Steve Dunford-Franklin County Hoops and Gridiron

There are three boys’ games on tap this evening for the county teams.  The Benton Rangers host the Carmi-White County Bulldogs; (both teams are undefeated) the Christopher Bearcats host the Waltonville Spartans; and the Sesser-Valier Red Devils travel to Johnston City.  It is safe to say this is the best docket of games for the regular season.

Carmi-White County (6-0 ) at Benton (6-0)

The Bulldogs have been survivors in most of their games.  Benton had their first barn burner down at Herrin Friday night.  It has been well documented the heroics of Timmy Henson at the end of the game.

I see a little match-up problems possibly inside for the Rangers tonight.  However, the Rangers are what everyone expected coming into this year.  This is the first of three games this week for the Rangers in the newly renovated Rich Herrin gym.

After being road warriors, the Rangers will be pumped to be home in their new digs.  I am going Rangers by seven.

Waltonville (3-2) at Christopher (2-2)

The Spartans were expected by most to cut down the nets in the Christopher Turkey Tournament.  Instead they were defeated by Wayne City and Webber Township to take home fourth place.

Bradley Young is long overdue for the Bearcats.  I feel for the opponent when he lights it up for 30+ one night.  Jared Curry has been playing exceptionally well.  I wonder if Kaleab Pedigo and his running mate from last year, Isaac McPhail will guard each other.

This was penciled in by most prognosticators (I don’t know if I qualify for that or not) to be the championship game of the Turkey Tournament.  The Bearcats would have come in the underdogs into the championship game.  I have to go with Christopher by three in a dandy tonight.

Sesser-Valier (2-4) at Johnston City (3-4)

The Indians has fallen off the face of the earth.  When they were off to a 3-0 start I was seeing a possible number one seed at the Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament.  They now have a number eight seed.

I can see SIU football bound Max Edwards causing problems on the board for the Devils.  When I watched some video from Goreville, it seemed like JC lived and died by the three.  I don’t know what happened in their two blowout losses, but it seems like the home run ball is gone.

After S-V defeated Chester at home, their stock is on the rise.  It is a bearish market for the Indians.  I am going with Red Devils by five.