16th consecutive 4-A title.
CANTON @ LINE MOUNTAIN - The Eagles' Twin-Valley Conference schedule should help here.
Hanover @ MILLERSBURG - The Indians were the surprise of the Twin-Valley Conference.
Camp Hill @ HALIFAX - The Wildcats are making their 8th straight playoff appearance and their 5th straight 3-A appearance.
Scotland @ CENTRAL CATHOLIC - The Cardinals went 9-1 for the first time since '99 and are fresh off their first win since 2000 over rival Holy Name.
HOLY NAME @ Steel-Hi -
 
Class AA
 
PALMERTON @ WILSON - Palmerton led the regular season game 21-7 at halftime, but the Warriors won, 22-21.
PEN ARGYL @ NORTHERN LEHIGH - The Green Knights rode the Single-Wing to seven wins; The Bulldogs are making their 9th consecutive D11 appearance. 
PALISADES @ JIM THORPE - The Pirates have won seven in a row; the Olympians have lost two in a row.
Lower Moreland @ Lansdale Catholic - The winner here is the 1-AA champion.
HANOVER AREA @ WILKES-BARRE GAR - The Grenadiers' 9-1 finish surprised just about everyone in the WVC.
VALLEY VIEW @ WYOMING AREA - The Cougars three losses were to Lakeland, Del Val and Abington Heights - a combined 27-3; A Warriors win could earn them a rematch with GAR.
RIVERSIDE @ DUNMORE - A Rematch of a week 10 shootout, won 34-27 by the Bucks.
WILKES-BARRE MEYERS @ LAKELAND - The Chiefs lone loss came in week 3 at Abington Heights (28-14).
HUGHESVILLE @ MONTOURSVILLE - The Warriors only loss came to undefeated Selinsgrove (42-7) in week 7.
TOWANDA @ MIFFLINBURG - A Wildcats' win could give them another crack at Montoursville, which handed them a 26-18 loss in week 8.
LOYALSOCK @ ATHENS - The Wildcats only losses came on long road trips to District 3 (at Carbondale and Tunkhannock.)
WARRIOR RUN @ NORTH PENN - A Panthers' win could give them another crack at Athens, which gave them their lone loss (17-16) in week 4.
Milton Hershey @ WYOMISSING - The Spartans prepped for a playoff run with their fourth perfect regular season
 
Class AAA
 
NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH @ BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC - The Golden Hawks' LVC schedule was tougher than the Tigers' Colonial League schedule.
LEHIGHTON @ POTTSVILLE - The Crimson Tide defense gets an up-close look at the Indians' All-State TB Robbie Frey.
WEST SCRANTON @ DALLAS - The Mountaineers won four of their last five to claim the #1 seed in 2-AAA.
TUNKHANNOCK @ CRESTWOOD - The Comets won three of their last five to claim the #2 seed.
JERSEY SHORE @ SELINSGROVE - A rematch of a week 2 CSC-I matchup won by the Seals, 43-0.
MILTON @ COLUMBIA-MONTOUR VO-TECH - Will the Rams' 6-3 in the AAFC prepare them for the playoffs?
HAMBURG @ New Oxford - The Hawks make their first D3 playoff appearance since 1985.
Gettysburg @ DANIEL BOONE - The Blazers are making their 2nd 3-AAA appearance in 3 years.
 
Class AAAA
 
E. STROUDSBURG SOUTH @ PARKLAND - A Trojans' playoff run could include games with Easton and Liberty - the two LVC powers it missed in the regular season.
WYOMING VALLEY WEST @ EASTON - Pennsylvania's most storied high school football coach pays a visit to one of the state's most storied high school football stadium.
DELAWARE VALLEY @ LIBERTY - Two turf teams that have high-powered offenses (the Warriors average 37.4 ppg; the Canes' average 44.)
HAZLETON AREA @ ABINGTON HEIGHTS - A rematch of a week 1 Biggie won by the Comets, 21-0.
Penn Manor @ GOVERNOR MIFFLIN - The Mustangs are enjoying their first D3 berth since '96.
MUHLENBERG @ Conestoga Valley - The Muhls are fresh off their 18th consecutive winning season.
 

