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Welcome to the official forum on high school football for the 2025 season.
During the off-season let’s talk about players, recruiting news, teams, and everything about high school football.
During the season each week let’s talk about match-ups and how teams did. Let us know what player(s) stood out each week.
1,631 Responses
D2 Notes
1A
– Trail took down Nativity in the 1A Semis, 47-20, which is no surprise. Nativity couldn’t figure out the Wing-T
– That means they’ll face Tri-Valley, who shutout Marian.
– Next week will be a fun game. The winner of this has a legitimate chance to make the Eastern Semis. I think Trail has a better chance than T-V, but that’s just me.
2A
– I was right on the upset. Dunmore avenged a midseason loss, dominating Susquehanna in the first half, but winning (on the road), 47-34.
– Riverside rebounded nicely, beating Lakeland, 36-7. They’ll face Dunmore, who they beat in Week 1 (& will be a rematch in Week 1 again next year).
3A
– All status quo with Prep, Wyo Area, & Mid Valley.
– Western Wayne, however, escaped an upset bid & are limping into the semis, winning 7-0 over Berwick. Sean Owens became the difference maker on both sides of the football.
– Scranton Prep hosts Mid Valley, while Western Wayne hosts Wyoming Area. Both are rematches of games from earlier this season.
4A
– Dallas dominated Honesdale, 48-14. It wasn’t close.
– Valley View scored two second half TDs to defeat Crestwood, 21-14.
– This will be a rematch of last year’s 4A final.
5A: Neither game was close. Rematch of DV/Abington Heights next week.
6A
– Wilkes-Barre made easy work of Scranton, 35-7.
– Jamel Bailey was the difference maker for Williamsport, pulling off a 15-6 victory over Hazleton.
–
EC: None of these games were close. Congrats to Old Forge, Tamaqua, North Pocono, & Muhlenberg on their season-ending wins.
No changes to predictions & no changes to state pathways. However, I feel the winner of the 5A bracket in D2 will have a better chance against Hollidaysburg/DuBois, but that isn’t an easy task.
@ D two you do a lot of research What can you tell me about this?Pope john paul that valley view will be playing this week
PJP, is a well coached team with good speed at the skill positions. QB has thrown for over two thousands yds,their top player is wr/db who is a Villanova commit do it all type player who never comes off the field. The other wr is also quick and has been playing well. The running game has improved greatly over the course of the season. Up front they are led by two seniors who have played since their freshmen yr. They have decent size but their strength is their quickness. Schedule wise they beat 6a Perk Valley for league title, took 5a semi finalist West Chester Rustin to final seconds,that is their one loss.
Can I get a scouting report on Valley View, they will be playing PJP next week,PJP has been playing it’s best football the last several weeks and so far have overcome a few key losses to the transfere rule. That could come into play more as the competition continues to get tougher.
Irish Valley View is basically a power running game.
They have a decent sized offensive. Mine and I’ve got a 225 pound. Full back at 215 pounds quarterback, who handle most of the running. They also have a small tail back. Who runs a legitimate 43 defensively? If there’s a weakness with the tackles inside the middle linebacker is an Allstate player and I’m very strong. Secondary their biggest Achilles penalties penalties. They can get very undisciplined and really make some stupid mistakes.If they keep the mistakes down and don’t beat themselvesthey can be a formidable Opponent Look at them the thing that I like being a valley Is you fan Every.
Game besides the first , they found a way to win
Playoff Predictions. Somehow I’m able to post this. The forum page has been very buggy lately, where it does not respond, nor is usable on mobile. If only we had the reply part at the top again. I don’t know if it’s my long posts, the redesign of the forum page, or just my internet out in D2 country, but I’ve had a few issues trying to navigate this last week or so.
Anywho, D2 Picks: The common theme is crossovers in 3A to 6A. I’ll put up Small Schools tonight or tomorrow & Big Schools the following day, plus any interesting Non-PIAA showdowns.
1A
– #4 Nativity vs. #1 Lackawanna Trail: This might be the best overall game on the D2 playoff ledger. Steve Jervis & his Lions squad will give Nativity a taste of their Wing-T offense. The Green Wave will give it their all, but they’ll give the winner below a taste of the district title.
– #3 Marian vs. #2 Tri-Valley: Tri-Valley & Marian are coming in on opposite momentum wavelengths. Tri-Valley is coming off of two tough losses. Marian has come into the playoffs on a winning streak, which knocked out Old Forge. This is essentially for the District 11 1A championship, barring an upset. This is one of a few rematches in the District 2 brackets that we’re guaranteed to get this week.
2A
– #4 Lakeland vs. #1 Riverside: Speaking of rematches, this was a one-sided rematch from way back into Week 1. Riverside is coming off a tough loss to Trail, but they need to make sure it doesn’t linger into this week. It should be a cakewalk.
– #3 Dunmore vs. #2 Susquehanna: It’ll be a long bus ride, but Susquehanna is hosting their first home playoff game in ages against a Dunmore team that’s been on the up & up since the rematch in Week 4. It will come down to if Susquehanna is ready for the challenge. I’m not sure if the inexperience in the playoffs will be overcome. Give me Dunmore to get revenge, in a close affair.
3A
– #8 Tunkhannock vs. #1 Scranton Prep: Prep. Sharpie. Not much to take here. Tunkhannock just gets the test of playing a local power.
– #5 Lake-Lehman vs. #4 Mid Valley: Game of the Week #2 in the brackets. Lake-Lehman is no slouch. They gave Berwick, who played Mid Valley, a great fight & upset them. Mid Valley had an upset in Week 9, but rolled past Lakeland to share the LFC 2 crown. Mid Valley is going to be a sleeper, but it won’t be a true threat.
– #7 Berwick vs. #2 Western Wayne: This is one of the most surprising first round matchups, when we’re talking about seedings. Berwick should be a #5, but they didn’t have a good season. Western Wayne needs to keep up their momentum & not overlook a potential date with Wyoming Area.
– #6 Carbondale vs. #3 Wyoming Area: Carbondale is the story of the year. A perennial weak program in the last decade has their first winning season in a minute. Their biggest test will be against Wyoming Area. I don’t see an upset, but it’ll be exciting to see Carbondale play a former state champion in the first round. They gave Dunmore a good fight.
4A
– #4 Crestwood vs. #1 Valley View: A rematch of Week 2, but with teams on different wavelenghts. Valley View took this the last time, but Crestwood doesn’t have Shedlock. Big difference. It’ll not change the outcome. They’ll sweep the season series.
– #3 Honesdale vs. #2 Dallas: Remember when Honesdale had the best offense in the LFC? Well, they’re still a good team, but they’re going to have their hands full against Dallas. Expect a rematch in the district final.
5A
– #4 Wyoming Valley West vs. #1 Abington Heights: Abington Heights. Sharpie. Valley West should not be in the playoffs.
– #3 Pittston vs. #2 Delaware Valley: DV should roll past Pittston.
6A
– #4 Scranton vs. #1 Wilkes-Barre: Wilkes-Barre’s looked hit or miss all year. Scranton had such a hot start, but faded. This is not a remaatch, which is surprising. Give me the Pack!
– #3 Hazleton vs. #2 Williamsport: Billtown hosts a home playoff game after a nice Week 10 victory. The winner of this could get a rematch with Wilkes-Barre. Give me WBA as the D-2 champ & a rematch of that Week 10 game next week.
EC Games
– Holy Cross vs. Old Forge (1A/2A): All of the D-II/XI teams will play this weekend. This is a rematch of a few weeks ago, but Old Forge should take this. The difference between the Blue Devils & Crusaders is miles apart.
– Pequea Valley vs. Tamaqua (3A): This is a matchup that probably has never happened in any sport. If you’ve paid attention, Pequea Valley & Tamaqua have had recent struggles, but had parts of the season where they were up towards the top of their class power ratings. The Braves played a weaker non-league schedule. Tamaqua’s lost three straight over good opponents & were a 1-seed. Tamaqua is an infinitely better team than PV. They should control this.
– Hamburg vs. North Pocono (4A): North Pocono has put the scare into every opponent they’ve faced since the weak schedule to open the year. Hamburg has something in common with the Trojans. They started off hot & looked like a lock for the D3 playoffs. Not this year. Give me North Pocono, but I don’t think it’ll be close.
– Muhlenberg vs. Allen (5A/6A): You had one job, Dieruff! All joking aside, we get an Allentown vs. Reading showdown in the big school game. I don’t see this being close, but I’ll give it a close final score prediction for the sake of it.
Scores
– Trail 35, Nativity 18
– T-V 32, Marian 14
– Riverside 41, Lakeland 8
– Dunmore 26, Susq. 20
– Prep 63, Tunk 0
– MV 28, L-L 20
– WW 38, Berwick 21
– Wyo Area 38, C’dale 7
– VV 30, Crestwood 13
– Dallas 36, Honesdale 16
– AH 49, WVW 7
– DV 38, Pittston 12
– WBA 29, Scranton 14
– Billtown 24, Hazleton 20
– OF 42, Holy Cross 7
– Tamaqua 48, Pequea 6
– N Pocono 31, Hamburg 10
– Muhlenberg 28, Allen 14
Predicting D2 Champs: Sleeper In Parentheses
– 1A D-II/XI: Lack. Trail over Tri-Valley (Nativity)
– 2A: Riverside over Dunmore (Susquehanna)
– 3A: Scranton Prep over Western Wayne (Wyoming Area)
– 4A: Valley View over Dallas (Crestwood)
– 5A: DV over Abington Heights (Pittston)
– 6A: Wilkes-Barre over Scranton (Hazleton)
Best Chance To Make State Final In Hershey
1. 1A Champ: It’s only a matter of if Trail can get past the Westinghouse/Bishop Guilfoyle winner to make the final. Muncy/Line Mtn., D-I/III/XII might be cakewalks.
2. 2A Champ: Riverside, if they win districts, has a pretty straightforward path until they run into Troy (or 2023 Kansas City…I mean, Southern Columbia).
3. 3A Champ: Scranton Prep or Western Wayne (maybe Wyo Area) will have to get Neumann-Goretti (or even Conwell-Egan)-Northwestern Lehigh or Danville. This isn’t ideal, but we know what happened last year. What’s to say it can’t happen again?
4. 4A Champ: Valley View or Dallas has to play PJP, then Bonner. Good luck. It isn’t unreasonable, but I like the matchup. It just feels more challenging this year than last.
5. 5A Champ: Let’s face it. You’re playing ECP, most likely. If DV advances & it’s Hollidaysburg that’s the opponent, it’s a better game. Roman, Strath, Chester, Springfield Delco, Rustin & Garnet Valley aren’t the best opponents for a District 2 champ.
6. 6A Champ: I think the champion here will have a difficult time vs. State College or McDowell.
Mechanicsburg, not Hershey, of course!
