Week 8 Predictions

GAME OF THE WEEK
Frankenmuth Eagles at Millington Cardinals
It couldn't be scripted any better. Two undefeated teams meet in the last week of conference play, and the winners walk off the field with the Tri-Valley East championship. Frankenmuth has come out on top in close games against both Birch Run and Garber. They'll look for their 1-2 runningback attack of Ryan Keith and Nathan Cormier to control the clock and do most of the scoring. The Eagle defense, though, will have to be ready for senior quarterback Dustin Griesing and the dynamic Cardinal offense that exploded for 45 points against Birch Run 2 weeks ago. I anticipate a historical battle, but I have a feeling that the Cardinals have a stronger overrall team.
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Frankenmuth: 21
Millington: 35

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Fulton Pirates at Pewamo-Westphalia Pirates

Like the game in Millington, the match-up between the Pirates of the Central Michigan Athletic Conference is a climactic battle of the two undefeated conference powers. Fulton has won the last two meetings between the two teams by a combined 4 points; expect another thriller this year. Fulton's Clevelyn Jefferson has been one of the most dominant runningbacks in the area, but if anyone can stop him, P-W might be the team. In fact, neither team has allowed more than 19 points in any game this year. Tough defenses and explosive offenses abound, so this is an extremely difficult pick.

I'd love to predict a minor upset, but I'm leaning towards a Fulton victory because one game sticks out in my mind. P-W escaped Laingsburg 29-19, while Fulton routed the Wolfpack by a score of 47-14. Yes, the infamous "common opponent score theory"; you know it's a toss-up when I've resorted to this.

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Fulton: 21

Pewamo-Westphalia: 20

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Flint Southwestern Academy Knights at Midland Chemics

If you follow this blog, you know that I've developed an affinity for the Knights this season. Despite a plethora of hurdles, they showed immense courage and heart in their victory over Mt. Pleasant last week. However, it will take more than courage to defeat the 6-1 Midland Chemics, who make use of a dynamic offense including quarterback Andrew Maxwell and the effective runningback tandem of Joel Parsons and Colter Roberson. If SWA hadn't forfeited their first three games, we'd be looking at a likely battle for the conference championship. Instead, this is just a game between two tough teams; after their performance last week, it's hard to bet against the chip on the shoulder of Mark Ingram and company.

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Flint SWA: 35

Midland: 28

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Traverse City Central Trojans at Bay City Central Wolves

A battle between the Centrals will be exciting because both 5-2 squads have the same goal - a play-off berth. The Trojans dropped a close battle to the Wolves' rival Bay City Western in week 5, and I believe that Bay City Central has even more talent than the Warriors do. I predict a bit of a route; expect Trenton Robinson and Luther Ware to run wild.

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Traverse City Central: 7
Bay City Central: 28

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Lapeer West Panthers at Linden Eagles

Linden is undefeated and looking toward a third straight Flint Metro League title. Lapeer West (5-2) may have something to say about that, though; perhaps Linden looks vulnerable after they escaped Muskegan Catholic Central by 2 points last week. This game will go a long ways towards answering questions about both teams. If the Panthers can pull off the upset, they'll likely receive partial owernership in the conference title. I expect that Linden will recover from last week and return to their dominant form.

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Lapeer West: 10

Linden: 20
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Reese Rockets at Unionville-Sebawaing Area Patriots

Reese is undefeated and expected to make a very long play-off run; USA is hoping to clinch a play-off berth. Both teams will have a bit of extra motivation this week in order to claim the 14th Suger Bowl, which is awarded to the winner of the annual rivalry game between the two schools. The Rockets will be favored, but the Pariots, led by senior runningback Lance VanHoost, might make this one of the most exciting match-ups of the season. I think Reese's momentum and overrall team skill will subdue USA, but not until late in the game.

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Reese: 22
USA: 18

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John Glenn Bobcats at Nouvel Catholic Central Panthers
Last season, Nouvel laid a whooping down against Glenn; this year may be different. Nouvel hasn't dominated like they have in years past, but John Glenn isn't in top form, either. Both teams are 4-2 due to an bye week, and looking for their 5th win to secure a play-off berth. Both Nouvel and Glenn need to win, as they have large challenges ahead of them in week 9 in Muskegon Catholic Central and Garber, respectively. I am going to put my confidence in Nouvel, partly because it is physically impossible for Nouvel to NOT qualify for the play-offs.

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John Glenn: 18

Nouvel: 28
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