Eastern Conference Biggies, Week 10

by: Kevin McArdle
 
In District 2:
 
Wyoming Area (7-2) @ Pittston Area (4-5)
   A Wyoming Valley Conference Biggie and arguably the WVC's most intense rivalry!  The Warriors are already in the 2-AA field, and a win here would guarantee them a week 11 home game.  The Patriots opened 0-3 but have gone 4-2 since, and could sneak into the 2-AAA field with a win.
 
West Scranton (5-4) @ Delaware Valley (8-1)
   A Lackawanna Football Conference Biggie!  The Invaders need the win to ensure themselves a home game in 2-AAA.  A Warriors' win gives them momentum for the upcoming 2/11 AAAA subregional.
 
In District 3:
 
Governor Mifflin (8-1) @ Muhlenberg (7-2)
   A Berks IC Biggie with a share of the Section 1 title on the line!  The Mustangs share the crown with Daniel Boone with a win and a Boone win over rival Exeter.  The Muhls share the crown with Boone in a similar scenario.
 
Line Mountain (8-1) @ Millersburg (9-0)
   A Twin Valley Conference Biggie!  The Eagles (6-1) can earn a share of the TVC title and secure the #2 seed in 4-A with a win.  The Indians (7-0) can claim the TVC title outright with a win, and can lock up the #1 seed in the 3-A field with a win.
 
In District 4:
  
Troy (6-3) @ Canton (6-3)
   A Northern Tier League Biggie for The Old Shoe and more!  The Trojans are currently 6th in the 4-AA field and could improve their seeding with a win and outside help.  The Warriors are 3rd in 4-A and likely avoid a week 11 date with Southern Columbia with a win.
 
In District 11:
 
Palmerton (5-4) @ Northern Lehigh (7-2)
   A Colonial League Biggie and one of the league's best rivalries!  The Blue Bombers need a win to get in the 1/11-AA field;  The Bulldogs have already clinched their berth, and get at least one home game with a win.
 
East Stroudsburg North (6-3) @ East Stroudsburg Sout (7-2)
   A Mountain Valley Conference Biggie for the MVC title!  The Timberwolves (5-0) claim the crown and a likely 11-AAA date with Pottsville with a win.  The Cavaliers (5-0) claim the crown and a likely 2/11-AAAA date with Parkland with a win.
 
Bethlehem Catholic (8-1) @ Easton (8-1)
   A Lehigh Valley Conference Biggie!  The Golden Hawks have already clinched the #1 seed in 11-AAA and a win at Cottingham could provide the perfect playoff primer.  The Red Rovers look to rebound from a week 9 loss to Liberty that may well have cost them a Cottingham Playoff game.

 

Eastern Conference Biggies, week 9:

 
In District 2:
 
Old Forge (5-3) @ Lackawanna Trail (5-3)
   A Lackawanna Football Conference Biggie that should determine the Division III champion.  The Blue Devils (2-1) could cloud the DIII waters with a road win.  The Lions (3-0) have been the DIII and 2-A kingpin for years, but can't look ahead to Carbondale.
 
Lakeland (7-1) @ Riverside (6-2)
   Another LFC Biggie, but with Division II implications.  The Chiefs (3-0) have already beaten Dunmore and have the inside track to the DII crown.  The Vikings (3-0) have won six in a row, including their last three by a combined 175-14.
 
Crestwood (5-3) @ Wilkes-Barre GAR (8-0)
   A Wyoming Valley Conference Biggie.  The Comets have surprised a few teams this year, and are streaking towards a 2-AAA playoff game.  The Grenadiers have been the biggest surprise in the WVC this year and are currently seeded first in the eight-team 2-AA field.
 
In District 3:
 
Daniel Boone (8-0) @ Muhlenberg (6-2)
   A Berks IC Biggie!  The Blazers (4-0) are fresh off their 48-26 pasting of Pottsville, and can move one step closer to the outright section 1 title with a win.  The Muhls (3-1) boast one of Berks' better programs, and are more than capable of the upset, creating a potential Section 1 logjam.
 
Hamburg (7-1) @ Central Catholic (7-1)
   Another Berks IC Biggie!  The Hawks (4-1) rebounded from their week 7 loss to Wyomissing with a win over Kutztown, and are enjoying their best season since 1985.  The Cardinals (4-1) are having a fine season, too, and are headed to the 3-A tourney.
 
