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L-L football bold predictions: Week 8


It’s week 8 in the L-L and section races are starting to formulate. After this week, we’ll see who is in it for the long haul and who is going to be left in the dust.

Last week’s record: 8-4

Overall record: 74-25

THE GAME: Solanco (4-3) at Elizabethtown (0-7)

THE WINNER: Solanco

THE REASON: For anyone who didn’t buy into Solanco previously should have had their mind changed after the Mules defeated Garden Spot, 30-23 last week. As long as Solanco avoids the “trap game” scenario, the Mules should be able to run the ball very effectively against E-Town, who is giving up 38 points per game.

THE GAME: Garden Spot (5-2) at Lebanon (2-5)

THE WINNER: Garden Spot

THE REASON: The Spartans have lost two games in a row since starting the season 5-0. They’ll have a good chance to get back on track this week against the Cedars, who are on a four-game losing streak.

THE GAME: Lampeter-Strasburg (5-2) at Lancaster Catholic (3-4)

THE WINNER: Lampeter-Strasburg

THE REASON: L-S lost their spot in the driver’s seat in Section Two last week with a loss to Manheim Central and will look to get back in contention with a win over Catholic this week. While the Crusaders are a desperate team clinging to playoff aspirations, I expect the Pioneers to bounce back in a big way.

THE GAME: Penn Manor (5-2) at Warwick (2-5)

THE WINNER: Penn Manor

THE REASON: The Comets suffered a big blow to their section title chances last week with a late, heartbreaking loss to Manheim Township. Now Todd Mealy’s crew will try to rebound again Warwick. Barring any emotional hangover from last week, Penn Manor should be able to control the ball throughout the game.

THE GAME: Pequea Valley (3-4) at Ephrata (0-7)

THE WINNER: Pequea Valley

THE REASON: I’m continuing my streak of picking Pequea Valley but it’s mainly due to their opponent this week. The Braves are struggling to string wins together but the Mounts have tallied just 13 points all year. The Braves should get win no. 4 this week.

THE GAME: McCaskey (3-4) at Cedar Crest (1-6)

THE WINNER: McCaskey

THE REASON: McCaskey is getting progressively better every week and is currently a borderline playoff contender. Look for them to pull out a win against a Falcons team that has averaged just 6.3 points in the last six games.

THE GAME: Cocalico (5-2) at Manheim Central (6-1)

THE WINNER: Manheim Central

THE REASON: I learned my lesson last week when I picked the Barons to lose. Now, they host Cocalico in one of the L-L’s fiercest rivalries. This game will be a track meet and an all-out brawl seeing that both teams sport run-heavy offenses. I’m giving the edge to the home team because of Manheim’s ability to mix it up if they are forced to, while Cocalico’s veer offense could be boom-or-bust.

THE GAME: Manheim Township (5-2) at Wilson (7-0)

THE WINNER: Wilson

THE REASON: This is one of those rare times where there is a chance Wilson could be upset. While I still don’t think it’ll happen, this should be a great game with two high-powered offenses.

THE GAME: Columbia (2-5) at Elco (2-5)

THE WINNER: Elco

THE REASON: These teams are statistically similar but I’m going to go with Elco because they have a slightly better defense and they’ll be playing this game at home.

THE GAME: Donegal (5-2) at Schuykill Valley (4-3)

THE WINNER: Donegal

THE REASON: The Indians offense has been clicking recently; scoring 40 points in three of their past four games. They’ll need that offense to continue its success against Schuylkill, who is averaging almost 30 points per game.

Lebanon County pick:

Northern Lebanon at Annville-Cleona

For more picks, check out this week’s Pigskin Picks by the Lebanon Daily News staff.