Wow, what a week on the prediction front. From plagiarism to pilfering, the boys with the crystal balls were hit hard. First, one of my esteemed colleagues was victimized by the ‘Copy-Cat Predictor’, someone who exactly matched 78 high school football outcomes. I’ve got to admit, it made for a hilarious halftime discussion at last Friday’s Cavs-Knights game.
Surely, you imposters must realize we pros can spot you a mile away. When you make 39 picks, much less 78, there are just shy of 550 billion combinations possible. I would have also figured the odds for 78, but my logarithm calculator blew up after 39.
Closer to home, someone purloined one of my media passes at another recent game. No worry, I’ve got others. But, the culprit should take note – the one he or she filched had expired. You’ll probably get nabbed if you try to use it to get in the World Series or next spring’s Masters.
A couple of you wise-guys asked me this week if I solicit help on my picks. Nope, my Ouija is still purring like a kitten. Plus, for the record, I have to get my predictions to the editors by Wednesday morning, and they’re on the newsstand for review by noon Thursday, a full 31 hours before the first Friday night kickoff. With all this going on, it’s amazing I only had one miss last week, finishing 6-1 in the ‘Big-11″.
Now, to this week’s non-collaborated predictions where ‘Big-11’ members Byrd and HIdden Valley have an open week.
Patrick Henry at Patriot: The Patriots travel to Manassas to take on Patriot. Actually, the Northern Virginia school is called the Pioneers, so it may be simpler to stay with that. The Pioneers enter the game 1-3, with the brightest star being three field goals in their last two games. Our Patriots are 4-0. The extra ‘s’ gets the win. Patrick Henry- 28 Patriot- 10.
R.J. Reynolds at William Fleming: The 3-2 Demons from Winston-Salem, NC visit Fleming after losing their last two games to a pair of Forsyths, East and North, by the combined score of 79-12. Could this be the first-ever Colonel win in Fleming Stadium? R.J. Reynolds- 21 William Fleming- 17.
Cave Spring at Alleghany: The Knights travel to Low Moor to battle the 2-1 Mountaineers. Cave Spring has seen a couple games get away from their young defense. This one should be very close. Alleghany- 27 Cave Spring- 24.
Blacksburg at Lord Botetourt: Botetourt comes off back-to-back road wins at Bogle Stadium that have put new life into the Cavalier program. Jame Harless must guard against a letdown.
Homecoming success in Daleville. Lord Botetourt- 29 Blacksburg- 20.
Northside at Salem: The Vikings evened their record at 2-2 last Friday, while Salem stayed perfect with a win at Byrd. If Northside comes to play, the Spartans may be in for a tussle. It’s hard to win at Salem Stadium under any conditions. Salem: 28 Northside: 27.
Covington at Glenvar: Glenvar had the open week last Friday to mend the wounded and prepare for the 2-2 Cougars who were a 34-point winner over EastMont last week. Covington has averaged over 38 points in its last three games. Can the Highlanders defense stop the train?
Covington- 30 Glenvar- 20.
North Cross at Blue Ridge: Blue Ridge enters the game undefeated after their 23-7 takedown of Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot last week. The Raiders short bench and young squad may have their hands full again on Saturday. Blue Ridge- 26 North Cross- 16.
Roanoke Catholic at Parry McCluer: For the record, in case you’re wondering, Parry was a former Buena Vista school administrator. You always learn something in this column. The young Celtics will have to execute to perfection to slip by in this one. Parry McCluer- 26 Roanoke Catholic- 12.
One quick look at this week’s mailbag, where a reader suggests guest predictors for the column.
Dear Wild Bill: Have you ever considered inviting outsiders to challenge you in picking the games? (Norman/Salem)
Answer: Well, Norman, I thought about celebrities or presidential candidates. But, can you imagine if I had Barack or Mitt giving their best shot? I’d print their selections and by next week, they’d swear they had picked the other team.
Until next week, take me on and cast your votes to [email protected]
