MaxPreps Top 10 Football Games of the Week

In many states, the traditions of Thanksgiving weekend include high school football. In some areas, games are even played on Thanksgiving Day, including along the Delaware River where it separates Easton, Pa., from Phillipsburg, N.J. The towns having been playing a Turkey Day football game for nearly 100 years.

Key playoff battles are also on the line across the nation, including in South Carolina where fellow unbeatens Northwestern (Rock Hill) and Goose Creek will meet in the Class 4A/II semifinals. Another pair of undefeated teams – Rockhurst (Kansas City) and Hazelwood Central (Florissant) – will duke it out for the Class 6 championship in Missouri. Out West, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) hopes to continue its domination over in-state opponents when it battles unbeaten Palo Verde in the Nevada 4A semifinals.

The Top 10 Games of the Week season-long prediction contest will likely come down to the wire this season. Stephen Spiewak (101-39) has been in front all year, but after a 5-5 week, his lead has been trimmed to one game over the two-time defending champion MaxPreps Projections. Jamie DeMoney remains a distant third place, 11 games behind the pace. You can track the season-long standings and all the weekly results here.

Here's a look at this week's Top 10 games of the week along with predictions from MaxPreps staff writers and contributors Mitch Stephens, Steve Montoya, Stephen Spiewak, Kevin Askeland, Jamie DeMoney and projections for the games by the MaxPreps computer rankings:

Phillipsburg (N.J.) vs. Easton (Pa.), Thursday
One of the greatest Thanksgiving traditions in all of sports renews at Lafayette College, as the teams separated by the Delaware River play for the 104th time. This game is so big, there are not one but two trophies awarded to the winner. The teams first met in 1905 and the game has been played on Thanksgiving Day since 1916. Easton has four straight wins against Phillipsburg and leads the all-time series, 58-40-5.

This will be the final game of the year for Phillipsburg, which lost to Piscataway, 28-21, in the North 2 Group IV playoffs last week, ending its hopes for a third consecutive state crown. The Stateliners (8-2) were without their all-time leading passer, senior Justin Scourzo, who missed the game with a concussion. His status for the Easton game is pending the results of follow-up testing. On the other side, Easton has its mind not only on Phillipsburg but also a state playoff game against Whitehall on Saturday. It's a seemingly impossible week of preparation for the Red Rovers, but they dealt with it successfully last season when they won two games in three days. Easton (10-1) played arguably its best game of the year in last week's 68-20 blowout of East Stroudsburg South. Senior Zach Bambary led the way with 159 rushing yards and four touchdowns on only 10 carries.

Mitch Stephens: Easton 34, Phillipsburg 28
Steve Montoya: Phillipsburg 28, Easton 20
Stephen Spiewak: Easton 24, Phillipsburg 17
Kevin Askeland: Easton 35, Phillipsburg 25
Jamie DeMoney: Easton 33, Phillipsburg 17
MaxPreps Projection: Easton 31, Phillipsburg 20

Northwestern (Rock Hill, S.C.) at Goose Creek (S.C.), Friday
An undefeated dream season will end for one of these teams in the Class 4A/II state semifinals. Northwestern (13-0) boasts one of the top offenses in the state, averaging 43 points per game while Goose Creek (13-0) displayed its prowess on defense during last week's 49-0 shutout of Easley.

Senior quarterback Justin Worley has rewritten the South Carolina record book during his time at Northwestern. The Tennessee recruit is the state's all-time leader in at least nine offensive categories including passing yards (12,387) and touchdowns (144). The 6-foot-5, 195-pounder also set the single-season record for touchdown throws (55) in a 49-35 win over Ashley Ridge last week. Goose Creek, on the other hand, does the majority of its damage on the ground. The Gators have run for an average of 335 yards per game. Senior tailback Jerome Jordan (6-2, 200) is the individual team leader with more than 1,500 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.

Click here to view MaxPreps' South Carolina football playoff brackets.

Mitch Stephens: Northwestern 49, Goose Creek 35
Steve Montoya: Northwestern 34, Goose Creek 24
Stephen Spiewak: Northwestern 42, Goose Creek 30
Kevin Askeland: Northwestern 45, Goose Creek 21
Jamie DeMoney: Northwestern 38, Goose Creek 34
MaxPreps Projection: Northwestern 35, Goose Creek 31

Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.) at Trinity Catholic (Ocala, Fla.), Friday
The Class 2B championship game isn't for another two weeks, but the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked teams in the state sportswriters poll will do battle this Friday. It's the second straight season the teams have met in the quarterfinals. Last year, Bolles beat the Celtics 24-13 en route to its second straight state title and ninth overall.

Senior receiver Marcus Brown had 149 receiving yards and scored four touchdowns – including a 95-yard kick return – in Bolles' hard-fought 56-34 win over Mount Dora last week. It was the most points the Bulldogs (11-0) have allowed all season. Trinity Catholic (11-0) also had some struggles in defeating Yulee, 41-15. The Celtics were plagued by turnovers and penalties but were saved by senior running backs Jeremiah Gates, who ran for 216 yards, and Florida recruit Chris Johnson, who scored two touchdowns.

