2015 L-L Football bold predictions: Week 2
There’s one week in the books and that means this is the first edition of the 2015 “Bold Predictions” that will have some game play to base picks on.
While I was average, to say the least, in Week 1, here’s to hoping I step it up in Week 2.
Last Week: 12-6
Overall: 12-6
THE GAME: Hempfield (1-0) at Manheim Central (1-0)
THE WINNER: Hempfield
THE REASON: The Black Knights exploded out of the gates last Friday with a 41-21 victory over Lampeter-Strasburg; totaling over 500 yards on the ground. The Barons also had a solid Week 1 with over 350 rushing yards in a 48-16 rout of Warwick.
Hempfield looked very powerful on both fronts last week and has plenty of weapons to score a lot of points. I’m going with the road team in this one.
THE GAME: Penn Manor (0-1) at Lampeter-Strasburg
THE WINNER: L-S
THE REASON: One has to think that as the season progresses, so will L-S quarterback Bear Shank. One also has to assume that the Penn Manor defense will steadily improve under John Brubaker.
The Pioneers stuck with Hempfield until having disastrous fourth quarter. Look for them to close out better in their home opener this week.
THE GAME: Delone Catholic (0-1) at Columbia (0-1)
THE WINNER: Delone Catholic
THE REASON: The Crimson Tide were beaten down, 24-0 by Eastern York in Week 1 while Delone Catholic dropped a 42-28 game to Trinity. While Columbia will have the home field advantage, they have to find a way to put some points on the board.
THE GAME: Ephrata (0-1) at Cocalico (0-1)
THE WINNER: Cocalico
THE REASON: The Mounts will be walking into a rocking house on Friday night when they meet up with a steaming mad Eagles squad that dropped their season opener to Daniel Boone, 7-0. This game could get out of hand pretty quick.
THE GAME: Fleetwood (1-0) at Donegal (1-0)
THE WINNER: Fleetwood
THE REASON: Donegal is coming off a 13-0 victory over Elizabethtown while the Tigers defeated Octorara, 46-41 in Week 1. Fleetwood hung 61 points on the Indians in 2014 and while I don’t believe they’ll repeat that offensive effort, I don’t know if Donegal can score enough points to pull this one out.
THE GAME: Governor Mifflin (0-1) at Lancaster Catholic (0-1)
THE WINNER: Governor Mifflin
THE REASON: The Crusaders hung tough with Dallastown last week but they will be running into a Mifflin team on Friday that held Wilson to just 14 points in Week 1 (albeit in a loss). If Catholic can’t get something going on the ground this week, the turnover bug might bite them hard.
THE GAME: Manheim Township (0-1) at Red Lion (1-0)
THE WINNER: Manheim Township
THE REASON: The Streaks dropped a 42-12 decision to a solid Central Dauphin team last week but I expect them to get on the right track against Red Lion on Friday. If Township can establish any sort of run game on offense and somewhat contain Red Lion back Alex Keough (142 yards and two touchdowns vs Hershey), they’ll have a solid chance.
THE GAME: Pequea Valley (0-1) at Kutztown
THE WINNER: Pequea Valley
THE REASON: The Braves suffered a frustrating and heartbreaking 27-21 OT loss to York County Tech in Week 1 but after talking to PV coach Mike Choi this week, he talked of how his team’s confidence hasn’t been shaken and still plans on being the first team in school to notch a winning record. I’ll trust Choi on this one.
THE GAME: Solanco (1-0) at Conestoga Valley (1-0)
THE WINNER: Solanco
THE REASON: The Mules showed that they aren’t taking things likely in 2015 after a 50-6 win over Oxford last week. On the flipside, CV started their season with a 50-7 win over Ephrata. While CV’s offense has the ability to score quickly, I like Solanco’s disciplined offense that controls the clock.
THE GAME: Warwick (0-1) at Garden Spot (1-0)
THE WINNER: Garden Spot
THE REASON: New Spartans QB Cameron Roth was solid in his first start against Twin Valley, going 11-of-15 for 227 yards and two touchdowns. Throw in the running ability of Jahad Jeffers and Garden Spot should give Warwick plenty of problems Friday night.
THE GAME: William Penn (0-1) at McCaskey (1-0)
THE WINNER: McCaskey
THE REASON: Neither one of these teams looked good in Week 1 with McCaskey losing 40-6 to Harrisburg and William Penn getting shut out, 36-0 by Reading. I’ll roll with the Red Tornado here and write up last week’s poor offensive performance as a fluke…for now.
THE GAME: Wilson (1-0) at Central Dauphin East (1-0)
THE WINNER: Wilson
THE REASON: The Bulldogs certainly like to be tested in their non-conference schedule and they once again will have their hands full with CD East on Friday. I can’t pick against Wilson with their balanced offense and simply suffocating defense.
THE GAME: Elizabethtown (0-1) at Hershey (0-1)
THE WINNER: Hershey
THE REASON: E-town held Donegal to just 13 points in Week 1 but was unable to put any points on the board. While it’s safe to assume the offense will progressively improve under coach Bill McDonald, I’ll need to see some production first before I feel safe picking the Bears.
Other picks
Cedar Crest at Lower Dauphin
Elco at Palmyra
Hamburg at Annville-Cleona
Northern Lebanon at Lebanon
For more L-L picks, click
HERE.