Week 1 picks

It’s hard to believe that another high school football season is upon us. Where did the offseason and summer go? Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad it’s here but it seemed to arrive a little faster than usual this year.

Players and coaches who have been sweating through grueling two-a-days the last couple of weeks may disagree.

Anyway, what’s harder to believe is how lousy I was in the picks last season. I’m looking for a little redemption and my first challenger this season was my nemesis last year. I couldn’t beat John Coon, who you know and love from his blog postings and prep coverage here at the D-News, last season.

As always, we welcome others to post their picks before tonight’s games. I’m talking to you, Friday Night Rider.

JC: After dominating the prep football picks a year ago, the president of my official fan club asked what I planned to do for an encore. The answer is obvious, isn’t it? I’m going to win some more. I’m already making plans for my victory parade down State Street.

AA: Hmm. I don’t know what to say to that.

JC: If the Utes can hold a parade for finishing second in the AP poll, I can definitely hold one for finishing first in the prep football picks.

AA: Hey, that was well-deserved. Anyone who beats the insufferable Nick Saban on a national stage is worthy of a parade in my book. OK, let’s get to the picks.

Cottonwood at Alta:

JC: Welcome back to 5A, Colts. Your reward: a season-opening loss to the two-time defending state champs. Don’t get me wrong. Cottonwood is a talented team. But Alta is more talented and playing at home. That’s good enough for me. Alta 28, Cottonwood 17

AA: I have an odd feeling about this game, which is the one I’m covering tonight. I’m feeling an upset from the visiting Colts. Look, both teams have a lot to replace from last year and it’s one game. Anything can happen and something tells me Cottonwood wins this game. Cottonwood 21, Alta 20

Jordan at Northridge:

JC: Some questions hover around this game. Can Jordan keep up its high-scoring ways under new coach Eric Kjar? Can Northridge overcome massive inexperience to get a statement making win going into Region 1 play next week? The answers: Yes and no. I see the Beetdiggers taking this one on the road, but the Knights will make things interesting for a while. Jordan 31, Northridge 20

AA: I kind of see it playing out the same way. Northridge is going to be young, young, young, but it does have some talented linemen in Steve Clark, Haden Flint and Scooter Arnold. I think Jordan QB Alex Hart will be the difference. Jordan 35, Northridge 28

West at Juan Diego:

JC: One of the more interesting things that came out of my interviews with West players while writing the Panthers team preview was the reality that they do not like the Soaring Eagle at all. I fully expect this will be a chippy game as a result. But I have to give the edge to the defending 3A champs. They are at home and the Panthers are still getting used to new offensive and defensive schemes Justin Spencer has put in place. Juan Diego 20, West 16

AA: I am troubled by this game. I’ve heard from a trusted source that a huge reason why West and East aren’t playing this season is because Juan Diego wouldn’t let West out of this game to play East. So good job having a hand in a rivalry that’s been played since 1914 just end, Juan Diego. Weak. In an I can’t believe West and East aren’t playing this season and Justin Spencer is an old classmate, friend and my boy, West wins. West 17, Juan Diego 14.

Hurricane at Skyline:

JC: I remember when Logan — then a 3A team — came to Skyline and current BYU QB Riley Nelson completely dominated the Eagle defense to help the Grizzlies win in lopsided fashion. I don’t see Hurricane channeling a similar outcome unless they can sneak Nelson into the huddle unnoticed before game time. Get ready. Skyline is going to rock the Tigers like a . . . hurricane. (Yeah it’s pun-y. I know).Skyline 34, Hurricane 14

AA: Could Hurricane sneak Nelson in before this game? It wouldn’t be the first time he changed teams would it? Ha! Kidding, save the angry emails and take a joke. I think Hurricane will give Skyline a tougher game than John thinks, but the difference will be Alge Brown. He’s good. Skyline 28, Hurricane 21

Viewmont at Bingham:

JC: This looks like a mismatch on paper, on the field, on the scoreboard and pretty much every other place you can think of. I don’t see how the Vikings can keep up with Harvey Langi and co. for a half, let alone four quarters. Bingham 38, Viewmont 6

AA: I’m troubled by John’s analysis. Has he not read not only my Viewmont preview story or my Region 1 preview story talking about how good the Vikings will be? Well, he’s not the only one. I think this is a close game because Viewmont isn’t far off of Bingham’s level. But the Miners win. Bingham 24, Viewmont 20

Pleasant Grove at Timpview:

JC: That state record winning streak for the T-Birds has got to end sooner or later. I have a feeling this could be where it waves goodbye. Pleasant Grove has a ton of D-I talent. Timpview could be down a bit from last season. I’m not saying it will be easy for the Vikings, but I’ll go out on a limb and predict the upset. Pleasant Grove 13, Timpview 10

AA: It seems like everyone is picking PG to win this game and believes the T-Birds are down this season. I’ll believe it when I see it. PG usually gives Timpview fits, but the T-Birds still have mind control over a lot of teams. I think the streak continues for at least one more week. Timpview 14, Pleasant Grove 12

Mountain Crest at Highland:

JC: Awesome offense versus lockdown defense. I have to admit I’m favoring the Mustangs here. Alex Kuresa was simply amazing in last year’s 4A tournament. The Rams, on the other hand, scored just 19 points in two playoff games. Of course they gave up only 20. I think Kuresa will make a play or two to help his team grind out a win. Mountain Crest 21, Highland 17

AA: I have to give John credit here. Excellent analysis. I agree with everything. Mountain Crest 21, Highland 17

Maple Mountain at Stansbury:

JC: This marks the first time since 1925 that two new schools play their first football game against each other. This could be one of the few highlights for whichever team prevails as most first-year teams typically serve as punching bags for other teams. This is basically a toss-up. I’ll go with the Golden Eagles since I have a niece and nephew who are attending Maple Mountain. Got to honor the family ties. Maple Mountain 20, Stansbury 13

AA: Wow, thanks John. This is like a late birthday present for me with you making this homer pick. Easy pick, and it’s Stansbury. I may or may not have given you an easy win with some of the other picks, so thanks for returning the favor if I did. Stansbury 31, Maple Mountain 7