District Champs Non-D2: Sleeper In Parentheses
1A
– D-IV: Line Mountain over Muncy (Canton)
– D-I/III/XII: Morrisville over Delone (Belmont)
– D-V/VIII: Westinghouse over Windber (North Star)
– D-VI: Bishop Guilfoyle over Northern Cambria (Claysburg-Kimmel)
– D-IX: Port Allegany over Redbank (Union/A-C)
– D-X: Wilmington over Cambridge Springs (Reynolds)
– WPIAL: Clairton over Fort Cherry (Bishop Canevin)
Predictions
District 4
– #1 Muncy 33, #4 Canton 20
– #2 Line Mtn. 34, #3 Montgomery 26
District 1/3/12
– D-1 Final: #1 Morrisville 46, #2 J’Town 22
– Belmont Charter: BYE
– #2 York Cath. vs. #1 Delone Cath.: BYE
District 5/8
– #1 Windber 44, #4 Conemaugh Twp. 7
– #2 NoBedCo 28, #3 Meyersdale 20
– Westinghouse: BYE
District 6
– #1 Guilfoyle 49, #8 JV 14
– #5 C-K 30, #4 Glendale 22
– #3 Moshannon Valley 40, #6 Penns Manor 18
– #2 N. Cambria 27, #7 Portage 8
District 9
– #4 Keystone 24, #5 Ridgway-J’burg 20
– #3 U/A-CV 30, #6 OE/OV 21
– #2 Redbank Valley 38, #7 Cameron Co. 13
– #1 Port Allegany: BYE
District 10
– #4 Reynolds 38, #5 Eisenhower 16
– #2 Greenville 30, #7 Lakeview 19
– #3 Camb. Springs 35, #6 Saegertown 14
– #1 Wilmington: BYE
WPIAL
– #1 Ft. Cherry 49, #16 Brentwood 0
– #8 Leechburg 27, #9 Cornell 24
– #4 Neshannock 30, #13 Jeannette 26
– #5 GCC 42, #12 Monessen 17
– #2 Clairton 35, #15 Roch 7
– #7 Laurel 29, #10 Cali. 22
– #3 Canevin 56, #14 Bentworth 0
– #6 J-M 44, #11 South Side 20
2A
– D-I/XII: Lansdale Catholic over Bristol (K-DuB)
– D-XI: Schuylkill Haven over Williams Valley (Executive)
– D-IV: Troy over Towanda (Southern Columbia)
– D-V: Berlin over Bedford (Chestnut Ridge)
– D-III: Steel-High over Upper Dauphin (Camp Hill)
– WPIAL: South Park over Seton LaSalle (Steel Valley)
– D-VI: Cambria Heights over Richland (Mt. Union)
– D-IX: Central Clarion over Karns City
– D-X: Farrell over Mercyhurst (Sharpsville)
Predictions
– District 1 Final: Bristol 59, NH-S 0
– District 12 Final: Lansdale Cath. 42, K-DuB 14
– District 8/9 Final: Central Clarion 58, Karns City 0
District 11
– #1 Schuylkill Haven 55, #8 Palisades 0
– #4 Minersville 32, #5 Executive 16
– #3 N. Lehigh 33, #6 Pen Argyl 24
– #2 Williams Valley 55, #7 Mahanoy 6
District 4
– #1 Troy 42, #8 S. Williamsport 7
– #4 SCA 49, #5 Hughesville 20
– #2 Towanda 33, #7 Bloomsburg 18
– #3 Sock 33, #6 WR 20
District 5
– #1 Bedford 28, #4 CR 20
– #2 Berlin 37, #3 N Star 14
District 3
– #1 Steel-High 49, #4 UDA 7
– #3 Lanc. Cath. 35, #3 Camp Hill 28
WPIAL
– #8 OLSH 38, #9 Riverside (7) 20
– #4 Steel Valley 20, #13 Washington 17
– #5 W. Beaver 35, #12 Carlynton 14
– #7 Mohawk 27, #10 Keystone Oaks 7
– #11 Waynesburg 30, #6 S. Allegheny 24
– #1 SLS, #2 S. Park, & #3 Ellwood: BYE
District 6
– #1 Cambria Heights 49, #8 McCort 20
– #5 B-A 30, #4 Riv. Valley 23
– #3 Mt. U 33, #6 Marion Center 14
– #2 Richland 38, #7 United Valley 14
District 10
– #1 Farrell 49, Seneca 0
– #2 Mercyhurst 34, #3 Sharpsville 19
3A
– D-XII: Neumann-Goretti over Gratz (Conwell-Egan)
– D-IV: Danville over Lewisburg (Mount Carmel)
– D-XI: Northwestern Lehigh over Notre Dame GP (North Schuylkill)
– D-III: Trinity over Bermudian Springs (West Perry)
– D-X: Sharon over Hickory (Corry)
– D-VI: Penn Cambria over Forest Hills (Central)
– D-V/VII/IX: Brockway over Somerset (St. Mary’s)
– WPIAL: Imani over Central Valley (Avonworth)
District 11
– #1 NW Lehigh 44, #4 Saucon 13
– #2 NDGP 35, #3 N. Schuylkill 31
District 12
– PCL Final: N-G 17, CEC 14
– PPL Final: Gratz 28, Future 9
District 3
– #5 Berks Cath. 33, #4 Biglerville 13
– #3 Schuylkill Valley 31, #6 Litt 17
– #1 Berm. Springs & #2 Trinity: BYE
District 4
– #4 Montoursville 28, #5 Mifflinburg 18
– #3 MCA 29, #6 Milton 14
– #1 Danville & #2 Lewisburg: BYE
District 10
– #1 Sharon 48, #8 Conneaut 7
– #4 Titusville 30, #5 Fairview 21
– #2 Hickory 37, #7 Slippery Rock 24
– #3 Corry 28, #6 Ft. LeBoeuf 12
District 6
– #1 Penn Cambria 23, #4 Central 19
– #2 Forest Hills 30, #3 Tyrone 16
District 9 Final: #1 Brockway 28, #2 St. Marys 13
Somerset: BYE
WPIAL
– #8 S’moreland 27, #9 Highlands 8
– #5 Avonworth 41, #12 G’burg-Salem 10
– #7 Freeport 26, #10 Mt. Pleasant 14
– #6 Deer Lakes 42, #11 N. Catholic 14
– #1 Imani, #2 Central Valley, #3 Eliz. Forward, & #4 Beaver: BYE
Small School State Championship Predictions
– 1A: Westinghouse over Clairton (Sleeper: Trail)
– 2A: Central Clarion over Troy (Sleeper: Schuylkill Haven)
– 3A: NW Lehigh over Imani (Sleeper: Danville)
4A
– D-I: PJP over Shanahan (Montco)
– D-XII: Bonner-Prendie over West Philly (Franklin)
– D-IV: Shamokin over Shore (Selinsgrove)
– D-VI: Juniata over Bellefonte (Greater Johnstown)
– D-XI: Solehi over ACC (Blue Mountain)
– D-III: Wyo over L-S (Twin Valley)
– D-VIII/IX: Clearfield over Punxsy (USO)
– D-X: Meadville over McLane (Oil City)
– WPIAL: Aliquippa over Montour (Thomas Jefferson)
District 12
– PPL: #2 Bel Air 21, #3 Boys Latin 14
– PPL: #1 Ben Franklin 26, #4 MLK 17
– PCL: #1 B-P 30, #4 Wood 7
– PCL: #2 Ryan 28, #3 O’Hara 14
District 1
– #1 PJP 53, #4 Lower Moreland 6
– #3 Shanahan 28, #2 Montco 10
District 4
– #1 Shamokin 56, #4 Athens 8
– #2 Shore 33, #3 Selinsgrove 20
District 6
– #2 Bellefonte 34, #3 GJ 0
– #1 Juniata: BYE
District 11
– #1 Solehi 49, #8 JT 9
– #4 ACC, #5 Pottsville 24
– #3 Becahi 42, #6 ES North 0
– #2 Blue Mtn. 35, #7 Lehighton 0
WPIAL
– #1 TJ 35, #8 WA 8
– #4 Quips 35, #5 Trinity 14
– #2 Montour 37, #7 Mars 13
– #3 McK 28, #6 BV 18
District 8/9
– #2 Punxsy 24, #3 USO 7
– Clearfield: BYE
District 10
– #2 Meadville 29, #3 OC 21
– McLane: BYE
District 3
– #9 Octorara 29, #8 ELCO 24
– #7 E Pennsboro 35, #10 Susquehannock 14
– #1 L-S, #2 Wyo, #3 W. York, #4 Susq. Twp, #5 Twin Valley & #6 E. York: BYE
5A
– D-XI: ES South over Whitehall (PM East)
– D-XII: Roman over Frankford (Father Judge)
– D-I: Strath over Chester (Rustin)
– D-III: McDevitt over Conestoga Valley (Mechanicsburg)
– D-VI/VIII/IX/X: ECP over Hollidaysburg (Allderdice)
– WPIAL: Peters over Bethel Park (P-R)
District 1
– #1 Delco 45, #16 Academy Pk. 15
– #9 M-N 24, #8 P’grove 20
– #4 Strath 33, #13 Penncrest 7
– #5 Garnet Valley 38, #12 Kennett 14
– #2 Rustin 49, #15 Oxford 7
– #7 Chester 41, #10 Upper Moreland 12
– #3 P’ville 28, #14 Upper Perk 10
District 11
– #1 ES South 44, #4 Pleasant Valley 7
– #2 Whitehall 49, #3 PM East 0
District 12
– PPL: #1 Frankford 35, #2 MNC 14
– PCL: #1 Roman 35, #2 All Rise 14
District 6/8/9/10
– #1 Hollidaysburg 35, #4 Allderdice 0
– #2 ECP 35, #3 DuBois 9
District 3
– #8 Exeter Twp. 37, #9 S. Western 13
– #5 Shipp 28, #12 Warwick 15
– #7 Cocalico 27, #10 Hershey 19
– #6 McDevitt 41, #11 Lower Dauphin 16
– #1 New Oxford, #2 Mechanicsburg, #3 Weiser, #4 Conestoga Valley: BYE
WPIAL
– #9 Franklin 28, #8 No. Hills 26
– #5 Bethel Pk. 31, #12 Latrobe 13
– #7 Penn Hills 35, #10 Moon 20
– #6 P-T 34, #11 So. Fayette 17
– #1 P-R, #2 USC, #3 Peters, #4 Woodland Hills: BYE
6A
– D-XI: Freedom over Easton (Nazareth)
– D-I: CB South over D’Town West (North Penn)
– D-XII: La Salle over Imhotep (SJP)
– D-VI/XI: State College over McDowell (Erie HS)
– WPIAL: North Allegheny over PCC (Mt. Lebo)
District 1
– #1 CB South 33, #16 S-F 16
– #9 Soudy 27, #8 P-W 24
– #4 North Penn 42, #13 Ridley 9
– #5 Haverford 28, #12 Q’Town 7
– #2 D’Town West 31, #15 C’ville 18
– #7 OJR 32, #10 Neshaminy 14
– #3 CB West 33, #14 P’bury 13
– #6 Perk Valley 28, #11 D’Town East 15
District 12
– PPL: #1 Imhotep 35, #4 G-Dub 7
– PPL: #3 Northeast 25, #2 Lincoln 21
– PCL: #1 LaSalle vs. #2 SJP: Next Week
District 111
– #1 Easton 50, #8 Stroudsburg 7
– #5 Naz 25, #4 Emmaus 20
– #3 Parkland 38, #6 Liberty 15
– #2 Freedom 28, #7 Northampton 18
District 6/8/9/10
– District 10: #1 McDowell 30, #2 Erie 17
– State College: BYE
District 3
– #8 Cumberland Valley 35, #9 Gov. Mifflin 7
– #7 Cedar Crest 29, #10 Hempfield 7
– #1: Manheim Twp, #2 Wilson West Lawn, #3 Central York, #4 H’burg, #5 Dallastown, & #6 CD East
State Champions (Large Schools)
– 4A: Bonner-Prendie over Wyomissing (Sleeper: Quips)
– 5A: Roman Catholic over Bishop McDevitt (Sleeper: Strath)
– 6A: La Salle over Imhotep (Sleeper: SJP)
– 6A (All Joking Aside): La Salle over Manheim Twp. (PCC)
Tonight at 7:30pm watch easternpafootball.com podcast as we breakdown each District. We have several guess on tonight…https://www.youtube.com/live/FWoqv5Tnlqw
After watching the PAC small schools dismantle the large schools-(except Perkiomen Valley) in the crossover games…….the top 4 large school teams were outscored 129-43, I don’t see the 3 PAC 6A schools in the D1 playoffs winning a game. Spring Ford and Owen J Roberts will get demolished and Perkiomen Valley doesn’t have much team speed on offense although they are a huge physical team. First time in a long time that the small school division was better than the large school division in the PAC
Scott Hagy, Wilson actually lucked out getting the #2 seed in the District 3 playoffs, they actually have an easier bracket than Manheim Township who will probably have to play 4th seed Harrisburgh in the semi’s. Central York will probably play Wilson in the other semi and CY hasn’t really done much in the playoffs, except when they had Bo Pribula.
I think the difference with a few of the teams from the small school division of the PAC mainly PJP and Phoenixville , maybe Pottsgrove too is they are more physical then the Spring- Fords and Owen Js. Spring-ford with their large enrollment and all hasn’t been a physical team up front on both sides of the ball in years. PJP with S Reed as head coach will always be a physical team even during years when they may not be that big. This yr they have decent size.
La Salle’s Jr. QB Gavin Sidwar is back on the market after decommitting from Rutgers. Wonder if some school will get a sweet haul with a Sidwar/Joey O’Brien deal. That connection was on fire yesterday.
Anybody know the status of Julian McFadden going forward?? Was fully dressed yesterday (maybe for the senior day photo op) but did not play. Available in two weeks for a certain game??
Final D2 Notes Of The Regular Season (By Class) + EC Talk
1A
– Congrats to Lackawanna Trail for locking up the D-2 1A title! Old Forge misses the playoffs entirely with their loss to Carbondale. They gave Riverside their only loss on the season. I mean, Trail was the odds-on favorite heading into the season, so it’s not a surprise.
– This is also a D-XI Subregional Note. Marian gave us a hard-fought upset to lock into the Subregional playoff with a 21-18 win over Nativity. With Tri-Valley losing to Schuylkill Haven, it meant Marian was close to hosting the #2 seed for the potential “District Championship” game.
– All six teams in the hunt, however, will be playing in Week 11. Old Forge hosts Holy Cross in the 1A/2A final. I don’t think it’s ever been solely two 1A schools under this new “small school division” format. They barely beat out North Penn-Mansfield (.334 to .3278) for the spot.
– Bracket: #1 Trail/#4 Nativity; #2 Tri-Valley/#3 Marian
– Winner Gets D-4 champ (Muncy/Canton; Line Mtn./Montgomery)
2A
– Riverside suffered their only loss to Trail this weekend, losing 42-20. It means no area teams finish undefeated for the first time in a few years. Unless you count Scranton Prep playing in-state programs.
– Susquehanna, Dunmore, & Lakeland officially locked their seeds heading into districts. The Sabers were the only team to win in their class this weekend.
– Holy Redeemer is one of three winless teams in District 2, after Midd-West snaps a very long losing streak. The other two will come soon.
– Bracket: #1 Riverside/#4 Lakeland; #2 Susq./Dunmore (Rematch)
– Winner Gets D-1/12 Champ (D-I: Bristol/New Hope; D-XII: K-Dub vs. Lansdale Catholic)
3A
– As expected, Scranton Prep held the #1, going perfect in LFC 1. They beat North Pocono 21-7, who gave fits to their opponents they lost to.
– Western Wayne held the #2 after dominating Dunmore on Thursday Night.
– No seeding changes in 3A, as Berwick, Carbondale, & Mid Valley won their games
– Hanover Area’s season ended with a big win in the Sans Souci Struggle, 16-14.
– Bracket: #1 Prep/#8 Tunk; #4 Mid Valley/#5 L-L; #2 WW/#7 Berwick; #3 Wyo Area/#6 C’dale
– Winner Gets D-XI Champ (NW Lehigh/Saucon; NDGP/NS) or D-XII Champ (PCL: CEC/N-G; PPL: Gratz/Future?)
4A
– Valley View eliminated Paupack with a 34-13 win. It was 20-13 at one point in the 3rd Quarter, but the Cougars found two scores late to avoid a potential rematch in Week 11. The Buckhorns season is now over, as they were not in the EC standings, although would’ve been a position to host the rematch of a thrilling Week 4 game.
– North Pocono eliminated themselves with a loss to Prep. However, they will survive one more week.
– Crestwood played one of the sloppiest first quarters you’ll ever see, but with Valley West being not that great, they turned it around. They locked up the #4.
– Who then is #3 playing Dallas? Honesdale. They leaped to #3 after a 34-20 win over West Scranton. The margin of 3rd & 4th was so razor thin that you couldn’t see it: .534168 to .534049. That’s right: the difference between playing Dallas or Valley View was .000119
– The EC meeting in 4A is set: North Pocono hosts Hamburg.
– Bracket: #1 VV/#4 Crestwood; #2 Dallas/#3 Honesdale
– Winner gets D-I Champ (PJP/Lower Moreland; Montco/Shanahan)
5A
– Both Abington Heights & DV won their games in convincing fashion. Abington Heights will host the rematch from six weeks ago in Week 12 (assuming both get past their easy semifinal games).
– WVW won the “Tank Bowl” for the #4 seed. They were up 7-6 after 12 minutes but were dominated in the rest of their game.
– West Scranton had a much better performance, putting 20 pts up on Honesdale, but saw their season end.
– Bracket: #1 AH/#4 WVW; #2 DV/#3 Pittston
– Winner Gets D-6/8/9/10 Champ (Hollidaysburg/Allderdice vs. Cathedral Prep/DuBois)
6A
– When was the last time all four teams in a bracket (that was already figured out before the season) have the same record, all at 5-5? Anyone? Probably never.
– Williamsport beat Wilkes-Barre at home, 34-20, which gave us more shuffles. All four teams had the #1 seed at some point this season, but Wilkes-Barre kept it with a loss.
– The Millionaires jumped to #2 with the win, meaning the chance of the District 2 champ being decided next week & a rematch in Week 12.
– Hazleton will travel to Williamsport next week, as the 3-seed
– Scranton started off hot, but fell to the #4 & play at Wilkes-Barre.
– Bracket: #1 WBA/#4 Scranton; #2 Billtown/#3 Hazleton
– Winner Gets D-6/10 Champion (McDowell/Erie; State College/Altoona)
EC (3A & 5A/6A)
– Tamaqua had such a perfect start in their season, but the consolation prize for the three losses is hosting the EC game against D-3’s Pequea Valley. Berks Catholic jumped up to the #5 seed, which is not a surprise. They had an easy schedule in the Berks/L-L Division they’re in. That means Salisbury did not do enough to solidfy a spot.
– Allen beat Dieruff. We would’ve been guaranteed a rematch in Week 11. However, Dieruff didn’t want to host. In fact, they opted out. The other J. Birney Crum tenant of William Allen hosts D-3 5A Muhlenberg instead. They barely beat out 6A D-3 foe Reading (.449 to ~.445), so Dieruff’s opt-out gave us a rare Reading vs. Allentown showdown & almost had the two city highs going at it.
In a perfect world, we’d have 32 team state brackets & better matchups, but we have an interesting mix of EC opponents with one rematch & the rest being D-II/XI vs. D-III showdowns.
