FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 6 picks

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

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

Thursday's games

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

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

Friday's games

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

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

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

Saturday's games

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

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

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

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 5 picks

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

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

Friday's games

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday's games

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

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

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

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

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 4 picks

The Poopster is starting to round into form.

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

FRIDAY'S GAMES

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY'S GAMES

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

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

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

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

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 3 picks

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

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

FRIDAY'S GAMES

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

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY'S GAMES

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

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

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

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 2 picks

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

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

FRIDAY'S GAMES

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY'S GAMES

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

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

Last week: 6-5 (54.5 percent).

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 1 picks

The Poopster is ready for some area football.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last year: 88-24 (78.6 percent).

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: Blast from the past

Perkiomen Valley takes on Boyertown in a Week 8 PAC-10 football matchup Friday. Here's a look back at a wild ending from 2011, when Clay Domine hit Ezra Ranco for the game-winning two-point conversion pass with 1:06 left in regulation to give the Vikings a 22-21 victory over the Bears.

Click here for game story and video

FOOTBALL: The Poopster's Week 4 picks

Like several PAC-10 teams, the Poopster is looking to bounce back in Week 4.

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

Coming off a shameful 4-4 showing last week, the Poopster is looking to redeem himself in a big way this week. Here's his take on the Week 4 area high school football action:

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Spring-Ford (1-0, 2-1) at Boyertown (1-1, 2-1)
The Rams served noticed they are a legit league title contender by taking down Perkiomen Valley last week, though the Poopster wonders if this could be a trap game. After a 2-0 start, Boyertown suffered a surprising 48-10 loss to Methacton ... Spring-Ford 31-20.

Methacton (1-1, 1-2) at  Pottsgrove (2-0, 3-0)
The Poopster is ready to put on his camo and fatigues and get in the spirit for Military Appreciation Night at the 'Grove. Methacton took a huge step forward in last week's win over Boyertown and has played the Falcons tough in the past ... Pottsgrove 35-13.

Pottstown (0-1, 0-3) at Phoenixville (1-0, 1-2)
It will be the speed and big-play ability of the Trojans against the physicality and blue-collar mentality of the Phantoms. The Poopster says ... Phoenixville 18-13.

Owen J. Roberts  (0-1, 0-3) at Perkiomen Valley (1-1, 2-1)
The Poopster would really like to see his friends in the Cat Pack be able to cheer on a Wildcats victory, but he doesn't see it happening this week against a Vikings squad smarting from last week's loss at Spring-Ford ... Perkiomen Valley 42-14.

Governor Mifflin (0-0, 1-2) at Daniel Boone (0-0, 1-2)
The Mustangs have won 18 straight Berks League Section 1 games and will likely be in a foul mood after suffering non-league beatdowns to Wilson and Cocalico in the first three weeks ... Governor Mifflin 35-17.

Hill School (0-1) at Episcopal Academy (3-0)
The Rams suffered a couple of key injuries on defense in last week's season-opening 43-14 loss to Germantown Academy, which is bad news against the Churchmen, who have won 13 straight dating back to the 2011 season ... Episcopal Academy 42-7.

George School (0-2) vs. Perkiomen School (1-1), at Upper Perkiomen
The Poopster expects the Panthers will shine under the Friday Night Lights against a Cougars squad that is just 19-64 over the past 11 seasons ... Perkiomen School 28-13.

SATURDAY'S GAME

Upper Perkiomen (0-2, 0-3) at Pope John Paul II (1-1, 1-2)
The Golden Panthers have some spring in their steps thanks to a renewed effort on defense and a running game led by Nick Howarth, Johnnie Bildstein and Kirk Cherneskie that spearheaded a 24-0 win over Pottstown last week. The Poopster thinks they'll make it two in a row against the Indians, who have allowed 60-plus points in each of the past two games ... Pope John Paul II 30-12.

Last week: 4-4 (50.0 pct.)
Season record: 18-9 (66.7 pct.)

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.

No Huddle: Pottstown's Nate Flickinger

 

"No Huddle" Video Q and A with Pottstown senior nose guard Nate Flickinger.

-- DARRYL GRUMLING