 |
Huck's Weekend Forecast In this space every Thursday, I am predicting
final scores for every game involving city-leagues teams. |
|
Huck's Weekend Forecast In this space every Thursday, I am predicting
final scores for every game involving city-leagues teams. |
MISSION STATEMENT
My primary focus here is not to just make
predictions, but to have high school football fans get a look at some of the more
interesting and compelling games going around on the city for that weekend. Huck's Gems
won't always pit the best teams versus one another. On many occasions, teams may not
be as talented as some of the upper echelon teams, but nonetheless go out and produce some
of the more enjoyable moments of the football season. For example, a Huck's Gem might
include teams or team that feature a neighborhood rivalry, a dynamic offense, a
bone-crunching defense, or a team who has an individual player who can create magic
whenever he touches the ball. Please don't take exception if I happen to pick against your
team one weekend. Remember this is all in fun. However, feedback is always welcomed.
---- Thank you, Ed "Huck" Palmer
Teddycat10@aol.com
Final note from Huck:
Well,
we’ve come to the end of another fantastic high school football season around the
city. Personally, this season was very enjoyable for myself. In fact, I’m sorry to
see it end. I want to say thank you to everyone who had a kind word to say to me
concerning the forecast. Your support is much appreciated. As always I had a ton of fun
with it, for it is truly one of the highlights of the week for me. I look forward to next
season, where we’re sure to have another great year on the gridiron in Philadelphia.
I want to thank our fearless leader, Mr. Ted Silary, for the opportunity he has given to
others and myself through his site. His hard work and dedication should be commended. For
the last four years the site has done nothing but expand and without a doubt it is the
number one outlet for the high school sports fan in the Philadelphia area. Job well done
by all!!!
I will now post my season and career record in doing the
forecast:
SEASON RECORD: (175-35, .833)
Huck’s Gems: (42-7, .857)
Best of the Rest: (39-11, .780)
Others: (92-17, .844)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL Teams: (66-16, .805)
PL Teams: (92-11, .893)
IA Teams: (21-8, .724)
CAREER RECORD: (520-98, .841)
Huck’s Gems: (128-34, .790)
Best of the Rest: (113-25, .819)
Others: (279-40, .875)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL Teams: (187-39, .827)
PL Teams: (265-40, .869)
IA Teams: (65-18, .783)
LAST WEEK: (13-1, .929) OVERALL:
(172-34, .835)
HUCK’S GEMS: (3-1, 41-6)
BEST OF THE REST: (3-0, 39-11)
OTHERS: (7-0, 92-17)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS: (10-0, 66-15)
PL TEAMS: (9-1), 91-11)
IA TEAMS: (0-0, 21-8)
HUCK’S GEMS:
West Catholic (7-5) vs. Wood
(10-0) (Monday, 7, at NE, CL Blue Championship)
-Burrs believe, 13-7.
George Washington (10-1) vs.
Frankford (10-0) (Sat., 2, at NE, PL Championship)
-Pioneers party, 28-13.
WEEK OF: NOV. 26
LAST WEEK: (11-3, .786) OVERALL:
(159-33, .828)
HUCK’S GEMS: (5-0, 38-5)
BEST OF THE REST: (1-1, 36-11)
OTHERS: (5-2, 85-17)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS: (3-1, 56-15)
PL TEAMS: (8-2, 82-10)
IA TEAMS: (0-0, 21-8)
HUCK’S GEMS:
North (1-8) at Frankford (9-0)
(Thursday, 9:45)
- Pioneers pounce, 38-12.
Ryan (3-6) at George Washington
(9-1) (Thursday, 10)
- Eagles eke, 20-17.
- Central claims, 20-18.
ML King (5-4) at Germantown (7-3)
(Thursday, 10:30)
- Cougars claw, 16-14.
BEST OF THE REST:
Father Judge (2-8) at Lincoln (6-3)
(Thursday, 10)
FJ, 26-14.
Overbrook (0-9) at West Philly
(4-6) (Thursday, 10:30)
WP, 26-6.
Conwell-Egan (4-6) at Truman (0-11)
(Thursday, 10)
CE,
20-14.
OTHERS:
Bishop Shanahan (6-3) at Carroll
(7-4) (Wednesday, 7)
AC,
20-12.
Roman (7-3) at Roxborough (4-5)
(Thursday, 10:30)
RC, 42-15.
Neumann (5-4) at Southern (0-9)
(Thursday, 10:30)
SJN, 53-0.
Univ. City (1-8) at Bartram (4-6)
(Thursday, 10:30)
JB, 14-6.
Dobbins (7-2) at Franklin (4-6)
(Thursday, 10:30)
MD, 27-8.
Dougherty (1-8) at Kennedy-Kenrick
(5-5) (Thursday, 10)
KK, 23-8.
West Catholic (6-5) at Penn Wood
(2-9) (Thursday, 10:30)
WC, 27-13.
WEEK 13
NOTE FROM HUCK:
There’s
only one thing you can do when you drop the first five contests of the weekend, YOU HAVE TO COME ROARING BACK!!! That’s
exactly what happened last week in the Huck vs. Puck battle. My man Puck took the first
five games, only to see yours truly unleash ten consecutive W’s. I know he started
celebrating a bit early, and it came back to bite him in his clipboard. Rumor has it that
he vented to Ted all week and was on the brink of turning on the facial faucets. Check him
out, whining like a little CYO statboy!!!
With last week’s sixteen
wins, my career total (less than three complete seasons) now stands at a whopping 495. So,
I’m hoping this weekend is a celebratory one; just 5 more wins for the 500th win
milestone!
Racking up all these wins
over Puck has been nice. I’m even starting to get that feeling of invincibility that
SJ Prep so proudly carries around. I’m even starting to get the recognition that the
Prep has received. For example in this week’s USA Today I was mentioned just like the
Prep in the rankings. Take a look:
TOP 5 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMS:
1. De LaSalle (10-0)
2. Don Bosco Prep (8-0)
3. St. Joseph’s Prep (11-0)
4. Independence (13-0)
5. Mission Viejo (10-0)
TOP 5 HIGH SCHOOL PREDICTORS:
1. The Cincinnati Kid
2. Marl Lawrence
3. Lenny Stevens
4. Ed “Huck” Palmer
5. Vegas Vic
---Not Bad!!!! Now for another installment of Huck’s Weekend Forecast!!!!
