Protime’s Pigskin Ponderings – Getting Old & Predicting Big Games

Tagged under: News, pfn, Protime Predictions

Phil Myers | October 29, 2026

Protime realized the other day that the snap, crackle, and pop he was hearing at the breakfast table was not his Rice Crispies but his joints acting up each time he moved.  Then he started thinking that age is catching up to him after all these years.  Ever since Protime was a kid and through his teenage years and through early adulthood and even middle age, he could easily outrun old age.  But now, like the tortoise, old age is catching up slowly but surely.

He also has noticed that his body can predict the weather more accurately than the weatherman.  When he goes to events and parties, after a short while, Protime looks for perfect exit strategies to get back home.  In the old days, Protime would look for opportunities to sneak out and go to events or stay out longer.  When Protime comes back from the gym, he predicts what part of his body will start hurting first.  On and on it goes, but as they say, getting old is not for sissies.  Protime is toughing it out and covering high school football keeps him young.  The exception is when he gets home from covering games at far away venues, he is ready to hit the hay. 

Protime is going to look at and predict a few big games that he has been pondering and are coming up this last week of the regular season.  Don’t tell Mrs. Protime that the crystal has been dusted off for this week and possibly some playoff games.

Pope John Paul II (7-2) at Pottsgrove (8-1) – Protime is taking the Golden Panthers over the Falcons in a close one.  PJP 24 Pottsgrove 20.

Ridley (8-1) at Garnet Valley (8-1) – Another nip and tuck contest from District 1.  This one Protime feels the Green Raiders just might prevail.  Ridley 21 Garnet Valley’s Jaguars 14.

Spring Ford (8-1) at Upper Perkiomen (8-1) – Wow. One more tight game from D-1.  It should come down to whoever has the ball last.  Protime’s coin says the SF Rams will topple the UP Indians 42-38 in the PAC crossover title game.

Lakeland (7-2) at Dunmore (9-0) – Dunmore is rolling, but do not look away from Lakeland.  The Bucks appear to be the stronger team.  Dunmore 34 Lakeland’s Chiefs 14.

Harrisburg (8-1) at State College (9-0) – Despite Harrisburg being smeared by McDevitt and St. College handing McD their only loss, this is going to be close.  Protime sees the State College Little Lions beating the Harrisburg Cougars 24-14.

West York (9-0) at Dover (8-1) – A possible good one from District 3 has the West York Bulldogs 28 and the Dover Eagles 13.

Mount Carmel (9-0) at Shamokin (8-1) – Shamokin did not play well last week but give Blue Mountain some love for the way they played in upsetting the #1 4A team in PA.  With their QB injured, can Shamokin rebound against a legendary team having a fantastic year.  The crystal ball says yes.  The Indians of Shamokin 33 and the Red Tornadoes of Mount Carmel 28.

Meyersdale (6-3) at Juniata Valley (6-3) – District 5 vs District 6 makes up this quality matchup.  The final score has the Meyersdale Indians 20 and the Juniata Valley Hornets 13.

Bellwood-Antis (7-2) at Central Cambria (7-2) – Really interesting mascot battle here on Halloween.  It’s the BA Blue Devils taking on the CC Red Devils.  Protime is seeing blue and has the game Bellwood-Antis 30 Central Cambria 20.

Bishop Guilfoyle (8-1) at Richland (8-1) – In the first game of the season the Rams of Richland took down the BG Marauders 21-16.  It is hard to beat a good team twice.  Therefore, it’ll be Bishop Guilfoyle 21 and Richland 17 in the LHAC Championship Crossover game.

Avonworth (8-1) at Propel Braddock Hills (7-2) – Protime is taking the Avonworth Antelopes to upset the #1 Propel Braddock Hills Lions 36-30 in this huge District 7 contest between these Class 3A contenders.

Belle Vernon (8-1) at Elizabeth Forward (8-1) – Once again D-7 has a huge game in Class 3A.  The coin flip has Belle Vernon’s Leopards scratching out a win over the Elizabeth Forward Warriors 26-22.

Fort Cherry (8-1) at Washington (8-1) – Fort Cherry’s Rangers will edge the Little Prexies of Washington 27-26 in a fantastic 1A game.

Ligonier Valley (8-1) at Apollo-Ridge (8-1) – Apollo-Ridge will get the better of Ligonier Valley in this 2A showdown.  The hometown Vikings will score 31 points and the visiting Rams will serve up 20 points.

Seton LaSalle (9-0) at Bishop Canevin (9-0) – This D-7 matchup should determine the #1 seed in the playoffs in Class 2A.  Protime is picking the Rebels of Seton LaSalle to defeat the Crusaders of Bishop Canevin 42-35.

University Prep (5-3) at Westinghouse (8-0) – This Pittsburgh City League Championship Game has the University Prep Wildcats trying to avenge an earlier loss to the Bulldogs of Westinghouse.  Protime says it ain’t gonna happen.  Westinghouse 42 University Prep 14.

Ridgway (6-3) at Punxsutawney (6-3) – Good tussle in District 9 this week.  Two good teams and two good coaches in Ridgway’s Mark Heinl and Punxsy’s Brandon Snyder.  The hometown Chucks may be a little better than the visiting Elkers.  Punxsy 27 Ridgway 14.

Grove City (7-2) at Wilmington (8-1) – This football game is the D-10 representative.  Wilmington should be victorious.  Wilmington Greyhounds 28 Grove City Eagles 14.

Allentown Central Catholic (6-3) at Whitehall (8-1) – The Vikings at the Zephyrs.  Protime is picking Whitehall to beat ACC 29-28.

Roman Catholic (6-2) at St. Joes Prep (7-1) – Finally we have a D-12 contest between a couple of heavyweights.  The Cahillites lost by one point in overtime last year to the Prep Hawks.  This year Protime has the Hawks with a bit more breathing room.  St. Joes 34 Roman Catholic 21.