11-3-11 One up with one to go
Sports Headlines Thursday, November 3rd, 2011Some tough, tough choices will decide who will be the 2012 Pick Against the Pro champion.
Yours Truly, despite his love affair with the 1-8 Hampshire Trojans, still holds a one-game lead headed into the final week.
But there’s a posse on the hunt, led by defending co-champ Craig Poland and rookie dentist Tim Thorne, just a game back.
Mark Puffinburger, the second of three co-champs last year, is just one game behind them. The third co-champ from last year, Bruce Nicholson, is out of the running.
Poland and Puffinburger inched closer last week on the strength of picking all seven games correctly. By virtue of picking the tie-breaker score closer, Poland wears the week’s crown.
But they didn’t gain much ground. Every one of the other prognosticators had a 6-1 week.
This week’s games figure to be a little tougher. Mountain Ridge, coming off a 41-0 loss to Fort Hill, travels to Keyser, which needs another victory to be certain of a playoff berth. A couple of rivalry games — Hampshire-Frankfort and Jeferson-Washington — are on the slate along with another NFL tussle.
Here’s how the Ol’ Pro figures to claim the crown:
Hampshire at Frankfort — Both teams are down, both teams are young, both teams have only pride to play for. I’m figuring Hampshire’s Trojans are prouder than the Falcons. Hampshire 28-26
Mountain Ridge at Keyser — Both teams got creamed by Fort Hill and this is a rivalry in its own right. I think the Miners have a higher-powered offense and Keyser isn’t the Keyser of years past. Mountain Ridge 42-21.
Jefferson at Washington — Both teams have had surprising ups and downs. Jefferson stunned Keyser. Washington was upset by Frankfort, but beat Musselman. This one is on Washington’s home turf. Patriots 24-16.
Wheeling Park at Hedgesville — Another tough opponent for the Eagles. Wheeling Park is 6-3 and likely playoff-bound. Their victory here will cinch it. Wheeling Park 34-21.
Calhoun at Moorefield — The Yellow Jackets are gunning for the playoffs. The Red Devils are bringing a 1-8 team three-and-a-half hours across the state. Moorefield 42-6
Allegany vs. Fort Hill — The Campers are down and the Sentinels are probably the best small-school team in Maryland. Maybe the best period. Fort Hill 35-0.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh — A rematch from week one. Pittsburgh has gotten better since then. The Ravens are good enough, but I like the home field advantage. Pittsburgh 20-17
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