Week 5 football picks

My picks last week were a disaster. There’s no way to sugarcoat a 2-6 performance. I have no one to blame and no excuses to make. I’m not going to cry about it or curl into a little ball sucking my thumb. All I can do is do better – and come out swinging this week.

John is feeling similarly about his performance. Trevor seems to be gaining confidence.

JC: I’ve definitely lost my edge. No outright first-place finish in four weeks. It’s hard to cope with this development. I’ve been wearing shades and a fake beard to hide my identity and still I can’t escape the taunts and jeers from random strangers on the street. I feel like Charlie Brown going up to kick the football and having it yanked out from under me. I feel like Virginia Tech losing to Boise State and James Madison in the same week. I don’t want to feel this way. This has to stop. I need to win. It will make me sleep easier. It will make my food taste better. It will make the sunlight feel warmer. It will make the air feel fresher. Well, you get the picture.

TP: Where’s Al Pacino, FNR? I finally figured out your identity. You’re Matthew McConaughey aren’t you? Or at least he resembles Brandon Lang from the 2005 movie Two for the Money where he picks virtually every game correctly on his way to stardom. Lately, the mysterious blogger from Mountain Crest has been showing us “experts” the way to do things. In the last two weeks, he’s gone 12-4 and has an overall record of 23-9, which puts him five games up in the pick ‘em competition. The rest of the standings look something like this:

John 18-14
Trevor 18-14
Andrew 16-16

I was ready to pack up my things and move to Albuquerque after going 3-5 in the first week. Now that Andrew went 2-6 last week, I feel much better about my manhood (note from AA: IT’S ABOUT TIME!). This is going to be one of the most exciting weeks in high school football with a slate enriched with fantastic matchups. I’m starting to feel giddy, in fact. Almost as happy as I was last week to see the Academy take it to BYU. I would mention how the Utes picked up the win, but they played UNLV.

San Juan at South Summit
JC: Let’s put the rumors to rest once and for all. I do not paint my face green at South Summit games. I do not run victory laps around the football field when the Wildcats win. There is no video evidence on YouTube to prove otherwise. That said, this will be a fun game to watch and, ‘unbiasedly’ speaking, it could go either way. South Summit is winning by an average margin of 30.3 points per game. San Juan, on the other hand, has allowed just two touchdowns in four games. Who wins on a cold night in Kamas? I’m sure my pick is about as predictable to everyone as an Adam Sandler comedy. South Summit 17, San Juan 14

TP: I think John is supposed to conduct the YMCA at halftime for his beloved alma mater. I know last year, he did the pre-game motivational prep talk, or so I figured he did. Any fans attending this game tonight, look for a guy with cat marks under his eyes, dressed in straight green holding a foam finger – that’s the one and only John Coon. Needless to say, this is the game of the year in 2A this year – a rematch from the state championship last year that was actually quite boring due to blizzard like conditions. I remember this game quite vividly – simply because John and I experienced a frightening moment to say the least, but that’s beside the point. The Broncos took both games last year in this series by a combined total of 11 points, I expect this year to be just as close. The Shumways – all of them – can play for the Broncos, especially Stetler. He already has 44 tackles, and should eclipse his total from last year that led the state. However, I think that Levi Thompson will be rumblin’ tonight. The running back has galloped for 535 yards and seven touchdowns thus far – and will most definitely put up more numbers tonight. South Summit is at home, with revenge on the mind. South Summit 21, San Juan 20.

AA: I remember that frightening moment. Trevor called me more rattled than a freshman quarterback staring down Bingham’s defense. Fortunately it all turned out kk. Ahh this game troubles me! So much so that I needed to use an exclamation point! And other one! Bam! Back to the game. Do you realize that South Summit is 0-4 against San Juan with three of the defeats coming in state championship games? I can’t go against that kind of history. These two teams will play again though. San Juan 10, South Summit 9.

Brighton at Alta
JC: The Hawks finally got over the hump last week. Trevor celebrated by breaking out his old practice jersey and going down to the mall, where he tackled random strangers while screaming the whole time, ‘How do you like Alta now?’ I don’t know about them, but my opinion of the Hawks is high. This team was much too talented to stay winless forever. The thing is that, even with that 0-3 start, Alta is undefeated in Region 4 and making a run at a region title is very much in play. After taking down the Bengals this week, Lone Peak will be the last big obstacle remaining toward making good on that goal. Don’t worry about tackling me, Trevor. I’m a believer. Alta 13. Brighton 10.

