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).

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 14 picks

The Poopster would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

Thursday's Thanksgiving Day games signify the end of the area football season, and like Spring-Ford, Phoenixville, Owen J. Roberts and Pottstown, the Poopster would like to wrap things up in successful fashion. Here's his take on this week's action:

THURSDAY'S GAMES

Spring-Ford (7-1, 9-3) at Phoenixville (4-4, 4-8)
The Rams' seniors are attempting to put the finishing touches on the winningest three-year span in program history, and the Poopster likes their chances ... Spring-Ford 47-13.

Owen J. Roberts (2-6, 2-9) at Pottstown (1-7, 1-10)
The Poopster has a feeling that Pottstown's Grigg Memorial Field might resemble more of a mosh pit with all of the rain over the past two days, which should be an advantage for Wyatt Scott and the Wildcats ... Owen J. Roberts 21-13.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

District 1-AAAA championship

Neshaminy (12-1) vs. North Penn (10-3)
This is a tough one for the Poopster to wrap his paws around. While he thinks Redskins and star running back D'Andre Pollard may be the better squad, he feels the Knights will somehow find a way to come out on top, perhaps on a late Matt Ammendola field goal ... North Penn 24-21.

PIAA-AAA quarterfinal

Academy Park (10-2) vs. Archbishop Wood (11-2)
Two weeks ago, the Poopster would have bet a case of Fancy Feast that Pottsgrove would be taking on the District 12 champs in this game, but the Falcons were upended 27-26 by the Knights in a 1-AAA semi. As if Academy Park wasn't already facing enough of an uphill battle, QB Brian Ingram went down with a collarbone injury last week ... Archbishop Wood 42-14.

Last week's record: 2-1 (66.7 percent)
Overall record: 85-23 (78.7 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 13 picks

The Poopster fell on hard times last week, going 2-5.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

The postseason can be quite unforgiving, as the Poopster found out firsthand last week. After hitting at a nearly 90 percent strike rate (63-8) over the previous eight weeks, the orange guy came to earth with a thud louder than the one he makes when he jumps off his owner's couch, going 2-5. Nonetheless, he's back and rarin' to go as the District 1 tourney gets down to the nitty gritty. Here's his take on this week's action.

DISTRICT 1-AAAA SEMIFINALS

Perkiomen Valley (10-2) at North Penn (9-3)

The Poopster always gets a little conflicted when his owner (yours truly) and his owner's boss (Mercury sports editor Austin Hertzog) land on different sides of the aisle with their picks, which they did for this game. North Penn seems invincible of late, reeling off nine straight wins since an 0-3 start against state powers La Salle, Archbishop Wood and St. Joe's Prep. But Rasaan Stewart, Mark Bonomo, Clay Domine, Dakota Clanagan and Co. made believers out of the Poopster last week when they laid waste to C.B. West in the quarters. If PV can avoid turnovers, get its defense off the field in key situations, and continue to make big plays, they'll have a shot to take down the perennial District 1-AAAA giant Knights. If not, they could be in trouble. But the Poopster is going to throw caution to the win and say upset special, baby ... Perkiomen Valley 22-21.

Abington (10-2) at Neshaminy (11-1)

The Redskins erased a 14-7 deficit to Spring-Ford last week by scoring 29 unanswered points en route to a  56-27 quarterfinal win. They feature the leading rusher in District 1 in D'Andre Pollard (2,355 yards, 32 TDs), and the Poopster feels they will stay on the warpath ... Neshaminy 35-20.

DISTRICT 1-AAA CHAMPIONSHIP

Academy Park (9-2) vs. Glen Mills (9-3)
The No. 2 seed Battlin' Bulls defeated the No. 4 seed Knights 20-13 when they squared off in the regular season, but the Poopster thinks it might be a different story this time for 2,000-yard rusher Jerry Lanier and Academy Park, which took down PAC-10 champ Pottsgrove 27-26 in the semis ... Academy Park 25-19.

Last week's record: 2-5 (29.6 pct.)
Overall record: 83-22 (79.0 pct.)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 12 picks

The Poopster wishes Pottsgrove, Spring-Ford and Perkiomen Valley good luck in tonight's District 1 football playoffs.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

Everyone knows you have to step it up come playoff time, and the Poopster certainly did that last week with an impressive 16-1 effort. That said, the going gets even tougher this week as the District 1-AAAA quarterfinals and District 1-AAA semis are at hand. Here's his take on the area and district action:

DISTRICT 1-AAAA QUARTERFINALS

Spring-Ford (9-2) at Neshaminy (10-1)
This one features two of the top running backs in the district (and state) in the Rams' Jarred Jones and the Redskins' D'Andre Pollard (who passed the 2,000-yard mark for the season last week). The Poopster is going to have to grudgingly go with the home team ... Neshaminy 26-21.

