Week 8 picks

We’ve got a huge night of high school football on tap for tonight. I’m not going to gloat about my big victory last week because we still have a long way to go in this competition. But I will admit it was nice to beat these two guys. It’s nice to know that I still have my fastball. That is if you can consider occasionally picking high school football games correctly as a fastball. Let’s just get on to the picks.

JC: I’ve got a question for you, Friday Night Rider. How are you enjoying your new life in Las Vegas? FNR promised a while back he would relocate there once he finally beat me in these picks. Well, he got his wish last week when EVERYBODY beat me. I’ve got a feeling a blind chimpanzee could have picked winners more accurately than I did a week ago. Nobody ought to get too excited about it though. Everyone has an off day occasionally and I’m ready to bounce back. I’m confident I can come out on top this week and set things right in the universe once again.

TP: I have one thing to say, looks like Mr. Aragon found his swagger – going 13-3 in two weeks isn’t shabby. So far, other than Region 1, the season has been pretty predictable. The teams that typically find themselves atop the region race, once again are in that position. After my two week win streak, I’ve come oh so close to winning a couple times, but have yet to pick up the proverbial “cigar.” Well, boys – I feel like I’m gonna be smokin’ this week.

Jordan at Lone Peak
JC: This is essentially a must-win game for the Beetdiggers. If they fall to 2-3 in Region 4, Jordan’s postseason fate will rest more on what other teams do from here on out. Problem is the Beetdigger defense is porous and Lone Peak is well equipped to take advantage. If the Knights can score on good defensive teams like Mountain Crest and Brighton, they should have no trouble with Jordan.
Lone Peak 30, Jordan 21

TP: This quite possibly is the most difficult game on the slate this week. I think Jordan is in a down year, the defense is an absolute circus. I wouldn’t be surprised if John slipped past the “Tampa 2 Cover” with his world renown shake and bake techniques – giving me the opportunity to hit him on a deep fade for a quick six against the Beetdiggers – and that’s sayin something being that we’re two out of shape sportswriters (well at least I am). However, that specific scenario is all hogwash and isn’t relevant concerning the actual game, so let me tell you my reasoning. I think that Jordan will surprise the Knights with how good they really are on offense, we’re all fully aware of Alex Hart – but the kid who consistently gets outshined by his signal caller is Braden Hammond who is a fantastic route runner. Lone Peak will have a difficult time stopping that duo. The deciding factor once again comes down to the inability to play defense which was previously mentioned. If Lone Peak scored 23 points against Brighton – imagine what they can put up against Jordan. Lone Peak 38, Jordan 35.

AA: Wait a second, wait a second. These guys are going to score on Jordan and I don’t get to be involved. I can’t at least stand on the sideline and watch? Maybe throw a block? I at least can’t miss John and the shake and bake. That sounds awesome. And in a one team will shake and bake and the other won’t special, I’m going with the Knights. Lone Peak 38, Jordan 21.

Pleasant Grove at Brighton
JC: These two teams met last year in the first round of the 5A tournament and PG drilled Brighton 37-10. Obviously, a blowout is not going to be repeated here. It is worth noting, however, that the Bengals have never beaten the Vikings in three previous meetings. Can they break through with a victory this time? Yes. Will they break through? No. But Brighton will make PG sweat it out to the end.
Pleasant Grove 20, Brighton 16

TP: This is obviously the game of the week, and anyone in attendance will see my lanky self with my usual entourage sporting a hot dog and coke standing at one of the end zones. For some reason, when watching football, I can never sit down – I get too fired up and find myself needing to take a walk. I’m expecting to see some smash mouth football. The Bengals are piranhas on defense – they voraciously suffocate and attack opposing offenses. It’s reminiscent of the style Dick Butkus played with – reckless abandon. However, I think that Pleasant Grove could be a team of destiny – hopefully that quote doesn’t show up in the trash talk in one of the PG stories. Dallas Lloyd might not be the best quarterback in the pocket, but once he escapes he’s arguably the best playmaker in the state. I think this game is gonna go down to the wire, but the Vikings will get it done, remaining undefeated in region play. Pleasant Grove 21, Brighton 17.

