FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 13 picks

The Poopster envisions a cold night Friday.

Daniel Boone is the only Mercury-area football team left in the postseason, with the Blazers visiting Cocalico in a rematch of their season opener. This time, a trip to the District 3-AAA final is on the line. Here's the orange guy's take on the weekend action.

Friday's games

District 3-AAA semifinal
Daniel Boone (8-4) at Cocalico (9-3)
The Poopster expects some serious ground-and-pound action at Denver, and hopes his owner doesn't freeze on the sideline. The orange guy was sorry to hear about one of his favorite players, Paul Galanti, going down with a knee injury, which could blunt Boone's hopes of turning the tables on the Eagles (who took the Week 1 encounter 32-14). Though he is pulling for the black and blue, he'll reluctantly go with the home side. ... Cocalico 21-20.

Other games

District 1-AAAA semifinals
Downingtown East (9-3) at Coatesville (12-0): Red Raiders tame the Cougars ... Coatesville 34-23.
Upper Dublin (11-1) at Pennsbury (11-1): Falcons end Cardinals' joyride ... Pennsbury 42-20.

District 1-AAA final
Great Valley (11-1) vs. Springfield-Delco (12-0), at P-W: Patriots take Dan Ellis bowl ... GV 21-14.

Saturday's  game

District 3-AAA semifinal
Red Land (9-3) at Bishop McDevitt (12-0): Top seed McDevitt stays on crusade .... BMD 35-21.

Last week's record: 5-2 (71.4 percent)
Overall record: 76-26 (74.5 pecent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 12 picks

The Poopster is calling for a couple of upset specials Friday.

The Poopster knows that anything can happen in the postseason, and though the two remaining area teams (Pottsgrove and Daniel Boone) will be underdogs in their respective district playoff games, the orange guy thinks they can both surprise.

Friday's games

District 1-AAA semifinal
Pottsgrove (8-3) at Springfield-Delco (11-0)
The Poopster realizes it could be very tough sledding for Torin Verdone, Devon Fink, Mike Fowler and the Falcons against a rugged Cougars defense. It may be wishful thinking, but he's going with the 'Grove. ... Pottsgrove 21-19.

District 3-AAA quarterfinal
Daniel Boone (7-4) at Milton Hershey (9-2)
The No. 14 seed Blazers might be hard-pressed to match the speed of the Spartans, but the Poopster says damn the torpedoes and that if Nick Hughes, Darius Hinton and the troops can beat the No. 3 seeds (like they did last week), they can beat the 11 seeds too. ... Daniel Boone 28-27.

Other games
District 1-AAAA quarterfinals
Henderson (8-3) at Coatesville (11-0): Red Raiders in a barn-burner ... Coatesville 34-28.
Downingtown East (8-3) at Quakertown (10-1): Big game from Angeline ... Dtown East 35-20.
Garnet Valley (9-2) at Pennsbury (10-1): Snorweah keeps on trucking ... Pennsbury 42-21.
Upper Dublin (10-1) at Rustin (10-1): Golden Knights get by in a tight one ... Rustin 27-26.

District 1-AA semifinal
Bishop Shanahan (8-3) at Great Valley (10-1): Take the over ... Great Valley 48-35.

Last week's record: 11-5 (68.8 percent)
Overall record: 71-24 (74.7 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 11 picks

The Poopster is looking forward to all the postseason high school football action.

The Poopster senses there will be a chill in the air this weekend, though the orange guy will be nestled comfortably at home while his owner is out patrolling the sidelines. Here's how he sees the area action panning out, with some bonus district picks:

Friday's games

District 1-AAAA first round
Perkiomen Valley (9-1) at Downingtown East (7-3)
Unlike his cynical owner, who is always leery of teams getting homered this time of the year, the Poopster has faith the Vikings will be successful road warriors when they make the trek to Kottmeyer Stadium in a matchup of different styles. .... Perkiomen Valley 28-23.

District 1-AAA quarterfinal
Academy Park (8-2) at Pottsgrove (7-3)
The Knights dealt the Falcons a crushing 27-26 semifinal defeat last year en route to the district title, but the Poopster thinks Patrick Finn, Mike Fowler and the 'Grove can turn the tables this time around. ... Pottsgrove 21-20.

