The Chief always says everyone around here should reach for the stars.
Accordingly, I’m going to reach out to a star.
We’re getting a lot of feedback from surprised readers who still think Ronald Reagan played Knute Rockne in the MGM 1940 classic, “Knute Rockne-All American.” Nope, Reagan was George Gipp, aka the Gipper, in the dramatic scene 141 minutes into the flick.
It’s well documented that both Ron and Nancy Reagan regularly consulted psychics to determine the future and check out what route to take in making decisions. Just think, with a different psychic in tow, Ronnie may have demanded the Great Wall of China be torn down rather than the one in Berlin.
Back in the good old days it was commonplace for the Hollywood crowd to gather around soothsayers for consult. Nancy Reagan often called on Joan Quigley, a San Francisco seer who claimed she could tell when the planets were in a favorable alignment.
Another was Carroll Righter, popular with the Hollywood crowd as being a fashionable astrologer who threw phychic parties. An advisor to the likes of Tyrone Power, Cary Grant, Princess Grace and Marlene Dietrich, Righter once rented a live lion for a “Leo” party thrown by Arlene Dahl. Reports were that Leo was so doped up, he fell into a swimming pool and had to be hauled out by the guests. See, you always learn something when you read this column. Irregardless, that’s my kind of party.
With all this information now at hand, I think it’s only fitting for me to reach out to Nancy Reagan, now 93, and invite her to bring her psychic capabilities to my football prediction section. Surely someone will read this and pass along the invite via reliable channels. Nancy won’t need stats or records, but simply pull out the game winners from clues like a hidden valley, a spring in a cave. or the north side. We may even hear from William Fleming himself. And, a former first lady gracing the pages of The Star should bank me that raise The Chief hinted at last week.
Keep your eyes peeled in upcoming weeks. You just never know what may happen next in this column.
Without further ado, it’s time to break out the Ouija’s first effort of the season. Let’s see if we have our Jeane Dixon on, earthquakes not withstanding: Here’s the ” Big-11 ” slate for week-one.
WILLIAM BYRD at CAVE SPRING: The Terriers have a young team and lost some key players to graduation. Cave Spring is looking to return to the upper echelon of the River Ridge. This matchup lays the foundation for both teams for a winning campaign. Expect a close game at Bogle Stadium. Cave Spring- 23 William Byrd- 19
HIDDEN VALLEY at PATRICK HENRY: It’s 6A PH vs 3A HV. That is until next year, when it will be 5A PH. Both teams are talented and Hidden Valley returns several key position players. It will be a playoff atmosphere at Gainer Field. Hidden Valley- 27 Patrick Henry- 20
FRANKLIN COUNTY at SALEM: The Eagles walk into Salem Stadium for an opener against one of the best Salem teams in a while. No bargain. Salem has talent and depth. Salem- 35 Franklin County- 10
JAMES RIVER at LORD BOTETOURT: This one, for bragging rights in Botetourt County, used to be up for grabs. Enter Jamie Harless at LB. Expect the Cavaliers to take up where they left off last year. Lord Botetourt- 38 James River- 9
NORTHSIDE at AMHERST COUNTY: Norrthside will take a look at Liberty University’s football stadium on the way to Amherst. They will be shooting to play there on December 13th. The Vikings get it in motion this week. Northside- 31 Amherst County- 17
FLUVANNA COUNTY at WILLIAM FLEMING: The Colonels opened with two wins in 2013. Bobby Martin’s squad should get back on the same track this year. A week-one win looks to be in the cards,. William Fleming- 23 Fluvanna County- 18
GLENVAR at GALAX: Galax brings a lot of beef into this game after their great run in 2013. It would be a signature win for Glenvar, but pulling it off in week one may be asking too much. Galax- 37 Glenvar- 23
ROANOKE CATHOLIC at RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY: It’s hard to judge private school openers, and this one is no different. Can the Celtics get the kinks out in week one? Home team gets the edge. Rappahannock County- 25 Roanoke Catholic- 24
VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL at NORTH CROSS (SAT) North Cross had an impressive opener on offense at Nansemond-Suffolk, scoring 32. But, the defense got hung for 66. It doesn’t get easier against the defending state champ Bishops. Can the Raiders get the D fixed this quick with limited numbers? VES- 34 North Cross- 26
Now, to the mailbag where one reader wants a college football prediction.
Dear Wild Bill: How about a prediction on the Tech -William & Mary game this weekend. (Sam/ Newport)
Well, let’s see. Frank Beamer was born on October 18th, making him a Libra. Dawn Wells, aka Mary Ann Summers on Gilligan’s Island, was likewise born on that date. If Frank doesn’t win this game he’ll wish he was on an uncharted desert isle.
Until next week, send your tarot cards to [email protected]