It’s essential to open this column with a salute to Adam Ward, a fellow media member who was a familiar figure on the sidelines, shooting video and reporting for WDBJ7. Like myself, Adam attended Andrew Lewis in Salem where we both had been Wolverines.
Ward, along with WDBJ7 reporter Alison Parker, were senselessly murdered Wednesday morning while doing what they loved-reporting and filming. Adam was always smiling and loved to kid me about my flamboyant Loudmouth pants.
I once offered to change places with Adam, with him wearing the pants while I ran the camera. Tonight, to honor Adam, I will wear my Andrew Lewis letter jacket while covering high school football. Adam will be greatly missed by everyone.
Finally, it’s here.
We’re set for Friday’s opening night of high school football for ten of our ‘Big-11’ schools. Saturday afternoon, North Cross completes the opening weekend with a 2pm kickoff at Thomas Field.
Once again the Ouija Board is front and center for those ever-popular predictions that will grace this column for the next eleven weeks.
Accordingly, it’s ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ time for this column. The Chief is our Monty Hall, so it only seems appropriate that he throw in a company car to cover the games or come up with a performance bonus cash prize for perfect predictions.
As Ferdinand Porsche once said, “I never could find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself.” Let’s get to this week’s slate of games before The Chief drops a ZONKMOBILE on me.
PATRICK HENRY AT HIDDEN VALLEY:
A pair of seasoned quarterbacks highlight this week-one matchup. PH has prevailed in this series in recent years, so the Titans are eager to reverse the trend on their home turf. The Patriots’ speed may be the difference. Patrick Henry- 27 Hidden Valley- 21
CAVE SPRING AT WILLIAM BYRD:
William Byrd has come a long way since last year’s team got off to a slow start. Cave Spring will be looking for new faces to step up at a number of positions. The Terriers look for a quick start against two straight Southwest County opponents. William Byrd- 28 Cave Spring- 17
PULASKI COUNTY AT NORTHSIDE:
Pulaski County visits Jim Hickam Field with the daunting task of slowing a potent Viking offense and talented Northside defense. May be too much to ask for in week-one. Northside- 35 Pulaski County- 10
WILLIAM FLEMING AT JEFFERSON FOREST:
The Colonels made great strides in 2014, but the loss of key players combined with powerhouse JF may be too much to overcome on the road this week. Jefferson Forest- 38 William Fleming-14
SALEM AT AMHERST COUNTY:
Salem graduated a lot of key starters from the 2014 playoff team, and Salem reloaded with a lot of top prospects for 2015. Never bet against the power of the Spartans. Salem- 30 Amherst County- 17
LORD BOTETOURT AT JAMES RIVER:
The traditional battle of Botetourt County that has at times provided a few surprises. The Cavaliers look to be in position to make sure there aren’t any this year. Lord Botetourt- 29 James River- 13
GALAX AT GLENVAR:
The Maroon Tide rolls into Highlander Heaven looking for a win over the defending 2A state champions. This one may be closer than many think. Glenvar- 23 Galax-21
RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY AT ROANOKE CATHOLIC:
The Celtics have some of the best roster numbers in a long time. A strong team in 2014 brings enthusiasm to the 2015 squad. Roanoke Catholic- 40 Rappahannock County- 12
NANSEMOND-SUFFOLK AT NORTH CROSS (SAT):
Probably the biggest hurdle for North Cross in 2015. The Raiders no-huddle offense will give fits, but can they have it running smoothly in week-one? Nansemond-Suffolk- 28 North Cross- 25
Now, a follow-up to last month’s feature article on the Roanoke Adult Kickball League. Congratulations go out to the Smokin Aces for winning Tuesday night’s Tournament of Champions title game to capture the 2015 kickball title in a win over the Recess Rejects.
Last chance to see the Salem Red Sox at home comes this weekend as the Salem Sox entertain the Potomac Nationals through Sunday, August 30th. Salem completes its 2015 campaign on the road with trips to Lynchburg and Potomac September 1-7.
Finally, to the mail bag where one reader wants an update on sideline fashion heading into the high school season:
Dear Wild Bill: Your Loudmouth pants are as unpredictable as the games themselves. Can we expect some new looks in 2015? (Charlotte/ Roanoke)
Absolutely, Charlotte – I’ve been reloaded in new Loudmouth styles, so plenty of surprises are on the horizon! Until next week, avoid any ZONKS by sending your winning questions to: [email protected].
Chief’s Note: We will provide a 2016 Maserati Gandturismoas pictured above if Wild Bill can pull off a perfect prediction in week #1 of all times.
– Bill Turner
