L-L Football bold predictions: Week 10
Well, this is it. It’s hard to believe that this is the final week of the regular season. With section titles at stake and playoff spots up for grabs, there will be no lack of intensity as the 2014 regular season dwindles down.
Last week’s record: 10-2
Overall record: 93-30
Correct pick percentage: 76%
THE GAME: Solanco (6-3) at Manheim Central (6-3)
THE WINNER: Manheim Central
THE REASON: The Mules continue to hush their critics as they sit comfortably in the no. 8 spot in the current District 3 power rankings. Solanco proved they can defeat other run-heavy teams on the road after downing Cocalico last week but I’m going to stick with the home team on this one. I can’t see Mike Williams allowing his team to under-perform three weeks in a row.
THE GAME: Garden Spot (7-2) at Lampeter-Strasburg (7-2)
THE WINNER: L-S
THE REASON: When all the cards fell last week, the Pioneers found themselves a win away from clinching Section Two while Garden Spot suddenly has a chance to grab a piece of the section title after defeating Manheim Central. Both teams have very dynamic quarterbacks in Garden Spot’s Mitch Martin and L-S’s “Bear” Shank. This should be a highly physical matchup but I’ll go with L-S because they have proven to be a bit more consistent this year.
THE GAME: Hempfield (6-3) at Manheim Township (6-3)
THE WINNER: Manheim Township
THE REASON: These teams are very similar and have both shown hot and cold streaks this season. I’m giving a slight edge to Township because they are a bit more explosive on offense and have a better chance if the game turns into a shootout.
THE GAME: Lancaster Catholic (4-5) at Cocalico (6-3)
THE WINNER: Cocalico
THE REASON: Lancaster Catholic is clinging to a playoff spot as of right now and are traveling to Denver to take on a Cocalico team that fell to Solanco last week. I’m going with Cocalico on Friday though because after coming off of losses, the Eagles have followed up by winning by an average of 41 points. Dave Gingrich’s bunch should be ready this week.
THE GAME: Wilson (9-0) at Warwick (2-7)
THE WINNER: Wilson
THE REASON: Wilson proved how deep of a program they are last week when backup runningback Tim Whitmoyer ran for over 200 yards and three touchdowns against Penn Manor. With Shane Dantzler possibly back this week, I expect the Bulldogs to establish a very effective running game against the Warriors and clinch Section One to themselves.
THE WINNER: Northern Lebanon
THE REASON: The Vikings can wrap up Section Three to themselves with a win over Friday and should do so over a Columbia squad that is giving up nearly 37 points per game.
THE GAME: Annville-Cleona (7-2) at Pequea Valley (5-4)
THE WINNER: Annville-Cleona
THE REASON: I feel like Brutus stabbing Caesar in the back but I’m picking against Pequea Valley for the first time this season. While this would be Pequea’s first winning season in school history, I can’t pick them to defeat the Dutchmen, who are scoring 33 points per game while allowing just 16. Sorry, Braves. It’s just business. However, the playoffs are still a possibility.
THE GAME: Cedar Crest (2-7) at Penn Manor (6-3)
THE WINNER: Penn Manor
THE REASON: The Comets are truly banged up after losing four two-way starters (and possibly runningback Tyler Spangler) in the past two weeks. If some of those starters are out for significant time, their backups should get some solid experience against Cedar Crest, who gives up over 25 points per game.
THE GAME: Conestoga Valley (3-6) and JP McCaskey (3-6)
THE WINNER: Conestoga Valley
THE REASON: Neither one of these teams is likely going to get enough of a boost from a win to make the playoffs but there is plenty of pride at stake. I’m taking CV simply because the arm of QB Grant Stoltzfus has the potential to lift the Buckskins to victory.
THE GAME: Lebanon (2-7) at E-Town (0-9)
THE WINNER: Lebanon
THE REASON: This is the last chance for the Bears to tally a win in 2014 but I have to go with the Cedars. Both of these teams give up a ton of points but Lebanon has the better offense and should be able to outscore E-Town.
THE GAME: Donegal (6-3) at Ephrata (0-9)
THE WINNER: Donegal
THE REASON: The Mounts have scored just 27 points all year and barring any kind of instant turnaround in the last seven days, Donegal should be able to handle Ephrata on the road.
Lebanon county pick:
Elco (4-5) at Twin Valley (2-7)