Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Pennsylvania High School Football Rankings: Week Ten.

AAAA

1. North Allegheny 9-0 D7  Altoona
2. St. Joe's Prep 8-0   D12   Archbishop Ryan
3. LaSalle College 8-1  D12   Roman Catholic
4. Central Dauphin 8-1 D3 Central Dauphin East
5. Downingtown East  9-0 D1  Henderson
6. Ridley 9-0 D1    Penncrest
7. Gateway 8-1 D7 Peters Township
8. Scranton 9-0 D2   @Abington Heights
9. Wilson 8-1  D3  @Warwick
10. Central Bucks South 8-1 D1 Central Bucks West
FIVE to Watch-Upper St. Clair (8-1)  Pennridge (8-1) Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-1) Easton (8-1) Delaware Valley (8-1)

AAA
1. Bishop McDevitt 9-0 D3 Palmyra
2. Cathedral Prep 9-0 D10  @General McLane
3. Thomas Jefferson 9-0 D7 Hollidaysburg
4. Pottsgrove 9-0 D1 @Phoenixville
5. West York 9-0 D3 New Oxford
6. Montour 8-1 D7  Trinity
7. Clearfield 9-0 D9  Bradford
8. Garden Spot 9-0 D3 @Pequea Valley
9. Berwick 8-1 D2  Hazelton
10. West Allegheny  8-1 D7 Ringgold
FIVE to Watch-Archbishop Wood (7-2) Central Valley (7-2) Mars (8-1) Slippery Rock (8-1) West Mifflin (8-1)

AA
1. Aliquippa 9-0 D7 Steel Valley
2. Imhotep Charter 9-0 D12 Delaware Valley Charter
3. South Fayette 9-0 D7  Freedom
4. Wyomissing 9-0 D3  Berks Catholic
5. Washington 9-0  D7 Shady Side
6. Richland  9-0   D6 @Bellwood-Antis
7. Hickory 8-1  D10  BYE WEEK
8. Berks Catholic 9-0 D3 @Wyomissing 
9. Jeannette  8-1   D7   South Allegheny
10. Bermudian Springs 9-0 D3 Biglerville
FIVE to Watch-Catasauqua (9-0) Tamaqua (9-0) Grove City (8-1) Seton LaSalle (8-1) Burrell (8-1)

A
1. Clairton 9-0 D7 Frazier
2. Southern Columbia 9-0 D2 @Warrior Run
3. Bellwood-Antis 9-0 D6 Richland
4. Old Forge 9-0 D2  @Susquehanna
5. Williams Valley 9-0 D11 East Juniata
6. Port Allegheny 9-0 D9 Brockway
7. Dunmore 8-1 D2 Riverside
8. West Middlesex 8-1 D10 @Seneca
9. Sto Rox 8-1 D7 Carmichaels
10. Tri Valley 8-1 D11 Line Mountain
FIVE to Watch-Berlin (9-0) Clarion (9-0) Penns Manor (8-1) Line Mountain (8-1) South Williamsport (8-1)

Sunday, October 28, 2012

LHAC Football Forecast Week Ten.

I posted a 4-2 record in week nine to bring my season total to 40-14. The 2012 LHAC crown has been decided, and Richland are your champions. The week ten slate features some non conference rivalries, a few LHAC teams playing each other, and some really intriguing non conference battles. The playoffs are right around the corner, and it appears six teams will be playing in the postseason, possibly seven. The week ten games will figure out the seedings, and they are important for a number of teams.


Central Cambria (2-7) at Bishop McCort (6-3) Friday 7:00 Point Stadium
Bishop McCort scored a huge win last week in defeating Bishop Guilfoyle 37-0. The Crimson Crushers secured a playoff berth, and it appears they will be locked in as the sixth seed in the District Six "A" standings. The Crushers have been up and down on the consistency scale this season, but when they are clicking, they can be very dangerous. Zaine Tomkowski is one of the leading passers in the area with 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns. His favorite targets are Jordan Spangler and Luke DiFrancesco. Spangler is a dangerous weapon in special teams as well. The Crushers have had to rely plenty on their defense this season, and the anchor of that unit is the defensive line. Gap Barbin, Lake Dorn, and Christian Roman have made it nearly impossible for teams to run it up the middle. Central Cambria will have a whale of a time trying to penetrate that defense. The Red Devils have not had much offensive success this season. The passing game of sophomore quarterback, Will Seymour has had some bright spots.  The Red Devils are a traditional power in the region, but they are undergoing some rough seasons. I do not expect this to last very long, but the 2012 season will be coming to a close Friday night, and the team has nothing to lose. They will play with heart, but the Crimson Crushers just have a few too many play makers for the Devils to stop.
Crimson Crushers 34 Red Devils 8


