New Football Powers on the rise                      

September 26, 2007

By Joe Stokes

 

The fourth week of the 2007 season featured victories for most of the top rated squads but also found some new names to consider as future powers.  

North Penn ranked number one in Ed Thomas’ Southeastern Pa Top Twenty stayed on top by pounding conference rival Pennridge 38-21. The win propelled the Knights into not only District One AAAA favorite but statewide respect for another title run.

This writer comes off a 50-17 prediction record for 2006 and starts 2007 with a 13-2 record in the last three weeks of prognostications. Ridley, Glenn Mills, Cardinal O’Hara and Interboro all came through with Haverford surprising Strath Haven to account for the only prediction loss. Haverford now joins Ridley and Marple Newtown as Central League undefeated squads and the next few weeks will provide great excitement for these schools as they fight for league titles and playoff berths.

The featured game this week is yet another Central League showdown. The undefeated Marple Newtown Tigers travel to perennial power Strath Haven. This will be the first true test for the Tigers star running back John Gallagher. He has rushed for 354 yards in the last two games and boasts ten touchdowns already this season.

It will be a battle of wills as the Panthers rarely lose more than two games in any year since their rise to power in the early 1990’s. This will be a breakout game for the new look Tigers.

Prediction:   Marple Newtown  28  Strath Haven  17

 

The third ranked Hawks from St. Joe Prep have a showdown of their own when they face off with 14^th ranked and undefeated Father Judge. Look for the Prep to hold off a spirited challenge from this hard working team.

Prediction:   St. Joseph Prep  35  Father Judge 24

 

Here is the rest of my fearless forecast:

Prediction:   Coatesville  31  Glenn Mills  24

Prediction:   Cardinal O’Hara 38  North Catholic 28   

Prediction:   Abington  24  Pennridge  14