I going to try to channel Frank Caliendo/Jim Rome here and make a few predictions for the YAIAA football season. I'm sort of supposed to be an expert on this stuff, so I might as well dispense my apparent wisdom for all area high school football fans to see, right? Right?
Anyway, remember, these picks are for entertainment purposes only. Don't blame me if you end up losing a slap bet because you wagered based on my predictions.
Division I champion: William Penn. There are just too many strong weapons not to pick the Bearcats to win the division for the second consecutive year. I'm convinced they are going to finish the regular season 10-0 if they remain relatively healthy.
Division II champion: West York. This is another case of too many solid players back from last season's championship team. The Bulldogs are fast, disciplined and talented, and I can't see anyone else in Division II derailing West York's success.
Division III champion: Delone Catholic. The Squires get the nod here by process of elimination. In addition to winning the division last year and taking the District 3 crown under the guidance of first-year coach Steve Wiles, they don't have to compete with Littlestown, which moved up to Division II. Bermudian could give the Squires a run, but I like Delone to make it three repeat champs in the YAIAA this season.
Games first-year program Northeastern will win: Three. Details here.
Teams that will make the playoffs, by class: AAAA: William Penn, Central York, Dallastown, South Western; AAA: West York, Dover; AA: Littlestown, Delone Catholic. Red Lion misses out this year after barely squeaking in during 2007, South Western makes its return to the playoffs, Dover earns enough wins against AAAA programs to qualify and Dallastown follows its surprising success in 2007 with a return to the postseason.
Last YAIAA teams standing in the postseason: William Penn and West York. Both of these squads sould be contenders for the AAAA and AAA district titles, respectively. I see the Bearcats and the Bulldogs advancing to their District 3 title games before falling just short of the PIAA semifinals.
I'll revisit my picks at the midseason point. Until then, if you insist on gambling, be sure to wager your slaps wisely.
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