Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup!

Major League baseball gets its due this week as the World Series got under way Wednesday night between Detroit and San Francisco.

It’s been a baseball playoff ringed with collapses. First, Atlanta thinking a wild-card spot would be their path to the Fall Classic. Big miscalculation in a one-game format.

Next, the Reds blew a 2-game lead in a best-of-five series to the Giants, the Nationals found out the hard way that ninth inning walks are the recipes for disaster, and the New York Yankees displayed that you have to do more than just show up to win.

St. Louis finished things off by taking a 3-1 lead over the Giants, only to lose the final three.

Speaking of collapses, how about those Hokies. A huge letdown at 4-4, with the die-hard fans calling for everyone’s scalp.  On the Monday night Tech radio show fans blamed the refs and, as usual, wanted half the coaches fired. To his credit, head coach Frank Beamer wasn’t willing to talk any of that nonsense; not even a passing response, despite being pressed on both matters.

High school football and volleyball hit the home stretch with several teams in both sports destined for the playoffs. Cave Spring and Hidden Valley, only 2 miles apart, may have the two best Group AA volleyball teams in the state. They play for the second time Thursday night (Oct. 25th). There’s a possibility the two could end up meeting six times before it’s over with in mid-November.

Last week’s high school football predictions were very strong, going 7-1 in a tough district-heavy slate. Week-ten has every team on the field, with ten games in the Wild Bill ‘Big-11’. Without further ado, here’s who’s hot and who’s not heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.

Patrick Henry at Franklin County: PH got back on track with their win at Halifax, while Franklin County was eliminated in the Western Valley title race by GW Danville. The Eagles can only play for pride and Rocky Mount is always a tough venue. But, tough enough? Patrick Henry- 28 Franklin County- 20.

Halifax County at William Fleming: Early on, this looked like a possible Colonel win. Last year’s 9-7 squeaker has been Flemings only win in the last three seasons.. Halifax remains in the district race if they win Friday. Halifax County- 21 William Fleming- 13.

Lord Botetourt at Alleghany: Alleghany put up 40 points last Friday and still fell short. Botetourt ground out another win to go 5-3. The Cavs will try to keep the score down. Get a plenty while it’s a gettin’; Northside looms next week for Botetourt.  Lord Botetourt- 20 Alleghany- 19.

Rockbridge County at Northside:The Wildcats stayed in the Blue Ridge race with the 42-40 shootout win over Alleghany. The Cats will find the end zone more elusive this Friday night at Jim Hickam Field. Northside- 31 Rockbridge County- 21.

William Byrd at Staunton River: Byrd was oh-so-close in their overtime loss to Northside. Staunton River is still looking for their first Blue Ridge win. Terriers bark loud down Route 24.
William Byrd- 23 Staunton River- 9.

Cave Spring at Christiansburg: The Knights are 2-1 in the River Ridge, with Christiansburg winless in three district games. May be a push trying to lay the fourth straight loss on the Blue Demons, especially at hostile Christiansburg. Christiansburg- 27 Cave Spring- 24.

Salem at Hidden Valley: No better time for an upset special. Salem is undefeated at 8-0, but a bunch of games have been close. The Titans are 3-0 in the River Ridge. Hidden Valley has the defense to stop the Spartans. The Titans have an additional incentive in this matchup. Hidden Valley- 27 Salem- 21.

Glenvar at Auburn: Glenvar scored 48 points last Friday in their win over Radford. Auburn is winless at 0-8. Glenvar probably won’t get 48 again, but they may get close in Riner. Glenvar- 43 Auburn- 15.

Roanoke Catholic at Blessed Sacrament: The Celtics are on a two-game win streak after opening with five losses. The way to keep that run going may not be a trip to Richmond, where BS-Huguenot is always tough. Blessed Sacrament- 35 Roanoke Catholic-13.

Covenant at North Cross: The 4-4 Raiders come off a big road win two weeks ago over Atlantic Shores. North Cross always gets its traction at the end of the season. Covenant continues to assist the Raider comeback. North Cross- 34 Covenant- 20.

Now, to the mailbag, where ACC football maladies are exposed.

Dear Wild Bill: Any prediction on the ACC football champion? (John/Moneta)

No clue, John. But, you could have a 5-loss ACC team going to the Orange Bowl, for which I’ll give a prediction. $10 Orange Bowl tickets in abundance at game time.

Until next week, Miami is calling, so send your inquiries to: [email protected]

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