Don’t worry that those were hurricane winds you heard last Friday night.
It was actually a huge sigh of relief from The Chief after Northside failed to convert a two-point conversion in its loss against Pulaski County.
For those that missed last week’s column, The Chief announced he would buy me a Maserati GranTurismo if I could possibly predict every week-one game correctly.
In fact, he was so confident I would blow it, he posted a picture of the car in place of my usual mystic photograph. Never get the Ouija ticked off.
For the record, the GranTurismo’s MSRP, manufactured by Fiat, starts at $132,825 before options. Yes, you always learn something when you read this column.
Every “Big-11” prediction was correct, except for the close call by the Vikings. It left me 8-1 for the week, an astounding .889 accuracy percentage.
I’m sure The Chief will say something about “being close only counts in horseshoes,” or claims he was really talking about a 1964 Fiat, but I bet he’s not inclined to take on the Ouija a second time, even for a used Volkswagon Beetle.
Granted, I was willing to forego pricey options like the air conditioned poodle compartment or the geisha stereophonic music system, but the stripped down version still looked good.
Now, let’s get the turbo engine roaring with this week’s schedule of games, where Cave Spring and Salem take the week off.
JEFFERSON FOREST AT PATRICK HENRY:
PH looked strong in its opening win at Hidden Valley. A repeat performance, plus more will be needed against the Cavaliers. Should be a great game on Grandin Road. Jefferson Forest- 35 Patrick Henry- 28
HIDDEN VALLEY AT WILLIAM BYRD:
The young Titans are licking their wounds after the loss to PH. Can Byrd knock off two straight Southwest County opponents in as many weeks ? William Byrd- 24 Hidden Valley- 14
FRANKLIN COUNTY AT WILLIAM FLEMING:
The Eagles came up short at Liberty while Fleming had a long night at Jefferson Forest. The Colonels still miss Warren Craft. Franklin County- 27 William Fleming- 20
LORD BOTETOURT AT SPOTSWOOD:
The Cavs rolled at James River while Spotswood got by East Rockingham. Senator, East Rockingham is no Lord Botetourt. Lord Botetourt- 31 Spotswood- 12
NORTHSIDE AT HERITAGE:
A tough loss for the Vikings last Friday, while it’s the season opener for Heritage this week. Can the Vikings open the season 0-2 ? HERITAGE- 28 NORTHSIDE- 27
GLENVAR AT JAMES RIVER:
The Highlanders slipped by Galax with a late score last Friday night. They won’t wait that long this week. Glenvar- 29 James River- 8
BRUNSWICK ACADEMY AT ROANOKE CATHOLIC:
Brunswick outlasted Kenston Forest in a 46-42 shootout last Friday. They may find the road tougher at Vinyard Field. Roanoke Catholic- 34 Brunswick Academy- 21
NORTH CROSS AT VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL: (SAT)
The Raiders look to rebound with improved roster numbers at VES. Lowman-to-Lowery will take its toll on the Bishops. North Cross- 40 VES- 25
Now, to the mail bag, where a couple of readers chimed in on me just missing out on a new car.
Dear Wild Bill: Eight out of nine predictions right, and the one miss cost you a $100K Maserati. Bet you were bummed out ? (Jerry/Salem)
Nah, Jerry. The Chief is a pretty good guy. Word around corporate headquarters is he’s going to let me use the executive limousine next week.
Dear Mr. Predictor: Amazing predictions, especially in the first week of a season. You ever thought of going to Las Vegas to clean up? (Mark/Roanoke)
Definitely considered it, but now I don’t have the car to get me there. Wonder if I could talk Pulaski County into giving Northside a second chance on that last play ?
Until next week, turn up the geisha music and send your comments to: [email protected]
Chief’s note: Thank goodness for the Cougars . . . It just doesn’t get much closer. Only Wild Bill would figure out a way to get all 9 games correct the first week of the season save for the success of a 2 point conversion. I’m not messing with his Ouija Board again this year nor am I partaking of the secret potions he’s known to whip up just ahead of game time. We really do need to take his Wildness to Vegas.
