I guess we’ll call it the Loudmouth effect.
After introducing Loudmouth as ” the official sportswear of the Wild Bill Column ” last week, I promptly predicted every ” Big-11″ game correctly. The perfect performance hopefully showed the Loudmouth folks their new guy knows his stuff.
For the record, it was the third perfect slate in the history of the Wild Bill Column, the last coming in 2011. That obviously brings us to the question I’ve heard all week. When am I leaving for Switzerland ?
We had a meeting at corporate headquarters on Tuesday, but it wasn’t mentioned. I figure The Chief doesn’t want me leaving in the middle of the football season. Anyway, I wouldn’t want to put the Ouija Board in the hands of some amateur predictor.
Word has since leaked that that The Chief may get me to agree to a trip to the Peaks of Otter just to relax. That sounds fine as long as……..hey, what’s this? PEAKS OF OTTER CLOSED DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN”. I’ve been had!
Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at this week’s eight Wild Bill ” Big-11 ” contests. Salem and Glenvar get the luxury of an idle week.
FRANKLIN COUNTY at PATRICK HENRY: The Eagles visit Gainer Field for the Patriot’s second straight home game. PH was hospitable last Friday in giving up 4 fumbles to powerhouse Colonial Forge. Expect ballhandling improvement against a 1-4 FranklinCounty squad. Patrick Henry- 28 Franklin County- 10
NORTHSIDE at WILLIAM FLEMING: The Vikings debuted in the VHSL’s first points poll of the season this week as a number-one team.Fleming had fallen back after two opening wins. Northside has too many weapons in the short trip down I-581. Northside- 38 William Fleming- 12
CHRISTIANSBURG at CAVE SPRING: Cave Spring pulled off a monster upset two years ago when the Blue Demons came to Bogle Stadium ranked number one in the state and Knights backup QB Tony Simmons put on a highlight reel show. A younger Knights team may have trouble with the Christiansburg lines this time around. Christiansburg- 31 Cave Spring- 21
HIDDEN VALLEY at CARROLL COUNTY: The Titans make the trip down Rt. 221 to Hillsville where a pair of one win teams will look to improve their playoff chances. This one should be entertaining. Hidden Valley- 27 Carroll County- 25
WILLIAM BYRD at STAUNTON RIVER: Byrd responded to its wakeup call against Magna Vista with a big win over Fleming last Friday. The Terriers and their offense should keep the ball rolling on the 1-4 Golden Eagles. William Byrd- 42 Staunton River- 10
ALLEGHANY at LORD BOTETOURT: It’s Hall of Fame weekend in Daleville where the undefeated Cavaliers are the last team to play a Blue Ridge District opener. After an idle week for Botetourt, the question still remains on their last win. Has anyone else ever scored 50 points in the first half on Richlands? Lord Botetourt- 36 Alleghany- 16
ROANOKE CATHOLIC at CRAIG COUNTY: A pair of 2-3 teams battle it out in New Castle. Last year Craig County won by 35 points. The Celtics should keep Craig from another big launch, but the Rockets still go airborne. Craig County- 29 Roanoke Catholic- 20
NORTH CROSS at ST. ANNE’S-BELFIELD: The explosive Raider offense visits Charlottesville where a 0-4 STAB team will be waiting. St. Anne’s dropped one 49-0 last Friday. At least St. Anne’s can show off their great football facility. North Cross- 55 St. Anne’s- 6
– Bill Turner