It is really nice that Berlin gets two bye weeks in the Playoffs.

[peytonsaturday]

Like I said Hank I hope Berlin does win  since I'm a Portage grad, and its nice to see the Westpac do well in the playoffs. With that said I'm also a realist and know Clariton is better in every aspect of the game.

I agree.  I'm pulling for Berlin.  Take AAABA for instance, I can't stand the guys who coach Martella's.  They are arrogant, and disrespect the game.  But come tourney time, I always pull for them.  I sit up the first base side, and cheer for both Johnstown teams.  Why?  Because they're local.  But as GoldenRamsFAN said, I'm also a realist, and I wouldn't bet the farm on Berlin (or any D5 team in the future) beating a D7 team.  

[12HankQB]

Good 

[GoldenRamsFAN]

Hank lets be honest here....when's the last time a D5 beat a D7 team in A? better yet kept it within 2 tds?

[footballguy99]

When is the last time everyone commenting watched Clairton play?

North Star was leading Serra Catholic one year heading in to the fourth quarter.  The Cougars threw a pass near the 50 and it got picked and ran back for a TD.  Had that not happened, NS would have most likely beaten a District 7 team and everyone wouldn't think they can't be beaten.  I believe they were up 28-14 at the time and had the ball. 

It is unlikely.  That champion comes from a huge pod of teams whereas the D5 Champion has come out of a group of 9-11 over the years.  D5/9/10 is usually unlikely to beat D7.  That's why the WPIAL Champion is so often in the PIAA Final.

The 2007 NS team had a great QB and a great line.  Berlin is probably the best team in the Westpac since that team.  I'm not sure who I would say is better between the two but I'd give the edge to this Berlin team I think.

[footballguy99]

[youtube]FMbOwwdxakA[/youtube]

Here is the video highlights of that game in 2007 that I referenced. 

[footballguy99]

http://www.bleachercoaches.com/football/topic9684.html

Pretty cool....I searched for the game on Google and here is the topic from that game.

One comment that was made that always comes up with this matchup:

"Congratulations to North Star. I listened to the entire game and with the exception of the last 10 minutes they outplayed Serra Catholic. There was never any quit and they went toe to toe with Serra. The players have nothing to be ashamed of. In a game where no one but their family and friends gave them "a snowball's chance in hell" of playing with the mighty District 7 team not only did they play with them, they outplayed them for a large part of the game."


It is easy to say I told you so when D7 wins the game. They should win it probably 24/25 years. There is always a chance though and in 2007....It ALMOST happened, but almost doesn't count.

[Birda]

Hank lets be honest here....when's the last time a D5 beat a D7 team in A? better yet kept it within 2 tds?

To be fair, that's only been the alignment since 2004.  And they really should rotate the brackets occassionally.

[johnthomas81]

Well, other than a mustang fan, the only other possibility would be a fan that has no idea of Gary Gouses' history. So sorry, my bad.  I guess assuming you were aware of Portage scores this year was my mistake. I bet you understand WV high school football history better than you do pa.  Maybe your opinions would make more sense on a WV chat board.

Also, if you could please kid (Assuming you're under the age of 25) where exactly did I defend Gary Gouse?  Don't worry I'll wait.

This is the statement I was upset with.
"I doubt many coaches will forget the 60 points the "mountain men" put up on them.  I know I wouldn't. " 
 I said you must be a fan that doesn't know the history of Portage.  I also said you didn't do your homework.  Nothing about defending Gary Gouse.
In Berlins 2 60 point wins this year Braden Fochtman had a combined 14 carries with one rushing touchdown... Your comment makes it sound like Berlin runs up the score.
Look at Fochtmans carries on the year..... 15 per game.   139 yards per game..  Those don't seem like numbers from a tailback who plays on a team that runs up the score????
I'm only 16, but I did take a research class as a freshman.  You didn't have that class, did you sir?