Perkiomen Valley (9-2) at Central Bucks West (9-2)
In a battle of somewhat similar squads that run no-huddle offenses and have a lot of playmakers, the Poopster again is going to hang his head and go with the Suburban One League squad ... C.B. West 28-27.

Other quarterfinals
Garnet Valley 34, Abington 23
Pennsbury 22, North Penn 21

DISTRICT 1-AAA SEMIFINALS

Academy Park (8-2) at Pottsgrove (11-0)
The No. 4 seed Knights could present some problems with star running back Jerry Lanier, but the Poopster feels Riley Michaels, Sene Polamalu, Jeff Adams, Tyrone Parker and the rest of the Falcons are on a mission after getting taken down in the semis last year ... Pottsgrove 35-20.

Other semifinal
Henderson 21, Glen Mills 19

OTHER GAME

Phoenixville (4-7) at Quakertown (6-4)
The Poopster senses a close one here, but is going to give the nod to the Panthers, who have won three straight since a 3-4 start. ... Quakertown 20-14.

Last week's record: 16-1 (94.1 pct.)
Overall record: 81-17 (82.7 pct.)

FOOTBALL: DISTRICT 1 PLAYOFF BRACKETS

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 11 picks

The Poopster says to bundle up if you are going to a football game tonight.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

The area scholastic football postseason is finally upon us, and though it looks to be a cold one tonight, the Poopster is fired up for the District 1 playoffs. Here's his take on all of the area action, including some bonus district picks.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Phoenixville (4-6) at Pottsgrove (10-0)
The PAC-10 champ Falcons dispatched the Phantoms 52-14 three weeks ago and have significant advantages in size, speed and strength heading into the District 1-AAA quarterfinal rematch ... Pottsgrove 42-7.

Spring-Ford (8-2) at Downingtown West (8-2)
The Poopster sees this District 1-AAAA opener as being a lot more competitive than a 12th seed (the Rams) vs. a 5th seed (the Whippets). He thinks Mason Romano, Robby Varner, Jarred Jones and Co. can draw upon the experience of last year's memorable run to the district final and recreate some of that magic against the Ches-Mont National Division champs, with things perhaps coming down to a David Gulati field goal ... Spring-Ford 24-21.

Perkiomen Valley (8-2) at Bayard Rustin (10-0)
After wrongly picking the No. 15 seed Vikings in their two earlier showdown games vs. Spring-Ford and Pottsgrove, the Poopster is a little leery about doing it again. But he's going to throw caution to the wind and say upset special in this District 1-AAAA opener ... Perkiomen Valley 28-27.

Northampton (0-10) at Boyertown (6-4)
The Bears ran a staggering 88 plays last week against Pottsgrove, and the Poopster shudders to think how many points they might ring up on the Konkrete Kids, whose defense is allowing more than 40 points per game ... Boyertown 60-20.

Owen J. Roberts (2-8) at Upper Moreland (3-7)
This appears to be one of the more competitive matchups of the night (at least on paper), so the Poopster is going to give the nod to 1,000-yard rusher Wyatt Scott, lineman Steve Myers and the Wildcats ... Owen J. Roberts 27-21.

Pottstown (1-9) at Great Valley (6-4)
First-year Trojans coach Don Grinstead used to be an assistant at Great Valley, but the Poopster has a bad feeling the Patriots aren't going to take it easy on him in the reunion of sorts ... Great Valley 35-13.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Norristown (0-10) at Methacton (6-4)
The Warriors have won 5-of-6 since a 1-3 start, and the Poopster likes Conner Derrickson, Mike Cassidy, Nick Torcini, Dillon Alderfer, Kyle Lowery and the crew to stay hot as they go for their first seven-win season since 2000 ... Methacton 43-21.

Hill School (1-6) at Lawrenceville Academy (4-3)
The Poopster can't find any kind of status report on UMass-bound star Big Red QB Randall West, who went down with a knee injury last week. If he can't play, the Rams (coming off a 28-26 win over Mercersburg) have a puncher's chance. If he can, expect a shootout at the O.K. Corral between West and Hill gunslinger Matt Foltz .... Lawrenceville 44-32.

