Well, I came through mostly unscathed after last week’s picks with a respectable 5-3 record. The biggest blow to my ego was picking undefeated Glenvar in a romp and having them lose to a winless team. If my prediction was used as bulletin board material, I suspect I’ll be invited to be the grand marshall in the Rural Retreat Christmas Parade. Most teams start district play this week and the stakes get higher. Here’s a look at the matchups and to make you keep reading, a couple of surprises. PREDICTIONS: In the Western Valley, Patrick Henry and George Washington are both 3-3 heading to this district opener. Unfortunately for the Patriots they must travel to Danville to play the Eagles.
PH is coming off a 34-point loss to Christiansburg and GW a 35-point loss to Battlefield. GW recovers quicker. GW- 35 PH- 13
William Fleming is undoubtably the best 0-5 team in the state and last Friday they were victimized by a whistle that never blew in a loss to Salem. The Colonels host once-beaten Franklin County at the new Fleming Stadium. The Eagles look potent and this one should be close if Fleming can put together a strong start. Franklin County- 27 Fleming-21
Northside (5-1) travels to undefeated Alleghany (6-0) in what is undoubtably the biggest game in Low Moor in years. Northside’s only loss was to Salem in a game they only needed to pick up 2 yards in 4 plays for the win. Last week the Vikings were taken to the limit by winless Hidden Valley before prevailing 13-10. It won’t happen three weeks in a row. Burt Torrence gets the squeeky wheel oiled. Northside- 35 Alleghany-13
Lord Botetourt goes to Staunton River where the Eagles are coming off a shutout win over Tunstall, while the Cavaliers were blanked by Blacksburg. Tater Benson may pull some trick plays out of the bag in this one, but will it be enough? Staunton River-22 Botetourt- 20
Hidden Valley played its tail off against Northside and Scott Weaver’s squad is ready for its first win. Blacksburg looks to even its record after the win at Botetourt. Both these River Ridge teams are going to be somebody’s headache before the season is over. The home team gets the edge. Blacksburg- 23 Hidden Valley- 17
Undefeated Salem travels to Bogle Field to take on Cave Spring (3-2). The Spartans were very fortunate two weeks in a row in wins over Northside (we need 2 yards in 4 plays) and Fleming (did anyone hear a whistle? ). Cave Spring finds the answer. The Knights spread the field with its multitude of receivers, throw it in the Wright gear and let the AA battery invade the Spartan backfield. After this code is uncovered: Cave Spring- 26 Salem- 24
Glenvar is still steaming from their loss to then-winless Rural Retreat 27-20. Giles had an off-week and has the experience of two River Ridge opponents earlier. This should be a dog fight. Glenvar- 21 Giles-20
Virginia Episcopal returns to Roanoke for the second time in three weeks. This time Bishop QB Danny Alexander will have more success than his previous try against his older brother Stephen, Head Coach at North Cross. Roanoke Catholic had trouble with Fishburne in a 1-point win last week. VES- 31 Roanoke Catholic- 21
North Cross plays its sixth straight home game as powerful Liberty Christian Academy hits Thomas Field for a 4:00 kickoff. The Raiders are looking at this game as a yardstick to notch their program to the next level. North Cross looked strong in its win Saturday over Hargrave, but the sheer numbers may be against them this week. Liberty Christian- 24 North Cross- 20
By Bill Turner [email protected]