Paladin's Pigskin Picks -- Wk 4

[Paladin]

Entering the 4th week of the season, I'm 16-5 on picks involving the SEOAL. This week starts the run for the title and there are some key match-up games. I don't mind saying, I look at 3 games as near toss-ups and only the 4th as an easy pick. This weeks games ---

Gallia @ Marietta -- this is the easy game. Blue Devils are unbeaten and Marietta has lost only one. Yet the stark contrast between the two is clear -- Gallia is improved over last year and Marietta only marginally changed, beating a weak sister team and one seriously hampered with discipline problems who wasn't special to begin with. While the Tigers have some O, they'll be hard pressed to stop the Devils O. Gallia D however, should rise up and throttle the Tiger attack. By two TDs or more -- GALLIA


Athens @Chilli -- talk about an ugly game, both teams are winless, so someone has to win their first. The Pups have played a weak schedule while the Cavs have played some serious teams. But on paper, it looks close enough to flip a coin. For this pick, I'm looking at the travel involved, home field advantage, strength of schedule and history of the series. It all points at problems for the Bulldogs. And weather may play a role. Gotta go with the SEOAL in this one , which may be one of the few chances at a win this season. In a close one -- CHILLI

Warren @ Portsmouth -- another fairly even match up. While Warren is unbeaten, they haven't played anyone tough ( 0-9 opponents). Portsmouth has played a respectable schedule but are only 1-2. It will be a long trip for the Warriors who sport a good O and an effective D. The Trojans have had their problems on D, but have some speed and skill on O. I can see how both could win this game, but only one will. Makes more sense to go with the team most consistent and who may shut down the other. Until the Trojans show they can play D, as Warren does, it will be difficult to win games no matter how flashy the O is. In a close one -- WARREN

Logan @ Jackson -- the game of the week in the SEOAL. Logan is tied for the league record win streak & can beat it outright with a win. They also have played a very difficult schedule and to make matters worse, will be without the services of 2 two way players because of injury. The Chiefs are winless. Jackson, playing their ususal weenie schedule, are at home to a big crowd with a 2-1 record . Yet they got their butts handed to them by lowly Wellston in the opener, breaking a 19 year winning streak. Talk about embarrassing ! The Red & White aren't all that imposing, but the fact Logan has injuries to important players and haven't won yet should make this a close game too. In fact, since Logan's best RB is out, this is a toss up game. And a question needs answered -- who is Logan this year? While the non-league schedule has been very difficult, how will Logan fare in the friendly confinds of the SEOAL where they have dominated for years ? I'm of the opinion that Logan has some athletes again but aren't super players as years past.Their schedule has given them a tough seasoning. The injuries make this a competitive game. Jackson should make a game of it because of that. In the end, until the Champs are beaten, they are still the Champs. In a close one again -- LOGAN.

At this point, the SEOAL title looks to be wide open for the picking. A win this week may give someone an edge and a loss may kill someone's chance of a title. The drama unfolds with what appear to be some evenly matched games this week. Who wants it ?

[loganlocos]

Interesting take on all games.

I agree that Gallipolis and Marietta provide the only pick you can have confidence in.

Chilli/Athens and Portsmouth/Warren should be toss-ups, will come down to the teams that execute and avoid mistakes, as games often do.

Can't wait to see Logan. Hard to believe I've watched them play 3 games and have no idea who they are and what they can do. Felt good after the Lancaster game, didn't feel any worse after Pick North, but after last week's disaster it feels like this team is getting worse each week.

Can this staff and these seniors rally the troops? Feels like Alumni Stadium is going to be the Alamo for the Chieftains.

[Paladin]

I agree Locos. One of the most confusing teams from Logan I've seen in a long time. But thats why you play the games. And its particularly difficult with Logan playing that really tough schedule and the cupcakes Jackson plays. How do you evaluate that ? Impossible.

BTW, I'm getting killed on my bonus picks . Last week I picked Warren Harding who got upset by unbeaten Warren Howland 25-22. Howland has a Soph RB who played as a Frosh ( older brother played at Mich St.) and he tore up for over 200 yds again. Probably better than Clarrette was up here before Ohio St.

And I missed the Youngstown Ursuline 14-10 win over unbeaten D-II Mentor Lake Catholic who whipped up on St. Iggy earlier. Can't see anyone beating the Irish in D-5.

