I rarely prognosticate concerning margins in Salem games, for fear of jinxing the hometown boys. However, I don't see Millbrook - Salem ending up close. There is never a shortage of critics where Salem's schedule is concerned. Well turnabout is fair play, so let's look at Millbrook's. Even including Woodgrove, the Pioneers played one of the six weakest schedules in 4A. Check the numbers on VHSL-Reference if you think this is just me being totally subjective. Take out Woodgrove - to whom Millbrook lost by five touchdowns - and they probably had one of the three worst schedules in all of 4A. Rock Ridge, Skyline, James Wood and Handley, consecutively? That's not too much better than playing Carroll County four times in a row.
Millbrook is a good team, and it won't be easy. Salem will have to show up and play well. The absence of Salem's departed player - after his skills have been weighed against the intangibles involved - will not negatively impact the team as much as people might think. The only thing that could keep this close would be if the Spartans have a rash of turnovers, which hasn't been an issue this season. If that happens, the Pioneers could spring the upset. But make no mistake - it would be a big upset out of the blue. I don't see anything on Millbrook's resume this year or in their recent history that indicates they will be up to meeting this challenge for 48 minutes. In the end, I think Salem will prevail by a minimum of twenty-eight. And if they don't, it will obviously be because I just jinxed them.