AA: I knew I liked Trevor for a reason. There are times when I have to watch football standing up as well because I can’t handle the excitement. This game has all the makings of a classic. I’m tempted to take Brighton at home. The Bengals beat Alta, so they can beat anyone in the state. OK, I just talked myself into it. Brighton 13, PG 12

Springville at Spanish Fork
JC: The all-time series is about dead even in this de facto Region 8 title game and that seems appropriate. It’s hard to get a read on this one simply because both teams are enjoying strong seasons. The edge might ultimately go to Spanish Fork because of how well the Don offense does at home. In their four previous home games this season, Spanish Fork has averaged 48.3 points per game. Still, Springville can counter that with a defense that has allowed only 9 points per game on the road this season. Ultimately, I think Hayden Nielsen is a good enough quarterback to make the plays the Dons need to get by at home.
Spanish Fork 28, Springville 24.

TP: Who loves the switch of classifications more than Spanish Fork right now? They were a pushover in 5A, but now look like a perennial powerhouse in 4A. Yeah, they got blown out by Bountiful, but since the loss they haven’t been challenged in the slightest. As far as Springville is concerned, I still have some question marks lingering in my mind about how good they really are. They’ve looked good the past couple of weeks, but laid an egg at Juan Diego. I think that Spanish Fork, whixh is on the border of 5A enrollment, along with Springville getting pancaked by 3A teams, the Dons will prevail and take a commanding lead in region play. Spanish Fork 42, Springville 28.

AA: This is definitely one of the top games of the night. I think the two teams are about as evenly matched as can be. I should have called Jim Rayburn to see who he likes. I’m going to pretend like I did and that he gave me the answer. Springville 35, Spanish Fork 34

Highland at Bountiful
JC: This promises to be one of the better games on Friday night. Both defenses have been on fire in region play. Highland has shutout two straight opponents by identical 34-0 scores. Bountiful has allowed a total of 21 points in three victories. On offense, the Braves are averaging 24.3 points per game in region play, while Highland is scoring 40 per game. The numbers seem to favor the Rams until you consider they are 1-2 away from home this fall. This one could go either way and I might regret picking the Braves. But my instincts tell me Bountiful will win. Hopefully those aren’t the same instincts that led me to pick Olympus.
Bountiful 24, Highland 17

TP: Do I feel some animosity towards the Rams John? Being that John picked the games this week, I’m assuming that he has some bad blood brewing with the beat down that Highland gave Olympus last week. He was quick to mention that the Titans were the kryptonite we all were searching for. Maybe, just possibly it’s Highland that contains the antidote for beating Mr. Coon. However, I highly doubt that he’ll be picking the Rams to win this one, and neither am I. Each and every week, I’ve been picking the Braves to win, and although they’ve continued to deliver close victories – a win is a win. My philosophy is simple. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it and until Bountiful losses – I’ll forge ahead with my war chant. “Ohhhh, ohhh, ohhh.” Bountiful 17, Highland 6.

AA: Well once again I proved to be wrong about a Highland game. I saw the Rams just decimate Olympus last week and I’d be a fool to pick against Highland again. The problem is, I’ve been instructed to pick against Highland and I’m good at following instructions. Bountiful 10, Highland 9

Fremont at Viewmont
JC: I need a little redemption here. These two were among the “fantastic four” that burned me last week. The Vikings got over the hump last week by finally winning the big game. Viewmont is a team that seems to be getting better each week. I still don’t know what to make of Fremont just yet. The Silver Wolves haven’t yet beaten an opponent with a winning record. I guess this means I’m finally joining Andrew on the Viking bandwagon. Viewmont 20, Fremont 19

TP: OK. I get it. I’m sorry to both teams, I honestly didn’t think either team stood a chance last week. Wow, was I wrong. The Wolves laid the hammer on Northridge – which could virtually end the Knights season, (if Northridge wins out, they’ll most likely be tied with Weber and Fremont at the end of the season forcing a play in game) while Viewmont pulled off the huge upset on the road catapulting them back in the region chase. Like I’ve said many times, Region 1 is the craziest region to predict. How can anyone know anything about the teams until they branch out and play non-region games? Every team is dangerous. However, and I might get some unwelcoming sighs from Fremont fans, but the question still remains – who have you beat? It turns out that Northridge just isn’t that great of a football team. Roy, Clearfield, Layton and Northridge have a combined record of 8-20. Not to mention, those four rank 9th, 8th, 7th and 6th in Region 1 play which is a nine team league. So before I can say touch’ on the wins – beat someone worthwhile, this is your chance. Viewmont 28, Fremont 10.

