Mike Bradley's Week Eleven Picks

-Friday Games:‍

1A:

#1 Colonel Richardson (7-3) vs. #4 Bo Manor (6-4)-6pm-Both teams played Kent County and whereas Bo Manor blew out the Trojans, the Colonels did not but they played them at different times in the year. Colonel got KC later in the season and when the Trojans had started to settle in and play better ball. I am very concerned about the Colonel's layoff due to Washington's forfeit last week. Outside rankings (used as one source) have these teams pretty close and statistically these teams are close as well. Both teams have played some good opponents. However, the Colonels are at home and have a unique offense so I will give them a nod, just hoping the rust doesn't hurt them too much.

2A/1A:

#6 Parkside (4-6) at #2 Harford Tech (6-4)-6:30pm-The Rams had a huge win over Fallston last week on the road racking up over 600 total yards of offense. Harford Tech has played some tough teams and taken losses to them but so has Parkside. They are both battle tested. The Rams should have a lot of confidence from last week and have set a very high bar of what they can accomplish. The Rams definitely have a shot in this one. I hope I am dead wrong, and I will be rooting for the Rams all the way, but I am leaning Tech at home because of their defense that has been pretty good all year long including in wins over good Sparrows Point & Green Tree Academy teams and in losses to Patterson Mill and CM Wright. Yes, Edgewood and Bel Air got the better of them but based on lack of offensive production in those games one assumes their defense was let out to hang too long to those teams. The Rams defense is still a concern. I would not be surprised at all if the Rams win but I give the slight edge to the Cobras.

2A:

#1 Kent Island (9-1) vs. #5 Wicomico (7-3)-6pm-These two teams met in Week #5 with Kent Island winning 28-13. The Bucs dominated the first half over the Indians, the Indians came out and played very strong in the 3rd but the Bucs finished the game strong in the 4th quarter and came out with the win. KI has won 9 in a row and blew out North Harford at home last week. Wicomico is coming off a big win at Queen Anne's last week after losing to them by 7 back in Week #8 on a Thursday night at home. Here's the thing: The Bucs boast a much better run defense than Queen Anne's. They also have a very good RB in Kasey Heath, but they are more versatile with a better passing game than the Lions do (although neither will be confused with Easton or Decatur). I am concerned with the health of WiHi QB Darius Foreman who left the game at times last week and how much of a threat he will be running the ball. WiHi had a great game plan last week showing something completely different to QA going under center with an I formation look, slowing the game down, using Malique Leatherbury as a decoy and trying to grind it out and keep KJ Smothers off the field. I don't think they will be able to do that in this one although they may be forced to some with Foreman's health. The Indians have talent and speed and can make this a game, they can't come out slow though like they did last time. That all said I like the Bucs to get it done at home...This is our Overtime Live-Preston Ford "Friday Night Lights Game of the Week" on 94-3 WINX-FM, forevermidshore.com and the Forever Radio App

-Saturday Game:

2A:

#3 Stephen Decatur (8-2) vs. #7 North Caroline (5-5)-1pm-These two teams played earlier in the year in Berlin and Decatur won in a hard hitting, defensive battle 16-14 although both offenses moved the ball in this one at times. It was 3-0 Decatur at the half. Caroline had the most impressive win of the 1st Round with their 44-14 upset at Easton last week. Everything came together in that one for the Bulldogs but even then, they had multiple TOs in the win. Decatur cruised over CM Wright at home. Decatur's offense has really hit its stride and is playing some of its best ball of the season which energizes and helps the defense. Caroline is capable of making it a game and pulling off the upset as evidenced by last week. However, Caroline has been up and down all season and you just don't know what to expect. On top of that, Decatur has the luxury of seeing what they did defensively to a similar spread team (in Easton) so they can better prepare. Decatur will also be on higher alert after last week's Caroline win. That all added up plus the Seahawks at home and I am giving the nod to the home team. (Extra Point: Decatur HC Jake Coleman told me after his win in the regular season over Caroline that no one wants to see them in the playoffs, did he predict his own fate?)

Playoffs Week# 1: 7-3

Regular Season: 61-6

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