District 3-AAA first round
Daniel Boone (6-4) at Lampeter-Strasburg (8-2)
The Blazers got a heavy dose of a dual threat QB in Exeter's Chase Yocum last week, and the Poopster is afraid that will be the case again against Pioneers' signal-caller Collin Shank. ... Lampeter-Strasburg 35-27.

Northampton (1-9) at Owen J. Roberts (2-8)
The Konkrete Kids, coached by former Boyertown head man Mark Scisly, are trying to halt an eight-game losing streak. OJR held off Pope John Paul II last week to snap a six-game skid, but the Poopster is going to reluctantly go with the guys from the rugged East Penn Conference. .... Northampton 20-17.

Saturday's games
Methacton (7-3) at Norristown (4-6)
The Poopster hopes Warriors QB Conner Derrickson runs wild so he can surpass the 2,000-yard career rushing mark, and is confident the guys in green can notch their first eight-win campaign since 2000. ... Methacton 27-18.

Lawrenceville (3-1, 4-4) at Hill School (0-4, 0-7)
Big Red WR Grant Smith caught a boatload of passes for the Hill last year, and the Poopster envisions him making a few big plays in his return to Dell Field. ... Lawrenceville 35-19.

Other games
District 1-AAAA openers
Haverford (7-3) at Coatesville (10-0): Not a typical 1 vs. 16 matchup ... Coatesville 20-14.
North Penn (7-3) at Henderson (7-3): Knights on typical late-season march. ... North Penn 27-21.
Pennridge (7-3) at Quakertown (9-1): Rams gore the Panthers .... Pennridge 14-13.
Downingtown West (6-4) at Pennsbury (9-1): Falcons in a shootout .... Pennsbury 42-28.
C.B. South (7-3) at Garnet Valley (8-2): Jags get the nod ... Garnet Valley 28-27.
Conestoga (7-3) at Rustin (9-1):  Loper and Co. take the battle of league rivals ... Rustin 27-14.
C.R. North (6-4) at Upper Dublin (9-1): Big night for Brandon McIlwain .... CRN 30-23.

District 1-AAA quarterfinals
Springfield-Delco 35, Interboro 14
Great Valley 48, Octorara 13
Bishop Shanahan 27, Upper Moreland 21

Last week's record: 6-2 (75.0 percent)
Overall record: 60-19 (75.9 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 10 picks

The Poopster is ready to close out the regular season and look ahead to the playoffs.

It's Week 10 of the Mercury-area scholastic football scene and the Poopster is hoping for a strong finish to the regular season while anticipating the upcoming District 1 playoff action. Here's his take on this weekend's games.

Thursday's games

Upper Perkiomen (4-4, 4-5) at Perkiomen Valley (8-0, 8-1)
Liam Grande, Mike Holland and the Vikings earned the program's first outright PAC-10 title by taking down two-time defending champ Pottsgrove last week, and the Poopster likes them to close out their first unbeaten league campaign against the much-improved Indians. .... Perkiomen Valley 38-14.

Friday's games

Pottsgrove (6-2, 6-3) at Boyertown (5-3, 5-4)
The Falcons need to regroup from last week's 49-21 loss to Perkiomen Valley, while the Bears are hoping to bag a signature win. The Poopster is going to go with speed over size and give the nod to Torin Verdone, Deyon Doctor and the Falcons. ... Pottsgrove 35-20.

Pope John Paul II (1-7, 1-8) at Owen J. Roberts (1-6, 1-8)
Both the Golden Panthers and Wildcats enter on six-game losing streaks. PJP is coming off its most productive offensive effort, but the orange guy feels the OJR ground game will eventually take its toll. ... Owen J. Roberts 23-21.

Exeter (4-1, 7-2) at Daniel Boone (3-2, 6-3)
The Pig Iron Trophy is on the line in this traditional battle. Though Paul Galanti and the Blazers are going to no doubt be jacked up to bring the hardware back to Birdsboro, the Poopster has to grudgingly side with Chase Yocum, Michal Menet and the Eagles. ... Exeter 28-27.

Perkiomen School (5-2) at St. Andrew's, Del. (0-5)
The Panthers haven't played in virtually three weeks, but the Poopster thinks they will shake off the rust just fine against the winless Cardinals. ... Perkiomen School 43-12.

Saturday's games

Spring-Ford (6-2, 6-3) at Pottstown (1-6, 2-7)
The Poopster envisions the Rams continuing to put up some big numbers and closing out the season with a five-game winning streak. ... Spring-Ford 42-19.

