I promised more humor this week, but after figuring out my
record last week, there is very little to laugh about!

Working together, the crystal ball and I could do no better than
a 14-14 mark.

At least it wasn’t a losing record. But, was it a winning one?
There have been a lot of discussions about that. I’ll just take it
and move on.

SURPRISES: There were some surprises in last week’s season
openers, the main one being Bradford running roughshod over
Clearfield. I don’t think anyone ever thought the score would be
that lopsided.

Putting the finishing touches on the win was the mercy rule.
It’s the running clock put into effect in the second half when
Bradford held a 35-point (49-14) lead.

CONGRATULATIONS: Actually a pair of them.

First, a tip of the hat goes to Bradford fullback Taylor O’Brien
as the D9sports.com “Player of the Week” for his performance
against Clearfield.

Second, to Rod Rohl whose return to coaching at Hinsdale was
successful with a season-opening victory over Olean Walsh last
week. Rod’s the elder statesman of Big 30 coaches and it’s great to
see him and the Bobcats’ program back.

NO SURPRISE: Ho hum, Coudersport and Randolph chalked up
victories as expected. The Falcons worked a little harder for
theirs, but still led 21-0 at halftime.

THANK YOU: I asked the Cameron County Red Raiders to get a win
for me and they came through!

OUTSMARTED: I blew three games because I started thinking about
them too much. I originally had Karns City picked and then switched
to St. Marys, I took Elk County Catholic the first time through and
changed to Otto-Eldred, and I had Johnsonburg typed in and then
decided to go with Port Allegany. There’s a lesson to be learned
here, don’t you think!

However, I did get one game back when I changed from Smethport
to Ridgway.

Now it’s on to this weekend’s list of games.

TONIGHT’S GAMES

Olean at Bradford

Last week I said the Owls had at least two good reasons to beat
Clearfield. They’ve got four this week!

First, a win over longtime rival Olean will be the Bradford
football program’s 500th victory.

Second, the Bradford-Olean game trophy will return to the Owls’
display case.

Third, this is the 109th meeting between the two schools and
going 2-0 after an 0-2 start last season will be another piece in
the puzzle.

And fourth, it’s the Owls home opener!

Both coaches took the cautious approach during interviews this
week.

“I thought Bradford looked very good last week,” said Mike Kane,
Olean coach. “We will have to play a very disciplined defense.”

As far as the long-running series is concerned, Kane admitted
there hasn’t been time to dwell on it.

“We have a lot of inexperienced kids, so we’ve been busy just
taking care of things from last week. Maybe if it were the last
game of the season, we could spend more time on it.

“We’re really a week behind Pennsylvania. Their first scrimmage
is the first day we can go full contact,” he pointed out.

The Owls lead the overall series 59-42-7, so I’ve gotta go with
Bradford by 18

St. Marys at Moniteau

I gave the Dutch a shot last week and they let me down.
Moniteau, meanwhile, rolled up a big win. I’ve got to go with the
home team. Moniteau by 14.

Cameron County at Smethport

I talked with Craig, a Hubbers fan, this week and he’s concerned
about his team. I think they’ll get things on track, but maybe not
tonight. Cameron County by 8

Otto-Eldred at Coudersport

If the Terrors thought they had problems last week, they could
be in for more tonight. Coudersport by 16

Ridgway at Brockway

The Elkers looked good against Smethport and the Rovers didn’t
fare well against Cameron County. Ridgway by 6

Curwensville at Elk County Catholic

Are the Crusaders a legitmate contender? They’re at home so I’m
gonna go with them. ECCH by 4

Kane at Johnsonburg

This one’s a matchup of two winners, but who’s the better of the
pair? I’m going with the Rams. Johnsonburg by 8

Cambridge Springs at Eisenhower

I like the Knights at home. Eisenhower by 10

Maplewood at Youngsville

The Eagles had problems last week, so I have to give the nod to
Maplewood by 12

SATURDAY’S GAME

Port Allegany at Sheffield

I’m sure the Gators were a little shocked last week, but I don’t
expect it to happen again. Port Allegany by 16

THE OTHER GAMES

(Tonight)

Clearfield at Brookville, Clearfield by 2

DuBois at Punxsutawney, DuBois by 16

Meadville at Warren, Meadville by 12

Cattaraugus-Little Valley at Franklinville, Franklinville by
2

Iroquois at Pioneer, Iroquois by 8

Canisteo-Greenwood at Bolivar-Richburg, Canisteo-Greenwood by
8

Allegany-Limestone at Salamanca, Allegany-Limestone by 6

Wellsville at Letchworth, Wellsville by 12

Cuba-Rushford at Geneseo, Cuba-Rushford by 1

Hinsdale at Frewsburg, Frewsburg by 4

Niagara Catholic at Olean Walsh, Niagara Catholic by 12

Randolph at Westfield, Randolph by 24

Gowanda at Falconer, Gowanda by 6

(Saturday)

Ellicottville at West Valley, Ellicottville by 6

Portville at Forestville, Portville by 2