2007 nw4a predictions

I've been wating a long while to make a prediction but I cannot wait any longer, here's my call on the NW4A:

1. AC Reynolds: Nobody should get their hopes up that Reynolds may slip just because they have a new coach. They're still very talented and will win the regular season. I will predict through that somebody in the conference will upset them at some point.

2. Watauga: A team that went on a magical ride last year. They have a solid group coming back including Brietenstein but I really wonder if momentum was a big factor in their success? I'll give them the benefit right now by predicting a second place finish but I think they need to come out strong in the non-conference. The fact that they have Shelby and Davie County scheduled means the non-conference will not be a cakewalk, if they play good against them and do what they should do against the "other" non-conference foes (Avery and Ashe) then they'll have another very good season. If they struggle then people are gonna start wanting to call them a one year wonder.

3t. Freedom: Pretty good core group coming back, no one that really stands out but all in all solid. Did they lose anybody of significance to Patton? Seems like that hasn't been clearly answered yet. I would guess they didn't because I have seen Patton go 7 on 7 with McDowell a few weeks ago and I didn't see anything from them that Freedom would really miss. The fact that they have a pretty good core group leads me to believe that they could or should beat East Burke, South Caldwell and maybe Alexander Central. The games with McDowell, Watauga and Reynolds will determine just how far they go.

3t. McDowell: Call me a homer but I have a positive feeling that McDowell breaks through this season and finishes in the top half of the conference and a legit playoff berth. McDowell's success depends on their running back Terrence Kincaid, if he's healthy then they have a chance in just about any game they play this year. Defense is also another key, they gotta make some stops. Also, this team needs to execute the basics...protect the ball, make solid tackles, etc...at least 3 games last year were determined by fumbles and bad snaps alone. If the Titans do that, then with the softer non-conference schedule I see 6 wins as very possible.

5. Alex. Central: Their O and D Lines kept them in a lot of games as weird as that may sound. They won't be able to push as many teams around next year in the trenches. They'll be well coached

6. East Burke: A lot like Alexander Central, they got some hard workers and good coaching but no real athletes at the skill positions.

7. South Caldwell: Like the other two above, they'll work hard but they don't have a lot of talent out there.

 

SC's outlook took a blow as word is that Messer has opted to not play this year and work on baseball. Even though he would be SCs best player it is probablly a wise decision. No need to risk an injury that would affect his senoir year on the mound. He will be sorely missed but for the SC fans the good news is he will be around for BASEBALL

 

All of the possible outcomes for conference finishes are so dependent in football on avoiding injury as a team. You have a couple of quality players get hurt and all of a sudden your whole season can go down the tubes. McDowell could go from a 7 and 3 team to a 3 and 7 team depending upon injury. I imagine there are several other teams like this in the conference. That is why it is so nice as a coach to have some depth on your squad.

 

For some reason I have a feeling Watauga might struggle next year because of what they have to live up to from last year. The pressure is on this year and we'll see if they can handle it.

So for the standings:

1. AC Reynolds
2. Alexander
3. Freedom
4. Watauga
5. McDowell
6. South Caldwell
7. East Burke

 

I agree. Always pulled for Watauga, but I'm not sure they were or will be that good of a football team. Hope I'm wrong, would love to see somebody give A.C. Reynolds a litter more comp.

 

I agree. Always pulled for Watauga, but I'm not sure they were or will be that good of a football team. Hope I'm wrong, would love to see somebody give A.C. Reynolds a little more comp.

 

your crazy... they return their best player... who was also the best player in conference... a bunch of success was also contributed to the line and they have a bigger one this year with a transfer and a new football player.... they didnt lose any position players other then a wide receiver and they are very athletic... watauga will be either first or second

 

Breitenstein is lucky he lasted as long as he did last year with their offense. He averaged 30-40 carries a game. I don't know if he can last the whole season without injury again if they run it that often. Also, how many one point games did Watauga win last year? That requires being clutch added with a little luck. I don't know if the luck will last again. That's just my opinion.

They're playing Davie and Shelby for non conference this year and if they drop both of those (which is very possible) they won't have much confidence going into the conference. Freedom will always be decent or very good. Alexander is gonna scrap and usually gives Watauga fits. AC has two D-1 running backs they can choose from along with the rest of the crew. East Burke....probably not going to give them a game along with McDowell. South will always have a hard nosed team and they will challenge anyone. It's very possible that Watauga can be (upset?) if you call it that.

Did I say they weren't strong...NO...but they've got a lot to live up to and I just dont know if they can do it again this year. I think injuries could be a big problem this year.

 

Yes Watauga has the potential to drop some games, but tell me is there a single game on the schedule they don't have a chance of winning? ACR and Alexander (the only teams who beat watauga in the regular season last year) both come to Boone this season, where the Pioneers only lost one game in '06. Thier road schedule consists of border wars with Avery and Ashe (both easy wins) A trip to Hudson to face the Spartans where the best athelete chose to sit out football and wait for spring and thier stellar baseball team, and two tips to Burke County where Freedom is the only team with a legit chance at the conference. Meanwhile Watauga returns the best running back in the conference, an all state defender, BOTH QBs and most of the line, while transfers pick up the slack and the WR position will be filled by two very talented juniors. Watauga's the real deal, and its not a stretch to say they are a better team than last year, ready for a better schedule than last year.

 

any word on south caldwell?..other then messer sitting out the season