Big Games

Preview of this Week's Big Games -- the preview for other Division IV games will be posted later.


Middletown (6-1) at Fort Bragg (6-1) on Friday night

It looks like most people think the Middletown- Fort Bragg game is the biggest game in Division IV this weekend, and I agree. Although I do think that the loser of this game -- as long as they win out -- will still get into the Division IV playoffs. Both teams come into the game with balanced offenses and strong defenses. The weather Friday night might be a factor. If both passers are limited in what they can do, it's up to the offensive lines and running backs. Which team has the best "mudders"? I'm not sure. It should be a very close game, but probably low scoring.
Prediction: Middletown wins 7-6.

On a side note, one commenter has suggested that anyone attending the game should either film a portion of it and post it on Youtube, or take some photos and post them here. In either case, for those of us that cannot attend the game, let us know as soon as you can who won.



St. Patrick-St. Vincent (6-1) at Encinal (7-0) Friday night

Encinal has a balanced offensive attack and is likely to put a lot of points on the board. St. Pats is more of a running team and has fallen behind in each of the last four games they've played before coming back to win. Could this be the fifth?
Prediction: Encinal wins 35-21.



Berean Christian(5-2) at Salesian (4-2) Saturday afternoon

Berean Christian comes into the game with a corps of good running backs. Salesian's defense seems a little suspect to me. Hapless Emery made it a game last week, trailing 21-14 late in the second half before Salesian was able to pull away. Some say the favorite for this game is Salesian. I don't think so.
Prediction: Berean Christian wins 28-14.



St. Vincent (7-0) at Clear Lake (4-2-1) Friday night

St. Vincent comes into the game with a talented quarterback, good running backs, and an undefeated record. But something has happened to them lately and I just don't know what that is. After beating Fort Bragg 12-7, they have fallen behind teams they should have easily beaten -- only to pull out a fourth quarter comeback. Even Upper Lake stayed with them for a half (7-6) before they were able to pull away. Clear Lake's quarterback has improved of late and they, too, have a capable corps of running backs. This game will be a lot closer than some think, especially if it's raining. The last rainy Friday night, St. Vincent eeked out a 14-2 win over hapless Willits. Clear Lake is no Willits. This is my upset pick of the week.
Prediction: Clear Lake wins 14-7.