I had to put this off due to the delayed Lee at Gap game, but here is a take on this week's slate of games. And OF COURSE you will believe every word I am about to type, considering that last week the Luray win over Stonewall was the only one I picked correctly! I had labeled the other four as potential toss-ups, but still picked a winner and darn if I didn't miss all four of them. But that is the beauty of high school sports. (Oh wait! I think I did predict a close Gap win over the Leemen!)
Anyway, this week, we only have the four district games due to Stuarts Draft taking a much-needed week off. Here are those four:
Buffalo Gap at Riverheads (now apparently Saturday instead of Friday): This was a doozy last year as the Bison jumped out to a quick two TD lead, but Riverheads stuck to its game plan and came back to win 31-21. The Bison lean heavily on Rivenburg obviously, whereas Riverheads has a more versatile attack, although East Rock successfully shut down each and every one of the Big Red weapons. I will predict a Gladiator bounce-back by about two TDs, probably in the 28-14 range.
Wilson at Luray: I guess this is the other "possible" close game. Wilson has been hard to figure lately, but I think they will still struggle to be any better than a .500 team when all is said and done. I will go with the Dogs in this one by about 35-14.
Stonewall at Lee: Let's face it, with Stonewall it is what it is, and any team on the schedule this year will be able to name the score. If a coach is smart, he will play his starters just long enough to build the lead, then sub early to prevent injuries and also give his other guys a chance to play. So if and when it happens, I will admire a coach who will be content with a 35-6 win over the Generals as opposed to a 63-0 blowout.
East Rock at Page: Since last Thursday's win over Riverheads was called the Eagles' biggest regular season win in history, you might understand if they have at least some kind of a letdown this week. And of course the Panthers ARE a surprising 3-0. But whether the Eagles take charge of the game early or late, I just don't see this one as a real contest. Look for something like a 49-13 game.
Anyway, this week, we only have the four district games due to Stuarts Draft taking a much-needed week off. Here are those four:
Buffalo Gap at Riverheads (now apparently Saturday instead of Friday): This was a doozy last year as the Bison jumped out to a quick two TD lead, but Riverheads stuck to its game plan and came back to win 31-21. The Bison lean heavily on Rivenburg obviously, whereas Riverheads has a more versatile attack, although East Rock successfully shut down each and every one of the Big Red weapons. I will predict a Gladiator bounce-back by about two TDs, probably in the 28-14 range.
Wilson at Luray: I guess this is the other "possible" close game. Wilson has been hard to figure lately, but I think they will still struggle to be any better than a .500 team when all is said and done. I will go with the Dogs in this one by about 35-14.
Stonewall at Lee: Let's face it, with Stonewall it is what it is, and any team on the schedule this year will be able to name the score. If a coach is smart, he will play his starters just long enough to build the lead, then sub early to prevent injuries and also give his other guys a chance to play. So if and when it happens, I will admire a coach who will be content with a 35-6 win over the Generals as opposed to a 63-0 blowout.
East Rock at Page: Since last Thursday's win over Riverheads was called the Eagles' biggest regular season win in history, you might understand if they have at least some kind of a letdown this week. And of course the Panthers ARE a surprising 3-0. But whether the Eagles take charge of the game early or late, I just don't see this one as a real contest. Look for something like a 49-13 game.