Methacton (6-2, 6-3) at Phoenixville (1-7, 1-8)
The Warriors are on their typical late-season roll, and the Poopster doesn't see the Phantoms being able to slow down Dontae Thomas, Nick Nwankwo and Co. ... Methacton 55-14.

Hill School (0-3, 0-6) at Mercersburg Academy (0-3, 0-6)
Someone is going to pick up their first victory in this battle of struggling MAPL squads, and the Poopster says it will be Devon Kennedy, Kirk Cherneskie and the Rams ... Hill School 34-20.

Last week's record: 7-0 (100 percent)
Overall record: 54-17 (76.1 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 9 picks

The Poopster is going with his orange brethren in the big one Friday.

It's Week 9 of the high school football season, and the Poopster can feel the chill in the air as playoff time approaches. Here's his take on this weekend's Mercury-area action:

Friday's games

Perkiomen Valley (7-0, 7-1) at Pottsgrove (6-1, 6-2)
The PAC-10 title will be on the line at Pennypacker Field, and the Poopster sees an epic encounter shaping up between Seth Jonassen, Liam Grande and the Vikings and Patrick Finn, Mike Fowler and the two-time defending champ Falcons. After much contemplation, the orange guy is going to go with the guys in orange. ... Perkiomen Valley 21-20.

Owen J. Roberts (1-5, 1-7) at Spring-Ford (5-2, 5-3)
In a battle of teams headed in opposite directions, the Poopster sees Stone Scarcelle, Danny Matthews and the Rams lighting up the scoreboard. ... Spring-Ford 59-13.

Phoenixville (1-6, 1-7) at Upper Perkiomen (3-4, 3-5)
The Indians have made believers out of the Poopster, who feels Zeke Hallman, Mahlon Schaffer and the rest of the Tribe will continue on the warpath against the Phantoms. ... Upper Perkiomen 26-24.

Hazleton (1-7) at Daniel Boone (5-3)
The Blazers are locked into the scent of the District 3-AAA playoffs like the Poopster when his owner opens up a can of tuna. He's pretty confident Nick Hughes, Jon Passifione and Boone will clinch a winning season. ... Daniel Boone 35-14.

Saturday's games

Pottstown (1-5, 2-6) at Methacton (5-2, 5-3)
While the Poopster awaits another delayed weekend meal, he expects Dylan Feaster, Louis Cotteta and the Warriors to assure themselves of an unprecedented fourth straight winning season. ... Methacton 33-12.

Boyertown (4-3, 4-4) at Pope John Paul II (1-6, 1-7)
The Bears offense has struggled to put points on the board of late, but the Poopster doesn't see that being the case against the injury-riddled Golden Panthers. ... Boyertown 34-14.

Hill School (0-2, 0-5) at Blair Academy (1-1, 3-2)
Though the Poopster would love to see Richie Tabarrini, Jack Overholt and the Rams get into the victory column, he's going to grudgingly side with the host Bucs. ... Blair 26-25.

Last year's record: 6-1 (85.7 percent)
Overall record: 47-17 (73.4 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 8 picks

The Poopster is hoping to surge down the stretch.

It's Week 8 of the Mercury-area football season, and like a lot of squads, the Poopster is hoping to finish with a flourish. Here's his take on the weekend action:

Friday's games
Boyertown (4-2, 4-3) at Perkiomen Valley (6-0, 6-1)
While the Bears enter on a solid three-game win streak, the Poopster isn't about to go against Seth Jonassen, Liam Grande and the Vikings. ... Perkiomen Valley 35-19.

Methacton (4-2, 4-3) at Owen J. Roberts (1-4, 1-6)
The Poopster envisions a lot of big plays from Dontae Thomas, Louis Cotteta and the Warriors against the injury-plagued Wildcats. ... Methacton 43-14.

Pottsgrove (5-1, 5-2) at Phoenixville (1-5, 1-6)
Though the Phantoms gamely hung tough in an OT loss to Boyertown last week, the Poopster finds it hard to believe they can do the same against Mike Fowler, Torin Verdone and the Falcons. ... Pottsgrove 48-13.