Bishop Carroll (1-8) at Westmont Hilltop (1-8) Saturday 1:00 Price Field
One team will be walking away with a two win season after Saturday's game. Both teams in this game feature first year head coaches with very young teams. Bishop Carroll only features two seniors on the roster, and this could be considered a bit of a rebuilding season for Coach Greg Snyder. David Maruca as a first year starting quarterback has played well at times, and keeps the threat of a pass for the Huskies. Marty Lessard and Dan Lesney teamed up to form a good 1-2 punch in the running game. The defense has been suspect though, and they need to turn in a good effort on Saturday. Wesmont brought in alumnus, Pat Barron to coach the squad. Barron is an upbeat coach that will find success at his Alma Mater down the line. The Hilltopers offense is led by two juniors, in Liam Moran and Sam Curry. Moran is a dual threat quarterback, while Curry is a good running back. The Hilltoppers have had trouble finishing drives this season, as they only average 13 points per game. Westmont has been competitive in a number of games, but just can not seem to finish games. I think Saturday the Hilltoppers will finish a game. 
Hilltoppers 26 Huskies 14

Somerset (5-4) at Penn Cambria (5-4) Friday 7:00
This game features two teams that had such promising starts to the season, but since the calender turned to October, neither team has found much success. Still this could be a season defining win for both teams. Penn Cambria needs a win to secure a playoff spot. After a 4-0 start, and a four game losing streak, the Panthers took care of business against Westmont last week. The week was an eventful one with abrupt resignation of Head Coach, Ernie Fetzer. The Panthers must press on, and with a strong group of seniors leading the way, the Panthers should be fine. Penn Cambria has a running back by committee operation,and they have combined for over 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground. The strength of this team was to be the defense, led by Mack Behe and Devin Lawhead. For the most part they have played well, and they will need to play especially well facing off one of the league's premier offensive players. Somerset also had an up and down type season. Tanner Stull in only a junior, but has been one of the most effective quarterbacks in the league for two seasons. Stull has tossed 11 touchdowns, while running for another six. He has battled some injuries, but remains one of the league's elite players. The Golden Eagles will be looking to end a two game losing streak, and make the Districts 5,6,8,9 sub regional playoffs. This game is truly a toss up, but with the pending weather ahead, the field conditions will suit Penn Cambria more. The Panthers' rushing attack should thrive, and the Somerset spread may struggle in the tough conditions.
Panthers 22 Golden Eagles 14 

Tyrone (6-3) at Johnstown (3-6) Friday 7:00 Trojan Stadium
These two teams were two of the premier teams in the area the past few seasons, but have taken a step back here in 2012. The Tyrone Golden Eagles are coming off a 14-2 State Runner up season. They lost longtime coach, John Franco to Altoona High School. His son Steve was the star quarterback and moved on to division one Akron. The Golden Eagles looked like they may be in trouble this season starting out with two losses to rivals Bellwood-Antis and Central, but have won six of seven. Tyrone rides the shoulders of its junior superstar running back, James Oliver.  Oliver is in the top ten of the state in rushing and scoring with 1,575 yards and 25 touchdowns. Tyrone has a strong defense, and that could be trouble for the young and injury ridden Trojans. This will mark only the second time Johnstown will have a losing season since joining the Laurel Highlands. They have had to use a number of quarterbacks and linemen, and the injury bug has not been kind to the Trojans.  Johnstown has found some budding young stars that should fuel some runs in the future. Kareem Gibson, Terrell Jones, Jayvon Braxton,and the injured Deion Moore all appear to be ready to take Johnstown to the next level next season, but the injuries are holding them back this season. Tyrone is a good experience team, and I'll be going with them.
Golden Eagles 31 Trojans 18