BONUS PICKS

District 1-AAAA first-round

Garnet Valley 30, Council Rock North 21
Abington 28, Upper Dublin 27
Neshaminy 33, Unionville 17
C.B. West 27, Plymouth-Whitemarsh 20
Pennsbury 35, Upper Darby 19
North Penn 33, Coatesville 21

District 1-AAA quarterfinals

Academy Park 28, Interboro 14
Glen Mills 22, Springfield (Delco) 13
Henderson 35, Bishop Shanahan 14

Last week's record: 7-1 (87.5 pct.)
Overall record: 65-16 (80.2 pct)

FOOTBALL: Mercury-area leaders

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 10 picks

The Poopster is hoping to finish up strong in Week 10.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

Heading into Week 10, a lot of area high school football players are banged up, and the Poopster feels their pain. He's got some hitch in his giddy-up as well. Nonetheless, he is hoping to close out the regular season strong. Here's his take on this week's action:

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Boyertown (6-3) at Pottsgrove (9-0)
In a battle of perhaps the PAC-10's two top offensive lines, the Poopster is going to side with coach Rick Pennypacker's crew as they try to run the league slate in back-to-back seasons ... Pottsgrove 35-14.

Perkiomen Valley (7-2) at Upper Perkiomen (1-8)
The Vikings took it on the chin in last week's 23-12 loss to Pottsgrove and will likely come out as fired up as the Poopster's owner on those occasions when the litter box is not properly utilized ... Perkiomen Valley 50-6.

Pottstown (1-8) at Spring-Ford (7-2)
It's Senior Night in RoFo, and the Poopster expects Jarred Jones to run wild in leading an attack that has outscored the opposition 171-10 over the past four games ... Spring-Ford 55-13.

Daniel Boone (4-5) at Exeter (7-2)
The Poopster is still smarting for not being able pulling the trigger on the Blazers against Muhlenberg last week. He foresees Boone giving the Eagles all they can handle, but the Pig Iron Trophy staying in Reiffton ... Exeter 17-16.

St. Andrew's (2-5) at Perkiomen School (3-4)
Though the Poopster doesn't know the difference between St. Andrew's and Erin Andrews, he's going to side with the squad from Middletown, Del ... St. Andrew's 20-12.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Phoenixville (4-5) at Methacton (5-4)
The Warriors have won 4-of-5 since a 1-3 start, while the Phantoms snapped a three-game slide with last week's 21-0 win over Upper Perkiomen. The Poopster senses it will be a physical affair ... Methacton 21-13.

Owen J. Roberts (1-8) at Pope John Paul II (1-8)
The Poopster is genuinely perplexed by this one: should he go with Wyatt Scott and the Wildcats, or the Golden Panthers attack fueled by Nick Howarth, Johnnie Bildstein and Kirk Cherneskie? ... Owen J. Roberts 22-21.

Mercersburg Academy (2-4) at Hill School (0-6)
In a battle of squads are seeking their first Mid-Atlantic Prep League victory, the Poopster says its time for the Rams' seven-game losing streak dating back to last year to end ... Hill School 41-37.

Last week's record: 5-2 (71.4 pct.)
Overall season record: 58-15 (79.5 pct.)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 9 picks

The Poopster is champing at the bit for the 'Grove-PV showdown.

By Darryl Grumling

dgrumling@pottsmerc.com

Twitter: @MercSmokinD

Though the Poopster saw his bid for a third straight perfect week thwarted by his inability to foresee Pottstown's 28-14 victory at Upper Perkiomen, he's still racked up an impressive 35-4 mark over the past five weeks. Here's his take on Week 9 of the area scholastic football scene:

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Pottsgrove (8-0) at Perkiomen Valley (7-1)

The defending league champ Falcons can clinch a share of the PAC-10 crown with a win, while a Vikings victory would set the stage for a three-way title tie between PV, the 'Grove and Spring-Ford. After much contemplation over many cans of Fancy Feast, the Poopster is going to say ... Perkiomen Valley 15-14.

Spring-Ford (6-2) at Owen J. Roberts (1-7)

While the Rams will be rooting for a PV win, the Poopster expects them to take care of business down in Bucktown and likely get big efforts from RB Jarred Jones and WR Gary Hopkins ... Spring-Ford 42-7.

Methacton (4-4) at Pottstown (1-7)

The Warriors appear to be in good position to produce their third straight winning campaign, with FB Mike Cassidy dragging defenders along for the ride ... Methacton 42-13.

