GREEN GO!



WIN!

Some changes in the rankings this week based on the big games between PR-PCC and Woody-Lebo.

1. Woodland Hills: Still #1 after a good win against a better-than-I-thought Mt. Lebanon team. Still not much of a passing attach, but Sanders and Shaw seem to deliver whenever needed. Need to become more consistent up front and defensively need to get better against the pass, particularly with an improved PCC passing attack or PR offense in the way.

2. Pittsburgh Central Catholic: Saw them first hand this week. Wow. I really wanted to put them #1, but couldn't pull the trigger. They have gotten things together. Their defense is big and plays very, very hard, and their offense is improved. They still like to run the ball more than pass, but at least last week, had a very opportunistic passing game with a solid Sophomore QB. Loaded with athletes everywhere on defense.

3. Penn-Trafford: No reason to move them down. Were stopped a few times versus Plum, but eventually got rolling. Solid on both sides of the ball, led by all-purpose football player Tim Vecchio. Have the size to challenge the big boys, but must be able to spread the ball out to win the WPIAL.

4. Pine-Richland: They also played their best game of the year versus PCC. Defense played lights out for 95% of the snaps - but 4 or 5 big plays killed them. All conference safety battaglia went out early and PCC picked on his replacement all night - to the tune of 2 TD's and 1 other big play. Rolled up over 400 yards offense against best defense I've seen in WPIAL. They will go as far as Jurkovec can carry them. He is a stud.

5. Mt. Lebanon: Jumping them ahead of NA because they showed an impressive run game versus Woody, and a very solid defense. Similar to the PCC-PR game, Woody scored or set up scores on big plays. If Lebo eliminates that, or finds just a little more offense, then they win that game. Can they find it soon enough? I think so and would pencil them in as a sleeper into the Semi-Finals.

6. NA: I'm sure they are improving, but they haven't played anyone to challenge them since Week 3 versus PCC. After thumping a winless Latrobe, they have arch-rival North Hills this week. Look for a bloodbath as Coach Walker won't take his foot off the accelerator till late.

7. McKeesport: Have played only one game that has been less than a 35pt win this year - Week 3 21-7 loss to #3 Penn Trafford. Haven't really followed them since then, so they could be a sleeper. Defense has been solid all year, even versus PT, where TD's were on very short field. But we won't know what this team is really about until the 2nd or 3rd round of playoffs. Another sleeper pick to the semi's.

8. Bethel Park: Very well coached team that has gone 6-1 after touch first two week (PCC and Woody). COuld have beat both teams at that point, but not enough firepower. I don't seem that changing, but will be a tough out, as passing game has improved tremendously over the season, and they have a very solid back in Terron Murphy.

9. USC: Have leading rusher in AAAA and will be coached up. But, do they have enough athletes to compete against the elite teams in AAAA. This week versus Lebo will be interesting. Biggest game of the year for USC, and can Lebo get up again after tough loss to Woody.

10. Seneca Valley: Haven't beat anybody with a winning record, or on the road, but have offensive talent at QB and WR to score points. Coach Vestal has them playing hard on defense.Cook (QB/DB) and Kressler (WR/DB) are top tier talent that can make plays

Parkland and Wyoming Valley West clinched subregional playoff spots on Friday, nailing down one of the six D11 spots and one of the two D2/4 spots. There seems to be a clear delineation of six D11 teams (Parkland, Freedom, Easton, Liberty, Stroudsburg, Nazareth), though Emmaus and Pleasant Valley both have a chance to qualify if Nazareth loses their remaining two games. The final D2/4 spots almost certainly looks like it will be Delaware Valley, who has thrived with the return of tailback/linebacker Austin Cernak, who is the key piece to their offense. This is a particularly wide open year, and in some ways reminds me of 2011 six legitimate subregional title contenders in the LVC, plus a 9-1 WVW, 8-2 Stroudsburg, and 8-2 Scranton team challenging from the north. Of course that year we got an unusual winner in Nazareth, an offensive juggernaut that won the only D11/subregional title in school history. Could we see another off the beaten path winner this year?

1. Wyoming Valley West (8-0)
This Week: Another workmanlike 49-3 victory for Wyoming Valley West, this time crushing Hazleton. Spartan quarterback Aaron Austin threw for 176 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown. Devon Weidman caught five passes for 105 yards and two TDs and scored a 47 yard TD on a reverse. At the end of the third quarter, when WVW called off the dogs, they had outgained Hazleton 404-45. On the night, Hazleton gained just 89 yards and punted eight times. WVW really held Hazleton sophomore running back Adrien Otero in check, with 39 yards on 12 carries. With the win, WVW clinched a berth in the D11/2/4 subregional playoffs and they can likely clinch the top seed and home field advantage throughout the tournament with a win this week.

Next Week: Wyoming Valley West takes on Scranton. The Knights are fighting for their playoff lives, trailing Delaware Valley for the second D2 spot by 230 points. This game is a must win for the Knights, who had to forfeit a game due to the teacher’s strike and are still one game behind (because it was West Scranton and an intra-district game, it can be rescheduled, but there is no extra week to do it during the regular season). WVW has blown out everybody on their schedule, and though Scranton has some real talent, the Spartans are solid favorites.

2. Parkland (7-1)
Last Week: Parkland crushed Freedom 38-7 to take control of their EPC South destiny. Parkland blocked a punt on Freedom’s drive to set up a short field goal, then Freedom’s punter mishandled a snap on early in the second quarter which set up a 33 yard TD drive to put the Trojans up 10-0. Freedom played without quarterback Joe Young, and did not have the fire power to dig out of that hole. Parkland sacked backup QB Jonah Gundrum six times, and limited the Patriots to 133 yards of offense. Devante Cross had yet another big night, rushing for 102 yards and a pair of TDs and throwing for 188 yards. Eric DiGiarlomo tacked on 83 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Kenny Yeboah had his biggest game of the year, a 6 catch, 125 yard effort, including a highlight reel to set up Parkland’s first touchdown. Nobody in the Valley goes up and gets a jump ball over a defender quite like Yeboah. With the win, Parkland clinches a berth in the D11/2/4 subregional playoffs.

