Last week I slipped a little bit, finishing 23-4. I didn't foresee a winless Hoban knocking off NDCL, I thought Riverside would top Chardon, I thought Fairport would fare better offensively at Berkshire, and Jefferson continues to surprise. My overall record is now 170-31, and my record in spotlight games is still pretty good: 30-2. This week's picks:
LAKE COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK: Wickliffe (4-4) at Perry (3-5). For the second time this season, it's a little surprising to see the Blue Devils with a better record than one of their CVC Chagrin opponents going into a game. Wickliffe comes in off a win over Orange in which it was actually outgained by 90 yards. Blue Devils are a kind of a throwback this year as a team that features a fullback as its top offensive player. Perry has had its struggles this year, but the losses have primarily come against strong teams. The Pirates have won 9 of the last 11 against Wickliffe in what used to be a great rivalry. History will repeat itself here.
Pick: Perry
ASHTABULA COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK: Edgewood (2-6) at Jefferson (6-2). This is another classic Ashtabula County rivalry, with the Hoadley Cup on the line. The Warriors have played much better in the second half of this season, and seem to be maturing as a young team. The Falcons, though, have been a big surprise. They're on the bubble for a D3 playoff spot, and can't afford a loss to Edgewood. Pick: Jefferson.
GEAUGA COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK: West Geauga (6-2) at Kenston (5-3). Big Geauga County rivalry game between two D2 teams on the playoff bubble. The Wolverines suffered a deflating loss at the hands of Chagrin Falls last week, but will get to play on turf for the first time in a month. They need a rebound win to build some momentum for a potential playoff run. The Bombers, after an 0-2 start, have won 5 of their last 6 and have built quite a bit of momentum of their own. They sit in 12th in Region 5, and a win over their long-time rivals could give them a serious boost in the rankings. Pick: Kenston
EASTERN CUYAHOGA COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK: Parma (4-4) at Brush (3-5). The last time the News-Herald area saw the Redmen, they were getting pummeled by Mentor, 49-0. This is a much better matchup for them. The Arcs began this season amidst talk that they might win 7 or 8 games with the talent they have. Now, an NOC Lake Divison championship and a .500 season is the goal. To attain it, Brush will have to stave off challenges over the next two weeks from the teams that are tied for second in the division-Parma this week and Garfield Hts. next week. Pick: Brush
The rest of the schedule:
FRIDAY NIGHT:
Kirtland over Fairport-The Hornets' reserves should see a lot of time in this one.
Aurora over Harvey-Another upper-half/lower-half mismatch in the CVC Chagrin Division.
Lake Catholic over Hoban-Surprising win by Hoban last week won't carry over; Cougars will roll.
Madison over Lakeside-Blue Streaks warming up for D2 playoffs.
Mentor over Strongsville-This would be a big game if this was 2008 or 2009.
North over Geneva-Eagles will come to play but won't be able to stop Rangers' offense.
South over Riverside-Like all South games this year, Rebels will give up points but score a lot more.
Youngsville (PA) over Conneaut-I don't know much about Youngsville, but they are 7-0.
Ledgemont over Grand Valley-Could end up being the best game of the night.
Berkshire over Newbury-Black Knights will put up a fight, but not enough to overtake their neighbors.
Hawken over Cardinal-Hawks will rebound from poor performance last week.
NDCL over Benedictine-This game could have been the game of the week in Ashtabula County, as it will be played at Geneva. A D3 playoff spot is on the line here, and game could go either way. Which defense will step up?
Chagrin Falls over Orange-Again, an upper half/lower half CVC Chagrin mismatch, but this one's a rivalry.
Lorain over Euclid-Should be a great game at Sparky D, Panthers will stay at 3rd in LEL if I'm wrong here.
Mayfield over Cuyahoga Falls-Hard to believe, but Wildcats still have a chance to make D1 playoffs.
Independence over Richmond Hts.-Spartans could make strides by staying within 30.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON:
Pymatuning Valley over Lutheran East-D4 Lakers will have easy time with undermanned D6 Falcons.
University over Chardon-Hilltoppers will be latest PAC victim at Scovil Field.
Canton Central Catholic over Gilmour-Tough season continues for Lancers.
SATURDAY NIGHT:
Holy Name over VASJ-This game means the season for the Vikings, but the D3 Green Wave are a Blue Division team in the White Division, and the White Division teams have been no match. If I'm wrong, though, I can see VASJ making a run in D6 playoffs after a win here.
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