In District 4:
 
Montoursville (8-0) @ Selinsgrove (8-0)
   A Central Susquehanna Conference Biggie that'll determine the Division I champ!  The Warriors (5-0) come in unbeaten after rallying past upset-minded Mifflinburg in week 8.  The Seals (5-0) have lived up to all the preseason hype heaped on them and just one win from copping their fourth consecutive CSC-I crown.
 
In District 11:
 
Marian (7-1) @ Jim Thorpe (8-0)
   An Anthracite Football League Biggie!  The Colts (5-1) are looking to forget their six-turnover loss to Shenandoah Valley and regain the top spot in the 1-11 A field.  The Olympians (7-0) can claim their second AFL crown in three years with a win and likely solidify a home date in the eight-team, 1-11 AA field, too.
 
Easton (8-0 @ Liberty (7-0)
   A Lehigh Valley Conference Biggie! The Red Rovers are at the top of most statewide polls, thanks to a defense that has pitched seven shutouts in eight games and allowed just 14 points all year.  The Hurricanes have the LVC's highest scoring offense (42.6 points per game) and are looking to regain some of the swagger that carried them to last year's AAAA final.
 
Hazleton Area (7-1) @ East Stroudsburg South (7-1)
   An interesting D2-D11 crossover matching two teams already in the 2-4-11 AAAA field. with the winner possibly gaining a home game or two come the postseason.

 

Eastern Conference Biggies, Week 8!     
 
In District 2:
 
Wyoming Valley West (7-0) @ Hazleton Area (6-1)
   A Wyoming Valley Conference Biggie!  The Spartans remained unbeaten after rallying past rival Berwick (42-21) after trailing 21-0.   The Cougars won their sixth consecutive game by outlasting Pittston Area, 20-10.
 
In District 3:
 
Pottsville (11, 6-1) @ Daniel Boone (7-0)
   A Berks IC Biggie matching the two top Section 1 defenses!  The Crimson Tide (3-1) topped Coal Region rival Shamokin, 28-6, and have allowed just 69 points.  The Blazers (3-0) handed previously unbeaten Gov. Mifflin its first loss (22-10) and have allowed just 65 points.
 
Pine Grove (4-3) @ Millersburg (7-0)
   A Twin Valley Conference Biggie!  The two-time defending champion Cardinals (2-3) are looking to end a 3-game losing skid and still have playoff hopes.  The upstart Indians (6-0) are seeking their third win in eight days and are on track to top the 3-A playoff field.
 
in District 4:
 
Mifflinburg (6-1) @ Montoursville (7-0)
   A Central Susquehanna Conference-I Biggie!  The Wildcats (2-1) are in the mix in 4-AA, and a win here would keep them in the CSC-I race, too.  The Warriors (3-0) currently sit atop the 4-AA field, but can't look ahead to Selinsgrove.
 
North Penn (6-1) @ Towanda (6-1)
  A Northern Tier League Biggie!  The Panthers (3-0) and Black Knights (3-0) are battling for the NTL's Big School division title and are both in line for 4-AA playoff berths.
 
In District 11:
 
Shenandoah Vy (6-1) @ Marian Catholic (7-0)
  An Anthracite Football League Biggie!  The Blue Devils (5-1) need a win to stay in the AFL race and on track for an 11-A home date.  The Colts (5-0) are off to their best start since 1992, and haven't beaten Shenandoah Vy since 2002.
 
Wilson (7-0) @ Pen Argyl (5-2)
   A Colonial League Biggie!  The Warriors have already clinched an 11-AA playoff berth, but may need to go 10-0 to claim the CL title.  The Green Knights will "run" the single wing against the Warriors, and may need to win to stay in the 11-AA field.
 
Easton (7-0) @ Northampton (4-3)
   A Lehigh Valley Conference Biggie!  The Red Rovers beat Freedom (39-0) and have now pitched six shutouts in seven games!  The Konkrete Kids have been competitive in all but one game - a 28-0 loss to Parkland - and could provide the Rovers a test.

 

The Eastern Conference Biggies for week 7 are:

 
in District 2:
 
Dunmore (6-0) @ Lakeland (5-1)
   The Lackawanna Football Conference Biggie that could determine the Division 2 champion a few weeks early!  The Bucks (1-0) won all five of their LFC crossovers and tuned up for this Biggie by walloping Western Wayne, 59-7.  The Chiefs (1-0) lost only one crossover - to Abington Heights - and prepped by mauling Mid Valley, 49-0.
 
