Finally, it’s here. Week one of high school football is upon us and I’ll be heading out to two games to get a quick look at four of the Wild Bill ‘Big-11’ squads.
Home games tonight (Friday) offer fans the opportunity to see Friday night lights across the valley, with contests set for the stadiums at William Fleming, Patrick Henry, Cave Spring and Lord Botetourt.
Two ‘Big-11’ members, Salem and Roanoke Catholic, won’t hit the gridiron until next week, but there’s plenty on hand tonight to get the crystal ball warmed up. So, without further ado, let’s get right to this week’s picks.
North Cross at Charlotte Latin: The only local defending state champions get the first look in week one. North Cross graduated a host of starters from the 2011 team and the early roster numbers have been a challenge for head coach Stephen Alexander. Charlotte Latin, a perennial private school powerhouse came to Roanoke last year in game-one, knocking off the Raiders 23-0. North Cross isn’t afraid to play the best. Although this game will pay dividends down the road, a win by the Raiders may be a very long shot. Charlotte Latin- 35 North Cross- 9
Franklin County at William Fleming: Fleming has only one win in it’s last two seasons, but head coach Lee Johnson has the program heading in the right direction. Look for Fleming, with lack of depth in the running game, to open it up through the air. Franklin County knocked off the Colonels twice in the 2011 regular season. The Eagles are typically big and fast. Franklin County – 28 William Fleming – 13.
William Byrd at Cave Spring: The Terriers return several starters on both side of the ball, while Cave Spring lost both quarterbacks and the greatest rusher in Knight history, Sam Wright, to graduation. The big question is how the lines for both teams will perform. Jeff Highfield, the dean of ‘Big-11’ coaches, always has a few tricks up his sleeve. Connor Baker, out with a leg injury in 2011, returns at QB for Cave Spring with up-and-comer Alex Emery in the wings. This one should be close. Cave Spring – 23 William Byrd – 22.
Glenvar at Galax: Galax slipped by Glenvar 17-14 in last year’s opener, then reeled off thirteen more wins before losing to Clintwood in the state final. Glenvar made the playoffs before finishing the season 6-5. Highlanders head coach Kevin Clifford has some key spots to fill, and playing in Galax on opening night, where football is king, is no bargain. Galax – 30 Glenvar -20.
Northside at Amherst County: The Vikings lost big-time players in key positions after a great 2011 season that came to an end in the playoffs against eventual state champion Brookville. Northside always has a committment to the weight room, and the line play will be crucial in this one. Nine players return on defense for the Vikings, and that may be enough for a well-conditioned Burt Torrence squad. Northside – 20 Amherst County -13.
James River at Lord Botetourt: The annual game for bragging rights in Botetourt County that eventually may be a thing of the past. Botetourt welcomes former Cave Spring defensive coordinator Jamie Harless as its new head coach, and Harless brings a clear-cut philosophy that committment paves the road to success. Lord Botetourt got a great catch here. They celebrate in Daleville. Lord Botetourt – 27 James River – 12.
Hidden Valley at Patrick Henry: I promised an upset last week, so here it is. PH will be a speed machine in 2012, with VA Tech-bound David Prince at quarterback. The Patriots have made great strides under head coach Alan Fiddler, despite competing in the grueling AAA ranks. Hidden Valley slides down Grandin Road with 14 returning starters and a running game that may well impress. Line play will be the key in this one, and the Titans have some very big and versitile players on both sides of the ball. Hidden Valley head coach Scott Weaver was the turnaround story in 2011. Weaver says playing PH is an opportunity to improve. It may be a Titan shocker. Hidden Valley – 24 Patrick Henry – 19.
We close this week with a look at a Wild Bill late-night product review and an e-bay update that hit close to home.
Admittedly, I’ve never ventured writing about the world of undergarments, at least until a recent pitch for the apparently heretofor unrecognized women’s accessory called the ahh-bra. The pitch says no hooks, clasps, eyes, lines, bulges or wires. All pluses in my book, unless, of course you’re hanging a picture.
The ad shows ladies from the size of Twiggy up to Mama Cass stepping into this thing (yep, that’s right, you step into the ahh-bra to get it positioned). Comes in various colors, but they suggest yellow, because “wear yellow-catch a fellow.” That’s enough. I give the ahh-bra a Wild Bill Five-Star thumbs up, . . . or step-up in this case.
FInally, this week e-bay barred all products involving magical pitches, such as Tarot cards or anything that promotes hexing spells. Don’t worry readers- my Ouija Board is in a safe place, crystal ball hidden and seance table locked up. Count Isvandelecki and I are pleading the fifth. We’ve got football to do.
Until next week, remember. . . Wear lots of yellow and send your comments to: [email protected]
