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 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: 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)

CROSS COUNTRY: All PAC-10 teams

Pioneer Athletic Conference

2013-2014 Cross-Country

All-Conference

Boys’ Cross-Country

Name	School	Grade
Paul Power	Spring-Ford	11
Jeff Kirshenbaum	Methacton	10
Dylan Eddinger	Boyertown	11
Derek Lopez	Pottsgrove	11
Tom Duffy	Methacton	12
Dave Garton	Perkiomen Valley	12
Josh Toth	Pottsgrove	12
Jacob Keiper	Upper Perkiomen	11
Pat Hopkins	Methacton	12
Jared Kline	Methacton	11
Ray Friend	Perkiomen Valley	11
John Bennett	Boyertown	12
Jacob McCubbins	Methacton	12
John Garges	Pottsgrove	12
Adam Yosua	Phoenixville	12
Josh Tupper	Spring-Ford	12

Girls’ Cross-Country

Name	School	Grade
Kara Steinke	Methacton	12
Sammy Christman	Spring-Ford	11
Emily Schumaker	Boyertown	11
Gillian Kasitz	Boyertown	9
Jill Weston	Owen J. Roberts	12
Sarah Taylor	Owen J. Roberts	12
Andrea Shade	Owen J. Roberts	10
Megan Bernotas	Owen J. Roberts	10
Morgan Faust	Perkiomen Valley	11
Mallory Snyder	Perkiomen Valley	12
Allie Bonsall	Perkiomen Valley	12
Ellen Havard	Perkiomen Valley	12
Allison Brunton	Owen J. Roberts	9
Michele Daniels	Perkiomen Valley	9
Ryan DeOrio	Methacton	9
Kelly Williamson	Pope John Paul II	10
Kerry McGee	Pope John Paul II	12
Abby Konkoly	Methacton	10

GOLF: All-Pioneer Athletic Conference teams

Pioneer Athletic Conference

All-League Golf Selections

2013

1st Team - Boys

Brandon Vance        12 Methacton
Kyle Vance 9 Methacton
John Foley 11 Spring-Ford
Andrew Kriebel 11 Upper Perkiomen
Matt Keim 11 Spring-Ford
Dan Rieger 9 Methacton
Jared Faust 12 Owen J Roberts
Lamar Saxon 12 Boyertown

2nd Team

Connor Green 12 Perkiomen Valley
Brandon Caiola          12 Pope John Paul
Mike Foley 12 Methacton
Kevin Knapp 12 Perkiomen Valley
Carlo Barrasse 12 Boyertown
Liam Bonner 11 Phoenixville
Bennett Detweiler 12 Spring-Ford

Honorable Mention

Phil Huber 11 Boyertown
Nate Guerrinni         10 Perkiomen Valley
Eric Faust         11 Owen J Roberts
Elijah Landes 11 Perkiomen Valley
Zach Feaster 10 Methacton
Corey Betham 12 Methacton

1st Team – Girls

Emily Gilbert 11 Boyertown
Maddie Sager 10 Owen J Roberts
Laura Hackman 12 Owen J Roberts
Carly Dorminy 10 Perkiomen Valley
Katie Brophy 12 Great Valley
Olivia Steinmetz 10 Boyertown
Anna Kowalcyzk 12 Downingtown East
Rachel Cowgill 12 Great Valley
Sarah West 11 Great Valley

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.)

MSL Bracket Challenge Winners!

By Mercury Staff
sports@pottsmerc.com

Louisville beat Michigan in an NCAA Championship game for the ages on Monday night. It also marked the end of our inaugural Mercury Sports Live Bracket Challenge.

The top six finishers all picked Louisville to win it all, but it was Steve (not sports staffer Steve Moore) who finished on top with 123 points.

Finishing second was "Kurthi's Fantastic Bracket" (114 points) and third was "Jeffrey's Notable Bracket" (112 points).

All three of those readers will win $20 American Express Gift Cards from The Mercury.

If you are any of those three, please email Steve Moore at smoore@pottsmerc.com with your name, address and phone number.

Thanks for playing!

ALL-AREA: Field hockey teams

AUDREE BONAVITA

FIRST TEAM
Gabby Major, Spring-Ford
Junior ... Forward ... Three-time first team selection ... Liberty Division first team pick ... PHSFHCA Class AAA first-team pick. ... NFHCA All-Region first-team selection. ... NFHCA first-team All-American pick. ... Racked up 37 goals and 13 assists to help Rams go unbeaten in Liberty Division play en route to first PAC-10 championship since 2001. ... Member of U-19 U.S. national team. ... Netted four goals in 5-1 league semifinal victory over Phoenixville, then scored two goals in a 3-1 championship victory over Upper Perkiomen. ... Committed to the University of North Carolina. ... The Mercury’s 2012 Field Hockey Player of the Year.

Casey Umstead, Upper Perkiomen
Junior ... Forward ... Frontier Division first team pick. ... PHSFHCA Class AA first team selection. ... NFHCA All-Region second-team selection. ... Led league in both scoring (40) and assists (17) to help Indians win Frontier Division crown and advance to PAC-10 final, District 1-AA final and PIAA-AA tournament. ... Member of U-19 U.S. National team and indoor national team. ... Had two goals in a 5-2 PAC-10 Final Four semifinal win over Perkiomen Valley.

Alexa Hoover, Methacton
Junior. ... Forward. ... Repeat first team selection. ... Liberty Division first team pick. ... PHSFHCA Class AAA honorable mention selection. ... Led Warriors in scoring with 34 goals while also contributing eight assists. ... Had three goals in an 87-second span in a 7-1 victory over Pottstown.

Bailey Quinn, Phoenixville
Sophomore. ... Forward. ... Frontier Division first team pick. ... Scored 23 goals and netted 10 assists for Frontier Division runner-up Phantoms. ... Scored three goals in an 8-1 victory over Pope John Paul II. ... Netted the game-winning tally in OT in a 4-3 victory over Perkiomen Valley.

Alyssa Chillano, Spring-Ford
Junior ... Midfielder ... Three-time All-Area first team selection. ... First team Liberty Division pick. ... PHSFHCA Class AAA first-team selection. ... NFHCA All-Region first-team selection ... NHFCA first-team All-American pick. ... Scored 22 goals and dished out 10 assists for PAC-10 champ Rams, despite missing a couple of weeks while playing for the U.S. National U-21 squad in the Pan American Games in Mexico. ... Committed to the University of Duke.

(For complete story, click here ... )