Berwick (2-3) @ Wyoming Valley West (6-0)
   The Wyoming Valley Conference Biggie and arguably the most intriguing Biggie of 2006, with longtime Berwick coach George Curry now roaming the Valley West sideline!  Can the Bulldogs focus on Valley West or will they just want to beat Curry?  Can the Spartans focus on the Dawgs, or will they get caught up in all the Curry-hype?
 
in District 3:
 
Daniel Boone (6-0) @ Governor Mifflin (6-0)
   The Berks Inter-County, Section 1 Biggie!  The Blazers (2-0) remained unbeaten with a 32-0 win over Conrad Weiser Saturday - their third shutout in six games.  The Mustangs stayed perfect by beating Blue Mt. Friday, limiting the Eagles to 35 net yards in the second half.
 
Wyomissing (6-0) @ Hamburg (6-0)
   The Berks IC, Section 2 Biggie!  The Spartans (3-0) rolled to a 61-14 win over Schuylkill Valley by racking up a staggering 615 yards of total offense.  The Hawks (3-0) are enjoying their first six-game win streak in more than 20 years thanks, in part, to a defense that's allowing less than four points per game.
 
Millersburg (5-0) @ Halifax (5-1)
   The Twin-Valley Conference Biggie.  The Indians (4-0) remained unbeaten by lambasting Lourdes Regional (56-20) in a non-league match-up.  The Wildcats (4-0) won their third in a row by handing two-time defending league champ Pine Grove its second straight loss.
 
In District 4:
 
Nativity (4-2) @ Lourdes Regional (5-1)
   The All-American Football Conference Biggie!  The Green Wave (4-1) scored a big league win over Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech in week 6 as QB Dante McCoy passed for a career high 277 yards and three TDs.  The Red Raiders (5-0) need to rebound from their non-league loss to Millersburg to keep their hopes of a conference championship alive.
 
In District 11:
 
Northern Lehigh (5-1) @ Wilson (6-0)
   The Colonial League Biggie!  The Bulldogs are averaging close to 250 yards rushing per game, and had three backs top the 100-yard mark in their 56-14 win over Saucon Valley.  The Warriors survived a week 6 scare by rallying past Palmerton, 22-21, after trailing 21-8 at the half.
 
Northampton (4-2) @ Liberty (5-1)
   The Lehigh Valley Conference Biggie!  The Konkrete Kids rebounded from a week 5 loss to Parkland by topping Freedom, 28-21.  The Hurricanes need to rebound from their 22-21 overtime loss to rival Becahi - their first LVC loss since 10-29-04.
 
Other week 7 games of note:
 
GAR (6-0) @ Hanover Area (4-2)  Grenadiers the surprise of the WVC...
Dallas (4-2) @ Wyoming Area (4-2)  Warriors looking to end 2-game skid...
Muhlenberg (5-1) @ Conrad Weiser (4-2)  Muhls still have dates with Boone and Mifflin...
Warrior Run (4-2) @ Montoursville (6-0)  Warriors still play Mifflinburg and Selinsgrove...
Hughesville (4-2) @ Bloomsburg (3-3)  Both are D4-2A playoff hopefuls...
Palisades (3-3) @ Palmerton (4-2)  Pirates have won 3 in a row; Bombers have lost 2 in a row.
Freedom (4-2) @ Easton (6-0)  Red Rovers don't want to be this week's Liberty...
Marian (6-0) @ Minersville (4-2)  Colts can't look ahead to Shenandoan Valley and Jim Thorpe...

Eastern Conference - Week 6


In District 2:
 
Abington Heights (4-1) @ Delaware Valley (5-0)
   A Lackawana Football Conference Biggie that could decide the Division I champ!  The Comets' (2-0) only slip-up was a 28-27 loss to 5-0 Wyoming Valley West in week 2.  The Warriors (2-0) are averaging an eye-popping 47 points per game.
 
Williamsport (3-2) @ Hazleton Area (4-1)
   The Wyoming Valley Conference Biggie!  The Millionaires have dropped two in a row and can ill afford a third loss.  The Cougars have won four in a row and are looking like a playoff-caliber team again.
 
In District 3:
 
Pine Grove (D11, 4-1) @ Halifax (4-1)
   The Twin Valley Conference Biggie!  The Cardinals have to forget last week's turnover-laden loss to Line Mountain.  The Wildcats can claim the TVC title with wins over the Cards and Millersburg.
 