This Week: Parkland plays Nazareth in a game that will really challenge the Trojan secondary. Parkland has given up some big yards through the air, particularly against Gianni Sinatore and Doug Erney. Nazareth’s wide outs are the best in the league and the Parkland defense will have to make sure they get to the quarterback to slow down the passing game. Of course, Nazareth will have a heck of a time trying to block Parkland’s defensive front.

3. Freedom (7-1)
Last Week: Freedom was on the wrong end of a 38-7 laugher in Orefield against Parkland. Joe Young did not play and once Freedom trailed by two scores, there wasn’t a whole lot they were going to do. Losing Young is doubly tough, because leading receiver Jonah Gundrum is the backup quarterback, so the Patriots were without their QB and their best weapon on the perimeter. Freedom’s lone bright spot was a 67 yard trick play TD to Brennan Reinart just before halftime. Gundrum also thwarted a Parkland drive right before halftime with an interception in the end zone that he returned all the way to the Parkland 40. But the Patriots were unable to convert, and went into halftime down 17-3. Parkland came right out in the second half and drove 80 yards downfield for a TD and that was all she wrote.

Next Week: Freedom hosts Easton in our EPC Game of the Week.

4. Bethlehem Catholic (6-1)
Last Week: The Golden Hawks had revenge on their mind for the last year and crushed Stroudsburg, 49-14 in the likely EPC North championship game. Antwon Keenan rushed for 143 yard and three touchdowns, Julian Spigner ran for 120 yards and two TDs, and Randy Terry added 94 yards and a TD. Becahi outgained Stroudsburg 490-194. They also sacked Stroudsburg QB Jake Jakobson four times and held Jamaal Brome under 100 yards rushing for the first time all season.

This Week: Becahi takes on William Allen, who won their first game in three years in a 28-27 stunner over East Stroudsburg South on Friday. Obviously a great step for the Canary football program, but the Golden Hawks are a mighty tough follow up act.

5. Saucon Valley (8-0)
Last Week: Saucon Valley won another blowout, a 61-13 win over Bangor. The Panthers scored eight first half touchdowns and ran for 356 yards on the evening.

This Week: Saucon Valley plays Notre Dame (Green-Pond) in the biggest game on the Colonial League slate. The Crusaders are led by quarterback Tre Jordan, a Lafayette commit who was all state in Single-A last year as the Pius X quarterback. After Pius closed, most of their roster went to ND, including head coach Phil Stambaugh, who is the ND quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. Notre Dame was winless in 2014, but with the Pius X group, they have already clinched the top seed in the D11 2A tournament. Jordan has thrown for 2,101 yards, 21 TDs, and just three interceptions on the season (and rushed for 500 yards), and the Crusaders have five receivers with at least twenty catches on the season. But they have not seen a defense as good as Saucon Valley this year. It’s an obvious contrast in styles, as the Panthers will look to pound the rock on the ground against the air it out ND squad. In the incredibly tight 3A playoff race, Saucon Valley cannot afford to lose this game if its going to take one of the four spots in the D11 postseason.

Friday October 30, 2015 7 PM

Conestoga @ Garnet Valley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfuK0AggSUI&feature=youtu.be


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Friday October 30, 2015 7 PM

Downingtown East @ West Chester East

Watch Live http://3ctvlive.com/


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Friday October 30, 2015 7 PM

Pennsbury @ Central Bucks South

http://livestream.com/accounts/1274087

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Friday October 30, 2015 7 PM

Garden Spot @ Manheim Central,

PCN Network Channel 186 Comcast/Xfinity

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Friday October 30, 2015 7 PM

NESHAMINY @ NORTH PENN

http://portal.stretchinternet.com/sfbn/

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Friday October 30, 2015 7 PM

West Allegheny vs Central Valley

https://youtu.be/HiKtMcYkLE8

Live Feed for the game between West Allegheny and Central Valley out of the WPIAL Conference this Friday Night.

Login to view embedded media

Week 8
The West-AAAA teams:
In place of the usual listings and write-ups, here is a look at some of the Quad-A’s out west that could make the postseason and represent the West. Last week’s local scores and next week’s games are listed below with D5/6/7/8/9/10 teams with their current seed minus the write-ups. So here’s a mini breakdown to provide some insight on the Quad-A western teams.

District 3: Top 16 seeds that will make Districts.
Mid Penn Conference-Commonwealth Division
Central Dauphin Rams 7-1, #1
Here’s one of the favorites to win districts after finishing second to Wilson last year. Almost everyone is back from that team who has already flexed their muscles beating Lancaster Lebanon powers Wilson and Manheim Township. Last week’s 24-21 loss to Cumberland Valley at the gun may have put “blood in the water” but they still hold the top seed.
Cumberland Valley Eagles 7-1, #5
Same ole Eagles team with their Wing-T that typically rolls over opposition with an added feature this year of a quarterback who can actually throw a forward pass and a big offense scoring 36ppg! Big wins over CD East, Carlisle and Central Dauphin last week say they are a district favorite despite the early season collapse against McDevitt 41-14.
Central Dauphin East Panthers 5-3, #10
Except for the 29-24 win against rival Susquehanna Twp, East has not stacked up well against quality losing to Wilson 38-0 and Cumberland Valley 31-14. Finish with dangerous Carlisle and sister school Central Dauphin.
Harrisburg 4-4 Cougars, #14
They’re clinging by a thread at 4-4 but have no quality wins losing to Cumberland Valley 34-7, Central Dauphin 50-6 and State High 37-20. Began season 3-0.
State College Lions (District 6), 5-3
The Lions defeated good but not great teams, beating Upper Darby 28-0 and Carlisle 40-21 but lost to Spring Ford, McDevitt, and Central Dauphin. Won 5 of last 6 so they’re rolling with new QB settling in. RB Jordan Mischer has 1154 yards rushing. State won 6 of the 7 District 6/8/9/10 Sub Region since the inception of this format in 2008.
Carlisle 4-4 Thudering Herd, #15
One of the more dangerous, freaky teams in 3 averaging 36ppg with the best passing attack (yardage) in state with Eric Harris lighting things up at 2713 yards passing through 8 games but 16 picks with the 24 Tds. Think bombs away Baylor Bear (have scored 49, 49, 54, 56) when you think of the Thundering Herd.

