Mike Bradley's Week Three Picks

#2 Wicomico (2-0) at #3 Easton (2-0)-6pm-This is the 'Game of the Week' in the Bayside Conference. This should be one of those exciting games that comes down to the end. Either team is capable of winning. Both teams have looked good out of the gates. While Easton is still more adept at passing, Wicomico has gone spread this year primarily and put the ball in the air more and more successfully. Both QBs are dual threats and have a fair amount of weapons. Both defenses have played very well with Wicomico having shutout both opponents, Easton is giving up just 10.5 points per game. Can Easton contain Darius Foreman and Malique Leatherbury and can Wicomico contain Kevin O'Connor and Jordan Nixon. To me the winner of this game is the one that can make the best adjustments and the defense that can do the best job blitzing the opposition's offense. Special Teams also will likely play a part at some point. I believe Easton will do everything they can to stress the WiHi D with shifts and motions and make them pick their poison. WiHi I think may very well spy O'Connor and bring pressure if need be with Cover 0 behind it. This will be the stiffest test for both teams. The Indians deserve the nod though with what they did last year and those players picking up from where they left off. They have speed, athleticism and Foreman is a Sr. QB with plenty of experience that can match O'Connor's production. Their inexperienced o-line will get another tough test. HC Isaiah Taylor says despite their record they are still a ways away from fulfilling their potential. For Easton this would be another big win for them and another statement game, one that again would show that they are better than the team from last Fall and that they have some unfinished business they are taking care of. Even a close loss for the Warriors would be a positive in showing the strides they are making this season. This game also gives the South collectively another opportunity to balance out the power in the Bayside after years of the North dominating...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

#8 Cambridge (1-1) at #10 James M. Bennett (0-2)-6pm-This is a rare 1A versus 3A matchup in the Bayside with Cambridge a 1A and Bennett a 3A. But the Vikings won this game last season as Bennett really struggled. This is a tough game to call because despite their record the Clippers have made strides from last season. Despite last week's loss they had 207 rushing yards and 13 1st Downs against Parkside along with a Special Teams TD. They also had two TDs called back. Definite signs of improvement. The Clippers could get their first win. We will get a good indication of things from them after this game. I expect this one to be close. The Vikings have won a game and got battle tested Week #1 so this should not be any tougher than the Milford game for them. This game is on the road, I will give the slight edge to the Vikings but I am really curious to see how both teams do.

#4 Stephen Decatur (2-0) hosting #5 Kent Island (1-1)-6pm-While this isn't Wicomico-Easton, this will be the second best game this week. This game should be or at least could be a growth game for Kent Island especially in the trenches where this program has always made their bread and butter. KI has seen a similar offense already in Easton so that will be beneficial for their D and DC Tim Goodrich although don't expect to see the same defensive gameplan. The Seahawks have dominated in their first two games but this will be their toughest test to date. Both teams are young and inexperienced in a lot of areas. I just feel that Decatur at home (with what is becoming one of the better home field advantages) with a QB in Brycen Coleman who is a solid dual threat along with a defense who is giving up just 6.5 points a game will allow Decatur to prevail in what should be a tight game at least for a while. I think if Kent Island had a few more games under their belt this could be a straight toss up game. It is a chance for the Bucs to grow regardless of whether they win or not.

-#9 Colonel Richardson (0-2) hosting #13 Washington (0-2)-6pm-A 1A battle where one team will get their first win of the season. The Colonels have had to take their lumps to start the season with a tough schedule albeit with both games at home as this one will be as well. The Jags forfeited last week after being blown out by Wicomico. The Colonels despite being young are further ahead than the Jags, they have one more game under their belt and are at home. The Colonels should win this one. We should have a better idea about the Jags after this one with them playing a similar size team and school.  

#11 Snow Hill (0-2) at Arcadia, VA (1-1)-The Eagles won this game in a blowout at home last season, this one is on the road. In the limited information I have on Arcadia, it looks like their defense is continuing to have issues as they did last year but their offense has been able to score more than they did last season. The Eagles have had two tough games to start the season and are battle tested. I like Snow Hill to win this game in what could be a high scoring affair.

#12 Kent County (0-2) hosting #6 North Caroline (0-2)-6:30pm-A rare 0-2 start for the Bulldogs will have them fired up after a tough schedule to start the season with road games at Queen Anne's and then WiHi last week where they were blown out 42-0. Kent County also has had a rough start to the season and will be at home and eager to get their first win. Caroline however is too experienced and talented. Look for Caroline to let out a lot of aggression and emotion on the Trojans. The Bulldogs should win by multiple scores.

Saturday:

#2 Queen Anne's (2-0) hosting #7 Parkside (2-0)-12pm-The Lions did not get to play last week with Washington forfeiting so they will have had extra time to practice, game plan and will be chomping at the bit to go out, play and get their 3rd win of the season. They will have to shake off any early rust however. For the Rams they are off to a good start and have added an element of a vertical passing game with QB Luke Maciarello which should help their run game. This will be the Rams toughest opponent to date. The Rams run defense will have to be better than it was last week with the Lions boasting RB KJ Smothers. The Lions will have to make sure their interior O-Line is shored up. This will be a great litmus test game for the Rams who will use the North Caroline game as an example that you can go into Centreville and take it down to the wire with the Queen Anne's. The Lions will have to shake off memories of that Week 1 scare where they trailed into the 4th at home. The Rams need to be careful Special Teams does not hinder their chance at winning. I like Queen Anne's at home, well rested and energized with their talent to be able to match and exceed Parkside to get the win.

Week #2: 7-0

2022 Season: 13-1

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