LHAC Football Forecast Week 2.

Well last week I mustered a 4-2 record, and learned a few things about the league.  Forest Hills and Bishop Carroll did lose a lot from last year, more than most realized. Richland will go as far as Rizzo will take them, and right now that is looking pretty far.  Westmont may not be a pushover for a change. And well Johnstown is looking really hard to beat this season.

Cambria Heights (0-1) AT Richland (1-0) Friday 7:00

Well needless to say Richland came out and shocked a lot of people.  Brandon Bailey got the monkey off his back and finally beat his Dad.  The Rams played a complete football game offensively and defensively.  Johnny Rizzo stole the show with 161 yards rushing and two touchdowns. And the saying goes when you have three quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks.  That does not appear to be the case as Pecora, Shaffer, and Rizzo all managed the game well and found deep threat, Kyle Flick for a big score.  Defensively, to hold a Forest Hills team to -7 yards rushing is an accomplishment that probably has not occurred too often. Cambria Heights scored three touchdowns, but also gave up three touchdowns.  The key was that they could not convert on the two point conversions.  Heights remains to be a competitive team through the coaching change, but still the little things are what hurt this team. Bearer did a nice job in his first start, and the playmakers, Myers,Brawley, and Crawford did their jobs.  Heights has a tall task ahead of themselves.  They are going into a Richland team that is flying high, and will be playing with a ton of confidence.  I do not see the Highlanders being able to slow down Rizzo, and even if they do, Kyle Flick is emerging as one of the league's premier receiving threats.  Richland is looking tough.

Rams 38 Highlanders 8

Central Cambria (0-1)  At Somerset (0-1) Friday 7:00

The tale was very different for these two squads last week. Both debuted new coaches, but the results were very different.  Central Cambria was humbled by Bishop McCort, whereas Somerset battled to a close loss with Penn Cambria.  The loss marked the 14th straight for the Somerset program, but coach Bob Landis has things pointing in the right direction.  Sophomore, Quarterback Tanner Stull has a very bright future ahead of himself, and may be the Eagles best player already.  If he can continue to make plays with his legs, the Eagles will have some chances this season.  Central Cambria was unable to get anything going against Bishop McCort.  The key there was the offensive line, they gave no push which resulted in a long night on offense.  Stephen O'Saben was able to find some room to run at times, and will need to be able to do more of that. Bellock threw two interceptions at QB, and needs to be more consistent.  This game will be very interesting.  Central Cambria has some playmakers, but need to get their line in order.  Somerset is young and possesses some talented athletes. I'm going to take Central Cambria because I believe they are better than what they showed last week, O'Saben will make some big plays in a close one.

Red Devils 22 Golden Eagles 16

Bishop Guilfoyle 0-1at Bedford 1-0 Friday 7:00

Bishop Guilfoyle is in a tough spot. They will be without at least six starters for this game, and what appeared to be a rebuilding year might just be a bad year.  The Marauders have a good play caller in Pat Irwin, but have a lot of young kids in key spots.  The future is definitely bright with only seven seniors on the roster, but it may take a while for things to get rolling.  Bedford is coming off a hard fought victory over Cambria Heights.   After the talk of moving Shippey to Running Back,  he responded with one of the best passing games in his career.  He tallied two touchdowns of 40 yards or better and orchestrated a comeback victory on the road.  The Bisons have some solid backs to compliment the passing game, and the Hess brothers should put together productive years.  Injuries to small schools are devastating, if six starters are really out for BG, it will be nearly impossible for them to sustain a lot of success.  Bedford should win this game, they have depth, size, and experience on the Marauders.  I look for Bedford to rely on the running game a little bit more.

