by Bill Turner
Week eight is upon us and the opening of district play last week brought some surprises, none greater than the 29-point comeback by Salem to defeat Cave Spring 29-26.
This week brings an unusal setup for the prediction maze as all eleven of our Roanoke-area teams are in action, and since none plays each other, we have eleven games on the slate. After last week’s 7-2 mark, this number of games may even be a push for the combined crystal ball-Ouija combo. So, without further ado, let’s hit the gridiron gazing.
Patrick Henry at Martinsburg,WV: The black and orange of Martinsburg may be suitable for Halloween, but no treat for the Patriots. Martinsburg is 6-0 and has outscored the opposition 266-14, with 5 shutouts. The drive up I-81 may prove to be tough: Martinsburg- 38 Patrick Henry- 15.
William Fleming at GW Danville: Danville got 2 points last week against PH. This may be Fleming’s best chance for a win, but GW should have enough offense to pull it out: GW Danville- 23 William Fleming- 17
Lord Botetourt at Rockbridge County: At 5-1, Rockbridge is already looking ahead to Northside in two weeks. That may still not be enough help for the Cavs to knock off the Wildcats: Rockbridge County- 38 Lord Botetourt-10
Staunton River at Northside: Staunton River fell just short against Rockbridge last Friday. A trip to Hickam Field makes things worse.: Northside- 30 Staunton River- 13
Alleghany at William Byrd: The Terriers have found their stride with two straight wins. No reason to stop now against the 3-3 Mountaineers: William Byrd- 27 Alleghany-21
Pulaski County at Cave Spring: Can the Knights regroup after the stunner in Salem? A quick look at the game film will reveal they actually had all the Wright answers: Cave Spring- 34 Pulaski County- 14
Hidden Valley at Christiansburg: The Titans have 2 losses against teams with only one combined loss. It’s a tough job to win against the Blue Demons under any circumstances: Christiansburg- 31 Hidden Valley-19
Salem at Blacksburg: The Spartans pulled the improbable last week. Salem should not need a miracle this time around: Salem- 35 Blacksburg- 7
Glenvar at Giles: Both teams are undefeated in the Three Rivers, so this may be Glenvar’s chance to shine. Giles won by 62 last week. Home team gets the advantage: Giles- 26 Glenvar-21
Atlantic Shores Christian at North Cross: The Seahawks, at 3-3, fly into Thomas Field to take on the 4-3 Raiders. North Cross always hits its stride in mid-October: North Cross- 26 Atlantic Shores- 18
Roanoke Catholic at Quantico: This game was originally a home game against Walsingham Academy. Walsingham couldn’t field a team, so Quantico came on board. No concern for the Celtics; Quantico is 0-6: Catholic- 34 Quantico-9
A quick peek at the mailbox this week finds interest in the world of the occult.
Dear Great Seer: You often mention crystal balls and Ouija boards. Have you ever participated in a seance? (Hilda/Callaway)
Answer: Yes, Hilda, and it was a lulu. Eight years ago my wife and I visited a bed and breakfast in Manitou Springs, CO that was once an asylum and subsequent vacation spot of Teddy Roosevelt. The other guests questioned the history of the century-old inn, called it spooky and asked about seances. To provide what they wanted, the innkeeper and I teamed up for an evening of psychic occurances that included tapping, moans, secret peepholes and footsteps in the four-story mansion. Needless to say, there were no requests for late check-outs the next day. When we talked a week later, the innkeeper told me I was great scaring those trembling people. Me??, I thought it was him. I can only say Teddy is quite the lively guy.
Before we hold hands, send your inquiries to: [email protected]