Click here to view MaxPreps' Florida football playoff brackets.

Mitch Stephens: Trinity Catholic 21, Bolles 20
Steve Montoya: Bolles 17, Trinity Catholic 10
Stephen Spiewak: Bolles 28, Trinity Catholic 21
Kevin Askeland: Bolles 42, Trinity Catholic 14
Jamie DeMoney: Trinity Catholic 27, Bolles 17
MaxPreps Projection: Trinity Catholic 26, Bolles 24

Harrison (Farmington Hills, Mich.) vs. Lowell (Mich.), Friday
The Division 2 state championship features two of the more prolific offenses in the state. These are also two of the most successful programs Michigan has to offer. Harrison is shooting for its 13th state title – but its first since 2001 – under 300-win coach John Herrington, while Lowell seeks its second straight championship and fourth since 2002.

Harrison (13-0) steamrolled its way to Ford Field with last week's 51-0 laugher against Grosse Pointe South. Senior quarterback Tommy Vento connected on two touchdown passes to his brother Jake Vento to lead the Hawks' offensive charges. Meanwhile, junior quarterback Gabe Dean threw for two touchdowns and ran for two touchdowns to hoist Lowell (11-2) past Walled Lake Central, 35-21. Dean, the nephew of head coach Noel Dean, has nearly 4,000 combined rushing and passing yards and 52 total touchdowns this season.

Click here to view MaxPreps' Michigan football playoff brackets.

Mitch Stephens: Harrison 21, Lowell 17
Steve Montoya: Lowell 10, Harrison 3
Stephen Spiewak: Harrison 35, Lowell 34
Kevin Askeland: Lowell 35, Harrison 7
Jamie DeMoney: Harrison 31, Lowell 28
MaxPreps Projection: Lowell 28, Harrison 27

Rockhurst (Kansas City, Mo.) vs. Hazelwood Central (Florissant, Mo.), Friday
This will be the seventh time in nine seasons one of these teams has played in the Class 6 championship game, but the first time they will play each other. Rockhurst was champion in both its 2002 and 2007 appearances, while Hazelwood Central is the two-time defending champion and also qualified for the title game in 2003 and 2005.

Rockhurst (13-0) turned in perhaps its best all-around performance of the season in defeating Fort Zumwalt West, 42-6, in the semifinals. Senior Noah Pearl had 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns while the Hawklets defense held the Jaguars 36 points below their season average. On the other side, Hazelwood Central earned another trip to the Edward Jones Dome by defeating DeSmet for the second time this season, 20-14. Remarkably, it was the eighth time this season the undefeated Hawks won by seven points or less.

Click here to view MaxPreps' Missouri football playoff brackets.

Mitch Stephens: Rockhurst 28, Hazelwood Central 21
Steve Montoya: Rockhurst 21, Hazelwood Central 17
Stephen Spiewak: Rockhurst 28, Hazelwood Central 17
Kevin Askeland: Hazelwood Central 48, Rockhurst 45
Jamie DeMoney: Rockhurst 24, Hazelwood Central 14
MaxPreps Projection: Rockhurst 24, Hazelwood Central 7

Har-Ber (Springdale, Ark.) vs. Bentonville (Ark.), Friday
This 7A state semifinal bout is a rematch of the regular season finale, won by Bentonville in a shootout, 55-41. Har-Ber also lost to Bentonville at the same point last season, then went on to capture a state championship. The Wildcats (10-2) came from behind to defeat Conway, 37-27, in last week's quarterfinal round. After receiving a first-round bye, Bentonville (11-0) hammered Bryant 38-7 in the quarterfinals. The Tigers have scored at least 30 points in every game this season.

Click here to view MaxPreps' Arkansas football playoff brackets.

Mitch Stephens: Bentonville 35, Har-Ber 31
Steve Montoya: Har-Ber 40, Bentonville 31
Stephen Spiewak: Bentonville 44, Har-Ber 40
Kevin Askeland: Bentonville 28, Har-Ber 21
Jamie DeMoney: Har-Ber 27, Bentonville 24
MaxPreps Projection: Bentonville 41, Har-Ber 28

Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) at Palo Verde (Las Vegas), Saturday
The Sunset Region final will likely be Bishop Gorman's first real test against a team from its own state. The Gaels have two losses, but they were against nationally ranked foes Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) and De La Salle (Concord, Calif.). Versus Nevada competition, they are 10-0 with an amazing combined scoring margin of 555-26. Super sophomore quarterback Anu Solomon threw five touchdown passes – giving him 36 this season – in a 49-14 win over Arbor View last week.

