Sports

By Andrew Ferrell

At least this week the Wizard predicted all three games correct. Again, that Whitko Wildcat team shocked the Wizard. Just when he thought they couldn't hang with the Eagles, they proved him wrong by taking the early lead and almost tying the game late in the fourth quarter. Looks like they are starting to find themselves.

Churubusco 60, Central Noble 6

The only thing the Wizard isn't sure of is why the Cougars didn't throw in the towel after so long of a brutal beat down. 60-6? That's a serious steam rolling, but expect nothing less from the Eagles.

Homestead 51, Warsaw 7

The Wizard called this one, but didn't figure Homestead to get 51 points. Like he said in his predictions, good practice for the Spartans.

Columbia City 34, Whitko 21

It wasn't until the very last seconds that anyone was certain the Eagles would win this game. Whitko gave Columbia City all they could handle and have started to come back around. The loss of senior running back Cody Wildman to an ankle injury stings a bit if you're an Eagle fan, but the backup freshman Braden Myer looks promising as he carried 19 times for 96 yards; he certainly is a bruiser. Both teams have some things to work on come next week's conference openers.

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The Wizard feels a little beat up by the surprise loss Whitko suffered in the season opener to Wawasee. He thought for sure an undefeated prediction record was certain headed into week two games. So he will shake it off and act like he is starting fresh this week.

Central Noble at Churubusco @ 7:30 pm

The Wizard gets bored with predicting the 'Busco games because they always are one-sided...good for if you're an Eagle fan, which the Wizard is. The Wizard says, not going to see anything different than a 'Busco steam roll.

'Busco 34, Central Noble 13

Warsaw at Homestead @ 7 pm

Look above for the Wizard's thoughts on this game, only replace Churubusco with Homestead. Practice week for the Spartans.

Homestead 45, Warsaw 7

Whitko at Columbia City @ 7 pm

Um, Whitko is probably angry with their performance from last week; this should make City a tad nervous. Wildcat QB Alex Stoddard and WR Derek Snep are too good to let another one slip. On the other hand, City has some serious weapons of their own and looked very strong against Warsaw in week 1. Jared Murphy keeps his iron man streak alive...

Columbia City 30, Whitko 7

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Since two of the county schools play each other this week, there will be one game to take its place and the two teams will be out of county. However, still make the prediction for that game.

Central Noble at Churubusco @ 7:30 pm

Warsaw at Homestead @ 7 pm

Game of the Week

Whitko at Columbia City @7 pm

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Continuing this week, Talk of the Town Sports is hosting its second-year of a prize-winning contest. If you have ever noticed, every Friday we post a Friday Football Forecast, where a fictional Wizard predicts each county schools' game. Now you will have the chance to do the same. Pick a winner and send in your scores for the three county games. If you are the week's winner, you will receive a gift card of $10 value from County Line Subway, just ask Tommy Baldwin, the first week winner, how great it is to have the gift card.

Here's how to play:

1.) Visit the website to find out if that week is a prize-winning week. If it is, there will be an "upcoming games" article posted to the website, so you know what games to predict.

2.) You must get on the website, check the upcoming games, and email in your score predictions of the winner for each game to the Talk of the Town Sports Editor at wcsportswriter@gmail.com.

3.) In the case of a tie, you must also send in a total tiebreaker score for the "Game of the Week" (the "Game of the Week" will be noted each week).

4.) If a winner can't be determined by the tiebreaker, a winner will be picked from random drawing.

5.) Predictions will be accepted all week until game day at 3 pm.

6.) Winners will be notified through email on how to receive their prize.

7.) All decisions are final.

8.) Must be 18 years old to play and coaches and players are not eligible.

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By Andrew Ferrell

For the most part, the Wizard expected the outcomes of these games. However, he did say "for the most part." Whitko's loss shocked the Wizard as many of Whitko's key components returned for this season and they beat Wawasee something terrible last season. At least it is only week one, they should turn it around.

Churubusco 34, Fremont 14

Not much has changed, Fremont can't hang with the Eagles and the Eagles steam roll their competition, even without Kyle Monk and Kyle Mathewson. The Wizard isn't surprised.

Columbia City 34, Warsaw 14

Columbia City did a good job answering some of the questions many critics were raising. Questions about junior QB Jared Murphy; in which, the answer was threw for a TD and scrambled for a TD and then came out on defense and picked off two passes and recovered a fumble...solid night. It wasn't just the play of Jared Murphy, but also running back Cody Wildman showed signs of being a war horse chugging for 169 yards and 3 TDs. The second half showed the fans what they remember from last year, a team poised for a big season.

