> SOUTHERN INDIANA — I don’t make guarantees often, mostly because of how often I am wrong.

However, I guarantee the following: Jeffersonville will win its first game of 2010 on Friday night against Madison at Blair Field — and earn the first victory in Indiana for coach Bob Redman.

The Red Devils will win easily — and they will score at will. Dalton Conway — with his new favorite weapon, Tyrone Williams — will have his way with the Cubs.

THE PICK: Jeffersonville 42, Madison 21.



BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE AT NEW ALBANY

New Albany’s offense has been spectacular.

Led by quarterback Chris Whitehead and tailback Jalen Forrest, the Bulldogs have scored touchdowns on 16 of their 23 possessions in 2010.

The problem is, the Bulldog defense hasn’t been up to the task. Except for taking advantage of Castle mistakes in a Week 2 win, New Albany’s defense has been at fault in two close losses.

With Kevin Roth at the helm, New Albany may fix its defense — eventually.

However, with Bedford North Lawrence on the schedule this week, there’s little hope for improvement.

The Stars had Jeffersonville completely off balance in last week’s 47-21 win over the Red Devils. If Bedford coach Brett Szabo hadn’t called off the dogs after the Stars’ first possession of the second half (Bedford didn’t throw a pass in the second half), his team may have put up 70 on Jeff.

The Stars’ offense is as creative as any in the state. If the Bulldog defense doesn’t show something it hasn’t this season, Bedford could actually put up 70 this week.

Oh yeah, the Stars’ defense isn’t bad, either.

THE PICK: Bedford North Lawrence 42, New Albany 20.

 

FLOYD CENTRAL AT SEYMOUR

This just in: Floyd Central isn’t rebuilding.

The Highlanders are strong in 2010. Really strong.

They contended with Kentucky powerhouse Male before impressive wins over Providence and Madison.

Friday will be the Highlanders’ third of four straight wins before three straight tough games that will decide their Hoosier Hills Conference fate.

THE PICK: Floyd Central 35, Seymour 16.

 

INDIAN CREEK AT PROVIDENCE

Associated Press voters react more to losses than how teams perform.

This is definitely the case with Providence. The loss to defending Class 5A sectional champion Floyd Central was far from a bad loss, yet the Pioneers dropped out of the Class 2A polls.

Even with injuries, this week the Pioneers get to prove that they belong in that poll when they beat Class 3A No. 11 — and unbeaten — Indiana Creek.

THE PICK: Providence 35, Indian Creek 22.



CLARKSVILLE AT CORYDON CENTRAL

Unfortunately for the Panthers, their crusade for their first-ever Mid-Southern Conference title ended with a 17-14 loss to Brownstown Central last week. There is no one on Brownstown’s schedule with much of a chance to knock off the Braves.

THE PICK: Corydon Central 41, Clarksville 7.

 

CHARLESTOWN AT PEKIN EASTERN

The Pirates showed last week that they are still a strong squad. They’ll be challenged in the next two weeks by Providence (Sept. 17) and Corydon Central (Sept. 24), but they’ll cruise to a victory this week.

THE PICK: Charlestown 39, Pekin Eastern 14.

 

OTHER AREA GAMES

• Brownstown Central 49, Salem 14: After the Braves’ wins over Charlestown and Corydon in back-to-back weeks, the MSC race is virtually over.

• Columbus East 52, Jennings County 14: East will not shut down Jennings’ star Iyan Bass, but it has enough to slow him down. On the other hand, the Panthers will have no answers for East’s offense.

• Paoli 38, North Harrison 18: Paoli has given up one score in three weeks. North Harrison can dent the scoreboard, but not nearly enough to beat the Rams.

• SEASON RECORD: 31-10.

Contact Greg Mengelt at greg.mengelt@newsandtribune.com.