Mid Penn Conference-Keystone Division
Cedar Cliff 6-2 Colts, #12
Lost in the last moments to McDevitt 34-28 two weeks ago in a game they had won and last week to surging AAA-Susquehanna Twp (5-3) 49-34. Defense? Not much allowing 28ppg but with an offense rolling out 44ppg its entertaining football! QB Grant Breneman 1288 15/2, Jayden Demmy 1134ry, Mike Viti 668 in receptions. Quality win beating Lower Dauphin 23-7 and South Western 42-14. Began season 6-0 but into the thick of it now.
Lower Dauphin Falcons 7-1, #6
Another balanced attack like the Colts scoring 37ppg with a veteran backfield that is “one of those teams”. Defense allows 14 keeping them in most games. Only loss is to CC Colts 23-7.

Lancaster-Lebanon Section 1
Wilson 7-1 Bulldogs, #3
Only thing separating them from an undefeated may be that running back Shane Dantzler missed most of the season and the 20-19 loss to Central Dauphin at Gerski Stadium Week 3. Back last week getting 134 vs Manheim so look out. Have quality wins against CD East 38-0 and fellow LL bad asses Hempfield 15-9 and Manheim Twp last week 48-27.
Hempfield Black Knights 7-1, #4
Notable wins over LL-2 powers Manheim Central and Lampeter Strasburg who are having less than spectacular seasons. Black Knights are a solid bunch many felt might overtake Wilson this year.
Manheim Township Blue Streaks 6-2, #8
The Blue Streaks have one of the coolest mascots in the district with matching helmets and a lightening like attack that is their M.O. They’re at 39ppg excepting the 42-12 collapse at Central Dauphin in the opener. Lost at home last week to Wilson.

York-Adams Division 1
Dallastown 7-0 Wildcats, #7
The Wildcats are back again (9-2 last year), winning the tight ones against a less than challenging schedule. Still, the D swarms and has been impressive, allowing only 8ppg with wins at South Western 29-21 and Northeastern (AAA, 6-1, Manchester, PA) 15-12. Red Lion looms in the finale.
South Western 6-2 Mustangs, #9
The Mustangs are beating decent not great teams with wins against Carlisle and Red Lion but losses, home losses to Cedar Cliff 42-14 (!) and conference leader Dallastown 29-21. Those losses say they are not ready for prime time but can still be a spoiler.
Red Lion 5-3 Lions, #13
Except for the 31-14 loss to South Western two weeks ago, they’ve been close, losing to Manheim Township 22-15 and Northeastern 14-13. Right, “one of those teams” you don’t want to run into in the first round. They close at Dtown.

Berks-Section 1
Exeter 8-0 Eagles, #2
Everyone thought they could be good but undefeated after graduating big numbers? But they return most of last year’s powerful OL plus an experienced QB who’s getting it done. Best win was on the road at Unionville in Week 2, 31-13. Close at home vs Governor Mifflin and Boone.
Governor Mifflin Mustangs 5-3, #11
Total rebuild but its Mifflin so they’re keeping heads above water and likely a good stretch runner even with the new crew. No standout wins with losses to LL powers Manheim Township 42-28, rival Wilson 14-3 in opener and AAA-Lehighton (8-0, D-11 semifinalist last year, vet bunch) 7-6. At Exeter this week in another Reading showdown.
Reading Knights 4-4, #16
The Scarlet Knights are capable if inconsistent with some new key parts this year but no significant wins to write home about. Two and three point losses to AAA-Conrad Weiser and Harrisburg respectively show potential balanced by the reality of last week’s 34-0 loss to Exeter.

East Top 20 at bottom minus the typical write ups

District 5….No AAAA teams but home of AAA Somerset (7-1, lost to Wood 63-20 in state semi last year) and Single-A power Berlin Brothersvalley (8-0, 50-10 last 5).

District 6
Little to talk about with the 4A teams in this district.
State College. See District 3
Altoona 3-5
Central Mountain 2-6
Mifflin County 0-8

District 7
X = Clinched playoff spot
Y = Still alive

Southeastern Conference
xWoodland Hills, Wolverines 8-0
Veteran group winning against the better teams beating Bethel Park 28-23, West Allegheny 22-15 and last week against previously undefeated Mount Lebanon 21-17. Finish up at Penn Hills where the Indians are 3-1 and always score a ton of points. Should be a wild one.
xMount Lebanon Blue Devils 7-1
Lebo and Woody wow! Otherwise both close out with their great rivals with ML heading down the road to play Upper St. Clair. Both will likely be a terror in the wide open Wpial.
xUpper St. Clair Panthers 5-3
Panthers recovered from a 3 game slide, losing to Bethel, North Allegheny and Woodland Hills before winning their last three.
xBethel Park Black Hawks 5-3
Bethel is hangin tough looking to go 6-3 with a win against Baldwin Friday. They don’t have quality wins but make teams earn it losing to Central Catholic 28-12, Woodland Hills 28-23 and Mount Lebanon 31-20. Most of last year’s young group returned for this season.
xPenn Hills Indians 3-5
Forget the record. A win against Woodland Hills is something close to Army beating Navy in this fierce rivalry.
yPeters Township Indians 2-6
Real young starting 4 sophomore lineman last year (!) but still losing to +.500 teams 37-12 on average with the closer being Pine Richland coming off the tough loss to Central Catholic. Ouch!