In District 4:
 
Selinsgrove (5-0) @ Mifflinburg (5-0)
   The Central Susquehanna Conference Biggie!  The Seals (4-0) need wins over Mifflinburg and Montoursville to claim their fourth consecutive CSC-I title.  The Wildcats have just one CSC-I contest under their belt, but appear on their way to a 4-AA playoff berth.
 
In District 11:
 
Muhlenberg (D3, 5-0) @ Pottsville (4-1)
   A Berks Inter-County Section 1 Biggie!  The Muhls (2-0) topped the Tide on '05 and would love to do it again in '06.  The Tide (2-1) need to get back on track and forget last week's loss to Governor Mifflin.
 
East Stroudsburg South (4-1) @ Lehighton (4-1)
   The Mountain-Valley Conference Biggie!  The Cavaliers (2-0) were drubbed by Delaware Valley in week 2, but have surrendered just 26 points otherwise.  The Indians (2-0) dropped their opener, but have rode All-State RB Robbie Frey (119-804, 12 tds) to four consecutive wins.
 
Palmerton (4-1) @ Wilson (5-0)
   The Colonial League Biggie!  The Blue Bombers need to put a week 5 loss to Pen Argyl behind them.  The Warriors remained unbeaten in week five by slamming Southern Lehigh, 47-0.
 
Liberty (5-0) @ Bethlehem Catholic (4-1)
   The Lehigh Valley Conference Biggie!  The Hurricanes continued their romp through the LVC by throttling Allen, 62-8.  The Golden Hawks rebounded from a week 4 loss to Parkland by outlasting Emmaus, 13-3.

Eastern Conference Biggies, Week 5

by: Kevin McArdle


In District 2:

Abington Heights (3-1) @ Valley View (2-2)
A Lackawanna Football Conference Division I Biggie! The Comets can't look ahead to Delaware Valley; The Cougars need to forget Delaware Valley.

Carbondale (3-1) @ Lakeland (3-1)
The final LFC crossover before these two commence divisional play. The Chargers should contend for the Division III crown; The Chiefs should contend in Division II.

Old Forge (3-1) @ Riverside (2-2)
Another Big LFC crossover, between not-so-friendly next-door neighbors. The Hatfields and McCoys have nothing on these rivals!

Wyoming Area (4-0) @ Wilkes-Barre GAR (4-0)
A somewhat surprising Wyoming Valley Conference Biggie! Most WVC fans expected the Warriors to open 4-0; Few saw the Grenadiers opening 4-0.

In District 3:

Pottsville (4-0) @ Governor Mifflin (4-0)
The Berks Inter-County Section 1 Biggie! The Crimson Tide reached the state 3A final last year, and are primed to win it all this year; The Mustangs are slowing showing doubters that their week 1 win over Wilson was no fluke.

Wyomissing (4-0) @ Reading Central Catholic (4-0)
The Berks I-C Section 2 Biggie! The Spartans have outscored four opponents by a combined 125-55; The Cardinals are averaging more than 50 points per game.

In District 4:

Berwick (2-2) @ Selinsgrove (4-0)
This Biggie lacks the lustre of the George Curry vs. Bill Scott match-ups of recent years, but it still features two of the EC's premiere programs. The Bulldogs are searching for consistency; the Seals can't look ahead to Mifflinburg.

Warrior Run (3-1) @ Southern Columbia (4-0)
The Central Susquehanna Conference Division II Biggie! The Defenders would love to duplicate last year's 28-21 upset; The Tigers would love to avenge it.

In District 11:

Line Mountain (3-1) @ Pine Grove (4-0)
The Twin Valley Conference Biggie! The Eagles have put a week 2 loss to Halifax behind them and need a win to stay in the TVC race. The Cardinals have been the league bully the past two years and are already thinking three-peat.

Shenandoah Valley (4-0) @ Jim Thorpe (4-0)
The Anthracite Football League Biggie! The Blue Devils tuned up for this Biggie by mauling Minersville, 55-21. The Olympians prepped by pummeling Panther Valley, 35-8.

Parkland (4-0) @ Northampton (3-1)
The Lehigh Valley Conference Biggie! The Trojans bludgeoned Becahi in week 4 & have outscored four opponents by a combined 137-26. The Konkrete Kids have put a week 2 loss to Whitehall behind them, and hope to stay in the LVC race.

