Well, it looks like my visit to Dean Wormer’s office last week did the trick. For the second time this season, I only had one miss among my ‘Big-11’ prediction slate.
For the record, ‘Animal House’ director John Landis initially asked Jack Webb, aka Joe Friday of ‘Dragnet’ fame, to play the dean’s part before selecting John Vernon. See, you always learn something when you read my column.
Vernon used his last name as the character’s first name, which is about as confusing as some of my mailbag questions you’ll see later.
Vernon (the dean and I are now on a first name basis) told me to strive for perfection, and go for an undefeated ‘Big-11’ week of predictions.
I know the dean is too busy for high school football picks, so I’m enlisting his wife, Marion Wormer, to help me out this week. Shoot, I’ll probably miss them all if I’m not careful with that kind of help.
Without further ado, here’s the schedule for week-seven. Roanoke Catholic gets the open date.
G.W. Danville at Patrick Henry: No mercy for the Eagles. Will 4-2 G.W. Danville be able to come onto Gainer Field and beat the undefeated Patriots, who got last Friday night off ? Seems like a long shot. Patrick Henry- 28 G.W. Danville- 20.
William Fleming at Franklin County: A rematch of week-one that was won by Franklin County 35-0. Fleming is still finding players for new positions. It’s going to pay dividends for the Colonels, but Rocky Mount is a tough place for a test-run. Franklin County- 38 William Fleming- 6.
Alleghany at Northside: The Mountaineers tossed 47 points last week on James River after only getting two points at home the week before against Cave Spring. Northside will look more like Cave Spring. Northside- 38 Alleghany- 7.
Lord Botetourt at William Byrd: Botetourt was rolling after two wins at Bogle Stadium, then was skunked by Blacksburg before a week off last Friday. Probably a tough two weeks at a Jamie Harless practice. Byrd rolled last Friday over Glenvar. This one should be close. Lord Botetourt- 24 William Byrd-22.
Hidden Valley at Blacksburg: The Titans got healthy and found their running game last week against Bassett. The Bruins are still celebrating their win over Botetourt. Hidden Valley opens River Ridge play on a high note. Hidden Valley- 27 Blacksburg- 10.
Salem at Cave Spring: The Knights pulled this one off two years ago and led 26-0 last year at Salem before letting one get away. Salem is undefeated and has played some close games. The Spartans may have too much beef.
Salem- 31 Cave Spring- 20.
Glenvar at Floyd County: Three Rivers opener for both. The Buffs had last week off and it may be the deciding factor. Glenvar gave up 58 to Byrd. Once again, this may not be a good time to be where the buffalo roam. Floyd County- 34 Glenvar- 20.
North Cross at St. Anne’s-Belfield: The Raiders showed their grit in their homecoming win over Hargrave last Saturday. After some high level negotiations involving SAT scheduling North Cross will play STAB at Home this Friday at 4 PM. St. Anne’s is 0-5. Enough said. North Cross- 34 St. Anne’s- 6.
Monday, October 15th, the Roanoke Valley Sports Club welcomes Virginia Tech Head Basketball Coach James Johnson as its guest speaker. The 3-time defensive player of the year at Ferrum College, and former assistant at George Mason, including their Final-Four appearance, will talk about the upcoming Hokie season.
Guests and new members are invited to attend the 5:45 social and 6:15 dinner meeting. Contact Maggie Drewry at 540-725-7387 for more information.
To the mailbag, where comments about Virginia Tech poured in like Tuesday’s rain after the Tech loss at Fed-Ex Field Saturday night.
Dear Wild Bill: Do you think Tech is wise to keep playing in NFL stadiums? (Ray/Hardy)
This NFL stadium thing has been beat to death. What in the world does that have to do with the game? They don’t change the size of the field or raise the goal posts. And, if you think it was the crowd size, forget it. The 85,000 seat stadium was only half-full.
Dear Hokie Huddler: Aren’t all those loud fans in a NFL stadium the real problem for Va. Tech? (Juanita / Riner)
Juanitta, if that’s the case, Tech should pull out of going to Notre Dame in upcoming years. Over 80,000 there, and 97% will be for the Irish.
Dear Dr. Bill: I surely wouldn’t consider going to a NFL stadium. My bad feet would never get up all those upper-deck steps. (Myrtle/ Roanoke)
Myrtle, it’s you again? Forget Dr. Pendyke in foot care. I’m sending this one to the boys in the psychiatry department.
Until next week, come get me out of this straight jacket and send the inquiries to: [email protected]
by Bill Turner
