Friday, Oct. 03, 2008

Week 5 picks and pans

Yes, I am tardy this week. As a result, I’m staying after class to get my assignment done.

The assignment, in this case, is to make my Week 5 football picks.

The mission is to improve upon my 12-4 mark -- 3-4 in the big schools -- this time around. My yearlong record is now 43-13.

Eisenhower at Kamiakin

This is a matchup of the desperate vs. the desperately wounded. Ike is 0-2 in Cascade Division play and can ill-afford another loss if it entertains serious hopes of making some noise in the playoffs -- if the Cadets even make it. Kamiakin rolled through its first three games before the injury bug made its annual visit to its Kennnewick campus and wreaked havoc.

Got this e-mail from John in Kennewick, whose daughter is a student trainer for the Braves: She has seen up close the ‘scythe’ rolling thru the football program. There’s no explanation, just people getting hurt on routine plays -- certainly NOT a lack of conditioning.

Kamiakin at full strength probably handles a befuddled Ike team with ease. Instead, it’s going to be a full-on struggle, but I think the Braves at home can eke this one out. Kamiakin 24-22

Hanford at Richland

An internecine battle between kids who grew up playing each other in Grid Kids, formed rivalries in middle school and continued them into this intracity matchup. I know, the Bombers have never lost to Hanford in three previous meetings, but none of the previous three were blowouts, and I don’t suspect this one will be, either. The Falcons have the speed to match up with Richland’s skill players, but with Jordan Friesz’s season-ending injury (broken arm) and R.J. Harris weakened with a virus, the Bombers now have a decided edge in the trenches. That should be enough to settle this score. Richland 31-26

West Valley at Walla Walla

I pity the Rams. They just lost at home to Sunnyside, and now they have to travel to take on an angry Blue Devils team. Coach Mark Yonts has an object lesson for his kids about taking a 3A school for granted. West Valley pays the price. Walla Walla 44-7

Kennewick at Moses Lake

The Chiefs looked like they turned a corner in their 14-3 win over Pasco last week. The Lions also appear to have settled down under new QB Drew Loftus, who moved from receiver (he’s still among the league leaders in receptions). But Kennewick’s settling occurred against Davis, so it could be an illusion. This game will be the true test. At Lions Field, no less. Moses Lake 35-21

Pasco at Sunnyside

Two weeks ago, this looked like it would be a bloodbath. Now, the Bulldogs still should win, but Moses Lake exposed some of their weaknesses -- especially the need to shore up the passing game. Sunnyside may not have the guns to exploit those weaknesses fully, but Pasco better beware with Southridge upcoming. Pasco 34-13

Southridge at Davis

The Suns should be able to establish control early, then rest some people for next week’s showdown at the Lamp with Pasco. 52 and counting for Davis ... Southridge 58-6

Crook County at Hermiston

A third straight relative gimme for the Bulldogs before they face their biggest IMC test -- a road game at unbeaten Mountain View. Hermiston 38-14

Toppenish at Prosser

Othello exposed the Wildcats as a CWAC pretender last week. The Mustangs will just be pouring more salt into their wounds. Prosser 63-0

Grandview at Othello

The Huskies should have no problem with a Grandview team that has struggled under first-year coach Jeremy Scroggins. Othello 46-13

Kiona-Benton at Wahluke

The Bears looked a lot better last week against Burbank, but this is not an easy road trip and Wahluke looks to be clicking right now. Wahluke 38-23

River View at Columbia (Burbank)

The “Backyard Brawl” of the Mid-Columbia. The Coyotes are leaning hard on senior RB Seth Shelton, while the Panthers look to get their passing game back on track after Connell bottled it up last week. I just gotta think the Coyotes are due to win a close one on their home field. Burbank 23-21

POSTSCRIPT Found out today that Shelton has a shoulder injury that will sideline him 4-6 weeks. That definitely changes things. The Coyotes can still hang tough on their home field, but I'm changing my pick. River View 28-14

Warden at Royal

Really, is there any question about this one? Royal 58-0

Pomeroy at Liberty Christian

This will be one of the Patriots’ few shots at victory in the Southeast 2B this season. Liberty Christian 35-28

Connell at Moscow, Idaho

This will not be an easy road trip -- Moscow beat Clarkston 31-28 two weeks ago -- but the Eagles are coming along, finding their identity after having to replace some super studs of a year ago. Connell 30-24

I’ll be at Fran Rish tonight. See ya at the stadium.

Til next time ...