Rick's Picks

November 03, 2011|By Rick O'Brien, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Neshaminy is not part of the Suburban One League National Conference title picture this year, but the Redskins do have something to play for in Week 10.

A win Friday night over host Pennsbury, in the 80th installment of the Bucks County Brawl, would earn Mark Schmidt's squad a spot in the coming PIAA District 1 Class AAAA tournament.

Neshaminy (6-3 overall, 3-3 league) will walk into Falcon Field ranked No. 17 in the power-point standings. It can join the 16-team party if it beats Pennsbury (7-2, 5-1) for the second straight year.

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The Falcons, tied for 11th in the standings with North Penn and Ridley, are looking to earn at least a share of their second National Conference crown in the last three seasons. They are tied for first with Council Rock South (8-1, 5-1) and Abington (8-1, 5-1).

Neshaminy has been spurred on offense by tailback Sean Ulmer, quarterback Joe Bianchino, and receivers Justin Andrews and Bobby Marterella.

Pennsbury's wing-T attack is headed by fullback Daquan Mack, halfback Adam Lewis, QB Bruce Campbell, and split end Lee Hamacher.

The Redskins will fight hard to keep their season alive, but we like Galen Snyder and the Falcons to win a taut battle and take a 37-36-7 lead in the heated series.

Pick: Pennsbury, 23-19.

Another Friday night contest that has league championship and district playoff implications is the Ches-Mont League National Conference duel between Downingtown East and host West Chester Henderson.

Henderson (7-2, 5-0) can claim the title outright if it prevails. East (8-1, 4-1) is hoping for a share of the first-place trophy. Coatesville (7-2, 4-1), expected to beat visiting Avon Grove on Friday, is also in the mix.

East is tied for third place in the playoff-point standings, with the chance to move up to second behind front-runner C.R. South. Henderson holds the 10th spot.

Henderson's veer-option offense is averaging 31 points. It is keyed by QB Stafford Foster, and halfbacks Jake Richard and Zach Jones. Richard moves under center at times.

East has been successful despite the loss of workhorse tailback Drew Harris to a knee injury in Week 4. Kyle Lauletta has thrown for 1,489 yards and 20 touchdowns, with fellow junior Jay Harris (37 catches for 613 yards, 10 TDs) as his primary target.

The Warriors can do major damage on the ground, but we expect East's defense, led up front by Joe Wetty and Elijah Griffin, to be up to the challenge.

Pick: East, 26-21.

Last week: 10-5. Overall: 78-29.

Friday

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