Pope John Paul II (1-7) at Boyertown (5-3)

The Bears had a three-game winning streak stopped by Perkiomen Valley last week, but the Poopster thinks they'll start a new one as area leading rusher Cody Richmond and QB Griffin Pasik seem primed for big nights ... Boyertown 50-20.

Upper Perkiomen (1-7) at Phoenixville (3-5)

The Poopster senses that this one could go either way, but he's going to land on the side of the home squad, which is trying to snap a three-game losing streak ... Phoenixville 32-27.

Daniel Boone (3-5) at Muhlenberg (6-2)

The Poopster considered making this his upset special, but after thinking long and hard he feels the Muhls have a few too many weapons for the Blazers, whose defense should nonetheless keep them in this one ... Muhlenberg 21-14.

SATURDAY'S GAME

Blair Academy (3-2) at Hill School (0-5)

While Rams WR Grant Smith is on the verge of breaking Hill's single-season receptions mark, Hill has struggled to put a complete game together and will need a flawless effort to top the Bucs ... Blair Academy 33-21.

Last week's record: 7-1 (87.5 pct.)

Season to date: 53-13 (80.3 pct.)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 8 picks

The Poopster hopes to continue his hot streak in Week 8.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

The Poopster has been tearing through the area football picks like they're Tidy Cats litter, putting together a perfect slate for two straight weeks. Can he keep up the torrid pace in Week 8? Here's his take on this weekend's action:

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Perkiomen Valley (6-1) at Boyertown (5-2)
It's a battle of the Vikings' vaunted defense (allowing 4.0 ppg) and the Bears' high-octane offense (ranked first in the area in rushing, passing and total yards), but the Poopster can't fathom how Boyertown's 'D' can slow down the PV attack ... Perkiomen Valley 47-21.

Phoenixville (3-4) at Pottsgrove (7-0)
The Phantoms have surrendered 62 points in each of their past two games, while the Falcons are gearing up for a Week 9 showdown with Perkiomen Valley ... Pottsgrove 49-7.

Pottstown (0-7) at Upper Perkiomen (1-6)
The Poopster would really like to see rookie Trojans coach Don Grinstead pick up his first victory, and there's a good chance that could happen, but he's going to lean towards the Tribe in what appears to be a shootout ... Upper Perkiomen 40-36.

Reading High (2-5) at Daniel Boone (2-5)
Daniel Boone has been playing deceptively well over the past three weeks, so the Poopster thinks his owner is going to see a Blazers victory when he heads to Birdsboro tonight to see all his old friends ... Daniel Boone 20-14.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Owen J. Roberts (1-6) at Methacton (3-4)
The Wildcats beat Upper Perkiomen last week for their first victory, but the Poopster has a hard time believing they will make it two in a row against Mike Cassidy, Kyle Lowery and the Warriors ... Methacton 40-13.

Spring-Ford (5-2) at Pope John Paul II (1-6)
The Rams forced eight turnovers in last week's win over Methacton, while the Golden Panthers have had trouble in that department throughout the year. In the battle of RoFo, the Poopster is going to side with the South Siders ... Spring-Ford 48-7.

Hill School (0-4) at Hun School (0-4)
Someone is going to pick up their first win in this MAPL encounter. Though the Poopster hopes it will be coach Grey Simpson's Rams, he's going to have to go with the home squad ... Hun School 22-20.

Perkiomen School (2-4) at MATHS Charter (1-3)
The Poopster knows absolutely nothing about MATHS Charter, other than it is located in Baltimore. He's going to take a flyer that the Panthers come away with a win when they travel to the old neighborhood of Stringer Bell, Prop Joe, Slim Charles, Omar and Bunk ... Perkiomen School 14-12.

Last week's record: 8-0 (100 pct.)
Season to date: 46-12 (79.3 pct.)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 7 picks

The Poopster wants everyone to try and stay dry this weekend.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

It's Homecoming weekend for a lot of the area schools, and the Poopster is in a festive mood after running the table last week. Here's his take on the Week 7 Mercury-area gridiron action:

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Pottsgrove (6-0) at Pottstown (0-6)
The last time the Trojans beat the Falcons (who have won 10 straight in the series), the Poopster was a lot younger cat. He sees the soggy conditions as a big advantage for coach Rick Pennypacker's crew ... Pottsgrove 41-13.

Upper Perkiomen (1-5) at Owen J. Roberts (0-6)
This is a battle of two of the area's top workhorse backs, the Indians' Aidan Schaffer and the Wildcats' Wyatt Scott. The Poopster is expecting a lot of ground-and-pound, and when the smoke clears he has a feeling his brethren in the Cat Pack will finally have something to cheer about ... Owen J. Roberts 34-33.

