So they tell me those oldies but goodies remind me of you…

Holy Cow the late Phil Rizzuto would chortle as the Yankees announcer back in the day, but Phil is long gone, and to be sure I've never been a Yankee rooter.But the grand ol' game is stuck a time warp, or so it seems, as the World Series opened play this week. And yes, we do have a rooting interest, for the Cubs and their skipper "Hazleton-Joe" Maddon! To be sure, there are Cleveland Indian fans, too in these neck-of-the woods. It's been a century plus for a Cubs world champion and it seems like forever for the mistake by the lake, Cleveland as well to wear a crown jewel.That being said, let us return to the gridiron forecasting, and this corner has had its share of hazy crystal ball searing. Of course, some of it comes from up setters, ala Minersville over Marian last weekend.And book it this weekend will have its share, as well. Keep in mind, All Hallowed Eve comes into play, and if you believe in the occult (I don't) there are strange and eerie that do come to pass!Even more prominent in this Week 10, also better known as "rivalry week," playoff positioning comes into play. So without further ado, let us count the ways.LEHIGHTON AT JIM THORPE - Take a close look at Thorpe coach Mark Rosenberger. He resembles Ohio State's Urban Meyer. Urban doesn't lose often; Rosenberger, like the Buckeyes' coach, don't lose often either… Olympians 26-13.TAMAQUA AT MARIAN - Colts smarting after red-faced loss to Minersville. Indians aren't happy either after being shutout for the first time this season against North Schuylkill. Who's the tougher team in the trenches is the question? Marian's the answer… Colts in a hair-raiser 14-12.MINERSVILLE AT PANTHER VALLEY - Do you believe in Miracles? The USA Olympic hockey team did in 1980 lambasting the Russians. Miners are the new "miracle" after beating Marian 13-7 a week ago. Panthers are smarting after a loss to Mahanoy Area 47-0. Miners have too much to lose with a playoff spot on the line… Miners 27-7.PALMERTON AT NORTHERN LEHIGH - A classic Week 10 showdown with the Bulldogs hosting the Bombers. The Dogs are perennial playoff contenders. Both have a lot riding in terms of momentum and have identical 4-5 records. The Bulldogs have locked up a Class AAA playoff spot and will meet either Notre Dame Green Pond or Palisades. For Palmerton, it too is playoff bound as a No. 2 seed in the Class AA tournament. The tarot cards say Bulldogs… 20-19.NORTHWESTERN AT CATASAUQUA - Usually this one has a great flavor to it, but Catty is down. In the past Tigers have enjoyed postseason playoff success, but comes up short for a D-11 4A berth. If the Eastern Conference is available (that is a big IF), they'll play at least one more game. Tigers roll in Week 10… 34-6.STROUDSBURG AT PLEASANT VALLEY - An interesting matchup here, with both teams already qualified for the D-11, 6A playoff. What makes it even more intriguing both teams could meet next week, too since the Bears are seeded second-seed and the Mounts seventh. Upset Special… Mounts 19-14.PARKLAND AT EAMMAUS - The Trojans can roll 'em out every year and are back in the playoff hunt after a miss in the state finals last fall. Hornets have been a contender all season in the East Penn Conference. Winner here nails down top seed in the Class AAAAAA playoff and hosts Easton. Tough choice, Hornets sting is lethal… 17-9.BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC AT ALLENTOWN CENTRAL CATHOLIC - A mini version of the Holy Wars in the Lehigh Valley! Becchi has played a tougher schedule, but the records get thrown out the Sistine Chapel. Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Maia Maxima coupe'. The Vikings hang around, the Golden Hawks soar to the Heavens… 36-20.SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AT BLUE MOUNTAIN - A blood bath of sorts for the Route 61 War! Hurricanes have demolished just about all opponents to reach 9-0. The Blue Eagles have the better athletes. No love loss here or a sisterkister, either. Eagles break up the unbeaten run… 22-13.EAST STROUDSBURG NORTH AT EAST STROUDSBURG SOUTH - East is East and West is West and neither twain shall meet. Neither team is impressive in the win-loss column, either. The South hangs on for a dilly of a win… 38-36.PALISADES AT SAUCON VALLEY - Crazy, crazy game to handicap. Panthers get to host and are 8-1, while the Pirates are 7-2. Saucon had a great run last fall and continue to ride that emotional wave, along with last week's impressive win over Colonial League rival ND 28-24. Pirates are looking for an upset win to share the league title. Panthers are still the team to beat… 29-8LIBERTY AT FREEDOM - This is never a walk-in-the park. Old steel works grandkids still hard-nosed on both sides. Liberty is the host this time around and is coming off a 47-7 spanking from Nazareth. Freedom also was felled by powerhouse Becchi 42-21. Team that has emotion wins here and it looks like Freedom… 20-18POTTSVILLE AT NORTH SCHUYLKILL - An old rivalry resumed. Crimson Tide's move in to the Schuylkill Football League Class I digs has been a big boost for a sagging program. The Spartans have been an enigma throughout the season. Layfette-bound LB Major Jordan is on the verge of setting all-time tackles at the school. Defense wins out here and it goes to the Spartans… 13-10EASTON AT NAZARETH - Red Rovers have rolled over more times than they liked this season including a 17-6 loss to Emmaus last weekend. Nazareth is looking to close with a bang before entering the D-11, Class 6A playoffs next weekend. Blue Eagles hold on… 10-7.MAHANOY AREA AT SHENANDOAH VALLEY - This series is one of the oldest rivalries in the Keystone State, dating back to 1898. The two towns have an unmatched history on the gridiron. The winner of this grudge match retains the Damato-Szematowicz Trophy. If you think it's a tough name to say, you outta try spelling it! Many an upset in this series, but not this time around; Blue Devils go winless for the first time since 1918. Golden Bears… 33-12.