Palo Verde (12-0) has played in Bishop Gorman's shadow all year and relishes the opportunity to knock the defending champion off its throne. The Panthers also have revenge on their minds after losing 38-28 to the Gaels in the playoffs last season. It was far and away the closest margin of victory for Gorman against a Nevada team in two seasons. Palo Verde standout running back Brandon Wright was held in check during a 30-0 win against Centennial last week, but the senior still leads the team with 1,499 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns this season.

Click here to view MaxPreps' Nevada football playoff brackets.

Mitch Stephens: Bishop Gorman 49, Palo Verde 28
Steve Montoya: Bishop Gorman 28, Palo Verde 14
Stephen Spiewak: Bishop Gorman 35, Palo Verde 20
Kevin Askeland: Bishop Gorman 30, Palo Verde 14
Jamie DeMoney: Bishop Gorman 27, Palo Verde 20
MaxPreps Projection: Palo Verde 28, Bishop Gorman 26

North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.) vs. Woodland Hills (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Saturday
Heinz Field will again be the site of four WPIAL championship games, lasting from Saturday morning into the night. North Allegheny (11-1) earned its trip to the Quad A final with last week's 17-7 win against previously unbeaten Central Catholic. Running back Alex Papson continued his stellar career, rushing for 190 yards, including 161 in the second half. The senior is one of only six players in WPIAL history with more than 4,000 rushing yards.

Woodland Hills has recovered from a 1-3 start to the season with eight straight wins and hopes to become the first team in six seasons to capture back-to-back Quad A championships. The Wolverines got a huge effort from senior running back Lafayette Pitts in last week's 24-14 win over North Hills. The University of Pittsburgh commit ran for 267 yards and three touchdowns on 34 attempts.

Click here to view MaxPreps' Pennsylvania football playoff brackets.

Mitch Stephens: North Allegheny 20, Woodland Hills 19
Steve Montoya: Woodland Hills 13, North Allegheny 10
Stephen Spiewak: North Allegheny 28, Woodland Hills 27
Kevin Askeland: Woodland Hills 32, North Allegheny 21
Jamie DeMoney: North Allegheny 19, Woodland Hills 16
MaxPreps Projection: North Allegheny 21, Woodland Hills 13

Hilliard Davidson (Ohio) vs. Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio), Saturday
This Division I semifinal game in Dayton features two teams that don't have much in common. Davidson, which seems to defeat more talented teams on the strength of pure will and determination, has won two state titles in four seasons including last year. Wayne, on the other hand, traditionally produces more Division I recruits than all but a handful of schools in Ohio but has made it this far in the playoffs only one previous time.

Because of the differences in style and personnel, the entertainment value in this one figures to be extremely high. Davidson has allowed only 68 points in its last eight playoff games. Conversely, Wayne has perhaps the state's top offensive player in Ohio State-bound combo passer Braxton Miller. The electrifying senior engineered a come-from-behind 28-24 win over St. Xavier in the Region 4 championship game last week.

Click here to view MaxPreps' Ohio football playoff brackets.

Mitch Stephens: Davidson 22, Wayne 21
Steve Montoya: Wayne 22, Davidson 21
Stephen Spiewak: Davidson 24, Wayne 21
Kevin Askeland: Davidson 35, Wayne 24
Jamie DeMoney: Wayne 29, Davidson 17
MaxPreps Projection: Wayne 21, Davidson 20

Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.) vs. Curtis (University Place, Wash.), Saturday
The Washington Class 4A playoffs move into the Tacoma Dome this weekend. The game receiving the most buzz is the Seattle Times' No. 1-ranked squad Skyline (11-1) taking on undefeated and second-ranked Curtis for the second straight time in the semifinals. Last season, Skyline breezed past the Vikings, 49-14, en route to its second consecutive state title.

Skyline has 11 straight wins since a week-one loss to Liberty. Quarterback Max Browne has blossomed into a star in his first year as the starter. The sophomore has 3,482 passing yards and 44 touchdowns. He had five scoring strikes – including three to MaxPreps No. 1-rated receiver Kasen Williams – during last week's 42-21 win against Issaquah. Curtis (12-0) is in the state semifinals for the first time since 1996. The Vikings have a strong defense with three shutouts this year, including 31-0 triumph last week against Auburn. On offense, the stars are senior receiver Rahmel Dockery and Washington State-bound tackle Max Hersey.

Click here to view MaxPreps' Washington football playoff brackets.

Mitch Stephens: Skyline 35, Curtis 21
Steve Montoya: Curtis 21, Skyline 14
Stephen Spiewak: Skyline 35, Curtis 28
Kevin Askeland: Skyline 48, Curtis 24
Jamie DeMoney: Skyline 28, Curtis 14
MaxPreps Projection: Skyline 31, Curtis 21

MaxPreps contributor Jamie DeMoney has covered high school sports and recruiting for more than 15 years. He is editor and founder of PrepNation.com You can reach him at PrepNation@aol.com.