WEEK OF NOV. 20:
LAST WEEK: (16-1, .941) SEASON:
(148-30,.831)
HUCK’ GEMS: (4-0, 33-5)
BEST OF THE REST: (4-0, 35-10)
OTHERS: (8-1, 80-15)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS: (6-0)
PL TEAMS: (9-1)
IA TEAMS: (1-0)
HUCK’S GEMS:
Neumann (5-3) vs. Wood (9-0) (CL
Blue Semi, Fri. 7, at NE)
-Wood wins in OT, 10-7.
Carroll (7-3) vs. West Catholic
(5-5) (CL Blue Semi, Fri, 7:30, at Ntown)
-Burrs battle 26-20.
Frankford (8-0) vs. Central (7-1)
(PUB semi, Sat, 10:30, at NE)
-Pioneers pound, 37-6.
George Wash. (8-1) vs. Dobbins
(8-1) (PUB semi, Sat, 1, at NE)
-Eagles fly, 20-8.
SJ Prep (11-0) vs. O’Hara
(7-2) (CL Red Final, Sat. 7:30, at PW)
-Prep parties, 28-17.
BEST OF THE REST:
Mastbaum (5-3) at Bok (6-2)
(Thursday, 2:30)
Bok, 14-10.
Father Judge (1-8) at Upper Darby
(8-2) (Friday, 7:30)
UD, 38-20.
OTHERS:
Roxborough (3-5) at Bartram (4-5)
(Thursday, 2:30)
JB, 18-12.
Edison (1-7) at Northeast (6-2)
(Thursday, 2:30)
NE, 36-0.
Franklin (3-6) at Olney (2-6)
(Thursday, 2:30)
Frkl, 16-6.
Simon Gratz (3-5) at West Philly
(3-6) (Thursday, 2:30)
SG, 14-8.
Overbrook (0-8) at Lincoln (5-3)
(Thursday, 2:30)
AL, 34-0.
Southern (0-8) at M.L. King (4-4) (Thursday, 2:30)
MLK, 33-0
Univ. City (1-7) at Germantown
(5-3) (Friday, 2:30)
GT, 26-6.
WEEK 12
NOTE FROM HUCK:
Another
week, same results. No matter which way you slice it, I have Tom “Puck” McKenna
in my back pocket. For four weeks Puck has tried his luck at trying to unseat yours truly,
but he is now (0-4). Now, he wants to pick the games with spreads. Obviously, he has not
thought of the repercussions of my lines getting into the wrong hands, for example a local
bookmaker. Sorry Puck, but we just can’t take that chance. Now, he suggests that we
just use games in which we are 10 points or closer to, ABSURD!!! Puck, the rules have been
set and you’ll just have to deal with them. Once again, I wish you luck because
you’re going to need it!!!! NOW, TIME FOR ANOTHER INSTALLMENT
OF.................HUCK’S WEEKEND FORECAST!!!
WEEK OF NOV. 13:
LAST WEEK: (14-4, ,778)
SEASON: (132-29, .820)
HUCK’S GEMS: (3-2, 29-5)
BEST OF THE REST: (5-0, 31-10)
OTHERS: (6-2, 72-14)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS: (3-3, 47-14)
PL TEAMS: (9-1, 65-7)
IA TEAMS: (2-0, 20-8)
HUCK’S GEMS:
Dobbins (6-1) at Mastbaum (5-2) (PUB
Quarterfinal, Fri, 2)
-Mustangs gallop in OT, 19-13.
George Washington (7-1) at Bok (6-1) (PUB Quarterfinal,
Fri, 2)
-Eagles soar, 26-0.
Roman (7-2) vs. O’Hara (6-2) (CL Red Semi, Sat, 7:30,
at PW)
-Lions pounce, 24-14.
Conwell-Egan (4-5) at West Catholic (4-5) (Sat, 1)
-Burrs battle, 27-14.
BEST OF THE REST:
Bartram (4-4) at Frankford (7-0) (PUB Quarterfinal, Fri, 2) Frk, 42-0.
ML King (4-3) at Central (7-1) (PUB Quarterfinal, Fri, 2) Cen, 30-12.
LaSalle (6-5) vs. SJ Prep (10-0) (CL Red Semi, Fri, 7, at
NE) SJ, 42-7.
Wood (8-0) at Kennedy-Kenrick (5-4) (Sat, 1)
AW, 17-0.
OTHERS:
Olney (1-6) at Edison (1-6) (Thur, 2:30)
OL, 14-12.
Gratz (3-4) at Franklin (2-6) (Thur, 2:30)
SG, 23-6.
Southern (0-7) at Germantown (4-3) (Thur, 2:30)
GT, 36-8.
Univ. City (1-6) at Lincoln (3-4) (Thur, 2:30)
AL, 29-0.
Northeast (5-2) at Overbrook (0-7) (Thur, 2:30)
NE, 44-0.
West Philly (3-5) at Roxborough (2-5) (Thur, 2:30)
Rox, 26-20.
McDevitt (3-5) at North Catholic (1-7) (Sat, 12 at Frk) BM,
22-6.
Dougherty (1-7) at Carroll (6-3) (Sat, 2)
AC, 34-8.
Wyoming Seminary (1-7) at Malvern (7-2) (Sat, 1)
MP, 27-7.
NOTE FROM HUCK:
I’ll be
the first to admit that picking some of these games can be just a formality. In many cases
people who follow the high school football scene in this area know which teams are going
to win before the games are actually played. Sure, on any given week there can be four or
five games that are especially close and things get a bit difficult. However, for the most
part a majority of these games are easy to prognosticate. Let’s not get ahead of
ourselves too fast because where the real expertise lies is in picking the score. This is
what separates the men (HUCK) from the boys (PUCK). For two consecutive weeks we have
picked nearly every game the same. Both of us have been very successful, but where the
difference lies is in the picked score. With this, I am flat out handing it to the
Puckster. Two weeks ago, I banged out 13-of-21, and this past weekend 15-of-21. My boy
Puck at times is 30-40 points off on total score. This is not what the people want. They
want more accuracy, which I supply!!!