Bedford (2-7) at Chestnut Ridge (4-5) Friday 7:00
This is one of the best rivalries in the Districts Five and Six region. Both teams compete in the three team District Five AA field. The one game playoff already is set with Chestnut Ridge and Everett, but Bedford would love nothing more than to get a win over their arch rival to end the 2012 campaign. Bedford has had a very stagnant offense this season, only mustering 13 offensive touchdowns. Bedford found some success last week by inserting freshmen Austin Montgomery into the lineup. That move allowed Aaron Henry to go back to a more comfortable role as a running back. The move paid off as Bedford was able to take down Bishop Carroll. The Bedford defense has had its troubles this season, but have been able to keep things close in recent weeks. Chestnut Ridge plays an independent schedule, and it has taken them all over the place. The Lions have fared well, all things considered. They are led by a pretty good quarterback in Beau Bosch. Ridge's season will be extended, and they could take it light this week. I just do not see that happening, because of the rivalry factor. This is a game you do not want to lose because of bragging rights. I am taking Ridge to get them back to .500 before the playoffs begin.
Lions 27 Bisons 20

Cambria Heights (7-2) at Northern Cambria (6-3) Friday 7:00
This is a big time local rivalry. This will be the first time in a long time, both teams enter with a winning record. Northern Cambria needs a win to secure a playoff berth. The Colts have engineered some impressive wins this season, and will need to pull off a big upset Friday. The Colts have a nice balanced offense featuring Jeff Hogan at quarterback, Nate Zacheskey and Dartagnan Suchar at Running Back, and Adam Polites and Derek Bearer at Wide Receiver. The Colts have 30 offensive touchdowns this season, being equally as effective with the pass and the run. The defense is coming off giving up 36 points to a strong Ligonier Valley running game, and the Heights will look to have a similar gameplan. The Highlanders are led by senior workhorse, Tyler Crawford. Crawford has 15 rushing touchdowns this season, fronting a rushing attack that is approaching 2,000 yards as a team. Nathan Bearer has made improvements to make the passing attack solid as well. The Highlanders are going through their best season since the late 90's, and they have a legitimate chance to make it to the District Finals. A win could land them the two seed, and I do not see Cambria Heights squandering that opportunity. 
Highlanders 34 Colts 20



Philipsburg-Osceola (0-9) at Forest Hills (6-3) Friday 7:00 G.H. Miller Field
Not a whole lot you can say about this game. Philipsburg-Osceola is tied for lats in the AA standings, as they have failed to win a game this season. Every team they have played this season has scored at least 27 points, and the most the Mounties have posted is 20 points, and that came in a 74-20 loss to Central Martinsburg. The Forest Hills Rangers have really stepped it up after some tough losses, and they find themselves in the playoffs again. The Rangers are riding a four game winning streak,and a lot can be attributed to the return of sophomore quarterback, Joe Donoughe. He is so important to this team, and allows a guy like Jared Shope to line up elsewhere. Don Bailey has his team playing very well, and that is just what you would want heading into the playoffs.
Rangers 35 Mounties 0


GAME OF THE WEEK
Richland (9-0) at Bellwood-Antis (9-0) Friday 7:00
The week ten match up between the Rams and Blue Devils may not just be game of the week, but perhaps the game of the year. Both teams enter with a spotless record, and the champions of their respective conferences. Bellwood-Antis has answered every challenge they have seen this year,  but this will be their biggest yet. Bellwood brings a formidable offensive attack led by junior Casey Gray. Gray has rushed for 1,194 and 19 touchdowns this season. Haden Degennaro and Tyler Camobell have had success as secondary backs, and quarterback Seth Worthing is a dangerous runner himself. Worthing is not a great passing threat, but you have to respect his abilities. He rarely makes mistakes, much like the whole Blue Devil squad. Bellwood-Antis Head Coach, John Hayes is one of legendary coaches this area has to offer. His teams are always well coached, and well prepared. Brandon Bailey is turning out to be a pretty good coach himself, and this is the best team he has ever had. The Rams seem to be the complete package. Tanner Solarczyk leads a strong running game with 1,382 yards and 21 touchdowns. The passing game has been good also, with Matt Shaffer and Nico Pecora making plenty of big throws. Kyle Flick is one of the more dynamic receivers in the area, and Luke Shertzer is a good secondary options. The Richland defense has been the unsung hero. This will be a fantastic game pitting two well coached and talented teams. I believe Richland has more size and speed, and they are the better teams, but Bellwood-Antis will be playing at home, and they are a proud small town. The Bellwood players will be fired up, and they will make this thing close, but Richland should prevail. 
Rams 28 Blue Devils 23

Monday, October 22, 2012

Pennsylvania High School Football Rankings Week Nine.


