High school games to watch this weekend

TED SILARY ON THE CITY LEAGUES

Judge at Northeast

Friday, 6 o'clock

Call this the Public-Catholic Battle of the Mid-to-Lower Northeast. The Pub guys feature major recruit Deion Barnes, a two-way end with hands the size of snowshoes. Judge center Eric Condron, a junior, shows IHOP-quality skills at pancaking.

Roman vs. Malvern

Saturday, 2 p.m.

At West Chester Henderson

These teams could wind up on top of Catholic AAAA and the Inter-Ac, respectively. Malvern rusher Shawn Wilson will go against numerous ex-teammates from North Catholic's 2009 squad. Roman's sophomore QB, Michael Keir (6-2, 215), shows buzz-creating arm strength.

Frankford vs. Washington

Saturday, 6 o'clock

At Northeast

Kinda sad these two powers are meeting in a division opener. Michael McGroarty (Frankford) and Tony Smith (Washington) can complement their teammates' rushing heroics with quality passing.

JOSEPH SANTOLIQUITO

ON DELAWARE COUNTY

Springfield (Delco) at Marple Newtown

Friday, 7 o'clock

There are some District 1 Class AAA playoff implications in this game. Springfield is coming off a hard-fought 7-6 loss to area power Interboro, while the Tigers drubbed Sun Valley, 26-0. If the first week is any indication, expect a tough defensive battle. Springfield's Matt Craig is the most dangerous player on the field.

Penn Wood at Penn Charter

Saturday, 3 p.m.

The Patriots will find out fast whether they're for real, after defeating Conwell-Egan, 46-0, behind a stubborn defense that held the Eagles to 54 yards of total offense, while accumulating 376 yards rushing. Penn State-bound Shawn Oakman had seven tackles for the Pats, four for negative yardage.

MICHAEL RADANO ON SOUTH JERSEY

Absegami at Egg Harbor Township

Friday, 7 o'clock

Egg Harbor reached the South Jersey Group 4 final last year with a good balance of power and speed. That said, Absegami improved each week with a young squad that gave highly regarded Delsea an early-season challenge. The tables have turned and, though Egg Harbor finally has its new home field, the Braves might christen it with a loss.

Kingsway at Delsea

Friday, 7 o'clock

These former Tri-County rivals will commence their West Jersey League schedule under the lights at John Oberg Field. The Dragons are athletic and looking to avenge recent domination by Delsea, which was hit hard by graduation.