The rise to the top

Written by: Joe Stokes on Wednesday, September 29th, 2010. Follow Joe Stokes on Twitter.

First two week predictions go 13-2

The fifth week of any high school football season begins to define the teams that will be a threat to not only make the playoffs but to challenge for a championship. This year some of the old familiar names are on board. LaSalle, Neshaminy, Ridley and North Penn to name a few. There are also a few upstarts that will have to be watched as the season progresses. They include Cardinal O’Hara, Garnet Valley and George Washington.

The top ranked team in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top 10 remains to be the 2009 AAAA Pa champion LaSalle Explorers. They defeated up and coming Catholic league rival Monsignor Bonner 28-0 last Friday night.

There are several teams right on the Explorers heals that need to be watched in the upcoming weeks. These include Neshaminy, Ridley, North Penn and Archbishop Wood to fill out the top five.

Last week this prognosticator did well with a 3-2 prediction record but failed to keep up the perfect run of the two previous weeks. Neshaminy, Ridley and Strath Haven won as expected while Roman Catholic and Interboro lost hard fought games to Cardinal O’Hara and Upper Moreland.

The last four years, this future teller has a 170-64 prognostication record and a 2010 record of 13-2.

Now that we have four weeks to review, history can be of some value in determining the outcome of future contests. A great game to see involves top ranked LaSalle facing ninth ranked Roman Catholic. Back-up Quarterback Kevin Forster with the support of running back Jamal Abdur-Rahman were big in last weeks win over Bonner. Roman Catholic’s QB Mike Keir passed for 262 yards and two TD’s in a 36-24 loss to O’Hara. This contest will be a real test of wills. The Explorers will figure out a way to stay on top.

Prediction: LaSalle 31 Roman Catholic 21

The next game to consider features undefeated and seventh ranked Cardinal O’Hara hosting the Chester Clippers of the Del-Val League. In most years this would be a blowout for the Lions. However Chester has started the season 3-1 with an impressive win over Downingtown West in week three. O’Hara QB Ryan Laughlin will take the challenge in stride.

Prediction: Cardinal O’Hara 27 Chester 13

Here is the rest of this weeks fearless forecast:

Prediction: Monsignor Bonner 24 Interboro 13

Prediction: Conestoga 30 Strath Haven 19

Prediction: Downingtown East 28 Avon Grove 12

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