Skip to main content

2015 L-L Football bold predictions: Week 4


It’s finally time to open up section play in the L-L so hopefully Week 4 is when I truly hit my stride in “bold predictions”.  While I’m currently sporting an acceptable 81% pick percentage, I’d much rather see that number somewhere in the nineties. Here’s hoping for a successful Week 4…

Last Week: 15-3

Overall: 43-10

THE GAME: Lampeter Strasburg (2-1) at Solanco

THE WINNER: Solanco

THE REASON: The undefeated Golden Mules are emerging as a dark horse pick to win a loaded Section Two after three solid performances to start the season.

The Mules ground game combination of quarterback Noah McCardell and fullback Robbie Hassel could cause some major problems for the L-S defense this week. The McCardell/Hassel combo ran for 310 yards last week against WC Henderson and accounted for four total touchdowns.

L-S will have to try to jump out to an early lead to get the Mules out of their comfort zone.

 

THE GAME: Annville-Cleona (3-0) at Donegal (1-2)

THE WINNER: Annville-Cleona

THE REASON: The Indians are averaging just over eight points per game and have allowed over thirty in their past two losses. While they’ll be at home, it’s hard to imagine Donegal closing such a gap against an undefeated Little Dutchmen squad.

THE GAME: Cocalico (1-2) at Lebanon (1-2)

THE WINNER: Cocalico

THE REASON: It’s evident that the Eagles aren’t firing on all cylinders yet but opening up section play against Lebanon might be just what they need. The Cedars are yielding 36 points per game and could provide Cocalico backup QB Brady Sawyer the kind of work he needs to fall back into a comfort level with the offense.

THE GAME: Ephrata (0-3) at Northern Lebanon (3-0)

THE WINNER: Northern Lebanon

THE REASON: This is a simple numbers picks. Northern Lebanon is averaging 45 points on offense while allowing just 18 on defense. The Mounts on the other hand, average just 6 points on offense while allowing an average of 45.

THE GAME: Pequea Valley (2-1) at Elco (0-3)

THE WINNER: Pequea Valley

THE REASON: After suffering that brutal loss in Week 1 to York County Tech, the Braves have bounced back with authority by allowing just six points in the last two weeks while scoring an average of 24.5. Look for Braves fullback Gabe Allgyer to get a lot of work in this game as Pequea Valley will look to control the ball and the clock.

THE GAME: Warwick (1-2) at Cedar Crest (1-2)

THE WINNER: Cedar Crest

THE REASON: Both of these teams would absolutely love to start Section One play with a 1-0 record and I’m giving the Falcons the edge. In addition to playing at home, they sport one of the best athletes in the league in receiver Evan Horn in addition to his freshman brother, Logan who took over the reins at quarterback last week vs Manheim Central.

THE GAME: Berks Catholic (3-0) at Columbia (0-3)

THE WINNER: Berks Catholic

THE REASON: It’s not a good mix for the Crimson Tide when they give up an average of 39 points and Berks Catholic scores an average 41. While Columbia had a better offensive effort against Trinity last week, it’s hard to imagine they’ll score enough points to pull this one out.

THE GAME: Conestoga Valley (1-2) at Manheim Township (2-1)

THE WINNER: Manheim Township

THE REASON: This game has the potential to become an air show with the amount of passes that might be thrown. That also means it may take 3-4 hours until the game finishes.

The Buckskins passing offense sputtered last week against Lampeter-Strasburg while the Streaks had a highly efficient effort against Governor Mifflin in which quarterback Erik Benjamin passed for five touchdowns in a 42-28 win.

I have to go with the Streak to defend their home turf in this one.

THE GAME: E-Town (0-3) at Manheim Central (2-1)

THE WINNER: Manheim Central

THE REASON: E-Town has been knocking on the door of victory the past two weeks but it may be too tough of a task to contain Manheim Central’s run game, whether it’s Damon Camacho or Dylan Nelson, who torched Cedar Crest for 170 yards last week.

THE GAME: Hempfield (3-0) at Penn Manor (0-3)

THE WINNER: Hempfield

THE REASON: The Black Knights control the line of scrimmage too well for me to pick against them here. Look for another big night from Will Blair who racked up 186 rushing yards and four touchdowns vs Central York last week.

THE GAME: Lancaster Catholic (1-2) at Garden Spot (2-1)

THE WINNER: Lancaster Catholic

THE REASON: Here’s my upset pick of the week. It will be difficult for the Crusaders to go on the road and contain all the weapons that Garden Spot possesses, but I think Catholic has a mistake-free game in them this week.  One has to think that Crusaders quarterback Bryan Downey has to be flying high after his 223-yard performance on the ground last week against Littlestown.

THE GAME: Wilson (2-1) at JP McCaskey (1-2)

THE WINNER: Wilson

THE REASON: A rather warm place froze over last week when Wilson tasted defeat in the regular season for the first time since 2012 after falling 20-19 to Central Dauphin.

The probably didn’t set well with Wilson coach Doug Dahms or his team so it’s possible that McCaskey is in for a long night with some ticked off Bulldogs.