The best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray.
This line, attributed to poet Robert Burns, loosely translates that despite planning for everything, the unbelievably unexpected will often bite you. See, you always learn something when you read this column.
As many of you know, the infamous Wild Bill jalopy recently blew its last gasket. My psychic automotive advisor, Ron Henderson, looked her over and said it was time for that great junkyard in the sky. That meant a new ride and a new license plate since my old one that began with the letters XRY, often had people asking me if I was a radiologist.
The obvious solution was one of those catchy personalized plates that I knew would please The Chief. Reflecting that our paper is first in news, sports and commentary, I came up with STAR FRST as my new bumper hanger. Only one problem.
I was informed that eight letters are one too many, so one letter had to be be randomly dropped to get me in line. I worried it would be the first S, leaving TAR FRST; making it look like I was a driveway sealing outfit. Likewise, I saw big problems with losing that last T, making it STAR FRS, and the impression I was the furrier to the Carroll Righter Hollywood crowd and an expert on chinchillas.
So, what was the outcome ? Some wise-guy dropped the second S, leaving me with STAR FRT. No further commentary needed. When you see me drive into a stadium lot, just wave and hold your nose so I’ll know you’re a fan of the column.
Now, without further ado or licensing, let’s jump right to the week-11 rivalry version of the high school prediction slate. For the record, last week saw a 7-2 run and .778 percentage of correct predicting.
WILLIAM FLEMING at PATRICK HENRY: It’s been quite a while since these two met with both sporting winning records and playoff berths in hand. The cross-city showdown should be a dandy. Patrick Henry- 27 William Fleming- 21
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY at NORTHSIDE: The Vikings got an off-week last Friday night to prepare for the Wildcats. Even with injuries, Northside looks to be the prohibative favorite. Northside- 35 Rockbridge County- 13
GLENVAR at GILES: The Highlanders take their 9-0 record to Giles where the 9-0 Spartans look for their 25th straight win. Can Glenvar end the streak? Giles- 38 Glenvar- 21
LORD BOTETOURT at WILLIAM BYRD: This game may well be a lot closer than many anticipate as Botetourt has had trouble with road games. Byrd will pull out all the stops in this one. Lord Botetourt- 29 William Byrd- 28
SALEM at PULASKI COUNTY: Once, one of the biggest rivalries in Southwest Virginia. With so many Cougar injuries, Pulaski won’t think of Salem as a rivalry, but rather a calvary. Salem- 49 Pulaski County- 14
HIDDEN VALLEY at CAVE SPRING: The 7-2 Titans enter the regular season finale with injuries galore. Can Cave Spring regroup after their late collapse at Blacksburg? Upset special. Cave Spring- 25 Hidden Valley- 24
PLAYOFF FOOTBALL: KENSTON FOREST at ROANOKE CATHOLIC: It’s deju vu all over again. Kenston Forest visits Roanoke Catholic for the second week in a row. Last week the Kavaliers swamped the Celtics in the regular season finale. This time things have dried out. Roanoke Catholic- 27 Kenston Forest- 20
NORTH CROSS at FREDERICKSBURG CHRISTIAN: (SAT) At first glance the 6-4 Raiders look to be in trouble against 9-0 FCA. But, strange things happen in VIS playoffs.Upset special No. 2. North Cross- 28 Fredericksburg Christian- 26
The Roanoke Valley Sports Club welcomes former Virginia Tech and NFL football player Kevin Jones as the guest speaker at its November 17th meeting at the Salem Civic Center. The 5:45 social will be followed by the 6:15 dinner meeting where Jones will talk about his career and current position as assistant to the athletic director at Virginia Tech. Guests and prospective new members are welcome. Contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103 for more information and to make reservations.
Lastly, to the mailbag where trick-or-treating inquiries took center stage this week.
Dear Wild Bill: So, The Chief spent Halloween wearing a cape and tights, and you dressed like Lois Lane. Anyone slam the door on you two? ( Carolyn/ South Roanoke )
Nope. Most just turned out the lights before we reached the front porch.
Dear Wild Guy: I’ve got to admit, your Star Halloween outfits were ingenious. Any follow up planned for next year ? (Paula/ Cave Spring)
Thanks, Paula. I’ve got my eye on a couple discount costumes still on the shelf. 80% off by this weekend. The Chief and I might be on track to go as Eva and Zsa Zsa Gabor. Talk about Halloween scary !
Until the next spooky visit, send your uncostumed questions to: [email protected]