This weeks the match up is Youngstown Cardinal Mooney @ Columbus DeSales. Mooney has already been beat and not as strong as they have been. Still while the history shows that DeSales is always loaded with tons of kids from Westerville and other suburbs , the Cards usually have their number because of a strong run game. In a close game -- MOONEY.

[TrojanXplosion]

I would take Portsmouth over Warren. But, I can see the reason for picking Warren because Portsmouths defense hasn't answered the call yet.

[Dundas]

I would take Gallia, Athens, Portsmouth, and Jackson.

[C-Bolt]

Paladin,,,What did you think of that beatdown St.Eds put on Cardinal Mooney over the weekend,I know Mooney isn't as strong as years past but still looks pretty good ,,can they beat Glenville for the big prize this year?

[Paladin]

St. Eds may well be better than Glenville. Most think they have the more dominate OL than the Tarblooders. St. Eds manhandled Mooney & gave them a physical beating which says alot because the Cards are always strong, even when their skills may be down. Eds also is a fast team on D. It will take a great team to beat them.

In an Eds-Glenville match-up, I'll go with the Eagles because they match up well speed wise and are probably the stronger team. Ginn, while a good coach , tends to choke in big games. Given the talent that Glenville has had over the years, thats the only thing that keeps them from pure domination in D-I.

Short story -- Glenville came to Harding with the Mario Manningham ( Mich.) team & Glenville loaded with tons of Ohio St. stars to be and Harding beat them. Ginn had a less than TD lead on Harding and the ball. Less than a minute to play. Harding no time-outs. Running out the clock & the game was over. Manningham who usually didn't play D so he could platoon strictly as a WR was put into the game as a DB on Glenville's best WR . Ginn had his QB THROW a pass to the flats that Manningham picked off on the dead run & take to the house. He threw away a sure win . I was at the game sitting on the 50 yd line. Spectacular play. Despite the wealth of talent at Glenville , they have little to show for it.

[C-Bolt]

I hope St.Eds or any body beats Glenville just so that Florida team can't gloat about really beating our big state champ,,Go Eagles!

[Paladin]

Didn't see that game but heard the officiating was awful.

I'm not a fan for Glenville, but you have to be impressed with the talent they turn out. Ohio St. has been feasting on their talented players for years.

BTW, Eds OL averages 6'4, 290 . These aren't the fat kids you see on teams like Itown or Jackson who waddle to the LOS. Real players !

[noreply66]

Didn't see that game but heard the officiating was awful.

I'm not a fan for Glenville, but you have to be impressed with the talent they turn out. Ohio St. has been feasting on their talented players for years.

BTW, Eds OL averages 6'4, 290 . These aren't the fat kids you see on teams like Itown or Jackson who waddle to the LOS. Real players !

When you have that many kids to pick from this will happen

[C-Bolt]

Officating was horrible and Florida should have won, but it was the way they were whining and crying that turned me off,Glenville got screwed in the State Championship last year,a touchdown called back and the refs didn't even give an explanation of why it was called back and they didn't cry and cuss like that Florida team did,I was there and heard some of the things they were yelling about Ohio, players and coaches,it was totally uncalled for IMO!

[sports junkie]

Paladin, What rock you gonna hide under when Logan goes to 0-4 with there mammoth schedule.lol :122249 Maybe Jackson is just what the Dr. ordered for Logan this week, Just like Reynoldsburg was last week. Aren't you brilliant. lol

[noreply66]

he won't hide--he comes out and takes his meds

[Chieftain]

Under slightly different situation

[moonshine]

Paladin, What rock you gonna hide under when Logan goes to 0-4 with there mammoth schedule.lol :122249 Maybe Jackson is just what the Dr. ordered for Logan this week, Just like Reynoldsburg was last week. Aren't you brilliant. lol

Hey junkie! you better worry about your ironton team they play, It is only Ashland!

[javagt]

Paladin will be 4 & 0 this week ....

[ohbuckeye2]

Under slightly different situation

Paladin_II...........Just Great lol........they didn't break the mold :122245

[1987chieftains]

Under slightly different situation

Paladin_II...........Just Great lol........they didn't break the mold :122245

lost the hammer to break it.

[sports junkie]

moonschein, your right it was only Ashland! :12223

[Bleeding Red]

Has Paladin eaten enough of his foot yet? What a bonehead to run a program down, then get EMBARRASED by them!