The high school football season reached its halfway point last week and the only constant through the first five weeks has been the perfect weather that has given every Friday night fan something to cheer about. But, don’t be surprised if the second half of the season brings a few upsets and a reason to bring out the heavy coats. Here’s a look at the games for this weekend,
Patrick Henry looks for its second consecutive win over one of the “Burgs,” but this will be much tougher than the 27-point win the Patriots enjoyed over Blacksburg last Friday. Christiansburg comes to Gainer Field with a 4-0 record and an off-week to rest up. The 3-2 Patrick Henry squad may be up to their elbows in Blue Demons before the night is over. Prediction: Christiansburg 27 Patrick Henry 14.
Although they have had several close calls, William Fleming has yet to break the win column. It’s just a matter of time before Lee Johnson’s team breaks loose. Unfortunately for the Colonels, the Salem Spartans visit the new Fleming field for a 7:00 kickoff. Unless Salem is still celebrating their win over Northside, this could be a tough assignment for Fleming. Prediction: Salem 28 Fleming 7.
Tough-luck Hidden Valley is still trying to find a rhythm after losing their starting quarterback in a preseason scrimmage. At 0-4 the Titans couldn’t have found a worse time to have to travel to Northside. The Vikings are still thinking about what might-have-been after they faced a first and goal at the 2-yard line against Salem last Friday and came up empty in the 17-13 loss. If Northside is looking to make a point, this one could get ugly. Prediction: Northside: 34 Hidden Valley 10.
William Byrd travels to winless Patrick County and Jeff Highfill’s Terriers should find a way to get to 3-3 on the season. Prediction: Byrd 24 Patrick County 7. Lord Botetourt (3-2) hosts one-win Blacksburg as the Bruins hope for a better result than they got at PH last Friday night. Prediction: Lord Botetourt 17 Blacksburg 14. At 3-0, Roanoke Catholic hosts Fishburne Military at Vineyard Park for a 7:00 kickoff. Prediction Fishburne 21 Catholic 20. Undefeated Glenvar travels south on I-81 to winless Rural Retreat. Prediction: Glenvar 42 Rural Retreat 7.
On Saturday, North Cross looks for its fifth straight home field win after an opening loss to North Carolina public school Ben L. Smith. The Raiders take on Hargrave Military Academy at 1:30 on Thomas Field as Stephen Alexander’s team looks to have its offense give the defense a break after last Friday’s battle in the darkness against Virginia Episcopal. Prediction: North Cross 28 Hargrave: 21. (Homecoming.)
Cave Spring (3-2) enjoys an open week before starting River Ridge District play next week.
By Bill Turner [email protected]