Another note, after my 8-8
initial week I’ve been scorching hot. Going 110-17 since, .866 clip. Nice!!!
One other thing, Puck told
me that he is so frustrated with his score picking ability that he will be picking the
team and let Sean “I’m no Tiger” Woods pick the score. Hey Puck, while
you’re at it why don’t you get Ed Barkowitz, or Bob Cooney, or even Vegas Vic
can give you hand with the picks.
By the way, Puck, the West
offensive line was waiting for you at the Radnor train station. They said they’ll
deal with you later.
LAST WEEK: (18-3, .857) SEASON:
(118-25, .825)
HUCK’S GEMS: (3-1, 26-3)
BEST OF THE REST: (3-2, 26-10)
OTHERS: (12-0, 66-12)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS: (6-2, 44-11)
PL TEAMS: (9-1, 56-6)
IA TEAMS: (3-0, 18-8)
HUCK’S GEMS:
Frankfod (6-0) at Northeast (5-1)
(Thursday, 6)
-Pioneers fly, 28-8.
Neumann (4-3) at McDevitt (3-4)
(Saturday, 1)
-Pirates prance, 20-14.
West Catholic (4-4) at Wood (7-0)
(Saturday, 7)
-Burrs best, 13-10.
Germantown Acad. (6-1) at Penn
Charter (Saturday, 1:30)
-Quakers upset, 24-21.
Ryan (3-5) at LaSalle (4-6)
(Saturday, 7:30, CL Red Semifinal, at PW)
-Raiders advance, 23-20.
BEST OF THE REST:
West Philly (3-4) at Bartram
(3-4) (Thursday, 2:30)
JB, 18-14.
Central (6-1) at Germantown (4-2)
(Friday, 2:30)
Cen, 36-18.
Dobbins (5-1) at Gratz (3-3)
(Thursday, 2:30)
MD, 22-6.
Haverford Sch. (4-4) at Episcopal
(5-2) (Saturday, 2)
EA, 21-14.
Father Judge (1-7) at Roman (6-2)
(CL Red Semi, Fri, 7, at NE) RC, 42-14.
Others:
Roxborough (2-4) at Bok (5-1)
(Thursday, 2:30)
Bok, 26-14.
ML King (3-3) at Overbrook (0-6)
(Thursday 2:30)
MLK, 27-0.
Edison (1-5) at Lincoln (3-3)
(Thursday, 2:30)
AL, 32-6.
Mastbaum (4-2) at Franklin (2-5)
(Friday, 2:30)
JM, 36-6.
Olney (1-5) at Washington (6-1)
(Thursday, 2:30)
Frk, 49-0.
Univ. City (0-6) at Southern
(0-6) (Friday, 2:30)
Sou, 22-8.
Carroll (6-2) at Kennedy-Kenrick
(4-4) (Saturday, 1)
AC, 24-7.
North (1-6) at Conwell-Egan (3-5)
(Saturday, 7)
CE, 27-8.
HUCK'S COMMENT FOR WEEK 10 . . .
Another week of picks, another week of me spankin' Puck. If I can
describe the first two weeks
of this battle with two words it would be "CHILD ABUSE." Somebody better get on
the phone with DHS!!!
Sure, we each picked the same teams last week, but with closest score I banged out
13-of-21 head-to-head.
Let's not forget the two direct hits I produced, nice!!!! Bring the Noise!!!! Concerning
this week, we picked
every game the same except two. However, I have a few words for the wise out there,
who literally take these
picks to heart. One, Puck has Prep 38-14 over Judge. Let's get something straight.
This baby will be over fast, I
mean real fast. The Prep will likely have 38 by half. Puckster, you have this way too
competitive of a game.
No offense, Coach Coyle, you're still my favorite patio bartender at Keenan's (Much
Love)!! Secondly,
O'Hara 38 Roman 28, what are you smokin? I do like O'Hara slightly in the game, but a
total of 66 points.
Not in a million years, the defenses are good enough to keep this game in the low-to-mid
20's. Lastly,
Dissing my boys from West. True, I also picked against them, but 39-12. Carroll is a good
team, but they're not
CB West from the early 90's. If West gives up 39 points this week, well then Puck, you can
write your
own ticket. Hey, boys in blue, this was a direct quote from Puck, "They might send
you guys right back to
Radnor train station." (It wasn't said that clear, but you get the meaning).....Will
someone tell Puck that
J.R. is not the basketball coach anymore, and has nothing to do with football? Man, he
tacked on points
to Carroll's point total like he tacked rebounds and blocks onto Jordan Ingram's stat
line. Enough is
enough!!! Have a good weekend, and remember check out a game or two. There's nothing
better than high
school football.
LAST WEEK: (20-1, .952) OVERALL:
(100-22, .820)
HUCK’S GEMS: (5-0, 23-2)
BEST OF THE REST: (5-0, 23-8)
OTHERS: (10-1, 54-12)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS: (7-1, 38-9)
PL TEAMS: (10-0, 47-5)
IA TEAMS: (3-0, 15-8)
WEEK OF OCT. 30:
HUCK’S GEMS:
-
Mustangs manage, 22-14.
Wood (6-0) at Neumann (4-2)
(Saturday, 1)
-
Vikings victorious, 20-13.
Roman (6-1) at O’Hara (5-2)
(Sunday, 1)
-
Patriots party, 21-17.
BEST OF THE REST:
Haverford Sch. (4-3) at Malvern
(6-2) (Friday, 2:30)
MP, 27-7.
McDevitt (2-4) at Conwell-Egan
(3-4) (Saturday, 7:30)
CE, 20-14.
Episcopal (5-2) at Germ. Academy
(5-1) (Saturday, 1:30)
GA, 31-14.
Ryan (2-5) at Bonner (1-6)
(Sunday, 7)
AR, 21-14.
Gratz (3-2) at Bartram (2-4)
(Thursday, 2:30)
SG, 14-12.
OTHERS:
Univ. City (0-5) at Bok (4-1)
(Thursday, 2:30)
Bok, 24-0.
