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Week 5 YAIAA expanded football picks


Let's get to it. You can view our Week 5 staff picks here.

Last week: 14-4

Overall: 40-15

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Central York (3-1) at Susquehannock (0-4), 7 p.m.

The struggles should continue here for the Warriors. Central's offense snapped into form last week in a drubbing of New Oxford, and the defense and special teams continue to be excellent. Susquehannock's early season schedule has been mind-boggling. It's first-four opponents are a combined 14-2 this season.

The pick: Central York 42, Susquehannock 14

Delone Catholic (4-0) at Biglerville (2-2), 7 p.m.

This much looks certain: Alex Ramos has the Canners on the right path. Biglerville very nearly sprung a shocker against Littlestown last week. Expect Delone to be prepared for a tough game. This has the possibility for a look-ahead game for the Squires, with Bermudian on the horizon for next week. But I think they get the job done.

The pick: Delone Catholic 38, Biglerville 21

Northeastern (2-2) at Dallastown (1-3), 7 p.m.

Complete toss-up here. I picked Northeastern in the paper, but the more I think about it, the more I second-guess that. Dallastown showed some major signs of improvement last weekend, and that defense is rock solid. Northeastern is brimming with confidence right now, has a solid group of seniors and is piloted by an experienced quarterback. That's a good mix. I'll stick with the hot team, but this is a tough one to read.

The pick: Northeastern 16, Dallastown 14

Dover (4-0) at William Penn (1-3), 7 p.m.

The Bearcats have turned it over 10 times in the last two games. If they start coughing the ball up here, this one will be over fast. Dover is one of the more physical teams you'll find, and that does not bode well for a William Penn defense still trying to find itself. The Bearcats have the weapons to keep it close, but they've looked pretty shaky the last few weeks.

The pick: Dover 34, William Penn 14

Hanover (0-4) at Eastern York (1-3), 7 p.m.

The Golden Knights finally found something to feel good about last week. The running game lived up to its billing against Fairfield, and the defense finally got a few stops. Hanover's offense is still stuck in reverse -- the Nighthawks are tied with Fairfield for last in the YAIAA in points scored (18). Eastern makes it two in a row.

The pick: Eastern York 24, Hanover 7

Gettysburg (1-3) at Northern York (1-3), 7 p.m.

Both these teams need a win. The Warriors got their first last week, but they looked uneasy doing so. They nearly coughed up a 34-point lead to James Buchanan. Northern York, meanwhile, stumbled badly in a surprising loss to Waynesboro. Polar Bears should play angry in this one. Of course, I said that last week, too.

The pick: Northern York 34, Gettysburg 20

Littlestown (2-2) at York Catholic (2-2), 7 p.m.

Expect to see some points in this one, as two of the league's most prolific quarterbacks square off. The Thunderbolts' Dustin Crouse leads the YAIAA with 894 passing yards. York Catholic's James Dougherty ranks second with 684. Both, by the way, are juniors. This one has the potential to be close, but I like Crouse's supporting cast a bit more.

The pick: Littlestown 38, York Catholic 28

Red Land (3-1) at Cedar Cliff (3-1), 7 p.m.

The West Shore rivalry has a little extra juice in it this season, as both these teams enter the contest with lots to play for. Red Land has quarterback Kyle Biddle, whose been superb both on the ground and through the air. But Cedar Cliff, coming off a loss to Hershey, is ripe for a bounce-back performance and is stockpiled with offensive talent.

The pick: Cedar Cliff 31, Red Land 20

South Western (3-1) at West York (3-1), 7 p.m.

Another toss up. I think we know both these teams are good. The question is how

good? West York's defense has been strong, but the Bulldogs have slogged through some patches of inconsistency. There is another level this team can get to. Meanwhile, besides a quality away win against Lower Dauphin, the Mustangs two other victories have come against rebuilding sides. Which group will find that next gear? I'll give the home team a slight edge. But only a slight one.

The pick: West York 24, South Western 21

Red Lion (2-2) at New Oxford (0-4), 7 p.m.

Two teams headed in opposite directions right now. The Lions have rebounded from their 0-2 start, behind the strong running of junior tailback Jason Milton. The Colonials are mired in another rebuilding campaign, one in which their offense has sputtered. Another rough matchup for the Ox.

The pick: Red Lion 42, New Oxford 14

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Spring Grove (0-4) at Kennard-Dale (1-3), 1 p.m.

Russ Stoner's group has struggled mightily so far, in part because of a brutal early schedule. The Rockets should have a shot in this one. Kennard-Dale's offense has been rocky; quarterback Dan Hare has been great on the ground, but inconsistent through the air. Spring Grove keeps improving, but I think the Rams find just enough offense in this one.

The pick: Kennard-Dale 21, Spring Grove 17

Bermudian Springs (4-0) at York Suburban (3-1), 2 p.m.

The marquee matchup of this Saturday. The question here is this: Can the Trojans slow down the Eagles until-now unstoppable ground game? If they can keep Bermudian from plowing up and down the field, then Suburban's skill players should give them a chance. The fact that the Trojans are at home and on their turf should help those speedsters. Still, nobody has been able the shut down Berm yet. I don't think it starts now.

The pick: Bermudian Springs 31, York Suburban 17

Fairfield (0-4) at York County Tech (0-4), 3 p.m.

One of these teams will get their first win. Say this much about the Spartans: They've gotten their toughest games out of the way. Tech's first three division games came against Delone Catholic, York Suburban and Bermudian Springs. Ouch. QB Shyheim Carter and RB Calvin Savary have shown promised as a backfield combo, though. Here's betting Doug Wilkinson gets his first win with the Spartans.

The pick: York County Tech 24, Fairfield 7

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Disagree with any of the picks? Sound off in the comments section.