Shannon Fagan: Back to picking again

Ever since I came on board as the WEIS sports director a little over a year ago, one of the comments I get from people in the community is ‘Who do you think is going to win between (insert teams here)?’

The more I got those questions, the more it registered with me folks were missing my weekly high school football picks column.

Truth be told, I thought about continuing it last year, but I got a late start studying our teams because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, with a whirlwind of change in my new position, I just didn’t feel too comfortable giving my so-called “expert” opinion, especially during the early weeks of last season.

But time has given me the confidence to begin making those predictions again.

So, here’s to all those gut feelings, the Magic-8 ball consulting, and the many flips of the coin that will determine who I pick each and every week. You don’t have to fret any longer about ‘What in the World is Shannon Fagan thinking?’

Cedar Bluff (0-0) at Spring Garden (0-0): I couldn’t help but be impressed with Spring Garden senior quarterback Chaz Pope’s effort last Thursday night.
Pope lowered his shoulder and popped a North Sand Mountain defender on a run near the Panther sideline, which raised a few eyebrows and a few of his teammates’ voices.
Later against Plainview, Pope did his best Najee Harris impression by hurdling a Bear defender on his way to the end zone.
Think this kid isn’t excited about the 2021 season? I hear you Chaz, and so did a lot of your teammates.
I look for Pope and the Panthers to spoil new Cedar Bluff coach Alan Beckett’s debut at Panther Stadium Thursday night.
The pick: Spring Garden.

Collinsville (0-1) at Crossville (0-1): Here are two teams who struggled to find the end zone last week in their season debuts. The Panthers mustered a late touchdown against Section in a 34-6 loss. Crossville was blanked at New Hope, 32-0.
One of the culprits Collinsville coach Ernie Willingham said following the Panthers’ loss was blocking and tackling. Here’s thinking the Panthers spend a lot of time on that this week, and they get a little more production on the offensive end on Friday night.
The pick: Collinsville.

Gaylesville (1-0) at Ragland (1-0): Conditioning has been a major focus of the Gaylesville Trojans during the offseason. On Friday night, they saw the fruits of their labor. They were able to outlast Whitesburg Christian behind a strong running attack from Michael Reynolds, Keylon Higgins and Hunter Penney.
There is one thing, however, that head coach Brian Knapp said following the game that stuck with me: “We’ve got to get a bunch of ice baths between now and (Friday) to get well.”
While Gaylesville had a tough time shaking off the Warriors, Ragland routed Valley Head 40-18.
I’m thinking Ragland just might be a little less bruised and battered than the Trojans, which could be a difference late in this one.
The pick: Ragland.

Sand Rock (0-0) at Pisgah (0-0): Another good impression I came away with last week was Sand Rock. Ace Ashley looked very confident throwing the football against North Sand Mountain, and the Wildcat running game was able to break off a few big runs.
If Sand Rock can duplicate that kind of offensive effort at Pisgah, and the defense can do its part, I like their chances. Here’s thinking the Wildcats will deliver.
The pick: Sand Rock.

Cherokee County (0-0) at Piedmont (0-0): The Warriors have the weapons to make this game competitive, including 1,200-yard rusher Damien Ramsey and junior quarterback Cade Hopper.
But Piedmont has one of the largest rosters ever (63 players), and returns two-time Class 3A Back of the Year finalist in junior quarterback Jack Hayes.
The key in this one will be the Warriors’ ability to keep the score close heading into the fourth quarter. They fell behind by three touchdowns early in their scrimmage at Trion, Ga., back on Aug. 13. The Warriors can’t afford to do that against the Bulldogs, or the result will be similar.
When it comes right down to making this pick, I just feel like Piedmont is a bit ahead of the Warriors right now.
The pick: Piedmont.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print