Pope John Paul II (1-5) at Perkiomen Valley (5-1)
The Vikings pass defense hasn't allowed a reception over the past two weeks, while their offense is averaging 50.7 points over the last three games ... Perkiomen Valley 48-7.

Daniel Boone (2-4) at Pottsville (3-3)
The Poopster thinks the Blazers have a real shot to make it two straight wins after dispatching Twin Valley 40-14 last week, but he also knows strange things happen to local squads once they travel north of the Berks County border ... Pottsville 27-21.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Methacton (3-3) at Spring-Ford (4-2)
The Poopster likes what he's seen out of the Warriors the past two weeks and gives them a puncher's chance. That said, he envisions a big effort from the Rams defense ... Spring-Ford 22-7.

Boyertown (4-2) at Phoenixville (3-3)
This one presents a real head-scratcher for the Poopster: the Bears' high-octane offense against the Phantoms' gritty 'D.' He's going to give the nod to Griffin Pasik, Cody Richmond and Co. ... Boyertown 34-29.

Peddie School (2-2) at Hill School (0-3)
In the MAPL opener for both squads, the Poopster is going to lean towards the ground-oriented attack of the Falcons (coached by former Hill coach Frank deLaurentis) against the air assault of the Rams ... Peddie School 26-16.

Academy of the New Church (2-3) at Perkiomen School (2-3)
The Poopster senses a battle in the trenches and heavy dose of the running game for each squad. The Lions have won two straight, while the Panthers have dropped two in a row ... ANC 25-20.

Last week's record: 7-0 (100 pct.)
Season to date: 38-12 (76.0 pct.)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 6 picks

The Poopster is currently on probation for a litter box violation.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

With the area football season at the midway point, the Poopster knows he has to improve on last week's rather pedestrian 6-2 mark and get some serious momentum going for the stretch run. Here's his take on this week's action.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Owen J. Roberts (0-3, 0-5) at Pottsgrove (4-0, 5-0)
Jeff Adams, Tyrone Parker and the Falcons defense have been as tough on the opposition as the Poopster's feline friends - Whitey and the outside cats - have been on the local rodent population around his owner's house ... Pottsgrove 42-7.

Phoenixville (3-0, 3-2) at Perkiomen Valley (3-1, 4-1)
The Phantoms have won three straight since an 0-2 start, but the Poopster feels the Rasaan Stewart-led Vikings simply have too many weapons ... Perkiomen Valley 38-19.

Spring-Ford (2-1, 3-2) at Upper Perkiomen (1-3, 1-4)
The Poopster envisions the Rams getting their passing game on track in this one, though the Tribe has been pretty entertaining the past couple of weeks with Aidan Schaffer running out of the Wildcat ... Spring-Ford 49-21.

Twin Valley (0-2, 0-5) at Daniel Boone (0-2, 1-4)
Though the Blazers have been battling a rash of injuries, they still get the nod against the alma mater of the Poopster's owner, which has lost 16 straight ... Daniel Boone 34-13.

Pottstown (0-3, 0-5) at Boyertown (2-2, 3-2)
There were 98 points scored in this game last year, and the Poopster wouldn't be surprised if the Trojans and Bears light up the scoreboard again ... Boyertown 50-30.

Perkiomen School (2-2) at Pennington School (1-3)
The Poopster doesn't have much insight into this one, so he's going to go with the Red Raiders at home ... Pennington School 28-22.

SATURDAY'S GAME

Methacton (2-2, 2-3) at Pope John Paul II (1-3, 1-4)
The Warriors appear to be rounding into form on both sides of the ball, which doesn't appear to be good news for the Golden Panthers ... Methacton 28-14.

Last week's record 6-2 (75.0 percent)
Season to date: 31-12 (72.1 percent)

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 3 picks

The Poopster is looking forward to the big Perkiomen Valley/Spring-Ford game in Week 3.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

Friday night's Perkiomen Valley at Spring-Ford PAC-10 showdown highlights the area's Week 3 slate. Here's what The Poopster thinks will happen:

THURSDAY'S GAMES

Hill School (0-0) at Germantown Academy (0-1)
Coach Grey Simpson and the Rams have suffered a couple of tough beats to GA over the past two years (23-20 in 2011 and 7-6 last year). The Poopster has an inkling that might change this time around ... Hill School 14-13.

