Predicting has its ups and downs. Even with the best Ouija Board anywhere around, you’re never sure when an outside force may intervene.
It couldn’t get any better than two weeks ago when I went a perfect 8-0 in the Wild Bill “Big-11” lineup. Last week’s 6-2 performance wasn’t exactly shabby, being the fifth time in six weeks with only two misses, those five joining the home run from two weeks past.
But, last week showed even the best analysis can go astray. A hot North Cross team visited St. Anne’s-Belfield, where STAB was 0-4 on the season, had lost 14 in a row and had been defeated 49-0 the week prior. I smelled a huge blowout and gave North Cross the nod by 49 points. St. Anne’s jumped out to a 22-0 halftime lead and held on to win 22-20. I checked the Ouija’s take on the outcome this week. The planchette quickly spelled out NO WAY. You just never know.
The board tell’s me “let’s get back to it”, so here’s how week seven breaks out.
ALLEGHANY at NORTHSIDE: The Vikings remain one of only two undefeated “Big-11” teams. Northside should take this one with ease unless they get caught looking ahead to next week’s trip to Daleville. Won’t happen. Northside- 44 Alleghany- 13
LORD BOTETOURT at ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY: The 6-0 Cavaliers make the trip to Lexington where the one-win Rockbridge squad will have its hands full. Should be an upbeat ride back down I-81 for the Cavs. Lord Botetourt- 41 Staunton River- 14
WILLIAM FLEMING at STAUNTON RIVER: The Colonels look to break their three-game skid and a trip to the 1-5 Golden Eagles may be the cure. Fleming stayed close to Northside for one half last week. William Fleming- 26 Staunton River- 21
BLACKSBURG at HIDDEN VALLEY: It’s homecoming weekend for the Titans and what better way to celebrate than following last week’s win at Carroll County with a second straight River Ridge victory. Hidden Valley- 27 Blacksburg-24
CAVE SPRING at CARROLL COUNTY: The Knights took it on the chin two weeks in a row against Salem and Northside. The folks in Hillsville should be way more accommodating. Cave Spring- 26 Carroll County- 16
SALEM at CHRISTIANSBURG: The Blue Demons return home after two straight wins in Bogle Stadium. Salem should be ready after an off-week to prepare, but the Demon front lines may be the deciding factor. Christiansburg- 24 Salem- 21
HARRISONBURG at PATRICK HENRY: PH plays its third straight home game and the 1-4 Harrisonburg team has lost four in a row after a week-one win over E.C. Glass. Patrick Henry- 30 Harrisonburg- 16
EASTERN MONTGOMERY at GLENVAR: EastMont makes the short trip from Shawsville for the key Three Rivers matchup. Glenvar takes advantage of an idle week last Friday that will have the Highlanders ready to go. Glenvar- 31 Eastern Montgomery – 21
ATLANTIC SHORES at NORTH CROSS (SAT): The Raiders look to rebound from the shocker at St. Anne’s. Atlantic Shores comes across state with a high powered offense and 6-1 record. Should be a dandy at Thomas Field. Atlantic Shores- 40 North Cross- 38
ROANOKE CATHOLIC at QUANTICO: The Celtics look to move above .500 after their win last Friday at Craig County. The long trip to 1-5 Quantico should provide just that medicine. Roanoke Catholic- 33 Quantico- 25
Now, a quick peek into the mailbag where readers have chimed in about the column’s Loudmouth endorsement.
Dear Wild Bill: Seems like the perfect fit – you and those flamboyant pants. Who chose whom in this arrangement? (Allan/Roanoke)
I made the contact and Loudmouth agreed to be the official sportswear of the column. A match made in heaven.
Dear Mr. Style Setter: I’ve got to admit, the best looking outfits I’ve seen in a long time. You’ve been debuting a new pair at games each week. Any more surprises on the way? (Steve/Christiansburg)
You bet they’ll be more, Steve. As the Loudmouth slogan says, “it’s the most fun you can have with your pants on”.
Dear Wild Man: Is Loudmouth the perfect Christmas gift or what? You giving a pair to anyone? (Ellen/Salem)
Well, Ellen, I’ve got the boys at corporate headquarters checking for The Chief’s size. He’ll be set unless I get stiffed on my Switzerland vacation. Then it’s a pair of lederhosen.
– Bill Turner
Until next time, check out Loudmouth.com for the style just right for you.