 

Kevin McArdle's Eastern Conference Biggies, week 4

 
In District 2:
 
Williamsport (3-0) @ Wyoming Valley West (3-0)
   The Wyoming Valley Conference Biggie!  The unbeaten Millionaires have speedy wideout Shamaar Coates and are looking to end a long playoff drought.  The unbeaten Spartans are playoff regulars, and are still learning the "Curry Way."
 
Delaware Valley (3-0) @ Valley View (2-1)
   The Lackawana Football Conference Biggie!  The unbeaten Warriors are averaging more than 51 points per game, and are eyeing an LFC I crown.  The Cougars have put a tough week one loss to Lakeland behind them, and have two blowout wins of their own.
 
In District 3:
 
Governor Mifflin (3-0) @ Conrad Weiser (3-0)
   The Berks I-C Biggie!  The Mustangs have stormed out of the gate and trampled three consecutive Lancaster-Lebanon League foes.  The Scouts have started strong, too, thumping three Berks IC II foes to the tune of 125-20.
 
In District 4:
 
Shamokin (1-2) @ Mt Carmel (1-2)
   How can it be a Biggie when both teams are 1-2?  Ahhh...  It's Shamokin.  At Mt Carmel.  At the Silver Bowl.  And the winner gets a bucket of coal.  'Nuf said.
 
North Penn (3-0) @ Athens (2-1)
   The Northern Tier League Biggie!  A win here helps the unbeaten Panthers' standing in the NTL's Big School division.  The always wily Wildcats lone loss came in a week one road trip to Carbondale.
 
In District 11:
 
Parkland (3-0) @ Bethlehem Catholic (3-0)
   The Lehigh Valley Conference Biggie!  Jim Morgans has the Trojans running the Wing-T to perfection.  Tarik Haddad has the Golden Hawks soaring, too. 
 
Salisbury (1-2) @ Wilson (3-0)
   The Colonial League Biggie!  The Falcons are flying high off their week three upset of Northern Lehigh and are a mere 11 points from being 3-0.  The Warriors have defended their '05 CL crown admirably, and are a legitimate threat to go 10-0.
 
Minersville (3-0) @ Shenandoah Valley (3-0)
   The Anthracite Football League Biggie!  The Battlin' Miners are the surprise of the AFL and fresh off a big win over defending champ Schuylkill Haven.  The Blue Devils breezed to easy wins in weeks one and two, but just barely survived a week three tussle with Tamaqua.

Week 3

In District 2:

West Scranton (2-0) @ Dunmore (2-0)
   A big Lackawanna Football Conference crossover.  The Invaders can't look ahead to next week's DI clash with Abington Heights; the Bucks want to build momentum for their run at a DII crown.
Berwick (1-1) @ Dallas (2-0)
   The Wyoming Valley Conference Biggie.  Gary Campbell's Bulldog's gave him his first win in week two;  Ted Jackson's Mountaineers won't want to give him another one so soon.
 
In District 3:
Wyomissing (2-0) @ Muhlenberg (2-0)
   A big Berks I-C crossover.  The Spartans look to tune up for Section 2 play; The Muhls look to tune up for Section 1 play.
 
In District 4:
Tri Valley (1-1) @ Line Mountain (1-1)
   The Twin Valley Conference Biggie.  The Bulldogs and Eagles both scored week one wins but both suffered week two losses, too.  Neither wants to lose again.
Mt Carmel (1-1) @ Southern Columbia (2-0)
   THE week three Biggie.  The Red Tornadoes need to rebound from a week two loss to Lancaster Catholic;  Catawissa is no place to seek redemption, though...
 
In District 11:
Whitehall (1-1) @ Liberty (2-1)
   The Lehigh Valley Conference Biggie.  The Zephyrs and Hurricanes shared the LVC crown in '05, but never met head-to-head.  The schedule makers fixed that this year!
Blue Mountain (2-1) @ Pottsville (2-0)
   It's always a Biggie when Schuylkill County's two biggest schools battle it out.  It's even bigger when they're both undefeated!
Steelton-Highspire (2-0) @ Pius X (2-0)
   The Rollers are young and somewhat inexperienced, but they're loaded with speed and talent.  The Royals have two blowout wins under their belt, but they haven't really been tested yet.