Daniel Boone (2-2, 4-3) at Pottsville (0-4, 0-7)
The Blazers haven't been quite up to snuff in their battles against the elite Berks League Section 1, but the Poopster doesn't see Jonathan Charles, A.J. Spagnoletti and Co. having any such issues with the struggling Crimson Tide. ... Daniel Boone 42-12.

Saturday's games
Upper Perkiomen (2-4, 2-5) at Pottstown (1-4, 2-5)
In a battle of teams the Poopster has struggled to figure out, he's going to give a slight nod the defense of Brandon Tinson, Jimmi Zazzi and the Trojans against Mike Felix and the improving Tribe. ... Pottstown 19-13.

Pope John Paul II (1-5, 1-6) at Spring-Ford (4-2, 4-3)
The Poopster senses a rather one-sided affair in the battle of Rofo, with Brandon Leacraft, Brandon Barone and the Rams simply having too much ammunition for the Golden Panthers. ... Spring-Ford 56-7.

Hun School (1-0, 3-1) at Hill School (0-1, 0-4)
Virginia-bound Raiders running back Chris Sharp presents a formidable challenge for Bryce Allen, Tom Sivick and the Rams in what the Poopster believes will be another high-scoring affair. ... Hun School 42-27.

Last week's record: 6-2 (75.0 percent)
Overall record: 41-16 (71.9 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 7 picks

The Poopster will try to keep the momentum going after a perfect week.

After a nondescript first six weeks, the Poopster finally got down to business last week, running the table on what was a pretty formful batch of games. He'll try to keep it going in Week 7:

Friday's games
Pottstown (1-3, 2-4) at Pottsgrove (4-1, 4-2)
It could be a rainy night in the neighborhood, which the Poopster thinks might give the Trojans a puncher's chance at an upset. But he's going to go with Patrick Finn, Mike Gantert and the Falcons on Homecoming night. ... Pottsgrove 28-13.

Phoenixville (1-4, 1-5) at Boyertown (3-2, 3-3)
The Poopster sees a lot of power running in this one from Mike Murphy, Mitch Warriner and the Bears, who are going for their third straight win. ... Boyertown 42-22.

Owen J. Roberts (1-3, 1-5) at Upper Perkiomen (1-4, 1-5)
The Indians are healing up and could be a handful for the Wildcats; the Poopster says it's now or never for the OJR offense to get on track. ... Owen J. Roberts 22-20.

Daniel Boone (2-1, 4-2) at Governor Mifflin (2-0, 5-1)
The Mustangs have ruled the Berks League Section 1 roost for a while now and have won 27 straight league games. The Poopster senses Paul Galanti and the Blazers can throw a scare into Akron-bound Jan Johnson and Co., but taking them down on the road is a tall order. ... Governor Mifflin 33-21.

Hill School (0-3) at Peddie (2-1)
The Rams have shown a lot of positives at the offensive end thus far, but the Poopster is concerned the Falcons' ground game might be a little too much to handle in this one. ... Peddie 36-28.

Saturday's games
Perkiomen Valley (5-0, 5-1) at Pope John Paul II (1-4, 1-5)
On a day when a lot of the students in the area will be taking SATs, the Poopster likes Ryan O'Donnell, Mike Holland and the Vikings to ace this league test. ... Perkiomen Valley 42-13.

Spring-Ford (3-2, 3-3) at Methacton (4-1, 4-2)
Though the Poopster is an orange guy, he's going to go green in this one and lean towards Conner Derrickson, Dylan Feaster and the Warriors against the dangerous Rams. ... Methacton 33-27.

Perkiomen School (4-1) at Academy of the New Church (5-0)
The Poopster envisions a lot of ground-and-pound in this one, and is going to give the nod to the Lions, who are averaging more than 47 points per game. ... Academy of the New Church 34-26.

Last week's record: 7-0 (100 percent)
Overall record: 35-14 (71.4 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 6 picks

The Poopster is starting to hear it from the critics after two straight 5-3 weeks.

After two straight 5-3 weeks, the Poopster is beginning to feel the heat from critics and fans alike. Rumors are flying around that if the orange guy doesn't turn it around soon, his owner is considering handing over the prognostication duties to Spotty the stray cat. Here's his take on Week 6 of the Mercury-area action:

Thursday's games

Perkiomen Valley (4-0, 4-1) at Phoenixville (1-3, 1-4)
The Poopster is a big fan of the Vikings' Orange Crush defense, and believes David Williams, Taiyir Wilson and Co. will be too much to handle on both sides of the ball for the Phantoms, who snapped an eight-game losing streak by downing Pope John Paul II 24-6 last week. ... Perkiomen Valley 49-13.