Northern-8
xCentral Catholic Vikings 7-1
Looks like the Vikings have it together winning their last 5 by an average score of 47-11 and beating Pine Richland last week 35-28 at PR! Soph QB Troy Fisher (6-4, 205) completed 9 of 18 passes for 195, rushed for 56 and scored the winning Td with 25 seconds left in the game. Looks like they’re a factor for the next 3 now that they found a QB. This has to make them the co (tri?)- favorite with Woodland Hills and Pine Richland in the coming Wpial postseason.
xPine Richland Rams 7-1
What a rebuild plugging in soph QB Phil Jurkovec who has been spectacular. But they lost last week to Central Catholic allowing the Vikings to go 80 yards in the final 2 plus minutes to pull it out right after PR had tied it. Even so, the sophomore at QB says like Central Catholic they’ll be around a long time.
xNorth Allegheny Tigers 7-1
Remember these guys? They beat Central Catholic 14-17 after losing to Pine Richland 28-14 to show how tight things are in the Northern-8….and likely in the Wpial. They are hot winning the last 6 since the PR loss with rival North Hills is next.
xSeneca Valley Raiders 4-4
No notable wins with losses to North Allegheny 34-24, Pine Richland 35-28 Central Catholic 38-14 and Norwin 35-27 keeping them 4-0 home and 0-4 away but they’ll beat 2-6 Shaler on the road to finish on the plus side.
xNorth Hills Indians 3-5
They’re in but not for long with losses to every winning team on the schedule. Proud program is in a 5 year slide going 4-5, 6-4, 5-5, 6-4 and likely 3-6 after North Allegheny this Friday.
yShaler Titans 2-6
It’s unlikely they’ll beat Seneca Valley Friday but a 2-7 finish is two more wins than they’ve had since 2011 with three consecutive 0-9 seasons.

Foothills
xPenn Trafford Warriors 8-0
Very senior veteran team led by duel threat QB Brett Laffoon and RB Jonah Lisbon gunning for their second straight undefeated regular season. Beat Quad East rival Mckeesport 21-7 back in Week 2 with no challenges since. Like we said in the preseason, the West is loaded!
xMcKeesport Tigers 7-1
The Flex Bone is in high gear storming people by an average score of 51-7 since losing to Penn Trafford. Six backs have significant yardage led by 6-0, 205 Kahleke Hudson’s 778 yards, 6-0, 220 Mark Cromardie’s 420 and QB Tymar Sutton’s (6-0, 220, sr) 344 yds.
xPlum Mustangs 5-3
Fading fast at 1-3 after a 4-0 start, losing to all the winning teams including McKeesport 42-7, Penn Trafford 36-15 and Kiski 23-14 after beating Norwin Week 4.
xNorwin Knights 5-3
2-2 start then 3-1 the last 5 for momentum but end with Penn Trafford. They returned a nice core this year with QB Nick Amendola (6-2, 215), RB Peyton Deri (6-2, 205) and TE Nick Petrick (6-5, 240). Nice turnaround for the Knights in Coach Dave Brozeski’s second year, going 5-5 last year following a 2-7 outing.
xKiski Cavaliers 5-3
The Cavs are greatly improved over last year’s winless season with a veteran team (QB, RBs, WRs) turning things completely around managing to win two road games along the way. Nothing significant but 5 wins on the heels of winless is good stuff. Nothing to lose in the postseason!
yHempfield 3-5
Fun seeing these guys averaging 27ppg making opposition work for it! Very young group but capable of beating the winless Foxes Friday night at Fox Chapel.
yAltoona Mountain Lions 3-5
Disappointing year for the rebuilding Lions but a win at Connellsville Friday keeps them in contention for a AAAA Wild card.

District 8 (Pittsburgh City League)
Brashear Bulls 5-3
Reigning city champ Bulls returned entire backfield led by QB Therran Coleman with 9 Div-1 offers including Pitt, ASU, West VA, VA Tech, etc making him the top player in the city and one of top in state. Lost last two but good scheduling prep for postseason losing to good AAA teams Armstrong (5-3) and Franklin Regional (7-1) from the Wpial’s Greater Allegheny.
Allderdice Dragons 5-3
The Dragons have a few D1 players as well and are always in the City League picture. The losses are non-conf vs Hampton (6-2, AAA-Wpial), Indiana (3-5, AAA-Wpial) and Wheeling Park, WV (6-1-1, 5A) 28-6. Another war between Bulls and Dragons to settle the issue.

District 9
Dubois Beavers 5-3
Rough start losing to Meadville 107-90!, Conneaut 56-21 and Cathedral 63-13 before current hot streak winning last 4. But last year was the year with QB Gabe French’s 3578 yards and 70% completion rate, now at East Stroudsburg. Finish at General McLane then super bad AA power Karns City (8-0) where they will be fortunate to win.

District 10
General McLane Lancers 5-3
Playing up to AAAA with no benefit losing to AAA powers Conneaut 27-13 (8-0) and Cathedral (7-1) 34-14. A lot of bodies back from last year but not enough size. Regular season loss to McDowell 34-6 says the postseason will be brief.
McDowell Trojans 3-5
Have a large roster but still hit hard by graduation losing linemen Chris Larsen, Fernando Frye, Justin Siwiecki, Joe Wierzchowski and Anthony Acquista plus QB Jake Tarasovitch who threw for 1,078 yards and seven touchdowns and ran for 1,110 yards and 14 more touchdowns, making it a huge rebuild. Returned 2 to the offense and 4 to the D that wasn’t enough with aggressive scheduling of games against Lake Catholic 5-4, Canton McKinley 7-3, Cardinal Mooney 4-4 and Austintown-Fitch 6-3, all respectable programs from Ohio. Finish at home to St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (2-6, Buffalo, NY) and at Central Tech (5-3).



Top 20: The East-AAAA
2015: Week 8 rankings
Won-loss, current seed, last week’s results, this week’s games

1. Downingtown West 8-0 #2, Beat Henderson 38-14, at Avon Grove
2. Upper Dublin 8-0 #4, Beat Upper Moreland 35-7, home to Hatboro Horsham
3. Downingtown East 8-0 #1, Beat Bishop Shanahan 34-2, at West Chester East
4. St. Joseph’s Prep 5-2. Beat Judge 35-13, home to Roman
5. Parkland 7-1 #2, Beat Freedom 35-7, at Nazareth
6. LaSalle 4-3. Beat Roman 49-14, at Judge
7. North Penn 6-2 #10 tie, Beat Pennsbury 27-20, home to Neshaminy
8. Quakertown 8-0 #3, Beat CR South 35-14, home CR North
9. Easton 6-2 #4, Beat Liberty 49-14, at Freedom
10. Pennsbury 6-2 #12, Lost to North Penn 27-20, at Central Bucks South
11. Perkiomen Valley 8-0 #7, Beat Phoenixville 42-0, home to Upper Perkiomen
12. Spring Ford 8-0 #5, Beat Pottstown 34-0, at Pope John Paul II
13. Liberty 6-2 #5, Lost to Easton 49-14, at Allentown Central Catholic
14. Freedom 7-1 #3, Lost to Parkland 38-7, home to Easton
15. Wyoming Valley West 8-0 #1, Beat Hazelton 49-3, at Scranton
16. Coatesville 5-3 #20, Beat Avon Grove 34-7, at Bishop Shanahan
17. Central Bucks East 6-2 #10 tie, Beat Truman 19-7, home to Central Bucks West
18. Pennridge 5-3 #18, Beat Central Bucks South 28-17, at Souderton
19. Neshaminy 6-2 #13, Beat Bensalem 41-8, at North Penn
20. Unionville 6-2 #6, Beat Kennett 42-7, at Octorara

