Around the north

Week 6 – A good week to be a football fan.

Games I wish I was going to be at.

Northwest

Frankfort v. Suttons Bay. SB had some struggles last week with Mesick, but really probably should have had the game in hand earlier than they did. Even without Hernandez, SB is a pretty good team. I think SB can get this one done, but look for it to be an interesting game.

Suttons Bay 27 – Frankfort 14

Benzie v. Mesick. This one is interesting due to the importance of the game with regards to making the playoffs. Mesick needs to win out, and has three very winnable games after this one. Benzie only needs to win 3 of 4, but not only will this one be tough, they have Suttons Bay, the Soo, and Ludington left. Looking at the common opponents for these two teams in Frankfort and Kingsley doesn’t tell a whole lot other than it should be a good one. The Loney talk has me favoring Benzie.

Benzie 24 – Mesick 22

Ski Valley

Central Lake v. Mancelona. The big question here is if CL’s QB will be healthy enough to play yet. Mancelona hasn’t won this one since 1998 and likely haven’t had as good of a chance since. The common opponents in Jo-berg and GSM show pretty similar scores. I like that Mancy has possibly finally figured out a coaching situation that works for them, although it still needs to play out some. With only four games left, they have some tough games to get those two wins they need. CL has a slightly easier road to the two wins they need and their QB issues (back or not) might be too much to over come the Duerkson threat. Mancy needs this one more.

Mancelona 18 – CL 13

Bellaire v. Inland Lakes. Is Bellaire the sleeper team of the ski valley this year? They lost a close one to Marion who is doing fairly well. They also handled Forest Area earlier. What I don’t like about Bellaire, is the loss to Onaway. I Lakes has a nice win vs. a depleted Central Lake team, but lost the close one to a questionable Rogers City team. I think Bellaire is headed for the playoffs.

Bellaire 30 – I Lakes 24

Highland

Evart v. Whittemore-Prescott. Evart showed last week that they have the team that can get it done, but this week they get a bigger school with more tradition. WP doesn’t have much for quality wins other than Mio in week one. I think Evart has shown they can put the points on the board.

Evart 34 – WP 26

North Star

Hillman v. Lincoln Alcona. Both of these teams lost close ones to Mio, but Lincoln Alcona got thumped by Rogers City. Hillman lost a tough one to Rogers City. But, then again, both had close games with Au Gres. Hillman has the better shot at the playoffs based on remaining schedule. I think they will recognize that and get it done.

Hillman 22 – Lincoln Alcona 13

Straights Area

Cheboygan v. St. Ignace. This game is probably an easy prediction, but will be interesting to see what Iggy is made of. As opposed to past years, I like the schedule that Iggy has in terms of preparation for a Division 7 playoff game(s). I look for Iggy to play tough early, but Cheboygan will be too much to handle.

Cheboygan 34 – Iggy 14

Other Interest

TC Central v. Gaylord. Not much going on in the Big North this week. This game might not end up close, but TCC’s coach is making things happen quickly. It will be interesting to see how Central hangs around in this one, but Gaylord should get it done

Elk Rapids v. Charlevoix. Charlevoix is looking for a way to salvage their season and ER is looking to clinch the playoff spot. Just not much going on in the LMC this week. Charlevoix might put up more of a fight than expected, but I think ER clinches that spot.

Rudyard v. Rogers City. Both of these teams are looking toward the playoffs. Rudyard at 3-2 has more on the line with Cheboygan still on the schedule. Rudyard gets it done.