Well here we are in Week 1 of the 2017 football season after kicking it off on Week 0, which still doesn’t make any sense, but we have the PIAA to thank for that.
Actually ‘0’ indicates there wasn’t anything and I’m certain a number of teams in the area would love to throw that week out.
Since the Allegheny Mountain League insists on beating up the North Division teams there are those already complaining that some schools ran up scores. One in particular, I heard was Bradford’s win over Smethport.
I know the Hubbers had some injuries, but that comes with the game. The Owls played no starters in the second half. The second team, JVs and the young guys on the bench all got an opportunity to get two quarters of playing time. Practice is one thing, but actually getting out on the field against an opponent is where valuable experience is gained.
You can’t tell those players not to score.
As a veteran coach once told me: “When you’re getting beat, your job is to stop your opponent.”
Enough on that, we’ll just have to wait until next season to see if the AML mixes things up and allows the North teams to get a win or two under their belts early in the season.
CHANGE UP — I know this is my weekly football picks column, but every once in awhile I drift off course and that will be the case for the next two items.
First, my wife Molly and I took a walk around the Marilla Brook trail which circles the Marilla Reservoir on Route 346 (West Washington St., Bradford) earlier this week.
The impoundment is part of the Bradford watershed and for years was closed to the public because it was a source for water for the city. Sometime ago there was an agreement between the city and the PA Fish and Boat Commission to open it for public fishing.
I was really disappointed at the trash left behind by walkers and anglers. There was paper, drinking cups, empty bait containers and plastic beverage bottles. There is no excuse for not taking out what you brought in. That’s why property is closed and posted with no trespassing signs.
Second, on a lighter note, if you haven’t seen the movie “Cars,” you won’t get this.
West Washington St. in Bradford from Mechanic St. to about the city line was a nightmare all winter and early spring because of potholes. When the weather finally improved construction began on repairing and replacing underground lines and handicap accessible sidewalk entries.
Well, all the work has been completed and now a fresh new covering of asphalt has been applied. The first time I saw it, all I could think of was the movie and Lightning McQueen towing a paving machine behind him in Radiator Springs!
I think someone should put together a “Cruise Night” on the new surface!
THE RECORD — I missed just one game last week. Truthfully, most of them were pretty easy to pick. The Armstrong vs. Karns City game kept me from a perfect night. I had no idea how good Armstrong was and the Gremlins are consistently strong, but I was wrong.
Now on to this weekend:
TONIGHT’S GAMES
Coudersport at Bradford, 7 p.m.
Fool me once, shame on you … fool me twice, shame on me! I don’t see the Owls being caught again by the Falcons. Last year’s loss to Coudy in overtime was a shocker and may have been one that the Owls had trouble getting past. You can be sure this year’s Bradford squad has been reminded of what can happen if you allow a team to hang around. BRADFORD by 18
Otto-Eldred at Kane, 7 p.m.
No break for the Terrors. The Wolves still have plenty of firepower and when the South Division teams begin playing each other things should get interesting. KANE by 21
Ridgway at Port Allegany, 7 p.m.
The Elkers are a solid team, but I think the Gators can give them a run for their money. I’m not saying Port will win, but it could be interesting. RIDGWAY by 14
Curwensville at Smethport, 7 p.m.
I already know the Hubbers were hit with some injuries last week. The Golden Tide are always tough. CURWENSVILLE by 20
Moniteau at St. Marys, 7 p.m.
Not knowing much about Moniteau makes it difficult to pick this game, but since the Dutch are at home, I’m going with them. ST. MARYS by 14
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Cameron County at Elk Catholic, 7 p.m.
The Red Raiders struggled last week, but it could be a little better tonight. I don’t think the Crusaders are quite as strong as last year. ELK CATHOLIC by 12
Brockway at Sheffield, 1:30 p.m.
Like the Terrors, the Wolverines just can’t catch a break. BROCKWAY by 18
TONIGHT’S OTHER GAMES
Clarion-Limestone at Union/A-C Valley, C-L by 16
Keystone at Redbank Valley, Redbank by 7
Clarion at Punxsutawney, Punxsy by 6
Karns City at Brookville, Brookville by 16
DuBois at Conneaut, DuBois by 2
Penns Valley at Clearfield, Clearfield by 14