Honorable Mention
Rustin 6-2, #19, Beat Octorara 55-7, at Sun Valley
West Chester East 4-4, #22, Beat Sun Valley 37-7, home to Downingtown East
Plymouth Whitemarsh 6-2, #14 tie, Beat Hatboro 31-28, at Cheltenham
CR South 5-3, #16 tie, Lost to Quakertown 35-14, at Norristown
CR North 5-3, #16 tie, Beat CB West 33-15, at Quakertown
Northeast 7-1, Forfeit loss to Edison, home to Olney
Franklin 7-1, Beat Roxborough 40-6, home to Edison
Gratz 6-2, Beat Phila Central 34-6, home to Mastbaum
Garnet Valley 6-2, #14 tie, Beat marple 40-17, home to Conestoga the 23rd seed
Upper Darby 7-1, #9, Beat Strath Haven 34-7, at Lower Merion
Haverford 7-1, #8, Beat Radnor 24-12, at Ridley
Ridley 6-2, #21, Beat Penncrest 33-7, home to Haverford

IS THE COACHING STAFF DISPANDING AFTER SEASON
IS THE STAFF DISSATISFIED WITH EACH OTHER
WHAT ARE THE PARENTS THINKING

0-8
Avg score = 32 - 11
Combined score vs PCL + Malvern = 168 - 51

Is this a one season aberration or the beginning of a more permanent deterioration of their program? They've been well below LaSalle and SJP recently but seeing them get thumped by West Catholic, Ryan, Malvern and Judge seems a bit shocking.

Whippets move to 8-0 but defensive issues remain. Only gave up 14 but a defense that played well early in the year is struggling big time, particularly vs the run. Offensively, slow start but Mattioni and another great game from Barr carried them. Harper solid as usual on both sides of the ball yet not many carries tonight. Riddick had surgery this week and is now done for the year.

Missed first two scores because they happened so quickly. A couple of bad breaks/calls for Shanahan that may have made it more competitive but Deast dominated the line play and controlled the game throughout. Game was very, very chippy with a lot of action after the whistle. Don't see a major weakness in Deast game and IMO they are definitely playing like the #1 seed in D1.

Intentionally led the thread with Judge. Don't underestimate the Crusader. They are a very good team that is well coached. They could give any team a game and could win any day.

This game had Judge leading 13-7 going into the 4th quarter! Their defense had stymied a Prep O all night. A big play and a turn over very quickly turned the momentum in Prep's favor. I know we've all said it and it's never more true than this game - "the final score does not describe this game". It was a big hitting, hard fought game.

Big week in the WPIAL with PR-PCC and Woody-Lebo for conference championships and potential top seeds in the playoffs.

1. Woody: Great win vs. very good West A team. Need to follow it up with strong performance vs. Lebo. It seems that there defense is improving, but need to find a way to generate consistent offense - not just on huge plays. That works now, but against tougher teams, I'm not sure you can count on that.

2. Penn Trafford: Possibly have a little bit of a test tonight vs. Plum, but Plum has faded a little, getting smoked last week by McKeesport. Look for PT to handle Plum with the same goal - no injuries and a W.

3. Pine-Richland: Tonight will tell alot about this club. Last year, this was the game where the defense stepped up to match the offense's productivity.They need it to happen tonight to contain Ronnie Jones and PCC's rushing attack. Offensively, Jurkovec needs to be best player on field (a tall order) and avoid turnovers, particularly early in halves, when PCC's defense will be rested and firing out off the ball.

4. North Allegheny: Another winless team for them - Latrobe. Mercy rule at the half.

5. Lebo: Have not been able to see much Lebo, but tonight's game vs. Woodland Hills is the biggest game they have had in probably 5 years. I think it is a little like PR game last year vs. PCC, where they were undefeated, but no one really knew how good they were. If they can go into the Wolverina and stop the big plays, and spread the ball around, they have a decent chance of winning. Must be great on special teams too. Key on offense is will they be able to pass the ball effectively vs. Woodland Hills pressure by DL - who are big and fast.

6. Central Catholic: Get a win tonight and they jump back into probably top 3 teams in WPIAL. Everyone will forget about the loss to NA. I'm sure PR will be prepared for the running game - can PCC's QB make enough plays in a big-time atmosphere to get the win? Defensively, they must have consistent rush from their front 4, and their secondary must tackle. If they do those things, their athleticism should prevail.

7. McKeesport: Handled Plum with ease, and now have an up and down Norwin team. I think it will be the same result as last week - a mercy rule victory. McKeesport should use these games to work on their passing game.

Next 3
Bethel Park
USC
Winner of Seneca Valley vs. Penn Hills

I am fully aware that this thread will cause many to attack and characterize me as a poor sport or whiner and that is totally fine. I very rarely read or post anymore for the following reasons. Before the inclusion of the private catholic schools in the PIAA there used to be a vitality to the board from people that rooted for their home team. That is pretty much dissipated because at the beginning of the year we already pretty much know who is going to be the eastern representative in the state finals. The Prep, Wood, Imhotep have all playing within the rules become the teams that many expect to make it year after year. Of course many will say it's due to superior coaching and training techniques which is fine, I don't think good coaches at schools that used to compete in the state playoffs have become bad coaches but that is not the point of this thread. Open enrollment has changed for many schools the dream of winning a state title. The goal now is to win your league and a district title and that is usually the end of the road. Because waiting for you is a fresh loaded charter or catholic school with kids from multiple states and districts ready to pounce. Going into the season realizing no matter how well your team plays and comes together that your school using only kids from your district simply can't compete with the all star teams many are assembling at the power schools. So go ahead let me have it call me names, I'm simply observing the way things are. Save me the public schools have to work harder bull shit, better players win titles. Making it easy to get those players with open enrollment benefits the power programs. Don't want to hear the facilities argument either, give me all star level players from md. nj. de. and pa. and I'll be happy to practice on a cow pasture. So enjoy the games tonight but realize there are very few public school teams, with a few exceptions that have any chance of getting to Hershey.

