WEEK 3 PREDICTIONS: Picking winners for every Wichita Falls area high school football game

I recently wrote about my reward for being a Colorado Buffaloes fan for the past 30 years.

I’m going to stick with that theme for this week’s “Fave Five” topic, leading into the high school football picks.

Here are my five favorite Colorado Buffalo football players of all time.

5. Jeremy Bloom, WR (2002-03)

Bloom’s time with the Buffs was way too short, but it was long enough to have an indelible impact on me.

In former CU quarterback and current Fox Sports commentator Joel Klatt’s words, “Bloom was a big play waiting to happen.”

Bloom was electric as a return specialist and a lethal deep threat as a receiver.

He was also a professional skier and lost his battle with the NCAA, which wouldn’t allow him to receive sponsorships for his skiing while also playing for the Buffaloes. Today, we’d call that NIL. Bloom was just ahead of his time.

He became a two-time Olympian and three-time world champion on the slopes. He’s also the only athlete ever to compete in the Olympics and get drafted into the NFL.

4. Travis Hunter, WR/DB (2023)

It only took one game for this guy to get on my list.

I’ve heard the hype about Hunter for a long time. After all, he made national news when he became the first five-star recruit who chose to play at a sub-FBS level when he joined Sanders at Jackson State.

I don’t put a lot of value in the star-rating system, so I still had my doubts on how profound an impact he could have playing at Colorado.

After seeing him compete at such a high level for 129 snaps on offense and defense, I’m convinced. Hunter is the great attraction for a team that has quickly become a must-see item.

More: Deion Sanders' hype train drives unprecedented attention, cash flow to Colorado

3. Kordell Stewart, QB (1991-94)

You had to know Slash would be on this list. He earned that nickname for his ability to play multiple roles in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense.

But it was that Hail Mary pass against Michigan that obviously stole my heart.

2. Chris Brown, RB (2001-02)

What Brown did against Nebraska and Texas in his final two games of the 2001 season is immortalized in my brain.

The Buffs weren’t supposed to beat Nebraska on that Black Friday, but Brown gouged the rival Huskers for 198 yards and a still program-record six TDs on 24 carries.

For an encore, he rushed for 182 yards and three TDs in an upset win against Texas for Colorado’s only Big 12 Championship.

While Saturday’s win against TCU ranks up there, these two wins are my favorites as a Colorado fan, particularly the one over Texas.

I don’t like UT. And I had so many friends riding the Longhorn hype train at the time. It was nice to have bragging rights over them for once.

1. Rashaan Salaam, RB (1992-94)

Colorado’s only Heisman Trophy winner tops the list.

Considering how prolific Stewart and Wesbrook were in 1994, it’s incredible that Salaam was the team’s best offensive threat that season, rushing for 2,055 yards and 24 TDs.

One of my favorite facts about Salaam is that he played eight-man football in high school.

It broke my heart when he took his own life in 2016.

On to the picks..

I had a good week, going 22-6 against a pretty tough slate with plenty of tossup games. I’ve moved into a tie with Cory Hogue for first place after two weeks.

You can find picks from the entire expert panel below. Also, there are college football and NFL picks at the bottom of the file.

WFISD

WFHS 34, Plainview 30 – On paper, this looks like the best Plainview team in several years. But the Coyotes benefit from being the actual home team at Memorial Stadium for the first time this season. And a long road trip on a short week is never easy to overcome.

Rider 35, Lubbock Coronado 20 – Coronado is a deceptive 0-2 with losses to Class 6A program Frenship and Midland High. But Rider has been extremely impressive through two weeks. Expect the Raiders to wear down Coronado similar to how they did Decatur a week ago.

Hirschi 38, Springtown 14 – Hirschi’s defense has been impressive, even against Brock, holding the Eagles to 28 points. Springtown is prone to make too many mistakes on offense. That will play into the Huskies’ hands.

More: Old High hopes to get right against Plainview after 0-2 start

CLASS 4A

Graham 36, Glen Rose 21 – This isn’t the same Glen Rose team that flirted with a state championship last season. The Tigers were hit hard by graduation. Graham was not. The Steers are rolling.

