Interhall Predictions

Renee Griffin:

The matchup between Pangborn and Welsh Family is sure to be a nail-biter, as the two have nearly identical stats in points per game and points allowed.

The Phoxes can pull off their second consecutive upset with a win over the Whirlwinds, as they showed marked improvement in their revenge match last week against previously undefeated Pasquerilla East with a decisive 34-20 win.

Though Welsh Family goes into the championship without a loss, it has not been challenged all season by a team as strong in both offense and defense as Pangborn. Ultimately, I think Pangborn’s defense will be able to limit the Whirlwind attack enough to triumph, just as it did against the Pyros in the semifinals.

Two formidable teams will be on display when Morrissey and Keenan square off.

Morrissey’s offense is by far the most productive in the league, and in the playoffs, the Manor have shut down two opponents after allowing an average of nine points per game in the regular season. Keenan, on the other hand, has boasted a steadfast defense all year, allowing a total of six points through six games.

The weather Sunday will likely allow the defenses to dominate; however, in the end, Morrissey’s offense will show up as usual to find a hole in the Knights’ front at least once to hand Keenan a close defeat. Keenan’s offense will struggle to put up points against a Manor defense that has a lot of momentum right now.

The title game on the women’s side pits the league’s two best scoring defenses against each other. Welsh Family allowed 24 points during six regular season games, Pangborn just 27.

But for as equally matched as these two strong defensive units are, the offenses look the same way. Both teams put up points and average at least three scores a game. Both have been impressive during the playoffs.

And when both the offensive and defensive units are so well matched, it often can come down to which team has that clutch factor; that ability to pull out big plays.

The Whirlwinds showed they have that trait when they beat Pasquerilla West on the last play of the game way back in September.

FINAL SCORE: Welsh Family 22, Pangborn 18

It’s that classic game where the two teams seem to be radically different.

Morrissey got here thanks to its innovative (or is it throwback?) Wing-T offense that leads the league in scoring, averaging 18.3 points per game. Keenan got here thanks to its stout defense — the Knights have allowed just six points all season long.

Morrissey missed the playoffs each of the last three years. Keenan is going for its second title in three years (and lost in the semifinals last year).

But Keenan needed Siegfried to turn the ball over in the red zone twice late just to hang on and make the Stadium.

Morrissey is a team poised to etch its name in the record books. And it will do so Sunday.

FINAL SCORE: Morrissey 16, Keenan 6