Bisons 32 Marauders 14   

Penn Cambria 1-0 at Johnstown 1-0 Friday 7:00

Both teams enter this game with 1-0 records, but went completely different routes to get here. Johnstown, undoubtedly is the top team around, and proved it on Saturday by piling up 41 points in the first half.  Gervon Simon time in and time again has shown the ability to beat you with his legs and arm. The rushing game was shared by a number of ball carriers, and the deadly foursome of receivers all made big plays.  And the defense did not allow much either. So basically when you play this team, good luck.  Penn Cambria needed all four quarters to fend off Somerset.  Uncharacteristically, the Panthers used the passing game, and it had mixed results. Their best option remains on the ground, and the best threats are Jordan Fuller and Andrew Buck. PC always has a tough defense under Fetzer, but their work is cut out for them this game. The Trojans aren't unbeatable, but beating them will seem impossible at times.  Penn Cambria does not have the athletes to compete with Johnstown in this game. Gervon Simon will likely put up another huge statistical game, as the Trojans march on.

Trojans 42 Panthers 14 

Forest Hills (0-1) at Westmont (1-0) Saturday 1:00 

It is not very often when Westmont and Forest Hills meet, that the Hilltoppers have the better record.  Well this is one of the few times you will see that.  Forest Hills was exposed pretty badly against Richland, and Coach Bailey will be going back to the drawing board.  Gdula was running for his life most of the night, and had a very uncharacteristic tough game, as did the entire Rangers team.  The typical power running game was not in effect, and concerns on the offensive line are real.  The Rangers need to get back to what they do best, control the line of scrimmage and run the ball. Whether it be Dell, or freshmen Shareef Blough.  The offense needs to find a consistent source of offense, and Gdula will need better pass protection.  Westmont came into this season with the daunting task of playing three defending district champions, and they got off on the right foot.   The Hilltoppers put the ball in Ryan Burnheimer's hands quite a bit, and he responded with a 161 yard, 3 touchdown game. Westmont will use a similar attack this game to challenge the Forest Hills line.  Westmont will be aided by athletes Alex Intihar and Liam Moran on the outside if they need to pass.  I think this will be a very good game, and a real gut check for the Rangers. This was a team that was expected to compete for a District Championship, and that looks to be in question at this point.  I'm going to take the Rangers in a bounce back game, but I will not be shocked if Westmont can take them down.

Rangers 24 Hilltoppers 20

GAME OF THE WEEK

Bishop Carroll (0-1) at Bishop McCort (1-0) Friday 7:00

Bishop Carroll was exposed by Westmont last week. Many thought the Huskies would be able to pick off where they left off. Barzdo was back, along with most of the offensive line, but the Huskies missed the speed threat by Ryan Woo.  Barzdo was never noted for passing, and it seems he still does not excel in that area.  Until a passing threat emerges, teams will continue to key in on the run.  Barzdo has great escape ability, but needs somebody to step up so he can pitch it off.  Speedy junior Ryan Laurer, may have to take on different roles to get him the ball.  The Line did not hold its own against Westmont, and will need to better this week.  Bishop McCort, on the other hand, used a balanced attack, highlighted by some big plays to steamroll over Central Cambria.  Jesse Cooper tossed three long touchdown passes, and Zach Varga headed a solid running game for the Crushers.  Christian Leech had a career game with two 80 yard touchdowns, and an interception.  You can expect McCort to use the pass again. The Crusher Defensive line, and Linebackers played an outstanding game.  Gap Barbin, Zach Rugg, and Christian Roman stuffed plenty of Central Cambria's plays, which led to the shutout. I think this game comes down to many different stories. Will Bishop Carroll's line play better?  Will BC find another playmaker to go with Barzdo? Can McCort's defensive front continue to clog running lanes? Will McCort's big play threat remain?   I think McCort's Defensive line is really good, and for a team that struggled as much as Carroll did last week, that is not good news.  I am taking McCort in a battle that pits the past two District 6 Champions.  Look for the two "little" playmakers on both sides to make some noise, and by that I mean McCort's Jerqual Wilson (5-7) and Ryan Laurer(5-6) for the Huskies.  

Crimson Crushers 31 Huskies 20