Playoff contenders or pretenders

Written by: Joe Stokes on Tuesday, October 19th, 2010. Follow Joe Stokes on Twitter.

First seven week predictions go 25-5

If you had nothing better to read last week we talked about several District One teams that suffered early season defeats but were showing signs of improved play. Many of those teams are now in position to capture a coveted playoff seed in November.

The top ranked teams in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top 10 got a little jostle when third ranked Neshaminy suffered a tough 28-21 loss to Suburban One National rival Council Rock South. LaSalle, Ridley, North Penn and Cardinal O’Hara all held there top rankings and all seem headed to post season action.

Last week this prognosticator did well with a 4-1 prediction record. Springfield, Cardinal O’Hara, Penn Wood and Strath Haven all won as expected while Neshaminy fell to an excellent and undefeated Council Rock South for the only upset.

The last four years, this future teller has a 182-67 prognostication record and a 2010 record of 25-5.

This week a game to watch in the Central League has two teams that are fighting for a chance to make a playoff run. The Strath Haven Panthers will travel to Upper Darby in hopes of clinching a high slot in the AAA District One 2010 playoff. Strath Haven suffered an opening day loss to Upper Moreland but have a six game winning streak since that defeat. The Panthers rely on running backs Thurman Fortune, Brent Collins and James Griffin to carry the load and their play made the difference in a second half surge over Garnet Valley last Friday. It would be ill advised for the Panthers to overlook the Upper Darby Royals this week. Coach Rich Gentile has his running attack on the move with five straight victories after two early season set backs. Although the Royals have a history of late season slumps it will not start this Friday.

Prediction: Upper Darby 27 Strath Haven 24

The next game to consider features a Suburban One Continental Conference showdown between North Penn and Souderton. The Indians host this contest and have a respectable 5-2 record entering the game. North Penn will pound the Souderton defense with running backs Craig Needhammer and Dom Taggart and assure themselves of some post season fun.

Prediction: North Penn 33 Souderton 20

Here is the rest of this weeks fearless forecast:

Prediction: Downingtown East 35 Downingtown West 17

Prediction: Interboro 20 Chester 13

Prediction: Springfield (DelCo) 31 Conestoga 16

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