AAAA

Gateway star Montae Nicholson


1. North Allegheny 8-0 D7  North Hills
2. St Joe’s Prep 7-0 D12 Archbishop Ryan  
3. Easton 8-0 D11 @Whitehall
4. LaSalle College 7-1 D12 West Catholic
5.  Central Dauphin 7-1 D3 Carlisle
6. Downingtown East 8-0 D1 @ East
7. Ridley 8-0 D1 Upper Darby
8.  Gateway 7-1 D7 @McKeesport
9.  Penn Manor 8-0 D3 Wilson
10. Scranton 8-0 D@ Wallenpaupack Area
5 to Watch-Wilson (7-0) C.B. South (7-1) Upper St. Clair (7-1) Mt. Lebanon (7-1) Plymouth Whitemarsh (7-1)

AAA

Erie Cathedral Prep Athlete Delton Williams


1. Bishop McDevitt 8-0 D3 Cedar Cliff
2. Cathedral Prep 8-0 D10 Erie East
3. Thomas Jefferson 7-0 D7 West Mifflin
4. Pottsgrove 7-0 D1 Perkiomen Valley
5. Central Valley 7-1 D7 @Beaver Falls
6. West York 8-0 D2 @Northeastern
7. Montour 7-1 D7 Moon
8. Clearfield 8-0 D9 Philipsburg-Osceola
9. Garden Spot 8-0 D3 @Columbia
10. Berwick 7-1 D2 James M. Coughlin
5 to Watch-West Mifflin (8-0) West Allegheny (7-1) Simon Gratz (8-0) Abington Heights (7-1) Interboro (7-1)


AA



South Fayette Wide Receiver Zach Challingsworth


1. Aliquippa 8-0 D7 Beaver
2.  Imhotep Charter 8-0 D12 Communications Tech
3.  South Fayette 8-0 D7 South Allegheny
4. Wyomissing 8-0 D3 Schuylkill Valley
5.  Washington 8-0 D7 Waynesburg Central
6. Richland 8-0 D6 Central Cambria
7. Hickory 7-1 D10 Reynolds
8. Beaver 8-0 D7 @ Aliquippa
9.  Berks Catholic 7-0 D3 Kutztown
10.  Jeannette 7-1 D7 Greensburg Central Catholic
5 to Watch- Bermudian Springs (8-0) Grove City (7-1) Tamaqua (8-0) Trinity (7-1) Seton LaSalle (7-1)


A
Clairton


1. Clairton 8-0 D7 Imani Christian
2.  Southern Columbia 8-0 D2 Central Columbia
3.  Rochester 8-0 D7 Sto Rox
4. Bellwood-Antis 8-0 D6 Glendale
5. Old Forge 8-0 D2 Holy Cross
6. Williams Valley 8-0 D11 @Newport
7. Port Allegheny 8-0 D9 Brockway
8. Dunmore 7-1 D2 Mid Valley
9. Bishop Guilfoyle 7-1 D6 @Bishop McCort
10. West Middlesex 7-1 D10 @Lakeview
5 to Watch-Berlin Brothersvalley (8-0) Tri Valley (7-1) Brockway (8-0) Penns Manor (7-1) South Williamsport (7-1)



Sunday, October 21, 2012

LHAC Football Forecast Week Nine.

I was only able to muster a .500 record last week, and my eight week total is now 36-12. It is now week nine and playoffs are very much on the horizon. I must give Richland a BIG congratulations on winning their first LHAC crown. It is well deserved, and there is no doubt they are the best team in this conference. There were some mild upsets last week, and Bishop Carroll finally gets one in the win column. This is a big week for Bishop McCort, Forest Hills, and Penn Cambria. They are on the edge of the playoffs and a win would help out in a big way.