AA: Well it’s nice to see some other people joining me on the Viewmont bandwagon. I think the Vikings have the best shot of any team in Region 1 of making a run in the state tournament just because I believe they are the league’s most complete team. So I won’t be picking against them in this spot. Viewmont 24, Fremont 20

Cottonwood at Hunter
JC: The last time these two teams met in region play in ’04, Cottonwood prevailed 46-41 in a wild shootout. Don’t expect that again. This is not the Hunter of old. The Wolverines have not fared well against the better teams on their schedule. In losses to West, Brighton and Highland, they totaled just 13 points. I think that serves as a pretty good barometer of which direction this game will go.
Cottonwood 27, Hunter 6.

TP: The Wolverines are starting to find an identity. On the current three game win streak, Hunter has outscored its opponents 142-20. That’s impressive, I don’t care who you are. Perhaps the biggest reason for the success, is the emergence of La’au Tanuvasa who’s found the pylon nine times in the three game span. Nonetheless, Cottonwood finally has my support after they beat Skyline. They continue to produce results year after year, and this season is no different. By the way, during the recent matchup between USC and California – it was nice to see three Cottonwood players representing Utah, Stanley Havili and John Martinez for the Trojans, and Isi Sofele for the Bears. Anyway, I think that Cottonwood is too much for Hunter right now. They’ve got the momentum rollin’ and they’ll ride it straight through region play. Cottonwood 42, Hunter 21.

AA: This certainly didn’t seem like it would be a big game a few weeks ago. But the Wolverines have come on strong lately and I expect this to be a competitive game. Cottonwood will pull away in the second half and win. Cottonwood 35, Hunter 21

Weber at Syracuse
JC: I liked what I saw from Weber for the first three quarters against Bonneville. The Warriors’ offense and defense ran roughshod over the Lakers. But they also let the Lakers back into the game in the fourth quarter. That raises my doubts going in against a team like Syracuse. The Titans are solid defensively and can prevent Weber from getting into a rhythm early. Syracuse has allowed only 11 points per game this season. That tells me it will likely be a low-scoring affair and the Titans will take full advantage. Syracuse 23, Weber 18.

TP: Did Weber find Michael’s secret stuff from Space Jam or something? After two early losses, the Warriors have reeled off four straight victories and find themselves in prime position to make a playoff appearance. David Daines is a motor in the backfield, with two games where he surpassed 200 yards of rushing. Weber will rely heavily on his success. With that being said, Weber fans are probably experiencing major gut aches. Syracuse is notoriously tough against the run, and on top of that, they’re under the radar (which is ludicrous considering they’re first in region, but it’s the truth)- exactly the position the Titans thrive under. I think Tanner Russell is one of the most underrated players in the state, and he should shine in this one. Syracuse 28, Weber 14.

AA: Space Jam? Trevor kills me with the obscure references he comes up with. I wonder how old he was when Space Jam came out. I don’t want to know. It’ll just make me feel old. Syracuse 21, Weber 6

Rich at Duchesne
JC: If Rich is going to lose at all this season, this is the most likely point where the Rebels could stumble. Duchesne is 2-1 against higher classification teams and is averaging 49.3 points in its three wins versus 1A competition. Don’t expect those kind of numbers against Rich. The Rebels possess one of the best defenses in the state — giving up just 8.7 points per game. They also have a tough to stop offense — scoring 43.3 points per game. I look for Rich to roll in this one.
Rich 35, Duchesne 17

TP: I love the fact that we expand our horizons and talk about small schools. I’ve always felt the need to get some coverage on 2A and 1A sports. When it all boils down, they put in the same amount of work as any big time school, and deserve the credit as well. It would be a genius idea to create a television station that played local high school sports all day – every day. Rich was one of the teams that I covered in preseason and I’d like to integrate one of the lines I used. “The two games against Duchesne and Layton Christian have huge region title implications. The bad news — both of those games happen to be on the road. The good news — experienced teams know how to win despite the situation.” I picked the Rebels to win it all, and I’m not jumping ship yet. Rich 31, Duchesne 24.

AA: Rich is just dominating the competition. I don’t think that changes all year in 1A. Rich 42, Duchesne 21