4. North Star (9-2) at 1. Northern Bedford (9-1) Friday 7:00 Panther Community Stadium
Northern Bedford got to rest up last week with a first round bye, but North Star was hard at work and shutout an upstart Shade team 21-0. North Star is the two time defending District Five Champions, and they do not plan on giving up their trophy without a fight. The strength of the North Star team this year has been the running game, unlike the previous few seasons. Shawn Costas and Thomas Miller have teamed up for close to 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns. The Cougars still have the best overall athlete in District Five with Tony Straiser. He has managed to grab 42 catches for 741 yards and seven touchdowns this season with rotating quarterbacks. He has found himself playing QB at times, and he is dangerous anywhere on the field.
North Star is riding a six game winning streak, but they have not been challenged too greatly. Northern Bedford will be a test for the North Star Defense. The Panthers from Northern Bedford possess a dynamic offense, and a lights out defense. Northern Bedford is the one seed for a reason. Blake Over is one of the leading passers in the area with 1,745 yards and 14 touchdowns. Over takes some gambles at times, and as a result he has 14 interceptions. The Panthers have an arsenal of tall, athletic receivers to combat Tony Straiser from North Star. Kyler Diehl has 47 catches for 750 yards and six touchdowns. Tayler and Zach Pressel are huge contributors in the passing game. The running game is led by Conner Kagraise and Caleb Ebersole. The Defense rarely allows multiple touchdowns, and the 9-1 record speaks volumes of that.
These two teams are eerily similar. They have multiple back look, the ability to pass, and a solid defense. Each team have a number of different playmakers that can keep you up at night if you are a Defensive Coordinator. The game will take place at Northern Bedford, and that is a nice advantage in the playoffs. I think this will be a tremendous game, filled with big play after big play. It could be one of those games where whoever has the ball last will win. I'll take the defending champs in this one.
Cougars 36 Panthers 32
3. Windber (9-2) at 2. Berlin-Brothersvalley (9-1) Saturday 7:00 Snyder Sports Complex
These two teams met in the regular season finale, and if the game lives up to that one, we could be in for a treat. Windber ruined Berlin's perfect regular season, and the Mounties have not forgotten about it. Berlin will have two weeks to think about that loss, and they will relish the opportunity to get the Ramblers at home this time. Berlin is led by the sensational athlete, Drew Glotfelty. He was spectacular against Windber earlier in the year posting 213 yards. His season total was just shy of 1,500 yards and he had 18 rushing touchdowns. Glotfelty is a factor in the passing game as he has caught six touchdowns as well. He is truly a do it all type player, and will be the key for the remainder of Berlin's season. Blake Miller has done a nice job at quarterback, and he rarely turns the ball over. The freshmen, Braden Fochtman, can also be a dangerous threat for coach Doug Paul. Berlin needs to find a way to slow down Windber as they posted 28 points in Week 10.
Windber fought the injury bug last week against Tussey Mountain and prevailed 34-28 winners. Windber has been a solid all around team this season, and it was not expected. They have dealt with injuries and an excellent senior class graduating to become another solid Windber football team. As always, it starts with a good running game. Dustin Blough leads the team in rushing, but is complimented by Dan Tomlinson and Trevor Neri. Devon Tomlinson was injured last week, and his status for Saturday is in doubt. Dakota Gipe has put together a solid year at quarterback, and despite an injury last week, he should be playing this week. His main guy is Matt Barkley at receiver. Barkley has 49 catches, with right going for touchdowns. The Windber defense has been known to give up some big rushing performances, and Glotfelty was one of them. They need to come in with a concerned effort to slow him down.
This should be another excellent football game. The first meeting will serve as fuel for Berlin. They will want this game, and not end the season with two losses to the same team. Windber wants to get back to the District Five Final and show the area they are still a force. Expect a huge crowd in Berlin, as this is a huge game for Somerset County. I actually like Windber is this one. I think they have enough weapons in both passing and running, and it should carry them to a victory. It will be close, and with Glotfelty running the ball, anything could happen.
Ramblers 27 Mountaineers 22
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