Phoenixville (0-2) at Owen J. Roberts (0-2)
This is a tough one for the Poopster to figure out, though someone is going to pick up a much-needed win. He's going to flip the coin and say ... Phoenixville 20-14.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Tower Hill (Del.) Academy (1-0) at Perkiomen School (1-0)
The Panthers opened their season in successful fashion with a 40-8 thumping of Carson Long (The Poopster had 41-7 in that game, btw). This one will be a lot tougher ... Tower Hill 27-21.

Perkiomen Valley (2-0) at Spring-Ford (1-1)
The Rasaan Stewart-led Vikings have been unstoppable on offense and downright stingy on defense, while the Rams righted the ship last week with a 34-0 win over Southern (Philadelphia). The Poopster thinks the S-F DL duo of Robby Varner and Mason Romano will cause some mayhem, but PV still has too many weapons ... Perkiomen Valley 34-21.

Pope John Paul II (0-2) at Pottstown (0-2)
In another battle of teams searching for a much-needed win, the Poopster expects the scoreboard at Grigg Memorial Field to get a workout. ... Pottstown 40-35.

Pottsgrove (2-0) at Upper Perkiomen (0-2)
The Falcons' first-team defense hasn't given up a point, while RB Marquis Barefield leads a potent group of skill players against a Tribe defense that has struggled thus far ... Pottsgrove 42-6.

Manheim Central (2-0) at Daniel Boone (1-1)
The Barons have won all three previous meetings with the Blazers, who opened some eyes with a 35-7 win over Owen J. Roberts last week ... Manheim Central 35-14.

SATURDAY'S GAME

Boyertown (2-0) at Methacton (0-2)
Through two weeks, the Bears are putting up the kinds of offensive numbers that would make even Chip Kelly do a double take. The Poopster expects that trend to continue ... Boyertown 41-13.

Last week's record: 6-2 (75.0 percent)
Season: record: 14-5 (73.7 percent)

Mercury staff Pigskin Pick'em: Week 2

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 2 picks

Poppy, aka The Poopster, is ready for Week 2 of high school football.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com

Twitter: @MercSmokinD

The Poopster had an OK start to the picking season, though he couldn't quite pull the trigger on one PAC-10 team (Boyertown) team and got a couple of other road squads wrong (Spring-Ford, Pottstown). Here's his take on the Week 2 area action:

THURSDAY'S GAME

Southern Philadelphia (0-1) at Spring-Ford (0-1)
Spring-Ford coach Chad Brubaker was likely as angry after the Rams were down 28 points right out of the chute in last week's 37-21 loss at Whitehall as the Poopster gets when his owner feeds the outside cats first. He says S-F will right the ship tonight. ... Spring-Ford 38-18.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Daniel Boone (0-1) at Owen J. Roberts (0-1)
The Blazers and Wildcats hunger for a win like the Poopster hungers for a can of Fancy Feast. Boone has lost four straight; OJR has dropped seven in a row ... Owen J. Roberts 23-14.

Hatboro-Horsham (1-0) at Pottstown (0-1)
The Hatters equaled last year's victory total in last week's 21-14 win over Norristown. The Poopster expects some offensive fireworks in this one, and is going to give the nod to Gary Wise, Dayon Mohler and the Trojans to give first-year coach Don Grinstead his first win ... Pottstown 35-28.

Methacton (0-1) at Perkiomen Valley (1-0)
Even the Poopster was impressed with the Vikings' Week 1 effort in all three phases of the game as they hammered P-W 33-0. He thinks the Warriors will be up against it in the Battle for the Battle Ax ... Perkiomen Valley 35-13.

Perkiomen School (0-0) at Carson Long (0-1)
Carson Long has lost 45 straight games dating back to 2008 and the Poopster doesn't see the streak ending against coach Tom Calvario's squad, led by QB turned RB Isaiah Smith ... Perkiomen School 41-7.

Phoenixville (0-1) at Exeter (1-0)
Tough one for the Poopster, especially after the way the Phantoms handled the Eagles 28-20 last year. He senses a tight one either way ... Exeter 17-16.

Upper Perkiomen (0-1) at Boyertown (1-0)
The Poopster has a feeling the Bears will be a handful in the PAC-10 if they can shore up their defense a bit. The offense put up 46 points last week, and he envisions more of the same ... Boyertown 42-6.

SATURDAY'S GAME

Pottsgrove (1-0) at Pope John Paul II (0-1)
The Falcons gave up a TD to Souderton on the opening kickoff last week, then answered with 41 straight points. The Poopster is expecting some ground-and-pound against the Golden Panthers, who showed better balance in their opener ... Pottsgrove 40-14.