Roman Catholic, one of the most talented teams that I’ve seen that can’t get out of its own way fast enough since (fill in the blank team coached by Albie Crosby).
Not backing off my pre season pick to win 5A in the east, really don’t see much completion in the eastern bracket until the 5A semi final against the District One winner, but may not be as smooth sailing for a state championship as I once thought. I’ll stay in my lane and leave the western 5A analysis to Jeff H.
Speaking of D1, Springfield Delco looked very impressive Friday night against Strath Haven. Really think its going to come down to them, WC Rustin, and still my pre season favorite, Chester. My two issues with Chester is that they may be the one team where having home field in District One is an actual advantage, and looking like they will be a #7 seed which will put them potentially/most likely on road for late round district games. Then again, playing on turf (their home field is natural grass) with their speed I don’t think is going to be much of a detriment. Other thing is their schedule. Two challenging games (Perk Val and Imhotep) and basically a slat full of glorified scrimmages. Will they be battle tested and ready for some actual completion??
WPIAL Playoff brackets as follows
6A – as expected PCC #1 hosting Seneca Valley #4, and #2 NA hosting #3 Mt Lebo, all get a week off with these games in 2 weeks
5A – a little surprising PR is #1 seed at 8-1 over 10-0 USC, I’ve seen both play and I think USC is better, but they valued PR’s tradition and win over PCC over the body of work of USC. I’m also surprised PR got the #1 seed in light of the questionable availability of their starting QB, as the WPIAL has been known to seed teams lower based on injuries to key players. Seeds as follows, top 4 have byes this week, then host quarterfinal games next week, next 4 seeds have home games this week.
#1 PR
#2 USC
#3 Peters
#4 Woodland Hills
#5 Bethel Park vs #12 Latrobe
#6 Penn Trafford vs. #11 South Fayette
#7 Penn Hills vs. #10 Moon
#8 North Hills vs. #9 Franklin Regional
In 4A, West Alleghany upsetting #1 Montour in OT last night scrambled the seedings and resulted in a 3 way tie for that conference, with tiebreakers Aliquippa was #1, West A #2 and Montour #3, as they all beat each other. So, all three qualified for the playoffs, but despite the loss the WPIAL selection committee surprisingly still placed Montour as the #2 seed ahead of the Quips and West A. In another shocker they seeded West A #8, here’s the bracket
#1 TJ vs. #8 West Alleghany
#2 Montour vs. #7 Mars – Montour the highest seeded wild card ever
#3 McKeesport vs. #6 Belle Vernon
#4 Aliquippa vs. # 5 Trinity
After Belle Vernon lost to Trinity last night it was a question of whether they or West Mifflin got the last wild card, BV was 4-4, and West Mifflin 5-5, common opponents were TJ and McKeesport and they both lost by the almost the same margin to both teams, BV got in on reputation, but surprised they got a #6 seed
If I was making the bracket here’s how I would have seeded
#1 TJ vs. #8 Mars
#2 Aliquippa vs. #7 Belle Vernon
#3 McKeesport vs. #6 West Alleghany
#4 Montour vs. #5 Trinity
Obviously the committee thought TJ and Montour were the 2 best teams so they seeded them to meet in the finals and not the semi-finals
3A – seedings were pretty much as expected after Beaver beat Avonworth last night to create a 3 way tie with those 2 and Central Valley in the toughest conference, which was reflected with those 3 all seeded in top 5
Top 4 seeds get byes, and then host a home game next week
#1 Imani Christian
#2 Central Valley – probably the first 5-5 team to be a #2 seed in WPIAL history, I’d have to research that, they did have a very tough schedule
#3 Elizabeth Forward
#4 Beaver
#5 Avonworth vs. # 12 Greensburg Salem
#6 Deer Lakes vs. #11 North Catholic
#7 Freeport vs. #10 Mt. Pleasant
#8 Southmoreland vs. #9 Highlands
2A – mild surprise 9-0 Ellwood City was seeded behind 9-1 South Park, top 3 seeds get byes, as follows
#1 Seton LaSalle
#2 South Park
#3 Ellwood City – first undefeated regular season since 1944
#4 Steel Valley vs. #13 Washington
#5 Western Beaver vs. #12 Carlynton (first playoff appearance since 2001, breaking the longest current streak in the WPIAL)
#6 South Alleghany vs. #11 Waynesburg
#7 Mohawk vs. #10 Keystone Oaks
#8 OLSH vs. #9 Riverside
1A as follows, no real surprises with the seedings
#1 Fort Cherry vs. #16 Brentwood
#2 Clairton vs. #15 Rochester
#3 Bishop Canevin vs. #14 Bentworth
#4 Neshannock vs. #13 Jeanette
#5 Greensburg Central Catholic vs. #12 Monessen
#6 Jefferson Morgan vs. #11 South Side – Jeff Morgan with first undefeated season and outright conference title since 1989
#7 Laurel vs. #10 California
#8 Leechburg vs. #9 Cornell
Predictions and analysis to follow later in the week, I’m going out a town for a few days to go Steelhead fishing!
Don’t ever allow old men to choose who and where high school or college athletes play in a tournament. Its the number one embarrassment in high school and college athletics. But also a team with a lot of losses has nothing to complain about when you lost an excessive amount, I don’t care about your schedule if you lose 4 times you shouldn’t be a high seed. Every year with March madness and now the wpial is going to flex there old men muscles and tell where high school kids play. You either go straight wins and losses seeding or a power rating system, power ratings don’t lie. Imagine an NFL team making the playoffs because they played a tougher schedule than a team with a worse record and an easier schedule, c’mon stop letting old men decide where these kids are playing. The selection committee have always turned my stomach sitting around for months thinking there gods deciding on the futures of some college kids. Its an embarrassment. When it’s all said an done the most important and what keeps people coming and interested is the product on the court and on the field, so why continue to allow the problem to keep creating the problems.
Wilson Bulldogs came through with a huge win over highly ranked Manheim Township on Township’s home turf. Not many picked them to win, but I thought they had a chance if they kept mistakes to a minimum. If not for a fumble in the end zone against Nazareth, they’s be unbeaten. Will be interesting to see them in District 3 playoffs as it looks like Township and Wilson are the top 6A teams at this point.
I agree that was an extremely impressive win for Wilson, don’t count out Harrisburg, those 3 are the top contenders IMO
In other D3 news what an unbelievable game between State College and McDevitt, with SC winning 58-55, I think SC could be a sleeper in the playoffs, I see them beating a very solid Erie McDowell in round of 16 and then giving the WPIAL winner all they can handle in the quarterfinals, with the winner of that game playing the D3 winner in the western final.
Pope John Paul 28-Perkiomen Valley 19 PJP wins the PAC Championship for the 2nd year in a row. PJP hit a huge long pass play late in the 3rd quarter to make it a 2 score game. I thought PV’S Huge offensive line would wear down PJP but they didn’t. PV is going to drop in the D1 6A rankings.
Phoenixville 24-Owen J Roberts 0 Just as I predicted, 1 loss Owen J, (now 2 losses) is a paper tiger, they are also going to drop in the D1 6A rankings.
I believe this is the 1st time in History that the top 2 crossover games in the PAC were won by the small school division
Wilson beat Manheim Township, looks like they will be the #1 seed in D3 6A
I suspect that even though Wilson knocked off Township they will not get the #1 Seed they deserve. The arcane power points system just might cause Township to edge out the Bulldogs.
PV double teamed B Reed PJPs top player all night and the receiver on the other side B DeAngelo just had a great game. Had seven or eight receptions and the two big plays of the game. After PV scores to start the second half he takes the kickoff back for a td and he also had the catch and run for the td to make it a two score game.
Big injury news for a couple of WPIAL 5A contenders, Woodland Hills junior and 3yr starting QB Cam Walter hurt his knee last week in the win against Franklin Regional and is out for the season. This is the 2nd year in a row he injured a knee in the penultimate game of the regular season, last year he tore his ACL against Pine Richland and subsequently missed the final game of the year against Penn Hills, who they subsequently lost to 26-21 on a last minute TD by Penn Hills that knocked Woody out of the playoffs. WH is likely the #4 seed in the playoffs and will have a first round bye, but I don’t see them advancing past the 2nd round without Walter, I feel bad for the kid and the team to endure this 2 years in a row.
Also, Pine Richland dual threat QB Aaron Strader hurt his shoulder last week, it was thought to be a broken clavicle, but X-rays were negative, he is still undergoing additional testing and is out tonight. PR will likely be the #2 seed in the playoffs and get a first round bye, giving him 3 weeks to heal, if he’s not at full strength PR could also lose in the 2nd round.
I’ll reserve my picks for WPIAL champions until next week after the brackets are announced, but it seems almost certain one of the South Hills team will win, be it Upper St. Clair, Peters, or Bethel Park. Those 2 play tonight and I will be there, with winner likely a #3 seed and loser #5, I have a hunch the winner of this game tonight will end up winning the WPIAL title, because the winner will only have to beat one of them in the playoffs, while the loser likely would have to beat both of them in back to back weeks if the seedings play out as expected.
Just passing a score along didn’t feel like scrolling to the bottom. PJP goes back to back in the PAC tops Perk Valley 28-19,in a game that featured several big plays.
Rest Of State Picks: I have every game that has playoff seeding/clinching implications (or assumed). EPA Stuff today. WPA tomorrow. EPA has Power Ratings for everyone not in D2, so you may want to follow along there to see what seeds could swap, if wins &/or unforeseen upsets happen.
D-10 stuff is under paywall & D9 is a big question mark. They might be best games of the week only.
Thursday Games
– Union/A-C Valley (9) vs. Reynolds (10): U/A-CV 24, Reynolds 15
– D12 6A Playoff: South Philadelphia vs. Northeast: N’east 32, South 12
District 11
– Nazareth vs. Easton: Naz 33, Easton 24
– Parkland vs. Emmaus: Parkland 34, Emmaus 20
– Freedom vs. Liberty: Freedom 24, Liberty 21
– Pleasant Valley vs. Stroudsburg: S’burg 46, PV 0
– ACC vs. Whitehall: ACC 27, Whitehall 17
– PM East vs. PM West: PME 23, PMW 13
– Becahi vs. Northampton: Northampton 23, Becahi 17
– Northwestern Lehigh vs. Southern Lehigh: NWL 36, Solehi 24
– Jim Thorpe vs. Lehighton: Lehighton 22, JT 15
– Williams Valley vs. Pine Grove: WV 58, PGA 0
– Shen. Valley vs. Mahanoy Area: Mahanoy 28, Shen Val 13
– Catasauqua vs. Palmerton: Catty 27, Palmerton 25
District 4
– Shamokin vs. Mount Carmel: Shamokin 37, MCA 17
– Selinsgrove vs. Danville: Danville 38, Selinsgrove 16
– Loyalsock vs. Montoursville: Sock 24, Montoursville 22
– Shikellamy vs. Southern Columbia: SCA 41, Shik 0
– Milton vs. Warrior Run: WR 36, Milton 16
– Mifflinburg vs. Lewisburg: Lewisburg 30, Mifflinburg 13
– Canton vs. Troy: Troy 37, Canton 17
– Muncy vs. Hughesville: Muncy 31, Hughesville 17
District 1 & PCL
– Souderton vs. Upper Dublin: UD 34, Soudy 17
– CB East vs. CB West: CBW 40, CBE 19
– North Penn vs. Abington: NP 55, Abington 6
– Plymouth-Whitemarsh vs. William Tennent: P-W 41, WT 13
– Pennsbury vs. Neshaminy: Neshaminy 34, P’bury 13
– Quakertown vs. Cheltenham: Q’Town 45, C’ham 8
– Pennridge vs. CB South: CBS 39, P’ridge 14
– Upper Moreland vs. Hatboro-Horsham: UM 41, H-H 14
– Wissahickon vs. Springfield Montco: Montco 32, Wissahickon 13
– Coatesville vs. Shanahan: Shanahan 33, Coatesville 28
– D’Town West vs. D’Town East: DTW 32, DTE 17
– Kennett vs. Oxford: Kennett 28, Oxford 17
– Owen J. Roberts vs. Phoenixville: OJR 32, P’ville 20
– Perkiomen Valley vs. PJP: PJP 27, PV 20
– Spring-Ford vs. Pottsgrove: P’Grove 23, S-F 20
– Methacton vs. Upper Perkiomen: UP 30, Methacton 12
– Norristown vs. Pottstown: Norry 29, Pottstown 7
– Springfield Delco vs. Strath Haven: Strath 34, Delco 22
– Haverford HS vs. Conestoga: HHS 49, ‘Stoga 7
– Ridley vs. Garnet Valley: GV 36, Ridley 14
– Radnor vs. Marple-Newtown: M-N 35, Radnor 13
– Penncrest vs. Harriton: P’crest 40, Harriton 0
– Bristol vs. Morrisville: Morrisville 27, Bristol 19
– Interboro vs. Academy Park: AP 28, I’boro 10
– Bonner-Prendie vs. St. Joe’s Prep: SJP 35, B-P 28
– Roman vs. La Salle: La Salle 35, Roman 24
District 3
– Mechanicsburg vs. Shippensburg: Ship 26, Mech 17
– Harrisburg vs. CD East: CDE 30, H’burg 27
– Milton Hershey vs. Susq. Township: Susq. Twp 41, MH 22
– Cumberland Valley vs. Cedar Cliff: Cliff 20, CV 13
– Central Dauphin vs. Chambersburg: C’burg 25, CD 13
– Hershey vs. Waynesboro: Hershey 36, W’boro 13
– Gettysburg vs. Lower Dauphin: LD 25, Gettysburg 16
– Trinity vs. Middletown: Trinity 42, Middie 17
– Newport vs. Steel-High: S-H 63, Newport 7
– Camp Hill vs. James Buchanan: CH 45, JB 17
– Lampeter-Strasburg vs. Wyomissing: Wyo 26, L-S 23
– Wilson vs. Manheim Twp.: MT 31, WWL 21
– Lancaster Catholic vs. Schuylkill Valley: LanCath 27, Skook Val 23
– Gov. Mifflin vs. Ephrata: Ephrata 24, GM 23
– Warwick vs. Manheim Central: Warwick 25, MC 20
– Exeter Twp. vs. Elizabethtown: ET 55, E’Town 7
– Twin Valley vs. Daniel Boone: TV 40, Boone 0
– Northern Lebanon vs. ELCO: ELCO 40, No. Leb. 7
– New Oxford vs. Eastern York: NO 28, EY 21
– William Penn vs. Central York: CY 39, Penn 17
– Dallastown vs. Red Lion: Dallastown 31, Red Lion 13
– Littlestown vs. Bermudian Springs: Berm. Spr. 32, Litt 14
– South Western: Spring Grove: S. W’ern 24, SGA 19
– Kennard-Dale vs. Susquehannock: Susquehannock 24, K-D 7
– West York vs. Dover: WY 44, Dover 6
Western PA
District 5/6
