NCL I Preview

Cloverdale (4-4) at Fort Bragg (6-2) Friday night

Fort Bragg looks to bounce back from last week's loss to Middletown and Cloverdale will try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. I think this game might be closer than expected.
Prediction: Fort Bragg wins 26-20.


Kelseyville (4-3-1) at Middletown (7-1) Friday night

This is the first of two potential trap games this weekend. On paper, this should be an easy game for Middletown, but events rarely transpire as the formulas written on flattened wood pulp. If MIddletown is hungry and plays that way, they'll dominate from the start. But, if they are a little over-confident, a small window of opportunity will open for the Kelseyville Knights.
Prediction: Middletown wins 34-8.


Lower Lake (0-8) at Willits (0-8) Friday night

This would actually be a great game to see in person. Both teams are hungry for their first win and each realizes this is their best opportunity all season. I see a back and forth game until one pulls it out. In fact, my mind has gone back and forth on this. I changed my prediction.
Prediction: Lower Lake wins 34-26.


St. Vincent (7-1) at St. Helena (4-4) Friday night

Can St. Vincent recover from their first loss of the season? How good of a road team are they? They have only played two road games thus far, barely escaping 0-8 Willits with a win (14-2), and losing to Clear Lake 8-7. I see a storm brewing. For the second week in a row, I think St. Vincent will be upset.
Prediction: St. Helena wins 20-14.


Clear Lake (5-2-1) at Upper Lake (4-4) Saturday afternoon

This is the second trap game of the weekend. Clear Lake can't get caught feeling like they've already won the NCL I South. There's a lot of work yet to do -- especially in Upper Lake. The Cougars can definitely score points and they will make Clear Lake fans sweat 'til the end.
Prediction: Clear Lake wins 32-30.