Edison (1-4) at Mastbaum (3-2)
(Thursday, 2:30)
JM, 30-0.
Franklin (2-4) at ML King (2-3)
(Thursday, 2:30)
MLK, 26-6.
Olney (1-4) at Northeast (4-1)
(Thursday, 2:30)
NE, 34-0.
Roxborough (2-3) at Central (5-1)
(Thursday, 2:30)
Cen, 42-12.
Overbrook (0-5) at Frankford (5-0) (Thursday, 2:30)
Frk, 54-0.
George Washington (5-1) at
Lincoln (3-2) (Friday, 2:30) GW, 27-7.
West Philly (2-4) at Southern
(0-5) (Friday, 2:30)
WP, 25-8.
Kennedy-Kenrick (3-4) at
Dougherty (1-6) (Friday, 7)
KK, 22-7.
SJ Prep (9-0) at Father Judge
(1-6) (Saturday, 7)
SJP, 49-7.
Hill School (2-5) at Penn Charter
(4-2) (Saturday, 2:30)
PC, 28-8.
North Catholic (1-5) at LaSalle
(4-5) (Sunday, 1)
LS, 34-8.
Note from Huck:
To my dear buddy Tom
"Hockey Puck" McKenna: not bad for your inaugural week. Sure, I’ll accept
another challenge. Plus, what would we do without your catchy phrases about which games to
see or not to see? However, there was no need to throw in the excuse that you picked too
many upsets. Also, don’t ever, I mean ever insinuate that I might be
sneaking a peek at your picks prior to making my own. In case you have forgotten, this is
year number three for HWF, and I have been rather successful without having to rely on
your expertise (?)!!! Another thing, Don’t call me every Monday trying to find out
what my picks are. They won’t be unleashed to the public until Wednesday. With that
being said, good luck and remember to save your gas on those games you mentioned. Or
should that be save SEPTA's gas. (Smile)
Sorry, but no
analysis again this week. My classes at St. Joe’s have me swamped. I try to get my
work done during the week, so my weekends are free for game coverage. Thanks for all the
support, especially for the harassment thrown towards Mr. Puck since he came up with this
ridiculous challenge.
Over the weekend
somebody asked me, what constitutes a near miss? Simple, it’s when I pick the right
team and am within 10 total points of the teams combined score. Ex.) I pick Frankford 20
to 13 over GW. The actual final was 26-to-14, Frankford. I picked the right team
(Frankford). They scored 26 (I had 20) (difference of 6)…..GW scored 14 (I had 13)
(difference of 1)…..Total difference of 7 points……Therefore, we have a near
miss.
OCT. 23
LAST WEEK: (17-4, .810) SEASON: (80-21, .791)
HUCK’S GEMS: (5-0, 18-2)
HUCK’S BEST: (4-1, 18-8)
OTHERS: (8-3, 44-11)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS: (6-2, 31-8)
PL TEAMS: (9-1, 37-5)
IA TEAMS: (2-1, 12-8)
HUCK’S GEMS:
Bartram (2-3) at Bok (3-1) (Friday, 3)
-Bok bests, 20-6.
Mastbaum (4-1) at George Washington (4-1) (Friday, 3)
-Eagles soar, 28-6.
Malvern (5-2) at Episcopal (5-1) (Friday, 3)
-Friars frolic, 24-7.
Carroll (5-1) at Neumann (4-1) (Saturday, 2)
-Patriots prance, 14-12.
Gratz (3-1) at Germantown (3-1) (Saturday, 11)
-Bears bully, 22-8.
HUCK’S BEST OF
REST:
SJ Prep (8-0) at Gilman School (MD) (3-3) (Saturday, 1)
SJP, 31-7.
Lincoln (3-1) at Northeast (3-1) (Thursday, 6)
NE, 21-6.
Penn Charter (3-2) at Haverford Sch. (4-2) (Friday, 3:30)
PC, 31-13.
LaSalle (3-5) at Bonner (1-5) (Saturday, 7)
LS, 21-14.
Roman (5-1) at Ryan (2-4) (Saturday, 1:30)
RC, 31-7.
OTHERS:
Central (4-1) at Southern (0-3) (Thursday, 3)
Cen, 40-6.
Dobbins (3-1) at Roxborough (2-2) (Friday, 3)
Dob, 25-8.
ML King (1-3) at Edison (1-3) (Friday, 3)
MLK, 26-0.
Frankford (4-0) at Olney (1-3) (Friday, 3)
FRK, 43-0.
Overbrook (0-4) at Franklin (1-4) (Friday, 3)
FKL, 18-6.
Germ. Acad. (4-1) at Spring-Montco (4-2) (Friday, 7)
GA, 42-7.
Univ. City (0-4) at West Philly (1-4) (Saturday, 1)
WP, 27-6.
O’Hara (4-2) at Father Judge (1-5) (Saturday, 1)
OH, 49-13.
West Catholic (2-4) at North Catholic (1-4) (Saturday, 1) WC, 27-6.
Kennedy-Kenrick (3-3) at McDevitt (1-4) (Saturday, 1)
KK, 20-13.
Conwell-Egan (2-4) at Dougherty (1-5) (Saturday, 7)
CE, 41-6.
Note from Huck:
The people demanded
more and quite frankly, I have supplied it going 36-5 in the last two weeks. I seem to be
back up to speed, but as soon as one challenge is complete another falls into my lap. The
one and only Tom “Puck” McKenna has stepped up and challenged
my three-year reign as our city’s top high school football prognosticator. It is
true, Tom’s years of service for our fearless leader Mr. Ted Silary far outweigh
yours truly's. However, though I do respect his expertise as a high school football guru,
don’t expect me to roll over and take this challenge lying down. I do except your
challenge Tom, Hock, Puck, Statman, Nutman, or whatever else people are
calling you these days. Now for the big question, what are we vying for? Could it be,
second-in-command status? You know what I mean. Like, when there are only two games on the
docket, the second-in-command gets the other game, while the other waits at home for
results to roll across the wire. Sounds like a lot to risk, Tom, what do you say? Put your
money where you mouth is!!! By the way, I’ll let you know before you make you final
decision that I hit my NFL-pick-the-winner pool last weekend, to the tune of $215. Yeah
boy!!! I’m hot, real hot, so expect some bull’s eyes on the scores in the weeks
to come. Especially, with the extra incentive of being challenged by Tom “Puck”
McKenna.