Bishop Carroll (1-7) at Bedford (1-7) Friday 7:00
As it appeared Bedford may have finally had some things figured out, they go and lose to Central Cambria by three touchdowns. The offense has had its troubles all year, and it continued last week. Luke Campbell is a big time play maker, but the passing game has not been clicking. Bedford is out of the District 5 one game playoff, as Everett and Chestnut Ridge have four wins apiece. Bedford still has pride to play for, and they can gain some momentum heading into the off season. Bishop Carroll is coming off their first win of the season, one that was not expected. Carroll is young and under manned, but found a way to beat Johnstown. The running game was effective last week headed by Dan Lesney who posted 110 yards. This game does not affect the playoffs much at all. Still, it is a valuable game for the underclassmen. I think Carroll found some confidence last week, and I think it will continue into this week.
Huskies 18 Bisons 12


Central Cambria (2-6) at Richland (8-0) Friday 7:00 Herlinger Field
(Photo-Tribune Democrat)
Richland clinched their first LHAC title last week, and will look to make it a perfect 9-0 this week. Richland has used a complete balanced attack on offense all season long. The great running of Tanner Solarczyk has really been on display recently. The passing game of Matt Shaffer and Nico Pecora has been excellent. That defense has been great as well, led by Ben Verhovsek and company has been stellar as well. Richland has athletes at every level of the team. They have size and speed, and it is clear they are the best team in the league. Central Cambria will have their hands full in this game, but do not forget they have pulled a massive upset the past two seasons against the league champion. Could they do it three years in a row? It will take a massive defensive effort to slow down the talented Richland offense. Central Cambria's offense has found very little success this season, but Will Seymour has made some plays in the passing game. I just do not see how Central Cambria can take down Richland, they just simply do not have the fire power.
Rams 38 Red Devils 8


Forest Hills (5-3) at Johnstown (3-5) Friday 7:00 Trojan Stadium
The injury bug has taken its toll on just about every football in the country, but its is incredibly evident with the Johnstown Trojans. The Trojans are young to begin with, but take away senior linemnen, and the team's leading rusher, and you have problems. Johnstown has talent, but they just have not been able to put it together, and keep it healthy. Johnstown has shuffled through four different quarterbacks, and Wuanyai Mayo has been the main man the past few weeks. His top guys to get the ball to are Kareem Gibson and Phillip Madison. These guys can make you miss in space, and remain ever dangerous. Forest Hills has also seen the injury bug. Jared Shope has battled a bad knee all year long, and his status is up in the air. Joe Donoughe is an elusive quarterback, and is extremely valuable to this offense. The Rangers turned their season around very quickly in the past few weeks, and a big win over Johnstown should cement a spot in the playoffs. The way Johnstown is playing is not too encouraging, but they will be ready to play op Friday. I just think the way Forest Hills is playing, I have to take them.
Rangers 24 Trojans 13

Penn Cambria (4-4) at Westmont (1-7) Saturday 1:00 Price Field
Four straight losses. I do not think anyone saw that one coming. Penn Cambria sits on the outside looking into the playoff picture. They need a win in the worst way, and I expect them to play better this week. The running game of Tyler Janosik and Devin Lawhead needs to have a big day. The Panthers' defense has all the talent in the world, and they just need to get some confidence back. Westmont's offense has had m,ajor troubles this season, and will need a big performance this week. Westmont has no playoff hopes, but could still try and gain momentem for next season. I am looking for Westmont to give Sam Curry a steady dose of carries, and try to ride him to a victory. It comes down to one thing really, and that would be the heart of Penn Cambria. Has this team quit after this rough spell, or are they willing to gut it out and get to the playoffs? The afternoon kick can be tricky, but I think Penn Cambria has too much pride to lose five straight.
Panthers 27 Hilltoppers 14


Bishop Guilfoyle (7-1) at Bishop McCort (5-3) Friday 7:00 Point Stadium
Luke DiFrancesco
Bishop McCort is coming off another tough, close loss on the road. The Crushers have lost three games by a total of 11 points. They will return home to Point Stadium, hoping for a change of luck. The offense last week only mustered one score, as two special teams touchdowns carried the team. The McCort defense has outstanding all season long, and they need to continue that. The offense has the numbers in every category, except scoring. Luke DiFrancesco has been turning into a real weapon for the Crushers, and I expect him to see the ball quite a bit. This game will be won up front, as both teams are built very similarly. Guilfoyle also employs a strong defense, and an OK offense. Pat Irwin has been playing very well as a replacement to Brandon Chadbourn. Cody Rossman has been tough running the ball of late. These two teams are legitimate district title contenders, and could see each other again. McCort is not in the playoffs by any stretch, but all things point to them having a good chance of making the field. A win would lock McCort in, and a Guilfoyle win could keep them in the race for the top seed. This should be a good game at the Point. I look for Guilfoyle's defense to make a few more plays to win the game.
Marauders 23 Crimson Crushers 17