Pennington School (2-2) at Perkiomen School (3-1)
In a matchup of two teams heading in opposite directions that feature vastly different offensive styles, the Poopster is going to go with the ground-based Panthers (who have won two straight) against the pass-happy Red Raiders (who have lost two in a row). ... Perkiomen School 26-19.

Friday's games

Pottsgrove (3-1, 3-2) at Owen J. Roberts (1-2, 1-4)
Whatever ailed the Falcons two weeks again in their loss to Methacton appears to have been rectified as quickly as the Poopster gobbles up a can of Fancy Feast, which is bad news for the Wildcats. ... Pottsgrove 55-15.

Upper Perkiomen (1-3, 1-4) at Spring-Ford (2-2, 2-3)
The Poopster feels that the Rams will be in ill humor after their second league loss in three weeks, and the hobbled Indians will wind up paying the price. ... Spring-Ford 49-6.

Reading (2-1, 3-2) at Daniel Boone (2-1, 3-2)
It's Homecoming at Brazinsky Stadium, where the Poopster's owner will likely be palling around with old Birdsboro Legion teammates like p.a. announcer Todd Peterson. In what should be a tight, tense battle between two programs eager for a breakout win, the orange guy is going to give the nod to the Blazers, possibly on a late Drew Kresge field goal. ... Daniel Boone 23-20.

Saturday's games

Boyertown (2-2, 2-3) at Pottstown (1-2, 2-3)
The Poopster knows that strange things happen in Saturday games, and isn't ruling out a Trojans victory. But when push comes to shove, he likes Hunter Vogels, Mike Murphy and the Bears to gain the upper hand. ... Boyertown 20-19.

Pope John Paul II (1-3, 1-4) at Methacton (3-1, 3-2)
This is another matchup of squads headed in opposite directions, and the Poopster doesn't see how the Golden Panthers can slow down Conner Derrickson, Dontae Thomas and the Warriors. ... Methacton 50-14.

Last week's record: 5-3 (62.5 percent)
Overall record: 28-14 (66.7 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 5 picks

The Poopster will try to regain some momentum in Week 5.

After a brief surge, the Poopster's momentum slowed last week with a pedestrian 5-3 mark. The orange guy knows he has to do a better job, or else his owner will start limiting the Fancy Feast. Here's his take on Week 5 of the Mercury-area football scene:

Friday's games

Spring-Ford (2-1, 2-2) at Pottsgrove (2-1, 2-2)
The Poopster salutes the veterans who will be honored prior to the game as part of Military Appreciation Night at Pennypacker Field, and believes the Rams will have a slight edge in the trench warfare. ... Spring-Ford 20-14.

Pottstown (1-1, 2-2) at Perkiomen Valley (3-0, 3-1)
While the Trojans' defense of late has gotten the Poopster's attention, he thinks it will be too tall an order for them to take down David Williams, Sean Sedgewick and the Vikings, who appear to be clicking on all cylinders. ... Perkiomen Valley 34-13.

Methacton (2-1, 2-2) at Upper Perkiomen (1-2, 1-3)
Both the Warriors (who snapped Pottsgrove's 25-game league winning streak) and Indians (who halted a nine-game losing streak) are coming off victories of note. The Poopster likes what he's seen lately from the green machine on both sides of the ball. ... Methacton 41-20.

Owen J. Roberts (1-1, 1-3) at Boyertown (1-2, 1-3)
The Wildcats are on their fourth quarterback of the season and the Poopster senses that Juice Siejk, Dalton Hughes and the Bears are sitting on a big performance. ... Boyertown 27-17.

Daniel Boone (0-1, 2-2) at Muhlenberg (1-0, 1-3)
The Poopster heard there was a lot of yellow laundry on the field at Brazinsky Stadium last week, which torpedoed any hope of the Blazers taking down unbeaten Conrad Weiser. As long as the whistles don't get too out of hand again, he's giving the nod to Jon Passifione, Darius Hinton and Boone. ... Daniel Boone 24-20.

