This season has not made it easy to rank the teams in District 12, especially this past weekend. Prep lost to North Penn and West Catholic lost to LaSalle. Father Judge, a team that we thought would be right in the thick of things in the AAAA, has already lost 2 games in 3 weeks. But, it's still early and the regular seasons are about to get underway in the AAAA and AA divisions for most of the teams. The AA division begins regular season play next week. There are some good games coming up in the next couple of weeks, and the good teams will win and the not so good teams will fade into the night. Most of the games against non-city teams have passed, and head to head competition will commence. As they say, "Let the Games begin!"
1. St Joe Prep (1) 2-1 Last Game: Lost to North Penn 14-7
Ok, Prep wins and stays at the top of the poll, and you're asking "Why?". Well, since West Catholic also lost (to LaSalle) and Roman had a week 1 setback to West Catholic, the top two will remain the same for this week. Prep opens their regular season against LaSalle, who could be the sleeper in the PCL this season. They are young, they are tough and they execute. Should be a good game to see this week.
Next Game: At LaSalle (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 9/20
2. West Catholic (2) 2-1 Last Game: Lost to LaSalle
West Catholic got a surprise from LaSalle this past weekend. It should be the last tough game for the Burrs until they hit the stat playoffs. Well, they could have a game with former division rival, Wood in a couple of weeks. West opens their season this week against Archbishop Carroll. Early expectations was for this game to be pivotal in deciding the AA regular season championship, but with Carroll struggling, it could be an easy ride for the Burrs.
Next Game: Archbishop Carroll (Widener University) 9/19
3. Roman Catholic (4) 1-1 Last Game: Beat Souderton 34-14
Souderton came into this game with a 2-0 record after beating eastern power Neshaminy in week 1 and a blowout against former eastern power Downingtown East. Roman didn't play in week 2 due to Tropical Storm Hanna, so they were looking to prove they were still a top team after losing an OT game to West Catholic in week 1. The Cahillites will have an easier game this week, when they take on Inter-Ac power, Chestnut Hill Academy.
Next Game: Chestnut Hill Academy 9/20
4. Cardinal O’Hara (3) 3-0 Last Game: Beat Haverford School 7-0
We know the Lions are undefeated, but they haven't exactly played top teams yet. And, by only getting by Haverford 7-0, we still can't sure if they are for real or not. Once again, O'Hara will not be tested in their game this week, when they travel to Upper Darby to play Bonner.
Next Game: At Bonner 9/19 (Upper Darby)
5. Frankford (NR) 2-1 Last Game: Beat Lincoln 33-0
Frankford is big, they are fast and they can seemingly score at will. We have a feeling that the Pioneers could rip through the public league this year. But, before they do, they need to get by Northeast this week, and Washington in Week 7. But, if they keep going the way they have been so far, look for them to stay in the middle of this top 10 list.
Next Game: At Northeast 9/19
6. LaSalle (NR) 2-1 Last Game: Beat #2 West Catholic 27-26
We have to admit that we ignored LaSalle after their lopsided loss to Malvern in week 2. But, after beating West Catholic, we took notice. The Explorers could very well be the sleeper in the PCL AAAA division this year. But, as usual, the division championship must go through Prep. LaSalle will take that challenge this week. If they can beat or stay close to Prep this week, they are for real. Otherwise, we'll have to move them back to the dumper.
Next Game: #1 St Joseph Prep 9/20 (Plymouth-Whitemarsh)
7. Archbishop Wood (8) 2-1 Last Game: Beat Archbishop Ryan 45-7
Ok, the Woodies beat CHA and Ryan. The Vikings are 1 point away from being undefeated. Beating Ryan was no difficult feat, as they have lost to the Raiders 6 straight times. But, we think this was a message to the league that Wood is for real. We don't know much about Caravel Academy, but we hear their not a bad team, as far as Delaware teams go.
Next Game: At Caravel Academy 9/20
8. Northeast Catholic (10) 1-1 Last Game: Beat Archbishop Ryan 33-1
The Falcons at times look a little sloppy, but won their game against Holy Cross nonetheless. If this team can play up to their potential, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the AAA division. Playing former eastern PA power Pennridge will tell us a lot about this team in 2008.
Next Game: Pennridge 9/19 (Germantown)
9. George Washington (9) 2-1 Last Game: Lost to Central Bucks East 24-13
We really couldn't punish the Eagles for losting to CB East. Not many thought they win this game, and they kept it relatively close. Washington will have the week off before opening up their regular season against Overbrook.
Next Game: Overbrook 9/26
10. Northeast (5) 1-1 Last Game: Beat Lost to Abington 28-14
The Vikings earned our respect by beating Judge in week 2, but they slipped big time this past week in their loss to Abinton. Northeast will have a big hill to climb this week when they host Frankford on Friday night. This game could have serious playoff implications.
Next Game: Frankford 9/19
Just missing the cut: Bartram (3-0), Bishop McDevitt (2-1), Father Judge (1-2)
AAAA - Top 5
1. St Joseph Prep (2-1)
2. Roman Catholic (1-1)
3. Cardinal O'Hara (3-0)
4. Frankford (2-1)
5. LaSalle (2-1)
Bubble Teams: Bartram (3-0), Father Judge (1-2) , Northeast (1-1), Washington (2-1)
AAA - Top 5
1. Archbishop Wood (2-1)
2. Northeast Catholic (2-1)
3. Lansdale Catholic (1-2)
4. Dobbins (2-1)
5. Mastbaum (2-1)
Bubble Teams: Conwell-Egan (1-2), Simon Gratz (2-1)
AA - Top 5
1. West Catholic (2-1)
2. Bishop McDevitt (2-1)
3. Bok (3-0)
4. Archbishop Carroll (1-2)
5. Kennedy-Kenrick (1-2)
Bubble Teams: None