– Bishop Guilfoyle vs. Penn Cambria: BG 29, PC 17
– Bellefonte vs. Richland: Richland 31, Bellefonte 16
– Central (6) vs. Forest Hills: Central 26, FH 17
– Tyrone vs. Chestnut Ridge: CR 24, Tyrone 18
– Bellwood-Antis vs. McCort: B-A 26, McCort 20
– United Valley vs. Marion Center: UV 34, Mar. Ctr. 24
– River Valley vs. West Shamokin: RV 56, West Sham. 0
– Northern Cambria vs. Portage: NoCam 44, Portage 14
– Berlin-Brothersvalley vs. Moshannon Valley: BBros 42, Mosh. Val. 13
– Glendale vs. Northern Bedford: NBC 27, Glendale 15
– Claysburg-Kimmel vs. Everett: C-K 38, Everett 7
– Juniata Valley vs. Windber: Windy 32, JV 14
– North Star vs. West Branch: N Star 42, WB 7
District 9/10
– Port Allegany vs. Cameron County: Pt. A 34, CamCo 21
– Farrell vs. Cathedral Prep: ECP 28, Farrell 24
– Ft. LeBeouf vs. Mercyhurst Prep: MP 25, Ft. Leb 21
– Corry vs. Oil City: Corry 24, OC 17
– Fairview vs. Titusville: Titusville 28, Fairview 18
– Punxsutawney vs. Sharpsville: Punxsy 29, Sharpsville 16
WPIAL
– Seneca Valley vs. North Allegheny: NA 49, SV 21
– Canon-Mac vs. Central Catholic: PCC 42, C-M 21
– Norwin vs. Mt. Lebo: Lebo 27, Norwin 7
– Bethel Park vs. Peters Twp.: Peters 28, BP 26
– Penn-Trafford vs. Latrobe: P-T 24, GL 10
– Kiski Area vs. Woodland Hills: Woody 39, KA 17
– Plum vs. Penn Hills: PH 38, Plum 10
– North Hills vs. Central Valley: Cent. Val 29, NH 28
– South Fayette vs. Moon: SF 30, Moon 16
– West Allegheny vs. Montour: Montour 38, WA 17
– Aliquippa vs. Ambridge: Quips 40, ‘Bridge 14
– Belle Vernon vs. Trinity: BV 43, Trinity 26
– Hampton vs. West Mifflin: WM 28, Hamp. 14
– McKeesport vs. Knoch: McK 32, Knoch 8
– Imani vs. Freeport: ICA 35, Freeport 16
– Avonworth vs. Beaver: Avonworth 29, Beaver 21
– Southmoreland vs. Greensburg-Salem: S’moreland 24, G-S 23
– Hopewell vs. North Catholic: NC 26, Hopewell 17
– Burrell vs. Deer Lakes: DL 30, Burrell 15
– Eliz. Forward vs. Mt. Pleasant: EF 31, Mt. Pleas. 18
– Seton LaSalle vs. Washington: SLS 33, Prexies 14
– South Allegheny vs. Steel Valley: South A 28, Steel Val 25
– Riverside (7) vs. Mohawk: Mohawk 29, Riverside (7) 27
– New Brighton vs. Union Area: Union Area 33, New Brighton 14
– Sto-Rox vs. Waynesburg: WBG 45, Sto-Rox 8
– Charleroi vs. Carlynton: Carlynton 33, Charleroi 26
– Greensburg CC vs. Leechburg: L’burg 29, GCC 20
– Jeff.-Morgan vs. California: J-M 32, Cali 14
– Monessen vs. Cornell: Cornell 26, Monessen 22
– Laurel vs. Neshannock: Neshannock 29, Laurel 22
– South Side vs. Rochester: S Side 30, Roch 18
– Riverview vs. Jeannette: Jeannette 40, Riverview 10
– Clairton vs. Brentwood: Clairton 55, B’wood 7
– West Greene vs. Beth-Center: WG 37, B-C 10
– Bentworth vs. Avella: B’worth 20, Avella 9
– Carmichaels vs. Mapletown: Mikes 30, Maples 10
Crossovers/Non-PIAA
– Executive (11) vs. ANC: EE 44, ANC 7
– Bishop McDevitt (3) vs. State College (6): McD 35, SC 24
– Upper Dauphin (3) vs. Juniata (6): Juniata 27, UDA 17
– Clearfield (9) vs. Bedford (5): C’field 34, Bedford 16
– Belmont Charter (12) vs. Chester (1): Chester 43, Belmont 12
– Unionville (1) vs. Conrad Weiser (3): CW 37, U’ville 17
– Hollidaysburg (6) vs. DuBois (9): Hollidaysburg 32, DuBois 14
– St. Francis (NY) vs. McDowell (10): McDowell 28, St. Francis 26
– Penn Charter vs. Malvern Prep: WPC 28, MP 24
– SCHA vs. Haverford School: SCHA 33, HS 17
Playoffs (City & PPL)
– City League Final: Westy 49, Allderdice 14
– Frankford vs. Olney: F’ford 21, Olney 14
– Central (12) vs. Geo. Washington: GW 27, Central (12) 7
– Vaux Big Picture vs. KIPP-DuBois: K-Dub 20, Vaux 15
– Ben Franklin vs. Thomas Edison: Franklin 21, Edison 15
– Overbrook vs. Simon Gratz: Gratz 25, Overbrook 17
– Palumbo vs. Mastery Charter: AoP 29, MCNP 13
I like the vast majority of your WPIAL picks, but differ on a couple. I think Moon beats South Fayette at home tonight to clinch a wild card berth, SF may also get a wild card with a loss. I think Steel Valley will beat South Alleghany, they’ve been rolling the last 5 weeks since they’ve gotten healthy, and I think they have too much firepower for South Alleghany. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Bethel beats Peters Twp, now that top receiver and offensive threat Ryan Petras has 2 games under his belt after missing the first 7 due to injury I think BP might outscore them, should be a great game and looking forward to being there.
Wow, you are really tempting me to take some opposite picks in D1 and D3. I thought I learned my lesson, but……as of an example, CDE over Harrisburg?? Yikes, I’ll take the Cougars, and I wouldn’t be surprise they win in mercy rule fashion. I’ll think about going on the record with others for now.
And for a spread in a PCL game, I don’t doubt SJP will beat Bonner, but we may be talking another mercy rule game here. More than touchdown win for The Prep for sure.
Fair arguments by both of you.
– I think B-P can hold their own against Prep. They’ve looked like a tough out this year. I should’ve said 35-20 or something like that.
– I’ve doubted Easton all year, but I feel Naz has a good enough team to defeat Easton. Coin flip game, in my opinion.
– Bit of a risk taking CDE over Harrisburg, but it’s Week 10 & this is really the last true week to make a bold prediction.
I do think Bonner is a serious threat to win 4A, it will probably come down to them and PJP II in the eastern bracket, I just don’t think they can keep up with SJP. Regarding Easton, I think they have the advantage in the trenches against Nazareth, and that will be the difference as they will run the ball very effectively and shorten the game and keep Nazareth’s potent offense off the field, I was very impressed from what I read about Easton’s win over Freedom last week.
I agree with Kevin, SJP will beat Bonner at least as bad as they beat Roman last week which was by 4 TDs, I also think LaSalle beats Roman by 3 scores or more, and Harrisburg blows out CD East.
Another pick I disagree with is Nazareth over Easton, you’ve been picking against Easton consistently and they have been rolling since the opening season loss to CB West, I think they are too physical for Nazareth and win this game and the conference for the first time in a decade and could be the favorite to win D11 title.
I’d also take L-S over Wyomissing, that should be a great game, but I think L-S is a better team, we’ll see!
Ok, since last week of the regular season, I’ll take some swings (and hopefully not too many misses).
First, I’ll piggyback on what Jeff has stated, for the most part. Easton over Naz and L-S over Wyo. I do tho think, and maybe it’s just wishing thinking as well, since I am now planning on hitting up that game tomorrow afternoon, that the LaS/RC game will be closer than Jeff’s prediction, and lower scoring. I’ll go 28-14 La Salle.
As far as District One: S-F over Pottsgrove, Phoenixville over OJR, Coatesville over Shananhan, PV over PJPII, DTE over DTW, and the game for me tonight, SFDelco over SH.
One more, Inter-Ac style, Penn Carter is no way no how beating Malvern Prep.
Anyone headed out tonight, enjoy. Weather couldn’t be more perfect, at least in SEPA, for a late October Friday night game.
Yikes!!! More swings and misses for me than the Phillies had against the Mets!!!
Think the only D1 game I got right was the game I was at, SFDelco over SH. Haven is in trouble if Fisher is injured bad enough to be out going forward. Did not look good late in the game. If these D1 5A rankings/ratings become official as they are presented this morning (Chester still needs to play today, but not seeing that game affecting much), I will be getting my tix early for a potential Chester @ WC Rustin round 2 game in two week.
Mt. Carmel 28 shamokin 21
Tamaqua 20 blue mountain 7
Saucon valley 27 northern Lehigh 14
Pottsville 35 north Schuylkill 13
How about some credit to Wally Hall?? Masterclass.
if you’ve never been to a coal region football game, do yourself a favor and take a ride to the Silver Bowl Friday night to see Shamokin and Mt Carmel play for the Coal Bucket. The Indians are 9-0 for the first time since 1991 I believe and haven’t beat Mt. Carmel since 1995. MCA is 7-2 so Shamokin is coming in as a slight favorite, although they say you can throw the records out the window for this game. This game is always a big one but Fridays game has to be the most anticipated one in over 20 years with the Indians expecting to break the losing streak to MCA that has lasted a generation. I admittedly have never been to another HS rivalry game but the only one in PA I know of that has an atmosphere that can top this one is Easton/Phillipsburg. So get there early and stop by Mattucci’s or Hollywood Pizza before the game for some delicious eats, watch the parade down 3rd street and enjoy a good old coal region slugfest, you won’t regret it.
The final week of the regular season is upon us. I’m going to include as many implication games as I can my “10 to watch”. I’ll put in the rest of D2 this week, as a farewell to some teams. I think I’ve picked every school, save for Carbondale.
Before I post tomorrow, can you guys give me any good clinching scenarios for the state (D-1 5A/6A & WPIAL mainly). Maybe even D5, D9, or D10, if applicable.
– Scranton vs. Delaware Valley (LFC 1): The most on the line comes from this game. Scranton is in a situation where a Wilkes-Barre loss & a win jumps them to #1, but they also need to make sure they are in front of Hazleton for home field. DV needs Abington Heights to lose to jump to the #1 seed. Both are not favorable. A DV win might keep them at #2.
– Western Wayne vs. Dunmore (LFC 2): This is for the LFC 2 crown. WW had a rare stumble against a very gritty Mid Valley team to lose their undefeated status. Dunmore lost to Honesdale, but also ran the table in division play before losing. Winner gets at least a share of the crown, depending on what Mid Valley does.
– Old Forge vs. Carbondale (LFC 3): The biggest implication game of the week goes to Old Forge. This is a pure elimination game, win or lose. Carbondale has looked impressive in recent weeks, beating on the up & up Susquehanna team. Old Forge seems similar, when it comes to how they’ve played this year. This is a must win & I think they’ll take it. A Marian win knocks them out.
– Wilkes-Barre vs. Williamsport (WVC 1): Well, the game of the week is this one. It’d be a massive division game, if this was the old WVC. It’s massive in regards to the 6A race. A Williamsport loss will put them at #4. A WBA win seals the #1. Hazleton or Scranton has a puncher’s chance at a #1 with a WBA loss. I’d root for more chaos, but we’ll see Part II next week.
– Tunkhannock vs. Berwick (WVC 2): This game has implications for seeding purposes. Tunkhannock needs a win & Hanover Area loss to feel extra comfortable. Berwick winning might propel them over Carbondale. I think Berwick’s much better than Tunk & swaps seeds with Carbondale.
– Riverside vs. Lackawanna Trail (LFC HM): LFC Division 3 is on the line here. Riverside wants to stay as D2’s unbeaten program. Trail wants extra momentum & hope to become outright District II 1A champs. I think Riverside remains perfect. Both will be the #1 seed in their respective classes.
– Hazleton vs. Abington Heights (WVC HM): This game is diet Scranton/DV. Hazleton needs a win to lock up the #1 with a Wilkes-Barre loss. Abington needs a win to lock up the #1. I think Abington Heights will take it. Just hope it’s a good game. It stands alone on the schedule.
– Valley View vs. Wallenpaupack (D2 HM/EC Watch): So, Matt Nawrocki’s Wallenpaupack squad has the #3 seed in his rookie coaching campaign & they’re facing Valley View, who has nothing to play for. Does VV call off the dogs & prep for the playoffs, or do the Buckhorns have magic to upset? I can’t say this is a win for Paupack, so I think we’ll see Paupack eliminated. If this is a loss & Crestwood or Honesdale gets upset, it means we may get a chance to see a rematch in the first round. Also, it’s worth noting that this is the “EC Watch” game because it entirely affects the matchup, although Paupack isn’t in EC.
– Marian vs. Nativity (1A Subregional/EC Watch): You think the 4A games are huge? This 1A subregional battle is the difference between Trail getting a district now or next week. A win for Nativity has the chance to lock in Trail as the sole D2 team in the playoffs. A Marian loss puts Old Forge in with a win. I think we see a subregional final for both districts in Week 11. Marian will play in the EC game.
– Schuylkill Haven vs. Tri-Valley (1A Subregional): Now, let’s not count out Tri-Valley being in a spot to lock up home field. Haven comes to Hegins in a battle that could give Nativity the #2. Tri-Valley is in a very interesting spot, knowing they could host the D-XI A final or lose the chance at home field, depending on Nativity-Marian outcome. Give me Haven & Nativity hosting the D-11 final.
Farewell D2 Picks + Wyo Sem: Key Games On Top
– DV 38, Scranton 16
– WW 27, Dunmore 24
– OF 28, C’dale 13
– WBA 26, Billtown 14
– Berwick 38, Tunk 13
– Riverside 23, Trail 19
– AH 29, Hazleton 13
– VV 35, Paupack 7
– Nativity 25, Marian 21
– Haven 35, T-V 24
– Prep 31, NP 15
– Honesdale 49, West Scranton 0
– Crestwood 37, WVW 7
– Mid Valley 31, Lakeland 14
– Susq. 24, HC 13
– Wyoming Area 35, Pittston 16
– Dallas 42, L-L 15
– Hanover 22, GNA 16
– Midd-West 7, Redeemer 6
– Kiski 27, Sem 14
It’s hard to outline clinching scenarios for most classes in the WPIAL because there are both automatic qualifiers, and wild cards chosen by the selection committee, so you have to take some educated guesses as to which teams will be selected as wild cards, for now I’ll just outline classes 4A-6A, and if I have time later I’ll get to the lower 3 classes
6A – likely order of seeds is PCC #1, NA #2, Mt Lebo #3 and Seneca Valley #4. PCC has clinched #1, NA clinches #2 with win over Seneca Valley, Mt Lebo clinches #3 with win over winless Norwin and SV loss to NA and Canon Mac loss to PCC, Canon Mac needs to beat PCC to get into the playoffs…good luck with that!
