Tuesday, October 25, 2011

LHAC Football Forecast Week 9.

Last week I had an awful week going 3-3 (37-11), but a few things happened not many could have predicted.  Bedford was without their best player, quarterback Marcus Shippey.  I was unaware of that, and through it all they were scoreless at half, so Bedford did have somewhat of a chance. The weather certainly slowed down the Crushers, but it is apparent Forest Hills is just a better team, poor call on my part.  But the biggest shocker would be the Trojans losing to a 1 win Central Cambria team.  Anyway you shape it, thats a head scratcher.  Bad field aside, Johnstown is more than talented enough to put up more than 6 points.  But hats off to CC, they won the game and nobody thought they would.  This is the final week of LHAC conference play, much to play for a number of teams as playoff berths, seedings, and byes are all on the line.


Bishop Carroll (1-7) at Johnstown (7-1) Friday 7:00 Trojan Stadium
Well, for the second straight season the Trojan's perfect season comes to a screeching halt to the hands of Central Cambria.  I do not think anyone could have predicted it, let alone believed it.  The weather was obviously an issue, but Johnstown needs to put that aside and move on.  The Trojans are still the best team around.  Despite the recent struggles with turnovers, the Trojan offense is still a scary team to stop. Gervon Simon has put up 1294 yards and 14 scores in the air, and another 471 and 7 touchdowns on the ground.  He is one of the most dangerous players the league has to offer.  Tim Odum is a good, quick back that has been deadly at times, and his streak of 100 yard games was stopped Friday, at four.  The receivers of Johnstown are as athletic as they come, and Dwight Andrews highlights the group. The Trojan passing game should be back in full effect on Friday, and expect Andrews to have a big game on the Huskies.  The Johnstown defense clearly played well enough to win on Friday as they held the CC to under 100 total yards. That is not a good sign for Bishop Carroll.  The Huskies have been shut out five times this season. The offensive line has not given them a good push, and the skilled players have not exploded like they did last year.  Through it all, Josh Barzdo is still their best playmaker. And the Huskies' hopes really rely upon him having a big day rushing.  That is unlikely to happen if he is going to be running into Alkwan Williams and Brock Eisenhuth and the rest of the Trojan defense. I'm sure Johnstown wants to erase all memories of last Friday, and they want to come out and take care of business early.  Johnstown should win this game easily.  They are really good, they are playing at home, and BC can't score. Easy win for the Trojans.
Trojans 45 Huskies 3

Bishop Guilfoyle (1-7) at Westmont (1-7) Saturday 1:00 Price Field
Well this  is one of the few games that will have little playoff impact.  Everyone is almost guaranteed some points for this one, thats about it. Bishop Guilfoyle comes in having a rough, rebuilding year. They have struggled at times, yet remained competitive in others. Turnovers have been the biggest issue for the Marauders to overcome.  They are led by a promising junior quarterback in Pat Irwin.  He has led the offense all year long amid many injuries.  He will need to have a huge game for Guilfoyle to have any chance.  Westmont is better than their record would indicate. They are coming off a last second loss to Cambria Heights, just adding to a tough season already.  The Hilltoppers have some talent, most notably, Ryan Burnheimer.  He has led the team in rushing and total offense year long, and is one of the better workhorses around.  I think Westmont has a pretty underrated line and they will be able to control the line of scrimmage.  I'm taking Westmont on their home field. 
Hilltoppers 24 Marauders 12 

Forest Hills (7-1) at Somerset (3-5) Friday 7:00
Forest Hills is looking to keep pace with the other one loss teams in District Six AA.  They are coming off two solid victories over Penn Cambria and Bishop McCort.  Somerset, on the other hand, is trying to play spoiler and have their best record since 2007.  The task will be tough for the Golden Eagles, but thanks to a new coach, Somerset has shown some potential and promise.  Tanner Stull has been a solid quarterback all year, but an injury sidelined him, forcing the Eagles to go to their third option, and Brendan Urbain played very well. Either way, both players prove to be capable and effective.  The running game has been headed by Matt Boyer and Nick Darr. They have been able to move the ball well, and the defense has played better in years.  Forest Hills will have to make some stops, and that defense has been able to do just that.  They have only given up 5 points a game over their last four.  Justin Gdula has been leading a potent Ranger attack with 1322 yards and 14 touchdowns.  He likes to spread the field to seniors, Jared Shope and DJ Burkey. Shawn Dell and Anthony Unger team up to make a good running game, and they have shown balance, as they typically do.  This is a good Ranger team, that wants to climb up the standings.  They should win this game, but Somerset is improved.  Forest Hills will need to come out and take care of business, or the Golden Eagles can hang around.  I think the Rangers will be able to come out right away, and impose their will.
Rangers 35 Golden Eagles 7