WEK OF OCT. 16
LAST WEEK: (18-3, .857) SEASON: (63-17,
.788)
HUCK’S GEMS: (4-0, 13-2)
BEST OF THE REST: (4-2, 14-7)
OTHERS: (10-1, 36-8)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS: (6-2, 25-6)
PL TEAMS: (10-0, 28-4)
IA TEAMS: (2-1, 10-7)
NEAR MISSES: (Actual score in BOLD.)
Dobbins over Univ.
City (29-0, 33-0), Franklin over Edison (22-6, 12-6), Mastbaum over Overbrook (36-0, 40-0), Carroll over North (34-0, 37-0), Bok over West Philly (20-8, 14-6), Germ. Acad. over Malvern (34-30, 42-30), and SJ Prep over Roman (35-14, 36-20).
HUCK’S GEMS: (Due to time constraints no
analysis, just scores, sorry!!!)
Central (3-1) at Dobbins (3-0)
(Friday, 3)
-Central celebrates, 27-18.
Frankford (3-0) at George Washington (4-0) (Friday, 3)
-Pioneers party, 20-13.
O’Hara (4-1) at SJ Prep (7-0) (Saturday, 7)
-Prep prevails, 38-14.
-Friars fight, 24-21.
Conwell-Egan (2-3) at Wood (5-0) (Sunday, 1)
-Vikings victorious, 21-13.
BEST OF THE REST:
Carroll (4-1) at Father Judge
(1-4) (Saturday, 7)
AC, 23-14.
LaSalle (2-5) at Ryan (2-3)
(Friday, 7)
LS, 28-27.
Mastbaum (3-1) at ML King (1-2)
(Friday, 3)
Mas, 24-12.
Haverford Sch. (4-2) at Germ
Acad. (4-1) (Friday, 3:45)
GA, 45-21.
Neumann (3-1) at Kennedy-Kenrick
(Saturday, 1)
SJN, 26-20.
OTHERS:
West Catholic (1-4) at McDevitt
(1-3) (Saturday, 1)
BM, 20-17.
Univ. City (0-3) at Bartram (1-3)
(Thursday, 3)
Bar, 32-6.
Edison (0-3) at Overbrook (0-3)
(Thursday, 3)
OV, 8-6.
Lincoln (2-1) at Olney (1-2)
(Thursday, 3)
AL, 26-8.
Franklin (1-3) at Northeast (2-1)
(Thursday, 3)
NE, 39-0.
Gratz (2-1) at Roxborough (2-1)
(Friday, 3)
SG, 22-8.
Bonner (1-4) at Roman (4-1)
(Friday, 7:30)
RC, 38-13.
Bok (2-1) at Southern (0-3)
(Saturday, 10:30)
Bok, 29-6.
Germantown (2-1) at West Philly
(1-3) (Saturday, 11)
GT, 26-12.
North Catholic (0-4) at Dougherty
(1-4) (Saturday, 1)
CD, 22-13.
Calvert Hall (MD) (NA) at
Episcopal (4-1) (Saturday, 2)
CH, 27-7.
WEEK OF OCT. 8:
LAST WEEK: (20-2, .909) OVERALL:
(45-14, .763)
HUCK’S GEMS: (4-0, 9-2)
BEST OF THE REST: (4-0, 10-5)
OTHERS: (12-2, 26-7)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS (8-0, 19-4)
PL TEAMS: (8-2, 18-4)
IA TEAMS: (4-0, 8-6)
NEAR MISSES: (Actual score in BOLD.)
Judge over Bonner
(27-21, 28-22), Roman over KK (28-8, 26-7), Carroll over C-Egan (19-14, 18-6), SJ Prep over Ryan (45-7, 42-6), Neumann over West (22-20, 21-14), GW over Edison (52-0, 51-0), Frankford over Franklin (40-0, 42-0), & Malvern over Valley Forge (Mil)
(24-13, 31-14).
HUCK’S GEMS:
George Washington (3-0) at Northeast
(2-0) (Friday, 6)
-An early season
match up that will likely determine a playoff berth from the Public League Division A. The
Eagles are scoring 42 point a game. They are led by explosive RB Jerry Butler. He has
torched opposing defenses for nine touchdowns and had rushed for 13.1 ypc. RB Jeremiah
Pitt has also done a nice job running the ball. The Vikings are led by two-way standout
Warren Bartlett (FB & LB). Benjamin Franklin handles the tailback duties. QB Marcellus
Sammons directs the offense and the Vikings will need a big game from him to upset the
Eagles. Look for an extremely tough and hard-hitting contest. Both teams know that a lot
is at stake here. The Vikings are coming off a nice win over a good Mastbaum team, but the
Eagles are probably little more advanced offensively at this point. Eagles earn, 24-8.
SJ Prep (6-0) at Roman (4-0) (Friday,
7:30)
-The premier contest
in the city this weekend, if not Southeastern PA. The Hawklets are rolling and have put
the mercy rule into effect in five-of-six games causing serious damage to opposing
defenses. However, as good as their offense as been their defense is that much better.
This unit is in one word, exceptional. They are led by LB Brian Tracz, DE Matt Parkhurst,
and DB Danny Jones all D-1 prospects. Jones and soph RB John Shaw have combined for 960
yards thus far on the ground. DB Greg Ambrogi has a bushel of INT’s with seven picks
on the year. Make no mistake the Cahillites will not roll over and die. Coach Jim Murphy
will have is team prepared. They are led by do-everything QB Andre Sloan-El who can beat
you with arm, as well as his legs. LB Tom Bowen is stellar at linebacker. Two-way lineman
Lenny DeMalto is a quality player. DE/WR-TE Charron Fisher is one of our city’s more
gifted athletes. The Question is, can Roman hang in there long enough to put a scare into
the Hawks? The answer, maybe, but probably not. The Prep has too many weapons on both
sides of the ball to be held down for long. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cahillites
made some early noise, only to succumb to the more talented team. Prep parties, 35-14.