GAME OF THE WEEK
Cambria Heights (6-2) at Somerset (5-3) Friday 7:00
If you were to tell a local football fan that has been out of the area for a few years that Somerset-Cambria Heights was the game of the week, they probably would not believe it. Often these two teams find themselves towards the bottom half of the league, but two groups of dedicated players turned things around. The senior class of Cambria Heights has gotten the school a winning record for the first time in years, and all things are pointing to a playoff berth as well. 
        The Cambria Heights offense is led by a lethal rushing attack. Tyler Crawford has 740 yards and 13 touchdowns. Donnie Contorchick and Nathan Bearer have also been threats to run the ball. Bearer's passing game has gotten much better. His favorite receiver is Andrew Brawley. Brawley is coming off a big game against McCort. He was able to take a touchdown back, and his speed makes him very dangerous. The Heights offense has it all, and the defense has done its job as well. Heights is a very dangerous team, and they are a team the top teams in AA would like to avoid. 
         Somerset is also going through a bit of a revival. They have not had much success in recent history, but junior quarterback, Tanner Stull has led the team to relevancy. Somerset has not played well in recent weeks. Stull missed time with an injury, and he still may not be 100%. He is still a big play threat, and his presence makes Somerset better. The running game of Faulkner and Boyer has been good, and Stull plays a factor in that as well. The passing game has been solid too. The defense has been up and down all season long. They gave up 47 to a good Richland team, and that may have started this downward spiral a bit. The Golden Eagles are still looking good to make the sub regional playoffs for AAA, but a win would help assure things.
             I look for this to be a highly competitive game, but maybe mistake filled. These teams are not always playing in these big games, and that is often when turnovers and penalties play a role. Somerset has a good team, but they have been going the wrong way lately. They have won some big games, but they have some head scratching losses as well. Cambria Heights is clicking just at the right time. Heights is on a five game winning streak with wins over LHAC powers Penn Cambria, Forest Hills, and Bishop McCort to their name. I like the way this team is playing, and the confidence they possess at this point. I am going with the Highlanders in this big showdown.
Highlanders 28 Golden Eagles 20

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

ICC Week 8 Showdown: Bellwood-Antis at Northern Bedford

            This game does not come around very often, in fact, the last meeting between these two teams took place in 1990. The 2012 edition will be as big as ever. Bellwood-Antis is 7-0 ranked first in the District VI standings, and appear well on their way to another fantastic post season run. Northern Bedford quietly has put together a 7-0 record, and find themselves atop the District V rankings through seven weeks. This game will determine the 2012 ICC Crown, and could set the bragging rights for perhaps another 22 years.
   

Casey Gray (Picture courtesy of Altoona Mirror)
 Bellwood-Antis will bring a formidable offensive attack into the Friday night showdown in Loysburg. The Blue Devils will rely heavily on junior superstar, Casey Gray. Gray is a key in the running and passing game, and also serves as a good back line defender. He has excelled as the team's featured offensive weapon, and will likely need to have a good statistical day for the Blue Devils to take this victory. Coach John Hayes has more weapons than just Casey Gray. Senior quarterback Seth Worthing is a big part of the Blue Devils' offense. He has not thrown the ball well in recent weeks, but has shown those kind of capabilities.He also runs well, and could be troublesome for the defense to contain. Haden Dagennaro and Tyler Campbell are also nice threats to run the ball on offense. Bellwood would obviously like to dominate the trenches as they have put up 26 touchdowns on the ground as a team.
         

Kyler Diehl (picture courtesy of Altoona Mirror)
The Blue Devils opened the year with a massive win over rival, Tyrone. Since that game they have seemed to just coast through the other games with relative ease, aside from the shootout victory over Juniata Valley in week four. The ICC has been Bellwood's conference over the past decade. They often come into big showdowns, and pass with flying colors. Could this be the year that a team knocks off the mighty Blue Devils?  The Northern Bedford Panthers would like to think so. The Panthers are led by a lights out defense, and a good passing attack. Northern Bedford's defense has the numbers to back up that "light out" description. The Panthers have 23 sacks as a team led by six apiece by Drew Gartland and Zach Pressel. They also have 14 takeaways and are surrendering just seven points per game. That will be big in a game against a versatile offense in Bellwood.  Coach Jeff Batzel also has a pretty impressive offense he can turn to. Blake Over is just a first year starting quarterback, but has thrown for 1500 yards and 12 touchdowns. He spreads the wealth around to three different receivers. Kyler Diehl leads the way with 35 catches, while Taylor Pressel has 26, and brother Zach has 21. The running game led by seniors, Caleb Ebersole and Conner Kagraise has been effective, and keeps defenses honest.
             



