> SOUTHERN INDIANA — Headed into Week 4 of the high school football season, there were two potential top stories that jumped out at me.

First, is Silver Creek’s opportunity to get its first win in two full seasons of varsity football.

Second, is the possibility of blowouts all across Southern Indiana.

Since I’m feeling all positive after a 5-2 showing by our area football teams last week (and one of the losses was to another area team), I decided to stay away from the blowout angle.

Silver Creek is 0-3 this season, 0-10 last year and 0-1 in 2010.  Wait, I’m staying positive.

I am guaranteeing right now that the Dragons will win ... at some point this season. Unless the Crawford County folds its football program before Oct. 12’s regular-season finale — a possibility from everything I’m gathering — the Dragons will not go without a win this season.

Of that, you can have no doubt.

But do I have the guts to pick Silver Creek to finally end its losing streak this week?



SILVER CREEK AT EASTERN

Yes, I am picking Silver Creek.

I did pick the Dragons to beat Springs Valley in the opener — and they had their chances. I did pick them to beat Salem before I realized just how much the Lions have improved since last season.

Like Silver Creek, Eastern has played a tough schedule. And like Silver Creek, the Musketeers struggle to stop opposing offenses.

However, Eastern doesn’t have the offense to get into a shooting match with the Dragons.

It won’t be easy, but I expect Creek’s offense to put enough points on the board for it to pull away late for a two-touchdown victory.

THE PICK: Silver Creek 35, Eastern 19.



INDIAN CREEK AT PROVIDENCE

Although there may be a few blowouts this week, there are a couple of interesting games on the docket, as well — starting with Indian Creek-Providence.

These are two very proud, tradition-rich programs that have become very difficult teams to predict the last couple of years.

Last season, Indian Creek hosted Providence and fell to 1-3 after a 30-22 loss to the Pioneers. All the Braves did was wins a sectional championship later in the season.

Providence opened this season with a loss to a New Albany team that went 1-9 a year ago. All the Pioneers have done is reel off back-to-back impressive wins over Floyd Central and Holy Cross.

Indian Creek’s record is deceptive. It lost to 5A Terre Haute South and a very good 4A Greenwood team. The Braves then had to hold off Class A — granted a good Class A — Eastern Hancock team last week to get their first win.

Of all the games this week, this one is the toughest to call, but I’m starting to believe in the Pioneers.

THE PICK: Providence 33, Indian Creek 23.



BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE AT NEW ALBANY

How strange is it to see Bedford at 0-3 and New Albany at 1-2?

How strange is it that 10 years ago the above question would have seemed like a strange one to ask?

Anyone confused? I am.

While New Albany has the better record, the Stars have the better pedigree. The Bulldogs have closed the gap, but I still expect Bedford to come out on top on Friday.

Read more about this game as the Game of the Week in Friday’s News and Tribune.

THE PICKS: Bedford North Lawrence 34, New Albany 20.



FLOYD CENTRAL AT SEYMOUR

Of all of the games expected to be blowouts on Friday, this is the one that may surprise.

I haven’t given up on Seymour yet as this year’s breakout team in the Hoosier Hills Conference. I can see the Owls winning three or four games and getting in the top-half of the league standings en route to a true turnaround in the next couple of seasons.

Highlander running back Garry Posey is not going to be a secret to Jeff Richey and the Owls coaching staff after last week’s 405-yard performance.

Floyd Central should win, but this game may be much closer than some expect.

THE PICK: Floyd Central 28, Seymour 26.



MADISON AT JEFFERSONVILLE

Hey, have you heard that Madison has never beaten Jeff?

Of course you have. We write it every year, and until Madison does something about it, you will continue to hear about it every year.

That’s Jeff 37, Madison 0 in case you’ve lost count.

The Cubs had their shot against a reeling Jeff program the last couple of years. They missed their window of opportunity.

THE PICKS: Jeffersonville 55, Madison 7.



NORTH HARRISON AT CHARLESTOWN

North Harrison has been beaten a combined 66-0 the last two weeks. Neither Corydon Central nor Salem is as good as Charlestown.

I have a feeling the Pirate defense isn’t very happy about giving up 18 points last week, even if most of the points did come against the second team defense.

I’m calling shutout.

THE PICK: Charlestown 56, North Harrison 0.



CLARKSVILLE AT CORYDON CENTRAL

Corydon scored 70 points last week against Silver Creek. Clarksville gave up 68 against Charlestown.

The math isn’t good for the Generals. Hopefully their pass defense is strong. Otherwise, Chase Burton is going to have a big, big night.

THE PICK: Corydon Central 56, Clarksville 14.