Saturday's games

Phoenixville (0-3, 0-4) at Pope John Paul II (1-2, 1-3)
The Poopster has no clue about this one. While he wouldn't mind seeing the injury-riddled Phantoms notch a win for first-year coach Evan Breisblatt, he's leaning ever-so-slightly toward Matt Duff, Matt Mesaros and the Golden Panthers. ... Pope John Paul II 21-19.

Nativity (2-2) at Perkiomen School (2-1)
Though the Green Wave (which beat Bucktail 46-30 Tuesday) will be playing its second game in five days, the Poopster is going to grudgingly go with the guys from the coal region in a tight one against David Juechter, Josh Cruz and the Panthers. ...  Nativity 23-22.

Hill School (0-2) at Springside Chestnut Hill (4-0)
Sound the air raid sirens for this one, says the Poopster, who feels that vaunted QB Paul Dooley and the Hillers will have too much weaponry for the Rams in another shootout. ... Springside Chestnut Hill 36-27.

Last week's record: 5-3 (62.5 percent)
Overall record: 23-11 (67.6 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 4 picks

The Poopster is starting to round into form.

After a rough couple of opening weeks forecasting the Mercury-area football action, the Poopster is starting to round back into form. The orange guy went 7-1 last week, but did fail to envision Perkiomen Valley's 20-7 win over Spring-Ford in the marquee game. Here are his thoughts about Week 4:

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Boyertown (1-1, 1-2) at Spring-Ford (1-1, 1-2)
Rams quarterbacks Brandon Leacraft and Stone Scarcelle found themselves under siege last week against sack-happy PV, but the Poopster sees the high-octane S-F offense getting back on track this week. ... Spring-Ford 38-7.

Perkiomen Valley (2-0, 2-1) at Owen J. Roberts (1-0, 1-2)
It will be a proud night in Bucktown, as OJR dedicates Henry J. Bernat Field at Wildcat Stadium in honoring one of the area's most renowned coaches. But the Poopster is afraid the new scoreboard will reflect a lot of points for Tim Mallon, Taiyir Wilson and the Vikings. ... Perkiomen Valley 42-13.

Pope John Paul II (1-1, 1-2) at Upper Perkiomen (0-2, 0-3)
Though the Poopster believes this the best chance for first-year coach Tom Hontz and the Indians to snap a nine-game losing streak dating back to last year and win at home for the first time in nearly three seasons, he is going to ride the PJP train for one more stop and come down on the side of the Johnnies in a tight one. ... Pope John Paul II 27-25.

Conrad Weiser (3-0) at Daniel Boone (2-1)
The Poopster thinks Nick Hughes, Jonathan Charles and the Blazers have a real shot to notch a watershed win for third-year coach Bill Parks in their Berks League Section 1 opener, but just can't pull the trigger and will go with the Scouts and coach Alan Moyer - his owner's old Lebanon Valley League baseball teammate. ... Conrad Weiser 34-24.

Perkiomen School (1-1) at George School (0-2)
The Panthers have won the past 13 meetings in this series, and the Poopster has a feeling that trend will continue, though it won't be a blowout. ... Perkiomen School 26-13.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Pottsgrove (2-0, 2-1) at Methacton (1-1, 1-2)
The Poopster is well aware of how tough the Warriors have played the Falcons in recent years. That said, he's going to give the nod to coach Rick Pennypacker's crew against Methacton and dangerous offensive threat Louis Cotteta. ... Pottsgrove 28-21.

Phoenixville (0-2, 0-3) at Pottstown (0-1, 1-2)
The Phantoms showed marked improvement last week, when they came within a failed two-point conversion of beating Owen J. Roberts. The Poopster senses a knock-down, drag-out brawl with Zach Gallow, Matt Palubinsky and Phoenixville escaping with a W, perhaps on a Jose Rodriguez field goal ... Phoenixville 17-14.

Episcopal Academy (2-1) at Hill School (0-1)
In a game with much offensive weaponry on display, the Poopster says take the over and will lean towards the Churchmen. .... Episcopal Academy 37-28.

Last week's record: 7-1 (87.5 percent)
Overall record: 18-8 (69.2 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 3 picks

The Poopster is looking forward to the Week 3 Mercury-area football action.