5A – 8 teams have clinched spots, Woodland Hills, Penn Trafford and Franklin Regional, Upper St Clair, Peters Township and Bethel Park, and Pine Richland and North Hills, while Penn Hills will clinch the final automatic spot with win over Plum. The South Fayette-Moon winner will definitely be one of the wild cards, and the loser may get a wild card as well. The final wild card could be Gateway, Latrobe could sneak in with an upset over Penn Trafford, Kiski could do the same with an upset of Woodland Hills.
Here’s my playoff bracket as of now, making some assumptions for games tomorrow…in all brackets besides 6A not only does the selection committee pick the wildcards, they also seed the teams in each class
1) USC
2) Pine Richland
3) Peters Township/Bethel Park winner
4) Woodland Hills
5) Peters Township/Bethel Park loser
6) Penn Trafford
7) Penn Hills
8) North Hills
9) Franklin Regional
10) Moon/South Fayette winner
11) Moon/South Fayette loser
12) Gateway
4A – Montour, Aliquippa, TJ, McKeesport and Mars have clinched, Belle Vernon plays Trinity with the winner clinching and loser alive for a wild card, the other teams vying for the 2 wild card spots are West Mifflin and West Alleghany, My projected playoff bracket as of now
1) Montour
2) TJ
3) Aliquippa
4) McKeesport
5) Belle Vernon/Trinity winner
6) Mars
7) West Mifflin
8) Belle Vernon/Trinity loser
Thanks for the bigger class updates. I was missing some 6A games to pay attention to. I found the TribHSSN story for 1-3A, so I’ll go off of that. Didn’t even think to look there before I asked.
My alma mater, Northern Lehigh is having a very nice season. They were 3-7 last year after playing a tough schedule and starting a handful of freshman including the QB. This year in a more 2A-3A schedule, they have played well and are 7-2 with the sophomores coming along nicely. The only two loses were to Northwestern and Notre Dame who are both state ranked in 3A (albeit by a lot). They have taken care of all the 2A teams they have played. They might give saucon a game but I suspect they will lose and enter D11 2A at the 3 seed and host a playoff game. They may give D11 2A teams so fits like SH and Williams Valley. However, next two years they should be very good like the Northern teams of 2021 and 2022 as those good sophomores continue to grow.
I don’t think northern Lehigh will be near what they were two years ago anytime in the forceable future because they will not be in 1a and because your basing everything on there 7-2 record this year and I can tell you pen argyl, cattasaqua, palmerton, Palisades, Salisbury, Wilson, Bangor, Lehighton, Jim Thorpe are all terrible. So just because you play as a sophomore you automatically get better, not so Nw Lehigh will win the state championship this year but northern Lehigh could have lost 100-0 that game. Northern Lehigh got lucky two years ago being in 1a
I beg to differ. NL coach said last year this could be the best class he’s ever had (sophomores) and that’s saying something after that NL 2010 class. They also didn’t play Bangor or Jim Thorpe. Have you even watched them play. The QB (Smoyer, brother of the 2021 QB who set school records) and RB Frame (cousins of Nick and Matt) who played on the 2020-2022 teams. And they had a hell of a run in 2021 in AA (state semis) before the 2022 season. I would bet they will win districts next year in AA and watch this year.
What do you mean by “clinching scenarios?” Not sure what I can tell you in District One. 16 teams make the playoffs in both 6A and 5A, some possible games where teams may or may not get in, but thinking anyone above a 13 or 14 seed are in and are just jocking for seedings. I decided on the SFDelco @ Strath Haven game with one reason that game having more playoff implications. SH with with secures a No. 1 seed, not sure how far SFDelco can move up with a win. Too many moving parts across the district.
Kevin X,
Clinching scenarios meaning teams in the hunt to make the playoffs that might need a win to lock up, or right below the cutoff with a loss from someone above. D1’s system is the old “cumulative point” D-2 system, if I’m not mistaken, but with opponents factoring into the final total.
It could also be most important seeding switches. The difference between an #8/#9 is probably as important, to guarantee one more home field game.
Kind of what I thought, but like I said before, just too many unknowns and moving pieces to try to figure out. I tried in years past, and it was an exercise in futility. With that said tho, tow situation are interesting to me. Coatesville. When was the last time The ‘Ville did not make the District One playoffs?? If they beat Shanahan tonight, they are in. I was thinking tho if they loose, they may need help. But I now think they are safe even if they loose tonight, unless things really go haywire. I’ll let it play out. Perk Valley tonight even with a loss should remain in the top 8 and secure a first round home game. If they win, thinking they might jump North Penn and land a #4 seed. Not saying NP will lose tonight, as they have a one win Abington team, but the lack of bonus points may not be enough to keep NP at #4. Again, too many variables to consider. Either way, looking forward a few weeks, I’d love to see a potential #4/#5 PV/NP second round match-up at either school.
Decisions decisions….. Any help or suggestions with my weekend schedule……
Friday night: Blue Route south and back to Delco for Springfield Delco @ Strath Haven, or cross county to Perk Valley @ PJPII??
Saturday afternoon: Road trip to L-S @ Wyomissing or stay local for Roman @ La Salle??
Speaking of PV/PJPII, any one know what the protocol will be for admission for that game Friday night?? Saw they are selling tix on-line for that game, so in edition to new lights, do they now have a fence or some other physical perimeter?? Scanners in strategic locations around the premises scanning tickets?? Still charging for parking or each individual in the car as they enter the parking area?? I was last there early in the season (N-G game) and they were charging for parking only, no gate.
Last week at PJP they weren’t scanning from cars. Just park and then they had two spots where you show online ticket. No fencing right now so it’s basically the same as before as far as moving around.
Thanks Irish. I ended up calling over to PJP yesterday, and that is basically what they said, but not with much conviction. I also had some other questions that they could not answer. I don’t see how they can enforce people paying (and scanning) to watch that game in person. Too much open area and access points, isn’t there?? Anyways, a moot point tho, as last night my Friday night partner in crime and I decided on the SFDelco/SH game . More playoff implications, more interest in the upcoming District One 5A (and 6A) playoffs versus 4A, and we have not seen Springfield Delco in person yet this year (I have seen the other 3 teams, PJPII, PV and SH (twice)). We did see the SFDelco/SH game last year, and it was one of the best, if not the best game we saw in person last year. Hoping for a repeat Friday night.
PJP will def have to do more to kind of close things in more,that will probably come with the bleachers,press box etc that should be coming by next year. Cant really go wrong with either of your choices. Are you sure that getting a chance to see the Strath Haven band again wasnt the tipping point? I understand if it was,never seen them but heard they are one of the top bands around.
Not a tipping point, but a nice bonus for sure!! Also a chance to load up on weekend sandwiches at Phil and Jim’s!!
Question with PJP with all of their future potential upgrades. Any turf on their wish list?? I may of had that as my No. 1 priority. Granted, probably most expensive single item as well.
Eastern Conference Talk
1A/2A
– (#5, D-II/XI 1A) Old Forge would host (#9, D-IV 2A) Wyalusing Valley, if things stay the same.
– In The Hunt: (#4, D-II/XI A) Marian, (#8, D-IV 2A) South Williamsport, & (#7, D-IV 2A) Bloomsburg
– Rating: Marian (.437), OF (.434), Bloomsburg (.425), S. W’port (.405), WyVal (.391)
– Last Week: Marian beat Pine Grove, Old Forge lost to Riverside, SW lost to Montgomery, & Bloom lost to SCA
– This Week: OF plays at C’dale, Marian’s at Nativity, Bloomsburg travels to rival Central Columbia, S Williamsport goes to Northwest Area, Wyalusing goes to Towanda
What Happens
– A Marian win locks them into the subregional to play Trail. OF to EC 1A/2A game.
– An Old Forge & Marian loss forces them to play Trail in 1A D-2 final. Marian to EC game.
– If both win/lose, Marian most likely goes to subregional, with OF playing in EC game.
– As for D4 2A, Bloomsburg & South Williamsport lock in with a win, Wyalusing locks into EC with loss.
– If Wyalusing wins & either Bloom/SW loses (likely SW), the loser plays in EC game.
– If OF loses & either D4 team is ahead in the .400-.410 range, the D4 team hosts instead.
3A
– Currently (#5, D-XI) Saucon hosts (#7, D-III) Berks Catholic
– In The Hunt: (#4 D-XI) Tamaqua, (#6 D-XI) Salisbury, (D-III #10) Pequea Valley, & (D-XI #3) North Schuylkill (extreme outside chance)
– Rating: No. Schuylkill (.643), Tamaqua (.603), Saucon (.599), Berks (.507), Salisbury (.425), & Pequea Valley (.411)
– D3 Note: #6 Big Spring (.513) & #5 Biglerville (.511) play a role in this battle. BC is .502.
– Last Week: Saucon lost to Solehi, BC beat Hamburg, NS beat Lehighton, Tamaqua lost to NWL, Salisbury lost to Nolehi, Pequea lost to Lancaster Catholic, Big Spring beat Middletown, Biglerville lost to Littlestown.
– This Week: Saucon travels to Nolehi, Berks travels to Annville-Cleona, NS plays at Pottsville, Tamaqua hosts Blue Mtn., Salisbury hosts Palisades, Pequea Valley travels to Kutztown, Big Spring’s at East Pennsboro, Biglerville hosts York County Tech.
What Happens
– A D-11 team will host. NS & Tamaqua lock into their playoff with win. Saucon hosts.
– A Saucon win over NL & Tamaqua loss to BM locks Tamaqua into EC game & they host.
– A NS loss & Saucon & Tamaqua win likely drops them to EC game. They host.
– A BC loss to Annville-Cleona seals them into the EC game.
– A win & either Biglerville or Big Spring (likely the latter) puts Berks in the playoff, leading to either Salisbury or Pequea to be in, instead.
– If BC makes the playoff & Salisbury loses, Pequea goes to EC game.
– Regardless of the three bottom teams, they will travel to Saucon/Tamaqua/NS.
4A
– Currently, (#5 D-II) Crestwood vs. (#6 D-II) North Pocono
– In The Hunt: Honesdale (#4 D-II) & (#14 D-III) Hamburg
– Wallenpaupack (.530, #3 D-II) is not part of EC this season, surprisingly, but have a say
– Ratings: C’wood (.531), Honesdale (.522), N. Pocono (.497), Hamburg (.455)
– Last Week: Crestwood lost to Wilkes-Barre, North Pocono lost to DV, Honesdale beat Dunmore, Paupack beat Pittston, & Hamburg lost to Berks Catholic.
– This Week: Crestwood’s at Valley West, North Pocono hosts Scranton Prep, Honesdale plays at West Scranton, Paupack hosts Valley View, & Hamburg hosts Columbia.
What Happens
– See 4A D2 Playoff Talk for breakdown.
– Hamburg gets EC game IF Wallenpaupack misses playoff.
6A
– Currently, (#9 D-XI 5A) Dieruff vs. (#17 D-III 6A) Reading
– In The Hunt: (#21 D-III 5A) Muhlenberg, (#22 D-III 5A) Fleetwood, (#10 D-XI 6A) William Allen
– Ratings: Dieruff (.534), Reading (.469), Muhlenberg (.444), Fleetwood (.443), Allen (.424)
– Last Week: Dieruff lost to ACC, Reading lost to Oxford, Muhlenberg lost to Academy Park, Fleetwood lost to Solanco, & Allen lost to Emmaus.
– This Week: Dieruff hosts Allen, Reading’s at Hempfield, Muhlenberg’s at Conestoga Valley, & Fleetwood hosts Cocalico.
What Happens
– Dieruff is in. It’d take a miracle for them to overtake Stroudsburg/Northampton for the #8.
– Reading should stay put with a win.
– A Muhlenberg, Fleetwood, or Allen win most likely overtakes Reading if they lose.
First Picks Of Weekend (Non-D2/11 1A & D2 4A)
– Bloomsburg vs. Central Columbia: Bloom 32, CC Blue Jays 23
– South Williamsport vs. Northwest Area: SW 44, Northwest 6
– Wyalusing vs. Towanda: Towanda 42, WyVal 14
– Saucon vs. Northern Lehigh: Saucon 33, NL 21
– North Schuylkill vs. Pottsville: NS 28, Pottsville 20
– Blue Mountain vs. Tamaqua: BM 34, Tamaqua 21
– Palisades vs. Salisbury: Salisbury 29, ‘Sades 10
– Berks Catholic vs. Annville-Cleona: BC 31, A-C 14
– Pequea Valley vs. Kutztown: Pequea 35, Kutz 8
– Columbia vs. Hamburg: Hamburg 47, Columbia 7
– William Allen vs. Dieruff: Dieruff 24, Allen 20
– Reading vs. Hempfield: Hempfield 27, Reading 19
– Muhlenberg vs. Conestoga Valley: ‘Stoga Valley 42, Muhls 12
– Cocalico vs. Fleetwood: Cocalico 49, Fleetwood 14
Thats an awful lot of work into possible EC matchups. Especially as 90% of the teams noted have bigger goals. Its like filling out a Womens NIT bracket.
FWIW – Westinghouse is just “House” if you’re shortening it down.
You do have a point, Saul. I’ve always considered it the “NIT” of PIAA football. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. In fact, PIAA States should be 32, to let better teams in that 3-7 vs. 2-8.
I like “House” or “The House”, too, but the more I think about it, I think mine works because like the Bulldog mascot, a Westy is basically an abbreviation of another dog breed.
There’s not talk on here about La Salle College High or St. Joe. The name of this site is Eastern Pa. football. How can you talk about football in this part of the state without mentioning the two best football teams in the state. I know privates are a sore subject here but you can’t shut your eyes to reality. La Salle has a QB for the ages and a defense that is just plain good. And St. Joe is…….well……St. Joe!! The playoff game will determine everything. See you in Hershey!!
Quite simply: I do not care. They are boring to talk about. Everyone knows they are competing at a different level, it doesn’t matter to me which of them ultimately wins.
I’m from Pittsburgh and don’t think there are very many posters on this site that follow DI and D12/Catholic League very closely, with Kevin X being a notable exception, there are more from NE Pa, and D3 in the areas around Harrisburg. I do agree with you those are the 2 best teams in PA regardless of classification, and the winner of the rematch is a big favorite to win 6A. I predicted on this board back in August that LaSalle would dethrone SJP this year and win the state title, we’ll see if that comes to fruition, I knew they had a lot of talent returning and with a new coaching staff figured they would seriously challenge SJP, particularly in light of some of their major injuries to key players like Roy, and now others. I will say LaSalle could be susceptible to a letdown the following week against Imhotep if they beat Prep again, but if Prep wins the rematch I don’t see them losing to Tep.
I live in the district one area and have followed high school sports since the 70s, I think there are probably a good amount of people from here that probably just don’t post comments but I could be wrong. What is the high school football coverage like out west? I think one of the things that has hurt high school football in this area is the basic demise of the daily local newspapers. In my area the Norristown Times Herald and Pottstown Mercury used to have full sports staffs of really good writers who would have great previews and the full game stories for each game that week with box scores included. They would also have coaches roundtables where the coaches would talk about different things it was great. It really made the season feel special. Now those papers are all owned by the same company and they are a shell of what they once were. Often only a couple games have a full story since there is very little staff. This site is good but I’m sorry the Internet just isn’t the same. It was fun getting the paper the next day and reading about each game. I’m sure it’s probably much the same out in the western part of the state.
