WEEK 14 PICK(S)

By Don Seeley

Here we go... could this be the last week of the Pick'ms ???? One surprising pick this week. If I'm wrong, I'm a homer (not the first time I've been accused of that) or plain stupid (closer to the truth). If I'm right, well, then I'm a genius (and I have to take advantage of that rare opportunity).

DISTRICT 1-AAAA FINAL
Spring-Ford (12-2) vs. Coatesville (11-2): There's no way Spring-Ford is going to win this game - at least that is what everyone is saying, at least what I began thinking last last Friday night after Coatesville won and Spring-Ford and Pennridge didn't even play their game yet. The more I think about it, there's no way Spring-Ford wins this game. Coatesvile is sooooooo good. Maybe that's why I'm about to go out on a limb (maybe because I've covered the PAC-10 every year it's existed, or maybe because I'm an old, old SF graduate) ... SPRING-FORD.

PIAA-CLASS AAA QUARTERFINAL
Interboro (11-2) vs. Archbishop Wood (10-2): Pottsgrove is the only team that has given Archbishop Wood any type of game in this round - or come close to Archbishop Wood - in recent memory (30-28 back in 2009). As good as Interboro may be, and as average as Archbishop Wood may be (by Archbishop Wood standards that is), it still isn't enough. And don't forget, the defending state champions had their "BYE" last week to get in a little rest and extra preparation ... ARCHBISHOP WOOD.

PIAA-CLASS A QUARTERFINAL
BRISTOL (9-1) vs. DUNMORE (12-1): Bristol may have shocked the Class A bracket with its 22-0 shutout of previously unbeaten Williams Valley last week, but Williams Valley is NOT Dunmore. The Bucks have knocked off a pair of unbeaten oponents the past two weeks - avenging its lone loss this season with a win over Old Forge for the District 2 title, then bumping off traditional state power Southern Columbia last Friday night ... DUNMORE.

* * *

LAST WEEK: 3-0.
SEASON: 72-21 (.774).

WEEK 13 PICKS

By Don Seeley

Here we go again… the Week 13 picks, and I'm sure hoping I do better this week than last.

WEDNESDAY'S GAME

Phoenixville (6-5) at Spring-Ford (11-1): This would've been a great match-up despite the records, as last year's game proved to be. But the Rams, at least according to head coach Chad Brubaker, will be lining up with non-varsity starters because of Saturday's District 1-AAAA semifinal with Pennridge. As pumped as the Rams may be for the opportunity to play, they won't be able to match up with the Phantoms' regulars. … PHOENIXVILLE.

THURSDAY'S GAME

Pottstown (5-6) at Owen J. Roberts (3-8): Both teams can light up the board when in sync, especially Pottstown with the little fella directing the offense. … POTTSTOWN.

SATURDAY'S GAME

District 1-Class AAA Semifinal, Spring-Ford at Pennridge: Spring-Ford is going with non-varsity starters Wednesday night, Pennridge is reportedly going to begin with its regular starters Thursday morning (at Quakertown) because of playing for an outright league title. Both teams had forgettable second halves last week, but won and advanced - and that's all that matters this time of the year. Rams win this one. ... SPRING-FORD RAMS, that is.

Last week (local picks): 0-2.

For the Season: 69-21 (767.)

WEEK ELEVEN PICKS

By Don Seeley

   Here we go... final regular-season games for some, the first round of district playoffs for others and, of course, the big Lawrenceville-Hill showdown (plus a special treat - or a possible preview of how little I do know about football) - with my picks of all the District 1-AAAA and AAA games below.

FRIDAY'S GAMES
Garnet Valley at Spring-Ford: Garnet Valley has made it a habit to play in the postseason in recent years, while Spring-Ford made its very first appearance a year ago (and one the blue-and-gold gang would like to forget). Don't bother looking at the seedings, this is a toss-up. Unlike last year, the Rams seem to be improving down the stretch this time. ... SPRING-FORD.


Great Valley at Pottstown: The Patriots, a former member of the PAC-10, has had an up-and-down season and it cost them a spot in the District 1-AAAA playoffs. They move the ball and play decent defense. The Trojans certainly move the ball, but defense ??? ... GREAT VALLEY.

