Short Picks

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all PFN fans as we once again bring you the scoop on Pa. high school football for the '07 season. I hope you find my column to your liking. I will make an earnest effort to locate the best games of the week in each district throughout the state. I do rely on inside information from many sources around the state, but sometimes I must admit my use of the old coin toss method. On occasion I use "enie, menie, minie, and mo" but only rarely do I use my crazy aunt's crystal ball. In the past I have used the college exam method called the W.A.G. (wild ass guess) but I never found the W.A.G. to be very reliable.

This week I have checked the pre-season rankings to find ranked teams with tough openers. This week's best game will not be played in state when the Gators of Gateway travel to Canton, Ohio to play USA Today's #25 ranked team in the nation, Cardinal Mooney. USA Today has the Gators ranked # 10 in the country. Mooney features an explosive offense with quarterback Dan McCarthy (Notre Dame) and running back Brandon Beachum (Penn State). Mooney's defense is led by Penn State bound Michael Zordich. Gateway will depend upon the running of Cameron Soddler who is coming off a 20 TD performance in "06. Ohioans have that swagger when it comes to football, but I think Pa. is better...Gateway.

North Penn is gunning for a District 1 title. The Knights travel to Philadelphia to face the always tough St. Joe's Prep. The Hawks haven't won the Philly Catholic League title since '05 so this could be their year. The Knights have re-loaded for a title run...North Penn.

In another AAAA blockbuster, the Bulldogs of West Lawn trek to Shillington to battle the Mustangs of Governor Mifflin. Both of these schools figure to be in the hunt for the AAA title. Mike Vecchio guided his Bulldogs to a 12-2 season last year and figures to just as well in '07. West Lawn will not go down easy even on the road...Wilson (West Lawn).

Erie Cathedral Prep is looking for a three-peat in District 10 AAAA. The Ramblers travel into District 8 to play the Commodores of Perry Traditional Academy. It seems to me that the Pittsburgh City League is a bit down this year...Cathedral Prep.

The Rams of Central Daulphin will find out just how good they are when they host the Cougars of Harrisburg. The Cougars shouldn't be nearly as tough as the past two years, but George Chaump coached teams are always a snootful...Central Dauphin.

Southwestern is coming off an outstanding performance in '06 with a 12-2 record. The Mustangs will be thoroughly tested by Gettysburg (7-4 last year). The Warriors have a number of starters back and are ranked 7th by PFN. I like the home team...Gettysburg.

Lower Dauphin is another team with starters back and looking to make some noise in District 3. The Falcons know the road to a District 3 title goes through Manheim, home of the Barons of Manheim Central High School. The Barons are back again this year with the capability to run the table. Coach Mike "Huff" Williams faces a dangerous Falcon team capable of an upset, but the game is in Manheim..."Huffy's" Barons.

In a "Whoa Nellie" game of the week, defending District 3 AA champ, Wyomissing travels to Pottsville, state runner-up in AAA. Bothe schools are loaded again so this will be a great season opener for you fans in that area. In a very tough call...Wyomissing.

District 6 fans are always treated to excellent games in the season opener especially the rivalry between the Blue Devils of Bellwood-Antis and the Golden Eagles of Tyrone. Bellwood Memorial Stadium will be bulging at the seams with fans from not only Bellwood and Tyrone but from all over the district. The Blue Devils are not quite as good as the Golden Eagles this year, but the game will nevertheless be a dandy...Tyrone.

You can expect another excellent game in Johnstown where the Bishop McCort Crimson Crushers host the Rangers of Forest Hills. The Crushers just might be unbeatable this year...Bishop McCort.

Wilmington travels to Ford City to test the Sabers who posted an excellent 10-2 record in '06 in the W.P.I.A.L. The Greyhounds have their work cut out for them...Wilmington.

Football fans in Phillipsburg are excited about this year's team as head coach Jeff Vroman has the Mounties back on track. The Mounties host perennial power Bookville in the opener at Memorial Stadium..Bookville's Raiders give everybody in District 9 fits. Look for a real nail biter...Phillipsburg.

The best game in single A has to be the Steamrollers of Steelton-Highspire at Millersburg's Indians. The Steamrollers are ranked # 2 by PFN while the Indians are a close #4 in Vetock's rankings. Steelton -Highspire has the tradition but the Indians will be highly motivated by the home crowd...Millersburg.

The title chase in District 9 is wide open. Cameron County High looks like the pre-season favorite to take home the single A trophy. The Red Raiders will get a huge test when they host the Rover Dogs of Brockway. The Red Raiders get off on a good start...Cameron County.

In other games:

Central Cambria over Johnstown

Westmont over Cambria Heights

Bethlehem Liberty over Allentown Central Catholic

Upper St. Clair over Penn Trafford

Easton over Woodson, D.C.

Neshaminy over Coatesville

Parkland over Glen Mills

Bishop McDevitt over Central Dauphin East

Hazelton over Abington Heights

Susquehanna Twp. over Wayneboro

Lakeland over Valley View

Fairview over Schenley

Ridgway over Smethport

Aliquippa over Ambridge

Selinsgrove over Danville