Wow! More exciting action from Week No. 13 as the action keeps heating up.
In the big rematch from 1 year ago, Top seeded DUNMORE clashed with State Runner up from last year, WEST CATHOLIC, in the much anticipated AA contest. Pairings and regions are what they are, but this was possibly a match up between 2 of the best in the Eastern half of the State. WEST CATHOLIC was simply too much in 2008 en route to an easy victory and marching right into Hershey before coming up short in double overtime to eventual AA State Champion, WILMINGTON, in a game for the ages. This year the DUNMORE-WEST CATHOLIC billing lived up to the hype in a hard fought contest. The Burrs though were the team to make the plays when it counted and put points on the board early to secure the advantage before sealing away the game in the fourth quarter with an insurance TD to earn a tough 13-0 decision over the Bucks, ending DUNMORE’S remarkable undefeated run in 2009 together with 3 straight District 2 AA Titles. Congratulations to both teams on great seasons and best wishes to WEST CATHOLIC as they move on in the quest to win the Gold in Hershey.
In a big AAA showdown between ABINGTON HEIGHTS of District 2 and ALLENTOWN CENTRAL CATHOLIC of District 11, Bethlehem Liberty High School was the site for this game of heavyweight contenders. While both schools boasted potent offenses, it was the Vikings of ALLENTOWN CENTRAL CATHOLIC which proved to have most of the early firepower and led the way to secure a 28-14 victory. Contenders from years past, ALLENTOWN CENTRAL CATHOLIC showed well that the program is back on track and will be a force in future weeks to come with the hope of winning the Gold in Hershey as well. Congratulations to ABINGTON HEIGHTS on a fine season, losing only once during the regular season and showcasing numerous impressive victories along the way. Best wishes to ALLENTOWN CENTRAL CATHOLIC as they continue their march in the playoffs.
In A action, the Tigers of SOUTHERN COLUMBIA, from District 4 are clearly back on the prowl for yet another State Title with an impressive blowout win over NORTHWEST, 66-7. This game was over by halftime with the mercy rule in full swing. In fact, SOUTHERN COLUMBIA rolled to a 27-0 first quarter lead. SOUTHERN’S dominance, which can be traced back to Week No. 7 when the Tigers stood toe to toe with AAA juggernaut, SELINSGROVE, has been impressive to say the least. The Tigers have steamrolled opponents over the last 6 weeks and seemed poised to lead the charge all the way to Hershey. Congratulations to both SOUTHERN COLUMBIA on another successful season and to NORTHWEST for a great season.
SELINSGROVE, another District 4 contender at the AAA level, as indicated above, won again and moves on to face ALLENTOWN CENTRAL CATHOLIC. Watch for the Seals to make a move toward Hershey, which has been elusive in recent years, largely due to the fact that bracket pairings placed SELINSGROVE in the Western side of the State and they dropped tough games to eventual winners, namely THOMAS JEFFERSON and FRANKLIN.
Good Luck to all teams on the upcoming Week No. 14, the Eastern and Western Semifinals.
See You On The Sidelines!
Larry Spegar