Pigskin Picks: Rivalry game heats up high school football opening weekend

BATTLE CREEK - The high school football season heats up this week with the season opener for teams throughout the state of Michigan.

And we're not just talking about the 100-degree heat index predicted in the weather forecast.

But about that... hot enough for ya?

So start hydrating now and find some light-colored clothes (sticking to your school colors, preferably) and get ready for a sweaty night of football - and that will just be in the stands.

The 2023 high school football campaign starts Thursday and the most watched person of the week isn't going to be the new starting quarterback for the local team, it is going to be the weather person on your TV. The numbers on the thermometer could decide when games start far more than when the scoreboard says it's time to play.

The safety of the players are a priority of course and we trust the local athletic directors and game officials to do a good job of keeping everyone healthy this week. But what about the sportswriters? Can I get someone to make sure the air conditioning works in the pressbox?

And, considering the reason for the season, your Enquirer Pigskin Picker is ready to give you some hot takes on which teams are going to win in Week 1.

One of the best games of the year gets things started on Thursday with rivals Lakeview and Harper Creek battling in the city. Outside of that game, make sure your car's radiator is working well because you may have to drive a bit to see some of the locals as Battle Creek Central and Pennfield, as well as Marshall, will open on the road.

As usual, I am here to tell readers who is going to win all of those games, and more.

Now, can I predict that these picks will be correct? Nope, but we are going to give it our best shot for another season with a column full of predictions that offer more than just the final score.

Which leads us to our first week of the Enquirer’s Pigskin Picks for 2023, as I try to take all the info learned from the preseason and predict some winners for Week 1.

MORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL:

Vote for the Enquirer Preseason Player of the Year

2023 Football: City/Area High School Football Schedules

Harper Creek at Lakeview

We all know the feeling. It's still hot outside. It's the first week of the school year and you have that first big test. You aren't quite up to speed on school starting and you are sweating because the classroom doesn't have any AC. Well, take all of that, and change the classroom to the football field and the AC to a muggy late-summer night, and you have what it might feel like to be a Spartan football player.

Lakeview is putting in a new system with a new first-year head coach in Brett Vernon. This is the Spartans' first big test and nobody on the team will know if everyone is quite ready for it until they actually play the game. Does Lakeview have the talent to win its opener at home against Harper Creek? Sure. Will the Spartans have its offense and defense running smoothly after a few scant weeks of preseason practice under a new coaching staff? We wonder.

Harper Creek knows all about where Lakeview is right now. The Beavers were a roster full of new faces last year, learning how to play at the varsity level. With a dozen sophomore starters last year, in their first season at that level, Harper Creek struggled early, including a loss to rival Lakeview.

It seems Harper Creek will have the advantage this time around, with head coach Mason Converse having worked with this current group for almost two seasons. Vernon has worked with the Lakeview team for a little more than two weeks.

Either way it goes, it's a heated rivalry to start the season, which seems appropriate.

Broderick: Harper Creek 28, Lakeview 22

Battle Creek Central at Byron Center

Talking about hot. Battle Creek Central quarterback Devoine Newton burned up the stat sheets last year, setting the single-season passing record on fire. His year started with a standout performance against Byron Center last year, even though it came in a frustrating overtime loss. Newton had 276 yards passing with three touchdowns in that season-opening contest. This is one of the hottest matchups in the region on opening weekend as both teams made the playoffs last year and both are eager to start this season right. BCC plays well on the road and will look to cool off a strong Byron Center team that won six of its last seven games last year.

Broderick: Battle Creek Central 35, Byron Center 27

Marshall at Gull Lake

Marshall jumped out to a hot start last year at 4-1, including a win over Gull Lake in the opener. Then injuries and bad luck saw the Redhawks lose their final four games and miss out on the playoffs. Gull Lake had its first winning season in more than a decade when the Blue Devils went 5-4 in 2021. But then, they cooled off last year with an icy start with four straight losses. The season opener will tell a lot for both teams.

Broderick: Marshall 17, Gull Lake 12

Pennfield at Lake Odessa

Is anyone hotter in Pennfield than Robbie Hattan? The first-year head coach comes to the program with state championship experience from his time in Colon. He's the hot new thing in town. Now, what does that really mean when the team is under the steaming Friday Night Football lights? We will find out really quick.

Broderick: Pennfield 22, Lake Odessa 14

Other Games:

Tekonsha 44, St. Philip 28

Climax-Scotts 28, GR NorthPointe Christian 26

Last Season: Broderick - 41-12

Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter @billbroderick

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Pigskin Picks: Rivalry game heats up Week 1 in high school football