To steal a line from a classic movie: “Oh boy, is this great.” (Google it, kids).
After sweltering through a hot summer, and dreadfully dry stretch, we made it.
It’s football season.
But we have no time to celebrate because the games start Friday and before you know it, we’ll be giving out Halloween candy and the regular season will be over.
So it’s time to get down to serious business — I say that tongue in cheek, of course — and let’s make some predictions on who will be 1-0 or 0-1 come Sunday morning.
Southern Columbia at Wyomissing: This matchup has all the intrigue of an Academy Award winning thriller. Two outstanding football programs with winning traditions at every level. But here’s a stat for you: 78. That’s the combined number of years that Southern Columbia’s Jim Roth (41) and Wyomissing’s Bob Wolfrum (37) have been head coaches at these two schools. They have forgotten more tricks of the trade than most coaches learn in a lifetime. Here’s the best part: It’s the only game being played in Berks County on Saturday — 1:30 p.m. at Wyomissing. Wilson is the other Berks team playing, but the Bulldogs are on the road. So, I fully expect a rowdy crowd, many being players from other high schools in Berks who will come out to support their fellow county footballers. It could be a classic, so let’s go with: WYOMISSING 28-27. (The Spartans stop Southern Columbia’s two-point conversion with 30 seconds to play for the victory.)
Wilson vs. Cheltenham: Also a Saturday game, but being played at Upper Merion High School in King of Prussia — you heard that right, King of Prussia. Something tells me some families will be leaving early and hitting the mall. The 1 p.m. start guarantees a warm afternoon, so depth will come into play. Wilson has a great second half. WILSON 35-21
Exeter at Daniel Boone: The Blazers were 1-9 last year; Exeter is not the kind of team you want to start your season with if you’re rebuilding. Eagles are eyeing championships this year and get off too a fast start. EXETER 42-7
Schuylkill Valley at Muhlenberg: Another tough opener for the home team. The Rob Flowers Era begins for the Muhls but it is going to be a process. SCHUYLKILL VALLEY 41-13.
Fleetwood at Kutztown: The two met last year on opening day with Fleetwood winning 48-6. Expect much of the same this year. FLEETWOOD 38-6
Octorara at Hamburg: A winnable opener for the Hawks, but it won’t be a runaway. Hamburg QB Tyler Shuey will be too much for the Braves (2-8 last year). HAMBURG 20-14
Twin Valley at Berks Catholic: The Raider Express rolls into Reading and will feature the passing of Evan Myers and the running of 1,000-yard rushers in Drew Engle and Evan Johnson. A very tall order for any defense. TWIN VALLEY 49-14
Phoenixville at Reading High: Tough opener for the Red Knights, but not impossible. Limit turnovers, get the ball in Xavier Beatty’s hands as much as possible and there’s a chance for an upset. PHOENIXVILLE 35-28
Pleasant Valley at Gov. Mifflin: Rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference playoff game, won by the Bears of Pleasant Valley. The Mustangs get revenge. GOV. MIFFLIN 28-21
Abington at Conrad Weiser: Abington was 1-9 last year, but the school has a very cool nickname: The Galloping Ghosts. They will need those ghosts to score, tackle and block in order to win. CONRAD WEISER 28-21
Source: Berkshire mont