Well, things are looking up on the prediction front as the Wild Bill picks last week only had a couple hiccups, going an impressive 7-2. That’s big bucks in Vegas parlance.
As Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer would say, I need to keep getting better each week. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of parity in the Wild Bill ‘Big-11’ this year. Simple translation; I don’t have any Austin Peays on my schedule.
Let’s get it going because I’m sending my best Ouija Board offense onto the field for this week’s look at the lineup of games. Glenvar gets an open week, but the other ten are set to go:
Patrick Henry at Blacksburg: The Patriots are the only 3-0 team in Wild Bill land heading into week-4. PH knocked off the Bruins by 46 last year at Gainer. Blacksburg picked up its first win last Friday night in Tazewell. Closer than 2011, but the Bruins may wish they had a rematch in the Southwest District before this one ends. Patrick Henry – 38 Blacksburg- 7.
E.C. Glass at William Fleming: At first glance this looks like Fleming’s best chance for their first win. But, Glass, at 2-1, is the only member of the seven-team Seminole District with a loss. I correctly predicted the Colonels first touchdown of the season last Friday. Will this be the breakthough? E.C. Glass- 20 William Fleming- 12.
Lord Botetourt at Cave Spring: Botetourt returns to Bogle Stadium for the second week in a row after their win over Hidden Valley last Friday. Can Jamie Harless pull the exacta against his old team? The Knights will watch tape and open it up through the air. Cave Spring- 28 Lord Botetourt- 19.
Hidden Valley at Northside: The Titan ground game was non-existant last Friday and Northside finally got untracked after two opening losses. Not the best time to be going to Jim Hickam Field. If Jake Kite stays hot, it could be closer than you think. Northside – 27 Hidden Valley – 24.
Salem at William Byrd: Jeff Highfield, my classmate at Andrew Lewis, always gets the Terriers motivated against the boys from Salem. This should be my upset special after Salem won in overtime against Franklin County last week, and is primed for a letdown. But, Salem is Salem. Salem – 21 William Byrd – 17.
Craig County at Roanoke Catholic: The Celtics skunked the Rockets 19-0 last year. Craig County dropped 55 points on Narrows last Friday and Roanoke Catholic is still finding direction for its young team. The New Castle crew enjoys its visit to the big city. Craig County – 21 Roanoke Catholic – 13.
North Cross vs Christchurch at neutral St. Anne’s Belfield in Charlottesville: North Cross comes off its huge win last Saturday against Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot. Christchurch pulled off a one-point win against Nansemond-Suffolk. Christchurch is the defending Division-2 state champion, North Cross the Division-3 titleholders. Neutral field- experience wins. Christchurch- 27 North Cross- 21.
The Roanoke Valley Sports Club presents former All-ACC and UVa. point guard Corey Alexander as its featured speaker Monday night at the Salem Civic Center. Alexander’s NBA career included stints with the Spurs, Nuggets, Magic and Bobcats. Now a color commentator and analyst, he will speak about his great moments from past and present. The 5:45 social will be followed by dinner at 6:15. Guests and new members are welcome. For information, call Maggie Drewry at 725-7387.
Finally, racing returns to the Franklin County Speedway this Saturday night as the Buck Wild points championship gets underway. $25 gets your whole group through the gate, no matter how many you can pack into the vehicle. Best bargain in stock car racing, except for the apply-named Obama burger at FCS – a seedy bun filled with a big slab of bologna.
I’m hoping to get the Roanoke Star to spring for a jalopy and sponsor me in an upcoming demolition derby at the track. I’ve already got some tricks up my sleeve if the publisher will let the “Wild Bill Black Widow Destroyer Mustang’ take to the 3/8 mile oval. Heck, I’ll even settle for an old Peugeot or AMC Pacer. (Publisher’s Note: My dad once owned a diesel powered Peugot with a five speed. I’m guessing that our readers would pay big bucks to watch you take on Franklin County’s best Big Block Ford wagons in that thing.)
Until next week, buckle up and drop the green flag. And, send your inquiries to: [email protected]