Central Cambria (2-6) at Bedford (4-4) Friday 7:00
Well the Red Devils are coming off the upset of the year, to say the least.  The Red Devils have won two straight and would love nothing more to add another upset to their resume.  Bedford's stadium isn't known for having great turf, and that was a main component for the Red Devils' victory last week.   The offense has struggled all year long, but they were able to will two wins in the past two weeks.  Scott Bellock is the senior leader, who is a hard nosed quarterback.  He can run if he needs to.  McBreen leads the stable of backs and has had some big games when needed.  The defense has been playing very well the last two weeks, I mean they held Johnstown to one score, and forced a number of turnovers.  The field has been getting the most credit for last week's win, but hey these kids earned it, and nobody should take it away from them.   Bedford is in a must win situation.  They had a big opportunity last week to get a playoff clinching win, but they fell to the hands of Penn Cambria. Marcus Shippey's absence was not a helping cause last week, but he's back this week and thats huge.  Shippey may be the most valuable player to his team, than anyone else in the league.  He has thrown the ball extremely well this year.  Luke Campbell is one of the best receivers in the conference, and Dakota Hess and Aaron Henry have provided solid support on offense.  Central Cambria has improved each week, and Bedford has played steady all year long.  This game means more to Bedford, and they need to win.  Central Cambria will still play this year out, and try to play spoiler, but I like Bedford.  Both teams are used to the messy grass fields in late October.
Bisons 30 Red Devils 13


Cambria Heights (4-4) at Bishop McCort (5-3) Friday 7:00 Point Stadium
Cambria Heights is enjoying the most success they have had in years.  They have a chance at a .500 season, and even a winning season. To put things into perspective, Cambria Heights has exceeded their win total from the previous four seasons combined.  They have a good offense that is balanced and young.  Tyler Crawford is a bruising back that has been consistent all year with 736 yards and 7 touchdowns. Ben Myers and Devin Contorchick have combined for another 653 and 8 scores themselves.  Nathan Bearer has struggled at times replacing Caleb Vescovi, but last week against Westmont he engineered a comeback and had a game winning touchdown pass, and had his first 200 yard game of his career.  These aren't your typical Highlanders. They can play, and they are going to be tough to deal with next season.  Bishop McCort is certainly on upset alert. It does not happen very often that McCort has lost two games in a row, let alone three.  There is a possibility Friday night, that they could lose to Heights.  Injuries and depth have killed this team up front all year, but through it all, they still have their Division 1 Left Tackle in Zach Rugg.  He needs to provide leadership for these young guys up front.  Who knows about the revolving door up front, but the Crushers still have a deadly group of skilled players. Jesse Cooper leads the offensive attack with 998 yards and 11 scores.  He will spread the ball around, but Christian Leech is the main guy in the passing game.  Zach Varga, Jerqual Wilson, and Dustin Belskey form a good group of backs.  This team is dangerous with their speed, especially on their home turf. They average 36 points a game at home.  The Crusher defense has also forced 26 turnovers through 8 games.  I think Cambria Heights wants to get to that elusive .500 mark, and McCort really wants a first round bye.  The Crushers have been struggling of late, but at the end of the day, they are the better team in this game. They need to get their speed in space and take control of the game early.  I think Heights will come in with confidence and play a good game, but McCort has one too many playmakers.
Crimson Crushers 31 Highlanders 18

GAME OF THE WEEK
Penn Cambria (6-2) at Richland (7-1) Friday 7:00 Herlinger Field
Well, with two weeks left in the regular season, and a playoff bracket that isn't really close to being set, this game looms large for both squad.  Currently, Richland sits as the #2 ranked team, and Penn Cambria is in sixth place.  A win here for either team could be pivotal in seeding.  Penn Cambria eased the pain of a 24-0 loss to Forest Hills, by beating Bedford 24-0 last week. The Panthers run a no thrills offense based off the running of Jordan Fuller.  The big senior has piled up 876 yards and 5 scores.  The Panther offense has thrown the ball more than in year's past with mixed results.  Andrew Buck has had his ups and downs, but is capable of making throws when needed.  The Panther defense is solid and has pitched two shutouts this year.  They will have their hands full with the lights out offensive prowess of Richland.  The Rams put up 400 yards a game with 38 points. They can do it running or passing.  Matt Shaffer has been a great sophomore quarterback, but when called upon another sophomore in Nico Pecora can do the job. They have combined to throw 20 touchdowns.  John Rizzo is a beast, and is having a beast of a season.  He has 1145 yards and 14 touchdowns.  Luke Rozich, Tanner Solarcyzk, and Shaffer have all contributed to the rushing attack as well. After winning many shootouts early in the year, the Richland defense has only allowed 15 points in the past two weeks. The Rams are clicking and they are a serious contender for a District Crown.  I like Richland, and its hard to against them right now. They can beat you in so many ways.  
Rams 35 Panthers 13

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