Perkiomen Valley at Saucon Valley: The Vikings take a trip up to play Saucon Valley in the shadows (before the lights come on) of Lehigh University. They're determined to finish on a high note after back-to-back losses to Pottsgrove and Spring-Ford, and they should rather easily ... PERKIOMEN VALLEY.

Phoenixville at Interboro: One thing Phoenixville learned a year ago was that it could play with some of the traditional AAA powers in the district.They'll play Interboro tough, guaranteed. But the hosts may have the slightest edge this year. ... INTERBORO.

Souderton at Boyertown: The Big Red is seeing red after getting beat 11-10 by North Penn and falling out of the Top 16 for the District 1-AAAA playoffs. Bears are playing rather well of late, but may not be able to keep pace with their guests. ... SOUDERTON.

Strath Haven at Pottsgrove: Strath Haven has been one pain in the hip pads for PAC-10 teams until Pottsgrove's overtime win a year ago. This isn't your typical SH team, though, and Pottsgrove - at least over the past month - has been as good as any Falcon team before it. ... POTTSGROVE.

Upper Merion at Owen J. Roberts: One thing about this one is Upper Merion is way better than a 1-9 team. OJR is better than a 3-7 team, too. Who wants a non-league win on the second weekend of November more ??? ... OWEN J. ROBERTS.

SATURDAY'S GAMES
Lawrenceville at Hill School: You have to attend one of these games to appreciate what a real rivalry is. It may be one of those very few games when you actually can throw out the records. But the ailing Hill lineup will be hard-pressed to keep up with the Larries' passing game, and the fact the Larries are playing for a Mid-Atlantic Prep League championship, too. ... LAWRENCEVILLE.

Methacton at Norristown: Methacton has a lot to play for, Norristown doesn't. ... METHACTON.

Last week: 6-1.
For the season: 62-17 (.785).

Here I go with my opinions on all the District 1-AAAA and AAA playoff games. My picks are the teams bolded.

Class AAAA
No. 16 Wissahickon at No. 1 Downingtown East (not even close)
No. 9 Coatesville at No, 8 Unionville (Red Raiders won 42-0 back on Sept. 29th)
No. 13 Neshaminy at No. 9 Plymouth-Whitemarsh (Possible upset? Nah)
No. 12 Haverford at No. 5 Central Bucks South (a no-brainer)
No. 15 Downingtown West at No. 2 Ridley (go Green, although this could be an upset in the making)
No. 10 Garnet Valley at No. 7 Spring-Ford (already said it above - plus gotta go with the alma mater)
No. 14 Abington at No. 3 Pennridge (Pennridge is downright good)
No. 11 Rustin at No. 6 Pennsbury (Rustin isn't rustlin' easy wins like it did before)

Class AAA
No. 8 Strath Haven at No. 1 Pottsgrove (this could be a Falcon romp... could be)
No. 5 Springfield-Delco at No. 4 Henderson (Henderson's a sleeping giant, be aware)
No. 7 Upper Moreland at No. 2 Academy Park (this is another no-brainer)
No. 6 Phoenixville at No. 3 Interboro (definitely the toss-up of the opening round)













 

WEEK TEN PICKS

By Don Seeley

A few good games for Week Ten, especially when your Super Six teams are matched up against each other one way or the other (these are the weeks I wish someone else was doing the picking).

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Perkiomen School at St. Andrew's School, Del.: Perk head coach Tom Calvario tells me every team he faces is bigger and more athletic than his own, and yet the Panthers are 5-1 going into their final game. A long bus ride to Delaware could be factor, so could St. Andrew's stud quarterback and hold on Perkiomen in recent years ... ST. ANDREW'S.

Exeter at Daniel Boone: Exeter is headed to the District 3-AAAA playoffs, and another win could lead to an opening-round home game. The Eagles won't be overlooking an injury-ravaged Daniel Boone in this neighborhood rivalry ... EXETER.

#1 Pottsgrove at #4 Phoenixville: Phoenixville has made big strides in recent weeks, but Pottsgrove has made giant strides. If Falcons play like they did a week ago against a very good Perkiomen Valley team, they could find themselves back in the District 1-AAA final ... POTTSGROVE.

