Week 3 Predictions

I got knocked off my internet for a day and a half connection due to switching from Quest to Comcast.  At least I now have one computer going.  Comcast doesn't carry their free routers on their trucks, and the Quest router won't work because I was on DSL, which uses a telephone line.  Oh, you don't care..... on to football

Marshfield 1-0 at Springfield 1-0 (MWL record)

I believe Marshfield is on a 22 year roll over Springfield.  In fact, Springfield can claim only three or four victories EVER over Marshfield.  Last year the Pirates won 50-7.  But everything is pointing towards the Millers this year.  I didn't see this game last year.  But I imagine Springfield's coach Raish, a former Willamette head coach, had steam coming out of his ears.

If rain doesn't come out of the sky, it will be in the form of Springfield's Levi Green's  passes to one of seven receivers. Green is connecting on 65% of his passes for 250 yards per game. I'm looking forward to seeing senior receiver John Davidson.  He's over 250 yards for two games.  If it rains, running back Thomas Spikes will have to take over.  He's over 230 yards in two games.  

The Pirates have struggled in their first two outings.  They did get 5' 11", 205 running back Tyler Davidson over 100 yards last week.  That's a good thing if the field gets muddy.  If it doesn't get muddy, the Pirates need to unleash Ryan Scoville, a smaller but lightning fast back.  Bottom line is that the Marshfield line will need to make a big jump from week 2.  

Bad News Note:  The Register-Guard reported that Springfield's Kameron Bates injury was a torn ACL.  Bates was second team on offense and defense last year.  He was also the MWL's MVP in baseball - a great left handed pitcher with a smooth glove at fist and power at the plate.  The paper also confirmed that Willamette's two way first teamer also tore his ACL.

Gary's Prediction: 

No rain = Springfield 35 Marshfield 21. 

Rain = Springfield 21 Marshfield 7......  

Pirate hex = Marshfield 22 Springfield 21, mystery photographer trips Miller on way to td, but there is no rule about that..... 

Full moon isn't until the 23rd, so the Millers might come through and break the jinx.

Willamette 0-2 at Eagle Point 1-1 (Season record)

Important game for both teams.  I think Eagle Point is going to do well in regular season, so a Willamette win will greatly improve the Wolverines RPI because the RPI takes into consideration opponents win-loss records.  Willamette rushed out to a big lead last week and let it get away.  Still, the Wolverines put up 34 points.  On the other side, Eagle Point caught a misfiring Churchill off guard and came away with a huge win.  

The questions are: Can Willamette adjust to life without two way MWL first teamer Danny Granillo?   Granillo successfully switched to tight end and might have become a force in the league as a receiver.  Can Eagle Point play an entire game without getting gassed?  The Eagles smoked the Lancers in the first quarter last week, then the Lancers dominated the second quarter while the Eagles cooled off.  After a see-saw third quarter, the Eagles took over in the fourth quarter behind the snowman and running back Garrett Snow (5' 10", 210, ouch).  If the Eagles have another letdown, even for just one quarter, the Wolverines are more than capable of capitalizing.  Plus, the Eagles need to go all 48 minutes if they want to have a chance against Marist. 

I wish I could get to Eagle Point.  It should be fireworks with quarterbacks Shane Bluhm of Eagle Point and sophomore Kamerun Smith of Willamette.

Gary's Prediction: It's going to be closer than MWL fans expect.  Eagle Point 35 Willamette 28  Fun game to watch.

Churchill 0-1 at Ashland 0-2 (Season record)

Huge game for two proud, but winless programs.  Churchill lost to a very good Eagle Point last week. I don't know if Churchill would have won if they eliminated their bad center-qb exchanges, but if they put up 21 points with all of the mistakes, they can certainly lay a lot of points on their next opponent if they eliminate the mistakes.  

The marquee player for Churchill on O is Brandon Determan at wide receiver.  Ashland qb Jake Scarmanich had a big game in week 1, but was shut down by Marist.

Gary's prediction: MWL fans are giving Ashland a tiny 12% chance to win.  That means fans think that Churchill is going to dramatically reduce their mistakes when executing their offense.  I agree, but I think the 12% is because Ashland fans haven't found this website.  Churchill 28 Ashland 14.

Marist 1-0 at North Eugene 0-1 (MWL record) 

North Eugene did not have a game during week 1.  The Highlanders should make a big jump in their play this week.  Still, Marist is on a roll with two impressive wins and likely to notch another shutout.

Gary's prediction: Last week - Marist 31 Ashland 0. This Week - Marist 35 North Eugene 0.  North has enough skills guys to put up some points.  It would be great to see them break out this week.