Last week's record: 8-3 (73 percent).
Season record: 8-3 (73 percent).

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 1 picks

Poppy (aka The Poopster) is looking forward to the PAC-10 football season.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com

The Poopster felt somewhat left out when he didn't see his pug-like mug on the Mercury Sports Pigskin Pick 'Em board, so he wanted to put his two cents in about all the Week 1 area football action. Here's his take:

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Boyertown at C.B. East
The Poopster knows the Bears are huge on both lines and feels they will make a good showing in their trip to Doylestown, but is still going to lean towards the Patriots ... C.B. East 31-23.

Cocalico at Daniel Boone
The Blazers are trying to bounce back from a 2-8 campaign and should be an improved squad, but the Poopster doesn't like their chances against the Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2 power Eagles ... Cocalico 35-13.

Owen J. Roberts at Conestoga
The Poopster feels that if the Wildcats can reverse their minus-17 turnover differential from last season, they will turn things around in a big way. Still, he's going to lean towards the Pioneers in this one ... Conestoga 21-17.

Perkiomen Valley at Plymouth-Whitemarsh
A marquee battle of squads with District 1-AAAA tourney designs pits the Vikings' slew of skill people led by QB Rasaan Stewart against a big and physical group of Colonials. The Poopster will give the edge to PV. ... Perkiomen Valley 34-30.

Pope John Paul II at Berks Catholic
The Poopster hopes that the Golden Panthers can stay healthy this fall, but even a full squad is going to be up against it vs. the Saints, coached by the Poopster's owner's old buddy (and St. Pius X grad) Rick Keeley ... Berks Catholic 27-17.

Pottstown at Schuylkill Valley
New Trojans coach Don Grinstead debuts against the Panthers, coached by St. Pius X grad Jeff Chillot, an old golfing buddy of the Poopster's owner. With Schuylkill Valley having to replace its entire offense, the Poopster is going to say upset special ... Pottstown 28-27.

Quakertown at Upper Perkiomen
The Poopster would really like to see coach Steve Moyer and the Tribe get off the duck and snap their 11-game losing streak. Though it's a definite possibility against the Panthers (who have lost 10 straight), he's going to say ... Quakertown 30-20.

Souderton at Pottsgrove
While it likely won't be an easy opener for the defending PAC-10 champ Falcons, the Poopster feels veteran coach Rick Pennypacker will have his troops ready to go, especially on defense, where they return nine starters. ... Pottsgrove 24-14.

Spring-Ford at Whitehall
The Poopster was very disheartened to see his cynical owner was the only Mercury staffer to pick against the Rams, feeling they might get jobbed on the road. But the Poopster has faith in coach Chad Brubaker's crew. He rode the Rams train all the way to the PIAA-AAAA championship in girls basketball in March, and isn't about to get off now ... Spring-Ford 27-23.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Editor's note: The Poopster is not real thrilled about games on Saturday, since it appears they will severely impact his feeding schedule. That said . . .

Bayard Rustin at Methacton
The Golden Knights play some serious caveman football and will be a handful for the Warriors. The Poopster says ... Rustin 30-16.

Phoenixville at Great Valley
The Poopster expects a hard-hitting effort from the scrappy Phantoms in the traditional Route 29 rivalry, but it might not be enough against the Patriots ... Great Valley 23-14.

GAMEDAY: Football, other fall sports kick off today

By Mercury Staff

The big day is finally here. We know you're ready -- and so are we.

In addition to 11 high school football games this weekend (our picks available above), there's a full slate of soccer, field hockey and other fall sports is on the schedule for today.

At The Mercury, we're ready to go (as you can see by a 9 a.m. post). Join us tonight at www.GametimePA.com for a live football scoreboard, video and complete coverage of not only the action on the gridiron but also the full rundown on today's other local events.

Follow us on Twitter @PottsMercSports and @GametimePA_SE as we get you amped up all day long. And be sure to follow our sports staff on Twitter:

• Darryl Grumling: @MercSmokinD
• Austin Hertzog: @AustinHertzog
• Jeff Stover: @MercuryXStover
• Rosemarie Ross: @RoseRoss31
• Sam Stewart: @Samuel_Stewart7
• Steve Moore: @smoore1117
• Frank Otto: @fottojourno

You can see all of Darryl's football previews in Friday's Mercury by visiting GametimePA.com:

• PAC-10 favorites to face stiff Week 1 challenges
• Game-by-game preview capsules

Join us on Twitter all day today and get amped up for your favorite team. Tweet us @PottsMercSports & @GametimePA_SE and tell us which game you're going to and who you think will win. Let's see which team has the best support!