#3 Spring-Ford at #2 Perkiomen Valley: This could be and likely will be a great, great game. Except for being disarmed in their respective games with Pottsgrove, both teams have great offensive arsenals. Expect Jones to be back in the Rams' backfield. That could be the difference ... SPRING-FORD.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Upper Perkiomen at Pope John Paul II (2 p.m.): Both teams are winless, but this is still an intriguing match-up. Upper Perkiomen's run game may be slowed a bit by the condition of the field. PJP's receivers know where they're going, and so does their quarterback. Could be an entertaining back-and-forth battle ... POPE JOHN PAUL II.

#5 Methacton at #6 Pottstown (3 p.m.): Methacton has some playmakers of its own, two very under-rated two-way starters in Lowery and Given, and a lot of confidence with two straight wins. Pottstown has as elusive (and good) quarterback as anyone and a whole lot of very fast playmakers around him, too. Don't know if it's an upset or not, but... POTTSTOWN.


Boyertown at Owen J. Roberts (7 p.m.): Boyertown regained its offensive magic last week, while OJR lost some of its own when one of the best receivers in the PAC-10 and area went down for the remainder of the season. Bears may have the most improved secondary of anyone the past month. ... BOYERTOWN.

Last Week: 6-1.
For the Season: 56-16 (.778).

WEEK NINE PICKS

By Don Seeley

   
TONIGHT'S GAMES
Muhlenberg at Daniel Boone: Daniel Boone added some more starters to the IL, will likely have to rearrange its entire offensive line with literally no healthy tight ends, and have to deal with Muhlernberg's big and physical front lines. A bit too much to overcome ... MUHLENBERG.

Perkiomen Valley at Pottsgrove: Can't pick a tie, even though I'd like to. Pottsgrove is coming off two very impressive, complete-game wins, and Perkiomen Valley - from the start of the season until now - is far and above the most improved team in the area, and a very good team at that. Stewart's a gem, but so are Hudgins and Dukes. Vikings may make just one or two more mistakes than they can afford to. Pottsgrove cannot afford to misfire on extra-points, either, because it be that close of a game ... POTTSGROVE.

Phoenixville at Upper Perkiomen: Phoenixville is in a must-win situation if it's to make it back into the District 1-Class AAA playoffs, especially with Pottsgrove coming to town next week. Upper Perkiomen is improving, but isn't likely to get that elusive first win tonight ... PHOENIXVILLE.

Pope John Paul II at Boyertown: PJP is hungrier than ever for that first win. Unfortunately, Boyertown may have regained some of that much-needed confidence with that incredible fourth-quarter comeback that ran out of time at Methacton last weekend ... BOYERTOWN.

Pottstown at Spring-Ford: If Pottstown ever gets a stop'm and shock'm defense for 48 minutes, watch out. Unfortunately, Spring-Ford has too many weapons for the Trojans to deal with. Great game to watch with two exceptional quarterbacks - Pottstown's elusive Sage Reinhart, and Spring-Ford's record-breaking pocket man Hank Coyne ... SPRING-FORD.

SATURDAY'S GAMES
Owen J. Roberts at Methacton: OJR is healthier than its been in weeks, but Methacton is back playing good, all-around football for the first time in a few weeks ... METHACTON.

Hill School at Mercersburg Academy: A long, long, long bus side won't help the ailing Rams, nor does a revved up Mercersburg crowd celebrating Parents Weekend ... MERCERSBURG.

Last Week: 8-0 (that's perfect)
For the Season: 50-15 (.769 - which is far from perfect)

WEEK EIGHT PICKS

By Don Seeley

   Hip-hip-hooray to Daniel Boone and Perkiomen School for their big wins last week ... and boo to me for not picking them (and more boos for me for not learning enough to pick them this week, either).

FRIDAY'S GAMES
   Daniel Boone at Reading: Blazers have to get off the ball offensively, and be very concerned with Reading's speed. Toss-up here, so maybe better go with the home team ... READING.

  Pottsgrove at Pottstown: Falcons played their best game of the season last week, and may very well have enough defense to go toe-to-toe with the explosive Trojans ... POTTSGROVE.

  Spring-Ford at Owen J. Roberts:Family night, of sorts, for the Coyne family. Junior gets the best of Senior and the Wildcats ... SPRING-FORD.

