District football rankings: Who's in? Who's on the bubble?
With just one week left in football's regular season, the District 3 playoff race is nearly settled.
Here's what we know: Barring some crazy glitch in the ratings, at least seven YAIAA teams (Dallastown, South Western, Red Lion, Northeastern, York Suburban, Hanover, Biglerville) will be playing in Week 11.
What else do we know? Several other teams could have their playoff destiny decided on Friday night. We break down those teams and their chances below.
Class AAA
On the bubble: Spring Grove (4-5, .582 rating, one spot and .002 points out of the final playoff spot)
Have the Rockets made progress from last year? Yes. Under first-year head coach Kyle Sprenkle, Spring Grove has eclipsed last year's win total and has even positioned themselves within range of sneaking into the postseason.
But the knock on the Rockets is that their best win was against a two-win Central York team. Not the most impressive resume. The reward for sneaking into the final spot could be a matchup with top-seeded powerhouse Bishop McDevitt.
What needs to happen?: Most likely just a win Friday. The Rockets take on rival South Western and a win over a solid AAAA squad could be enough to leap-frog Greencastle-Antrim or Milton Hershey, who are playing AAA and AA competition. A loss by either of those teams could obviously help as well.
Class AA
On the bubble: Bermudian Springs (5-4, .484 rating, one spot and .003 points out of the final playoff spot)
Who would've thought the Eagles, who started 0-4, would be this close to a playoff spot with one week to go? Well here they are. Head coach Jon DeFoe and his staff have not only kept the ship afloat, but they've seemingly completed the shortest rebuilding process in recent memory. Kudos to the coaches and players.
What needs to happen?: The Eagles are just one spot behind Hamburg for the final playoff slot, and they play a tougher opponent (Biglerville) than the Hawks do Friday (Schuylkill Valley, 2-7). So, logic would suggest a win over Biglerville could move Bermudian ahead of Hamburg. Did a Canners-Eagles matchup really need any more intrigue to pique your interest?
Class A
On the bubble: York Catholic (4-5, .444 rating, one spot and .02 points ahead of the final playoff spot) and Delone Catholic (4-5, .400 rating, one spot and .02 points behind the final spot)
Both YAIAA Division III squads have struggled at times, but done just enough to keep themselves in postseason contention. The Irish have done more to help their cause, winning three of their last four games, and have a better win on their resume - a 27-20 victory over Biglerville. They also had a much stronger nonleague schedule.
What needs to happen?: York Catholic really just needs a win over York County Tech or a Millersburg loss to Kennard-Dale, and that should be enough. Delone could use a win over cross-borough rival Hanover, and a Kennard-Dale win over Millersburg.
Again, this is all speculation, but this should work as a guide for Friday night. Enjoy.