Week 1 high school football picks: Headin' for the mountains

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/ FROM KEITH GROLLER Can't believe another high school football season begins tonight. It was October 1979 -- I was just 18 and four months out of high school when I covered my first game for The Morning Call as a part-timer. That was what -- wow -- 33 years ago. I've been covering high school football with regulaity every fall since 1982, my first year as a full-timer. People complain about high school football getting too much coverage, most of the complaints coming from soccer, field hockey and volleyball parents, but the truth is that nothing unifies a school community better than football. Attendance isn't what it used to be, but it's still the top draw when it comes to high school athletics and there is a good reason why youth groups and Homecoming and Hall of Fame committees use football as the backdrop for their events. They know football has a better chance of bringing out more people, garnering more interest, than any other sport. I begin this season with a first. For the first time, I am covering a game at Pocono Mountain East High School. That's where Dieruff will play its first MVC football game ever. I've been to East for a bunch of basketball games over the years, but never football. You can follow me on Twitter @KeithGroller for updates. Well, at least if I can get on the Internet in the Pocono East pressbox. I am little worried about that since I've already received word that the scoreboard there in Swiftwater will not be operational tonight. Here are my Week 1 predictions: MOUNTAIN VALLEY CONFERENCE Pocono Mt. East 35, Dieruff 7 -- The Cardinals feature an abundance of speed. Dieruff, by all accounts, is much better in terms of organization and structure and Kyle Beller is so enthusiastic that you can't help but root for him. This, however, will be a work-in-progress. I am impressed with the Dieruff Alumni Association getting together and making the trip up there to support the kids. Central Catholic 42, Allen 13 -- One more reminder of why it was time for the Canaries (and Huskies) to get out of the Lehigh Valley Conference. Marian Catholic 33, Lehighton 13 -- Maybe Stan Dakosty will go easy on one of his former players, new Lehighton coach Tom McCarroll, who is another likable, enthusiastic guy who will work hard. This year, though, may be a struggle. Freedom 34, ES South 20 -- I covered this game a year ago and the Patriots totally outclassed the Cavs. This one should be much more competitive, but the Pates may have too much firepower. Stroudsburg 27, Northampton 14 -- The Mounties, behind a powerful offensive line, figure to spoil Jeff Brosky's debut with the K-Kids. Nazareth 41, Pleasant Valley 21 -- Another LVC-MVC matchup that was a blowout last season. It should be more competitive this time. Andy "Weave" Weaver will be happy. Weave wanted me to get this info out there: "The Nazareth Fall Booster Clubs as well as all the Nazareth schools will be selling Pink T-Shirts and Hooded Sweatshirts to raise money for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. We have a target of selling 2000 pieces of clothing and only have a short three weeks to do it!! We will be placing the orders on Friday, September 14th so all the clothing is delivered by September 30th. As you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we plan to have a “Think Pink” games for all the Fall Sports. We will have all the Team support each other attending their games wearing their pink clothing to show support for their fellow athletes and highlight the awareness of breast cancer. The football team's think pink game is Oct. 12. Becahi 34, PM West 14 -- Got to visit the West campus for the first time a few weeks ago. Nice place. But Jim McCarroll, like his nephew Tom, may struggle with the Panthers and the Golden Hawks figure to be improved from a year ago. ES North 26, Honesdale 13 -- North is another nice place, once you get there. Quite scenic in that area, but watch out for the deer. North should play Saturday afternoon games to showcase that colorful fall scenery. The T-wolves have that triple-option attack and some weapons to use it well this season. LEHIGH VALLEY CONFERENCE Parkland 28, Delaware Valley 14 -- It will be interesting to see how the additions of Tim McGorry and Tim Moncman will change the look with the Trojans. Don't sleep on Del Val, a very strong District 2 program. Whitehall 27, Spring-Ford 20 -- Another LVC contender goes on the road for what should be a competitive opener. Let's see if my Lehigh media colleague Mike Yadush gets his defense to play well against what should be a potent Rams offense. Easton 21, Pennsbury 7 -- The Brad Wilkins Era begins at quarterback for the Red Rovers, who get a chance to show if they're worthy of all the hype. Emmaus 28, Germantown 14 -- Germantown was 7-5 last season and its 35-12 loss in Week 1 to Emmaus was its worst of the season. What I am saying is, the Green Hornets better not overlook the Bears. Liberty 33, State College 21 -- My guess is that the start of the football season couldn't come soon enough for everyone in Centre County after the dark cloud that has hovered over Mt. Nittany since November. The Hurricanes have a dynamic receiving combo in KJ Williams and Boise Ross. COLONIAL LEAGUE Bangor 41, Salisbury 7 -- Should be another good football season in the Slate Belt. Northwestern 21, Palisades 14 -- A matchup of first-year head coaches (well at least at Palisades for former Allen coach Kevin Ronalds). I like both guys and wish them well. Palmerton 28, Notre Dame 20 -- I wonder how Bob Mlkvy, Ed Hedes, John Hrebik and all of my Palmerton friends are doing. Come to think to it, those three might be my only Palmerton friends. This one actually should be a real close game between programs trying to turn the corner. Pen Argyl 33, Saucon Valley 19 -- Green Knights are in for a number of good nights, and solid Saturday afternoons this season, but the Panthers have experience and this could be a good one. Catasauqua 20, Wilson 13 -- I've heard a lot about Warriors receiver Dan Grupp, from his father Lew, one of the Stellar basketball gurus. Super Lew says watch out for Wilson. Tom Falzone and Co. have done a great job with Roughies over the past three seasons and look to get Year No. 4 off to a good start. Southern Lehigh 27, Northern Lehigh 21 -- The game of the night in the Colonial as the Bulldogs unveil their new "synthetic" turf field. I refer to this one as the Mike Feifel Bowl since he's on the Spartans staff but lives in the heart of Bulldogs country and his son, Zach, is a two-way senior lineman for Northern Lehigh. OTHERS Tamaqua 34, Jim Thorpe 14 -- Olympians desperate to avoid another 0-7 start. Mahanoy Area 34, Panther Valley 12 -- Wonder how my friends at Kelly's Irish Pub in Lansford are doing? My guess is that place will be hopping at 9 tomorrow morning for Notre Dame-Navy from Dublin. Quakertown 21, Upper Perk 14 -- Steve Moyer's debut with the Indians is spoiled. Pennridge 28, Haverford School 21 -- Rams get revenge for Week 1 loss last year. Southern Columbia 48, Pius X 28 -- Despite all of its personnel losses, the Royals won't be too bad this season and with Phil Stambaugh calling the plays, they will always score. But mighty Southern Columbia, while not as good as in the past, are probably still too much.