CHSFL ranking, Week 8
7. Mount St. Michael (2-5) (7)
The Mountaineers finished the season strong and easily could have
won three of its last four games had it not been for a last second Fordham
Prep touchdown in Week 7. Mario Valentini’s crew squeaked out a 14-13
win over Chaminade without starting quarterback Jaylen Amaker, who was out
with a sprain ankle. Valentini has said all season his team will go as far
as fullback Gary Acquah will take them. He scored both touchdowns in the
win over the Flyers. Next: No. 8 Xavier, Class AA
quarterfinals (Nov. 8, 1 p.m.)
8. Xavier (5-3) (8)
The Xavier players dedicated Sunday’s regular-season finale to
defensive coordinator Kevin
Kelly, who coached at Christ the King last year and the Knights ran
all over the Royals in a 49-12 victory at Aviator Sports Complex. Jonny
Clark rushed for 183 yards and four touchdowns, Chris Mattina had six
carries for 88 yards and a score and John Wilson and Brent Scardapane each
added TDs for red-hot Xavier, which has won four in a row and five of its
last six heading into the Class AA playoffs. Next:
@ No. 7 Mount St. Michael, Class AA quarterfinals (Nov. 8, 1 p.m.)
CHSFL predictions, Playoffs Round 1
Xavier @ Mount St. Michael (Sunday, 1 p.m.)
Butler: If you told me this was the Class AA quarterfinal matchup two weeks ago, I would have said Xavier would win easily. After all, the Knights have been scoring points in bunches and their defense has been stout, while Mount had won just one of its first six games. But the Mountaineers ended the regular season with an impressive 14-13 victory against Chaminade and head into the postseason with a ton of confidence. And Xavier hasn’t exactly had a ton of success against ‘AAA’ opposition. The season won’t be over for either team, with both playing on Thanksgiving, but it’s Mount that heads into the ‘AA’ semifinals after a hard-fought, tight victory. Pick: Mount St. Michael
Staszewski: This game is one of the most interesting this week. You've get a red hot Xavier team against a Mountaineers squad that has begun to play well after a slow starter behind fullback Gary Acquah. I’ve been hot and cold with the Knights this season, but with Mount quarterfinal Jaylen Amaker nursing a sore ankle, they will take this one. It’s balanced running attack of Jonny Clarke and John Wilson will wear down the Mountaineers defense. Pick: Xavier
