Hey Carroll football fans your favorite rolled up newspaper football predictor is back. (Granted I may be the only one of my kind).
Week 1 brought many surprises. Can't say I would have picked South Carroll to slay the mighty Linganore Lancers, but Dylan McDermott slashed through the Lancers and the Cavaliers defense came up with just enough for the one-point victory.
Westminster, predictably, clobbered Tuscarora despite a three to one time of possession disparity. Century couldn't hold on despite a brilliant performance from senior Tyrice Rock who had 273 yards and four touchdowns.
And the Mavericks got a great start toward their first season with a winning record, riding the shoulders of Dom Frank - and some kick blocking from Aaron Roy - to a season-opening victory.
Now after my week of observing, it's time to make some picks!
Urbana at Westminster
A battle of two teams ranked in the Top 25 in the state of Maryland will unfold in the Owls home opener. After sneaking my way over to Westminster to check out a practice, I believe Deryk Kern is fit to lead Westminster to their highest potential.
The Hawks are tough, but the Owls are fired up and ready to charge out of the gate. Westminster 32, Urbana 20
Oakdale at Century
It appears the Knights are ready to Rock in their home opener. Too lame? Yea. But Rock and Mike Ashwell form a nice duo in the Knights backfield.
Of course Oakdale is coming off their program's first ever win, the Knights will keep the ground game churning. Century 26, Oakdale 17 (Bonus prediction, Rock crosses the Century mark again, sorry still lame but it's early season for Inky too).
Thomas Johnson at Liberty
A big win over Williamsport in the opener will no doubt raise the Lions collective confidence. But the Patriots will not be an easy game.
Expect Liberty to hang in there but I have a feeling TJ will prevail in the end. Thomas Johnson 30, Liberty 13
Tuscarora at Winters Mill
It was a rough opener for coach Ken Johnson and his Falcons. Unable to really move the ball through the air, they fell to Oakdale 28-6. However they did show some life on the ground.
Tuscarora will surely be mad after they were drubbed by Westminster last week, but the Falcons can move the line of scrimmage and gain yards. Expect lots of carries on the way to a Winters Mill victory. Winters Mill 16, Tuscarora 8
South Carroll at Patuxent
The Cavs appear to be adapting well to life without Dan Mullen after the first week victory. My source at the game said McDermott was quite impressive. OK that's not really breaking news but nonetheless, he seems to be blending right in with the offense.
Inky thinks the Cavs will reverse last year's loss to Patuxent and come out with a 2-0 record when the clock expires. South Carroll 28, Patuxent 20
Manchester Valley at Boonsboro
From what Inky hears, banged up quarterback Frank is supposed to be playing in tonight's game. But if the Mavs want to keep him in for the duration, it is probably best he doesn't rush the ball 36 times as he did last week.
Aaron Roy, Tyler Cherigo and the rest of the Mavs offense will have to help Frank should some of the load and Boonsboro is no slouch. The Mavs are rising, they just aren't at the top yet. Boonsboro 25, Manchester Valley 21
Francis Scott Key at South Hagerstown
The Eagles stayed in the game against South Hagerstown last year before falling 19-0. New head coach Dave Smith seems to have the program on the right track, but wins will be hard to come by if the Eagles can't find any aerial connections to boost the ground game.
Inky sees Key staying in the contest until being worn down in the last quarter. South Hagerstown 17, Francis Scott Key 12
North Carroll at Smithsburg
It was a struggle for the Panthers in their opener against Boonsboro. With no offense to really speak of, NC was shut out and will now travel for Week 2.
Inky wonders how much offense the Panthers can gain in a week. They will take strides, but for now they won't be huge. Smithsburg 28, North Carroll 6