Week 7 Stats
Played - 9
Eliminated - 0
Survived - 9


Picks
Garnet Valley - 5
CB East - 3
CR South - 3
North Penn - 3
Spring-Ford - 2
WC Rustin - 2
Archbishop Ryan - 1
Archbishop Wood - 1
CR North - 1
Hatboro-Horsham - 1
Haverford - 1
Perkiomen Valley - 1
Ridley - 1
Upper Darby - 1
West Catholic - 1


Survivors/Teams Used
16th&Georgetown - Archbishop Wood, Souderton, Quakertown, Harry S. Truman, Downingtown East, Downingtown West, Upper Dublin, Spring-Ford, Pennsbury, Perkiomen Valley, Boyertown, North Penn, CR South, Garnet Valley
btm2010 - Perkiomen Valley, Quakertown, Pennridge, Upper Dublin, CB South, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Conestoga, Spring-Ford, Ridley, CR South, Downingtown East, North Penn, CB East, Garnet Valley
d1football1 - Cheltenham, Avon Grove, Conestoga, Spring-Ford, Garnet Valley, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Ridley, Great Valley, Pennsbury, Unionville, Downingtown East, Archbishop Wood, CR South, WC Rustin
Fletchster1 - Perkiomen Valley, Great Valley, Souderton, Harry S. Truman, CB South, Neshaminy, Boyertown, Garnet Valley, CR South, Pennridge, Quakertown, CB East, CR North, Spring-Ford
Joe_Kane - Archbishop Wood, Spring-Ford, Conestoga, Upper Dublin, Coatesville, Downingtown West, Pennsbury, Souderton, Ridley, Downingtown East, Quakertown, Haverford, Perkiomen Valley, Garnet Valley
newman107 - Norristown, William Tennent, Conestoga, Haverford, CB South, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, WC Rustin, CR North, Ridley, Unionville, Boyertown, Hatboro-Horsham, Upper Darby, West Catholic
not_a_fan - Haverford, Quakertown, Father Judge, Neshaminy, Downingtown West, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Conestoga, Souderton, Avon Grove, Pennridge, Downingtown East, North Penn, Ridley, Spring-Ford
Patton2Moscow - CR South, William Tennent, Father Judge, Coatesville, Neshaminy, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Pennsbury, CR North, Ridley, North Penn, Downingtown East, Archbishop Ryan, Garnet Valley, CB East
Relayer - Archbishop Wood, William Tennent, Conestoga, Spring-Ford, Coatesville, Upper Dublin, Quakertown, Souderton, Pennsbury, CB East, Downingtown East, WC Rustin, CR South, Garnet Valley


Last week we had a couple people choose Springfield-Delco, who is 3A. I did not notice this until after the games had been played, and for this week only I changed the picks and used the most popular picks for the week (btm2010 you got CB East, Patton you got Garnet Valley). In the future any teams used that are not from D1 AAAA or PCL (all classes) or that you have already used will count as a loss; so please double check your picks.

Use this thread to make your picks for Week 8. I will take West Catholic, Archbishop Ryan and LaSalle.

*My apologies for posting the Week 8 thread so late.

This should give an idea of who will represent D-12 this year in the playoffs. There has not been much talk about this matchup, but IMO this will be a good game .Im surprised the LaSalle and Prep supporters have not begun their usual banter.

40 yard field goal as time expires for CV?! Did anybody see this one?

I gave them a lot of grief for the poor non-league schedule, but they dismantled CR-South tonight 35-14. The Panthers have a great balance of run and pass with Burns and Garlick. They can play with anyone in D1 and will finish undefeated. I hope the QT player carted off the field via ambulance is OK.

I missed the game, but the score was predictable.

Last Time They Met:
Freedom took a 7-0 record into their week 8 match up with Parkland last season, but lost quarterback Joe Young for the season during their upset win over Whitehall. The Trojans held on for a 21-13 victory, getting an interception deep in their own territory in the last two minutes to seal the win. Devante cross threw for 147 yards and rushed for 143 yards in the win.

Parkland Leaders
Passing: Devante Cross: 98-157, 1,342 yards, 13 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: Devante Cross: 97-545-11
Receiving: Kenny Yeboah: 29-369-5

Freedom Leaders
Passing: Joe Young: 55-98, 833 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs
Rushing: Andres Santos: 67-293-9
Receiving Alkhion Dunkins: 13-256-1; Jonah Gundrum: 11-220-2

Freedom Offense: The big question tonight is the health of quarterback Joe Young. The 6’3 dual threat junior suffered a lower leg injury last week against Whitehall and his status is unknown. With Young, the Patriots run a spread option attack. Young is a pass and run threat, though he hasn’t piled up carries like he did as a sophomore. Freedom doesn’t have a standout receiver, but spreads the ball around to four major targets, Alkhion Dunkins, Jonah Gundrum, Brennan Reinart, and tight end Cordell Cotto. If Young can’t go, Gundrum will play quarterback, a position he filled last year when Young was lost for the season with a hip injury. The running game took a major hit when Roberto Diez was lost for the season during week 3, but Andres Santos has filled in admirably. He’s a much smaller back than Diez, but a good fit for their scheme. Freedom had to replace all five offensive linemen, but it’s been a strong group that is starting to really gel. Sophomore tackle Tijir Bleam is one to watch going forward, at 6’2 250 and athletic, he’s certainly on college radars.

