High School Football Predictions

Ah, the optimism of a new football season.

Teams that struggled last year just need some confidence to turn things around.

Teams that fell short of their goals are dedicated more than ever to get it done this time.

Teams that won it all have the swagger that comes with knowing how to reach the top.

You may not see your favorite team in a better light than you do right now … before the reality of game time can change everything.

Each week through the high school season, Patch will share our predictions on local football games — and ask for yours. Think you’ve got what it takes to pick a winner?

Let’s get it on.

Rome at Johns Creek: So, who’s going to step up in this one? When a team hovers around .500 in a league where every game counts in the standings, you can’t afford not to triumph in a winnable game. Last year, Rome beat 10-0 in the opener, and that win ended up being crucial in the Wolves (6-5) finishing third in Region 7-AAAA and reaching the playoffs. Johns Creek, on the other hand, went 4-6 and a win over Rome would have at least created a four-way tie for the region’s final playoff spot. This has to be considered a winnable game for both programs and it looks pretty even. But we don’t pick ties. In what some might think is a mild upset, Johns Creek 14, Rome 10.

Meadowcreek at Northview: went only 1-9 last year, the lone victory a 28-15 decision over Meadowcreek. Meadowcreek, which once had a 43-game losing streak, went 0-10 and scored more points in the Northview loss than it did the rest of the season. Northview looked good in a 21-17 scrimmage victory over Johns Creek recently. Northview 35, Meadowcreek 17.

Mount Pisgah at Cross Keys: Here are the numbers you need to know — 37-13 ( win over Cross Keys last year); 6-4 (Mt. Pisgah’s record last year); 2-7-1 (Cross Keys’ record last year); 95-13 (the score of one of Cross Keys’ losses — for real). Mt. Pisgah 45, Cross Keys 12.