Weather permitting ...

Here we go again with the potential for a football weekend washout. Wet and windy weather is expected to slam the area over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service. The rain might not taper off until late tomorrow. That said, there could be plenty of shuffling going on when it comes to the high school football schedule. Let's hope for the best.

Last week: 10-5.

Overall: 32-15.

North Catholic (3-1, 0-0) vs. Lansdale Catholic (2-2, 0-0), at Wissahickon, tonight, 7. With three straight victories, the North Catholic Falcons are flying high. Eugene Byrd exploded for 177 yards on 36 carries in last week's 28-14 win over Suburban One League Continental Conference member Pennridge. The Crusaders have moved John Howell from quarterback to his natural tailback position. Junior Dan Plummer (6-foot-5, 180 pounds) takes over at quarterback. We think the Falcons will spoil the Catholic League debut for longtime Crusaders coach Jim Algeo and his players.

Pick: North Catholic, 20-16.

Upper Dublin (4-0, 1-0) vs. Norristown (2-2, 0-1), at Roosevelt Field, tonight, 7. Upper Dublin's potent offense has been powered by 5-6, 160-pound tailback Josh Mastromatto. He has rushed 70 times for 750 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cardinals quarterback Derek Giannetti threw for 257 yards and three scores last week against Upper Moreland. Norristown, a newcomer to the Suburban One League American Conference, is sparked by quarterback James Ramsey and tailback Sheldon Mayer.

Pick: Upper Dublin, 21-20.

Father Judge (2-2, 1-0) vs. No. 10 St. Joseph's Prep (2-2, 0-1), at Plymouth Whitemarsh, tomorrow, 7. Judge opened Catholic League Division AAAA action last week by romping past undermanned Archbishop Ryan, 51-7.

The Crusaders have a solid pass-catch duo in sophomore quarterback Tony Smith and senior wideout Tom Ryan. The Hawks were soundly beaten by La Salle, 31-17, last week. The key for Judge is wrapping up rugged Prep running backs Mike Yeager and Garrett Compton.

Pick: Prep, 34-12.

Other games to watch

Northeast (1-3, 0-1) at Central (0-3, 0-1), today, 3 p.m. Pick: Northeast, 22-8.

Wissahickon (3-1, 0-1) at Episcopal Academy (3-0, 0-0), today, 4 p.m. Pick: Episcopal, 19-12.

Dobbins (3-1, 1-0) at Simon Gratz (2-2, 0-1), tonight, 6. Pick: Dobbins, 22-13.

Garnet Valley (4-0, 4-0) at Conestoga (2-2, 2-2), tonight, 7. Pick: Garnet Valley, 38-16.

Pennridge (3-1, 0-0) at Souderton (2-2, 0-1), tonight, 7. Pick: Souderton, 23-19.

Cheltenham (3-1, 1-0) at Upper Merion (3-1, 1-0), tonight, 7. Pick: Upper Merion, 37-20.

Coatesville (3-1, 0-1) at Unionville (2-2, 0-1), tomorrow, 1 p.m. Pick: Coatesville, 26-14.

Archbishop Carroll (1-3, 0-1) vs. Bishop McDevitt (2-2, 0-1), at Germantown, tomorrow night, 6. Pick: Carroll, 23-21.

No. 5 Ridley (4-0, 4-0) at Upper Darby (4-0, 3-0)

tonight at 7. Two of Southeastern Pennsylvania's 14 remaining undefeated teams are set to battle. This is the first real test for both Central League squads. Ridley, the defending PIAA District 1 Class AAAA champion, has outscored foes by a combined 111-16. Upper Darby has triumphed by 96-37. The Green Raiders are sparked by quarterback Andrew Pidgeon (42 for 81 passing, 619 yards, nine touchdowns) and running back Casey DePrinzio. The Royals rely heavily on fullback Chris Green, a breakaway threat. He carried 17 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns in last week's 19-7 win over Lower Merion. We think it's Ridley that stays among the ranks of the unbeaten.

Pick: Ridley, 28-13.

- Rick O'Brien

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