 This game really does match two great football teams. Both teams could very well be the champions of their respective districts when it is all said and done. The winner of this game would also have a conference title to their resume. The game is big for both sides, but you have to imagine this means a whole lot to Northern Bedford. Bellwood-Antis is used to playing in these massive games. Northern Bedford is not always there, but they get the opportunity to take down a top ten team in the state at home, with the conference on the line, does it get any better?

My Take-I think this comes down to one thing in particular, the great defense of Northern Bedford. I really like what kind of numbers and results they are putting together. I am going to take what some might call the underdog. Bellwood-Antis has all outside notoriety  They are ranked in the state's top ten, and they have quite a reputation throughout Districts five and six. Northern Bedford has a good program, but a win like this would put them on the map. Give me the Panthers.



Monday, October 15, 2012

Pennsylvania High School Football Rankings Week Eight

AAAA

Central Dauphin star Zayd Issah

1. North Allegheny 7-0 D7  @Shaler
2. St Joe’s Prep 6-0 D12 @ Father Judge  
3. Easton 7-0 D11 Liberty
4. LaSalle College 6-1 D12 Roman Catholic
5.  Central Dauphin 6-1 D3 Cumberland Valley
6. Downingtown East 7-0 D1 Downingtown West
7. Ridley 7-0 D1 Springfield
8.  Gateway 6-1 D7 @Penn Trafford
9.  Penn Manor 7-0 D3 @Warwick
10. Delaware Valley 7-0 D2 Scranton
5 to Watch-Scranton (7-0) C.B. South (6-1) Upper St. Clair (6-1) Mt. Lebanon (6-1) Plymouth Whitemarsh (6-1)
AAA
Montour Athlete Devin Wilson
  

1. Bishop McDevitt 7-0 D3 Red Land
2. Cathedral Prep 7-0 D10 Central Tech
3. Montour 7-0 D7 West Allegheny
4. Thomas Jefferson 7-0 D7 @Uniontown
5. Pottsgrove 7-0 D1 @Pottstown
6. Central Valley 6-1 D7 Ambridge
7. West York 7-0 D2 @Kennard-Dale
8. Clearfield 7-0 D9 @ Bald Eagle
9. Garden Spot 7-0 D3 Northern Lebanon
10. Berwick 6-1 D2 @Pittston
5 to Watch-West Mifflin (7-0) Franklin Regional (7-0) Bangor (6-1) Red Land (6-1) Warren (6-1)

 AA 
Wyomissing Star Alex Anzalone

1. Aliquippa 7-0 D7 Beaver Falls
2.  Imhotep Charter 7-0 D12  @Prep Charter
3.  South Fayette 7-0 D7 @South Park
4. Wyomissing 7-0 D3 @Hamburg
5.  Washington 7-0 D7 @Freeport
6. Richland 7-0 D6 @Penn Cambria
7. Hickory 6-1 D10 @Saegertown
8. Beaver 7-0 D7 @ Mohawk
9.  Berks Catholic 7-0 D3 @Fleetwood
10.  Jeannette 6-1 D7 @Waynesburg Central
5 to Watch- Bermudian Springs (7-0) Grove City (6-1) Tamaqua (7-0) Trinity (6-1) Seton LaSalle (6-1)


A


Port Allegheny Gunslimger Matt Bodamer 


1. Clairton 7-0 D7 Serra Catholic
2.  Southern Columbia 7-0 D2 Shamokin
3.  Rochester 7-0 D7 Our Lady of Sacred Heart
4. Bellwood-Antis 7-0 D6 @Northern Bedford
5. Old Forge 7-0 D2 Carbondale
6. Williams Valley 7-0 D11 Juniata
7. Port Allegheny 7-0 D9 Cameron County
8. Dunmore 6-1 D2 Western Wayne
9. Bishop Guilfoyle 6-1 D6 Westmont Hilltop
10. West Middlesex 6-1 D10 Kennedy Catholic
5 to Watch-Berlin Brothersvalley (7-0) Northern Bedford (7-0) Sto Rox (6-1) Clarion (7-0) Line Mountain (6-1)