Episcopal (4-0) at Penn Charter (2-1)
(Friday, 3:30)
-Alas, the Inter-Ac
league season will get under way. The Churchman take their unblemished record on the road
to play the Quakers who are the defending champs of the IA. RB’s Peter Wichmann and
Brian FitzPatrick will the lead the ground attack for the Churchmen. QB Brian Shanahan has
shown poise and leadership ability. The Churchman defense is led by one of the better
underclassmen in the league in DE Joe Rosati. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year
for the Quakers after they lost a boatload of quality seniors from a championship club a
year ago. However, they have played well in the early going and nearly knocked off
suburban power Interboro a couple of weeks ago. RB/DB Zack Zeglinski is their headliner
and the more he touches the ball the better things will be for PC. QB James Hannah as
filled in nicely so far at the helm. I suspect we’ll see a nip and tuck game
throughout, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the game was eventually decided in the
final moments. Charter claims, 20-17.
Malvern (4-1) at Germantown Academy
(3-1) (Friday, 3:45)
-The Friars have won
four consecutive games while playing a good portion of Chester County to date. They are
getting serious production from QB Dan Onorato, who has already thrown for 851 yards.
Malvern already has five recievers with over 100 yards receiving this season. Recently,
the Friars have been a physical and pound the ball down throat bunch, but have showed much
finesse in the early going. This should make for an exciting afternoon because GA loves
this type of game. They are led by the throwing of Sean Grieve and the running of Tyler
Yerk. WR/DB Justin Holiday is a solid performer on both sides of the ball. GA can put
points on the board and can do it in a hurry. The Friars have showed that they aren’t
any slouches in this department either. Look for a high scoring affair with plenty of long
plays from scrimmage. GA gleams, 34-30.
BEST OF THE REST:
Gratz (2-0) at Central (2-1)
(Friday, 3)
Cen, 28-8.
Bok (1-1) at West Philly (1-2)
(Friday, 3)
Bok, 20-14.
Lincoln (2-0) at Frankford (2-0)
(Friday, 3)
Frk, 34-8.
Ryan (2-2) at O’Hara (3-1)
(Sunday, 1)
OH, 31-13.
Kennedy-Kenrick (3-1) at
Conwell-Egan (1-3) (Sat, 7:30)
KK, 13-10.
West Catholic (1-3) at Bonner
(0-4) (Saturday, 7:30)
WC, 17-14.
OTHERS:
Bartram (0-3) at Southern (0-2)
(Thursday, 3)
Bar, 20-8.
Univ. City (0-2) at Dobbins (2-0)
(Friday, 3)
Dob, 29-0.
Franklin (0-3) at Edison (0-2)
(Friday, 3)
Frkl, 22-6.
ML King (0-2) at Olney (1-1)
(Friday, 3)
MLK, 25-12.
Overbrook (0-2) at Mastbaum (2-1)
(Friday, 3)
Mas, 36-0.
Father Judge (1-3) at LaSalle
(1-5) (Friday, 7)
LS, 31-24.
Roxborough (2-0) at Germantown
(1-1) (Sat, 2:30)
GT, 26-20.
Haverford Sch. (4-1) at
Lawrenceville (NJ) (NA) (Sat, 3:30)
HS,
27-17.
North Catholic (0-3) at Carroll
(3-1) (Saturday, 2)
AC, 34-0.
Dougherty (1-3) at Neumann (2-1)
(Saturday, 1)
SJN, 34-15.
McDevitt
(1-2) at Wood (4-0) (Saturday, 7)
AW, 24-7.
WEEK OF OCT. 2:
LAST WEEK: (18-4, .818) OVERALL:
(26-12, .684)
HUCK’S GEMS: (4-0, .1000) (5-2,
.714)
BEST OF THE REST: (3-2, .600) (6-5,
.545)
OTHERS: (10-2, .833) (14-5, .737)
GAMES INVOLVING:
CL TEAMS: (6-1, 11-4)
PL TEAMS: (9-1, 10-2)
IA TEAMS: (3-2, 4-6)
NEAR MISSES: Germantown over Bartram (22-12, 24-10), Haverford School over Great Valley (27-14,
27-20), Northeast over ML King (20-8, 28-6), Dobbins over West Philly (20-12, 20-6), Frankfrod over Edison (42-0, 43-0), and SJ Prep over LaSalle (38-7, 37-0).
H
Mastbaum (2-0) at Northeast (1-0) (Friday, 3)
-This
should be one of the premier contests in the Pub this week. Hard-hitting linebacker Warren
Bartlett leads the Vikings, he has become one of the more punishing players in the Pub.
The Panthers will rely on the throw and pass combination of QB Markies Taveres and WR
Jovan Pratt. This is not a division game so it won’t be a critical to win, but both
teams know to be considered a legitimate threat a victory would be nice. Expect a
nip-and-tuck affair that could be on the defensive side some. The home field should help
the Vikings to a degree. Vikings victorious, 19-12.
Kennedy-Kenrick (3-0) at Roman (3-0)
(Friday, 7:30)
-A couple of
undefeated squads will take center stage in Conshy this weekend. After last week’s
win over West the Wolverines are confident. They’ll need a solid performance from QB
Rick McMinn if they intend on staying in the game. FB/LB Tyler Johnson had been rock solid
for KK thus far. The Cahillites put in cruise control last week as they dismantled Judge.
Many players contributed, and Roman is a well-balanced squad. QB Andre Sloan El is as
talented as they come. A couple of things could happen here. KK could still be celebrating
last week’s nice divisional win and Roman might be looking ahead to game with
O’Hara and the mighty SJ Prep. Expect a combination of both, but Roman has
considerable more talent. KK will fight, but Roman
conquers, 28-8.
Neumann (1-1) at West Catholic (1-2)
(Sunday, 1)
-An early season contest with huge playoff implications takes place this
weekend in the CL Blue. The game is probably slightly bigger for West, since they are
coming off a divisional loss last week. The Pirates have had two weeks to think about this
game, after sitting through a bye week last weekend. These teams played one of the most
entertaining city games ever last year in the CL Blue semifinals, a game West won 55-48.
