'Toss-up' games create interesting week

Four weeks left in the regular season and by now you would think it would be pretty easy to figure out how things were going to work out on the gridiron each week.

In some cases that's pretty true, but in quite a few of the games on this week's list the word "toss-up" came up as I looked into the crystal ball hoping to find a little edge that would move me closer to the top spot.

How about the week that TJ Engle had. He picked up quite a few spots and gained so much confidence that he headed off to Florida for a week with the family at Disney World.

So after doing a little consulting and just getting more confused with my Lehigh Valley and Anthracite helpers disagreeing a bit, here's what this week will look like:

POCONO MOUNTAIN WEST AT JIM THORPE - Olympian defense rose to the occasion last week to hold off a stubborn Minersville team. This week, the Panthers come in to town with a deceiving 1-5 record, a strong line and some speed in the backfield ... Pocono Mountain West, 21-14.

MINERSVILLE AT MARIAN - The long year continues for the Colts as the Battlin' MIners keep the ball on the ground and run and run and run ... Minersville, 20-13.

SHENANDOAH VALLEY AT PANTHER VALLEY - Panthers can't look ahead to a showdown with Tamaqua next week. They have to take care of the Devils first ... Panther Valley, 28-14.

TAMAQUA AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Raiders dropped their first game of the year last week to a tough North Schuylkill team. This week won't be as tough, but the Hurricanes have just enough to pull this one out ... Schuylkill Haven, 21-18.

NORTHWESTERN AT NORTHERN LEHIGH - A battle that has turned in to one great backyard rivalry. Both teams need this one for District playoff positioning and the team that gets most physical will pull this one one ... Northern Lehigh, 21-14.

BANGOR AT PALMERTON - Slaters picked up a big win over an injury-riddled Catasauqua team last week. I've been saying all along, if the Bombers are going to get another win, it has to come here ... Palmerton, 19-14.

STROUDSBURG AT LEHIGHTON - Indians and Mounts always seem to go at each other pretty good. Injuries have hurt the Tribe throughout this season and could be the difference here ... Stroudsburg, 24-14.

EAST STROUDSBURG NORTH AT PLEASANT VALLEY - Bears have injuries at QB and that will play a big part in who wins this one ... ES North, 28-7.

PEN ARGYL AT CATASAUQUA - With the Roughies banged up a bit, this one is definitely a toss-up. For some reason, I still think they have enough to get the win ... Catasauqua, 14-7.

SOUTHERN LEHIGH AT WILSON - No one beats the Warriors at home on a Sunday afternoon ... Wilson, 35-14.

MAHANOY AREA AT NATIVITY - Never thought I'd pick the Bears to beat anyone this season. By strength of schedule, however, here it goes ... Mahanoy Area, 13-12.

BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC AT NAZARETH - Wouldn't be surprised to see the Blue Eagles get the win here, but have to go with the Golden Hawks ... Becahi, 24-21.

CENTRAL CATHOLIC AT PARKLAND - This is one I've kicked around and around and around. There is something about the Trojans that I still don't like ... Central Catholic, 14-13.

EASTON AT FREEDOM - The Patriots have quite a few big wins this season, but I still like ... Easton, 21-20.

LIBERTY AT NORTHAMPTON - Hurricanes will win out and make the playoffs ... Liberty, 28-7.