Fortunately we still have very good local media coverage of HS Football in Western PA, both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Tribune Review have full staffs that cover football and all other high school sports, and both papers provide very good overall coverage. KDKA radio broadcasts a game of the week every Friday night, and has a wrap up show following the game where they run down all the scores and have live reports from the marque matchups, its great to listen to driving home from whatever game I attended. There is also a game of the week on a smaller local TV network, and sometimes there are 2 games on different stations. All 3 local TV network affiliates also devote the last 15 minutes of their 11PM Friday night news to coverage and highlights of the HS games that night, and a couple of stations have helicopters that make appearances at a handful of games.
Probably correct, same thing here with Doylestown Intelligencer newspaper, among others. Central Bucks South, Central Bucks West, North Penn are pretty good football teams, CBW gave Easton their only loss, Souderton, Upper Dublin, Quakertown also pretty good. Pretty much listed the teams from the Old Bux-Mont league didn’t I.
Since 2009 (when Brooks was coach) SJP has had very good and sometimes great HS quarterbacks–with the exception of 2015. There was Mornhinweg between ’09 and ’11, Chris Martin in ’12 and ’13, Jack Clement in ’14, McCray in ’16 and ’17, McCord for the next three years, and then three years of Samaj Jones. Charlie Foulke came into this year as a sophomore with no varsity experience. He’s been OK, and I expect him to be very good the next two years, but he hasn’t played at the level McCord or Jones played at as sophomores. McCord had great poise in the pocket and had a strong and accurate arm. Jones was a dual threat from the start. Foulke’s biggest problems so far have been tendencies to force some throws into traffic and to panic a bit when under pressure. You saw examples of both problems against LaSalle, St. Edward’s, and Roman–though you also saw lots of potential in all three games. (I’m not convinced LaSalle’s Sidwar is in the class of McCord or Jones, but he’s very good and this is his third year. But despite the LaSalle advantage at QB, I think everyone would agree that SJP should have won the game earlier this month in regulation.)
As Jeff H mentioned, who’s injured and who’s back from injury will be very big factors in November. I’m assuming McFadden will be back for LaSalle and that West won’t be for SJP. That’s a huge loss for SJP. Look at what a healthy West did last year in many games, including the two against LaSalle. Hardy was out for the first game against LaSalle, but he’s back now for SJP. I’ve heard different things about Roy, but even if he’s back it’s hard to imagine he will be close to 100%.
And a prediction: given how the DBs on each team were playing in the first game, supporters of the losing team will be complaining about the referees after the next game.
No one talks about Prep or LaSalle as everyone knows whoever wins the Catholic League Championship……..and I have to go with Prep again…..will win the State Championship, no 6A Public or Private School for that matter in the State can beat either of those teams. I do have a question concerning Imhotep, if the make it to the CIty Championship game, and I don’t see any competition in the Public League 6A for them, after 2 years, can they move back down to 5A?
LaSalle is the real deal this year under new coach Gordan. Most folks on this site dont get to see either LaSalle or the Prep during the year and most likely dont care, which is understandable considering upstate schools are in lower classifications. Imhotep and Roman are also very talented teams. District 11 has several powerhouses in 6A. Although CB South is rated higher and are undefeated ,keep an eye on CB West with all everything Ryan Clemens.
Take cover there are about to be a barrage of negative comments coming your way from parts far and wide but particularly the northeast extension of the turnpike.
District 2 Football is very quiet. He picked against the “PREP” yet again and lost. He/she should join the bandwagon instead of hating on them.
P-R-E-P….PREP PREP PREP!!!!
His Valley View Cougars are playing Wyoming Valley West and the West Side Jr. Falcons every week.
Mechanicsburg
The bleachers on the left side of the field may or may not be considered Carlisle. Its pretty hard to argue with someone on LaSalle and st. Joes prep when they don’t even know where they play the state championships at. Hershey’s a good half hour away, Manheim will be in the right place. I had to post this here because it’s the only place today that they would let me reply to. Love the forum, very easy to navigate, never freezes up and it’s a hidden gem in the ————- sorry lost my thought after it froze up
You’ll forgive me JC. “See you in Hershey” was a saying for us Old Timers!!
Playoff Watch (Little 3-Word Game Action, too). I’ll rank these by most to least interesting. I’ll add these into three parts.
1. 1A (2018 Deja Vu): This is more chaotic than Wallenpaupack/Valley West in 2018, where it came down to the final day. The only difference here is that 4 teams are (potentially vying for 3 spots) & all of it happens in one day.
Recap/Scenarios
– Not a bad week for the 1A Subregional foes. Trail beat Holy Cross in a classic drubbing. Marian was the only other team with a win (over struggling Pine Grove), while Nativity lost to Schuylkill Haven (in a close one), as did Tri-Valley to Minersville & Old Forge to Riverside.
– We know Trail is in. They have home field. They have Riverside, who’s looking to run the table.
– Nativity is the #2, barely leading Tri-Valley by .498 to .496 (or via D-XI, T-V leads .497287 to .497205).
– Marian jumps to the #4, since they won & Old Forge lost. D2 has them up .440 to .437, while D-XI has them .437 to .434. I’m not sure which numbers are right.
– Next week: Old Forge plays at Carbondale & Tri-Valley hosts Haven in Hegins. The biggest game is the go or go-homer for Marian.
– What happens: A win for Marian clinches. A win for Old Forge knocks out Marian & forces a District 2 championship game up on Tunnel Hill. A Marian win over Nativity makes Trail the D2 champion & locks in Marian. Also, a Nativity win clinches D-11 home field, while a Tri-Valley win locks them into the #2 if Nativity loses, but could also get it by strength of record. A loss for T-V doesn’t rule them out of elimination, either. If they lose & Marian & OF win, it could come down to mere points. Oh, and the first team out has a legit chance to play in the EC 1A/2A game (& possibly host).
2. 4A (Four Way Chaos): You think they’d have the more intriguing case, but 1A trumps it due to just how much is on the line.
Recap/Scenarios
– Four teams for two spots, involving three divisions.
– Wallenpaupack jumps from #6 to #3 over a 2-7 Pittston. Honesdale stays at #4, dominating Dunmore. Crestwood drops from #3 to #5 after losing to Wilkes-Barre. North Pocono drops to #6 losing to DV, but they could’ve also won.
– Paupack leads with .530, Honesdale with .529, Crestwood with .526, & North Pocono with .493.
– Valley View & Dallas are locked into their spots. They can rest easy.
– Next Week: All host teams next week. Paupack plays Valley View, Honesdale has easy win vs. West Scranton, Crestwood plays Valley West, & North Pocono gets Prep.
– What Happens: Win & you’re in. Wallenpaupack will most likely lose to Valley View, so Honesdale & Crestwood control their own destiny. North Pocono upsetting Prep may also play a role. Loser of either North Pocono, Crestwood, & Honesdale will likely play in EC. A Wallenpaupack #4 seed also puts them in position to potentially have an all-LFC EC 4A game, but Hamburg seems to be heading there, too.
5. 3A (Some Potential Shuffling): 3A is all but locked but has a few interesting scenarios.
Recap/Scenarios
– My main focus is the battle for #6 & #7, but the #4/#5 & #8 seeds are still mathematically possible to have switches.
– Scranton Prep moves to #1 after beating Shore. Western Wayne’s loss to Mid Valley drops WW to #2 & jumps Mid Valley to #4. L-L goes to #5. Carbondale, Berwick, & Tunkhannock hold the final seeds.
– Carbondale leads Berwick .443 to .425 in the battle for the #6. Tunkhannock leads Hanover Area for the final seed .425 to .350. Mid Valley leads .582 to .540.
– Next Week: C’dale hosts OF, Berwick hosts Tunkhannock (very slim chance that seedings change), Hanover travels to GNA for the Sans Souci Struggle, L-L hosts Dallas & Mid Valley hosts Lakeland.
– What Happens: A Berwick win & Carbondale loss flips the spots. A Tunkhannock loss & Hanover Area win could eliminate Tunkhannock. Mid Valley win over Lakeland keeps home field, while an upset over Dallas puts L-L there. Less likely.
– Also, WW & Wyoming Area may flip spots. WW leads .725 to .693. WW travels to Dunmore, while Wyo Area travels across the Susquehanna to play Pittston. A WW loss moves the Warriors to the #2.
6. 2A (Might Need Upsets): This is the only class that’s locked up but needs a little Week 10 magic to offer a change. The #2-4 seeds could see a bit of shuffling, but the bottom two are more in focus.
Recap/Scenarios
– Dunmore & Lakeland are #3 & #4 but could jump/swap spots depending on outcomes.
– Susquehanna (.482) lost to C’dale, Dunmore (.449) lost to Honesdale, & Lakeland (.402) beat West Scranton
– Next Week: Susquehanna hosts Holy Cross, Dunmore hosts WW, & Lakeland goes to Mid Valley
– What Happens: A Susquehanna loss could jump Dunmore to the #2, A Dunmore loss & Lakeland upset can swap their seeds. They should be safely where they are.
If Marian loses and old forge loses, Marian Catholic is most likely in
3. 6A (Just As Advertised): The 6A race has been as entertaining as advertised. All four spots are still up for grabs, but all four teams make it. This should be #1, but there’s no suspense in who’s in & who’s out. That’s why it’s the #3.
Recap/Scenarios
– All four seeds are TBD. All four teams have a case to be 5-5, depending on how this weekend goes.
– Wilkes-Barre jumps to #1 after “upsetting” Crestwood, Hazleton got waxed by Dallas, Scranton lost to Abington Heights, & Williamsport lost to Hollidaysburg.
– WBA (.560), Hazleton (.545), Scranton (.538), & Williamsport (.490)
– Next Week: The most important game is Wilkes-Barre/Williamsport (@ STA). Hazleton gets an interleague showdown with Abington Heights & Scranton travels to DV.
– What Happens: The winner of WBA-Williamsport likely clinches a home field spot. A Millionaires loss keeps them at #4 & a Wilkes-Barre win locks the #1. Scranton & Hazleton can also get the #1 by a Wilkes-Barre loss & power rating points.
4. 5A (Bonafide Tank Bowl): UTree would be proud of this battle for the #4 seed. It’d be better if both teams played in Week 10 against one another & one was locked into the EC game, but that’s not the case. However, DV & Abington Heights have unfinished business, too. Let’s not forget about that.
Recap/Scenarios
– #1 & #2 can still be decided, but the main battle is the #4 seed.
– AH beat Scranton convincingly & DV also won over a gritty North Pocono squad. Valley West lost to VV & West Side lost to Lakeland.
– AH leads DV in the #1 seed battle .606 to .593.
– WVW leads WS .240 to .229 in the 5A race.
– Next Week: AH hosts Hazleton, DV hosts Scranton, West Scranton hosts Honesdale, & Valley West heads to Crestwood.
– What Happens: I expect things to stay the same. A loss for AH will give DV home field. An upset for either WVW/WS will lock them in. If not, it’ll go by power rating points.
D2 Notes for Week 9
1. Wildcat Woes (Upset Of The Week): Western Wayne is not perfect anymore. They lost in their worst performance of the season, 22-10. Mid Valley’s defense earns their flowers for this one. This also put the LFC Division II race in anarchy. Mid Valley, WW, & Dunmore will have a co-champion this season, as Dunmore/WW will decide one, alongside a MV win over Lakeland. To make matters worse, Prep took over the #1 seed heading into the final week. As Luke Combs sang, “When it rains, it pours”.
2. Carbondale’s Better Than Susquehanna?: Carbondale/Susquehanna is one of those matchups where you throw out the record books. I felt Susquehanna has had the better team, while Carbondale gave more teams fits. Little did I think the Chargers would take them down. A 22-12 win came to be, as the Sabers are now in a fight for home field with Dunmore.
3. WBA Upends Crestwood: All the Pack needed was a rally. They got one! Wilkes-Barre used some first catch magic (Achilles Fuentes had yet to make a reception) to be the difference maker, as they take down a Shedlock-less Crestwood. This loss made Crestwood’s game important next week & Wilkes-Barre’s battle just as much. 6A playoff seeding is all up in the air.
4. North Pocono Almost Did It AGAIN!: North Pocono is the boogeyman this year. You just can’t take them down easily. North Pocono had led for most of the first half, but only before DV struck. By the 4th Quarter, DV controlled the rest of the game & that’s that. North Pocono needs a win & help to make the 4A playoffs. They will be playing Scranton Prep. Don’t be surprised if they give them a fit.
5. Riverside Takes Down Pizzatown: In more laid back senses, Riverside came through & defeated their rival in a classic showdown. Chase Taddonio moved to 2nd all-time in Riverside history with career TDs, only trailing his coach, Harry Armstrong. Not much to say here, except this gives them momentum to try to share the LFC III title next week.
6. Extra Notables: This weekend’s theme was “Catch 22”, as Mid Valley, Carbondale, & Wallenpaupack won their games scoring 22 points. Nick Bradley put up some big numbers (309 yards & 4 TDs) in a 42-21 win for Abington Hts over Scranton. Wyoming Area shutout Nanticoke to seal WVC II.
Playoff talk coming tomorrow, with EC talk coming up Tuesday.
The final week coming with major playoff implications. In the PAC you have Perkiomen Valley and Pope John Paul playing for the championship. If PV loses they will drop in the D1 6A seedings, PJP will probably still stay as the #1 seed in D1 4A PV is a slight favorite as the small schools have only won twice in the history of the crossover playoffs with PJP winning last year. I see Phoenixville beating Owen J Roberts in the PAC crossover and Owen J Dropping, OJR played one strong opponent this year-PV and lost, they beat a lousy underperforming Spring Ford on a last second field goal yesterday. Phoenixville will win a game or 2 in the Very strong D1 5A playoffs.
I don’t think anyone in the state saw Lampeter Strasburg’s destroying Twin Valley. TV defensive line was no match for LS offensive line. Will try to get to the Wyo/LS game next saturday as the winner will get the #1 seed in D3 4A
Week 9 Across The State. If I missed anything, let me know. Also, curious to know D1/D12 clinching scenarios this week or next. Same for Western PA (D5/D6/D9/D10, especially). Also, this was made before all Thursday games took place.
