Once again, I, The Great Fitzini, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Sage of Sages and Sports Prophet Extraordinaire, am back for another day of predicting this week's prep football games. I went 4-1 last week on my prep picks and remain in a 3-way tie for 1st in the Pigskin Panel with my editors, Mark Brasfield and Andy Weld. That could change this week with some key matchups in the college ranks.
I'm still undefeated (6-0) in my Fantasy League, no thanks to Tony Romo, but much thanks to Vernon Davis. But let's get down to the task at hand. Conference play is at the midway point and conference titles are up for grabs. There's a lot on the line in the 3-4A. Remember, these picks come with that 100 percent guarantee of being either right or wrong.
Blytheville (1-5, 0-3 5A-East)
at Beebe (3-3, 2-1 5A-East)
After two straight home losses, the Chicks hit the road and go to Beebe Friday night.
Both teams lost big last week but Blytheville is still having a hard time scoring points. Blytheville's 76 points scored this year is 53 points less than the next lowest scoring team, Paragould.
Beebe's given up 207 points which is second most in the conference behind Green County Tech.
Last year, a winless Beebe came into Haley Field and spoiled the Chickasaw homecoming. The Badgers went on to win three out of their final four games to make the playoffs. Blytheville is in a similar spot this year.
As much as it pains me to say this, I just don't think the Chicks are ready to win a game like this.
Beebe 29, Blytheville 23
Highland (5-1, 2-1 3-4A)
at Gosnell (5-1, 3-0 3-4A)
Here's the matchup of the week.
Gosnell has a five-game winning streak coming into the game while Highland lost their first game of the year last week to unbeaten Valley View. This will be the first test of the conference season for the Pirates. If they want a chance at an outright conference title, they have to win over the high-powered Rebels. Until last week's 24-6 loss to Valley View, Highland had not scored less than 33 points in any game this season. I'm sure the Pirate coaching staff was looking over film on how to stop Rebel offense.
In eight games between these two teams, the home team has won six of them with each team picking up one win on the other's home turf. Home team wins this one.
Gosnell 38, Highland 30
Corning at Osceola (3-3, 2-1 3-3A)
After losing three straight games, Osceola has bounced back to win their last two. Forty is the magic number for the Seminole offense. In their three wins, they've scored 40, 42 and 44 points. Corning put up a good fight in a 32-20 loss last week against Rivercrest. The Bobcats stayed with the Colts for a half before Rivercrest broke away in the third quarter. The home team Seminoles should have enough to get by the pesky Bobcats this week.
Osceola 46, Corning 35
Rivercrest (3-3, 2-1 3-3A)
at Piggott (1-4-1, 1-2 3-3A)
Rivercrest was a preseason favorite to win the 3-3A but injuries have slowed the Colts down this season.
They haven't won back-to-back games all year. Fortunately, they haven't lost back-to-back games either. They have a chance to win two in a row this week against the Mohawks and stay within striking distance of a league title.
In three out of Piggott's four losses, the Mohawks have surrendered over 40 points.
The Colts should be able to put together their first winning streak of the year.
Rivercrest 33, Piggott 19
Manila (0-6, 0-3 3-3A) at Hoxie (6-0, 3-0 3-3A)
Points have been hard to come by for Manila this season. Their 39-8 loss last week against Harrisburg was their highest offensive output of the year.
Hoxie is steamrolling through the schedule this year. They lead the league in points scored (202) and fewest points allowed (66). There doesn't seem to be much standing in their way of a conference crown. The combined record of their final four opponents is 3-20-1.
Hoxie 22, Manila 6
Last week 4-1, overall 20-7
afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com