Week 8 preview, predictions: Can Greencastle-Antrim get back on track?
We are in the home stretch.
Only three weeks remain in the regular season, so the teams know what's in front of them when it comes to fighting for playoff position.
It wasn't a pretty week for Franklin County in Week 7, as the teams went 1-4. Can they bounce back with the postseason on the horizon?
Here's a look at the Week 8 matchups.
Dylan Jacobs' 2023 prediction record: 26-7
Gettysburg (4-3) at Greencastle-Antrim (5-2)
It was a rough night for the Blue Devils against Susquehanna Township, as they failed to muster anything on offense in a shutout loss. Playoff position is very much on the line in this one, as Greencastle holds the 11th spot in the 5A power rankings, just inside playoff position. Gettysburg has been on a run as of late, winning three in a row, and it sits two spots behind the Blue Devils in the rankings. Arguably a must win for both sides, and one that could come down to the wire.
Prediction: Greencastle-Antrim 24, Gettysburg 20
Central Dauphin East (3-4) at Chambersburg (3-4)
Chambersburg has had winnable games over the past few weeks, but have been unable to put it all together, dropping two in a row. CD East is coming off a surprisingly competitive contest with Harrisburg a week ago, so can it carry that momentum into this one. Another must win for both sides, as both sit just outside the 6A playoff picture. Can Chambersburg's line hold up after two tough weeks?
Prediction: CD East 28, Chambersburg 17
Mechanicsburg (2-5) at Waynesboro (2-5)
Waynesboro has been very competitive over the past few weeks, putting up a strong offensive fight against Gettysburg last Friday. The Wildcat offense has struggled over the past few weeks, including a 14-7 loss to Shippensburg. Waynesboro has the opportunity to build some momentum with a young team, and it starts this week.
Prediction: Waynesboro 27, Mechanicsburg 20
Shippensburg (3-4) at East Pennsboro (6-1)
Shippensburg got back in the win column last week against Mechanicsburg, scoring a late touchdown to do so. If Shippensburg is going to get a win, it has to be a low-scoring game. The problem is East Pennsboro has an excellent offense. The Panthers were upset last week against Northern, and that may be a blueprint for Shippensburg. Northern ran all over East Pennsboro, so the Shippensburg ground game is critical. But even if it gets that, will it be enough?
Prediction: East Pennsboro 31, Shippensburg 14
Line Mountain (5-2) at James Buchanan (1-6)
Line Mountain has played very well over the past few weeks, winning four games in a row, lastly against Halifax in a blowout. It was another rough outing for the Rockets, and it may not get any easier in this one.
Prediction: Line Mountain 56, James Buchanan 13
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Franklin county football week 8 preview
