Pigskin Picks: Which teams will be dancing to a win on Homecoming Week?
BATTLE CREEK - It can be argued that I do a good job of predicting high school football games from week to week. Some would argue that I don't know what I am talking about.
But, one thing I know for sure: I predict it will be hard to get a table at several restaurants Saturday night in Battle Creek.
With three Homecoming games in the city, and thus three Homecoming dances, there will be more sequins and suits than a Bee Gees concert in the 70s at the local eating establishments this weekend.
My advice? Try to get reservations early. However, another prediction of mine is that if you haven't already called and asked for a 7 p.m. seating, you will probably be looking at getting to your Homecoming dance late.
Another sure bet is that there aren't enough classic corvettes in this city to drive the Homecoming court on the tracks on Friday night, so school advisors may want to start to adapt their plans now. Whatcha think about golf carts for the prospective kings and queens? The weather has already turned this fall, so the golf courses aren't using those as much right now.
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But that's just my suggestions. Not that Enquirer readers of this column should take it that seriously, as this Pigskin Picker is just barely treading water with another .500 effort last week.
But it is Homecoming week and traditionally, that's when you want to have your best effort to showcase your work in front of the returning alumni. Like the players getting ready for the Homecoming games on the teams at Battle Creek Central, Harper Creek and Pennfield, you want to do your best when the crowds are the biggest.
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So, I am here for it. I am here to impress and provide picks to make this a Homecoming week to remember.
Which leads us to another edition of the Enquirer’s Pigskin Picks, as I try to take all the info learned from the season so far and predict some winners for Week 6.
Coldwater at Pennfield
This is the perfect showcase game for the Panthers. A lot of the alumni coming back for Homecoming will be seeing the new artificial turf field and scoreboard for the first time. Pennfield is coming off a big win over rival Marshall and has momentum. And, a struggling Coldwater squad is making the trip up to Battle Creek wondering when basketball season will start.
I will make several predictions here. I predict the new stands will be packed. The new scoreboard will bit lit up by Pennfield's offensive attack. And, at halftime, the Homecoming Court will be smiling as the home team will have a lead by intermission.
Pennfield 35, Coldwater 22
Parma Western at Harper Creek
Homecoming has become an event at Harper Creek, with tailgating, several RVs with parties in the parking lot during pregame and always a big crowd powered by a loyal Beaver fanbase. Harper Creek is going to need all of that energy this week as it is coming off its first loss of the season after a 4-0 start, and wants to get back in the Interstate 8 Conference race. A possible speed bump could be provided by undefeated Parma Western, a preseason favorite in the league and a team that beaten the Beavers in three of the last four seasons.
Parma Western 21, Harper Creek 13
St. Philip at Climax-Scotts
It isn't Homecoming at Climax-Scotts, but this rivalry brings its own buzz every year as the matchup is always circled on the calendar of both programs. Climax-Scotts is doing Climax-Scotts-type things as the Panthers are ranked No. 2 in the state and have an offense that is averaging 49 points per game. St. Philip comes in a little banged up, but the Tigers are riding high after their own Homecoming Game come-from-behind victory last week.
Climax-Scotts 36, St. Philip 12
Other Games
Portage Central 28, Battle Creek Central 14
Stevensville-Lakeshore 48, Lakeview 36
Hastings 38, Marshall 28
Last Week: 3-3; Overall: 16-14
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Pigskin Picks: Which teams will be dancing to a win at Homecoming?