TP: Brighton won last year. Good enough for me, won’t happen again. Alta 21, Brighton 10.

AA: I was actually at the mall while Trevor was out tackling innocent people. It was disturbing, especially when you consider I was reading books to underprivileged youth at the time, cooking for the homeless and walking the elderly across the street. It was a busy day, and I took time away from my duties to subdue Trevor. Take it easy man. Anyway, I saw the Hawks win a game they really had no business doing so last week. They were outgained 155-19 in the first quarter against Jordan before playing much better in the final three quarters. It was a good gut-check win for the Hawks, and they’ll get another one tonight. Alta 20, Brighton 6.

Skyline at West
JC: Does anyone else think the Eagles look like an ordinary team this season? After an overtime win against Granger, the mystique is definitely gone. Nothing against the Lancers, but past Skyline teams would have never let it get that close. I came away impressed with how West did against Hunter last week. The Panthers really seem to have taken a step forward. They might not beat out Cottonwood for the Region 2 crown. Still, I don’t think they will finish behind the Eagles. Skyline will definitely be pining for the good ol’ days after Friday night. West 21, Skyline 14

TP: This quite possibly could be the surprise game of the year. When I was looking at this game, and for some strange reason I think Skyline is going to win. I couldn’t explain why; they’ve already accounted for two losses for me personally in this pick ‘em league. They barely beat Granger that got blown out by Kearns. Everything points to a West win. I’m crazy, but I’ll give the Eagles a shout out. Don’t let me down. Skyline 28, West 24.

AA: So Mr. George Felt started with some trash talk over email about this game earlier in the week, saying it’s going to be gruesome and that I should be assigned to another game. Well, I am assigned to another game and it is going to be gruesome – for Skyline. West 35, Skyline 30.

Bountiful at Woods Cross
JC: The wheels spun off for the Wildcats against Olympus last week. They lost by a touchdown, but the final score really did not do justice to how much the Titans dominated that game after the first quarter. Woods Cross could do nothing right on offense until it was too late to make a comeback. Even so, I can’t shake the memories of Bountiful’s terrible offense. It haunts my dreams and makes me wake up screaming in the middle of the night. The Braves do have an awesome defense to offset it. And that is Bountiful’s saving grace in keeping it near the top of a tough region. I have to wonder if Woods Cross can finally break through after losing 19 straight to the Braves. But that streak has to end sometime and I don’t think the Braves’ defense can save them forever. Woods Cross 13, Bountiful 10

TP: I’m not even going to mention Andrew’s love for WC this week. Everyone has witnessed his inability to betray his Wildcats. I’m actually starting to think that he’d root for them over West. He has them higher on his “Top 10 Favorites” than Landon Donovan and USC, which is saying something. This week however, he might actually be right by picking them. I like WC at home this week, its coming off of two straight losses and if the ‘Cats can score 14 points, the game might be over. Woods Cross 13, Bountiful 7.

AA: Where to begin? We aren’t supposed to root for anyone in this business, but Trevor just can’t help himself when it comes to Alta, Austin Collie and the Seattle Storm. Who doesn’t like Landon Donovan after his performance in the World Cup? But USC? As a lifelong Fighting Irish fan, I like USC about as much as I like these guys’ pick in this game. Bountiful has won 19 in a row in this series. I can’t go against that type of history – again. Bountiful 20, Woods Cross 14.

Olympus at East
JC: Who would have thought before the season that this game would have region title implications. After four weeks, however, the Titans and the Leopards have separated themselves from the pack with how dominant they have looked against one opponent after another. East boasts the top scoring offense in 4A. The Leopards are averaging 40.5 points per game. Tanner Curtis and Liti Molisi have already combined for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in four games. Olympus is a solid team too, behind the arm of Scott Porter and the feet of Jordan Archibald. But the Titans displayed an alarming tendency to fall behind in the first quarter against both Skyline and Woods Cross. I don’t think you can do that with East and expect to curtail their momentum in later quarters. These Leopards are on a roll and I don’t see them changing their spots now. East 42, Olympus 28

TP: I chose the Titans as my team to exceed expectations this year. I’m thinking that my prediction has already started to blossom. This, in my opinion, is the game of the week. It has huge region title implications, obviously. The Leopards are leading 4A in scoring this season, and Olympus doesn’t have a shabby offense either. Tanner Curtis and Liti Molisi are a great combo in the backfield, and fit perfectly in the option offense. I have a hard time seeing Olympus go on the road and pull out a win. Matich will have East ready for a battle. East 38, Olympus 31.

