Well, week-one has to be considered a success on the prediction front with only two misses in qualifying games. There’s little doubt this year’s Wild Bill ‘ Big-11 ‘ may have its toughest lineup of squads that we’ve seen in recent memory. The best coaches in the state along with high school programs that have now become a virtual year-round proposition, gives area fans the opportunity to see many well-conditioned players every Friday night. This week six ‘ Big-11 ‘ games play out throughout the Roanoke Valley. Here’s a look at the week-two lineup and what the Ouija Board offers for all the games.
PATRICK HENRY at SALEM:
Clearly the spotlight game of the week as two teams that pitched shutouts in week-one square off at Salem Stadium. PH is the new kid on the block in the River Ridge and a 23-0 win at Hidden Valley last Friday has the Patriots flying high. But, Salem is Salem and the perennial kingpin of the River Ridge. Add to that the difficulty of winning on the Salem carpet.The biggest lock on this one? Get in on the booster club’s 50/50. It’ll be a sure-fire jackpot for somebody. SALEM- 24 PATRICK HENRY- 17
NORTHSIDE at CAVE SPRING:
The Vikings passed their opening game test with an impressive win over Amherst County. Cave Spring has a young team that showed a lot of promise in a second-half comeback that fell short at William Byrd. Northside may have too many big guns for the Knights to handle. NORTHSIDE- 26 CAVE SPRING- 14
HIDDEN VALLEY at WILLIAM BYRD:
The Titans are another young team that are getting the offensive kinks out. Byrd has been strong when quarterback Zac Hill has been under center. The strong Terrier running game and the experienced QB may well be the difference in this one.WILLIAM BYRD- 27 HIDDEN VALLEY- 17
RUSTRBURG at LORD BOTETOURT:
Jamie Harless’ Cavaliers showed no mercy in their 43-0 blowout win at James River last Friday..Harless is a defensive genius and Botetourt may have an offense to go with it. Don’t underestimate the Red Devils, however. This one may be closer than many think. LORD BOTETOURT-23 RUSTBURG-20
MARTINSVILLE at WILLIAM FLEMING:
Prior to last Friday night the Colonels had won only two games in three years. After last week’s win at Fluvanna County Is it possible they could now get two victories in two weeks? There may be a celebration at Fleming Stadium.First-year coach Bobby Martin has turned the Colonels into one “Crafty” team. WILLIAM FLEMING- 26 MARTINSVILLE- 13
GLENVAR at JAMES RIVER:
Do the Highlanders have any gas left after last Friday’s 42-41 shootout win over Galax? Glenvar can put points on the board so they may have too much over four quarters for James River. The Knights are still smarting after getting spanked by Botetourt. James River could get riled. GLENVAR- 35 JAMES RIVER- 19
BRUNSWICK ACADEMY at ROANOKE CATHOLIC:
The Celtics are coming off a 42-point blowout win over the Panthers from Rappahannock that saw Catholic dominate on offense, defense and special teams. Brunswick should offer more of a challenge at Vineyard Field, but something is working for the Celtics. Brunswick’s game last week never got off the tee. ROANOKE CATHOLIC- 33 BRUNSWICK ACADEMY- 14
NORTH CROSS at BLESSED SACRAMENT HUGUENOT:
The Raiders took three days to get their opener settled on the road at Virginia Episcopal in a game that was stopped in the third quarter on Saturday and resumed on Monday. The challenges of three straight road games to open the season continues in Richmond. North Cross can score points, but the question is new faces on defense. BLESSED SACRAMENT- 31 NORTH CROSS- 26
– Bill Turner
