Chicks Picks – Week Five – 2014

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, September 25, 2014 | 11:35 AM

Welcome to Week 5 of the high school football season. Becoming a local celebrity has its perks, and Chick’s Picks was set to enjoy yet another last weekend. The resident WPIAL football prognosticator was asked by the Pittsburgh Pirates to throw out the first pitch Saturday night when they took on the Brewers. Chick’s Picks did not hesitate to accept the offer, especially considering the tremendous success the Pirates have had this season.

Game night arrived. Chick’s Picks was escorted onto the field by the Pirates PR staff. As she stepped onto the mound, she took it all in—the bright lights, the sellout crowd of over 37,000 fans, and even the famous Pirates Pierogies. Then, the nerves set in.

Panicked, Chick’s Picks could not bring herself to throw the pitch. The usher kindly leaned over and said, “Hey lady, you’ve gotta get this show on the road already.” So, without further hesitation, Chick’s Picks let it go.

It was bad. Worse than rapper 50 Cent’s notorious worst first pitch of all time. Chick’s Picks tossed an unintentional curve ball that took out Pirates Pierogy Cheese Chester—who had just returned from the disabled list after a broken foot. As the ushers escorted Chick’s Picks off the field in the midst of flying debris from angry fans, they gave her a piece of friendly advice: “Stick with prognosticating.”

The Pirates went on to lose to the Brewers that night. It is safe to assume that Chick’s Picks threw out her first and last first pitch.

Chick’s Picks finished last week with a 47-18 (78%) record, bringing her season total to 184-77 (70%). Here are this week’s big games:

CLASS AAAA
#5 North Hills (4-0) at #4 Pine-Richland (4-0)

The Rams host the Indians in a Northern Eight Conference battle between undefeateds. Both are part of a three-way tie with Central Catholic for the top spot in the conference. Last week, North Hills edged Seneca Valley, 16-15, while Pine-Richland recorded its second shutout of the season, 62-0 over Kiski Area. The Rams boast the top-ranked passer in the WPIAL in Ben DiNucci, who has thrown for 1,040 yards and 16 touchdowns already this season. Pine-Richland’s offense is averaging 45 points per game—nearly twice that of North Hills. When these two met last season, the Indians managed a 7-0 victory. Chick’s Picks predicts the tables to turn this time around.
Pine-Richland over North Hills.

CLASS AAA
#1 West Allegheny (4-0) at #8 Montour (3-1)

Defending champion West Allegheny travels to Montour for a Parkway Conference showdown Friday night. The Indians are coming off of a 41-0 rout of Ambridge last week, while the Spartans topped Hopewell, 47-12. West Allegheny, typically known for tough defenses, currently has the top offense in Class AAA, averaging 54 points per game. The Indians backfield trio of Chayse Dillon, Whitney White, and Terence Stephens has combined for 853 yards and 19 touchdowns. The Spartans get it done through the air and on the ground behind 500-yard passer Randall Labrie and 500-yard rusher David Haseleu. These two met in Week 8 last season, with the Indians coming out on top, 37-17. Chick’s Picks foresees a similar result.
West Allegheny over Montour.

CLASS AA
#7 New Brighton (4-0) at #2 Aliquippa (4-0)

New Brighton heads to The Pit to take on Aliquippa in a fight for first place in the Midwestern Conference. The Lions remained perfect last week, with a 59-34 win over Beaver, as the Quips topped Summit Academy, 49-14. DiMantae Bronaugh leads Aliquippa with 368 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the year. New Brighton RB Scott Florence ranks among the Top 10 in the WPIAL with 556 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Quips blanked the Lions last season, 43-0. Despite more of a fight this time around, Chick’s Picks still predicts the same outcome.
Aliquippa over New Brighton.

CLASS A
Fort Cherry (2-2) at #4 Avonworth (4-0)

The Rangers will have their hands full when they take on the Antelopes in yet another key Black Hills Conference matchup Friday night. Last week, Fort Cherry rebounded from back-to-back losses with a 35-31 win over Bishop Canevin. Avonworth remained perfect with a 42-14 victory over Shenango. Despite being outscored by opponents, 88-105, this season, the Rangers will rely heavily on RB Nick Cook, who has gained over 300 yards and six touchdowns. The Antelopes are led by Zach Chandler, who ranks #5 among WPIAL quarterbacks, with 742 yards and six touchdowns. Avonworth has allowed only 55 points all season. Chick’s Picks likes the Antelopes to remain perfect in this one.
Avonworth over Fort Cherry.

CLASS AAAA:

Foothills Conference

McKeesport over Hempfield

Plum over Kiski Area

Penn-Trafford over Latrobe

Norwin over Altoona

Northern Eight Conference

Seneca Valley over Butler

North Allegheny over Shaler

Southeastern Conference

Penn Hills over Baldwin

Mount Lebanon over Peters Township