Parkland Defense: The Trojans completely shut down Easton last week, after getting torched by Whitehall and Liberty in back to back outings. Parkland’s strength is their beef up front and the sideline to sideline play of Eric DiGiralomo behind them. Nose tackle Billy Danko was helped off with an injury last week, and I’m unsure if he can go this week. Danko has been one of the best defensive linemen in the league this year, and would be a major loss. Freedom’s offense has much more in common with Whitehall and Liberty than it does with Easton, so it’s a scheme that gives the Trojans problems. Their big issue is that although they have size and physicality in the secondary, there’s not a lot of speed in the back unless Devante Cross is playing corner, something they understandably only want to do in emergencies (though he committed to Boston College to play DB).

Parkland Offense: Pure and simple, Devante Cross is the best player in the Lehigh Valley, and he touches the ball on every play. In the passing game, he’s matured immensely since his sophomore year, and is an accurate QB with a big arm and command of the offense. He has a huge corps of receivers, and they like to string long drives together and possess the football with short passes. In the running game, Cross is the man. In short yardage, they’ll empty out the backfield and run him behind their 275 pound left tackle and 315 pound left guard every single time, and nobody has been able to stop in. Cross is the home run hitter, so teams desperately try to make him give it up in the zone read. Parkland hasn’t really drawn up ways to get him the ball on the outside, and I’d actually like to see them do more designed QB runs besides just the plow straight ahead short yardage stuff. The biggest running threat shouldn’t be broken down pass plays.

Freedom Defense: The Patriots have the best defense in the Lehigh Valley. Brady Hornbaker leads in the conference in tackles at linebacker, and the 6’1 230 pound junior will be key on Friday. Freedom runs a 3-3-5, with a pair of huge defensive ends in 230 pound Joshua Ortiz and 270 pound Cordell Cotto, then they walk up linebacker Brennan Reinart as a pass rusher. Cotto’s match up with Noel Brouse should be excellent, as its not too often that they face an opponent with the same kind of size and athleticism. In the back, Freedom’s secondary leads the EPC in interceptions, and Alkhion Dunkins has taken three back for TDs. The five DB set is built to stop the spread, though Parkland is an unusual match up because they have three tight end sized wide receivers, not the normal little fast guys you see in an offense designed like that.

Special Teams: Neither team has a kicking game to write home about, though it’s not a liability either. Alkhion Dunkins is a dangerous return man, and scares you much more than anybody Parkland is going to put deep.

Parkland Wins If: They get another monster performance from Devante Cross, they take care of the football, and they can limit the Freedom passing game.

Freedom Wins If: They get consistent pressure rushing only four, they can exploit the Parkland secondary, they can protect their quarterback.

The Pick: They don’t set lines in Vegas if the quarterback situation is up in the air, but I’ll take a shot anyway. I think Joe Young plays tonight and plays well. Teams with a strong passing game are Parkland’s Achilles heel, and Young is good enough to pick them apart. I also am a big believer in the Freedom defense. Expect a dog fight.Freedom 28-21

SOL National game of the week. North Penn leads 14-8. 2:40 to go in the first half. Udinski just picked PHS apart on the last TD drive.

Friday October 23, 2015 7 PM
West Chester Henderson @ Downingtown West

Watch Live http://3ctvlive.com/

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Friday October 23, 2015 7 PM

North Penn @ Pennsbury

http://livestream.com/accounts/1274087

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Friday October 23, 2015 7 PM

Bethlehem Catholic @ Stroudsburg

PCN Network Channel 186 Comcast/Xfinity

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Friday October 23, 2015 7 PM

