Well, we’re finally at the end of the high school football regular season.
Hard to believe it’s already week-11, but equally satisfying to know that most of our ‘Big-11’ teams will be heading into postseason play.
Admittedly, it’s going to be tough to see the amazing Ouija Board head into the off-season after one of the most spectacular performances in football prediction history.
Last week, the planchette kept rolling, going 7-1 and running its year-to-date record to 71-10 (.877). You’d be stopped at the city line in Vegas with those numbers.
This week, all “Big-11′ teams are in action in a slate that includes nine games.
Also, as promised, we kick off your Christmas gift giving assistance with one of the most unbelievable late-night product reviews in column memory.
But, before we sharpen the crayons, it’s time to see how sharp the Ouija will be in its last showcase of the season.
Dim the lights, the planchette is already on the move.
CARROLL COUNTY AT PATRICK HENRY: Despite last week’s loss to Blacksburg, the Patriots seem set for a 5A playoff berth. The visitors from Hillsville should not upset the apple cart. Patrick Henry- 42 Carroll County- 9
PULASKI COUNTY AT SALEM: A classic matchup of undefeated teams that brings back memories of the Willis White-Joel Hicks era. The planchette decidedly points to S, as in Spartans. Salem- 38 Pulaski County- 20
WILLIAM BYRD AT ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY: Byrd is on the bubble in the limited 12-team 4A West. The Terriers look good in this one and will hope for some help. William Byrd- 42 Rockbridge County- 13
WILLIAM FLEMING AT NORTHSIDE: The Vikings come off a bye week, which may be a bad omen for the Colonels. Northside- 41 William Fleming- 19
CAVE SPRING AT HIDDEN VALLEY: A pair of 2-7 teams tangling for the Paint Can Trophy. The loser here appears to be out of postseason play. Last year Hidden Valley won 11-10 on a field goal, TD and 2-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. Hidden Valley- 31 Cave Spring- 24
STAUNTON RIVER AT LORD BOTETOURT: Staunton River won’t be a pushover, but Lord Botetourt can push pretty hard. Lord Botetourt- 27 Staunton River- 15
FLOYD COUNTY AT GLENVAR: Highlander Heaven should be rocking as Glenvar looks to complete the regular season undefeated. The Buffaloes may be corralled. Glenvar- 45 Floyd County- 7
NORTH CROSS AT HARGRAVE MILITARY: The Raiders passed the test with last week’s win over Covenant. Hargrave, even on the road, should be easier. North Cross- 47 Hargrave Military- 12
ROANOKE CATHOLIC AT KENSTON FOREST: The Celtics have plenty of momentum heading into the VIS playoffs. Kenston Forest provides a final warmup. Roanoke Catholic- 51 Kenston Forest- 13
A little housekeeping, where thanks go out to Dave Ross and the Friday Football Extra game of the week production crew after my appearance as the color commentator during last week’s PH-Blacksburg broadcast. Special shout-out to Franklin County’s Jasmine Doyle for her assistance.
Last call for the November 9th meeting of the Roanoke Valley Sports Club, where Dan Wooldridge Night takes center stage at Roanoke Country Club. Things start with a 5:45 social, followed by the dinner meeting at 6:00. Contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103 to purchase tickets.
Now, to this year’s initial holiday product review, where giving this jewel to friends may get yourself stuffed in the Christmas stocking. We bring you, The Colorama Coloring Book.
The pitch says the Colorama offers you over 100 spectacular designs to color, while helping you to relax and melt your stress away while losing yourself in the beautiful patterns. Also, they say there’s no wrong way to color it, so you messy artists are in business.
They suggest you frame your new artwork and give it as a gift. The gift recipient in the ad looks to be in stunned silence. I’d be disgusted as well if someone gave me a framed page out of a coloring book.
One woman, cozily laying under a bedspread, informs us she looks forward to jumping into bed with the Colorama. Lady, you’re cute. You can do way better than that…….this is a coloring book for goodness sakes.
The clincher is the price. For the coloring book, coloring sticks, postage and handling, you’ll dish out $ 39.96. But I’m going to give the Colorama a neutral rating. Positive for luring people into a comfortable bed under the notion of coloring, but negative for the price. Suggestion: Head to the dollar store and pick up a coloring book and box of crayons for $2.
I hope The Chief doesn’t get any big ideas about giving The Colorama as employee gifts this year. Until we straighten him out on gift protocol, send your comments to [email protected]
Publisher’s note: And here I thought I could keep it a surprise. Thanks Wild Bill.