I want to point out that ‘ the Jeane Dixon effect ‘ clearly doesn’t apply to this column.
Dixon, as many of you remember, was one of the most celebrated psychics of the 20th century. Unfortunately, many of her predictions were total busts. While she often predicted earthquakes, she also predicted World War III would begin in 1958, Russia would put the first man on the moon and Richard Nixon would defeat John F. Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election.
Thus, Temple University mathematician John Allen Paulos coined the phrase ‘ the Jeane Dixon effect ‘ ; meaning Dixon was known for emphasizing a few coincidentally correct predictions and ignoring a larger number of incorrect ones. Pretty slick, Jeane. Once again, you always learn something when you read this column.
Accordingly, we’re going to coin the phrase ‘ the Carroll Righter-Wild Bill effect ‘ for this column’s predictions. This new saying points out we’re known for emphasizing our many correct predictions while refusing to ignore the significantly fewer incorrect ones. Jeane should have asked to borrow my Ouija.
In case you missed it last week, this column’s football predictions again tossed out a perfect no-miss slate of clairvoyance, the second such occurrence this year, and we’re only at the midway point of the high school season. Carroll and I are on a roll.
Therefore, I’m prepared to announce that The Chief’s recent request for me to come up with a new column picture will be granted by the end of the month. While Carroll was called the ‘ Gregarious Aquarius ‘ due to his February 2nd birthday, being born in January, I’ll be known as ‘ The Loudmouth Worn Capricorn ‘.
Even our Chief, like Clark Kent’s boss, The Chief Perry White, will be shouting out ” Great Ceasar’s Ghost! ” on this picture.
Now, without further hesitation or distractions from Jeane, here are this week’s ” Big-11 ” predictions. Salem and Glenvar have the midseason off-week.
CRAIG COUNTY at ROANOKE CATHOLIC: We open with one of our private schools, where the Celtics take on the 0-5 Rockets from Craig County. The Rockets have given up 31 or more points in every game and 50+ twice. Catholic looks to end a two-game losing streak. Mission accomplished for RC. Roanoke Catholic- 41 Craig County- 12
ST. ANNE’S-BELFIELD at NORTH CROSS: Our second private school where a common opponent makes it scary. North Cross lost to Nansemond-Suffolf in week-1 by 34. St. Anne’s beat Nansemond by 55 points later in the season. Can Carroll Righter and I predict the unthinkable? Oh, yea. Upset special. North Cross- 41 St.Anne’s-Belfield- 39
CAVE SPRING at CHRISTIANSBURG: A toss-up for sure among a pair of 3-2 squads. Cave Spring looks to regroup after a huge loss to Salem. Ditto to the Blue Demons after falling to Hidden Valley. Home team gets the edge. Christiansburg- 28 Cave Spring-27
STAUNTON RIVER at WILLIAM BYRD: Somebody is guaranteed to get off the goose egg in this one. Both teams are 0-5, but Jeff Highfill’s Terriers are ready to change things around. William Byrd- 24 Staunton River- 19
WILLIAM FLEMING at NORTHSIDE: Few would have expected the undefeated team heading to this matchup would be the 4-0 Colonels. For a Fleming team that treks across I-581 to JIm Hickam Field, this one won’t be on turf, but will be plenty tough. Upset special #2. Northside- 31 William Fleming- 20
LORD BOTETOURT at ALLEGHANY: Botetourt come off an off-week after two straight losses. A 3-2 Alleghany team awaits in Low Moor. I predict it has been an interesting two weeks of practice in Daleville. Lord Botetourt- 27 Alleghany- 18
PATRICK HENRY at FRANKLIN COUNTY: The Patriots embark on the second of 5 straight road games with a visit to Rocky Mount. This one, although close, goes better than week-one on the road. Patrick Henry- 34 Franklin County- 31
CARROLL COUNTY at HIDDEN VALLEY: The 4-1 Titans celebrate homecoming at Bogle Stadium. Hidden Valley is the second-rated team in Group 3A West. Strike up the band and crown the queen and king. Titans win their fifth in a row. Hidden Valley- 38 Carroll County- 13
On to a quick look in the mailbag, where a reader tries to pull the proverbial wool over my eyes.
Dear Wild Bill: You are the new voice of the psychics. Ever heard of Lydia Emma Pinckert ? (Maggie/Salem)
Great try, Maggie. I’ve been waiting for this one. It’s Jeane Dixon’s real name.
Until next week, send you best shots to [email protected]
– Bill Turner
Publisher’s Note: To put a little pressure on His Wildness to accomplish the now somewhat long sought new picture we have inserted the old “Pensive Picture.” Expecting the new one within hours . . .
