LAST WEEK: 10-2.
OVERALL: 141-35.
Almost forgot to make my picks this week …
Alrighty, we’re three weeks into the postseason, and these predictions have gotten gradually tougher.
This week is certainly no different.
I have a rather large stack of girls’ basketball preview material piled up on my desk at the moment, and since I need to get that stack whittled down, let’s go right to the football picks, shall we …
Bishop McDevitt @ Wilson – I saw McDevitt a few weeks back, and I must say that the Crusaders have some major weapons and some incredible horses. But I was amazed over all the flags and indecisions and just plain goofy stuff. I know; it was just one game. But my colleagues in the Mid-Penn tell that those are common occurrences with this bunch. Wilson, on the other hand, always seems to play with passion and with a purpose. The Bulldogs are always focused and seemingly never take a play off – even the second-team guys. Not only does Wilson hate giving up touchdowns; they hate giving up first downs. McDevitt is going to move the ball and score (this Matt Johnson kid is a special talent at QB), but the ‘Dawgs’ D will rise to the occasion once again. Wilson punches ticket to Hershey, 24-14.
Garden Spot @ West York – See Brandon Real take a pitch. See Brandon Real bob-and-weave his way through traffic. See Brandon Real run. Fast. See Brandon Real score a touchdown. Would be stunned if Real goes off for 406 yards and six TDs like last week vs. Weiser. But if he has another big night, the Spartans are in trouble here. Love what Garden Spot has done (particularly in the turnover department and on special teams), but West York seems to be on another planet at the moment (check the stats; these guys are blowing up everyone lately). And this Real kid is a total handful. West York marches on, 31-17.
Manheim Central @ Mechanicsburg – I’ve seen Central now in back-to-back weeks, and this team is really growing on me. There is definitely a vibe around the team, and I think these guys really, honestly, truly believe that they’re the team that’s going to get the district championship trophy back. Barons’ D has been tough. Barons’ O has moved the ball. And Central has that uncanny knack (like no team I’ve ever seen) that can beat you in special teams and field position. Those guys are still the kings of that. It will be a tall task (going on the road, on a chilly night, I understand, against the unbeaten, No. 1 seed), but I think Central digs deep and finds a way here. Not sure why, but I’m feeling that vibe, too. Barons head back to Hershey, 24-7.
Lancaster Catholic vs. Middletown – The Crusaders are back in the District 3 Double-A championship game, and they’ve been bludgeoning everyone in their path to get here. And Catholic will have everyone back in the lineup this week, which will only help. Catholic has one of the scariest prep passing offenses I’ve ever seen. Ever. Yeah, ever. And if Middletown loads up there, the Crusaders can stick it on the ground and beat you there, too. And vice versa. So pick your poison with these guys. I’ve been saying this since about mid-season or so: Catholic is on a mission. And that mission will not end here. Crusaders get another gold, and press on to States, 38-14.
BONUS PICKS
Because you’ve come to expect them, and you know I hate letting you down …
QUAD-A – Cumberland Valley OVER Governor Mifflin. Could be a slugfest; Eagles edge Mustangs 21-20.
SINGLE-A – Steel-High OVER Camp Hill. Rollers roll, 35-12.
OVER/UNDER ON WHEN JEREMIAH YOUNG BREAKS THE RUSHING RECORD – Well, he needs 65 yards to set the state mark. I’ll say … third carry of Steel-High’s first drive. How’s that?
