Rick O’Brien: North Penn to win — and other predictions

High school football lovers are thankful for the many games on tap Thursday and the six playoff contests scheduled for the weekend.

Thursday's marquee event, of course, is the last-ever Turkey Day game between Frankford and North Catholic. The granddaddy of the city's Public-Catholic holiday rivalries will kick off at 9:45 a.m. at La Salle University's McCarthy Stadium.

Here is how we think things might turn out. Enjoy the games:

Last week: 6-4.

Overall: 133-37 (.782 winning percentage).

Thursday

Frankford (5-6) vs. North Catholic (5-5) at La Salle University, 9:45 a.m. For the last time, bragging rights in the Frankford section of the city are on the line. The Pioneers have won the last two meetings, by 14-6 and 47-21, so the Falcons have revenge in mind. North leads the Thanksgiving series, 41-34-4, and holds a 42-35-4 overall advantage.

The Falcons have a 1,000-yard rusher in Eugene Byrd. Frankford's run-happy offense is fueled by Tyrell Martin and Zaire Anderson.

We expect North's defense to be the difference in another physical tussle, with linebacker David Williams and company squashing most of the Pioneers' rushing attempts.

Pick: North, 21-6.

Malvern Prep (6-4) vs. St. Joseph's Prep (9-2, No. 4 in The Inquirer's rankings), at Villanova, 10:30 a.m. Last year, en route to capturing the area's No. 1 final ranking, the Malvern Friars rallied for a dramatic 34-27 victory. The Hawks triumphed, 33-6, in 2007.

Pick: St. Joseph's Prep, 37-14.

Central (6-4) at Northeast (6-4), 10:30 a.m. This series dates back to 1892. The Vikings have a 52-51-10 overall lead and have won the last four contests by a combined 137-60. Look for coach Chris Riley's squad to rebound from its loss to George Washington in the Public League final.

Pick: Northeast, 30-12.

Morrisville (7-4) at Bristol (5-4), 10:30 a.m. The Bulldogs and Warriors have been duking it out since 1928. Morrisville is trying for its first victory in the series since 1998. (There was no game in 2001).

Pick: Bristol, 26-7.

Quakertown (8-3) at Pennridge (5-6), 10:15 a.m. The Route 309 neighbors meet again, this time at Pennridge's Poppy Yoder Field. Quakertown leads the series, 48-26-5.

Pick: Quakertown, 35-7.

Friday

PIAA District 1 Class AAAA Semifinals

Avon Grove (11-1, No. 6) at North Penn (12-0, No. 1), 7:30 p.m. The undersize Red Devils have been the surprise team of the season. Fullback Brendan McLaughlin and halfbacks Jordan Harris and Brandon Monk spearhead a dangerous rushing attack. But we expect the Knights' stout defense to handle the challenge.

Pick: North Penn, 31-13.

Downingtown East (10-2, No. 5) at Ridley (11-1, No. 3), 7 p.m. East is still trying to catch its breath after outlasting Penncrest, 49-48, in an all-timer on Saturday. The Cougars will need to be fresh against the Green Raiders, who are seeking their second berth in the district final in the last three seasons.

Pick: Ridley, 28-27.

PIAA Class AA First Round

West Catholic (10-2) vs. Dunmore (12-0), at Palisades, 7 p.m. This is a rematch of last year's state quarterfinal, won by the Burrs, 49-21. Dunmore, averaging 34.1 points per game, is sparked by 5-foot-10, 205-pound running back Michael Perry (6,507 career yards). This season, Perry has carried 262 times for 1,782 yards and 31 TDs.

Pick: Dunmore, 28-17.    

Saturday

PIAA District 1 Class AAA Final

Interboro (12-0, No. 9) vs. Pottsgrove (12-0, No. 7), at Coatesville, 7 p.m. Another playoff rematch. Pottsgrove prevailed, 42-20, in the first round last season. Like last week's Penncrest-Downingtown East marathon, this one could be a thriller. The X-factor is quick-footed and elusive Pottsgrove quarterback Terrell Chestnut.

Pick: Pottsgrove, 27-20, in overtime.

PIAA Class A First Round

St. Pius X (8-4) vs. Tri-Valley (8-4), at Williams Valley, 7 p.m. The Tri-Valley Bulldogs, District 11 champions, are led on offense by 5-foot-9, 170-pound tailback Wyatt Straub (185 carries for 1,301 yards and 14 touchdowns) and quarterback Matt McGinley (109 for 227 passing, 1,783 yards, 15 TDs, 8 interceptions).

Pick: Tri-Valley, 26-14.

Contact staff writer Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019 or robrien@phillynews.com.