Week 3 Predictions

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Last week, I went 4-2 in my picks for the Mid-Michigan games of the week. Lake Fenton and Midland both got me, but we all knew that those were going to be close games, anyways. This puts me at 8-3 on the year. This week, I'm going for 8-0.

GAME OF THE WEEK
Frankenmuth Eagles at Birch Run Panthers
In the TVC East's most compelling rivalry, it's always tough to be confident about a pick; both teams have played brilliantly up to this point. You could contend that the Panthers have yet to face a tough test, but they are definitely winning the way they are expected to. They better be ready to play, though; Frankenmuth beat Swan Valley in week 1 and proceeded to blow out the Caro Tigers last Thursday. Quarterback Brett Cook has played well up to this point, but will it be enough to carry Birch Run past their arch nemesis? Unfortunately for the Eagles, I expect so.
Prediction:
Frankenmuth - 20
Birch Run - 28

Midland Chemics at Heritage Hawks
The Hawks are looking face-to-face with their toughest test of the young season. Midland upset Bay City Central in week 2, and will be looking to run the table after losing the Mt. Pleasant to start the year. The key here will be defense; both teams have quality runningbacks in DeShawn Hayes and Joel Parsons, so whichever team contains the other will win the game. Because the Hawks have yet to be truly challenged and didn't blow teams out the way they could have, I think Midland may be the tougher team this year.
Prediction:
Midland - 28
Heritage - 18

Flint Powers Chargers at Carman-Ainsworth Cavaliers
This should be a good one. Powers lost their first game to Ogemaw Heights, but appears to have put their season back on track by beating St. John's convincingly. The Cavaliers will probably be the most athletic team that the Chargers see all season. Last week, C-A played a tough game against Warren DeLaSalle, the defending state runners-up in D2. Nobody saw it coming, but I expect that the Cavs contain Ronnie Lark and put Powers in an 1-2 hole.
Prediction:
Powers - 8
Carman-Ainsworth - 18

Flint Southwestern Academy Knights at Grand Blanc Bobcats
Here it is; star runningback Mark Ingram spent his first three varsity season with Grand Blanc, making the play-offs twice and cemented his status as one of the state's best runningbacks.

Then he transferred to Flint SWA for his senior season, which has been exceptional so far.

Expect a battle in this one. The grudge match between these two squads should be hard-hitting and explosive; SWA seems to be the favorite, though. Their offense has been tuned in the first two weeks, and the freshman quarterback from Grand Blanc will likely struggle to keep up with the Knights' firepower. They will put up a good fight, but a chip on your shoulder and a home crowd won't make up for losing one of the best players in the state of Michigan.
Prediction:
Flint SWA - 32
Grand Blanc - 20

Bay City Central Wolves at Arthur Hill Lumberjacks
Before the season, this might not have seemed like much of a game. However, the Lumberjacks have been impressive in both victory and defeat so far. Runningback Jerrell Wilson has proven to be among the best SVL backs. Bay City Central has some talent of their own though, namely RB Luther Ware and MSU commit Trenton Robinson. There will be fireworks, but I think that the upset attempt will come close but never quite take form.
Prediction:
Bay City Central - 42
Arthur Hill - 30

Tawas Braves at John Glenn Bobcats
Two of the favorites in the NEMC, along with Ogemaw Heights, square off in week 3. Tawas has yet to be challenged so far; their victories over Harrison and Beaverton came against little struggle. John Glenn hasn't faced much better - their first game of the season was a 35-6 route of Cadillac. A big factor in the game will be how Glenn approached their bye week. Will they be hungry for contact and twice as prepared, or rusty and have to reaccustom themselves to game speed? I have confidence in the Bobcats, so I'm assuming its the former.
Prediction:
Tawas - 14
John Glenn - 28

Merrill Vandals at Saint Charles Bulldogs
Many people wrote the Bulldogs' names on the championship trophy after last week's victory over conference favorite ithaca, but the 'Dogs won't have a chance to rest on their laurals. Jason Pratt and the up-and-coming Merrill Vandals are coming to town with dreams of an upset. Although they've dominated the last couple match-ups between these two, St. Charles better stay on its heels. Merrill beat MLS last week and is definitely capable of striking down the Bulldogs if they are underestimated. Coach Welzein and his staff are the not type to let their squad overlook anybody, though, especially not an undefeated team that made the play-offs last season. I don't anticipate the upset occurring.
Prediction:
Merrill - 18
St. Charles - 36

Freeland Falcons at Swan Valley Vikings
Who would have thought that this game would be as big as it is? Swan Valley has yet to play up to their potential so far this season, while Freeland has been surprisingly competitive. Their 1-point win over Clare and overtime loss to Ovid-Elsie have provided the Falcons with close game experience. I think this might be the game that we see the Vikings break out from their shell.
Prediction:
Freeland - 22
Swan Valley - 28