PAC-10 title may be on the line for Spring-Ford and Pottsgrove

While Perkiomen Valley may still have a say in things, the Pioneer Athletic Conference title likely will be decided when Pottsgrove clashes with Spring-Ford Friday night in Royersford.

The Falcons arrive for the 7 p.m. matchup at Coach McNelly Stadium with a 4-0 overall record and 3-0 mark in PAC-10 play. The host Rams, who pinned a 14-7 defeat on Perkiomen Valley (3-1, 2-1) in Week 3, are 3-1 and 2-0.

Last year, en route to going 9-0 and claiming top league honors, Pottsgrove blasted Spring-Ford, 26-0.

In recent weeks, the Rams have been led by explosive tailback Jarred Jones. The senior sat out last year's game with a broken wrist.

In three appearances this season, Jones has carried 59 times for 522 yards and eight touchdowns. He netted 243 yards and four scores, including second-half jaunts of 80 and 75 yards, in last week's 41-14 rout of Boyertown.

Spring-Ford suffered a big blow in Week 3 against Perkiomen Valley, losing fleet-footed handyman Tate Carter to a probable season-ending knee injury.

For the run-oriented Falcons, halfback Marquis Barefield has rushed 55 times for 458 yards and five touchdowns. Also in the mix are quarterback Riley Michaels and fullback Sene Polamalu.

Pottsgrove's first-team defense, which has yielded only one touchdown, is headed by end Patrick Finn, middle guard Anthony Pond, linebacker Jeff Adams, and cornerbacks Barefield and Michael Fowler.

While allowing only three touchdowns since a 37-21 loss to Whitehall, Spring-Ford's defense has been keyed by linemen Mason Romano and Robby Varner, and linebackers Andy Lovre-Smith and Connor Murphy.

Pick: No. 11-ranked Pottsgrove, with another solid effort on the defensive side, grinds out a 26-14 win.

Last week: 8-2. Overall: 33-10 (.767).

Springfield (Delco) (3-1, 2-1 Central) at No. 23 Penncrest (4-0, 3-0), 7. The Lions defense, which has notched two shutouts, paves the way for a taut win.

Pick: Penncrest, 14-7.

Great Valley (4-0, 1-0 Ches-Mont American) at No. 18 West Chester Rustin (4-0, 0-0), 7. Terry Loper has been on a tear for the Knights, averaging 203 yards rushing per game.

Pick: Rustin, 30-14.

Central Bucks West (3-1, 1-0 Suburban One Continental) at No. 10 Pennridge (4-0, 0-0), 7. The Rams have dangerous playmakers in Mike Class and Micah Stutzman.

Pick: Pennridge, 33-14.

No. 25 Unionville (3-1) at West Chester Henderson (2-2), 7. Boosted by Garrett Girafalco, who is averaging 7.2 yards per carry, the Warriors fight past the Indians.

Pick: Henderson, 27-21.

No. 1 Coatesville (4-0) at Bishop Shanahan (3-0), 1. The Red Raiders, thankfully, turn their attention to on-the-field matters.

Pick: Coatesville, 36-14.

No. 19 Father Judge (3-1) vs. Bonner-Prendergast (1-3), at Upper Darby, 1. Over the last 14 quarters, the Crusaders have outscored foes by 122-0.

Pick: Judge, 31-7.

Roman Catholic (1-3) vs. No. 5 St. Joseph's Prep (2-1), at Plymouth Whitemarsh, 7. Key for the Cahillites is slowing down the Prep's speedy running backs corps.

Pick: Prep, 34-20.

Cardinal O'Hara (1-3) vs. No. 3 Archbishop Wood (4-0), at William Tennent, 1. It's hard to see any squad, including O'Hara, slowing down Jarrett McClenton and company.

Pick: Wood, 42-17.