   Upper Perkiomen at Perkiomen Valley: Indians have shown improvement in recent weeks, but still aren't at the Vikings' level ... PERKIOMEN VALLEY.

SATURDAY'S GAMES
   Boyertown at Methacton: The Bears should break out of their offensive slump, but not quite enough to match the Warriors ... METHACTON.

   Pope John Paul II at Phoenixville: Despite all their injuries, the Golden Panthers still battle - and their passing game gives the opposition fits. But the Phantoms just may be coming off their best game of the season and are aware of their position in the postseason playoff picture ... PHOENIXVILLE.

   Archmere Academy at Perkiomen School: Archmere is by far the best team the Panthers have seen this year, and will likely have too much depth for the upstart hosts ... ARCHMERE ACADEMY.

   Hill School at Blair Academy: The Rams are really struggling to find the end zone, and the Bucs don't relinquish much when their defense is on the field ... BLAIR ACADEMY.

   Last Week: 6-2
   For the Season: 42-15 (.738)

WEEK SEVEN PICKS

By Don Seeley

Got rid of the "Poopster" for good - Darryl Grumling's beloved cat (? even with a name like that ?) is back to sleeping half the day and chasing squirrels the other half of the day up in Berks County.

I would've been perfect on my picks last week if not for one particular coach's misleading scouting report (he's forgiven for now, but if he does it again he'll be getting a call from former coach Jim Mich for fibbing to the media).

Here we go with the picks for Week Seven...

TODAY'S GAMES
Owen J. Roberts at Pottsgrove: Wildcats have won three in a row, but the Falcons got a wake-up call they won't soon forget after a listless first half against Methacton last Saturday... POTTSGROVE.

Phoenixville at Boyertown: Phantoms are up and down, but have yet to lose two in a row and are right on the edge of making (or missing) the playoffs. Right now their defense is better than the Bears' struggling offense... PHOENIXVILLE.

Pottstown at Upper Perkiomen: The Trojans' offense has found ways to score against some good defenses. The Indians, though improving with each passing week, allow more points than anyone... POTTSTOWN.

Pottsville at Daniel Boone: On paper this is a toss-up, but the Blazers are a little banged up and facing a team that is as physical as any other in Berks Football League Section One... POTTSVILLE.

SATURDAY'S GAMES
Methacton at Spring-Ford: Warriors are coming off as good as game they played all year even though they lost (to Pottsgrove). The Rams' offensive balance and unsung defense - and vivid memories of just how well Methacton plays them year in and year out - may be too much for their guests... SPRING-FORD.

Perkiomen Valley at Pope John Paul II: Vikings are getting better and better, and they've been reminded of how PJP celebrated on their field following last year's overtime win... PERKIOMEN VALLEY.

Hun School at Hill School: Hun's record is a little misleading, while the Hill's offense - and team leadership - are missing... HUN SCHOOL.

Perkiomen School at The Academy of the New Church: The Panthers are much improved in recent weeks, but may be over-matched by both ANC's size and skill... ANC.

* * *

Last Week: 7-1
For the Season: 36-13 (73.5 percent)

WEEK SIX PICKS

By Don Seeley

   I took time from a round of golf in Tennessee last week to call Darryl Grumling's "Poopster" and what did I discover upon returning ??? The backyard brat went ahead and changed two of my picks, so I ended up 6-2 instead of 8-0. Because of the insubordination, Grumling has been instructed not to change the "Poopster's" kitty litter for four days.

   Here we go...

TODAY'S GAMES
   Hill School at Peddie School: The Rams just lost another two-way starter (running back/linebacker A.J. Garcia) and have a long bus ride to New Jersey... Gotta go with Peddie School.

   Red Lion Christian Academy at Perkiomen School: Red Lion has played some creditable competition, so its record is a little deceiving. Getting a forfeit a week ago cost Perkiomen some momentum... Gotta go with Red Lion Christian (in a thriller).

   Daniel Boone at Twin Valley: Two teams with identical 0-5 records. Daniel Boone showed some spark in the second half last week, get a couple starters back from injury this week, and appear to have enough balance to squeeze that elusive first win for rookie head coach Bill Parks... Gotta go with Daniel Boone.

