“Northeast Rule” takes football playoffs to South Philly

The “Northeast Rule,” the nickname given to the unofficial rule that in the past would have allowed the Northeast Vikings to play football playoff games on their home field, has been broken.

Passed last year, a new rule states the Vikings will no longer be allowed to host their own playoff games if opposing coaches feel it provides an advantage. This season, according to an article by Ted Silary, Frankford coach Mike Capriotti asked that the rule be enforced.

Though the Northeast Rule applies to all Public League teams, it’s been dubbed so because only the Vikings’ opponents have requested a change of venue. Neither Roxborough, who will play Simon Gratz, nor Imhotep Charter, set to play Ed Bok Tech, asked to move their games.

Here are the new schedules for Saturday’s Public League and Catholic League semifinals:

PUBLIC LEAGUE

At South Philly

  • Northeast vs. Frankford, 3 p.m.
  • Bartram vs. Washington, 6 p.m.

At Gratz

  • Mastbaum vs. Dobbins, 3 p.m.
  • Gratz vs. Roxborough, 6 p.m.

CATHOLIC LEAGUE

Class AAA Semifinals

  • North Catholic vs. Egan at Plymouth-Whitemarsh, 7 p.m.
  • Lansdale vs. Wood at Truman, 7 p.m.

Class AA Final

  • West Catholic vs. McDevitt at Northeast, 7 p.m.

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