You’re probably wondering why I waited an extra day to post this article. It’s because I was blindsided by missing on one of last week’s picks. I was outdone by Keith Knepp. I graciously allowed his pick into my article and then foolishly picked against him. Keith picked NorthWood over Jimtown and was correct. That’s right, Kosciusko, I was outdone by an amateur.

I, a Certified Prep Picker (pending), was outdone by a guy that passes gas for fun. What is the world coming to? I needed an extra day to realize that I can no longer continue picking games after being embarrassed last week. I am turning in my hat, tie, pen and sports jacket. This is my final picks arti—

*Door opens, random employee slides paper onto my desk*

I’ve just been informed that I cannot quit. I am contractually obligated to continue picking games until management says I can stop.

In that case, let me talk about something other than Keith. (Which, by the way, Keith is still the guy with the best snacks in the office. Seriously, stop by the office sometime and grab some. He does not care. Tell him I sent you, he might even make a wise crack about you, if you’re lucky enough.)

I won’t be at any games this weekend as I have best man duties at a wedding. My best friend is getting hitched and there is nothing I can do to save him at this point. KIDDING…I’m kidding. The bride is actually wonderful, though she is a *gags* Kentucky fan.

In all seriousness, I do wish them the absolute best, even though it means that I am being effectively replaced as his best friend. Tom and Katie, if you happen to find time to read this before the wedding, I love you both and am honored to get to share your special day with you. Also, please play “The Electric Slide” at the reception.

Last Week: 5-2
Overall: 5-2

High School Football 8/28

LaVille (1-0) at Triton (1-0), 7 p.m.
The Scoop: Triton held on for a nice victory last week over Caston. Getting that first win can sometimes be the toughest part of the season. Triton has win No. 1 but that second victory might be hard to get this week.
LaVille beat the Trojans twice last season and effectively ended Triton’s postseason run with a 15-0 shutout in the second round of sectionals. That LaVille squad was stopped by No. 1 Winamac the following week, finished the season 8-4 and returns nine starting positions on both sides of the ball. A big win last week (33-7 vs. West Central) already has this Lancer team feeling good. I love what Jeremy Jones does with the football but he will need to have a really big game for Triton to come out on top.
Nick’s Pick: LaVille 26, Triton 14.

Wawasee (1-0) at West Noble (0-1), 7 p.m.
The Scoop: You can call it boring, you can call it slow, you can even call it boring (again). You can call Wawasee’s new offense whatever you like as long as you call it successful. We’re just one week in but Wawasee has gotten past a huge obstacle in winning a game with its new triple option offense. The Warriors downed Griffith 21-7 thanks to a fourth quarter where they held possession for over 10 minutes and scored twice. West Noble is a bigger team than Griffith, but not more athletic and the Chargers are coming off of a tough OT loss against Central Noble.
I’m sure we’ll see some new wrinkles in Wawasee’s offense this week but I’m still leaning on the Warriors defense here. I said those boys would be swarming and they were. A steady pass rush from a long list of Warriors gave Griffith fits all night, look for more of the same this week.
Nick’s Pick: Wawasee 24, West Noble 8.

Warsaw (1-0) at East Noble (1-0), 7 p.m.
The Scoop: I see you, Will McGarvey.
I talked all about the Tigers defense last week but mentioned nobody on offense then Mr. McGarvey goes out and scores three touchdowns. McGarvey added 91 yards rushing to his hat trick. A tip of the cap to you, Will. Now don’t be misled, the defense did its job, too. In fact, the unit was excellent in helping Warsaw get a big win.
This week will be tougher with a talented East Noble team on the horizon, but the Tigers get to go to Kendallville and play on that fast turf up there. I think that will be huge for Riley Rhoades, is it possible for this kid to look faster? We’ll find out and I think East Noble we’ll find out a few times Friday night.
Hey, if I take a page from the LSU Tigers and start using “Geaux Tigers” with Warsaw stuff, will Dave Anson start serving jumbalaya at Warsaw home games? Just a thought, a really delicious thought.
Nick’s Pick: Warsaw 20, East Noble 10.

Whitko (1-0) at Columbia City (0-1), 7 p.m.
The Scoop: Apparently the Wildcats were mad that I only picked them to win by nine points. Whitko went out a dominated Cambridge City Lincoln 49-6. The Wildcats also racked up over 400 yards of offense in the process. Columbia City struggles to get anything going against an athletic Warsaw team, so I don’t have much to go on with the Eagles.
Wildcat quarterback Garrett Elder appeared to be well in control last Friday night and I expect him to get out and run some more this week. With a 49-6 win it’s hard to ask for improvements but I’ll challenge the Whitko defense to hold a steaming team Eagles under 20 points. Pressure the QB and everything else will fall into place.
Whitko usually comes out beat up in this game but the Wildcats have not beaten Columbia City since 1998, THE TIME IS NOW.
Nick’s Pick: Whitko 22, Columbia City 15.

Western (0-1) at Tippecanoe Valley (0-1), 7:30 p.m.
The Scoop: Valley had some mistakes and put itself in a hole last week and ran out of time against Culver Academy. Western also fell short in its season opener with Frankfort, 38-29. This Western team has some experienced players and should be poised to have a decent season. Both of these teams need this win and playing at home can certainly help the Vikings here.
This game will come down to controlling the ball and minimizing the kind of mistakes that doomed the Vikings last week. There is still a lot of unknowns in week two, especially for a team like Valley that is breaking in a new coach. I’ll give the Vikings the benefit of the doubt here. Calling two scores for Garrett Bell didn’t quite work out last week so I’ll call two scores from Alec Craig. Passing, rushing, I won’t be picky. It’s your call, Alec.
Nick’s Pick: Valley 34, Western 28.