Big performances highlight first week, who will win in Week 2?
It’s something I started when I began covering Burlington sports in 2013, and it has ruffled some feathers but also piqued interest…
The one and only prediction column.
Every week in the football season, I try to give you some entertainment, predictions for Friday’s games ripe with hyperbole, clichés, euphemisms and more rules of what not to do when writing.
Please do not take offense – it’s just for fun.
Most importantly, it’s a way for the players, coaches and fans to get excited about the games and get a chance to say, “You’re wrong, Ramczyk!”
It’s one of the things that makes me happy to have this job.
In Week One, we saw huge rushing performances from Westosha Central senior Jakob Simmons, who some are calling “The Bus” in honor of former pro great Jerome Bettis, and Catholic Central’s Max Robson, who ran for 272 yards.
Robson put in major time in the offseason.
“I grew a few inches and went to the weight room three times a week,” he said Tuesday. “I’ve gained over 10 pounds of muscle. In addition to the weight room, every Tuesday and Thursday I went to speed and agility camp and improved my movement.
“I’ve learned how to run the offense and read the defense far better than last year.”
Simmons and some teammates were interviewed on a Kenosha radio station Tuesday after the Falcons beat Racine Park, 63-34, behind 350 rushing yards from The Bus.
Simmons put in time over the summer getting bigger and faster than his already huge frame at EPTC performance center in Lake Geneva.
Finally, Cody Cotton went off for 220 yards on a mere 12 carries for Union Grove.
Elsewhere in the Southern Lakes Conference, Elkhorn, Waterford and Union Grove came away with victories.
It’s no surprise as these teams figure to be favorites in the area.
For Week 2, Racine Horlick-Burlington and Waterford-Oak Creek are probably the biggest games.
Without any further jibber jabber, let’s get into it.
WEEK 2 PREDICTIONS
Racine Horlick (1-0) at Burlington (0-1)
Don Dalton Stadium will be rocking for the home opener, but right now the Demons are still too green in terms of varsity experience.
The defense showed signs of dominance last week, but the offense will take time.
The Rebels reeled off a 55-0 victory over Milwaukee Marshall.
Usually, Horlick has Burlington’s number.
It should be a competitive game, and both teams have new quarterbacks.
PREDICTION: Horlick 24, Burlington 17
Waterford at Oak Creek
Parker Peterson and Casey North lead the Wolverine rushing attack, as both neared 100 yards in a 42-12 victory last week.
But the Knights are a rare breed, and their home-field advantage is ridiculous.
I should know. In 1999, we got eviscerated 83-0 at Oak Creek.
They let off fireworks after all 12 touchdowns, just for good measure.
Waterford is good and will be all year, but this will be tough.
PREDICTION: Oak Creek 28, Waterford 21
Milton at Lake Geneva Badger
The Badgers lost in a close one in Week One.
Milton, a traditional football power, has been down in recent years.
Behind Cole Berghorn and a strong offensive line, Badgers gets in the win column.
PREDICTION: Lake Geneva 33, Milton 20
Lodi at Delavan-Darien
It’s the season opener for the Comets, who have struggled in recent years.
New head coach Nathan Wallman is doing some good things in Delavan, but I’ll go with the Madison-suburb influence in this one.
PREDICTION: Lodi 20, Delavan-Darien 10
Other area predictions
- Elkhorn 42, Jefferson 28
Powered by 267 rushing yards, the Elks took down a good New Berlin West team.
Todd Ghilani continues to revamp a storied, proud football program.
- Wilmot 40, Racine Case 7
- Westosha Central 50, Woodstock North, Ill. 30
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