Thank goodness it’s here. No, not the high school football playoffs, the volleyball playoffs or the start of the basketball season. I’m talking about the end of the political ads, getting the talking head bozos on a couple cable networks moving on to something new, and having people adorn their property with anything other than politcal campaign signs.
I love the guys who put up about a dozen signs, all supprting the same candidate. Do they think all their neighbors are idiots and can’t figure out their endorsement with just one sign?
Maybe they believe there’s safety in numbers. I’ll give you a pass if that was your thought process. Hurricane Sandy could well have blown away eleven of your twelve placards this week.
One reader pressed me asking if there would be a catchy slogan attached to this election. I’ve always been fond of “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too.” I know Mitt Romney has a boat, so that one may work if he wins.
Another I considered was ’54-40 or Fight’. That one, however, refers to the Oregon Trail (see, you always learn something from this column). If Obama comes out on top, thumbs-up here for that slogan since, like the Oregon Trail, his first four years haven’t led us anywhere.
All of you were probably expecting my endorsement of one candidate, but like a fourth down play, I’m going to punt. Best I stay with football, so let’s get to the action without further ado.
It’s the final week of the regular season for high school football, and that can only mean rivalry Friday night around the area. Playoff action starts next Friday and continues for 5 weeks culminating with state championship games in early December.
It’s way too early to know if any of the “Big-11′ will find their way to state semifinals or the big game, so let’s stay close to home for this week’s slate and predictions.
William Fleming at Patrick Henry: The cross-town rivalry moves to Gainer Field with Fleming coming off its first win of the season last Friday and Patrick Henry back on track after its takedown of Franklin County. PH should have too many weapons. Patrick Henry- 34 William Fleming- 12.
Northside at Lord Botetourt: Northside’s hiccup against Rockbridge County may prove to be a belly ache for the Cavaliers. The Vikings seemed poised for a playoff run and the Cavs clinched their first winning season in 12 years last Friday. Northside will probably find a way to take it out on LB. Northside- 28 Lord Botetourt- 19.
Rockbridge County at Wm. Byrd: Byrd has a chance to even their record at 5-5, but Rockbridge County is flying high after their win over Northside. This one may offer a lot of points. Rockbridge County- 35 Wm. Byrd- 20.
Cave Spring at Hidden Valley: Hidden Valley had its undefeated River Ridge hopes vanish via turnovers last Friday and Cave Spring continues to amaze on the road after wins at Pulaski and Christiansburg. This one went two OTs last year with a Hidden Valley win. Cave Spring is the visitor at Bogle Stadium this year. Will Tim Fulton tell his guys to pretend they’re playing in the New River Valley? Cave Spring- 35 Hidden Valley- 34.
Salem at Pulaski County: This used to be the game of the year in the Hicks-White era. Salem looks good at 9-0 if it doesn’t stub its toe in a trap game. Never take the Cougar den lightly. Salem- 23 Pulaski County- 21.
Glenvar at Eastern Montgomery: One team will finish the regulat season 5-5. This is another game that should keep the scoreboard operator hopping. The Highlanders scored 63 on EastMont last year. Glenvar- 37 Eastern Montgomery- 29.
Roanoke Catholic at Kenston Forest: The Celtics young team has come long way since week-one. Kenston Forest is 3-6, with one win via forfeit. Can the Celtics win one on the road against the Kavaliers with a K?
Roanoke Catholic- 27 Kenston Forest- 20.
North Cross at Norfolk Christian: The Raiders knocked off Norfolk Christian twice in 2011, including the improbable state championship win. Norfolk Christian is 6-2 and will surely be looking for revenge.
Norfolk Christian- 31 North Cross- 21.
One quick peek in this week’s mailbag:
Dear Wild Bill: I know you’ll go off on the election this week. Could there be anything worse on TV than political ads? (Kelsey/Roanoke)
Yes, Kelsey. Reruns of The Family Feud.
Til next week, give me the top four answers and send them to: [email protected]
