Every setback has a silver lining.
That’s one thing I’ve learned since my week-one predictions missed only a single game that cost me a new Maserati from The Chief.
Readers have come out of the woodwork to give me their condolences. The good thing is the validation of the numbers in this column’s readership.
One volleyball coach posed the question “would your guy have really come through with that car?”
Let me assure you, The Chief is a gentleman and scholar. That sweet sports car would be on its way from Italy, 4.676 miles away, had it not been for coming up 6 inches short in that 2-point futility.
And, I’ve taken it well, despite some wise guy anonymously sending me a Maserati showroom brochure with “Order Cancelled” scribbled on the cover.
Every setback has a silver lining. The genius who quoted that obviously was waving at clouds and not a sports car racing out of sight.
Last week my predictions held their own, going an impressive 6-2. Now, it’s time to wipe away the tears and head to this week’s ‘Big-11’ slate, where one team puts me 1-0 right out of the gate with their silly whining.
PATRICK HENRY AT WILLIAM FLEMING:
The cross-city rivalry that makes an unusual appearance in week-3. This one has the making of quite a showdown between two talented squads. Fleming won last year. PH may return the favor. Calfee and Adams should keep the offenses moving. Patrick Henry- 34 William Fleming- 32
WILLIAM BYRD AT SALEM:
It has been 45 years since Byrd head coach Jeff Highfill was a standout player at Andrew Lewis High School. Can he return to Salem to pull off another great win for the 2-0 Terriers ?Salem- 31 William Byrd- 30
CAVE SPRING AT GLENVAR:
The Knights look to right the ship after an off-week last Friday. The 2A defending state champs are a tough place to start for a young Cave Spring team. Glenvar- 25 Cave Spring- 14
NORTHSIDE AT HIDDEN VALLEY:
The Vikings won big at Heritage on the road last week. They may have too much against a very young Titan defense that has given up 96 points in two games. Northside- 35 Hidden Valley- 13
BASSETT AT LORD BOTETOURT:
Bassett was hammered by Blacksburg last Friday night. The Bengals won’t find things any easier in Daleville against the 2-0 Cavs. Lord Botetourt- 38 Bassett- 12
NORTH CROSS AT BLESSED SACRAMENT-HUGUENOT:
BSH is licking its wounds after a big loss against Atlantic Shores last week. North Cross comes off a close win at VES. The Raiders are still fighting injury issues, but may have enough on the road in Richmond. North Cross- 34 Blessded Sacrament-Huguenot- 29
ROANOKE CATHOLIC AT MASSANUTTEN MILITARY:
Things are looking good for the Celtics after two big wins. The trip to Woodstock would have kept it rolling. Massanutten is clamoring for a cancellation and refuses to play Friday night because Catholic has been successful. I call it a forfeit. Either way, it’s a Celtic win. I’ll go with the exact score for anyone throwing in the towel. Roanoke Catholic- 2 Massanutten Military- 0
On to local events where the Roanoke Valley Sports Club welcomes ESPN and ACC basketball analyst Cory Alexander as its guest speaker for the September 21st meeting at Roanoke Country Club. A 5:45 social will be followed by the 6:15 dinner meeting in the RCC ballroom. Guests and prospective new members are invited. For information on purchasing tickets, contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103.
We close this week with our first ‘Big-11’ volleyball poll. Hidden Valley has not yet started their regular season.
#1- Cave Spring: The 2-0 Knights have fought off Lord Botetourt and Northside, the #2 and #3 teams.
#2- Lord Botetourt: The Cavs came so close to knocking off Cave Spring Thursday night. This team is very talented.
#3- Northside: The Vikings are 8-1 and look ready to make a strong run to the playoffs.
Until next week, keep those sympathy cards coming, and throw in your questions to [email protected]
