Week 7 picks

Not sure what to say to introduce the picks this week. I’m just hoping I can make a respectable showing in the ‘Who wants to beat Aragon in the picks this week contest?’ I don’t think I had lost a total of three times in the weekly picks contest before this year and I’m now on a three-week losing streak.
This week I’m taking on Sarah Thomas. She’s a former basketball player at Taylorsville, and currently a quality worker in the sports department at the Deseret News. She covers tennis for us and handles some scoreboard duties. I had to beg her to face me this week. She didn’t want to be the one to break my losing streak, but she’s apparently gained some confidence since we last spoke.

ST: A little about myself: I am a student at the University of Utah and a girls basketball coach at Taylorsville High. Don’t be fooled, however. Despite the (CENSORED), I have been able to pick up a little about football. Alright, Aragon, it’s time for your fourth straight week of misery. I may be a novice, but I’m still very confident in my chances to beat you. You’ve made it so easy lately.
AA: That is true. I can’t say anything in my defense, other than hopefully I can have a bounce-back performance like Brett Favre throwing 6 TDs last week.

Manti at Juab.
ST: This will be a good game. Both teams are trying to cling to a perfect record as well as gain the upper hand in the 2A North region title. The Templars have proven they can win big games with their upset over North Summit last week; the Wasps haven’t had that chance yet. It may be tonight, but probably not. Manti 27, Juab 21.
AA: Our first disagreement. It isn’t easy to go on the road and beat tough teams in 2A. A good 2A source told me he thinks the top three teams in 2A North will split and there will be a three-way for first place. I trust his judgement. Juab 21, Manti 20.

Davis at Viewmont.
ST: Every time the Darts have an opportunity to prove themselves with a win over a strong team, they are somehow able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. The Vikings lost the only game that was really a test, so this match-up will be a good gauge of where they are at. Viewmont 15, Davis 11.
AA: This is a good rivalry game, and one that will be low-scoring tonight. We agree on that, but not the winner. The Darts will bounce back from last week’s stunning loss to Weber and get back on track. Davis 7, Viewmont 6.

Copper Hills at Hunter.
ST: Neither team has really proven itself here. All the numbers slightly suggest Copper Hills has the edge, however, the Wolverines are traditionally scrappy. My crystal ball says they’ll finally be able to put something together, especially at home. Hunter 16, Copper Hills 13.
AA: I think the two teams are pretty evenly matched. I also think the Grizzlies are due for a big victory. Copper Hills 28, Hunter 21.

Lone Peak at Pleasant Grove.
ST: The Vikings are averaging 27 points a game and only giving up 6.5. That is the biggest spread in the state and highlights a confident defense. Defense wins games, period. Plus Andrew and Company have them ranked 8th, compared to LP at 17. That alone says it all. PG 30, LP 6.
AA: Well, thanks for noticing where they are ranked in the Deseret News top 25. I agree with the winner, but I think it will be closer. Plus, this is where I’ll be tonight so I don’t want any angry Lone Peak fans harassing me. Not that that would happen. They treat people well at Lone Peak. Pleasant Grove 21, Lone Peak 20.

Cottonwood at Highland.
ST: If the Rams can find a way to play without all the penalties and miscues, they are as good as anyone else. This is going to be a very physical game, as it always is, and the Colts’ Isi Sofele is a stud. Highland’s Nick Orchard isn’t a too bad himself, however, and although all signs point to the Colts with the drubbing, I have to stick with my team and the upset. Come on, Rams! Highland 31, Cottonwood 30.
AA: Hey, there’s no cheering on the Deseret News high school sports blog. I think this will be the best game of the night. I also think Cottonwood is a little too deep for Highland, and will pull out the victory in a shootout. Cottonwood 31, Highland 30

Park City at Judge.
ST: Neither team has shown much this season, but Judge was “supposed” to be good. That counts for something, right? Judge 24, Park City 19.
AA: I haven’t heard from my guy Matich for a few weeks. I’m taking that as a bad sign. Judge 21, Park City 20

Bonneville at Roy
ST: The Royals give up an average of 30 points a game ‘ it’s no mystery why they can’t win. The Lakers only score 10 per game ‘ it’s no mystery why they can’t win, either. Based on these stats, it’s fair to claim that this may be the first game in history to end with two losers. I’m going with the Royals. They seem to be the lesser of the two bad teams, plus I like their colors better. Roy 13, Bonneville 6.
AA: Wow, she isn’t holding back. I did see both teams during the summer, and I expected Bonneville to have a better record at this point in the season. The Lakers showed some positives in their loss to Sky View last week, and I think they win handily here. Bonneville 21, Roy 7.

Northridge at Syracuse
ST: The Titans defense has done a good job this season only giving up six points a game, but will that be enough to contain the Knight’s multi-dimensional offense? The Knights are ranked 7th for a reason ‘ they get the edge. Northridge 31, Syracuse 18.
AA: I saw these two teams scrimmage against each other in a camp at Woods Cross during the summer and it was heated. Syracuse will give Northridge a decent game here, but the Knights will rebound from last week’s loss. Northridge 28, Syracuse 14