In Friday night's season-openers, things went pretty much as expected in the Shenandoah. Most of us picked six out of the seven games correctly, missing only Stuarts Draft's win over Central, and even that could hardly be called an upset.
So let's move on into the second week, which will be the "busiest" week of the season in terms of number of different games that will be played. That is because all nine teams will have non-district games with nobody having a bye this week. Alleghany and Wilson will each have their season-openers and each will be on the road, so that first test will be a tough one for those two title contenders.
In fact, this week overall will be tougher to call, so don't expect me or anybody else to get all nine games picked correctly. But the only way to find that out is to get this party started. So here we go............
ALLEGHANY AT BROOKVILLE: As we have already touched upon, the big challenge for the Cougars this season will be replacing their superstar quarterback. Whoever gets that job will have his hands full in this season-opener. The Bees don't get much "buzz" up this way, but they are usually a contender year in and year out. This game last year in Covington was a barnburner and it could be again this time, but I will have to go with Brookville until Alleghany proves itself.
BUFFALO GAP AT BATH COUNTY: The Bison were shut out at home Friday night by a very good Broadway team. But never fear, Bath County is no Broadway, so the Bison fans will roll back across Warm Springs Mountain feeling optimistic again. Look for a running clock type game in this one.
CLARKE COUNTY AT FORT DEFIANCE: There was a time when the Eagles were a force in the Bull Run, but they had a dismal year last year, which included a home loss to the Indians. The Fort had a tough time at TA Friday night but with home field advantage, and Clarke likely to be down again, look for the Fort to even its record at 1-1.
ALTAVISTA AT RIVERHEADS: Depending on how short their memories are, the Gladiators should be mad as hell and ready to kick some serious tush in this one. Last year, down in A-Town, Riverheads took a 19-0 halftime lead and appeared ready to coast to an easy win. With less than five minutes to go, they still led by two scores. But the Colonels came to life and pulled out a miracle win in the final seconds. Playing at home, look for the Big Red to get its revenge, maybe even in a big way.
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY AT TURNER ASHBY: Play nice boys and don't run the score up too high. 'Nuff said.
ROCKTOWN AT STAUNTON: This could be one of the toughest to call this week. Staunton destroyed Harrisonburg Friday, but then everybody will. Rocktown on the other hand is establishing its identity in all sports, and will likely play anyone tough this year. I have to go with the visiting Raptors in this one, and the game will likely come down to a turnover deciding it.
STUARTS DRAFT AT LURAY: This could be another toughie. These two went into overtime last year at the Draft before the Cougars squeaked out a win. Based on their win over Central and the assumption that Central is expected to be better than Luray, I will go with the Cougars to take this one to set up their first district game at Riverheads next week.
WAYNESBORO AT MONTICELLO: Last year the Little Giants pulled out a last minute miracle in this one. This is not a "rivalry" but yet they are only 20-25 miles apart. If the G's bring a nice crowd and show up ready to play, they could pull this one off, but the smart money is on the home team.
WILSON AT SPOTSWOOD: Everyone expects Wilson to take the district again this year, whereas Spotswood is a Valley contender every year. Last year, Wilson took this one 28-0, which was a shock at the time. I think the Hornets will win again, but if they handle the Blazers THAT easily on their own field, that will prove they are the real deal again this season.
So there you have it........Pretty even this time in terms of home teams being expected to win more than they lose. Friday is the day the weather guys are pointing to for "showers and thunderstorms", but let's hope those come along either before or after the games.
So let's move on into the second week, which will be the "busiest" week of the season in terms of number of different games that will be played. That is because all nine teams will have non-district games with nobody having a bye this week. Alleghany and Wilson will each have their season-openers and each will be on the road, so that first test will be a tough one for those two title contenders.
In fact, this week overall will be tougher to call, so don't expect me or anybody else to get all nine games picked correctly. But the only way to find that out is to get this party started. So here we go............
ALLEGHANY AT BROOKVILLE: As we have already touched upon, the big challenge for the Cougars this season will be replacing their superstar quarterback. Whoever gets that job will have his hands full in this season-opener. The Bees don't get much "buzz" up this way, but they are usually a contender year in and year out. This game last year in Covington was a barnburner and it could be again this time, but I will have to go with Brookville until Alleghany proves itself.
BUFFALO GAP AT BATH COUNTY: The Bison were shut out at home Friday night by a very good Broadway team. But never fear, Bath County is no Broadway, so the Bison fans will roll back across Warm Springs Mountain feeling optimistic again. Look for a running clock type game in this one.
CLARKE COUNTY AT FORT DEFIANCE: There was a time when the Eagles were a force in the Bull Run, but they had a dismal year last year, which included a home loss to the Indians. The Fort had a tough time at TA Friday night but with home field advantage, and Clarke likely to be down again, look for the Fort to even its record at 1-1.
ALTAVISTA AT RIVERHEADS: Depending on how short their memories are, the Gladiators should be mad as hell and ready to kick some serious tush in this one. Last year, down in A-Town, Riverheads took a 19-0 halftime lead and appeared ready to coast to an easy win. With less than five minutes to go, they still led by two scores. But the Colonels came to life and pulled out a miracle win in the final seconds. Playing at home, look for the Big Red to get its revenge, maybe even in a big way.
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY AT TURNER ASHBY: Play nice boys and don't run the score up too high. 'Nuff said.
ROCKTOWN AT STAUNTON: This could be one of the toughest to call this week. Staunton destroyed Harrisonburg Friday, but then everybody will. Rocktown on the other hand is establishing its identity in all sports, and will likely play anyone tough this year. I have to go with the visiting Raptors in this one, and the game will likely come down to a turnover deciding it.
STUARTS DRAFT AT LURAY: This could be another toughie. These two went into overtime last year at the Draft before the Cougars squeaked out a win. Based on their win over Central and the assumption that Central is expected to be better than Luray, I will go with the Cougars to take this one to set up their first district game at Riverheads next week.
WAYNESBORO AT MONTICELLO: Last year the Little Giants pulled out a last minute miracle in this one. This is not a "rivalry" but yet they are only 20-25 miles apart. If the G's bring a nice crowd and show up ready to play, they could pull this one off, but the smart money is on the home team.
WILSON AT SPOTSWOOD: Everyone expects Wilson to take the district again this year, whereas Spotswood is a Valley contender every year. Last year, Wilson took this one 28-0, which was a shock at the time. I think the Hornets will win again, but if they handle the Blazers THAT easily on their own field, that will prove they are the real deal again this season.
So there you have it........Pretty even this time in terms of home teams being expected to win more than they lose. Friday is the day the weather guys are pointing to for "showers and thunderstorms", but let's hope those come along either before or after the games.
