Weekend Watch: Week 7 Games of the Week
Each week, PaPreps will highlight some of the more intriguing match-ups of the weekend, from interesting locations to milestone moments to premium contenders going at it, we'll try and grab the best potential games of the weekend.
Advertisement
Later Friday night and again on Saturday, we'll post scores from around the state as they come across the Associated Press wire.
Week 7 Games of the Week
Central Bucks South at Pennridge
Buzz: In wide open District 1, Central Bucks South has emerged as one of the early favorites. Behind a potent offense centered around sophomore tailback Josh Adams and senior QB Jon Pileggi, Central Bucks South has been content to win shootouts the last few weeks. Pennridge can match them point for point, though, especially with junior RB Mike Class. As tends to be the case in big games, this one will come down to mistakes; whoever makes the fewest will end up with the win and a chance to further define the race in District 1.
Old Forge at Lackawanna Trail
Buzz: One of the stingiest defenses in the state will get a chance to prove its worth. Old Forge hasn't allowed a team to hit double digits in point since Week 1 and is allowing just seven points per game. They can score, too, clipping along at 45 points per game and giving them one of the widest average margins of victory in the state. But Lackawanna Trail isn't far behind them on offense, scoring 35 points per game. Trail will be Old Forge's last true test prior to the District 2 playoffs.
Central Dauphin at Harrisburg
Buzz: A surprisingly more interesting game than one would have expected prior to the season. Central Dauphin's only blemish the much-publicized loss to Bishop McDevitt, which also happens to be Harrisburg's only loss. Harrisburg only lost 21-20, and though they've been far from perfect, they've managed to win every other contest. As good as Central Dauphin has been the last few games, this has the feel of a classic upset.
Southern Columbia at Bloomsburg
Buzz: Two Class A teams that many people thought would take a step back after immensely successful 2011 seasons are back on top again. Bloomsburg lost to South Williamsport in Week 1 but has rattled off five straight wins. Southern Columbia, meanwhile, has the fourth most potent offense in the entire state, averaging a whopping 50.67 points per game. Bloomsburg has an impressive offense of its own, but it might be too much to ask to have to match Southern Columbia score for score.
Pittsburgh Central Catholic at North Allegheny
Buzz: If there's a chance for North Allegheny to have a let down, it's in this one. Though this will be an intense game, there's a chance North Allegheny will ease off the gas after beating Gateway in a very hyped game last week. Central Catholic has had a very good defense all year, outside of a loss to Seneca Valley. This is a chance for the Vikings to reassert themselves in the WPIAL playoff race while it's a chance for North Allegheny to firmly put its foot down and say that they're still kings in District 7.
La Salle at St. Joseph's Prep
Buzz: PaPreps' game of the week could be very similar to last week's game of the week. The North Allegheny/Gateway showdown was likely just step one, as the two teams will possibly face each other again in the WPIAL title game. This is a similar case, as La Salle and St. Joseph's Prep very well could see each other again in a month in the Philadelphia Catholic League championship. The pressure is on SJP. La Salle has reigned over the PCL the last half decade, but this is a very talented SJP squad with big wins on its resume. Ultimately, it might come down to which quarterback can make the most plays - and fewest mistakes - against stout defenses. La Salle's Chris Kane has been very accurate, with no more than a handful of incompletions every game. But he hasn't faced a secondary like this all year. SJP QB Chris Martin is more of a dual-threat, and for the second straight week, they'll face a BIG defensive front. SJP squeaked it out against Archbishop, but it might be tougher to do the same against La Salle.
For the best in Pennsylvania high school sports coverage, subscribe today to PaPreps.com and receive a 7-day free trial.