2015 L-L Football bold predictions: Week 3
Things went much better last week as I tasted defeat in just a single time. Now that I have Lady Momentum in my corner, it’s time to come out swinging in Week 3.
Last Week: 16-1
Overall: 28-7
THE GAME: Conestoga Valley (1-1) at Lampeter-Strasburg
THE WINNER: L-S
THE REASON: Both of these teams have shown the ability to make big plays on offense. Buckskins QB Grant Stoltzfus has already passed for over 670 yards in two games while tossing 7 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, L-S got back on the right track with a 20-7 win over Penn Manor in which QB Bear Shank tossed three touchdown passes.
This game could come down to who makes a timely defensive stop…or whoever has the ball last.
THE GAME: Manheim Central (1-1) at Cedar Crest (1-1)
THE WINNER: Manheim Central
THE REASON: The Barons may be without tailback Damon Camacho again this week but they should be able to scrounge together enough points to down the Falcons.
Backup tailback Dylan Nelson filled in admirably last week and QB Kody Kegarise had much better control of the Barons offense despite their lack of points vs Hempfield in Week 2.
THE GAME: Palmyra (2-0) at Donegal (1-1)
THE WINNER: Palmyra
THE REASON: The Cougars have looked impressive so far this year with wins over East Pennsboro and Elco.
Meanwhile, Donegal had a rough 34-14 outing against Fleetwood last week and have had some trouble putting points on the board. This will be a tough one for the Indians to pull out.
THE GAME: Cedar Cliff at Cocalico
THE WINNER: Cedar Cliff
THE REASON: The Colts are averaging 48 points per game so far this year and will roll into Denver to face a Cocalico squad that is hard to gauge as of right now.
While Cocalico sports a solid defense and backup QB Brady Sawyer is more than capable of running the Eagles’ veer offense, it will take a fierce offensive performance to outscore Cedar Cliff on Friday night.
THE GAME: Central Dauphin (2-0) at Wilson (2-0)
THE WINNER: Wilson
THE REASON: The Bulldogs have allowed just 3 points so far this season and are averaging 26 on offense. It’s hard to imagine Wilson slipping up at home here, albeit it against a tough Central Dauphin squad.
THE GAME: Columbia (0-2) at Trinity (1-1)
THE WINNER: Trinity
THE REASON: The Crimson Tide got on the board offensively last week against Delone Catholic but they are still giving up too many points on defense. They may be able to close the gap a little more this week but it just might not be enough.
THE GAME: Warwick (0-2) at Ephrata(0-2)
THE WINNER: Warwick
THE REASON: Someone will get their first win of the season here and it couldn’t come at a better time for either squad.
The Warriors have lost their first two games by an average of 34.5 points while Ephrata is losing by an average of 46.5 points.
Seeing that the Mounts haven’t scored much at all during meaningful game time, I’ll give the edge to the Section One visitor.
THE GAME: Dallastown (2-0) at Penn Manor (0-2)
THE WINNER: Dallastown
THE REASON: The Colts have allowed just two touchdowns on defense this season and that doesn’t mix well with Penn Manor’s offensive woes.
Eventually the Comets will get on the right track but it will be hard to do so against a very good Cedar Cliff team this week.
THE WINNER: Exeter
THE REASON: Garden Spot hasn’t really been tested in their two wins this year but that will all change when they roll into Exeter on Friday. The Eagles defense is allowing just 9.5 points per game and sport a very balanced offense.
Garden Spot will have a shot but they’ll have to play mistake-free football.
THE GAME: Governor Mifflin (1-1) at Manheim Township (1-1)
THE WINNER: Governor Mifflin
THE REASON: This is another game that will gauge how serious of a contender Manheim Township will be down the line.
While I believe this will be a tooth-and-nail game with both teams sporting stout defenses, I’m giving the edge to Mifflin.
THE GAME: Hempfield (2-0) at Central York (1-1)
THE WINNER: Hempfield
THE REASON: I’ve been very impressed with Hempfield so far this year. Both their offensive and defensive lines hold their own against opponents and one can’t help but love their aggressive blitzing defense.
QB Sam Kramer has looked very comfortable handling the offense and with weapons like Will Blair, Ben Sahd and Ty Jackson at his disposal, I’m rolling with the Knights.
THE GAME: JP McCaskey (1-1) at Reading (1-1)
THE WINNER: Reading
THE REASON: This is a rivalry game so anything can happen. That being said; I’m taking Reading. The Red Knights blew out William Penn, 36-0 in Week 1 and fell short by just three points to Harrisburg in Week 2. The same Harrisburg team that rolled McCaskey, 40-6 in Week 1.
THE GAME: Middletown (1-1) at Elizabethtown (0-2)
THE WINNER: Middletown
THE REASON: This Bears showed some fight in their Monday night loss to Hershey but it’s hard for any team to heal, prepare and efficiently practice in just three days.
THE GAME: Pequea Valley (1-1) at Octorara (0-2)
THE WINNER: Pequea Valley
THE REASON: Pequea Valley bounced back from a bad Week 1 loss with a convincing 28-0 win over Kutztown in Week 2.
Octorara and Pequea batted it out last year in a double-overtime game in which Octorara pulled out a slim 41-33 victory.
I’m predicting a different outcome this year based on what Octorara lost and what Pequea Valley brought back from last year.
THE GAME: WC Henderson (1-1) at Solanco (2-0)
THE WINNER: Solanco
THE REASON: The Mules offense is playing very efficient football and is keeping their opponent’s offense off the field for the most part. Solanco has scored 104 points in four games and I expect them to have another good outing against WC Henderson.
Other Picks
Schuylkill Valley at Annville-Cleona
Northern Lebanon at Hamburg
Lebanon at Elco