Week ten for the Wild Bill ” Big-11 ” is upon us and it’s crunch time for many teams looking for the coveted playoff spots necessary for postseason play. While the regular season ends for most teams next week, the top teams in the area will be looking to still be playing once December arrives.
It’s trick-or-treat time in ” Big-11 ” territory, and it couldn’t get better than the Hidden Valley-Cave Spring volleyball game Thursday night. Or could it? I have a tradition of throwing bags of candy bars to the student sections on Friday nights. ” Big-11 ” kids are great and Loudmouth adds to the excitement. Thanks to everyone for wanting to be part of the Loudmouth style and being a part of local sportsmanship. As Loudmouth proclaims, “the most fun you can have with your pants on.”
Before we get to this week’s lineup and predictions, a little housekeeping is in order.
This Sunday, November 3rd, Dwight Bogle Stadium, located behind Cave Spring Middle School , hosts the fourth annual Dave Ross Biddie Bowl. The afternoon of fun features great Pee-Wee football along with games, a raffle, and entertainment for the entire family. Proceeds from the event benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Virginia Blue Ridge Chapter. The Biddie Bowl looks to add to the total of over $5,000 it has raised to fight breast cancer. Action begins at 1:00 p.m.
Congratulations go out to Hidden Valley’s Kristin Hearp for her second place finish in the VHSL Girls Open golf championship held in Richmond this week. Hearp was tied for first after regulation before losing on the first playoff hole to Chantilly’s Ju Hee Bae.
Lord Botetourt’s Lyndsey Hunnell tied for sixth, with Cave Spring’s Meagan Board came in 18th in the 2-day tournament.
Last week it was another 2-miss performance, the seventh in nine weeks, which makes it look like the Ouija is dialed in on that number. Lord Botetourt remains the only ” Big-11″ undefeated at 8-0 and Northside gets the idle week to regroup. That being said, let’s rattle the planchette into action.
ALLEGHANY at WILLIAM BYRD: The Terriers are still in the mix for a piece of the Blue Ridge title with the showdown at Botetourt looming in two weeks. Injuries hurt Byrd at Northside, but they should be able to escape the Mountaineers. William Byrd- 23 Alleghany- 14
LORD BOTETOURT at STAUNTON RIVER: Botetourt got away by a 2-point conversion last Friday at Fleming. Expect the Cavs to be more focused this week. Lord Botetourt- 36 Staunton River- 10
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY at WILLIAM FLEMING: A pair of 2-6 teams square off at Fleming Stadium. The Colonels just missed against Botetourt. This time the home team gets the job done. William Fleming- 27 Rockbridge County- 23
CARROLL COUNTY at PATRICK HENRY: PH plays its fifth straight home game as Carroll County enjoys the leaves on the trip from Hillsville. It may be a changing show on the scoreboard as well. Patrick Henry- 41 Carroll County- 9
HIDDEN VALLEY at SALEM: The Titans may be the most improved team since week one. They’ll definitely get tested at Salem Stadium. May be closer than you think. Salem- 24 Hidden Valley- 21
BLACKBURG at CAVE SPRING: Two teams that are on the bubble for a playoff spot. Both are unpredictable, but you get one anyway. Home field advantage. Cave Spring- 26 Blacksburg- 24
RADFORD at GLENVAR: These two combined for 94 points last year in Radford where Glenvar prevailed 48-46. Same margin again? Glenvar- 28 Radford- 26
ROANOKE CATHOLIC at KENSTON FOREST: The Celtics look for a .500 regular season with the win. Kenston’s three wins have come by a combined 6 points. That may be the clue. Roanoke Catholic- 35 Kenston Forest- 20
NORFOLK CHRISTIAN at NORTH CROSS (SAT): The 3-6 Ambassadors invade Thomas Field with a rebuilding year at hand. The Raider offense appears to be back in high gear. North Cross- 38 Norfolk Christian- 27
Now, a quick pass through the mailbag where photography and pricing gets some attention.
Dear Wild Bill: I’ve seen you taking pictures on the sidelines all year. How do I get a picture of my kid? (Walter/Roanoke County)
Just ask. And, tell me their number.
Dear Mr. Picture Guy: What’s the going price for a 5 x 7 of a football player? (Nancy/Salem)
Way cheaper than you’d expect.
Dear Ansel Adams:
I have trouble with good pictures in gyms. Do you use a light meter? (Hazel/Blacksburg)
It’s about 7 ounces, Hazel.
Until next week, get you questions focused and send them to [email protected]
– Bill Turner
