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Rick's Picks: Catholic League teams favored

It has been a breakout season for Great Valley under first-year head coach Dan Ellis. The Patriots are 12-1, own an eight-game winning streak, and are the District 1 champions for the first time after turning back previously undefeated Springfield (Delco) by 21-0 last week.

It has been a breakout season for Great Valley under first-year head coach Dan Ellis.

The Patriots are 12-1, own an eight-game winning streak, and are the District 1 champions for the first time after turning back previously undefeated Springfield (Delco) by 21-0 last week.

Next, in trying to keep alive a banner campaign, is a PIAA Class AAA quarterfinal against powerhouse and defending state titlist Archbishop Wood at 7 p.m. Friday at Northeast.

The Vikings, who turned back Imhotep Charter by 42-34 in last week's District 12 final, arrive as a considerable favorite.

Great Valley, ranked No. 8 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, will need top efforts from dual-threat quarterback Zach Ludwig, all-purpose player Nasir Adderley, halfback River Johnson, and wide receiver Doug Strang.

Ludwig has thrown for 2,002 yards and 16 touchdowns in a hurry-up, spread attack. Adderley, a 6-foot, 180-pounder who scored on punt returns of 50 and 49 yards vs. Springfield, has 67 receptions for 1,014 yards and five TDs.

An offensive line anchored by center David Stillwell and tackles Robert Dietrich III and Austin Lenker has to find a way to push back a stout Wood defensive line headed by Penn State-bound tackle Ryan Bates.

The No. 2-ranked Vikings (11-1) have a terrific one-two rushing punch in tailback Jarrett McClenton, who has rushed for 1,551 yards and 27 TDs, and fullback Alex Arcangeli.

Great Valley has a major force at defensive end in Ryan Buchholz, a 6-5, 235-pounder who will join Bates and Jake Cooper, a tight end and linebacker for the Vikings, at Penn State.

Buchholz, who doubles at tight end, is supported in a 4-3 scheme by fellow end Conor Middleton, tackle Marcus Johnson, linebacker Hammie Hungerbuhler, and safeties Adderley and Strang.

Pick: Ellis has worked wonders with the Patriots, but we see the run ending vs. the bigger and quicker Vikings. Wood, 42-14.

Last week: 7-0. Overall: 96-36 (.727).

Saturday

PIAA Class AAAA Quarterfinal

No. 1 St. Joseph's Prep (8-3) vs. Parkland (11-2), at Frank Banko Field in Bethlehem, 1 p.m. It's a rematch of last year's quarterfinal, which the Hawks won by 21-10.

The Trojans, who won their third straight District 11 title, are sparked on offense by QB Devante Cross. The speedy junior has thrown for 2,000-plus yards and 23 TDs.

The Prep could be without senior receiver and cornerback John Reid, who suffered a knee injury in last week's 47-22 win over Ben Franklin.

Pick: It's a good bet that Parkland will attack the Hawks by air. Even if Reid is a spectator, the Hawks will handle the challenge. Prep, 31-13.

PIAA Class AA Quarterfinal

No. 25 Neumann-Goretti (9-4) vs. Dunmore (11-1), at Northern Lehigh in Slatington, 1 p.m. The good news for N-G is that junior tailback Khalil Roane is expected to play despite suffering an ankle injury last week.

Dunmore, of District 2, has a run-oriented offense led by backs Colin Holmes (1,377 rushing yards rushing, 19 TDs) and Sal Marchese (1,190, 19).

Pick: The Saints use their speed to nip the gritty Bucks. N-G, 20-16.