High School Football Pigskin Pick 'Em: Week 1

The time has come. Football picks are back in The Mercury!

Each week, our picks will appear in the Friday edition of The Mercury, as we choose a winner in all of the weekend's high school games, as well as a few college and/or pro games (Ursinus, Penn State, Mercury Sports Live.
Eagles, etc.). You'll get an early look on Thursday nights at

Early in the week, we will post poll questions down the left side of the homepage at Mercury Sports Live asking for your vote. The consensus pick for each game will be YOUR pick for the week.

Do you agree with what you see below? Disagree? Would you rather us pick against your team? Let your voice be heard on Twitter, just tweet @PottsMercSports with the hashtag #MercFBPicks.

Without further ado ... it's time for Week 1!

Step Right Up and MAKE YOUR FOOTBALL PICKS!

Football season is nearly upon us.
You'll see a few changes around here, including the exciting move to GametimePA.com for all of our local sports coverage.

But first: High School Football Picks are BACK! And we want YOU to see if you can beat us.

The Mercury Sports staff will be picking every high school game each week, as well as a few others (Ursinus, Penn State, Eagles, etc.) to round the number out to 15 picks each week.

Each Monday, you'll find polls down the left side of Mercury Sports Live asking for your picks for the week. Then, when the picks appear here on Mercury Sports Live - and in Friday editions of The Mercury - you'll not only see picks from Mercury staff, but also the consensus of YOU, the readers and fans.

So, look to your left, and GET VOTING! You have a short week to get your picks in, so do it now and tell your friends and fellow fans to do the same.

FOOTBALL: McDowell, O'Connor selected for East-West Game

By Don Seeley
dseeley@pottsmerc.com

 Zameer McDowell will get an opportunity to erase a bad memory – the lasting memories from he and his Spring-Ford teammates’ final game last season.
That loss was to Coatesville in the District 1-Class AAAA football championship ... at Downingtown West High School.
And that’s exactly where McDowell, along with Pottsgrove’s Madison O’Connor, will be lining up on Sunday, May 5 to play in the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association’s East-West All-Star Game.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound McDowell, who was a tight end and defensive end for the Rams, and the 6-foot-7, 332-pound O’Connor, an offensive tackle for the Falcons, will be the area’s only two participants in the game, which benefits a variety of charities.
The East-West game, first held in 2001 at Mansion Park in Altoona, features some of the top players in the state.
McDowell was selected as one of three defensive ends — the other two being Council Rock North’s Curtis Cothran and Wilson-West Lawn’s Matt Rothrock. Last season, he was credited with 71 tackles, including seven sacks, and had 13 quarterback-hurries. He also broke up eight passes, intercepted one, recovered a fumble and blocked three kicks. On offense, he caught 17 passes for 280 yards and five touchdowns, including two that proved to be game-winners. He was selected to the All-Pioneer Athletic Conference team and The Mercury’s All-Area team, and named The Mercury’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Three players from the Coatesville team that denied McDowell and Spring-Ford that district title — quarterback Emmett Hunt, wideout Chris Jones and offensive lineman Andrew Baker — will be part of the East lineup, too.
O’Connor, a four-year starter for Pottsgrove, anchored the offensive line that led the Falcons to the Pioneer Athletic Conference title. O’Connor’s work up front enabled the Falcons to average an area-best 315 yards rushing. He was named All-Pioneer Athletic Conference — earning the league’s inaugural Bill Rogers Memorial Award as the league’s outstanding lineman. He was also selected to The Mercury’s All-Area team.
One of seven offensive linemen, O’Connor will be joined up front by Baker, La Salle’s Pat Hoffman, Lower Dauphin’s Jimmy Marks, Manheim Central’s Jordan Bowman. Muhlenberg’s Zach Duffy and Valley View’s Anthony Mengoni.

NOTES
Cothran (6-5, 245) signed with Penn State, while Rothrock (6-2, 237) signed with Lafayette. Hoffman (6-4, 255), the only offensive lineman thus far to commit to a Division I program, will play for Navy. ...  Other District 1 players selected to the game were Downingtown East quarterback Kyle Lauletta, Downingtown West tight end Justin Schmitt, Conestoga linebacker Riley Pritchett, and Henderson defensive back Spenser Rymiszewski. ... The East will practice at Downingtown West, while the West team will practice at North Hills High School in Pittsburgh. ... The game kicks off at 2 p.m.