Bedford (1-6) at Central Cambria (1-6) Friday 7:00 Red Devil Stadium
Obviously things are not going as planned for either team this season. Both teams are suffering from some offensive woes. Bedford played Somerset tough last week, and they seemed to have gotten better as the season has progressed. Luke Campbell has made the offense more stable from his receiver position. Bedford is still a young team, and they are working for next season. They still could somehow sneak into the District 5 one game playoff, so they plenty to play for. Central Cambria on the other hand has been eliminated from the playoffs of District Six. They have struggled to score points all season long as they have just 26 points to their name through seven weeks. They have a young quarterback in Will Seymor, who is going to be a good player down the line. This game will not have a lot of big plays, but I think with Aaron Henry and Luke Campbell, Bedford will have a few more chances. I like Bedford, but I think it will be close.
Bisons 18 Red Devils 8
Westmont (1-6) at Bishop Guilfoyle (6-1) Friday 7:00 Mansion Park
Westmont has been a tale of two teams. There is the team that took down Somerset and traded touchdowns with Richland for a half, and there is the team that was blanked by Bishop McCort and Forest Hills. What team will show up on Friday? Westmont has struggled on offense. They run an offense that is very much dependent upon them controlling the battle up front, and they have not been able to do that. Sam Curry, Liam Moran, and Lukas Kleinmeyer have had to fight for all the yards they have gained this season. They will have a tough time on Friday. Bishop Guilfoyle employs a big and strong defensive front, and a defense overall that does not allow much of anything. They have four shutouts to their credit. The offense has been good, but nothing great. Pat Irwin has been filling in nicely for the sensational sophomore quarterback, Brandon Chadbourn. Cody Rossman and DJ Kitt have been running well out of the backfield. Guilfoyle is not a flashy team. They have size and make just enough plays to win the game. I just do not see Westmont being able to handle the game in the trenches.
Marauders 28 Hilltoppers 7
Johnstown (3-4) at Bishop Carroll (0-7) Friday 7:00 DeGol Field
Bishop Carroll is in the midst of a forgettable season. They are the only team in the conference yet to get one in the win column. The Huskies do not have a lot depth or experience and it shows. They will improve, but this season is one many Husky faithful would like to forget. The play of David Maruca at quarterback has been a bright spot. He will need to have a masterful game if they want to compete with the Trojans. Johnstown is going through a bit of a rough stretch as well. They are being hit hard by the injury bug, and are dealing with a patch work offensive line. The Trojans also have been missing their leading rusher, Deion Moore. They still have speed in other places, and that is what should carry them to a win this week. Kareem Gibson and Phillip Madison can take a play the distance any time they touch the ball. I expect Johnstown to take care of business this week, and I just do not see Carroll playing with them.
Trojans 35 Huskies 7
Richland (7-0) at Penn Cambria (4-3) Friday 7:00
Something is wrong here, this was supposed to be Game of the Year. Not so fast. Penn Cambria is free falling from the top to possibly out of the playoff race. The Panthers were supposed to be the league's top team, and this game was supposed to end the Richland-Penn Cambria debate for the league's best team. It was not meant to be. Penn Cambria has lost three straight, and they are in real danger of losing four. The offense has not been able to help carry the load with the defense. The lack of a true offensive identity is coming back to bite the Panthers. They still have great players in Mack Behe and Devin Lawhead, and they need this win very badly. They will need to find a way to slow down the potent Richland offense. Richland has been scoring at will this season, and have found out they have a pretty good running back. Tanner Solarczyk has been on fire the past few weeks. His 323 yard six touchdown performance against Westmont last week was one for the ages. The passing game is no joke either with Kyle Flick and Luke Shertzer forming a great receiving duo. This Richland team has it all, and they seem destined for a trip to Mansion Park in November. It is an absolute must win situation for Penn Cambria. They will be playing with a lot of passion and they will be trying to make this game, the game it was supposed to be. Still, I like Richland, as I have all season.
Rams 36 Panthers 20
Somerset (5-2) at Forest Hills (4-3) Friday 7:00 G.H. Miller Field
This is a massive game for both teams. Somerset could sure use a win to cement a role in the sub region playoff race, and beating Forest Hills would also be a big program win. Forest Hills is on the outside looking in to the playoff standings, and a AAA win would help immensely. The Rangers welcomed back sophomore quarterback, Joe Donoughe from injury last week, and he had a big impact. The passing game is in full force because Shope can return to receiver. The Rangers have their backs up against the wall, coach Bailey and the rest of the staff pulled out everything to win last week, and will continue to do the same. Forest Hills needs to win their remaining three games, and they are aware of it. A win for Somerset would ensure them of their first winning season since 2007. They could again be without all everything Tanner Stull, and that would be a huge problem. Raven Beeman filled in nicely last week in a win over Bedford, but Somerset is not the same team without Tanner Stull. This game ultimately does come down to the health of Stull. If he plays, it is a much closer game, if not Somerset could be in real trouble. I like Forest Hills either way. I think they are finding their stride at the right time.
Rangers 32 Golden Eagles 21
GAME OF THE WEEK
Bishop McCort (5-2) at Cambria Heights (5-2) Friday 7:00
This is a down right massive game. This could be the biggest game in Patton in well....forever. Cambria Heights is on the verge of a winning season for the first time in a long time. The Highlanders are sitting as the fifth seed in the AA rankings, and a win like this would be huge. It is also Bishop McCort, one of the mainstay powers in the LHAC. I would fully expect a large atmosphere on hand.
Bishop McCort is coming off two straight victories, and have battled their way into 7th place of the District Six A standings. They need to win two of their last three to make the playoffs. The Crushers have made their name this season on the play of their defense. That unit is led by senior nose guard, Gap Barbin. He leads a strong defensive front, that is only allowing 13 points per contest. The offense has been pretty good, and the passing game has been the main reason why. The conference's leading passer, Zaine Tomkowski has thrown for 1006 yards and seven touchdowns so far. The running game of Dustin Belskey, Nate James, and Wyatt Jackson has also been effective of late. Jordan Spangler's value as the team's top receiver, and top special teams weapon can not be measured. The Crushers have had two tough losses, but have played in countless big games already, and should be prepared for what is coming Friday in Patton.
Cambria Heights has a fantastic running game, and will look to control the line of scrimmage and go right at the Crushers. Tyler Crawford and Donnie Contorchick front the premier attack, and quarterback Nathan Bearer and Ben Myers also contribute solidly. Bearer has improved his passing this season, and has tossed eight touchdowns already. The Highlanders have a versatile attack, with guys that can make plays. The defense needs to step up. They have been off and on this season, but they need to be ready for Crusher passing attack. This game should really be a fantastic football game. Both teams are physical, and play similarly. I think if either team breaks some big plays here and there, that is the team that wins. I am going with Bishop McCort. I think Jordan Spangler is due for a big game.
Crimson Crushers 24 Highlanders 19
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