by Bill Turner
High school football is upon us and that can only mean Wild Bill’s predictions for another season. Several key matchups highlight this Friday night football lights. No lumens necessary Saturday when North Cross opens its season at home in a 2:00 p.m. tilt.
If hurricane Irene holds off, fans can hopefully stay dry and avoid the umbrellas. Last year we made it through the entire season without precipitation, which may be a bad omen for 2011.
Irregardless, if my predictions go awry, I’ll take the blame and be all wet. We’ll also officially open the infamous mailbag again, so drown me with all your questions and comments. Now, let’s get to week one.
Patrick Henry at Hidden Valley
The Patriots have a new head coach in Alan Fiddler and QB David Prince brings another year of experience to the offense. PH is coming off a 6-4 record in 2010, its first winning season since 2000. Hidden Valley regroups from a 0-10 record last year with senior QB Michael Simonic behind center after a season-ending ACL injury in a 2010 preseason scrimmage. The Titans return 19 starters who are eager to prove a point. This one looks to be a shootout, but PH may have the bigger guns.
PH-28 Hidden Valley-13
Cave Spring at William Byrd
The Knights reached the regional final in 2010 before falling to Richlands 36-23 on a very cold night in far Southwest Virginia, finishing at 8-4. Byrd failed to make the playoffs with its 4-6 record, but never underestimate the strategy of Terrier head coach Jeff Highfill. Byrd is looking for a quick start, but Cave Spring has all the Wright answers – look for gamebreaker Sam Wright to set the tone in this one. Cave Spring-29 William Byrd-19
Amherst County at Northside
The Vikings are still steaming over what could have been after its stunning 12-10 loss to Brookville in last year’s playoffs. Amherst County is a perennial powerhouse that will ensure a record crowd for opening night at Jim Hickam Field. Amherst lost on a late-game bomb in last year’s Region III final to Harrisonburg after being a state finalist for the previous three years. Don’t expect Northside to offer the Lancers any last-second chances. Northside-22 Amherst County-13
William Fleming at Franklin County
The Colonels are looking for improvement after last year’s winless campaign. Lee Johnson can be expected to get Fleming turned around. Franklin County is the defending Western Valley District champion and the Eagles have speed and size. Traveling to Rocky Mount is not the easiest way to start the season. Franklin County-34 William Fleming-13
Lord Botetourt at James River
Lord Botetourt finished the 2010 season at 3-7 and Tater Benson’s club looks ready to make a run in the Blue Ridge. James River points to this contest every year for bragging rights in Botetourt County. Home team gets the nod. James River-25 Lord Botetourt-19
Roanoke Catholic at Carlisle
Carlisle is still looking to establish its football program in the private-school ranks after going winless in 2010. Roanoke Catholic made the VIS playoffs last season with the help of a rare forfeit, which gave one of the Celtic opponents an extra win, and Catholic a boost in the points rankings. That playoff opportunity ended with a road trip and loss to Blessed Sacrament, 48-7. No worry for Catholic in this one. Roanoke Catholic-41 Carlisle-6
Galax at Glenvar
Galax rolled into the playoffs last year for the first time since 2002. They may be headed there again. Glenvar ended the season 6-4, but Kevin Clifford’s squad fell short of the playoffs. The Highlanders are always tough at home, but Galax looks too good to be tripped up. Galax-35 Glenvar-23
Charlotte Latin at North Cross (Sat)
North Cross opens against North Carolina private-school powerhouse Charlotte Latin in a 2:00 p.m. kickoff. North Cross made it to the VIS Division III finals in 2010, before losing to Norfolk Christian 29-14. Nobody can accuse the Raiders of scheduling easy opponents. Look for North Cross to run the hurry-up, no-huddle offense in front of the expected standing-room-only crowd at Thomas Field. The numbers may favor Charlotte Latin on a hot August afternoon. Charlotte Latin-27 North Cross-20
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