We have a great first week of high school and college football. We pick the biggest games of the weekend with an added, fun twist to the high school games this season.
Disclaimer: The odds on the high school games are fictional odds strictly for fun purposes. There is no wagering or betting on high school games and no money was exchanged. Again. It is strictly for fun.
High School
Falmouth @ Kennebunk
Fictional Line: Falmouth -3.5
Fictional O/U: 46.5
Pick: Kennebunk
Why: The Rams are at home and I expect a shootout between two teams that can score points. Give me the Rams in a tight one. They win it as a fictional dog at home.
North Kingstown @ LaSalle
Fictional Line: LaSalle -6.5
Fictional Over Under: 44.5
Pick: LaSalle
Why: The Rams are loaded and while NK returns a talented senior class led by Nick Stafford, the Rams have some key new faces that make them one of the favorites in the state. I’m taking the Rams to cover this fictional line.
South Portland @ Bonny Eagle
Fictional Line: Bonny Eagle -7.5
Fictional O/U: 38.5
Pick: Bonny Eagle
Why? The Scots are back and ready to make a legitimate run in Class A. South Portland could keep this close but the Scots pull away in the second half and open the season with a win.
Nashua South at Bedford
Fictional Line: Bedford –3.5
Fictional O/U: 36.5
Pick: Bedford
Why? Both programs had to regroup so I expect a tight, low scoring opener as the defenses do their thing while the offenses figure it out. Nashua South will be better than people think but I’m leaning towards the legendary Tom Babaian winning his first game as Bulldogs head coach.
Chaminade (N.Y) at Bishop Hendricken
Fictional Line: Bishop Hendricken by -7
Fictional O/U: 35.5
Pick: Hendricken
Why? Chaminade is coming off of a 21-10 loss to Kellenberg last week. The Hawks are chomping at the bit to get started. Elijah Guertin and company are looking to get after it and they will. I like the Hawks to win by two scores.
College
UMass at Rutgers
Line: Rutgers -29.5
O/U: 55.5
Pick: Rutgers
Why? The Scarlet Knights have potent offense returning led by former Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan and their defense has been re-tooled and they can get pressure. There is something different about this UMass program. I actually think they keep this game close. Take the Minutemen as road dogs in what should be a competitive game.
Boston College @ Cincinnati
Line: Cincinnati by -7.5
O/U: 50.5
Pick: Boston College
Why? I believe the Boston College defense is legit and they will keep the Bearcats offense in check. Enough for Mason McKenzie and the running game to do their thing. I like the Eagles as a dog on the road and take the under.
Lafayette @ UConn
Line: UConn by -19.5
O/U: 51.5
Pick: UConn
Why? I like the Huskies to cover this number and win the first game of the Jason Camdle era. Regardless of the opponent, getting off to a good start is key for UConn.