Last week ended our 11-week regular season high school prediction slate, where it was another stellar performance by the grand Ouija.
Admittedly, the Carrol Righter effect played a huge part in the final results this year, exceeding an 80% success rate, and only 18 misses for the entire season. Those 11-weeks included two with no misses, and a pair of one-miss performances.
Since I’m on a performance-based incentive plan like those pro baseball and football players, it looks like The Chief will be squirming when he pens this year’s bonus check. I’m already listening for ” Great Caesar’s Ghost ! ” bellowing out of the executive suite. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. I’ve been looking to buy another fuzzy chapeau like the one seen in my column picture, this time in yellow. For you out of town readers, a chapeau is a hat in French. See, you always learn something when you read this column. Especially about style. Just ask my Loudmouth pants fans.
Before I get moved to the garden club beat, let’s move to this week’s high school playoff football where 9 ” Big-11 ‘ teams are still in the mix. And, congratulations to North Cross for reaching the VIS Division III state semifinals before falling last Friday night against a very tough Fredericksburg Christian squad.
PATRICK HENRY at COLONIAL FORGE: A rematch of a midseason game where Colonial Forge handed PH its second loss of the year 35-6. After the Patriots fell to Fleming in the regular season finale last Friday, this trip to Stafford may be just as tough. Colonial Forge- 28 Patrick Henry- 17
ROANOKE CATHOLIC at FUQUA: Catholic won the regular season matchup 42-21, handing Fuqua their only loss of the year. Like Kenston Forest, things can reverse in a hurry. Home team gets the edge in the VIS Division IV state final. Fuqua- 27 Roanoke Catholic- 25
BLACKSBURG at NORTHSIDE: The Dave Crist retirement swing goes through Jim Hickam Field. Northside keeps getting hit by injuries of every sort. This one should be interesting. Northside- 24 Blacksburg- 20
WILLIAM FLEMING at EASTERN VIEW: The 8-2 Colonels are flying high after their convincing win over PH. But, can they keep it going with the long trip to 9-1 Eastern View? Eastern View- 34 William Fleming- 27
WAYNESBORO at HIDDEN VALLEY: The numbers say a huge mismatch. #! seed vs #16 seed. Figures can lie. The Titans must take the Little Giants seriously. Hidden Valley- 25 Waynesboro- 18
CAVE SPRING at MAGNA VISTA: The Knights were looking at a first round home game until an overtime loss to Blacksburg and last second loss to Hidden Valley now sends them to the #2 seed Warriors. No bargain in Ridgeway. Magna Vista- 34 Cave Spring- 17
CHARLOTTESVILLE at SALEM: A winning team would be intimidated going into Salem Stadium. A 4-6 Black Knights squad will think they’ve hit an iceberg. Bring a blanket. SALEM- 49 Charlottresville- 7
LORD BOTETOURT at WESTERN ALBEMARLE: Another ” Big-11 ” team playing a group from Charlottesville. Could be a very tough assignment for the Cavaliers. Western Albemarle- 29 Lord Botetourt- 20
CENTRAL WISE at GLENVAR: The 2A West is going to be a tough road for the 9-1 Highlanders. But, the road should be smooth this week. Glenvar- 33 Central-Wise- 15
On to volleyball, where Cave Spring is only one win away from the Group 3A state final next weekend in Richmond. The Knights’ win Thursday night over Turner Ashby meant a chance to see Cave Spring play in the state semifinals this Tuesday night in the Cave Spring gym. This is a must-see team for all sports fans, with the explosive Knight power attack a crowd pleaser from the first serve. Cave Spring head coach Tamalyn Tanis is gunning for her sixth state championship since taking over the Cave Spring reigns in 2002.
Next, to the mailbag, where one volleyball fan is already asking about my uniform for Tuesday night and another wants to make sure they have a ticket to Virginia Tech’s bowl game.
Dear Wild Bill: I know you’re at most Cave Spring volleyball games in those wild Loudmouth pants. How do you pick the pair you wear? (Cave Spring Mom/Roanoke)
Believe it or not CSM, I often get suggestions from the players or coaches. COWZ has been popular as of late, but it’s the holidays, so I’ll kick off Christmas style Tuesday night. Better be there to see this extravaganza in fashion.
Dear Mr.Turner: Nygel and I are worried Va. Tech bowl tickets will be in short supply and expensive this year. Any suggestions on buying a pair. ? (Lavinia/ Blacksburg)
Lavinia, put your angst to rest. Save up $20. That should be more than enough to buy both ducats on-line, and still have money left over toward dinner.
Well, the envelope has arrived with BONUS written on the outside. Uh, oh….. big problem…..The Chief made it payable to Carroll Righter. Hmmm.
Until next week, send those great questions to: [email protected]
And, a book on ” Basics of Signature Forgery ” if you’ve got one.
– Bill Turner
