Football: Some playoff positions are still up for grabs

Although the District One playoff picture is rounding into form, there are many questions left unanswered as Week 10 of the high school football season draws near. Can Ridley get in with a loss? Does Haverford have a chance after last week’s heartbreaking defeat to Garnet Valley? What has to happen for Marple Newtown to make it? Haverford, Ridley, Garnet Valley and Conestoga are either battling for seeding or a berth in the District One Class AAAA bracket. It’s fitting that those four teams pair off Friday night. Haverford (7-3) hosts Ridley (8-2). The Fords, who sit in 19th place, need a win and some help to qualify for the field of 16. Ridley can punch its ticket with a victory, but a loss could doom the Green Raiders, who are one spot ahead of Haverford in the points standings. Garnet Valley (7-2) travels to Conestoga (7-2). The Jaguars and Pioneers are in 12th and 13th place, respectively. Regardless of the outcome, it appears that both teams are safe. The Jaguars and Pioneers both defeated Ridley. It’s worth noting that Ridley, GV and Conestoga all gained 100 power points by defeating Upper Darby. Haverford, of course, doesn’t play Upper Darby until Thanksgiving. The annual rivalry game could come back to haunt the Fords. Having those extra points in their back pocket would certainly help the Fords’ cause. In Class AAA, Springfield has all but locked up the No.1 spot. The Cougars (9-0) host Harriton (1-8) and a win would give them their first Central League title in 20 years. Academy Park (7-2) sits in fourth place with a key showdown against Glen Mills (4-5) looming. The Knights can clinch the Del Val League title and a first-round home game with a victory.