The Burrs are led by, RB Curtis Brinkley who has rushed the ball 62 times in the last two
weeks for 354 yards. DE David Fitzgerald anchors the defense. Neumann will rely on speedy
RB’s Billy Canady and Richard McMickens. QB Jon Brady is a good thrower when given
time. Talent wise these teams are probably very similar. What that tells me is the game
should come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes. The Burrs have been making far
too many mistakes in the early going. Until they correct this problem their problems will
persist. Neumann nips, 22-20.
BEST OF THE REST:
O’Hara (2-1) at LaSalle (1-4) (Friday, 7)
OH, 34-14.
Bonner (0-3) at Judge (1-2) (Saturday, 1)
FJ, 27-21.
Ryan (3-1) at SJ Prep (5-0) (Saturday, 7)
SJP, 45-7.
West Philly (1-1) at Central (1-1) (Thursday, 3)
Cen, 32-18.
OTHERS:
Univ. City (0-1) at Roxborough (1-0) (Thursday, 3)
Rox, 36-8.
Bartram (0-2) at Dobbins (1-0) (Friday, 3)
Dob,
24-12.
Edison (0-1) at George Washington (Thursday, 3)
GW, 52-0.
Franklin (0-2) at Frankford (1-0) (Thursday, 3)
Frk, 40-0.
Southern (0-1) at Gratz (1-0) (Thursday, 3)
SG, 32-8.
ML King (0-1) at Lincoln (2-0) (Thursday, 3)
AL, 12-6.
Overbrook (0-1) at Olney (0-1) (Thursday, 3)
‘Brook, 16-12
Wood (3-0) at North (0-2) (Friday, 7)
AW, 34-0.
Bok (0-1) at Germantown (0-1) (Friday, 3)
GT, 15-8.
VF Mil Acad. (NA) at Malvern (3-1) (Friday, 3:30)
MP, 24-13.
Germ. Acad. (2-1) at Lancaster Catholic (NA) (Fri, 7)
GA, 28-14.
Haverford Sch. (3-1) at Caravel Acad. (DEL) (Fri, 7)
HS, 26-21.
Dougherty (1-2) at McDevitt (0-2) (Saturday, 1)
BM, 21-12.
Episcopal (3-0) at Loyola Blakefield (NA) (Sat, 1:30)
EA, 23-17.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 25-27
NOTE FROM HUCK:
---Well, I guess you could say that Isabel caused more damage than just uproot some trees, create floods, and cause power outages. She also took my ability to correctly pick the high school football games in our area. Just as quality play suffered this weekend from the lingering affects of the two-week old teacher strike, so did my picks. Hopefully, it’s not a sign of things to come and I get back on track starting this week. My performance last week is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, so it is back to the drawing board. Also, my boss, Mr. Ted Silary, said that, if I have a repeat performance he is going to relieve my of my duties and let Tom “Puck” McKenna handle this facet of the site. Oh boy!!!!
LAST WEEK:
OVERALL: (8-8, .500)
CL TEAMS: (5-3, .625)
PL TEAMS: (1-1, .500
IA TEAMS: (1-4, .200)
(OOOOUUUCCCHHHH!!!!!!!)
HUCK’S GEMS: (1-2, .333)
BEST OF THE REST: (3-3, .500)
OTHERS: (4-3, .571)
NEAR MISSES: SJ Prep over Bonner (42-0, 41-0), O’Hara over McDevitt (42-7, 34-7), & GA over Central (33-16, 33-16).
HUCK’S GEMS:
Bonner
(0-2) at O’Hara (1-1) (Saturday, 1)
-The talent level here may not be that close, but whenever these
neighborhood rivals get together anything can happen. The Lions will be trying to
establish themselves as one of the top dogs in the CL Red. The Friars will be looking for
some offensive consistency, having only posted one touchdown in each of their first two
games. O’Hara RB Anthony Heygood will be looking to improve upon last week’s
three-touchdown effort. Look for the Friars to play hard, but O’Hara is clearly the
better team. Lions lick, 31-7.
La
Salle (1-3) at SJ Prep (4-0) (Saturday, 7)
-One of the more heated rivalries in the city will
unfold Saturday night. The Explorers have lost two consecutive games, while the Prep, oh
well, they just continue to roll. DBs Danny Jones and Greg Ambrogi lead a secondary that
caught more passes last week than Bonner’s receivers did. DE Matt Parkhurst and LB
Brian Tracz will wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage. La Salle will be pumped for this
contest, and will fight hard. However, they will need a little bit more than this, perhaps
Brett Gordon could somehow make it back into a blue and gold uniform. Prep pounds, 38-7.
Northeast (0-0) at ML King (0-0)
(Friday, 3)
-Season opener for both squads and should be one of the
better games featured in the Pub. The Cougars are usually a tough group that is well
coached. The Vikings will look to get off on the right foot before they begin their quest
for a Division A playoff berth. A berth that won’t come easy in a division that also
has Frankford and George Washington. Vikings victorious, 20-8.
Conwell-Egan (1-1) at Ryan (1-1)
(Friday, 7)
BEST OF THE REST:
Gratz (0-0) at Bok (0-0)
(Thursday, 3)
16-6, Bok
Father Judge (0-2) at Roman (2-0)
(Friday, 7:30)
37-20, RC
Penn Charter (2-0) at Interboro
(3-0) (Friday, 7:30)
24-7, Int
Kennedy-Kenrick (2-0) at West
Catholic (1-1) (Sat., 2)
23-21, WC
McDevitt (0-1) at Carroll (1-1)
(Saturday, 2)
24-13, AC
OTHERS:
Overbrook (0-0) at George
Washington (1-0) (Thur., 3)
40-12, GW
Great Valley (2-1) at Haverford
Sch. (2-1) (Thur., 3:30)
27-14, HS
Hun School (NA) at Germ. Acad.
