It’s hard to believe we’re already to week nine of high school football. Last Friday night was the first that gave a hint of cooler weather with sweaters and scarves prominent in the bleachers.
Don’t get too comfortable quite yet. I was sitting around looking at the Old Farmer’s Almanac this week and the prediction says much colder times are around the corner. That being said, the OFA goes back on the nail. I’m bringing out the long johns before getting caught with my pants down.
The new playoff format has us set for a final push in the last three weeks. Heading into this Friday night’s games, seven “Big-11” teams have winning records with two more at .500.
Here’s a look at the week-nine contests with Cave Spring getting the open date on its schedule.
LORD BOTETOURT at WILLIAM FLEMING: Botetourt comes off its overtime win over Northside and the Cavs are flying high as the only “Big-11” undefeated team. With Byrd only one week away, this could easily be the perfect trap game for LB. Don’t expect Jamie Harless to let the minds wander. Lord Botetourt- 29 William Fleming- 13
WILLIAM BYRD at NORTHSIDE: Byrd starts a three game stretch where it controls its own destiny to win the Blue Ridge District title. Northside is still smarting after the loss at Botetourt. The Vikings may be prepared to take no prisoners. This one should be a great matchup. Northside- 28 William Byrd-26
SALEM at CARROLL COUNTY: The Spartans should enjoin the leaf color on the ride to Hillsville. They’ll probably enjoy the ride back as well, despite the darkness. Salem- 44 Carroll County- 12
HIDDEN VALLEY at PULASKI COUNTY: The Titans can pull even at 4-4 with a win in Pulaski where the 4-4 Cougars await. No bargain playing in the Cougar-den. Should be a close one. Pulaski County- 27 Hidden Valley-24
CHRISTIANSBURG at PATRICK HENRY: A pair of two-loss teams square off at Gainer Field. PH comes off the idle week to play a Blue Demon team that laid 64 on Carroll County last Friday. Has Christiansburg recovered from the Salem smackdown? Christiansburg- 30 Patrick Henry- 28
GLENVAR at AUBURN: A pair of 4-3 teams battle it out in Riner. Glenvar has found a way to win close games. Glenvar- 25 Auburn- 23
NORTH CROSS at COVENANT: The Raiders had the week off after the overtime win over Atlantic Shores two weeks age. North Cross needs to keep its seeding intact. Look for the Raider offense to roll. North Cross- 42 Covenant- 20
BLESSED SACRAMENT-HUGUENOT at ROANOKE CATHOLIC: Catholic fell to 4-4 after the upset loss to Fuqua. It won’t get any easier against a 7-1 Blessed Sacrament squad whose only loss has been to North Cross. Blessed Sacrament- 41 Roanoke Catholic- 17
Now, to the mailbag where readers press for prediction year-to-date results and secrets of the trade.
Dear Wild Bill: Your picks have been pretty good, but you always quote the results in number-of-misses each week. What’s the overall numbers? (Roland/ Boones Mill)
Well, Roland, it’s 50-15 through 8 weeks. That’s a .769 clip with less than 2 misses a week so far. And, one perfect 8-0 week in the mix. To quote Roland, “pretty good”.
Dear Predictor: What’s the key to a high-performance Ouija Board? (Edna/ Roanoke)
Keep it in a sunny place and avoid contact with prunes. You get out what you put in.
Dear Wild Bill: When you refer to The Chief, I always think about the old Superman TV show where Perry White was The Chief. Is your Chief like Perry White? (Loretta/ Salem)
There is a similarity, Loretta. Perry White’s paper was “The Daily Planet”; ours is “The Roanoke Star.” Appropriately, stars are typically bigger than planets. As far as looks, Perry White was grouchy and chubby. Our Chief looks more like a young Robert Redford.
As you can tell, I ain’t no fool.
Until next time, watch for my Loudmouth Christmas pants, soon to be debuted. And send your inquiries to [email protected]
– Bill Turner