HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 1 MUSINGS
If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's that you can't draw too many conclusions from Week 1 of the high school football season. Just look at what Liberty did last year after losing its opener to North Penn.
That said, there were several things that struck me after the opening week of the 2009 season:
- Speaking of North Penn, they sure didn't seem to miss all those players they lost from last year's team. They're quick, strong, talented, and Craig Needhammer just might be the fastest running back in the area. They don't rebuild at North Penn - they reload.
- I didn't see the game, but I was very surprised that Parkland didn't even score on George Washington until the 4th quarter. Looking at the stats, the Trojans never could get their running game going. Looks like both Parkland and Liberty will be working out the kinks this week, heading into their showdown in Bethlehem Friday night.
- Congratulations to Steve Shiffert for becoming the all-time winningest coach in the history of Easton football. He's been a stalwart at Easton since 1993, and surpassing Bob Rute on an all-time wins list is a pretty special honor.
- While my first impression of the Easton game was happiness for Shiff for breaking the record, my next impression was that East Stroudsburg South is definitely legit. We heard they were the hands-down favorite to win the Mountain Valley Conference this year, and from what I saw, they'd be a tough customer in the L-V-C too. They're a senior-laden team, with plenty of talent. I wouldn't want to run into them in the District playoffs.
- Wilson's Air Raid offense is already in midseason form. It took them just one scoreless quarter to re-discover their groove. Their 35-point, 2nd quarter onslaught against Palmerton was a sight to behold. I'd be surprised if anybody beat the Warriors in the regular season.
- Central Catholic looked really good in its win over Pottsville Saturday night. I was at the game, and I can see why they were a popular sleeper pick in the L-V-C this year. I'm betting we get a Wilson-Central District 3A Final, in what would be one whale of a championship game.
- Wasn't Wilson West Lawn supposed to have graduated everybody last year? To get the mercy clock going on Governor Mifflin by halftime is quite an accomplishment. The Bulldogs fall into that same "reloading" category that North Penn dwells in. Looks like they'll be the class of Berks County once again this season.
- I know C.B. West is down these days, but Freedom did whatever it wanted offensively Friday night. Darius Webb's dazzling debut is obviously the big story there, but I was impressed with how many other playmakers the Patriots have as well. They'll get a good early test this Friday against...
- Whitehall. The Zephyrs beat a very good Conrad Weiser team, and did so fairly convincingly. Now that everyone is healthy, we'll see just how good Whitehall can be. Their showdown with Freedom this week should be a great game.
- They may have lost the game, but Pen Argyl looked good against Palisades on Saturday. The Green Knights are definitely improved this year. They won't go 3-7 again.
- Saucon Valley and Catasauqua both scored big road wins against favored teams on Friday. If opening night is any indication, the Panthers and Roughies could surprise this year.
- I'll close with a shamelessly biased plug for my alma mater, Upper Perk. I know Muhlenberg lost a lot from last year's team, but to go into Muhlenberg and win in Week 1 is pretty impressive. If Shawn Wenhold stays healthy in the backfield, the Tribe could be a sleeper in the PAC-10.
Well those are my Week 1 impressions. If you have any others, feel free to comment!
Jim Vaughn