Twas the night before playoffs

Written by: Joe Stokes on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010. Follow Joe Stokes on Twitter.

Twas the night before playoffs

First nine week predictions go 33-7

Twas the night before playoffs, when all through the house

Coaches were stirring, disturbing that mouse;

The playoff seeds were all hung on the chart,

In hopes that a win would get their team a start.

The players were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of championships danced in their heads;

When out on the field there arose such a clatter.

The fans sprang from their seats to see what was the matter.

When, what to their wondering eyes should appear

But a halfback running as fast a reindeer.

The coach sprang to his feet, gave his team a whistle,

And they flew to the end zone like a down of a thistle.

The touchdown that followed provided the win.

But with post season chances always so slim.

The football season could be over or not.

If only we knew did we get that last playoff slot.

We have finally reached the end of the road and after this weekend the dye will be cast for playoff hopefuls by Saturday night. The weekend will start out cold and damp but many local teams will be warmed up with a win and a playoff birth.

Two of the top ranked teams in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top 10 suffered late season setbacks when Council Rock South fell to Abington and Cardinal O’Hara hit a road block to a perfect regular season when they lost to Archbishop Wood. Both these squads still seem assured of a second life with playoff slots still assured in District One and Twelve.

The new top five finds LaSalle, Ridley, North Penn, Archbishop Wood and Downingtown East leading the pack going into the final week of regular season action.

Last week this prognosticator did well with a 4-1 prediction record. Archbishop Wood, Ridley, LaSalle, and Strath Haven won as predicted while Abington fought to a moderately surprising win over previously undefeated Council Rock South for the only failed prognostication.

The last four years, this future teller has a 190-69 prognostication record and a 2010 record of 33-7.

This week there are loads of playoff caliber games to consume. The Central League offers an intriguing AAA match when Springfield travels to Strath Haven. Both teams are going to the District One playoffs and this game will determine which seed and possible home field advantage to the winner. The Cougar offense has just exploded in the last several weeks. The main reason is running back Matt Craig who scored three TD’s and 221 rushing yards in a 42-12 romp over Radnor last Friday night. The Springfield defense showed up as well only allowing two late game scores. Strath Haven is also on a roll and show signs of returning to the tradition established when becoming the only Delaware County high school to win a state football championship. The Panthers rely on running as well with Thurman Fortune leading the way with 192 yards on the ground on their way to a 35-7 Media Bowl victory over cross town rival Penncrest. This contest is one of the toughest calls all year but the Haven defense along with home field gives the Panthers a slight advantage.

Prediction: Strath Haven 38 Springfield 31

The next game to consider features Downingtown East’s quest for their third straight Chest-Mont National League title. They will rely on the passing skills of QB Trey Lauletta and the receiving prows of Tyler Kroft and Mike DiStefano. They will face a determined West Chester Henderson team that will be fighting for their playoff lives. East wins this one and looks forward to a long playoff run.

Prediction: Downingtown East 30 West Chester Henderson 17

Here is the rest of this weeks fearless five forecast:

Prediction: Neshaminy 27 Pennsbury 10

Prediction: Ridley 28 Upper Darby 17

Prediction: Penn Wood 34 Chester 20

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