Well, the last week of the high school regular season is upon us and this year has brought the end to an amazing streak. Not once have we had a bad Friday night weather-wise. Glad I didn’t have to make that prediction in August because I would have thrown in at least two or three deluges somewhere in the schedule.
Last week was the second straight 7-1 performance, with my only miss coming from the Cave Spring loss to those Blue Demons of Christiansburg. The proximity of Halloween should have told me how to pick that one right. That improves my season percentage to .837. If I keep this up, I’m going to Happy’s Flea Market and look for a used loving cup to self-annoint myself as one of the area’s top high school predictors. As a prior hockey player, I’ll borrow from the tradition of the Stanley Cup and drink the nectar of the Gods from what I shall call the ‘Otis Campbell Cup’. Hey, I like the idea so much, I might do it even if I blow all the remaining games. Now, let’s get serious and take a peek into this week’s maibag.
Dear Wild Bill: I saw you at a game a couple of weeks ago. What do you do at halftime? Our grandkid plays in the band – can’t you get off your butt and shoot some band pics? ( Nana / Craig Co. )
Answer: Well, Nana, as a member of the sports photographer’s union, I get a mandatory break during halftime, during which I sit on the bench and enjoy all the great marchers. Admittedly, I’ve never been good at photographing music. Plus, if I do improve, I won’t be doing high school bands – I’ll be trying to hook up with Lady Gaga.
Dear Mr. Turner: I heard you were a letterman at Andrew Lewis High School. Did you play football for any of those great Lewis teams? (Copey / Salem)
Answer: Lord, No ! I did go to Lewis and do have 4 letters, but in a sport with a different shaped ball. Football was not for me – I didn’t want to get scratched. Plus, in those days it seemed like autumn nights were a lot colder than now. My idea of a great Friday night was cuddled up with a cute chick and getting a little kiss when the mighty Wolverines scored. Early on, I found that was difficult while wearing a helmet.
Hey, Wild Bill Dude: I grew up in the 70s, dude. I loved those games when the field was real sloppy and the players were covered in mud. You know, like man, you don’t see that much now with the fake carpet. Do you think most fans prefer grass or artificial turf? (Leaf Dude / Parts Unknown )
Answer: I have no idea, Leaf. I’ve never met a fan who has smoked artificial turf.
Dear Mr. Bill: How do you decide which games to predict? It always seems like a different number. (Harlan / Floyd )
Answer: It’s easy, Harlan. I predict the eleven Roanoke Valley teams, so there should be eleven games. But, if a team has an open week or two area teams play each other, then the number of games drops. It’s normally between 8 and 10 , or in Leaf’s case (above question) right around 15.
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Now let’s move to this week’s games of interest.
In the Western Valley, Patrick Henry (5-4) travels to Halifax for a date with the Blue Comets. PH has had an extra week to prepare, while Halifax provided Fleming their first win last Friday. The Blue Comets get bluer. PH – 28 Halifax County – 12.
The Colonels of William Fleming (1-8), fresh off their first win, must make a trip to Danville to face George Washington (4-5). I cannot tell a lie in this one. GW ends the season at .500. GW Danville – 34 William Fleming – 13
In the Blue Ridge, Alleghany ( 7-2) comes to Vinton to visit William Byrd (4-5). With the off-week, the Mountaineers should be ready to pen up the Terriers. Alleghany – 28 William Byrd – 20
In the marquee River Ridge showdown, Staunton River (7-2) invades Jim Hickam Field to battle the Northside Vikings (8-1). Northside would be undefeated if not for a strange first-and-two play call. No worries though- 9-1 isn’t shabby. Northside – 30 Staunton River – 13
The Southwest County rivalry rolls into Bogle Stadium as Cave Spring (6-3) takes on winless Hidden Valley (0-9). The Knights may be licking their wounds after the blowout in Christiansburg last Friday. Hidden Valley seems to catch everyone at the wrong time. But, records have had a way of being wrong in this tilt. Cave Spring – 41 Hidden Valley – 13
Salem (7-2) heads to the Cougar den where third place in the River Ridge is on the line. For postseason-ineligible Pulaski County (4-5) this is their playoff game. The Cougars have been on a roll lately, but Salem is Salem. Salem – 24 Pulaski County – 22
Glenvar (5-4) makes the trip to Buffalo country to take on Floyd County (5-4). The frost is already on the pumpkin in Floyd and the Buffs are used to it. This one should be close, but it may not be the time to be where the buffalo roam. Floyd County – 35 Glenvar – 34
Roanoke Catholic (5-3) takes a Saturday trip to Woodstock,Va to battle Massanutten Military at 1:00pm. Massanutten better hope their corps brings in a backup brigade. Roanoke Catholic – 32 Massanutten – 16.