Rick O'Brien: Neshaminy is seeking a playoff berth

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 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.

The Falcons, tied for 11th in the power-point 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

Father Judge (6-3, 2-2) vs. No. 2 La Salle (8-1, 4-0), at Northeast, 7.

Judge aims to buck the odds and deny the Explorers a fourth straight trip to the final.

Pick: La Salle, 31-14.

Cardinal O'Hara (5-3, 1-2) vs. Monsignor Bonner (5-4, 2-1), at Widener, 7:30.

Bonner won Round 1 on Upper Darby's grass field. Maybe the Lions will fare better on turf.

Pick: Bonner, 36-24.

Saturday

At Northeast

Central (7-1, 6-0) vs. Frankford (6-2, 6-0), 3:30. Even without handyman Savoy Martin, out for the season with a knee injury, the Pioneers should get past the upset-minded Lancers.

Pick: Frankford, 28-12.

Germantown (5-4, 4-2) at George Washington (6-2, 5-1), 6:30. The Eagles must keep close tabs on speedy playmakers Will Parks, Ackeno Robertson, and Myles Brooker.

Pick: Washington, 20-19.

Haverford School (5-2, 2-1) at No. 5 Malvern Prep (7-1, 3-0), 2.

The Friars seek a measure of revenge for last year's 14-7 loss to Haverford School.

Pick: Malvern Prep, 27-13.