Though the Poopster showed an improved effort in going 5-2 last week, the orange guy still has a lot of work to do, much like several area football squads. Here's his take on Week 3 of the Mercury-area football action:

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Spring-Ford (1-0, 1-1) at Perkiomen Valley (1-0, 1-1)
This battle of neighboring rivals features two of the most creative offensive minds in the PAC-10 in Rams head coach Chad Brubaker and his Vikings counterpart Scott Reed. The Poopster feels the boys from Rofo have a few too many weapons for PV. ... Spring-Ford 33-21.

Methacton (0-1, 0-2) at Boyertown (1-0, 1-1)
The Poopster envisions a grind-it-out affair with the Conner Derrickson, Louis Cotteta and the Warriors springing a few big plays against the bigger Bears. .... Methacton 23-14.

Upper Perkiomen (0-1, 0-2) at Pottsgrove (1-0, 1-1)
The Falcons righted the ship in a big way in last week's league-opening 54-0 rout of Pope John Paul II, and the Poopster sees a similar score in store in this one. ... Pottsgrove 56-6.

Owen J. Roberts (0-0, 0-2) at Phoenixville (0-1, 0-2)
Somebody is going to get into the win column at the end of this one, and the Poopster has a feeling it will be the Wildcats behind their power running game. ... Owen J. Roberts 21-13.

Perkiomen School (1-0) at Tower Hill (Del.) Academy (1-0)
The Panthers didn't even get in a quarter and a half of work in their season-opening 28-0 win over Carson Long last week, something the Poopster senses could hurt them. ... Tower Hill 28-18.

Daniel Boone (1-1) at Twin Valley (0-2)
It's a sad state of affairs at the Poopster's owner's alma mater, with the Raiders having lost 23 straight. The Poopster is pretty confident that streak won't end tonight against the Blazers, who looked solid on both sides of the ball in last week's 32-3 win over Owen J. Roberts. ... Daniel Boone 43-13.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Pottstown (0-0, 1-1) at Pope John Paul II (0-1, 0-2)
In a matchup that has the Poopster downright befuddled, he's going to flip the coin and predict the Golden Panthers will snap a nine-game losing streak dating back to last year. ... Pope John Paul II 21-20.

Germantown Academy (0-1-1) at Hill School (0-0)
The Poopster is eager to see how the Rams take to new coach Dave Rackovan's no-huddle attack, but is still going to give a slight edge to the Patriots, who are game-tested. ... Germantown Academy 32-26.

Last week's record: 5-2 (71.4 percent)
Overall record: 11-7 (61.1 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 2 picks

The Poopster is looking to rebound from a rough Week 1.

The Poopster loves his PAC-10 football almost as much as the cans of Fancy Feast his owner feeds him, but after a pedestrian 6-5 picking effort in Week 1, even the orange guy realizes most of his favorite squads are in rebuilding (instead of reloading) modes this fall. Here's his take on the all the Week 2 Mercury-area high school gridiron action:

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Phoenixville (0-1) at Spring-Ford (0-1)
After the Phantoms allowed 54 points in a shutout loss Great Valley last week, the Poopster shudders to think what could happen in this one as the Rams look to bounce back from a Week 1 loss at State College. ... Spring-Ford 42-13.

Boyertown (0-1) at Upper Perkiomen (0-1)
Neither the Bears nor Indians scored in last week's openers, but the Poopster says Justin Siejk and the rest of first-year coach George Parkinson's crew will get off the schneid. ... Boyertown 27-15.

Pope John Paul II (0-1) at Pottsgrove (0-1)
The Falcons have won each of the last two meetings by identical 53-14 scores. Though the 'Grove suffered its worst defeat in 12 years in last week's 41-7 loss to Ben Franklin, the Poopster feels pretty confident coach Rick Pennypacker will rally the troops for the PAC-10 campaign. ... Pottsgrove 35-14.

Owen J. Roberts (0-1) at Daniel Boone (0-1)
This one is a head-scratcher for the Poopster. Even though Boone dealt OJR a 28-point beating last year, he's going to go against his owner and go with his brethren 'Cats. ... Owen J. Roberts 19-17.

Carson Long (0-0) at Perkiomen School (0-0)
The Poopster envisions Panthers running back Tom Aaron and friends putting up some good offensive numbers against a Warriors team that has won just once in the past five years. ... Perkiomen School 33-12.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Perkiomen Valley (0-1) at Methacton (0-1)
While the Poopster prepares for another Saturday afternoon of fasting with his owner gone for the day, he sees a lot of points being put up in this one and the Vikings making the majority of the big plays. ... Perkiomen Valley 42-32.

