Rod Frisco's Predictions
Dave Jackson excels at D Tackle
DEFRANCO: North Penn's early loss to LaSalle a blessing in disguise

Plus - Former Knight Kevin Uhll at Delaware.

2010 AAAA Football Eastern Final

My thoughts: LaSalle is the defending state champ and has already beaten North Penn in Week 1. They have played very well and showed a lot of poise and persistence in come from behind wins. North Penn hasn't lost since Week 1 and seems to play better every week, culminating in applying the "Mercy Rule" to Neshaminy in the District 1 final last week. I think that each team will score at least 2 touchdowns, but I wouldn't be surprised at any outcome in this game, including a blowout by either team or multiple overtimes to determine the who goes to Hershey. (I think an overtime game is the only thing that could prevent one of these teams from winning the AAAA championship on 12/18).

Others' thoughts:
Kev Hunter in the Reporter - Explorers are up next for North Penn
Joe Stokes - Playoff survivors can smell the chocolate
Scott Huff on SuburbanOneSports.com - 2010 Eastern Final Preview: North Penn Vs. La Salle
The Philadelphia Eagles' Sean McDermott is pulling for his alma mater: McDermott pulling for Explorers

Now, some complaints. The only acceptable field in District 1 is the Explorers home field? How is that right? And why are they playing Saturday afternoon? This is the first time the Knights have faced another team during the day since their scrimmage against Don Bosco prep on August 27. I'm pretty sure it's the first day game they have played since the 2008 Eastern Final. It's the sixth day game that LaSalle has played this year. It's almost like District 1 doesn't want to send a team to Hershey.

Thinking about it, this game might come down to the coin toss. In that scenario, if the Knights can receive the 2nd half kick-off, and they can put together a touchdown drive to open the 2nd half of the game, it could be what they need to position themselves to win the game. The bottom line, like most football games, this one will come down to game plan and execution. And in this game, it may be execution more than anything. Protect the ball, stay in your lane, make your checks, do more things right than the other team, and you will be going to Hershey.

District 1 Final

Links to articles:
The Trentonian: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Neshaminy takes on North Penn with the District Title on the line
The Times Herals: Knights, ’Skins playoff foes 5th time in 7 years
The Reporter: H.S. FOOTBALL: Redskins present a tough challenge for NP
The Inquirer: A closer look at North Penn-Neshaminy football game
Intel/Courier Times: Let's Talk Football Week 14
Suburban One Sports: Knights Boast Triple Threat At Wide Receiver
Suburban One Sports: Redskins' Offensive Line Quietly Delivers
Suburban One Sports: 2010 District One Class AAAA Final Preview

Somewhere in there North Penn Knights Coach Dick Beck sums it up best, "It comes down to North Penn speed vs. Neshaminy power."