SPECIAL ORDER
Cedar Valley Christian v Clarksville @ LaSalle
Clarksville scored 58 points and the Huskies tallied 30 in their openers, both good for WINs. Ed Betsworth had to stir the soup a long time, but the first cup of victory might be the impetus for an impassioned performance against Clarksville. Maybe a first home win after the first win? Heady stuff. I think the last train to Clarksville will be pulling out with the visitor's taking the win. But "GO HUSKIES" will be the cry...they're 1-0.
THURSDAY NIGHT
CRW v CRK @ Kingston
The Kingston Thursday night matchup series begin with the Warriors and the Cougars knocking pads (used to be knocking heads, but what if a Mom reads this, I wouldn't want to upset her!). CRW used big play speed, but didn't stop the JayHawks. CRK found a way to lose a 4th and long play and, therefore, the game. If CRW comes ready to play, then CRK can't keep up with their speed. However, if CRK has a big improvement on position play football, then they can hold the ball and diminish CRW's advantages. If CRK would've had a more powerful start, I'd be leaning their way, but I think CRW will come out more ready to play and with a few more plays in the short week.
CRX v DA @ Brady St. Stadium
CRX lost all of their defense and played solidly (turns out you can't give up field position again and again and keep opponents out of the end zone). CRX offense and special teams play look for a lot of improvement in Week 2. DA had almost half of their defensive squad returning, so the 41 points that Bettendorf rang up might mean losing one of the top five leading tacklers was more impactful than thought. Whatever, they defended extra points very well. This game will come down to which team improves their special teams and offenses the most during the short week. Expect that CRX will play stout defense, so DA won't score 21 points. But can CRX score 21 points themselves? I'm picking the Saints, even if they have any key injuries after week 1. This is a good matchup that spawns from District football.
TREND - Does anybody play games at their school anymore?
FRIDAY NIGHT
CRP v CRJ @ Kingston
Prairie comes in after not finding their pace in week 1. CRJ comes in with a similar QB as LM and some confidence from being down 21-20 in the 3rd quarter against CRW and making some big plays to boot. CRP was probably counting on this one as a "W" before the season started, but now has to knuckle down against a team that traditionally plays well in Week 2. I'm going with my first upset pick, with CRJ making a couple of drives and a big play for a 21-17 win. Or maybe I just say the Hawks will win this game...100%.
Pleasant Valley @ LinnMar
Finally, a HOME game at a school! LinnMar is brimming with confidence, Pleasant Valley frustrated after 3 points in their first outing. All about assignment football in defending PV. All about defending speed against LM. Look for lots of improvement from PV, but LM makes for a 28-17 or better win, matching the win total from last year. This is a good matchup that spawns from District football.
Washington v Marion at Thomas Park Field
Washington went deep into the playoffs last year. Those extra repetitions make a difference in the early season. Marion stepped up in Week 1, pasting Mount Vernon. Washington didn't step up against Pella, getting waxed. Marion squeaks by or better in this one, as Washington hasn't found the end zone yet and will have trouble with Marion's passing.
Weather might play a role again with respect to delays on Friday.
Cedar Valley Christian v Clarksville @ LaSalle
Clarksville scored 58 points and the Huskies tallied 30 in their openers, both good for WINs. Ed Betsworth had to stir the soup a long time, but the first cup of victory might be the impetus for an impassioned performance against Clarksville. Maybe a first home win after the first win? Heady stuff. I think the last train to Clarksville will be pulling out with the visitor's taking the win. But "GO HUSKIES" will be the cry...they're 1-0.
THURSDAY NIGHT
CRW v CRK @ Kingston
The Kingston Thursday night matchup series begin with the Warriors and the Cougars knocking pads (used to be knocking heads, but what if a Mom reads this, I wouldn't want to upset her!). CRW used big play speed, but didn't stop the JayHawks. CRK found a way to lose a 4th and long play and, therefore, the game. If CRW comes ready to play, then CRK can't keep up with their speed. However, if CRK has a big improvement on position play football, then they can hold the ball and diminish CRW's advantages. If CRK would've had a more powerful start, I'd be leaning their way, but I think CRW will come out more ready to play and with a few more plays in the short week.
CRX v DA @ Brady St. Stadium
CRX lost all of their defense and played solidly (turns out you can't give up field position again and again and keep opponents out of the end zone). CRX offense and special teams play look for a lot of improvement in Week 2. DA had almost half of their defensive squad returning, so the 41 points that Bettendorf rang up might mean losing one of the top five leading tacklers was more impactful than thought. Whatever, they defended extra points very well. This game will come down to which team improves their special teams and offenses the most during the short week. Expect that CRX will play stout defense, so DA won't score 21 points. But can CRX score 21 points themselves? I'm picking the Saints, even if they have any key injuries after week 1. This is a good matchup that spawns from District football.
TREND - Does anybody play games at their school anymore?
FRIDAY NIGHT
CRP v CRJ @ Kingston
Prairie comes in after not finding their pace in week 1. CRJ comes in with a similar QB as LM and some confidence from being down 21-20 in the 3rd quarter against CRW and making some big plays to boot. CRP was probably counting on this one as a "W" before the season started, but now has to knuckle down against a team that traditionally plays well in Week 2. I'm going with my first upset pick, with CRJ making a couple of drives and a big play for a 21-17 win. Or maybe I just say the Hawks will win this game...100%.
Pleasant Valley @ LinnMar
Finally, a HOME game at a school! LinnMar is brimming with confidence, Pleasant Valley frustrated after 3 points in their first outing. All about assignment football in defending PV. All about defending speed against LM. Look for lots of improvement from PV, but LM makes for a 28-17 or better win, matching the win total from last year. This is a good matchup that spawns from District football.
Washington v Marion at Thomas Park Field
Washington went deep into the playoffs last year. Those extra repetitions make a difference in the early season. Marion stepped up in Week 1, pasting Mount Vernon. Washington didn't step up against Pella, getting waxed. Marion squeaks by or better in this one, as Washington hasn't found the end zone yet and will have trouble with Marion's passing.
Weather might play a role again with respect to delays on Friday.
