“When the going gets tough, the tough get going. It’s just like when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor.”
That line, from the 1978 movie ‘Animal House’, sorta sums up this week’s prediction dilemma. If you didn’t realize it’s been 34 years since the Delta House boys took over Faber College, well just remember- you always learn something when you read my column.
Last week got a passing grade after only three misses in what turned out to be one of the toughest weeks of the season.
The parity of local football is brutal, and I’ve got to fess up that a couple of my many correct picks last Friday were very close calls.
Salem, one of two ‘Big-11’ undefeateds, and a typical winning horse to keep riding, narrowly slipped by for the second week this season.
On the other end of the spectrum, Fleming continues to be only one play from breaking the egg and rolling into the win column. I’m hoping to be on hand for the Colonels pending celebration. Fleming officials had better be ready to secure the goal posts.
In the meantime, I’m heading to Dean Wormer’s office where I expect to be told to Ouija-up or be put on double-secret probation. There’s only one solution, of course – return to Delta House, put on my toga and listen to Otis Day and the Knights. And, no, I don’t mind if you dance with my date. I’ll be too busy figuring out this week’s winners.
An unusual week for the Wild Bill ‘Big-11″ as four teams, PH, Northside, Botetourt and Cave Spring have open weeks before district play starts. Here’s a look at the slate of five games for week-6.
Salem at William Fleming: I’m getting nervous about the obvious choice on this one. One team is undefeated. One winless, but on the cusp. In the end, Salem should have too much experience and too many bodies for a Fleming shocker. But, this one has the makings for a Wild Bill upset. Clearer heads prevail. Salem- 27 William Fleming- 13.
Glenvar at William Byrd: Byrd had the open week to regroup after it’s 1-3 start, while Glenvar checks in at 2-2 after a thrashing of Covington. Jeff Highfill will have the Terriers barking in this one. Horns blare in Vinton. William Byrd- 24 Glenvar- 14.
Bassett at Hidden Valley: Hidden Valley has been the early disappointment, starting 1-3. The off-week last Friday gave Scott Weaver the chance to revitalize the troops, and Bassett may be the perfect cure at Bogle Field. The Titans roll on homecoming Friday. Hidden Valley- 34 Bassett- 13.
Hargrave Military at North Cross: Things ease up a bit for the Raiders after a murderers row slate to open the season. Expect the Raiders to get it clicking on offense. North Cross won by 29 last year. Closer, but the Thomas Field faithful should be cheering. North Cross – 33 Hargrave- 19.
Fishburne Military at Roanoke Catholic: The Celtics look for a turnaround from their young team’s 0-4 start. Fishburne comes to town after a 16-point win over Quantico. The Caissons have only scored 6 points in two road games so far. Roanoke Catholic- 18 Fishburne- 12 .
Now, to the mailbag where questions about my celebrity connections drew plenty of comments.
Dear Wild Bill- I saw you laughing along with Johnny Bench last Tuesday night at the Taubman Museum. What was so funny? (Steve/ Roanoke).
Well, Steve, we were comparing rings and chatting about ‘The Broken Stool.’ The Cincinnati catcher was a first-ballot hall of famer and quite engaging. Thanks go out to Greystone Financial for the opportunity.
To the Roanoke Star tennis pro: Hey, Wild Bill, how in the world did you get on the court with John McEnroe and Pete Sampras last weekend at The Greenbrier? (Tom/ Greensboro).
I wasn’t playing, Tom. But, I was on the court with both during their exhibition match Saturday. Great experience. The outspoken McEnroe reminds me of some of my shenanigans. Only downside – Maria Sharapova wasn’t there. But, I’m working on that for next month.
Until next week, remember all is not lost. John Belushi (aka Bluto) graduated from Faber and became a U.S. Senator. Hey, probably makes more sense than this November’s slate.
Send your tennis lobs to Wild Bill via [email protected]
