Week 9 predictions

Pottsville (3-5) at Southern Lehigh (8-0): Biggest trap game this season for the Spartans, knowing Northwestern put up 56 points in the first half two weeks against Pottsville.

Spartans 35-13. Salisbury (0-8) at North Schuylkill (6-2):

The Spartans bounce back after a reality-check loss and a tough week of practice.

Spartans 42-7. Bangor (5-3) at Blue Mountain (5-3):

Critical game in the District 11 Class 4A playoff race with the Eagles looking to earn a semifinal home game and the Slaters looking to solidify a berth.

Eagles 21-14. Tamaqua (4-4) at Palmerton (8-0):

The Blue Raiders’ four-game winning streak surely has the Blue Bombers’ attention after their monumental win last week.

Blue Bombers 22-20. Lehighton (2-6) at Saucon Valley (3-5):

The Panthers likely can’t get higher than fifth in the 3A playoff standings. They don’t want to go any lower.

Panthers 27-21. Jim Thorpe (2-6) at Northern Lehigh (3-5):

The Bulldogs and Olympians have not had the seasons they hoped for. Injuries have not helped. Neither can afford another loss. Olympians 21-13. Pine Grove (2-6) at Notre Dame-GP (5-3): The Crusaders are looking to be clicking on all gears come Week 11. They are starting to roll, scoring 105 points the previous two weeks. Crusaders 47-7. Minersville (7-1) at Schuylkill Haven (7-1): Whichever running game gets going or keeps going will win. Best guess:

Battlin’ Miners 20-14. Catasauqua (4-4) at Palisades (2-6):

The Rough Riders are looking to reverse a rough stretch with strong finish to the regular season. But as coach Travis Brett’s bunch knows, nothing comes easy against the Pirates. Rough Riders 28-12.

Pen Argyl (4-4) at Panther Valley (2-6): The Green Knights need two wins to get back into the Class 2A playoff bracket. This is a start. Green Knights 29-6. Williams Valley (6-2) at Shenandoah Valley (2-6): The Vikings have won a few close games this season. They hope to not keep pressing their luck. Vikings 37-14.

Marian Catholic (5-3) at Tri-Valley (4-4): The Bulldogs’ four losses are all by a touchdown or less, a combined 20 points. Colts 14-12.

Northwestern (8-0) at Wilson (0-8): The Tigers keep rolling through opponents.

Tigers 49-7. Mahanoy Area (2-6) vs. Nativity BVM (5-3):

The Green Wave were warned. The Golden Bears are not dead yet, evidenced by last week’s win over Tri-Valley. Green Wave 19-14.

Last week: 10-4 This season: 94-26