Bonus D2-Related Picks & D-XI
– Dunmore vs. Honesdale: Dunmore 33, Honesdale 16
– Nativity vs. Schuylkill Haven: Haven 46, Nativity 22
– Easton vs. Freedom: Freedom 27, Easton 24
– Stroudsburg vs. ES South: ESS 23, S’burg 17
– Northampton vs. Nazareth: Naz 36, N’hampton 14
– Liberty vs. Becahi: Liberty 23, Becahi 21
– NW Lehigh vs. Tamaqua: NWL 44, Tamaqua 14
– Pottsville vs. Blue Mountain: Blue Mtn. 35, Pottsville 19
– Southern Lehigh vs. Saucon Valley: Solehi 38, Saucon 20
District 4
– Shamokin vs. Loyalsock: Shamokin 38, Sock 23
– South Williamsport vs. Montgomery: Monty 23, SW 14
– Wyalusing Valley vs. Hughesville: H’ville 20, WyVal 13
District 1
– CB South vs. Neshaminy: CBS 38, Nesh 13
– North Penn vs. CB West: North Penn 23, CBW 22
– Upper Moreland vs. Plymouth-Whitemarsh: UM 24, P-W 21
– Pottsgrove vs. Phoenixville: P’ville 29, P’grove 28
– Coatesville vs. D’Town West: DTW 25, C’ville 21
– Garnet Valley vs. Springfield Delco: Garnet 24, Delco 18
District 12
– Roman Catholic vs. St. Joe’s Prep: SJP 33, Roman 21
– Bonner-Prendie vs. Cardinal O’Hara: B-P 36, O’Hara 15
– Imhotep vs. Simon Gratz: Imhotep 45, Gratz 21
– George Washington vs. Central Phila.: GW 23, Central (12) 12
District 3
– Twin Valley vs. Lampeter-Strasburg: TV 29, L-S 25
– Conestoga Valley vs. Exeter Twp.: Exeter 27, ‘Stoga Valley 24
– Conrad Weiser vs. Cocalico: Cocalico 25, CW 19
– Hershey vs. Mechanicsburg: Mech. 31, Hershey 22
– Susquehanna Twp vs. Trinity: Trinity 36, Susq. Twp. 28
– Biglerville vs. Littlestown: Biglerville 29, Litt 17
District 5/6
– Windber vs. Northern Bedford: NoBedCo 33, Windy 20
– Richland vs. Chestnut Ridge: Richland 38, CR 17
– Central vs. Clearfield: Central 26, Clearfield 20
– Mount Union vs. Claysburg-Kimmel: Mt. U 40, C-K 17
– River Valley vs. Northern Cambria: NoCam 29, Riv. Val 20
District 9/10
– DuBois vs. Brockway: DuB 35, Brockway 15
– Redbank Valley vs. Central Clarion: CC 56, RV 21
– General McLane vs. Cathedral Prep: ECP 40, GM 19
– Sharpsville vs. Wilmington: Wilmy 34, Sharpsville 14
– Titusville vs. Sharon: Sharon 38, Titusville 20
WPIAL
– Pine-Richland vs. North Allegheny: NA 28, P-R 24
– Penn Hills vs. North Hills: NH 30, PH 23
– South Fayette vs. Bethel Park: BP 29, SF 21
– Woodland Hills vs. Franklin Regional: Woody 28, FR 26
– Aliquippa vs. Montour: Quips 34, Montour 24
– Moon vs. Upper St. Clair: USC 40, Moon 23
– Monessen vs. Bishop Canevin: Canevin 35, Monessen 13
City League Playoff
– #4 Perry vs. #1 Westinghouse: Westy 55, Perry 15
– #3 USO vs. #2 Allderdice: TA 32, USO 20
Crossover/Non-PIAA/First 8-Man Pick
– Line Mountain (4) vs. Camp Hill (3): LM 31, CH 29
– Belmont Charter (12) vs. Executive (11): EE 28, Belmont 16
– Archbishop Hoban (OH) vs. Central York (3): Hoban 38, CY 19
– McDowell (10) vs. Steubenville (OH): Steubenville 25, McDowell 23
– Erie (10) vs. Canisius (NY): Canisius 31, Erie 13
– Haverford School vs. Malvern Prep: Malvern 27, HS 24
– Springside Chestnut Hill vs. Germantown Acad.: SCHA 31, GA 17
– Delco Christian vs. Perkiomen (8-Man): DCC 42, Perk. 24
Don’t feel too bad Jersey shore you did what you can do with who you had as a public school Scranton prep has talent From five counties surrounding their private school district
Name the counties please. Last time someone mentioned someting like this St. Joe Prep was getting their talent from 4 states.
Would you like some cheese with that whine??? Give it a rest already. I don’t really care what happens in District 2, but I’m Scranton preps newest fan. Go Cavs!
Can you imagine these schools are your PIAA state football champions this year, ohhh the comments!!!
6A: LaSalle, SJP, or PCC
5A: Roman or McDevitt
4A: Bonner or PJPII
3A: Scranton Prep or Imani Chr.
2A: Seton-LaSalle
A: Bishop Guilfoyle
That is a distinct possibility, as that list of teams is very formidable top to bottom, however, I think the publics will win at least a couple, if not more. I do think the winner of the LaSalle vs SJP game is going to win 6A.
In 5A I think the D1 winner is going to give Roman all they can handle and perhaps beat them, I also like the WPIAL winner to beat McDevitt in the other semi-final, at this point I’m thinking D1 vs. WPIAL for 5A.
In 4A the WPIAL has 3 very good publics in Montour, TJ and Aliquippa, whoever emerges has a good chance to win a state title. I was out of town last weekend but heard Tikey Hayes got hurt again in the 2nd half of their 36-35 loss to Montour, if he’s not healthy for the playoffs the Quips won’t win the WPIAL without him.
In 3A if I had to pick a winner now I’d take Northwestern Lehigh, they lost in the final last year, and are crushing teams this year, I think they get past Scranton Prep and make the final again, Imani is very good and has several DI recruits, but they will be challenged in the WPIAL playoffs by Avonworth and Central Valley.
In 2A this may be Troy’s year, and South Park and Steel Valley are legit challengers to Seton LaSalle in the WPIAL playoffs.
In 1A Clairton has been on a roll all year with explosive offense and lockdown defense, I like their chances to win another state title, and perhaps avenge a prior loss to Bishop Guillfoyle, although BG has to get past Westinghouse in the eastern bracket first (yes, Westinghouse from Pittsburgh is in the eastern bracket!) Clairton also has to get past undefeated and defending runner-up Fort Cherry in the WPIAL final.
Ain’t that a kick in the head!!!
There might be a march on Harrisburg lead by a very angry group from District 2
I think going to Reddit and posting pa high school forums for a group would be better than coming on here. Its impossible to post something and many times hitler won’t post them anyway. The only thing you would be missing from the site is the game recap of mount Carmel every single week as one of the 6 games covered no matter who they play.
Northwestern Lehigh
Impressive The real deal!
This cannot be a more true statement. They have size, speed, discipline and great coaching.
I am honestly not sure I can see anyone beating them if they play their game. Obviously any can happen in 1 game with penalties, turnovers etc.
Danville has been less than impressive lately, Scranton Prep is a nice team but still not enough, Imani is the one team I think can provide some trouble with athletes.
not sure if you saw but Westinghouse had their entire team with the exception of 11 players, suspended for fighting in last week’s game. So they have to play their game this weekend with only 11 total players. Still expect them to win vs Perry but I doubt it will be 55 to 15 as you predict.
If Westinghouse played a football game with 11 total players and only 10 playing on defense, the piaa needs to look into this and the coaching staff, athletic directors and administration at that school all need to be fired. Your putting kids in danger in a dangerous sport when they are out in a position first off that they are not used to and they shouldn’t have been put in. Secondly if many on your team did something that brought a suspension like this shouldn’t forfeiting the season be in play when you have so much of your team not following your own rules. If you have 11 eligible players you don’t have enough to safely play a game. I know they won 68-0 but it don’t make it right to put your kids out there like that. The piaa needs to get involved in this. If all your starters get suspended you don’t deserve to play another game in the season. It sounds like a school who was more worried about winning a championship and new there was a way to slap there student athletes on the wrist for something they did wrong and still achieve there goals. Its an embarrassment to the school, it’s coaches and it’s administration and especially it’s athletic director.
Westinghouse ended up winning 68-0 while deciding to only use 10 players on defense. They kept a defensive linemen on the bench rotating them each series. During kickoffs they would kick the ball out of bounds to preserve energy. They would also use time outs every so often to get rest not necessarily to discuss strategy. Westinghouse definitely had a plan of action.
I didn’t realize that their team had that many suspensions.
I’ll drop it to 34-15. Still, it’s Westy vs. Perry. I wouldn’t expect it to be close.
Two Weeks To Go! Let’s look at the big games. I have a very full list this week. In fact, I had to put a subregional game & a D2 game in the State Picks because there are implications galore!
– Scranton Prep vs. Jersey Shore (LFC 1): While it’s a road game for the Cavs, it’s the biggest game in Div. 1 this weekend. Prep needs a win to possibly jump Western Wayne for the #1 seed in 3A. Shore just wants more momentum heading into the playoffs. I’ll take Shore in a pretty competitive game that should honestly be televised across the state.
– Mid Valley vs. Western Wayne (LFC 2): Mid Valley needs a win, but no one needs it more than (you’re reading this correctly) a 9-0 Wildcats squad. With Prep right on their heels, these last two weeks are super important. I think the Wildcats win, but Mid Valley might not be an easy out.
– Riverside vs. Old Forge (LFC 3): Cross Triboro rivals face off in Pizzatown this week. Old Forge is in desperate need of a win. Riverside almost had a troubling loss to C’dale. I think Riverside takes it, but Old Forge better play tough & hope Riverside had the same start as they did last week. Marian has a shot to overtake & force Trail to be district champs once again.
– Crestwood vs. Wilkes-Barre (WVC 1): Not many good games in the WVC, but this could be an important game in the 6A standings for Wilkes-Barre. A win here for Wilkes-Barre puts them in a good spot to be the #3. A loss holds them to the #4 seed, at least for one more week.
– Berwick vs. Selinsgrove (WVC 2): With WVC 2 teams being mid as can be, one crossover game does have an appeal. The Seals have looked a bit off this year, but are still a good team. If Wlikinson has one more good game out of this, then Berwick can upset. I don’t think lightning strikes twice this week.
– Abington Heights vs. Scranton (LFC HM): This LFC 1 game has important implications in 5A & 6A. Wins for both teams seriously help their cases at the #1 seed. Abington needs a win & some hope DV slips to a tough North Pocono team or Scranton next week. Scranton must win out to solidify the #1. Both the 5A & 6A battles have been more thrilling than we all thought. Give me the Comets to potentially control their destiny heading into Week 10.
– Wallenpaupack vs. Pittston (WVC HM): HUGE game for the Buckhorns, & borderline de-facto elimination game at that. Pittston has looked sneaky competitive, even in close losses. Paupack just hasn’t been competitive since their win vs. North Pocono. I think the losing streak ends here & Paupack survives one more week in the race.
– North Pocono vs. Delaware Valley (D2 HM): It was between Dunmore/Honesdale & this. I think there’s more on the line here. DV is clinging for dear life at the #1 in 5A. North Pocono needs a win to get closer to the 4A playoffs. DV is favored here, but don’t let it fool you: North Pocono dominated last week vs. Scranton & have put up fights with Valley View & Dallas. What’s to say lightning can’t strike twice? I won’t go that far.
– Minersville vs. Tri-Valley (1A Subregional): Best 1A D11 game this weekend is this one. While Marian has an easy win over Pine Grove & Nativity battles the ‘Canes, this has a potential to be important for seeding. Nativity & Tri-Valley are tightly knit at #2/#3. In the sense of the subregional, these two games are going to decide home field. I still think the Nativity-Marian game has more value, as it might be a “go or go home” game. Anywho, Minersville has looked great in a challenging 2A class. They should win over the Bulldogs, but I wouldn’t rule out a home win in Hegins.
– Williamsport vs. Hollidaysburg (6A Subregional): Who’da thunk it that Hollidaysburg would have wins over Shore & Selinsgrove in consecutive weeks. They absolutely annihilated Selinsgrove last week. That makes me wonder if this indie has what it takes to challenge the teams in their bracket. Williamsport needs to avoid going down early if they want to win this one. I think the Golden Tigers get to 8 wins. They get DuBois in Week 10, who isn’t a slouch in D9. A 8-2/9-1 Hollidaysburg team is not what I would’ve expected if you asked me before the season.
Scores
– Shore 26, Prep 21
– WW 35, Mid Valley 20
– Riverside 30, Pizzatown 18
– C’wood 24, WBA 14
– ‘Grove 34, Berwick 20
– AH 35, Scranton 13
– Paupack 23, Pittston 19
– DV 31, NP 20
– Minersville 39, T-V 18
– H’Burg 23, Billtown 13
Once again district 11 playoff games in two classes will be played on Thursday night this year. Whoever thought Thursday night football for high school was good is an idiot. It don’t make sense. And I have to post this here because my ability to post things on here is so awful I usually don’t waste my time. A comment was made about the fair ness of a Pottsville wrestler transferring and then coming back to his home school after two years and not being eligible. To bad !!!!!!! He shouldn’t have been able to wrestle at all He didn’t transfer to a school because his family moved or he had to find a better safer place for him. He transferred for wrestling thinking he was the best and when he want he went back to where he should have been all along. He wants to get mad about it get mad at your parents for letting you basically be a college student as a freshman in high school
It won’t end until public schools rise up and leave the piaa. They don’t need the piàa, the piaa needs them. Who would come up with a system for competitive balance in high school? Your two good you have to move up? This is high school!!!!! This isn’t the English premier soccer League. Let’s wake up and try and figure out how in a 3 year period faith Christian academy and bishop mccort could become head and shoulders better in wrestling than anyone in the greatest wrestling state for his wrestling in the country. Are you telling me that these two places are hot beds for wrestling over night lol. C’mon. Bishop mccort was already suspended for two years from wrestling in the piaa tournament. Bethlehem Catholic which is a triple AAA wrestling school and the best in pa in triple AAA cannot compete against either of these two schools. Nazareth which is a public school and who is probably the second best triple AAA school can’t compete against these schools. There has never been a time in the history of the piaa in pretty much any sport where a smaller classification school is head and shoulders better than the bigger schools. And it happened within a 2 to 3 year window. But this is the ultimate kick in the face and year where it will show it, faith Christian academy would be favored to win maybe all but 3 matches against Bethlehem Catholic, same goes for mccort. Is this because they miraculously have homegrown talent overnight in a sport like wrestling where you don’t just go out for the team in 7th grade and are a superstar. And to use Bethlehem Catholic as an example is sad in itself because they have stolen public schools talent as well, but they don’t have kids from north carolina transferring in like mccort has. I would really hope that public schools would just leave the piaa and the old eastern conference make a comeback. I do not like the aliquippa arguments on here because they recruit but my god the people they bring in compared to these wrestling teams is laughable. Its blatant in wrestling. Its blatant by mccort and faith Christian. And I don’t want to hear anything out of faith Christian about home grown talent because it’s even worse you àssembled kids at an earlier age to come to your school. Imagine starting to assemble kids at 7 and 8 years old to come to your school it’s almost criminal.
Strange times we live in today. Not only do I agree with Jc’s post, but not twice, but on all 3 points that were made. So what is the deal with D11’s Thursday night playoff games?? Officials shortage?? Desire to spread the games out?? Schools requested to play on Thursday or some kind of conflicts?? If ref shortage, there is your indication that there are too many teams making the district playoffs. Friday night and Saturday should be sufficient to get all playoff games played if a reasonable and common sense number of teams are in the playoffs. Yes, I’m kind of done scrolling to the bottom of the forum to make an initial post. Much easier just to reply to a random post for one to make their own initial post. Third, I’m also just about done with the transfer issues. Still trying to figure out the different transfer rules for completion formula purposes and post season eligibility. Two simple solutions, get rid of the transfer clause in the competition formula (except I believe the PIAA is on the verge of requiring 4 transfers (up from 3) plus 7 competition points (up from 6) for football to be moved up a classification) (or even more simple, just get rid of the completion formula all together, as least the way we know it today or tomorrow if those changes take effect), and a zero tolerance transfer rule for playoff eligibility, if you were on a different team/roster the previous year in said sport, anywhere, you are ineligible for the state playoffs in that same sport. The districts and leagues can do their own thing as far as transfer eligibility in their respects playoffs. I know this may sound harsh, but it takes all of the shenanigan’s and BS out of the process. Guess the lawyers would be against it.