Whitko 0, Wawasee 23

Whitko quarterback Alex Stoddard went 7-11 for the night, Derek Snep hauled in 23 receiving yards, and the Wildcats couldn't find much offense. They also gave up a kick return by the Warriors. I'm sure it wasn't the start head coach Wayne Swender was looking for after a TRC championship last season.

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The Wizard is back for the third season and it looks to be a great one. Many questions linger and all three teams have new faces. Columbia City starts a new QB after graduate Logan Rehrer set all sorts of records last season. Churubusco looks to replace two of their most potent offensive weapons in Kyle Monk and Kyle Mathewson. And Whitko? Can they remain at the top of the TRC? They certainly have the talent to do it. Lights, Camera, Action, its high school football time, let the good times roll.

1A #5 Churubusco at Fremont @ 7:30 pm

Churubusco has alot to replace with the graduation of Kyle Mathewson and Kyle Monk, but then again, they have Lee Etzler at the reigns and he always seems to have the Eagles ready to roll. This game won't be much different than last season's Eagle beat down 46-0. Time to reload for the Eagles.

'Busco 28 Fremont 0

4A #8 Columbia City at Warsaw @ 7 pm

Columbia City looks to prove that last season wasn't a fluke, especially after they posted a 35-16 victory over the Tigers in 2010. The Wizard hears its another rebuilding year in Warsaw and the Eagles have many returning starters. The difference in this game comes down to the play of new CC QB junior Jared Murphy. Expect a decent crowd on both sides. One side looking to defend their home turf and the other ready to shock and awe. Hard to pick against experience, even on the road.

CC 24 Warsaw 13

2A #10 Whitko at Wawasee @ 7 pm

This is always a good game, even when one program is rebuilding. The Wizard believes the Wildcats have more returning talent and therefore should be able to pull out the victory. It doesn't hurt to have a player like Derek Snep on the team either.

Whitko 21 Wawasee 10

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August 19 games

1A #5 Churubusco at Fremont

4A #8 Columbia City at Warsaw

Game of the Week

2A #10 Whitko at Wawasee

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Beginning this week, Talk of the Town Sports is hosting its second-year of a prize-winning contest. If you have ever noticed, every Friday we post a Friday Football Forecast, where a fictional Wizard predicts each county schools' game. Now you will have the chance to do the same, but if you are the week's winner, you will receive a gift card of $10 value from County Line Subway.

Here's how to play:

1.) Visit the website every week to find out if that week is a prize-winning week. If it is, there will be an "upcoming games" article posted to the website, so you know what games to predict.

2.) You must get on the website, check the upcoming games, and email in your score predictions of the winner for each game to the Talk of the Town Sports Editor at wcsportswriter@gmail.com.

3.) In the case of a tie, you must also send in a total tiebreaker score for the "Game of the Week" (the "Game of the Week" will be noted each week).

4.) If a winner can't be determined by the tiebreaker, a winner will be picked from random drawing.

5.) Predictions will be accepted all week until game day at 3 pm.

6.) Winners will be notified through email on how to receive their prize.

7.) All decisions are final.

8.) Must be 18 years old to play and coaches and players are not eligible.

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I can almost hear the smack of the helmets and feel the breeze under the Friday Night Lights as high school football season is three days away. This also means I am three days away from unleashing the Friday Football Forecasts as I predict the games each week. Also, back by popular demand, I give you a chance to win a $10 Subway gift card at the County Line Subway. Big things this season, let's begin...

Columbia City

Head coach: Randy Hudgins                                   

2010 record: 10-2 overall, 6-1 NHC (lost in sectional final to Bishop Dwenger)

Preseason rankings: 4A #8 (media poll), 4A #20 (coaches' poll)

# of returning offensive starters: All seniors, but  junior Jared Murphy starts at QB

# of returning defensive starters: All seniors

Players to watch for: Jared Murphy QB/DB, Cody Wildman RB, Connor Slavich WR/DB, Derek Lamle OLB, Garrett Cormany NT, Kory Wood OG

Make sure to make it to these games in 2011: August 26 (week 2) vs. Whitko and September 30 (week 7) VS. East Noble

Coaches' comments: This season will be a challenge because we must learn how to handle success and guard against complacency. We want to be mentioned in every conversation of whom the contenders for the NHC title will be year in and year out, and always mentioned as one of the top teams in the 4A North. We want to get to the point where people say that we never rebuild, we reload. 

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