Week 9 District 4 Predictions

[loco60]

Last week of a year that didn't go as predicted:

Central Clinton, DeWitt at Epworth, Western Dubuque
The Bobcats are smarting from a spanking, the Sabers are rattling after a beatdown of Maquoketa. This game might be more entertaining, as projected earlier in the year. I pick the Bobcats, but they gave up 55 to Solon, so there might be some chinks in the armor for the opponent to exploit. Look for health and wellness to be a major factor with who takes the field.

Independence at Maquoketa ( (ND))
There is a fair chance that there will be as many people from Independence at the game as from Maquoketa. A really tough season closes out for the Cardinals, with prospects ahead looking grim until district assignments are changed. Independence rides away with a W. Maquoketa washes up the gear and puts it away after Friday.

Marion at Xavier, Cedar Rapids
The Marion coach is still looking for a milestone win. The Xavier coach is looking for some senior leadership, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Indians have had their chances and consistently blown them across the season. For the most part, Xavier hasn't taken too many chances. In years past Saints Field was a place where upset hopes were quickly dashed and Homecoming Kings and Queens had beaming smiles. In the past couple of years the "friendly confines" have been hospital to both teams. Look for Marion to put their best effort together. An upset would drop Xavier to 3rd in the district. I would install Xavier as the heavy favorite, but their actual performance this year just hasn't been that good. They are 5-3, but when the road ahead has been bumpy they've lost a wheel.

Wahlert, Dubuque at Solon
On the field the Spartans are trending up. Probably wondering what the game against Xavier would be like without rain and injuries. Dubuque Wahlert can compete with nearly anybody for a quarter and a half. Then, "el foldo" against the top teams. Spartans finish up as the 2nd team in the District, but will be regarded as a near #1 in their competition's eyes once the playoffs begin. Dubuque Wahlert would be smart to ride their running attack against Solon, but may not be able to move the ball consistently.

 

[fmclonefan]

Anyone else see an Xavier -- Solon collision coming in around 3 weeks? Will be at Xavier, if it happens, but will be tough to pick against Solon with the beatdown they gave last night. Seems they are picking up steam and rolling at the right time of year. Is Solon now at full strength and healthy?

 

[loco60]

I don't think it will be Xavier v Solon in the third round.

 

[fmclonefan]

Are you thinking earlier round, later round, or not at all?

 

[loco60]

Semi-finals or not at all.

But it all depends on match-ups.

 

[KidSilverhair]

It could, maybe, happen in the second round, but I doubt it. If you look at the projected first round, and assume all the 1s beat all the 4s, who are the possible Xavier opponents for round 2?

Waverly-Shell Rock may be most likely. Western Dubuque or Assumption would be a rematch. Independence would be an option, but if they are paired against Solon that means Solon lost. Further afield is Washington; or even Gilbert or Carlisle, but you're starting to stretch reasonable distance by then.

Meanwhile who are possible second-round opponents for Solon? Clear Creek Amana is closest. There's also West Delaware. I doubt they'd match Pella and Solon in round 2, especially if CCA is available, but either Western Dubuque or Assumption has to play somebody in the eastern half, which starts to take away opponents.

The third round is so many unknown matchups ahead it's hard to predict. Solon reaching the third round means they already beat a district winner like Clear Creek Amana or West Delaware, maybe - perhaps Xavier makes sense at that point. It's impossible to say, though.

This non-bracket stuff is kind of frustrating.