CLASS 3A

Iowa Park 20, Burkburnett 19 – This Wichita County showdown should be entertaining. Last year’s matchup was close, and there doesn’t seem to be much separating the Hawks and Bulldogs again. IP gets the edge for home field and homecoming.

Henrietta 33, Bowie 12 – Bowie got a much-needed win last week against Bridgeport, but the emergence of Klein Essler as a great weapon for dual-threat QB Garrett Blevins to utilize takes the Bearcats to another level.

Vernon 41, San Angelo Lake View 23 – Lake View is putting points on the board, but so is Vernon. And the Chiefs will struggle with the Lions’ slot-T offense.

Jacksboro 52, Peaster 30 – Jacksboro has had to climb out of a deep hole in each of its two wins so far. The Tigers need a quicker start, and a better defensive effort. Both should happen this week.

Idalou 27, Holliday 18 – There are simply going to be some bumps along the way for the Eagles. But this tough non-district slate will certainly have them ready for district.

Trimble Tech 29, City View 21 – This will be the first game Trimble Tech plays, and it was one that was scheduled at the last minute. This is tough for City View with Trimble Tech being a Class 5A squad, and the numbers game is hard to overcome.

CLASS 2A

Nocona 36, Electra 22 – This game is going to be closer than most may expect. Electra is vastly improved. But Nocona’s experience will be the difference.

Haskell 16, Olney 9 – Both of Olney’s games have been low-scoring, and this one shouldn’t be any different. Haskell excels in this type of matchup.

Petrolia 24, Quanah 6 – Petrolia has been impressive despite losing to Muenster Sacred Heart and Olney by the exact same score, 15-13. That final doesn’t happen three weeks in a row, and neither does a Petrolia loss.

Millsap 36, Archer City 30 – What Archer City has done so far this season is impressive, but Millsap is the Wildcats’ toughest test to date.

Morton 50, Munday 14 – Munday’s best chance at a win may have been last week against Abilene TLCA. It will be much tougher against Morton.

Albany 45, Seymour 13 – Seymour’s schedule goes to another level. Albany is on a quest to defend its state championship.

Windthorst 23, Muenster 17 – Windthorst’s coaching staff got two weeks to prepare, and this Muenster team is more inexperienced than past versions. And we’re anxious to see what Trojan freshman QB Brock Belcher does for an encore.

SIX-MAN

Knox City 56, May 46 – Knox City can continue to make its case as a state title contender with a win here.

Northside 50, Hedley 20 – Northside moves to 3-0, but the schedule will be getting tougher soon.

Throckmorton 38, Bryson 36 – Throckmorton has only scored six points this season, but that was against two teams that will likely be playing in December. Bryson is good, but it’s hard to put them over Throckmorton.

Crowell 70, Saint Jo 47 – Crowell looks good and has played two quality opponents. Saint Jo hasn’t been tested like that yet.

Benjamin 70, Abilene Christian 22 – This is Benjamin’s toughest test so far this season. But ACHS doesn’t have an answer for Grayson Rigdon. Who does?

Gold-Burg 45, Chillicothe 0 – Gold-Burg takes this one by the mercy rule.

Harrold 41, Trent 22 – Harrold also moves to 3-0 and could be 5-0 by the time they visit Wichita Christian in a few weeks. What a difference a few years, and some crafty scheduling, can make.

Newcastle 45, Azle Christian 0 – We haven’t been giving Newcastle enough respect. This team is going to be a threat in the postseason.

Penelope 48, Forestburg 40 – This feels like a tossup. Penelope has been a bit more competitive in its two losses.

And one bonus prediction…

The HullVerines 126.8, Mindy’s Malificents 120.1 – I play my wife in the first week of the fantasy football season. And I may be sleeping in the recliner if this prediction comes true. She’s a bit competitive. But I’m a fantasy football legend.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Week 3 Wichita Falls area high school football predictions