I, The Great Fitzini, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Sage of Sages and Sports Prophet Extraordinaire, am back for another week of predicting prep football games and defending my NEA Fantasy League title. Blytheville and Gosnell are both 2-0 for the first time since 2008 and I'm predicting they will both be 3-0 after this weekend. I'm moving on up the NEA Fantasy board after my 30-point shellacking of Caught Red Hernandez. Team "He Hate Me" is up next.
The Chicks survived a three-hour bus ride and a one-point contest at Okolona, Miss. last week to stay undefeated. In two weeks, they've scored 72 after scoring just 109 all of last year. They've shown the ability to pull away from a team and hold a team off while scoring in tough situations.
Marion is 0-2 and has lost to two 5A-East teams by a total of 120-31 including 56-24 last week to Nettleton, Blytheville's week five opponent.
The Chicks look ready to start 3-0 for the first time since 2008.
Blytheville 33,
Marion 24
Gosnell survived a scare last week against rival Osceola. They had to come back from a double-digit deficit midway through the third quarter but showed a lot of grit and determination in their comeback. Rivercrest is still looking for that first win of the season after two tough losses to open the season including a rare home loss last week to Earle.
The Pirate defense has looked especially tough through the first two games while the offense has probably relied on a power running game more than Coach Moody would like to. Look for the Pirates to put together a balanced offensive attack on their way to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2008.
Gosnell 28, Rivercrest 19
Don't let the 0-2 start for Osceola fool you. There's talent on that team and the Seminoles appear to be getting better with each series. They gave up a few too many big plays to Gosnell last week but that's going to happen to a lot of teams.
2A Hazen put up an impressive opening night win against fellow 2A Earle and then stomped Clarendon last week.
After playing two tough rival opponents on the road, Osceola looks ready to put it together for their home fans this week in a close one.
Osceola, 27, Hazen 24
Points have been tough to come by for the Lions this season. They've scored just six points in two losses to 3-4A opponents with one more team from the same conference this weekend.
Brookland has split their first two contests. They'll need to take advantage of their opportunity this Friday before their conference opener a week from now against Gosnell.
Brookland 22, Manila 6
Last week 3-1, Season 6-2
afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com