Week one of high school football is in the books and the Wild Bill ledger came in at 5-3. That’s right, for those who forgot, I predicted Grundy to knock off Twin Valley by 24 for my week-one teaser in the June 29th edition-for the record, Grundy won that one Friday night 36-6.
Otherwise, my prediction that Cave Spring-Byrd would be close played out with Byrd winning on the last play. Likewise, my upset special of Hidden Valley over PH wasn’t far off. Those expecting a Patriot runaway missed by a mile.
Admittedly, I missed badly with my Northside pick over Amherst, but the Viking ship will get back on course soon, so no use crying over spilled milk.
All eleven ‘Big-11’ teams are in action this week, with seven games taking place throughout the valley.
Without further ado, at least until we get to the Flushmate III later in the column, here’s a look at this week’s games and predictions.
Patrick Henry at Bassett: Both teams were winners last Friday. Bassett lost by 30 to the Patriots in 2011, but expect this one to be closer. PH needs to clean up its turnover problems from the Hidden Valley opener. With that being the focus this week, PH should prevail in Bengal country. PH – 31 Bassett -20
Amherst County at William Fleming: It never seems to get easier for the Colonels. Fleming played Amherst close last year, losing 9-0. After the smoking that Amherst surprisingly put on Northside, this may be a tough task, even at home, for Fleming.
Amherst County – 29 William Fleming -7
Pulaski County at Northside: A tale of contrasting first week results. Pulaski County had its way at home with Radford while the Vikings were humbled at Amherst. Things may get turned around at Jim Hickham Field for Northside, although Puaski County may not be a bargain.
Northside – 21 Pulaski County – 19
Lord Botetourt at Salem: The Jamie Harless era started well for the Cavs with a win over James River last Friday. Salem will be playing its opener. Even though first-game jitters are inevitable, Salem probably still has too much for a rebuilding Botetourt team.
Salem – 27 Lord Botetourt – 13
Martinsville at Cave Spring: Cave Spring went to the wire last Friday with Byrd before losing on the final play. Martinsville was hammered by powerhouse Brookville 49-0. The Knights hung 50 on the Bulldogs in 2011. This one will be closer, but the Knights passing game should prevail.
Cave Spring – 30 Martinsville – 21
Hidden Valley at William Byrd: The Terriers got the last-second win over Cave Spring, while Hidden Valley lost in a close one at AAA Patrick Henry last week. Hidden Valley may have too much beef on the lines for Byrd to handle. This one may well be the most interesting game to watch this week.
Hidden Valley – 34 William Byrd – 25
James River at Glenvar: Glenvar took its lumps at powerful Galax last Friday while James River got the same treatment at Lord Botetourt. Glenvar won this matchup by 26 in 2011. May be more of the same on the Highlanders field this week.
Glenvar – 35 James River – 9
Virginia Episcopal at North Cross: North Cross survived its game on the road with North Carolina powerhouse Charlotte Latin by staying competitive. The Raiders won this one 34-0 in 2011. The Old Dominion Football Conference opener for North Cross will look better this week.
North Cross – 26 VES – 13
Roanoke Catholic at Fredricksburg Christian: Fredricksburg took down the Celtics 42-0 last fall. This is a young Celtic team that is challenged by a limited numbr of players. It’s probably too early in the season to expect big surprises.
Fredricksburg – 33 Roanoke Catholic – 12
We move now to a Wild Bill “Consumer Product Alert.”
Last week, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on a recall that I feel should be passed along to my faithful readers in the interest of safety. I’m well aware of where my column is read, so it’s only fitting I try to provide a safe haven for perusing this week’s and future football predictions.
The Flushmate III high-pressure water-saving system installed in Kohler, American Standard and a number of other toilet manufacturers, has had over 300 cases of the toilet blowing up. The Flushmate III has been deemed a ‘laceration risk’ by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for what is described as ‘porcelain shrapnel flying’.
I’m advising my readers to check their comodes carefully. Despite Flushmate’s supposed inaction, don’t take this sitting down. (I probably could have worded that better). Quite frankly, this whole thing stinks- (yep, need to rephrase that better, too).
Plaintiff attorney, David Birka-White summed it up best, saying, “Fundamentally, you can’t have toilets that are blowing up.”
And, Birka-White asked, “How much do you need to say about that?”
Probably a lot, if it’s in the Wild Bill column.
We may need to temporarily offer a solution with a Wild Bill wooden soda crate two-seater (magazine rack and Olde Brooklyn Lantern accessories, sold separately). Hey, just put it in the corner of the yard until a plumber can be summoned to check you facility out. Splinters are preferable to an exploding toilet any day.
Until next week, please be seated and send your questions to: [email protected]