Cumberland Valley @ Central Dauphin

http://www.hsslivetv.com/

Week 7

1. Downingtown West 7-0. In a game where the score mimicked something we’ll see on the hardwood in a few weeks, the Whippets outlasted explosive West Chester East 59-49. Wow! The 108 point were a record number for points scored at Kottmeyer Stadium and one of a number of records too numerous to list here. Guess it goes without saying 108 points via 1082 yards of offense is going to break a few records. Downingtown had 516 yards with running back Jake Barr rushing for 112 yards on 13 carries for four scores and catching 6 passes for 98 yards and two more scores. Braden Harper got in on the fun too, rushing for 102 yards plus 38 more on receptions filling in for the injured Mike Riddick. How about quarterback Thomas Mattioni quietly having a strong year (938 yds, 65%), completing 11 of 14 passes for 188 yards with 2 Tds. Also have to give West Chester East a nod, cranking out 566 yards with standout performances from quarterback Jon Jon Roberts and running back Jared Cooper. Roberts completed 31 of 40 for 364 yards with four Td passes while tailback Cooper rushed for 108 yards and three touchdowns. How are these guys 3-4? The Whippets win kept them atop the Ches Mont-National at 3-0 with Downingtown East. 1-6 Henderson is next, limping in for their third straight road game, coming off a 35-14 loss to Avon Grove (4-3).
2. Upper Dublin 7-0. For the fifth consecutive week, Upper Dublin scored over 42 points on the way to a total dismantling of Plymouth Whitemarsh, 42-0. That’s also the sixth time in seven games they’ve scored at least 42 points. A huge part of their attack is senior quarterback Ryan Stover (6-4, 215), having another strong year completing 18 of 24 against the Colonials for 216 yards and throwing five touchdowns. To date he’s completed a phenominal 73% of his passes for 942 yards. Three running backs and four receivers have over 400 yards rushing and passing making it a well distributed attack; 30% run, 70% pass. All the primary backs are over 200 pounds (200, 210, 215) as are most of the receivers giving the Cardinals an element of physicality they are not known for. The defense that has significant experience with eight returning starters who just had their third shutout in a row. This week has the Cards at Upper Moreland (6-1, 3-1) where they’ll fight off another challenger in the Continental before what has become a significant game with Hatboro Horsham who is currently tied with them at 3-0 and 4-3 overall.
3. Downingtown East 7-0. Looks like the Cougars are going to end the regular season with a tougher than expected slate given the success of West Chester East and Bishop Shanahan this year. Actually Shanahan is very much in the Ches Mont-National race at 2-1 (4-3 overall) battling for good seeding in the AAA postseason so look for a dog fight there. The Cougars passed a significant test last week beating Coatesville on their field 22-12. Talk about dog fights, this one had the Raiders holding a 12-7 half time lead. But as fate would have it, third quarter action saw quarterback Jordan Young go down with an injury and not return. Although the schedule presents concerns, two of the remaining three games are at Kottmeyer, Shanahan and Downingtown West with dangerous West Chester East sandwiched between at East High. So stay tuned for a wild ride and finish to a highly entertaining conference race.
4. St. Joseph’s Prep 4-2. The Hawks continued their domination of LaSalle winning 49-24 to extend the winning streak to five going back to 2012 where the Explorer’s won in the post season 28-27. The day once again belonged to the Hawks who showed the diversity of their attack scoring on special teams with a 90-yd kickoff return by Terrence Green, in the air where Kevin Shaw threw two touchdown passes and on the ground where they were explosive with Benny Walls scoring on a 60-yd run and 68-yd Td toss, D’Andre Swift (162-ry) scoring on a 39-yd run and Darryl Simmons snagging a 27-yd Td toss from Shaw. They may be inexperienced (3 turnovers) but have obviously morphed into a team capable of a deep run with wins against Evangel, St. Ignatius, St. Joseph’s Regional and now LaSalle by a combined score of 126-35. Who needs an eye test with results like that? Father Judge (5-2) is next.
5. Parkland 6-1. Quoting last week’s write up; “To win this one, Parkland needs to tighten up a defense that has been sieve like the last two games, allowing 28 to Whitehall and 41 to Liberty. The question is can Easton exploit those vulnerabilities.” After watching Easton self-destruct against an unyielding Trojan defense, they clearly “tightened up” the defense. And the answer to whether Easton could exploit vulnerabilities mentioned above is a loud no. Parkland didn’t play an overwhelmingly impressive game but flashed characteristics needed to defend their district title and advance in the playoffs. Spearheading the attack was-is quarterback Devante Cross, who rushed for 95 yards and passed for 144. He threw three touchdowns and had one interception. Wide out Kenny Yeboah caught five passes for 61 yards for two Tds while Erik DiGirolama rushed for 80 yards. Bottom line, anytime anyone can go into Easton and hold them to three points in a 21-3 win, it’s impressive. In something of a role reversal, EPC-South leader Freedom is next with Parkland a game back at 3-1.
6. LaSalle 3-3. It’s easy to think the Explorers are slumping but the truth is they are more likely suffering the effects of a demanding schedule that shows losses to DeMatha, Archbishop Wood and St. Joseph’s Prep in three of their last four games. Imagine the number of schools that dodged those teams over the years while moaning about filling out their schedule. But there is another side to that coin that shows wins against powerhouses North Penn and Pennsbury, alongside the Malvern Prep win so don’t feel too sorry for them. In some ways they are reminiscent of St. Joseph’s last year who approached the postseason with a 5-3 record and stats that were less than impressive, scoring 260, allowing 224, a 33-28ppg avg. LaSalle is not that team, but wins against the aforementioned says they are a heck of a football team. Winless Roman Catholic is next then Judge where they will likely finish the regular season at 5-3 entering the PCL-AAAA playoffs.
7. North Penn 5-2. Make that four in a row since the Downingtown East loss as the Knights are rolling now, making it look easy defeating Pennridge, Central Bucks South, Souderton and Bensalem by an average score of 43-15. The winless Owls went down hard last week, losing 55-20. Up next is a showdown with SOL-National co-leader Pennsbury who is also 4-0 in-conference. North Penn entered last year’s game at 4-3 to upset previously undefeated Pennsbury 24-21, ending their seven game winning streak. That was a critical game for playoff purposes having much to do with their securing the 9th seed. This one is no less important for Pennsbury trying to secure an opening round home game while North Penn fights to maintain a higher seed than their current 14 seed.
8. Liberty 6-1. “The task this week is to come down from the high of that win (the Parkland win) for a road game at Northampton (1-5), stay healthy, then prep for the stretch run of Easton (5-1), Allentown Central Catholic (4-2) and Freedom (6-0).” That was last week’s thought as the Canes survived a trip to Northampton, winning 28-18. Although the schedule is brutal, particularly now after Easton laid an egg against Parkland, it’s amenable, with two of the three games at home beginning Friday with Easton. The Rovers routed them last year, winning 48-25 but don’t have that kind of consistent firepower this year. The Canes have been awesome at home, beating Allen 56-6, Whitehall 42-7 and Parkland 41-34. Conversely, Easton has been suspect against quality, losing to Allentown Central Catholic 26-24 and Parkland last week. They’ll take off the gloves for this one with Easton still in the hunt at 3-2 knowing Freedom’s (5-0) schedule includes Parkland (4-1), Easton (3-2) and Liberty (4-1). Throw in Nazareth at 3-2 and Catholic at 2-3 all battling for something in the postseason to see we’ll have quite a finish in the South.
9. Pennsbury 6-1. The Falcon’s continued the streak, winning their fifth game in a row by defeating Pennridge 38-32. This one fit the classic description of two games in one when Pennsbury surged out to a 30-6 halftime lead. Against their veteran defense, everyone was thinking “Ok, game over”. Everyone except the Rams who made a spirited comeback, scoring 23 in the third plus a field goal to win the “second game” 26-8. But that’s where the comeback ended with Pennsbury holding on and coming home with a difficult road win to stay atop the National with North Penn at 4-0. Their Ground and Pound philosophy spread to the quarterback position in this one with Mike Alley rushing for 170 yards. And unbelievable as it sounds, an ounce of “Air Pennsbury” reared its head when he tossed touchdowns of 16 and 24 yards. North Penn is next in Pennsbury’s first home game since Abington October 2nd.
10. Quakertown 7-0. The Panthers stayed in the hunt for their second consecutive SOL-Continental title by defeating Central Bucks West 28-7. Quarterback Tim Garlick completed 11 passes for 112 yards while Rob Burns scorched the Bucks for 228 yards and three Tds on 20 carries, bringing his season total to 1198 yards rushing. Their big senior wide out Kyle Baskin (6-4, 215) has 21 receptions for 424 yards giving them a number of weapons. They’ll need all those weapons and more this week against the SOL-Continental co-leader Council Rock South (5-2, 4-0). Unlike Quakertown, they are battle hardened with games against Pennsbury (6-1) a 13-6 loss, Neshaminy (5-2) a 27-25 loss and Central Bucks East (5-2), a 32-26 win.