   Boyertown at Spring-Ford: Spring-Ford should be itching to get back on the field and put up some points after being shut out last week. Boyertown's been giving up over 42 a game... Gotta go with Spring-Ford.

   Phoenixville at Perkiomen Valley: Game of the Week for sure in the PAC-10. Phoenixville has some of the best individual talent in the league, but Perkiomen Valley has one of the best teams in the league... Gotta go with Perkiomen Valley.

   Pope John Paul II at Pottstown: Injuries have hit PJP harder than any area team, so being less than 100 percent will make it awfully difficult to go step-for-step with explosive Pottstown, which incidentally has never beaten the Golden Panthers in the two previous meetings... Gotta go with Pottstown.

   Upper Perkiomen at Owen J. Roberts: Upper Perkiomen's young group hasn't turned the corner yet, while Owen J. Roberts' has... Gotta go with Owen J. Roberts.

SATURDAY
   Pottsgrove at Methacton: Pottsgrove could come out flat after the big win over Spring-Ford last week, but the operative word there is "could." Methacton has turned it around with two straight wins, but it appears that streak will end against the Falcons... Gotta go with Pottsgrove.

Last Week: 6-2
For the Season: 29-12 (70.1%)

WEEK FOUR PICKS

By Don Seeley

Here we go again (I'm getting better with each passing week, although Pottstown Honda general manager Tom Reed thinks he is the high school football guru. Mr. Reed still refuses to pick one-on-one with me, though):

Friday's Games
Perkiomen School at George School: Both are young and very inexperienced, but Perkiomen has a good core of skill people ... Gotta go with Perkiomen.

Daniel Boone at Governor Mifflin: If you think Daniel Boone had a tough non-league grind, take a peek at who Governor Mifflin had to deal with. Tough Berks Football League opener for the Blazers ... Gotta go with Governor Mifflin.

Boyertown at Pottsgrove: Boyertown hasn't been able to stop the run yet this season. So what does Pottsgrove do best (as always)? ... Gotta go with Pottsgrove.

Perkiomen Valley at Pottstown: Both teams turned it around since season-opening losses. The Vikings will have their hands full with the Trojans' offense, which so far has as good a one-two punch as anyone with quarterback Sage Reinhart and running back Monroe Hampton. But Pottstown's defense has given up a whole heckuva lot of big plays and points ... Gotta go with Perkiomen Valley.

Phoenixville at Owen J. Roberts: Phoenixville may have taken over Perkiomen Valley's tag as the team "playing under the radar." The Phantoms have made giant strides since its opener. OJR is banged up a bit, though improved, will struggle holding down its guests ... Gotta go with Phoenixville.

Upper Perkiomen at Spring-Ford: Upper Perkiomen is struggling because of its youth (as any team would with only a couple of seniors back from the previous season). Spring-Ford, despite the loss of Jarred Jones, will still show a balanced and productive offense with Yousef Lundi running the ball and Hank Coyne throwing it ... Gotta go with Spring-Ford.

Saturday's Games
Pope John Paul II at Methacton: PJP can throw the ball better than anyone in the area, thanks to James Bleming and three very good receivers. Methacton is struggling, in part because of injuries to key personnel, but Brandon Bossard may be the wakeup the Warriors need this week. This may be the most competitive game of the week ... Gotta go with Methacton.

Episcopal Academy at The Hill School (at Pottstown High School, 7 p.m.):  Episcopal has three games under its best, winning all three by shutout. The Hill lost its opener by one point, and two key starters ... Gotta go with Episcopal.

Last Week: 6-2 ... For the Season: 17-9 (.654)




On The Season:

WEEKLY PICKS

Weekly Football Forecast ... By Don Seeley

After that humbling 5-6 start, I returned to some degree of respectability with a 6-1 effort last week to bring my two-week total to 11-7.

So here we go with Week Three...

Friday's Games
Daniel Boone at Manheim Central: Daniel Boone has had the toughest non-league grind of anyone in the area with Cocalico and Spring-Ford. Now the Blazers get District 3-AAA power Manheim Central - which will be in a nasty mood after getting upset last weekend. The Barons rarely lose two in a row, and won't this time... Gotta go with Manheim Central.

Perkiomen School at Tower Hill, Del.: Perkiomen may be better than head coach Tom Calvario advertises, but a long bus ride and lining up against an experienced team will be quite the challenge... Gotta go with Tower Hill.