Chichester (0-1) at Pottstown (0-1)
The Poopster has a bad feeling that Colin McAllister and the Eagles' defensive line will make it tough sledding for Gary Wise, Brandon Tinson, Bryant Wise and the Trojans. ... Chichester 26-14.

Last week: 6-5 (54.5 percent).

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 1 picks

The Poopster is ready for some area football.

Like his owner -- who had a bout with Lyme Disease back in January -- the Poopster has lost a step or two in 2014. But with the Mercury-area high school football scene ready to rock, the orange guy is champing at the bit to dive into his gridiron picks the way he dives into a can of Fancy Feast. Here's his take on all the Week 1 action:

FRIDAY'S GAMES
Ben Franklin at Pottsgrove
The Falcons will christen Rick Pennypacker Field with a pregame ceremony, but the Poopster is worried they will have their hands full with QB Kevin Caldwell and the speedy Electrons. Still, he's going to give the nod to Patrick Finn, Mike Fowler and Co. .... Pottsgrove 27-20.

Spring-Ford at State College
The Poopster was a lot younger cat back in December of 2008, when Spring-Ford coach Chad Brubaker (then an assistant coach at Wilson) and his owner were both on the Memorial Field sideline for a cold and epic PIAA-AAAA semifinal. He feels Brubaker will have the troops ready and envisions a strong effort from the Rams' deep defensive line in a tight one. ... Spring-Ford 23-21.

Exeter at Boyertown
The Route 562 rivals haven't hooked up since 2001, when the Poopster wasn't far removed from being a kitten. He's afraid that monster lineman Michel Menet and the Eagles will make it a rough debut for first-year coach George Parkinson and the inexperienced Bears. ... Exeter 34-13.

Council Rock North at Perkiomen Valley
The Indians feature junior quarterback Brandon McIlwain, who is getting looks from some big-time schools. The Vikings, meanwhile, graduated a lot of the Poopster's favorite players and face a stern test. ... Council Rock North 35-20.

Conestoga at Owen J. Roberts
The Poopster is eager to see how the Wildcats' new 3-4 defensive scheme is going to fare. He really wanted to pick OJR until he heard they have had some injury problems on offense. ... Conestoga 21-14.

Upper Perkiomen vs. Quakertown (at Souderton)
Though the Indians have struggled mightily over the past two years (winning just one game), the Poopster feels they have a chance to slowly but surely turn the corner under first-year coach Tom Hontz. He's taking the Tribe in an upset special ... Upper Perkiomen 21-20.

Methacton at Bayard Rustin
The Warriors, who won seven of their final nine games last year and hung tough in a 14-6 opening-week loss to Rustin, are seeking their fourth straight winning season. But the Poopster is concerned star running back Terry Loper and the Golden Knights will be too much to handle on both sides of the ball. ... Rustin 41-21.

Daniel Boone at Cocalico
The Poopster liked what he saw over the second half of last season from Jon Passifione, Nick Hughes and the Blazers. He thinks they'll play the Eagles a lot tougher than last year's 49-14 loss, but will still be up against it. ... Cocalico 30-17.

SATURDAY'S GAMES
Sun Valley at Pottstown
No more lights at Pottstown's Grigg Memorial Field means a plethora of Saturday afternoon games for the Trojans, and subsequently not a lot of Saturday afternoon meals for the Poopster (while he holds down the fort with his owner out at area games). He senses Gary Wise, Brandon Tinson and the Trojans will be hungry as well -- for a win. ... Pottstown 27-26.

Great Valley at Phoenixville
The Phantoms, led by Zach Gallow and Matt Palubinsky, could be a pleasant surprise under first-year coach Evan Breisblatt in the opinion of the Poopster. But with line stalwart Dave Rosati out with a knee injury, they could find the sledding pretty tough against Penn State-bound Ryan Buchholz and the Patriots. ... Great Valley 28-15.

Pope John Paul II vs. Bishop McDevitt (at Cheltenham)
The Golden Panthers have won just twice in the past two seasons and have a new coach in Rory Graver. That said, the Poopster feels they have a good shot to come away with the W against a Lancers team that returns just five starters from a 2-7 team. ... Pope John Paul II 33-25.

Last year: 88-24 (78.6 percent).