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Week 1 picks
By Joboo | August 29, 2008
Here’s how I’m going to do this. I’ll list the games for this week along with my original picks that I’ve made already and that the predicted records are based on. Then I’ll let you know if I still feel confident in my prognosticating abilities. So in essence I’ll show my picks, then try to talk myself out of it even though I won’t change. I’m a psychological research project waiting to happen. Let the waffling begin.
WEEK 1 PICKS
Some tremendous week 1 matchups this year. Big teams meeting, intriguing matchups, and important possible statement games. Here’s what we’ve got.
Game of the Week
- Webb City (#4 class 4) at Harrisonville (#3 class 4)
- Could we have the game of the year in the first week? It’s possible with these two teams. The Wildcats jump into class 4 play with both feet taking on perennial power Webb City. But we all know about this already. Both teams have question marks. Harrisonville has to replace their all-state QB and restock their offensive line. The defense is no question though. Eight starters return led by all-state ILB Joe Dahman. Webb City only returns seven starters from last year. But that includes QB/OLB Mack Kyle.
- Prediction: A strong defense and a good home field advantage in the opening game of the season makes my pick Harrisonville. If they happen to meet again in the playoffs though….
Other Top Games
- Ozark(#8 class 5) at Carthage (#2 class 4)
- A big early season COC tilt to welcome Carthage to the conference. If Carthage has a settled offensive line, they should be set for a big season. Ozark wants to make a statement early.
- Prediction: Should be entertaining and Carthage should take this one.
- Glendale at Joplin
- Two OC contenders meeting early. Glendale’s Kevin Redmon and Alex Sanders hope to keep the momentum going from late last year. Joplin will be without star RB Barrett Noirfalise who is out for the season.
- Prediction: My preseason pick was Joplin. But without Noirfalise, they will need his replacement Ron King to really step up in order to win.
- Salem at Mountain Grove (#5 class 3)
- Salem is looking to rebound after a sub par year and take a big step towards a SCA title. The Panthers are just looking to continue their recent success.
- Prediction: Mountain Grove wins their home opener.
- Helias at Waynesville (#5 class 5)
- Waynesville opens defense of their state title against an always dangerous Helias team. Word is that the Crusaders have been talking smack.
- Prediction: I took Helias originally. Waynesville has lost a lot from last years champs. But a little motivation can go a long way.
Games to Keep an Eye On
- Seneca at Neosho
- I’ve got the Indians as a surprise team. This will be a good test of that.
- Prediction: Neosho to win at home.
- Cassville at Branson
- Cassville has questions on the line. Branson has Mark Hill.
- Prediction: I went with Cassville. But I’m nervous on this one.
- Fair Grove at Buffalo
- How good is Buffalo’s defense and how good is Caleb Schaffitzel.
- Prediction: I’m taking the Eagles speed to neutralize Cody Rosier’s defense.
- Liberal at Miller (#5 class 1)
- Liberal’s senior are after a big year. It would get off to a great start with an upset of Miller.
- Prediction:Miller for the win at home.
- Thayer (#2 class 1) at Central
- David vs a floundering Goliath. Thayer jumps way up to take on class 5 Central.
- Prediction: I’m going with Central to take this one. Could be a real track meet.
- Rogersville at Aurora
- Rogersville could be set for a big year. Aurora has a coach that is looking to turn them around.
- Prediction: Rogersville is too much for the Houn Dawgs.
Rest of the schedule
- Liberty at Portageville
- Long trip but a very winnable game for the Eagles.
- Prediction: Liberty to start off the year with a win on the road.
- Carl Junction at Lamar
- The biggest and smallest Big 8 teams meet.
- Prediction: The Bulldogs win but Lamar may make it close.
- Nevada at Bolivar
- Nevada venture into Bolivar to take on a loaded Liberator team.
- Prediction: Bolivar should win big.
- Pleasant Hope at Osceola
- The Pirates may surprise some people. Osceola is looking to get to the playoffs.
- Prediction: Osceola takes it.
- Rich Hill at Lockwood
- Lockwood hopes to continue their winning tradition against a WEMO power.
- Prediction: Lockwood for the win.
- McAuley at Marionville
- Marionville is depleted but still has Brandon Verfurth. McAuley is looking to get better.
- Prediction: The Comets still have enough to win this one.
- Ash Grove at Sarcoxie
- Two teams looking to move beyond the .500 mark.
- Prediction: I think Ash Grove takes it.
- Rolla at Willard
- The first OC vs COC matchup of the year.
- Prediction: Willard has a good number of returnees. They win at home.
- Cabool (#4 class 1) at Houston
- Cabool looks to start of a big year with a SCA win.
- Prediction: Cabool easily over the Tigers.
- Parkview at Lebanon
- New school vs old school. The spread vs the double wing.
- Prediction: Lebanon continues Parkview’s woes.
- Greenfield at Diamond
- A struggling Diamond team take on a possible up and comer in the Spring Valley.
- Prediction: Greenfield gets an important road win in conference play.
- Ava at Marshfield
- The Blue Jays have good returning talent. Ava looks to be rebuilding.
- Prediction: Marshfield wins on home turf.
- McDonald County at Monett (#1 class 3)
- The Mustangs will be missing Kord Stancell as they take on Monett’s tough defense.
- Prediction: The Cubs D wins it. But watch to see if they can generate points.
- East Newton at Mt. Vernon
- Early clash of Big 8 teams coming of good playoff runs.
- Prediction: The Mountaineers have more left in the tank and win it.
- Pierce City at Jasper
- Battle of the Spring River Valley Eagles, but on opposite sides of the standings.
- Prediction: Pierce City opens up another strong campaign with a win.
- Republic at Nixa
- Both teams need this one to contend in the COC.
- Prediction: Republic takes the early conference road win.
- Reeds Spring at Strafford
- First chance to catch Tyler Evans as they take on Coach Brian Moler and the Wolves.
- Prediction: The Indians control the line and win.
- El Dorado Springs at Stockton
- The Bulldogs look to start the road to the playoffs against what should be a very good Stockton squad.
- Prediction: Stockton open the season with a win.
- Catholic at Willow Springs
- Former district rivals clash to start the season off. Should be a close contest.
- Prediction:The home field gives a slight edge to the Bears.
- Camdenton at Kickapoo
- Camdenton look to improve on a sub par 2007 season.
- Prediction: The Chiefs will be outmanned by the Lakers and fall at home.
- Hillcrest at West Plains
- Both squads will be looking to climb out of the middle of the OC pack.
- Prediction: The Zizzers can be tough at home. But I think the Hornets will be too much offensively.
- Skyline at Sacred Heart - Saturday
- Skyline is hoping to bounce back after a 3-7 2007.
- Prediction: Skyline comes back from Sedalia with a W.
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