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Southeastern Pennsylvania

How do I begin to convey my feelings about our little neck of the woods? Well, how about this - this year I feel like we’re all watching a mini-NFL. Or maybe a post “you just can’t give out a million scholarships a year” college scene. In other words, P-A-R-I-T-Y. I have to say; at this juncture no team has yet stood up and roared out “We’re the kings!” Instead it’s been more like (pretend it’s the team mascot talking here): “Well, we’re one of the princes and by the time it’s all said and done, one of us will be the King but to tell you the truth we’re just not sure who might be the King, except that we might be the King, er, uh, maybe we’ll be the King – we’re really aren’t that sure – pretty sure, but not completely sure.”

Phew – that was a heckuva run on sentence. But I think you know what I’m saying. And in case you don’t, let me make it clear. There are a bunch of teams in the D1 that could take all the marbles, a suitcase full in fact that can compete for the crown. And when you’re looking at 40 teams in total – and with 16 playoff spots available – this is going to get wild!

However, I was trying to make a point (I think) about which team “they” think will be the King? All right, in no particular order I point out that North Penn is 2-2 for the first time since 1989 (and so is Pennridge which fought the Knights to the final gun last week) while the Coatesville Red Raiders lost this past weekend for the first time (they’re 3-1), The Cougars of D-Town East have been tripped up once leaving them at 3-1 as well. Pennsbury is perfect at 4-0 except they seem to like to make their games as exciting as possible for their head coach. And guess who’s surprising everyone more than a little bit with their prowess between the lines? Try the Hatboro Horsham Hatters and Council Rock North Indians (both at 4-0).

I think I should also alert the faithful that the Souderton Indians, Upper Darby Royals, Ridley Green Raiders, D-Town West Whippets and the Wissahickon Trojans are 4-0 as well. Granted it is early in the season but by my count that’s 8 D1, 4A clubs that haven’t yet tasted defeat (another 8 are 3-1). Actually, if you check my pre-season notes on D1, I believe more than a few teams got some heightened level of scrutiny but as a whole, it was the whole that garnered a look-see.

And in case you thought I forgot – there is our very own little Tribe. Yes, I’m talking about that group of young banshees that haunt those most sacred of grounds located above the Neshaminy creek that Langhorne folks reverently refer to as Heartbreak Ridge. It’s hard for me to talk about “the boys” without putting them on a pedestal because I’m so very biased. So I’ll not comment further on the moleskinners other than to say they’ve come to play this year. And at 3-1, there are definitely in the hunt. So you better bring your “A” game when it’s the Redskins on the other side of the line or you might go home a little less happy than when you arrived.

Two more things (with the Catholic League first). St. Joe’s is 2-2 (huh). O’Hara is a surprising 1-3 while Wood is a not-so-surprising 3-1. And La Salle is 4-0 (although that 14-6 win over North Catholic was a bit closer than the Little Explorers expected). The PCL “experts” might not have thought that’s the way it would be at this point but I’ll say that the Prep has played an aggressive schedule while O’Hara has been somewhat of a disappointment. On a positive note, La Salle is shining a little brighter than was expected and Wood is probably on their game. (And keep an eye out for Father Judge because they’re sneaking up on the rest of the league.)

Second is D12. Roxborough is 4-0 and George Washington is 3-1. Although the Eagles were on the radar screen, those Indians of Roxborough have proven to be the surprise team thus far in the City of Brotherly love.

By the by, if you want to see who all the folks who fancy themselves as knowledgeable were talking about earlier this year (in D1, D12 and the Catholic League), you’ll have to find my pre-season analysis (if you can because I don’t think Bob archived it.) Sorry!

The End Game

First, let me reiterate what I said at the opening – this article is simply touting up the current tally sheet. I have no favorites (except for my Redskins which you probably have figured out by now). So the fact that a school is not mentioned doesn’t mean they’re out of contention or is being slighted. The season is only coming up on the mid-point this weekend and there is still plenty of football to be played – so it’s far from over.

And who really cares what I – or any other writer - thinks? We’re not down on the field. The players are. They’re making all the noise and controlling the outcome – not us.

Okay, with that out of the way, and now that I’ve worsened my bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome pounding out this short-form, statewide snapshot, what does it all mean anyway? Simply that the same bunch that was getting all the attention in D3, D6, and D7 really hasn’t changed yet and as to D2/D11 – it looks status quo as well. And D12 is shaping up as a tight race.

As to D1, I think it’s safe to say that there are a number of contenders. It really looks as if it’s more than just the usual handful that have a shot and your guess is as good as mine (or the experts). Maybe it will just come down to which team wants it most. You know, that team that has that hungry feeling and decides to go out there and get it.

And that’s the way it oughta be!

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