2015 L-L Football bold predictions: Week 5
It’s weird to think that we’ve already reached the midpoint of the regular season. As Week 5 approaches, now is the time that teams either start their surge or begin to fall to the back of the pack. Let’s hope my picks hit their stride this week instead of falling into oblivion.
Last Week: 10-2
Overall: 53-12
THE GAME: Cocalico (2-2) at Lampeter-Strasburg (2-2)
THE WINNER: Cocalico
THE REASON: The Pioneers allowed over 350 yards on the ground to Solanco last week. Cocalico ran for 430 yards against Lebanon last week. That combo clearly favors the Eagles but L-S has the perennial ace up their sleeve when QB Bear Shank steps on the field.
I still have to go with the Eagles because it appears that they are starting to gel at the right time.
THE GAME: Lancaster Catholic (2-2) at Solanco (4-0)
THE WINNER: Solanco
THE REASON: The Mules established themselves as the big dog in Section Two last week with a 42-14 win over L-S. Head coach Anthony Cox has got his players to buy in to his disciplined, physical approach to the game and it’s paying off in a big way. While the Mules will have to find a way to contain Crusaders QB Brian Downey, I’m giving the edge to Solanco with their deadly running combo of Noah McCardell and Robbie Hassel.
THE GAME: Penn Manor (0-4) at Conestoga Valley (1-3)
THE WINNER: Penn Manor
THE REASON: Both teams have been giving up a boat-load of points recently without putting too many on the board themselves. I’ll give the edge to the Comets because of their solid early effort against Hempfield last week, which could help them get on the right track moving forward.
THE GAME: Cedar Crest (1-3) at Wilson (3-1)
THE WINNER: Wilson
THE REASON: The Bulldogs defense is going to be a very tall task for the Falcons and freshman QB Logan Horn to overcome. Wilson is allowing just 7.5 points per game so far this year.
THE GAME: Northern Lebanon (4-0) at Pequea Valley (2-2)
THE WINNER: Pequea Valley
THE REASON: Call this my upset pick of the week. The Braves are looking for a signature win to hang their hat on in order to take the next step and this is a perfect time to do so. Looking at the schedule, a win over the Vikings at home this week could be the start of something good for the Braves.
THE GAME: Lebanon (1-3) at Manheim Central (3-1)
THE WINNER: Manheim Central
THE REASON: This is just a bad matchup for the Cedars. After allowing a ton of yards on the ground to Cocalico last week, Lebanon won’t get any rest against the Barons who sport two great runners in Dylan Nelson and Damon Camacho. This has the potential to get ugly quick.
THE GAME: Donegal (2-2) at Columbia (0-4)
THE WINNER: Donegal
THE REASON: The Indians have to be feeling good after their 38-13 win over Annville-Cleona last week and that momentum should roll over into this week against Columbia. The Crimson Tide are allowing 45 points per game so far in 2015.
THE GAME: Ephrata (0-4) at York Suburban (2-2)
THE WINNER: York Suburban
THE REASON: The Mounts simply give up too many points (48 ppg) to stay competitive right now.
THE GAME: Garden Spot (2-2) at E-Town (0-4)
THE WINNER: Garden Spot
THE REASON: The Spartans probably aren’t in a good mood after a rough loss to Lancaster Catholic last week and that could be bad news for E-Town, who is having some serious problems putting points on the board right now.
THE GAME: JP McCaskey (1-3) at Hempfield (4-0)
THE WINNER: Hempfield
THE REASON: It’s hard to imagine the Red Tornado defense containing the highly versatile Hempfield offense this week. McCaskey is yielding 29 points per game while Hempfield is allowing just 14.
THE GAME: Manheim Township (3-1) at Warwick (1-3)
THE WINNER: Manheim Township
THE REASON: The Streaks offense simply has too many weapons for Warwick to contain, especially while on the road. Township has scored 104 points in the past two weeks.
OTHER PICKS
Elco at Annville-Cleona