Handicapping the football playoffs
This weekend is the cutoff for the PIAA District 1 football playoffs, so it's time to take a look at the field.
Of course, it all comes down to who wins, including non-playoff qualifiers, over the next two days. The "win points" and "bonus points" will then be tallied and the qualifiers, along with their seeding, will be announced on Sunday.
Class AAAA.
The 16 teams with the highest points average will qualify.
Definitely in: North Penn (9-0 record, 136 power-points average, 10-0 predicted finish), Garnet Valley (8-1, 125, 9-1), Downingtown West (8-1, 123, 9-1), Pennsbury (8-1, 123, 9-1), Ridley (8-1, 114, 9-1), Avon Grove (8-1, 112, 9-1), Neshaminy (8-1, 123, 8-2), Norristown (8-1, 112, 9-1), Abington (6-2, 103, 7-2), Downingtown East (7-2, 101, 8-2), Quakertown (7-2, 92, 8-2) and Council Rock South (7-2, 98, 7-3).
Looking good but not in yet: Penncrest (6-3, 82, 7-3) and Council Rock North (6-3, 85, 7-3).
On the bubble: Glen Mills (6-3, 81, 6-4), Perkiomen Valley (6-3, 81, 6-4), Conestoga (6-3, 80, 7-3) and Unionville (6-3, 78, 7-3).
Key Week 10 contests: Neshaminy at Pennsbury; Glen Mills at Interboro; Norristown at Upper Moreland; Council Rock South at Council Rock North; and Perkiomen Valley at Owen J. Roberts.
The Neshaminy-Pennsbury contest has major implications. We're predicting a taut win for the Falcons in Fairless Hills.
Predicted first-round matchups: No. 16 Unionville at No. 1 North Penn; No. 15 Conestoga at No. 2 Pennsbury; No. 14 Penncrest at No. 3 Garnet Valley; No. 13 Council Rock North at No. 4 Downingtown West; No. 12 Council Rock South at No. 5 Avon Grove; No. 11 Quakertown at No. 6 Ridley; No. 10 Downingtown East at No. 7 Norristown; and No. 9 Abington at No. 8 Neshaminy.
Class AAA.
The eight teams with the highest points total will qualify.
Definitely in: Pottsgrove (9-0 record, 153 power-points average, 10-0 predicted finish), Interboro (9-0, 137, 10-0), West Chester Rustin (9-0, 131, 10-0), Owen J. Roberts (8-1, 125, 9-1) and Marple Newtown (7-2, 105, 8-2).
On the bubble: Upper Perkiomen (6-3, 93, 7-3); Upper Moreland (5-3, 83, 5-4), Academy Park (6-3, 83, 7-3) and West Chester Henderson (5-4, 74, 5-5).
Key Week 10 contests: Norristown at Upper Moreland; Glen Mills at Interboro; St. Pius X at Upper Perkiomen; West Chester East at Academy Park; and Downingtown East at West Chester Henderson.
Predicted quarterfinal matchups: No. 8 Upper Moreland at No. 1 Pottsgrove; No. 7 Academy Park at No. 2 Interboro; No. 6 Upper Perkiomen at No. 3 West Chester Rustin; and No. 5 Marple Newtown at No. 4 Owen J. Roberts.
Friday night's Norristown-Upper Moreland decision will figure heavily in both the Class AAAA and AAA tournament brackets. We see Norristown winning the game, but Upper Moreland squeaking in as the No, 8 seed thanks to a Henderson loss versus Downingtown East.
Contact staff writer Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019 or robrien@phillynews.com.
