by Bill Turner
Week one of high school football is in the books, and last week’s predictions set the bar as yours truly went 7-1 for a .875 percentage. Wish this had been Vegas-that record could have nabbed a couple of Liberace’s pianos.
The Salem Red Sox fell out of second-half contention with their loss in Sunday’s final home game of the season, but the overall Red Sox experience was strong in 2011. Salem Memorial Stadium was great, as always, and the team offered a look at future major leaguers.
Now, on to week two of high school predictions, as all local teams hit the gridiron.
Bassett at Patrick Henry
The Patriots showed they are the real deal with last week’s big win over Hidden Valley. PH easily beat Bassett last year and it looks like Alan Fiddler’s home opener may be much of the same. Bassett, which struggled at Carroll County, played in the inaugural game at Gainer Field in 2007. PH- 28 Bassett-13
William Fleming at Amherst County
Who dealt Fleming this schedule? After last week’s loss on the road against Franklin County, the Colonels board the bus again to take on a Lancers team that is looking for a punching bag after losing to Northside. Amherst rarely loses two weeks in a row, much less at home. Amherst County-38 William Fleming-9
Salem at Lord Botetourt
This one looks like a trap. Botetourt won by 38 last week on the road; Salem plays its opener on the road, so expect the usual first-game jitters and miscues. I’m not buying any of it. Things are always quiet around the Spartan camp until kickoff. With a lot of speed and 6’5” QB Matt Hill looking over the Botetourt landscape, the Cavaliers will be summarily dismounted by Salem. Salem-37 Lord Botetourt-13
William Byrd at Hidden Valley
Enough is enough. Hidden Valley went 0-10 in 2010 and dropped its opener to AAA Patrick Henry by 28. Byrd fell in its home opener to Cave Spring. It’s time for HV to make a statement. If only the late Cubs broadcaster Harry Carey could call the game. “Titans win, Titans win . . . “ Hidden Valley- 23 William Byrd-19
Cave Spring at Martinsville
Cave Spring escaped Vinton with a win last week on the shoulders of running back Sam Wright. The Bulldogs lost on the road to powerful Brookville after being close at the half. All four Cave Spring losses in 2010 came on the road. Martinville’s speed may be the clincher. Martinsville-27 Cave Spring-21
Northside at Pulaski County
Northside passed the test against Amherst County and Pulaski County was stunned by Radford. Look for Pulaski to be improved, but not enough to bring the Vikings to shore. Northside-24 Pulaski County-13
Glenvar at James River
The Highlanders took Galax into overtime last week before falling 17-14. James River has a young team and was battered by Lord Botetourt in Buchanan. Glenvar gets in the win column for Kevin Clifford. Glenvar- 34 James River-12
Fredericksburg Christian at Roanoke Catholic
Catholic got over a big hurdle with last week’s road win at Carlisle. Fredericksburg’s road history may be suspect. Roanoke Catholic-27 Fredericksburg-20
Norfolk Christian at North Cross
A Saturday rematch of last year’s VIS Division III state championship won by the Ambassadors 29-14. North Cross gets to game 2 of its first three brutal games after last week’s 23-0 loss to Charlotte Latin. North Cross schedules to play the best but Norfolk Christian is holding four UVA recruits. Norfolk Christian-23 North Cross-14
Now, to the mailbag, where last week’s earthquake took center stage.
Dear Mr. Bill: During a football game, does an earthquake during a point-after attempt, give reason for a retry? (Dave/Galax)
Answer-No, but it gives reason to get away from the goalposts.
Dear Wild Man: Did you experience any effects from the 5.9 magnitude shaker? (Harriet/Roanoke)
Answer-The only thing I noticed was a slight ripple in the otherwise smooth surface of my Bloody Mary.
Keep the questions rolling in at: [email protected]
