The early bird catches the Annelida.
For you out of state readers, Annelida is the scientific hame for a worm. And, this adage advises that someone will get an advantage if they do something before anyone else does it. Yep, you always learn something when you read this column.
In this case, I’m not sure if The Chief wants me to get the earliest scoop, or he’s simply interested in going fishing one morning.
That being noted, we’ll give you readers an advantage by kicking off the upcoming high school football season before you get your stadium blanket out of mothballs.
Practices for the 2014 campaign officially started this week and the regular season begins on Friday, August 29th. Once again, I’ll have the weekly predictions for each of our Roanoke Star ” Big-11 ” contests throughout the season.
The trusty Ouija Board has already been tuned up for what will hopefully be another year of stellar predictions. Nonetheless, it will be hard to beat last year’s slate when one week came through without a single miss and 4 were one-miss wonders.
At this point, I might as well give you a heads up for your tailgating plans for opening night. Have the chicken fried and the shrimp cocktail ready. Then watch for me in my Loudmouth pants to crash your pre-game party. Invitations not required.
We should have a number of ” Big-11 ” teams in the running for postseason play. And, expect a couple to look toward Lynchburg, and one to be instructed to “look to the left” as the season unfolds.
Northside looks to repeat as 3A state champions and what better way for head coach Burt Torrence to get the troops motivated than to have them turn their heads to look at the Liberty University Stadium as the team bus passes on its way to the season opener at Amherst County. That locale will undoubtably be the goal for the Vikings in the December 13th state final, the same location where Northside pulled out the win last December as sleet fell throughout the game.
Lynchburg also gets attention from North Cross when they open at home against Virginia Episcopal on Saturday August 30th. It was VES in the Bishop’s bowl during last year’s VIS state final that kept North Cross from bringing home the championship hardware.
To ramp up your anticipation even further, here’s the week one matchups for the ” Big-11 “
Hidden Valley at Patrick Henry
Franklin County at Salem
James River at Lord Botetourt
Northside at Amherst County
William Byrd at Cave Spring
Glenvar at Galax
Roanoke Catholic at Rappahannock County
Fluvanna at William Fleming
Virginia Episcopal at North Cross (Sat. August 30th)
In other local sports, congratulations go out to Cave Spring grad and Radford University recruit Meagan Board for her playoff win in the Roanoke Valley Women’s Golf Association City-County tournament.
Ditto, for Patrick Henry lacrosse player Sam Boxley for being named to the VHSL lacrosse all-state first-team.
Great splashes go out to the Hunting Hills swim team for their win in the Roanoke Valley Aquatic Association City-County meet at the Salem YMCA.
The Salem Red Sox wind down the final month of the season with games next week at Lewis Gale Field. The Sox begin a six game home stand Tuesday night as Lynchburg visits through Thursday. Potomac follows Friday through Sunday for a 3-game set.
Lastly, we make a quick stop in the infamous mailbag where one reader points out this column is on the cutting edge of innovation and technology announcements.
Dear Wild Bill: I had to contact you after seeing that automobile urination device, the GO Pilot, now being sold in CVS. You definitely have the jump on keeping the public informed. (Heloise/ Iron Gate)
Like I said Heloise, the early bird catches the worm.
Until next week, send your wiggly inquires to [email protected]
You know, getting worms is like getting the scoop. Dig, dig, dig.