AA: This will be a good game, and it’s a big one for Oly offensive coordinator Aaron Whitehead. He’s returning to East for the first time with his Titans, and he’ll see some old friends on the Leopards’ staff. It’s good to see both these teams playing so well, but I think East’s size and power will be the difference. Cheeseburgers are on Tanner Curtis after the game. For me too? I sure am hungry after covering a game. East 35, Olympus 28.

Juan Diego at Morgan
JC: This game will go a long way toward showing how much of a contender the Trojans really are. The Soaring Eagle absolutely blasted them a year ago and you have to think Morgan is looking to dish out some revenge. Yeah, I know that Juan Diego is coming off a big upset victory over Springville. But the trip to Morgan County is always a tough one. Tad Sargent and Lawson Toomer form an effective one-two backfield punch for the Trojans. Still, one thing bugging me is that the Soaring Eagle have held each of their last three opponents under 100 yards rushing. Morgan does not pass the ball hardly at all, so that stat doesn’t bode well for their victory hopes. Juan Diego 20, Morgan 14

TP: Who’s to doubt the Soaring Eagle now? Springville is one of the best teams in 4A. Until some other team in 3A is holding up the hardware come season end, cough Hurricane, JD is the king. I like Morgan and I think the Trojans are a much improved football team from last year, but JD is too good. Sorry boys. Juan Diego 42, Morgan 21.

AA: I covered last year’s regular season game and it was a Soaring Eagle bloodbath. Or do I mean a Trojan bloodbath? It was 34-0 Juan Diego, and about as close as the score indicates. I do think this game is much closer, but the Soaring Eagle seem to have found their identity the last three weeks. Juan Diego 21, Morgan 17.

Cedar at Pine View
JC: Did you know Pine View has beaten Cedar five out of the last six seasons? That sort of domination is usually a pretty good indicator of which way things will go. Still, this is not your typical Redmen team. Cedar is off to a 4-0 start and a victory on Friday night could make the team 5-0 for the first time in 30 years. That has to create a ton of pressure, though, for a team going into a road game against a tough opponent. Too much pressure. I don’t think it ends well for Cedar. It looks to be the night of the Panther all across the state. Pine View 31, Cedar 20

TP: So I picked Pine View to beat East. Wrong. I picked Desert Hills to beat Pine View. Wrong again. Am I ever going to figure out this team? Doubtful, but since Andrew mentioned last week that he thinks Cedar has a good shot at the 3A championship. I have a feeling he might go with the Redmen here, so I’ll take PV. Pine View 21, Cedar 17.

AA: It is tempting to pick Cedar, because I do believe the Redmen are a top three team in 3A. But once again, I can’t go against history. Some teams just have a mental edge over others, and Pine View winning five of the last six tells me it would be unwise to go against the Panthers. Trevor, your feeling is wrong! Pine View 24, Cedar 22.

Fremont at Syracuse
JC: The Titans have been a monster defensively in their last two games. If Syracuse had finished even one drive in regulation last week, it would have been Davis coming away with the shutout loss. As it stands, even a small degree of improvement in offensive production should be enough against Fremont. The Silver Wolves are not an offensive juggernaut themselves and could find it tough to cross midfield. If Syracuse can hold Davis to 112 yards of total offense, what do you think Fremont will get? My guess is that it will take a miracle to top those totals. Syracuse 17, Fremont 7

TP: This is a scary game that I want absolutely nothing to do with predicting. I have to anyway, and hopefully I don’t make a fool out of myself like I do so often. Call me crazy, but here’s my thinking on the game. Syracuse played very well against Davis last week, but came up short; giving the Titans their second region loss of the season already. With a game at home against Fremont, if they lose this game – Syracuse’s year is over. Period. I think the Titans realize this and will pull out the upset win. Syracuse 24, Fremont 21.

AA: A tough call, as it usually is in Region 1 and as my record would indicate. If these two teams played a seven-game series, I would take Fremont. But tonight is a must-win for Syracuse, and the Titans seem to have figured things out since losing to Northridge in Week 2. Syracuse 14, Fremont 13.