Methacton at Phoenixville: Methacton has to get its confidence back (not to mention some healthy bodies) after last Saturday's setback to Perkiomen Valley, but it may be easier said than done against a Phoenixville team put it all together in an upset of Exeter last Friday night. Phantoms would like nothing better than to open its PAC-10 schedule at home with a win... Gotta go with Phoenixville.

Owen J. Roberts at Perkiomen Valley: OJR is struggling, Perkiomen Valley isn't. And who gave the Wildcats more trouble than anyone during their recent three-year run? Yep, the Vikings... Gotta go with Perkiomen Valley.

Pottsgrove at Upper Perkiomen: Pottsgrove is already running on all cylinders. Upper Perkiomen is still fine tuning a very young and inexperienced lineup. Falcons have too much horsepower here... Gotta go with Pottsgrove.

Pottstown at Boyertown: Both teams did an about face last week, winning rather handily. Trojans have big-play capabilities, which hurt the Bears in their season-opener. But will the Pottstown defense be able to keep the Boyertown run game from long, clock-eating possessions is the big question. Should definitely unfold as a thriller... Gotta go ( in a close one) with Boyertown.

Saturday's Games
Germantown Academy at The Hill School: Openers for both teams. GA is very young, although it has a very good quarterback-linebacker. The Hill has plenty of talent in the skill positions and just enough experience everywhere else to make this a satisfying season debut... Gotta go with Hill School.

Spring-Ford at Pope John Paul II: Spring-Ford's young secondary will get its best test yet from PJP quarterback James Bleming. But the Rams' corners and safeties will be a lot of help from pressure up front, and their offense is likely to be too productive for the Golden Panthers to keep pace with... Gotta go with Spring-Ford.

WEEK TWO PICKS

LOCAL FOOTBALL FORECAST ... By Don Seeley

After a humbling 5-6 start to the season, the old fella is right back at it in Week Two. Here we go:

Tonight's Games
Boyertown at Upper Perkiomen: Boyertown didn't struggle moving the ball, only stopping it - or what Upper Perkiomen, as young a team as there is in the area, experienced as well on opening night. Boyertown has just enough experience to come back from it ... Going with the BEARS.

Exeter at Phoenixville: Exeter has a Division I recruit in quarterback Kyle Yocum, who can run as well as throw the football extremely well, and he also has some bona fide talent around him. Phoenixville, with as challenging a preseason sked as anyone, is still trying to get everyone - from its youngsters to its veteran talent like Ryan Pannella and Ryan Yenchick - on the same page ... Going with the EAGLES.

Penn Wood at Pottstown: Penn Wood must get a running game going or it could be a long night, if only because Pottstown has a good pass rush and solid secondary ... Going with the TROJANS.

Pope John Paul II at Pottsgrove: PJP needed a half to get its offense, or its passing game, untracked last week against Berks Catholic. If the Golden Panthers give James Bleming enough time to throw tonight, they may move the ball. But it'll be tough to find the end zone enough times to keep pace with the swift Pottsgrove offense ... Going with the FALCONS.

Rustin at Owen J. Roberts: Rustin has proven in recent years it doesn't much matter if they rebuild or reload, it's one very competitive team. Defense will give, but offense may be a bit too much for a young OJR defense. If OJR avoids the mistakes, this could be a very close game - or an upset perhaps ... Going with the KNIGHTS.

Spring-Ford at Daniel Boone: Spring-Ford showed a very productive and balanced offense against Whitehall despite allowing four sacks, three from the outside. But those running and passing numbers could get even better against a rebuilding Daniel Boone defense. ... Going with the RAMS.

Saturday's Game
Perkiomen Valley at Methacton: As good a game as there is this weekend. Both were preseason picks to contend for a PAC-10 title this season, and both stumbled in their non-league openers last Friday night. On paper looks like a dead-even matchup, but Methacton will be without one of its two-way playmakers in due to a concussion. Mother Nature, if she rains down on this one as forecasted, won't make it any easier for either team in their quest for the Battle Ax Trophy, either. Could go OT. ... Going with the VIKINGS.

Don't forget to check back here every Friday for Seeley's Picks (or guesses).