Things are buzzing around corporate headquarters at The Star this week.
Halloween is just around the corner and everyone is waiting for The Chief’s plan for our costume party.
Since politics are in the headlines, the boys in the sports department are betting The Chief will dress up like Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders or even Hilary Clinton. Oh, goodness.
I’ve decided to go as Casey Stengel this year, mainly because I’ve got a baseball uniform, NY Yankees cap and plenty of wrinkles from all these high school football games being rescheduled.
Plus, it gives me the opportunity to carry a bat to fend off irate fans who don’t like my football predictions or me having fun with Virginia Tech’s 3-4 start to the season. Don’t get mad, Hokies. I’ve still got you penciled in for the Orange Bowl.
Casey Stengel once said, “Never make predictions, especially about the future.” Yes, you always learn something when you read this column. Stengel makes sense.
So, without fear of striking out, I’ll simply jump into the week-9 predictions of ‘Big-11’ high school football. Last week saw two misses, leaving my season record at 55-9 (.859). For the first time in weeks, all ‘Big-11’ teams are in action.
SALEM AT PATRICK HENRY: PH is still on the bubble for a post-season playoff berth. Having a visit from Salem may not be a Halloween treat. Salem- 42 Patrick Henry- 20
ALLEGHANY AT WILLIAM BYRD: Byrd is another team on the bubble in 4A West. The Terriers must overcome the distractions of homecoming Friday. William Byrd- 28 Alleghany- 17
WILLIAM FLEMING AT LORD BOTETOURT: The Cavaliers come off a bye week to entertain the Colonels in Daleville. Botetourt’s one loss was aided by an offsides penalty. Don’t expect it a second time. Lord Botetourt- 40 William Fleming- 13
CAVE SPRING AT BLACKSBURG: Cave Spring plays its first game of the season outside of Roanoke County. The pass-happy Bruins may make this one tough for the Knights. Blacksburg- 27 Cave Spring- 21
HIDDEN VALLEY AT CHRISTIANSBURG: Hidden Valley comes off a bye week that followed its first win of the season. This one looks like a toss-up in Montgomery County. Home team? Nope, upset special for the road Titans. Hidden Valley- 23 Christiansburg- 22
NORTHSIDE AT ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY: The Vikings escaped with a big win over Byrd that went to the wire. They should take control of this one out of the gate with their depth. Northside- 42 Rockbridge County- 12
EASTERN MONTGOMERY AT GLENVAR: The Highlanders passed the test with tough wins over Giles and Auburn. This one should be easier. Much easier. Glenvar- 49 Eastern Montgomery- 7
RICHMOND CHRISTIAN AT ROANOKE CATHOLIC: The Celtics return to action at Vinyard Field after a bye week. Richmond Christian is 5-1. Could it be close? Roanoke Catholic- 37 Richmond Christian- 21
FUQUA AT NORTH CROSS: (SAT 2:00) The Raiders finish the run of 3 games in 8 days. One win in Hampton last Friday, swamped by Blue Ridge on Tuesday. The key is keeping the legs going and the ball in the air. Tough choice here. North Cross- 28 Fuqua- 27
Off to the Roanoke Valley Sports Club, where the site and date change for the November 9th meeting. It’s Dan Wooldridge Night to honor the notable commissioner, referee and sports ambassador. This special night takes place at Roanoke Country Club with a 5:45 social to be followed by the 6:00 dinner meeting. Contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103 for questions and to purchase tickets.
Now, to the mail bag, where one reader misses a long-time column segment and another questions my alliegence to ACC football.
Dear Wild Bill: I’ve missed your late night product reviews. Will this feature be coming back anytime soon? (Mary Ann/ Roanoke)
You’re in luck, Mary Ann. The next installment returns in the print edition in November 6th. It’s a doozey that will interest our artistic readers. And, just in time for Christmas. Juan Harpo’s ‘Blue Bananas’ forgery by Cousin Bessy compares well with this one.
Dear ACC slammer: You were negative about the ACC playing football on Friday night recently. Do you really think high school football owns that night? (Nancy/Blacksburg)
High school football should rule Friday nights. Heck, Friday night BINGO is better than watching some teams in the ACC Coastal Division play football.
Until next week, get those artistic talents in order and send your masterpieces to [email protected]. Once you see this next product review, you’ll be dumping the pastels and checking under the covers.
– Bill Turner