Id like to know how the piaa considers whether it’s for athletics or not for the transfer when a public school has a boundary and I would think would have to produce a lot of evidence over a Catholic or private school who doesn’t have boundaries and could just say hey it’s a better opportunity and safer for my son or daughter in this environment. Its like public schools are on uneven grounds from top to bottom in every aspect of the argument. How can a competitive balance and transfer rule exist in one sport but not others? There are 22 starting positions plus special teams players in football that make transfers less of a huge deal in football. In wrestling there are 13 weight classes that each class contributes greatly. 4 transfers in football could amount to really nothing in the context of a football game and season but in wrestling 4 transfers can bring you a powerhouse. But yet there is no competitive balànce and transfer rule there. This should let you know what’s happening super 32’s is probably the biggest high school off season wrestling tournament in the country class as bishop mccort had 2 champions and placed at least 4 other kids in the top 8 faith Christian academy had at least two champions and I think around 4 kids in the top 8. That’s unheard of, it’s unheard of. 4 of the 13 best high school wrestlers in the country go to two tiny schools in class as wrestling. Yeah piaa it’s an even playing field and your doing your job lol
As far as I know arent players who transfere ineligible for the state playoffs already. I thought any player who transferes after their freshman yr cant play in the postseason. No expert on all these different rules,but i thought that was what went into effect several yrs ago.
No expert on this matter myself, but last I understood it depends on the individual situation. If the transfer was deemed an “athletic transfer” whatever the heck that means, then you are ineligible. If deemed for, I’m guessing, any other reason, you’re good to go in the post season. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen football and basketball players at one school one year, then in another school the next year, and some are playing in the post season, others are not. And I believe the eligibility is determined at the district level. So different districts can come across similar situations but have two different views. If there are disagreements with your verdict, then you can appeal to the PIAA at the state level, or just go grab yourself a lawyer and take it to court. Now maybe the PIAA tightened the screws on the transfer rules recently, to something more akin of what I suggested above, I don’t know.
PJP will play first ever Friday night football game vs Upper Merion this Friday. Could be hosting PV at night the following Friday which would be fun.
How’d the game go?? All went well with their first on campus game under the lights?? Are they going to host PV Friday night?? Any idea how they are charging for games?? I was only there once this year, early in the season for the N-G game (Labor Day weekend). They were charging for parking like they have been in the past, but people just walked into the game or found a good spot on the hill on the visitors side. No way way they could prevent people from watching in person and charging unless they quickly put up a fence.
D2 Playoffs & EC Updates
– 1A sees a switch with Tri-Valley jumping to the #2 after a Nativity loss. The way it looks now, with #1 LT, #2 T-V, #3 Nativity, & #4 OF is what the seeds will be. It’ll go by district, then by subregion final. If Trail is D2 champ, they host Marian (but only if they jump Pizzatown). Marian has Pine Grove & an important game vs. Nativity. Nativity isn’t entirely out of the woods, either, as they have “The Haven” next week (my subregional pick). Tri-Valley is leading .535 to .528, which, but have the better schedule (Minersville & Schuylkill Haven). Holy Cross will need a lot of help. The EC race is kind of up for grabs, still.
– 2A seeding is all but locked. Susquehanna & Dunmore might battle for the #2, but with Susquehanna’s schedule being more favorable (Carbondale & Cross to Honesdale & WW), I think nothing changes with it. Dunmore’s best chance for the #2 is winning out & getting power rating pts via strength of schedule.
– 3A: Western Wayne is playing great football, but the Power Rating margin over Prep got tighter. WW won over 2-6 Lakeland, while Prep won over 5-3 Mid Valley. WW leads .791 to .767. The Wildcats have Mid Valley & Dunmore to go. Prep has Shore & North Pocono. Prep losing to Shore probably locks up the #1. A win over them will make Week 10 more important than expected. Mid Valley & Lake-Lehman flipped around seeds #4 & #5 this week. Sparty leads .547 to .536. WW & Lakeland are Mid Valley’s final two opponents, while L-L has Hanover Area & Dallas. Don’t be shocked if they flip, then flip again. Either team will get the final home seed. Carbondale & Tunkhannock may have a spirited battle for the #7, but I’ll address next week what’s needed.
– 4A: Dallas’ win over Crestwood all but locks up the #2, but an upset from Hazleton or Lake-Lehman may change things. Big switches in the #4. North Pocono needed a win (& a win badly) over Scranton. They jump Honesdale & freefalling Paupack & now have a decent lead over both. The Trojans (.521) lead Honesdale (.498) & Paupack (.496). The #4 seed should change at least once more by season’s end. North Pocono has DV & Prep to end the season. Honesdale has Dunmore & West Scranton. Paupack has Pittston & Valley View. Honesdale has the edge, since they have winnable games. North Pocono may be out of luck, but possibly helped by power rating points due to strength of schedule. Paupack may have a better SOS, due to Stroudsburg & possibly similar record ES North. Either NP or Honesdale will go to EC. Paupack isn’t in it, I think.
– 5A: Well, maybe DV isn’t safe from the #1. They lost to Valley View, while AH got past Paupack. That means DV leads .567 to .561 heading into the final weeks. DV has North Pocono & Scranton, while LFC’s Comets have Scranton & Hazleton. It may come down to strength of schedule points, which favors DV, but a shocking loss to LFC opponents opens things up. As for the “Tank Bowl” of the #4 seed, West Side has the lead .252 to .235. WS gets 2-6 Lakeland & 4-4 Honesdale. WVW gets Valley View & Crestwood. Expect this to go down to the wire.
– 6A: Scranton getting upset shakes things up! Hazleton beat Pittston & leads .574 to .558. Hazleton gets Dallas & Abington Hts, while Scranton has Abington Hts & DV. Billtown lost to 3A Berwick, which hurt them a lot & drops them to the #4. WBA gets Crestwood, while Billtown goes to, surprising D6 foe, Hollidaysburg. They play each other Week 10, so the battle might go down to the final game.
Eastern Conference
1A/2A
– Matchup: Wyalusing Valley (#9 in D4 D2) @ Marian (#5 in D2/11 1A).
– Potentials: Holy Cross (#6 in D2/11 1A) & North Penn-Mansfield (#10 in D2 2A) have very super slim chances if either of the above lose out & the next listed teams are locked in. Old Forge (#4 in D2/11 1A), South Williamsport (#8 in D4 2A), & Bloomsburg (#7 in D4 2A).
3A
– Matchup: Salisbury (#6 in D11) vs. Tamaqua (#5 in D11)
– Potentials: Pequea Valley (#10 in D3), Berks Catholic (#6 in D3), Saucon Valley (#4 in D11), & North Schuylkill (#3 in D3)
4A
– Matchup: Hamburg (#13 in D3) vs. Honesdale (#5 in D2)
– Potentials: North Pocono (#4 in D2) has shot, if they’re left out of the race.
5A/6A
– Matchup: Dieruff (#9 in D11 6A) vs. Reading (#16 in D3 6A)
– Potentials: Muhlenberg (#20 in D3 5A), Fleetwood (#21 in D3 5A), Governor Mifflin (#9 in D3 6A), & William Allen (#10 in D11 6A)
EC Games To Watch
– Hughesville vs. Wyalusing Valley
– Pine Grove vs. Marian
– Old Forge vs. Riverside
– Southern Columbia vs. Bloomsburg
– South Williamsport vs. Montgomery
– Cowanesque Valley vs. North Penn-Mansfield
– Salisbury vs. Northern Lehigh
– Northwestern Lehigh vs. Tamaqua
– Southern Lehigh vs. Saucon Valley
– Lehighton vs. North Schuylkill
– Honesdale vs. Dunmore
– North Pocono vs. Delaware Valley
– Hamburg vs. Berks Catholic
– Dieruff vs. Allentown Central Catholic
– Reading vs. Oxford Area (1)
– Muhlenberg vs. Academy Park (1)
– Fleetwood vs. Solanco
– Elizabethtown vs. Gov. Mifflin
Also, if I may, can I ask for any playoff clinching scenarios for the next few weeks in D-1/12, D-5/6, D-9/10, & WPIAL, if there are any to watch? Curious to follow along with other seeding battles.
So many teams make the playoffs in the WPIAL, particularly the lower classes, so it’s hard to go through all the scenarios, for now I’ll just focus on 4A-6A because they are more straightforward
In the WPIAL only conference records count for automatic qualifiers, the overall record only comes in the play for wild cards selected by the WPIAL selection committee
6A – 4 teams make the playoffs (out of 7 total), PCC is #1, NA is #2, right now Seneca Valley is third at 3-1 in the conference, but they still play PCC and NA, so barring a big upset they will finish 3-3 but still likely make the playoffs. Hempfield is fourth at 2-3, they play Mt Lebo who is 1-3 this week in an elimination game, if Lebo wins they play winless Norwin next week and clinch a spot with 2 wins. Canon Mac is also 1-3, they play winless Norwin this week, then finish with PCC, they need to win both to have a chance to sneak in.
5A – 12 teams make the playoffs, the top 3 in each conference are guaranteed, plus 3 wild cards selected by the committee. In the north PR has clinched the conference at 4-0, North Hills also has clinched at 3-1, they play 2-1 Penn Hills this week, with winner clinching 2nd. If Penn Hills loses they need to beat 2-6 Plum next week to clinch third. The other teams in this conference are bad (Fox Chapel/Shaler), and it’s unlikely Plum will get a wild card if they lose as expected to Penn Hills next week, so probably only top 3 from this conference make it and no wild cards.
In the South USC has clinched, Peters and Bethel are tied for 2nd, assuming both win this week they play next week for 2nd/3rd place. Both Moon and South Fayette are 1-2, Moon plays USC, while South Fayette plays Bethel, they play next week, with the winner clinching fourth and almost certain wild card selection, loser finishes fifth and have to hope they get selected as the final wildcard, if either of them pull an upset this week that would more than likely clinch at least a wild card spot.
In the east Woodland Hills is first at 4-0, followed by Franklin and Penn Trafford at 3-1. Woody plays at Franklin this week, a win clinches the conference, a loss means a likely 3 way tie for the conference title, with all of them beating each other. Gateway and Kiski next at 2-3, Gateway plays Latrobe who has been decimated with injuries, so that’s a likely win which would probably clinch a wild card for them, while Kiski plays Woodland Hills next week. Kiski also plays Plum in a nonconference game this week, if they beat Plum and upset Woodland Hills it will come down to Kiski and the loser of South Fayette/Moon for the final wild card, as Gateway has the tiebreaker by beating Kiski.
4A – 8 teams make the playoffs, top 2 in each conference, plus 2 wild cards selected by the committee. Aliquippa travels to Montour this week in a huge showdown, winner clinches the conference and likely #1 seed in playoffs, loser will finish second. West Allegheny is third at 2-1, with Blackhawk next at 2-2, they play this week in a de facto elimination game, with winner still alive for a wild card
TJ has clinched their conference and will almost certainly be #2 seed in playoffs behind Aliquippa/Montour winner, Belle Vernon and Trinity are tied for 2nd at 2-1, they play next week with the winner clinching, and loser alive for a wild card
In the other conference McKeesport is in first, they clinch with a win over hapless Indiana tomorrow, Mars and Knoch currently tied for 2nd, but Mars beat them earlier so they have the tiebreaker and will likely finish second, Knoch plays McKeesport next week and might need to win to have a shot at a wild card.
D2 I like your in-depth coverage well done
What is your opinion? I think they should change the name of the eastern conference championship game because ever since 1988 when the state championship took its place now incurrent years when the eastern conference has been watered down for teams that have mediocre seasons for all of those Teams that won The title before 1988 this is truly a disrespect to what they have earned having to win all of those games to reach the Eastern conference game
The title before 1988 this is truly a disrespect to what they have earned having to win all of those games to reach the Eastern conference game also
Best of luck to the Bulldogs of Jersey shore go get them Show them whose house they are in go dogs go !
With the regular season winding down, I will never get used to that happening on or before Halloween. Anyway a quick look ahead to the District One playoffs. The 6A field appears to have several good teams this year but perhaps no standout team. One team that could be make an under the radar run is PW. They have been playing good football with perhaps their best performance coming in a narrow loss to Manheim Township. With PW being one of the smaller 6A teams depth could be a problem but if anyone overlooks them they could end up paying the price for it. In 5A we have probably the most wide open field, I would probably give the nod to Strath haven but wouldnt be surprised if anyone of a handful of other teams ends up winning it In 4A despite only having 4 teams the field is probably overall the best its been in a while. PJP is playing very well, has improved week to week and has been running the football much better in recent weeks. That improved running game will get a stiff test in a few weeks when they meet Perk Valley for the Pac Title. As has been mentioned here before PJP will be missing several players in the playoffs due to the transfere rule,the two main ones would be a very good two way lineman and a talented corner along with a couple of rotational players. Maybe cause the game was played on Thursday night but Shanahans upset win over Downingtown West doesnt seem to have gotten much mention. Shanahan has been playing well since losing big to PJP a few weeks back and could be dangerous along with Springfield Montco a team that has been rolling along before getting handled pretty good by PW last week.
One rule that should be changed is that if a player transfers out of a non PIAA school, they should be eligible for the playoffs. This rule is hurting both Public and Private schools. A few years ago a wrestler who grew up in the Pottsville youth wrestling program wrestled for Blair Academy for 2 years, he transferred back to his hometown Public School-(Pottsville) and was ruled ineligible to wrestle in the PIAA playoffs. In my opinion…..and many others, That was totally unfair to the kid. Malvern Prep has had several athletes who went through the Public grade school and CYO programs transfer out to both Public and Private schools where they were ruled ineligible. District 1 has to get its head out of the sand, they are only hurting the kids.
One rule change the PIAA should make is if a player transfers out of a non PIAA school to a PIAA school, they should be eligible for the playoffs. This archaic rule has hurt both Public and Private schools. If a kid never played in the PIAA in HS, then who did it hurt? A wrestler from Pottsville who grew up in their system wrestled for powerhouse Blair Academy-(Non PIAA) for 2 years he transferred back to Pottsville and was ruled ineligible for the State Playoffs. That’s BS. Several Kids that recently have transferred out of Malvern Prep to both Public and Private schools have been ruled ineligible by District 1. D1 is not doing themselves any favors by not letting these kids play.
I agree totally,I get what they were trying to stop as far as mid season transferes and the like,but PJP has the linemen who came over from Malvern Prep ,thats a big loss at playoff time. feel bad for the player also. I know everyone concerned knew the rule going in but there should be some exceptions. Not every case is the same.