Football - Week 1 thoughts

Here is my take, very unscientific, on this week's games in the Bedford Gazette coverage area.

Everett at Tussey Mountain 

A very interesting rivalry game right out of the box. In fact, Tussey has two of them back-to-back with a trip to Northern Bedford next week. Back to this week, where the Titans welcome back quite a bit of skill and experience on both sides of the ball. Tussey Mountain possesses some big speed guys such as Darrin Sipes and Mitchell Corbin out of the backfield.

Meanwhile, Everett has a lot back too, and a new coach. Mark Kirk has travelled the country but says this will be his final stop. Can he turn the Warriors around after a rough couple of seasons? Though Kyle Droz had a decent year throwing the ball last fall, Kirk will go with at least a tandem operation with Droz and Spencer McInroy. Everett has some nice complimentary players to those two, including Barkley Rhoat and Drew Ritchey.

I do think Everett will win more than one game this year, but I don't think the first one will come this week. The Pick - Tussey Mountain.

Northern Bedford at Glendale

What a game this shapes up to be. Though Northern Bedford welcomes a new starting QB in Blake Over, the Panthers have talent returning in the backfield and in the passing game with depth and height overload at receiver. Biggest question for NB appears to be offensive line. If they can hold up and block for Over and lead runner Conner Kagarise, there is no doubt that Northern will score points. The Panthers should be solid on defense with a lot back in the starting lineup from 2011.

The talk at Glendale is that this might be the best Viking team ever, at least on paper. The favorites in the ICC Silver Division, Glendale has top runner Damon Braniff and quarterback Gary Witherow retuning in its arsenal. Braniff is likely the best back in the ICC and can play an option style QB if need be to show different and sometimes confusing looks.

This is a tough game to call. Northern Bedford coach Jeff Batzel always has his team ready. Glendale has a 23-year old new coach. Nothing against him, but coaching could come into play here. Whoever has the ball last might determine the winner. The Pick - Glendale in a close one.

Martinsburg Central at Chestnut Ridge

Central comes to Ridge with a lot of talent and big play type guys back. Ridge lost nearly 3,700 yards of offensive players to graduation. The Lions do have a nice group on the offensive and defensive lines.

I don't think Ridge will start 0-3 like last year, but they will be 0-1. The Pick - Central.

Claysburg at Williamsburg

These two have been on the lower end of District 6-A in recent years, but Claysburg made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2008 and has a lot back as well as size, which is not always one of its strong suits. Zach Helsel's season will play prominently in how well the Bulldogs do.

Williamsburg is on the upswing and has several starters returning on offense and defense. Look for a good one here. Remember, a second game between the squads comes up in mid-October at Claysburg, who gets the first one. The Pick - Claysburg.

Saturday

Bedford at Bishop Guilfoyle

Bedford was hit with a blow last week when starting QB/LB Aaron Henry was injured. He is not likely to play the first game or two. The Bisons also have to rebuild their lines while leading receiver Luke Campbell did not come back out for the team.

Guilfoyle suffered a miserable season in 2011 and things can only go up. The Pick - Bishop Guilfoyle.

Remember to check out Friday's Gazette for previews, photos, stats and much more about the six local teams.