Once again, I, The Great Fitzini, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Sage of Sages and Sports Prophet Extraordinaire, is back for another year of predicting this year's prep football games. As always, I offer a 100 percent guarantee of being either right or wrong.
Blytheville at Osceola
This may be the most unpredictable game in this rivalry's recent history. Both teams will have a new look with Blytheville spreading it out and Osceola not having a Division I prospect in the backfield for the first time in three years. Both teams appeared a little rusty in their AAA benefit games a week ago.
While Osceola has the home field advantage, they haven't beaten Blytheville since 2005 -- on any field.
Blytheville is without their head coach but don't underestimate the emotional advantage that may give the Chicks who will have something to rally around.
After an ugly first half by both teams, Blytheville runs away with the game in the second half.
Blytheville 30,
Osceola 18
Gosnell
at Forrest City
Both teams are coming off third place finishes in their respective conferences a year ago. Gosnell is much improved on offense with starting quarterback Dwight Griffin having a full year of varsity experience under his belt. Jerry Henry is back in the lineup giving the Pirates an extra blocker on offense and a pass rusher on defense. Marcus Mullins added strength this season to his list of good qualities to go along with speed and vision in the backfield.
Forrest City should contend in the deep 5A-East again this season with Batesville and Wynne.
While Gosnell is much improved on both sides of the ball, they'll have to wait a week to get that first victory. The home team Mustangs always seem to have enough horses in the stable to get the job done. (I've been waiting the entire off season to use that line.)
Forrest City 36, Gosnell 28
East Poinsett County at Rivercrest
Rivercrest is ranked third in Class 3A this year.
The Colts are coming off a 3-3A conference title after running the table a year ago.
They've got plenty of firepower again this season.
EPC is one of the few teams I've seen play this year and I don't think they'll have enough to get past the speedy Colts.
Rivercrest 27, EPC 13
Manila at Westside
Manila begins their fifth year a little stronger than the previous four after the addition of a weight room and equipment over the past season.
Westside is coming off their first trip to the postseason after finishing fifth in the 3-4A a year ago. With four wins in his first season as head coach, Chad Mitchell already has as many wins as the previous Warriors coach, Scott Morgan.
Westside wins this one.
Westside 19, Manila 6
afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com