8. Rockwood 1-0 at Blacklick Valley 1-0 Friday 7:00
The Scoop-Blacklick Valley will be hosting their first night game ever as they have installed a lighting system for the 2012 season. Blacklick opened up with a big 42-7 win at Meyersdale and will look to carry that momentum into week two. Rockwood opened with a non-conference game over United in week one. The kicker is that they only had 17 players dressed. Both teams were not projected very highly, but one team could get out to a big 2-0 start.
The Players-Johnny Sheesley had an outstanding week one performance with 256 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He will look to solidify himself among the WestPac elite. Rockwood's Luke Brancato also had quite the performance in the season opener. He accounted for all four Rockwood touchdowns and posted a 115 yard rushing performance along with 183 yards receiving.
The Outcome-I look for Blacklick to take this game. They have the depth that could possibly wear down Rockwood. The Sheesley-Brancato dual will be fun to watch.
7. Mt. Union 1-0 at Juniata Valley 1-0 Friday 7:00
The Scoop-Mt. Union opened 2012 with a tight 21-20 victory over Huntingdon. Mt. Union did not have the preseason hype, but used a balanced offensive attack to hang on to a week one victory. Juniata Valley lost so much from the 2012 campaign, and opened with a convincing 34-6 win.
The Players-The Juniata Valley senior running back, Brett Grissinger will be a factor in this one. He rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns in week one. Mt. Union could have a budding star on their hands. Trevon Walker is a sophomore quarterback that has plenty of promise. He made his debut by throwing for 103 yards and a tocuhdown, while rushing for another score.
The Outcome-I believe this will be a tight game. There is still plenty of question that both teams have to answer. I am going to take Mt. Union in a close game.
6. Northern Cambria 1-0 at Homer Center 1-0 Friday 7:00
The Scoop-Homer Center had a rough season in 2011, but came out and won big over Saltsburg. Northern Cambria sent shock waves throughout the district by taking down the defending champion, Penns Manor in week one. Both teams can potentially keep pace with Ligoneir for the Heritage crown.
The Players-Homer Center receiver a boost by a late transfer from Ohio. Jared Nealey did a little bit of everything in week one for Wildcats by rushing for 109 yards, intercepting a pass, and scoring three touchdowns. Jeff Hogan for Northern Cambria made a big statement by out dueling Danny Ferens last week. He threw two touchdowns and ran for two more.
The Outcome-Northern Cambria has a complete team, and Homer Center is still a young football team. The Colts could be set up for a big run and I like them in this game.
5. Bishop Guilfoyle 1-0 at Richland 1-0 Friday 7:00
The Scoop-Richland handled business in week one. The Rams played like a championship caliber team. They will look to stay atop the District Six AA race. Bishop Guilfoyle is still one of the younger teams in the Laurel Highlands, but opened up with a bang. They beat Bedford in dominating fashion, and could be a player in the single A race.
The Players-Kyle Flick could very well be the best receiver in the area. He put on a show in week one grabbing ten catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns. Bishop Guilfoyle made a quarterback switch for this year, and it paid off in week one, and it should for the future. Brandon Chadbourn could turn into a star in this league. He is a very athletic quarterback, and is bursting with potential.
The Outcome-I look for both teams to score points, but like last week I see Richland being able to turn on that second gear. I like Richland with their balanced offense.
4. Northern Bedford 1-0 at Tussey Mountain 1-0 Friday 7:00
The Scoop-This is one of the premier rivalries in District Five and the ICC. Tussey Mountain is coming off a hard fought 14-6 win over Everett. Northern Bedford also had a tough opener, but they came out on top. There will be a large crowd on hand as theses schools are not far apart, and bragging rights will be on the line.
The Players-Tyler Husick is the leading rusher for the Titans. He scored two touchdowns in week one, and will have to have a big game this week for Tussey to have a chance. Northern Bedford has so many offensive weapons, but Kyler Diehl had a great game in week one. So much is said about the Pressel brothers, but Diehl is another big threat as a receiver. He had eight catches for 184 yards and a score last week.
The Outcome-I look for the Northern Bedford Panthers to take this game. They have such good balance on offense, and with the three big receivers they will be tough to contain through the air.
3. Tyrone 0-1 at Central 1-0 Friday 7:00
The Scoop-Tyrone is coming into their week two game hungry for a win. The Golden Eagles had a tough loss to arch rival Bellwood in week one filled with missed opportunities. Central is coming off a big win over Chestnut Ridge on the road. They scored 51 points and will be looking to take a hold on the Mountain standings early. This game has developed into a nice little rivalry of late, with plenty of close games.
The Players-Tyrone has some play makers, but James Oliver looks to be the best early on. Oliver is a lightning quick back that busted out for 221 yards in week one. He will be the work horse for Tyrone all season long. Bradi Moore is an explosive back for Central. He will lead their rushing attack all season long, and will be a key in this game.
The Outcome-I like Tyrone. I saw them first hand, and I know they have the talent. A new head coach, and new key players will take time to adjust. They have the players, and I can not say enough good things about James Oliver. He is a really good running back, and I think he will carry them to a win.
2. Berlin 1-0 at Portage 1-0 Friday 7:00
The Scoop-Berlin raced to out a great start to the season. They humbled Conemaugh Township in week one. Berlin could take on the role as being the new favorites in the WestPac. Berlin can hold that title because of Portage's week one victory. Portage knocked off North Star in a game few thought they could win. This is a pivotal game for the WestPac standings. Both teams would love to get out to that 2-0 start.
The Players-Drew Glotfelty for Berlin is one of the area's best running backs. He roved that in week one by rushing for 155 yards on just 12 carries. He also scored three touchdowns and intercepted two passes. He is the heart and soul of Berlin's team.Portage Evan Price is the do it all player for Portage. He converted to quarterback and was able to have some success throwing the ball. He also rushed for a touchdown, and intercepted a pass. The senior is Portage's best player, and he is a good one.
The Outcome-I think this could be a very good contest. Portage will have to come ready to play a big time opponent for the second consecutive week. Emotions on both sides will be high, but I like the experience and talent of Berlin. Drew Glotfelty will have a big game.
1. Forest Hills 1-0 at Bishop McCort 1-0 Friday 7:00
The Scoop-With all due respect to teams like Tyrone and Bellwood-Antis, these two schools have been the two top dogs in the district since the year 2001. McCort ranks first in Championships with five, and Forest Hills has come up with four. McCort has 109 wins and Forest Hills has 106 the past eleven seasons. They are models of consistency, and they are proud programs. McCort opened with a 38-18 road victory in week one, while Forest Hills roared to a 44-0 win in week one.
The Players-Bishop McCort's Jordan Spangler caught three touchdowns in week one. He is the best athlete on the roster and will be expected to play a big role on offense this week, but also play a role on defense and in the kicking game. Spangler will be one of the busiest guys on the field Friday night. Forest Hills had a giant performance from Shawn Dell in week one. As we have seen before, if Coach Bailey sees a strength he will use it until someone scan stop it. Expect a heavy dosage of Shawn Dell.
The Outcome-I picked Forest Hills in my weekly preview, but I could see either team taking this game. Both teams appear evenly matched and do a lot of similar things. The game will come down to the battle of the trenches and what team will be able to establish the running game.
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