It pains me, but congratulations to the two New York Yankees
fans that I know – Eric, the new guy, and my son Alan.

What are the chance that a team wins the World Series the first
season in their new stadium.

Hey, may be Ralph Wilson needs to build a new stadium!

Now let’s move on to what’s happening among the District 9
football teams as far as the playoffs are concerned.

Both the eight-team Class A bracket and the four-team Class AA
pairings will be determined on Sunday.

In Class AAA, the two playoff berths are still up for grabs with
all four teams – Bradford, Clearfield, Punxsutawney and St. Marys –
in the running.

Tonight’s games in Triple-A will determine who’s in and who’s
out. Only the top two teams in power points make it into the title
game.

It’s a shame because all four teams have good records. Teams in
the finals should be determined on the field by playing games, not
by some crazy point system.

CONDOLENCES: It’s difficult to believe that longtime football
coach Rod Rohl is no longer with us. He put up a strong fight after
suffering a heart attack, but lost the battle on Monday.

He was truly one of the good guys.

I first met him when his Hinsdale Bobcats were regulars on
Limestone’s football schedule. He was easy to interview and always
ready with a one-liner.

He will be missed by all those who have been a part of the Big
30.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

THANK YOU: A tip of the prognosticator’s hat to Vic Longo who
came through for me last Friday night at the Bradford-Prep football
game.

There were no programs available on the visitors’ side of
Parkway Field and I was totally lost as to who the Prep players
were without a roster.

It just so happened that Vic has relatives who live in Erie and
their son plays for the Ramblers. Vic was sitting with them and
whenever I needed a name to go with a number they graciously helped
me out.

Thanks, Vic and Tony!

THE RECORD: I had my best night of the season last week with a
record of 16-2. St. Marys’ loss and Youngsville’s win were the
spoilers.

For the year I stand at 171-69 headed into today’s final picks
of the season. Remember, I don’t do the actual playoffs, however, I
will be picking tonight’s Allegheny Mountain League championship
game.

TONIGHT’S GAMES

Corry at Bradford

This is a big game for both teams as far as their respective
playoffs are concerned.

The Beavers have already been extended a bid, but head coach
Homer DeLattre says his team needs to beat the Owls to accept
it.

“If we lose to Bradford we may pull out of the playoffs,”
DeLattre warned earlier this week. “Bradford beat Erie East and we
lost to them last week.

“If we lose Friday night we don’t deserve to go. If we beat a
quality team like Bradford then we’ll go in,” he added.

The Beavers had problems with illness last week, but DeLattre
said all his players are healthy.

“We have to stop their (Owls) running game,” he emphasized. “We
can’t allow them sustained 12-15 play drives and have to get off
the field on third down.

“Bradford is well coached in the fundamentals. It will be a
great challenge for our team. We have a chance to win seven games
for the first time since 1996.”

It comes down to who wants it most. I talked with one of
Bradford’s seniors, Jimmy Grove, Wednesday night and he assured me
that the Owls are ready. I’m gonna go with it. Bradford by 7

AML CHAMPIONSHIP

Cameron County at Curwensville

The Red Raiders have put up some big numbers against teams and
have squeaked out a few wins on their way to being the only
unbeaten team in District 9. I don’t think they want the run to end
tonight. Cameron by 14

Cowanesque Valley at Otto-Eldred

I’m going with the Terrors. I have a good feeling about tonight.
Otto-Eldred by 10

Ridgway at Clarion-Limestone

I don’t know why, but I think the Elkers can pull this one out.
Ridgway by 4

Clearfield at St. Marys

Tough one here. A spot in the playoffs is at stake. The Dutch
are at home and they owe the Bisons one. St. Marys by 8

THE OTHER GAMES

Tonight

Sheffield at Youngsville, Sheffield by 2

Brockway at Keystone, Brockway by 16

Punxsutawney at Brookville, Punxsy by 20

DuBois at Hollidaysburg, DuBois by 6

Meadville at Erie Strong Vincent, Strong Vincent by 18

Iroquois at Eisenhower, Eisenhower by 8

Northwestern at Warren, Warren by 1