The Wild Bill “Big-11” predictions wound to their conclusion last week after the first round of the high school playoffs.
It was another stellar playoff performance, going 7-2 ( .778 ) in a playoff week that traditionally reduces the “Big-11” survivors to a handful.
This year was no exception, with us entering week-1 with 9 “Big-11” teams still alive, and now heading to week-2 with only 3 standing. That trio includes Salem, Glenvar and Northside, all of which play at home this weekend. Salem and Northside on Friday night , Glenvar on Saturday afternoon.
The other six included five who were defeated, and the Roanoke Catholic Celtics who won the VIS Division-4 state championship with a dramatic 24-21 come-from-behind win over Fuqua.
Congratulations go out to head coach Bob Price and the Celtic team who brought the championship trophy back to Roanoke, their first state football title since 1994. I’m thrilled they won and glad their season is in the books.
I just never figured these guys out all season. Of my 19 regular season misses in the entire 11-week season, Catholic provided 5 of them. Of the 9 playoff predictions last week, the Celtics dealt me half of my two misses.
Sometimes, for some reason, you simply get beat.
So, I’m taking the advice of singer Kenny Rodgers from “The Gambler.”
“If you’re going to play the game, boy You gotta learn to play it right. You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em. Know when to walk away and know when to run. You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table. They’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealin’s done.”
Thank goodness, the dealin’s done on my Celtic predictions.
Now, after wiping my eyes, It’s time to look at this week’s playoff football match ups.
WOODGROVE at SALEM: 4A SOUTH (FRI. 7:00 pm) 11-0 Salem is destined to go up against an equal at some point down the road. It is doubtful 8-3 Woodgrove will be that team in week-2. Stephen Magenbauer goes for win # 121.
BROOKVILLE at NORTHSIDE: 3A WEST (FRI. 7:00 pm) With the number of Viking injuries, 9-2 Northside will begin a trek into choppy waters. The 8-3 Brookville Bees can bring plenty of sting if they play their A game.
UNION at GLENVAR: 2A WEST (SAT. 2pm) Union, a consolidation of two schools in far Southwest VA brings an 9-2 record to West Salem. 10-1 Glenvar should be prepared to advance.
Congratulations go out to the Cave Spring volleyball team which will travel to Richmond on Friday to prepare for their state final against Warhill Saturday afternoon at 3:00 pm. The Knights will be looking for their sixth state title under head coach Tamalyn Tanis. The Star will be on hand for serve-to-kill coverage Saturday afternoon.
Next week we’ll return to our late-night product reviews to get you readers on track for tacky Christmas gifts throughout the gift-buying season. Even got my eyes on one for The Chief.
Also, with high school basketball right around the corner, my Loudmouth pants move indoors for a fashion extravaganza this winter. Things kick off this Friday night at Cave Spring’s Midnight Madness, a loudmouth surprise is on hand at the Cave Spring gym.
Until next time, send your stacked deck to [email protected]
– Bill Turner
