Papal visit weekend spirits are high

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By Joe Stokes

The Philly Metro will be the center of a special celebration this weekend as Pope Francis will be visiting and spreading good will to all. There are several schedule changes with Thursday night games taking place in locations that will be effected by the transportation problems this event will create.

This will mark the tenth season I have attempted to forecast the five toughest games each week. The last nine years the prognostication record stands at 424-179 while going 7-3 this season.

DeMatha Catholic, Haverford School, Garnet Valley and Plymouth Whitemarsh all won as predicted last week while picking North Penn over Downingtown East accounted for the sole bad pick.

This season it has been difficult to pick the top games to feature but let’s give it the old high school try.

Radnor @ Marple Newtown

It is hard to imagine that this contest would make the list of tough games in any year. However the Radnor Red Raiders and Marple Newtown Tigers are both undefeated after the first three weeks of play. The big question is either or both of these teams for real ? This contest will give us an early indication of that answer. The Tigers rotate two QBs Anthony Paoletti and Bob Sederio, they guided the offense to 37-0 over Harriton last Friday. The Red Raiders upset the Springfield Cougars 27-26 when receiver Josh Simpson snatched a TD pass from QB Pat McDermott as time ran out. This is a pick-em game for sure. Red Raiders in a nail biter again

Radnor 31   Marple Newtown   23

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Lansdale Catholic @ Academy Park

This is one great game to catch this early in the season. The high flying Knights of Academy Park are off to a 3-0 start. They are blessed with the dual attack of run or pass with running back Jermaine Wesley and receiver Jawan Collins playing havoc on any defensive game plan. Lansdale Catholic is 3-0 as well and their running attack has been impressive with running back Ryan Quigley leading the way. Crusaders tougher schedule so far gives them a slight advantage.

Lansdale Catholic 34 Academy Park 30

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Ridley @ Upper Darby

The Green Raiders just don’t lose two in a row

Ridley 26 Upper Darby 17

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The rest of the fearless forecast

Norristown 27   Central Bucks West   16

Unionville 31   West Chester Rustin 27