Decorah at Epworth, Western Dubuque (ND)
[/I]Perhaps the most intriguing matchup...both teams have been relatively modest in crossing the goal line, but both teams have been moderately successful in keeping the other team from crossing. I'm picking Decorah to keep improving but they are away and this frigid, rainy September weather could strike again. Global warming will not affect the outcome of this game.
Maquoketa at Wahlert, Dubuque
[/I]The Golden Eagles take the tonic and are cured! 0-2 in 4A and now they'll be 2-0 in 3A, where it counts. With future contests looming with other district foes that are "beatable" for Dubuque, the playoffs linger since oh so long ago! Maybe it will rally participation in the younger ranks. Maquoketa is likely to want a mulligan on these first four games, but life doesn't get easier looking ahead.
Marion at Solon
The Spartans faced down the Saints and will come out "fired up" against Marion. Both teams have been victors over Mount Vernon, but I'd expect Mount Vernon to be picking Solon in this game, unless their roster has been trimmed further by injuries or illness. The Indians might be bigger than the Spartans, physically, but not as likely to execute as well.
Xavier, Cedar Rapids at Central Clinton, DeWitt
The triple option Sabers offense versus the no option Saints defense. I'm going to pick the Saints to win on the road. Stopping the triple option is about assignment football and not missing tackles. The Saints are an assignment football team and they have been tackling better, and mostly in the opponents backfield or within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage. However, the Saints offense is pretty run-dimensional at this point, lacking a bit in passing punch and special teams advantage. Should Sabers be spelled that way or "Sabres"? There will be plenty of time to think about that Friday night for Central Clinton, Dewitt. Look for the Saints to improve their offense and special teams. And if Central Clinton, DeWitt can run the triple option like novocaine, maybe the Saints will be put to sleep.
[/I]Perhaps the most intriguing matchup...both teams have been relatively modest in crossing the goal line, but both teams have been moderately successful in keeping the other team from crossing. I'm picking Decorah to keep improving but they are away and this frigid, rainy September weather could strike again. Global warming will not affect the outcome of this game.
Maquoketa at Wahlert, Dubuque
[/I]The Golden Eagles take the tonic and are cured! 0-2 in 4A and now they'll be 2-0 in 3A, where it counts. With future contests looming with other district foes that are "beatable" for Dubuque, the playoffs linger since oh so long ago! Maybe it will rally participation in the younger ranks. Maquoketa is likely to want a mulligan on these first four games, but life doesn't get easier looking ahead.
Marion at Solon
The Spartans faced down the Saints and will come out "fired up" against Marion. Both teams have been victors over Mount Vernon, but I'd expect Mount Vernon to be picking Solon in this game, unless their roster has been trimmed further by injuries or illness. The Indians might be bigger than the Spartans, physically, but not as likely to execute as well.
Xavier, Cedar Rapids at Central Clinton, DeWitt
The triple option Sabers offense versus the no option Saints defense. I'm going to pick the Saints to win on the road. Stopping the triple option is about assignment football and not missing tackles. The Saints are an assignment football team and they have been tackling better, and mostly in the opponents backfield or within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage. However, the Saints offense is pretty run-dimensional at this point, lacking a bit in passing punch and special teams advantage. Should Sabers be spelled that way or "Sabres"? There will be plenty of time to think about that Friday night for Central Clinton, Dewitt. Look for the Saints to improve their offense and special teams. And if Central Clinton, DeWitt can run the triple option like novocaine, maybe the Saints will be put to sleep.
