Well, I’m somewhat in recovery mode after last week’s large number of upsets in the ” Big-11 “.
I thought about asking The Chief for a couple days off, but the reappearance of the old “Supernan” TV shows on MeTV reminded me of those Perry White explosions directed at Jimmy Olsen. For those of you too young to remember Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Perry White was the original “Chief”.
I feel fairly confident to say that after the first three weeks of the high school football season, few if any would have predicted that the only four undefeated ” Big-11 ” teams heading to week-4 would be Salem, Glenvar, Roanoke Catholic and William Fleming.
Just as a reminder, three of those four had losing records in 2013. Clearly some impressive turnarounds.
The games, and the predictions, get tougher this week as ten contests fall out in the ” Big-11 , with half of those involving some distant opponents.
We’ll really see which squads are the true road warriors.
Without further ado or excuses, here’s this week’s slate of games.
CAVE SPRING at ALLEGHANY: The Knights travel to Low Moor looking to improve on their 2-1 start. A good test here before the start of the meat of the schedule. Cave Spring- 27 Alleghany- 14
BASSETT at HIDDEN VALLEY: Will the Titans follow through after their convincing win over Northside? Hidden Valley can’t blink in this one. The Bengals are fast and can score points in bunches and in a hurry. The Titan defense will be tested. Hidden Valley- 35 Bassett- 33
ALBEMARLE at PATRICK HENRY: The fourth straight home game for PH. Better get a good look before the Patriots hit the road for the next five games. Albemarle comes in at 0-3 and gave up 62 points in one of those losses. Patrick Henry- 41 Albemarle- 20
E.C. GLASS at WILLIAM FLEMING: The 2-1 Hilltoppers take on the 3-0 Colonels. The Glass loss was via G.W. Danville, the old digs of Fleming head coach Bobby Martin. Could be a repeat performance. William Fleming- 29 E.C. Glass- 25
ROANOKE CATHOLIC at AUBURN: A matchup of two undefeated teams on Rt. 8 in Riner. Catholic is road tested, but these roads are way more curvy. Auburn- 23 Roanoke Catholic- 12
NORTHSIDE at SALEM: The Vikings are licking their wounds after the loss to Hidden Valley. Salem has shown no signs of weakness after three weeks. May be too much Spartan firepower in this one. Salem- 35 Northside- 24
NORTH CROSS at BLUE RIDGE: The Raiders are 2-0 at home and 0-2 on the road. This could be the week the trend is reversed. North Cross- 30 Blue Ridge- 21
LORD BOTETOURT at RICHLANDS: It’s undoubtably been an interesting practice week at LB after their one point loss to Glenvar. The Cavaliers may look more like a tornado than the Blue Tornadoes themselves after this long road trip. Lord Botetourt- 29 Richlands- 20
WILLIAM BYRD at MAGNA VISTA: Another road trip that will be no bargain for the young Terriers. Magna Vista has the size and speed to make for a long night. Magna Vista- 42 William Byrd- 13
GRAYSON COUNTY at GLENVAR: Will there be a letdown in Highlander Heaven after their shocker over Lord Botetourt? The Ouija says no way. Glenvar- 34 Grayson County- 14
On to a quick look at the first ” Big-11 ” Top-3 in volleyball.
Number 1: Cave Spring- The Knights have yet to lose a game, much less a match. Awesome power up front that scatters the best of defenses.
Number 2: Hidden Valley- The defending Group 3A state champs lost some key players from last year and the new mix is taking time to meld.
Number 3- Lord Botetourt- The Cavs look to make a strong run in the Blue Ridge with plenty of talent.
Finally, one reader puts the mailbag to the test on last week’s predictions.
Dear Wild Bill: Which was the bigger upset last weekend, Glenvar’s win over Lord Botetourt or East Carolina’s win over Va. Tech ? (Hokie fan Margaret from Glenvar)
Believe me, Margaret, it was the Glenvar win. You need to enjoy that Highlander victory.
Until next time, send you questions to: [email protected]
– Bill turner
