So far this has not been a good season for the seven Shenandoah District teams. They have faced a wide variety of non-conference games and have struggled in quite a number of them. Everyone has at least one loss and three of the seven teams have not yet tasted victory. So when the district schedule swings into regular weekly action here in the next couple of weeks, it won't be a moment too soon.
Last week I did go 6-0 on my predictions for the first time this season, but those puzzling Wilson Hornets almost crossed me up when they missed a late go-ahead field goal and narrowly lost 14-13 to Spotswood in a much closer than expected game. So with six games on the docket this week, all non-district, let's see if I can repeat that record. It looks like Friday night will have the most comfortable weather yet for football, so if you are local, plan to go out and see one of these games........
BUFFALO GAP AT EAST ROCKINGHAM: At least we have a common opponent to draw from here as the Eagles knocked off Luray on its own field by two scores, and then the Dogs won by a TD at Buffalo Gap. So if you add all of that up, it looks like the Bison will be dropping to 0-4 Friday night.
FORT DEFIANCE AT BROADWAY: The Indians threw a bit of a scare into Riverheads Friday night so they are a team heading in the right direction, meaning that first win of the season can't be too much further away. Still I don't see it this week, so look for the Gobblers to pull this one out, although it may be close.
JAMES RIVER AT STAUNTON: The Storm did exactly what I expected them to Friday night as they hung with Central. So they just might be one of the best 2-1 teams around. If The Knights had to struggle to squeak past Buffalo Gap back on opening night, they will be no match for Staunton. The Storm will move to 3-1 on the season.
LURAY AT STUARTS DRAFT: These two don't seem as if they should be natural rivals but they have had some doozies in the last few years. The Cougars may only be 1-2, but there is no arguing that they have played a tough schedule. Look for them to handle the Dogs this time and still very much be a factor in the district and regional races down the stretch.
WAYNESBORO AT TURNER ASHBY: Based on some of their scores, you kind of get the idea that The Little Giants are playing hard and are doing "some" things right, but yet the wins just are not coming. They will have some shots at wins later in the year but this week will not be one of them.
WILSON AT WESTERN ALBEMARLE: The Warriors don't get too much ink on this side of the mountain but they were once a powerhouse. Must not be the case this year because Spotswood walloped them on their own field and as mentioned above, the Trailblazers just barely squeaked by Wilson. So comparing those scores, I have to go with Wilson in this one, which will set the stage for a much-anticipated trip for Riverheads into the Hornet Hive next week.
AND SPEAKING OF WHICH: After all seven teams were in action each of the first three weekends, Riverheads is the first to have a bye week, and it could not come at a better time for the Big Red. The CCC injury situation is still very much a topic of conversation in and around Greenville, and although the Gladiators have won two games without him and of course nearly beat Central, they are still not the powerhouse fans like to see. So we will learn a LOT about the Big Red next week over in Fishersville. But that will be then and this is now.
So there you have it. The 'Doah will go 3-3 this weekend and then we will get down to some serious business.
Last week I did go 6-0 on my predictions for the first time this season, but those puzzling Wilson Hornets almost crossed me up when they missed a late go-ahead field goal and narrowly lost 14-13 to Spotswood in a much closer than expected game. So with six games on the docket this week, all non-district, let's see if I can repeat that record. It looks like Friday night will have the most comfortable weather yet for football, so if you are local, plan to go out and see one of these games........
BUFFALO GAP AT EAST ROCKINGHAM: At least we have a common opponent to draw from here as the Eagles knocked off Luray on its own field by two scores, and then the Dogs won by a TD at Buffalo Gap. So if you add all of that up, it looks like the Bison will be dropping to 0-4 Friday night.
FORT DEFIANCE AT BROADWAY: The Indians threw a bit of a scare into Riverheads Friday night so they are a team heading in the right direction, meaning that first win of the season can't be too much further away. Still I don't see it this week, so look for the Gobblers to pull this one out, although it may be close.
JAMES RIVER AT STAUNTON: The Storm did exactly what I expected them to Friday night as they hung with Central. So they just might be one of the best 2-1 teams around. If The Knights had to struggle to squeak past Buffalo Gap back on opening night, they will be no match for Staunton. The Storm will move to 3-1 on the season.
LURAY AT STUARTS DRAFT: These two don't seem as if they should be natural rivals but they have had some doozies in the last few years. The Cougars may only be 1-2, but there is no arguing that they have played a tough schedule. Look for them to handle the Dogs this time and still very much be a factor in the district and regional races down the stretch.
WAYNESBORO AT TURNER ASHBY: Based on some of their scores, you kind of get the idea that The Little Giants are playing hard and are doing "some" things right, but yet the wins just are not coming. They will have some shots at wins later in the year but this week will not be one of them.
WILSON AT WESTERN ALBEMARLE: The Warriors don't get too much ink on this side of the mountain but they were once a powerhouse. Must not be the case this year because Spotswood walloped them on their own field and as mentioned above, the Trailblazers just barely squeaked by Wilson. So comparing those scores, I have to go with Wilson in this one, which will set the stage for a much-anticipated trip for Riverheads into the Hornet Hive next week.
AND SPEAKING OF WHICH: After all seven teams were in action each of the first three weekends, Riverheads is the first to have a bye week, and it could not come at a better time for the Big Red. The CCC injury situation is still very much a topic of conversation in and around Greenville, and although the Gladiators have won two games without him and of course nearly beat Central, they are still not the powerhouse fans like to see. So we will learn a LOT about the Big Red next week over in Fishersville. But that will be then and this is now.
So there you have it. The 'Doah will go 3-3 this weekend and then we will get down to some serious business.