(2-0) (Friday, 2:30)
34-13, GA
Univ. City (0-0) at Central (0-1)
(Friday, 3)
45-6, Cen
Roxborough (0-0) at Southern
(0-0) (Friday, 3)
33-12, Rox
Frankford (0-0) at Edison (0-0)
(Friday, 3)
42-0, Fkd
Lincoln (0-0) at Franklin (0-1)
(Friday, 3)
22-8, AL
Olney (0-0) at Mastbaum (1-0)
(Friday, 3)
34-8, Mast
Hill School (NA) at Episcopal
(2-0) (Saturday, 2:30)
28-10, EA
Germantown (0-0) at Bartram (0-1)
(Thursday, 3)
22-12, Gtn
Dobbins (0-0) at West Philly
(1-0) (Friday, 3)
20-12, Dob
Malvern (2-1) at WC East (2-1)
(Friday, 2:15)
24-17, WC
Wood (2-0) at Dougherty (1-1)
(Saturday, 7)
27-13, AW
2-Year Total (347-63, .846)
Last Season: (176-33, .842)
Roman (1-0) at LaSalle (1-2) (Sunday,
1, at Springfield-Montco)
These two teams should be in the upper echelon of the
CL Red. Both teams are fundamentally sound. The Explorers should undoubtedly have somewhat
of an advantage since they have played the last two weeks, while the Cahillites had to sit
at home and wait for the Catholic teachers strike to end. Roman opened their season with a
21-15 win over West Catholic, a game that was played in severe heat. Things should be much
cooler come this weekend. They are led by D-1 prospects, QB Andre Sloan-EL and DE/WR
Charron Fisher. Fisher might be the best two-way player in the area. This combination
hooked up for two TDs in their opener. FB Marc Patricelli ran for over 100 yards in that
game, and should get considerable carries again. RB/WB Evin Jones will assist in the Roman
offense. LBs Tom Bowen and Sean Matthews are a tough tandem on defense. Two-way lineman
Lenny DeMalto is a solid contributor, and unquestionably one of the Cahillite leaders. The
Explorers offense has looked to turn back to the Brett Gordon day’s. QB Mike Lynch
has already passed for 516 yards and 5 TD’s in three games. He is averaging 21
attempts per outing. RB Max Mullineaux will be the featured back, but RB George Hudson ran
well last week and could see time. The defense is led by DB Brian Hogan, LB Miles Miller,
and DT Kevin Donohoe. Wr John Trainer and Hogan will be Lynch’s main targets when
throwing. Though the Cahillites haven’t played in two weeks I think they will be
ready. I look for a close outing, but see Sloan-El with some fourth quarter heroics. Cahillites claim, 20-13.
Father Judge (0-1) at Ryan (0-1)
(Saturday, 7, at NE)
-An early season tilt between neighborhood rivals, with the winner possibly getting some momentum in the ever-tough CL Red. Both squads lost openers against quality competition. Both teams have had to sit the last two weeks due to the strike. This may have been good for FJ QB Dale Curry who probably needed to rest his arm after throwing the ball 38 times in the opener. His main target will be returning All-Catholic receiver Carl Peterson. RB/WR/KR Tim Wacker is the do-everything guy for the Crusaders. Coach Tommy Coyle knows that Wacker will need his share of touches for his team to be successful. DT Jim Fitzgerald and LB Anthony Rodriguez spearhead the defense. The Red Raiders will count on RB Joe Zeglinski. Zeglinski used his quick feet to score two long touchdowns in the opener and accounted for 167 rushing and receiving yards. QB Tim Roken threw for 164 yards in game one. LB John Ferdinand leads the defense. Expect this game to be very competitive. Don’t be surprised if quite a few points get put up on the board. Crusaders conquer, 29-27.
Conwell-Egan (0-1) vs. Neumann (1-0)
(Saturday, 1)
The Pirates will take a huge size advantage into
this contest and will probably try to exploit the smaller Eagles. RBs Billy Canady Richard
McMickens are cat-quick and are dangerous when their hands are on the ball. However,
neither is probably an every-down back. The big question will be who will fill the role as
fullback for the Pirates? The fullback position at Neumann has been one of the main
ingredients of success the past few seasons. QB Jon Brady really came on strong in the
latter part of last season, and will look to improve upon that. Howver, he’ll have to
do it with virtually new receiving corp. DT/OL Marques Slocum,
just a junior, will be a boatload for oppositions to handle. In my opinion he is one of
the top line prospects our area has seen in recent memory. LB Frank Baldino should be a
major contributor on defense. The Eagles are led by franchise RB Steve Slaton. All Slaton
did in his team's opening week loss to Upper Moreland is score three TD’s and run for
186 yards, on just 16 carries. Graced with good size and sprinter speed he should be tough
to contain. OL/LB Brian Hrynczyszyn was a key performer on last year’s squad, and
should only improve. DB/WR Marty O’Hara will add experience and some quickness. When
you have a talent as such as Slaton you can never count a team out. However, Neumann is
both big and fast, and right now have a few more weapons. Pirates parade, 27-14.
BEST OF THE REST:
Carroll (1-0) at Wood (1-0) (Sunday, 1)
AC, 21-16
McDevitt (0-0) at O’Hara (0-1) (Sunday, 1)
OH, 34-7
Downingtown-East (NA) at Malvern (1-1) (Saturday,
1)
DE, 24-14
Germantown Acad. (1-0) at Central (0-0) (Monday,
3:30)
GA,
33-21
OTHERS:
George Washington (0-0) at Sussex Tech (Del) (NA)
(Sunday, 2:30) GW, 14-7
SJ Prep (3-0) at Bonner (0-1) (Sunday, 7:30)
SJP, 42-0
Dougherty (1-0) at West Catholic (0-1) (Saturday,
2)
WC, 34-12
Penn Wood (1-1) at Episcopal (1-0) (Saturday, 11)
PW, 23-17
McDonough (MD) (NA) at Haverford School (2-0)
(Saturday, 1:30) HS, 20-14
Peddie (NJ) (NA) at Penn Charter (0-0) (Saturday,
2)
Ped, 28-7
Mastbaum (0-0) at Bartram (0-0), (Saturday, 10 am)
Mast, 26-12
N. Catholic (0-1) at Kennedy-Kenrick (1-0), (Friday, 7 p.m.)
K-K, 22-8
West Phila. (0-0) at Franklin (0-0), (Monday, 3)
pick to come