All that said, based on having seen NW vs SP and NW vs York, a few rambling opinions.
SP has the dl that can contain the run, yet the secondary is vulnerable to the pass. The York qb can pass, but against NW, the receivers dropped passes. It would not have made a difference in who won, but could have put more points on the board for York.
NW caught SP right after the SP qb was arrested for drug dealing, so they were out of sync, but the NW team that played SP was not the NW team that showed up against Byrnes or York.
The York defense has allowed a lot of points this year and NW dominated the York defense so much that it is hard to judge how well the York defense would stack up against an offense more "normal".
SP and York are primarily rushing teams. SP seems to have regained their usual swagger and "everyone is against us" attitude. York is coming off a blowout. The final score of NW 45 Y 15 does not indicate just how much NW was in control of this game.
So...here goes.
Offense: I see the rushing as about equal and the passing edge to York. The key will be if the York ol can give the York qb time to pass. Advantage: ever so slightly to York.
Defense: I see the SP dl stronger than York's. York's secondary is stronger when they have their wr's playing both ways, like they did against Nation Ford and NW....both passing offenses. With both team's offenses rushing oriented, I don't see that coming into play that much. The key is which dl is going to force the other offense into passing. York's defense lost 9 starters from last year's team and Bobby Carrol is known for his defenses. Advantage: ever so slightly to SP, strictly on my opinion that the SP dl is stronger.
Intangibles:
SP seems to have their attitude and swagger back while York is coming off a total thumping. How will York respond this week?
Penalties and turnovers...yes....that is true of every game
Athleticism, strength, and overall raw talent goes to SP, imho.
SP offensive head coach vs Y defensive head coach. Who will make the adjustments?
Home game for York. This could help overcome the possible let down after last week.
This game is for 3rd place in the region and for playoff seeding. Also, this is a local rivalry game.
Summary:
My opinions...Both teams prefer to run the ball. York has an edge in the passing...IF...the qb has time to throw. SP has the stronger dl but the weaker secondary. A fairly even match up as both teams have strengths and weaknesses.
Prediction:
South Pointe's defense stops the York offense a few more times. The York defense just gives up too many points.
South Pointe 42 York 28