Justin Barney, Times Union, North FL picks, week 4

[Phac Nam]

All games Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. unless indicated

* Indicates district game

Atlantic Coast (1-2, 0-0) at Fletcher (2-1, 0-0)*: Senators won in a video-game performance at the wire last week.

TU pick: Fletcher 27, Atlantic Coast 17.



Baker County (1-1, 0-0) at Menendez (1-2, 0-0)*: Wildcats are probably a darkhorse district pick in 5-5A.

TU pick: Baker 32, Menendez 14.



Bartram Trail (2-1, 0-0) at Fleming Island (1-1, 0-0), 7:30*: Intriguing game for both teams. The Bears’ QB rotation of Jordan Smith and Joey Gatewood has looked good though.

TU pick: Bartram 27, Fleming 23.



Bishop Kenny (1-2, 0-0) at Westside (1-2, 0-0)*: The Crusaders were physically worn down in this game last year. They take the district reins early.

TU pick: BK 27, Westside 20.



Clay (1-2, 0-0) at Orange Park (2-1, 0-0)*: Get well soon wishes to Clay QB Jake Smith, who broke his collarbone last week and is out for the season. Raiders try for their first win in this series since 2009, but denied in a close one.

TU pick: Clay 20, OP 17.


Lee (2-1, 0-0) at Columbia (3-0, 0-0), 7:30*: Field conditions pushed this from a home game to a road game for the Generals. They’ve really picked it up after a Week 1 loss, but the Tigers have been on another level.

TU pick: Columbia 35, Lee 21.



Creekside (0-3) at Providence (0-2): The Stallions cranked up their offense last week, both running and passing. I don’t think the Knights will be able to stop them.

TU pick: Providence 38, Creekside 14.


DeLand (1-2, 0-0) at Mandarin (3-0, 0-0)*: The Mustangs got a good, physical football game in last week against Ribault, just what they needed as 1-8A play begins.

TU pick: Mandarin 28, DeLand 20.



Eagle’s View (1-1) at Bell (1-2), 7:30: Warriors lost last week, but I’ll pick ‘em again, this time, on the road.

TU pick: Eagle’s View 20, Bell 13.



Episcopal (2-1) at West Nassau (2-0): I like this game as one of the best in the area in Week 4. The Warriors have been very good in their two wins.

TU pick: West Nassau 33, Episcopal 28.



Gainesville Buchholz (2-1, 0-0) at Oakleaf (3-0, 0-0)*: The best opponent that the Knights have seen this season. The Bobcats will throw it a ton and see what that Oakleaf secondary is all about.

TU pick: Oakleaf 24, Buchholz 14.



Halifax Academy (0-3) at Potter’s House (1-2): The Lions took down one team from the FHSAA last week and will do it again this week.

TU pick: Potter’s House 20, Halifax 7.



Keystone Heights (1-1) at Bishop Snyder (2-1): Indians hand Snyder its second consecutive loss.

TU pick: Keystone 20, Snyder 14.



Melbourne (0-2) at St. Augustine (3-0): Yellow Jackets coach Joey Wiles faces the school that he was both an assistant and a head coach at. All St. Augustine.

TU pick: St. Augustine 32, Melbourne 14.



Middleburg (0-3, 0-0) at Englewood (2-1, 0-0)*: Rams came crashing back down to earth last week at Lee, but they’ll be 1-0 in District 4-6A play by the end of Friday night.

TU pick: Englewood 27, Middleburg 13.



Nease (2-1, 0-0) at White (0-3, 0-0)*: This is essentially a playoff elimination game because I don’t see any team in 4-6A catching St. Augustine.

TU pick: White 27, Nease 21.



Paxon (1-2, 0-0) at Ribault (0-3, 0-0)*: The Trojans have lost a pair of close games to quality teams and are much better than the donut shows.

TU pick: Ribault 35, Paxon 14.



Ridgeview (1-2, 0-0) at Palatka (0-2, 0-0), 7:30*: In a game of Panthers, I’ll go with the ones from 904.

TU pick: Ridgeview 27, Palatka 24.



Spruce Creek (2-1, 0-0) at Sandalwood (3-0, 0-0)*: With how Eli Peters, Phil Benker and Logan Wright have been playing, I don’t think Creek can outscore the Saints.

TU pick: Sandalwood 28, Spruce Creek 21.



St. Joseph (3-0) at Gainesville Oak Hall (2-0): How about the Flashes’ unbeaten start? It continues for another week.

TU pick: St. Joseph 26, Oak Hall 20.



Union County (3-0, 0-0) at Hilliard (1-1, 0-0), 7:30*: Big chance for both teams in 6-1A, although I don’t think the Red Flashes can slow Union.

TU pick: Union 33, Hilliard 13.



West Orange (3-0) at Trinity Christian (3-0), 7:30: Pound for pound, the best matchup of the night. Big opponents like the IMGs and Bufords tend to get Trinity’s attention.

TU pick: Trinity 21, West Orange 17.



Yulee (2-1, 0-0) at Suwannee (1-1, 0-0), 7:30*: Hornets just don’t have the offense to keep pace with the Bulldogs. Suwannee is the heavy favorite in 3-5A.

TU pick: Suwannee 35, Yulee 14.


http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blo...in-barneys-week-4-football-picks-white-gets-w

High school football season is back, and with it, my weekly predictions blog. Depending on quality of the matchups, I’ll pick between 18 and 24 games each week, a few more if the schedule offers some compelling matchups, and then every game throughout the playoffs.

The picks will be available on Jacksonville.com each Thursday, followed by my Snap Judgments blog on the weekend. If you’ve got something to share or want to tell me what a fool I am for picking one team over another, feel free to reach out on Twitter @JustinBarneyTU, or email me at Justin.barney@jacksonville.com.

 

[Phac Nam]

What does this guy know that the rest of us don't? Joe Pinko places the line at Fletcher by 1...Justin Barney calls Fletcher by 10??

 

[Hwy17]

What does this guy know that the rest of us don't? Joe Pinko places the line at Fletcher by 1...Justin Barney calls Fletcher by 10??

Perhaps he's actually seen the two teams play?

 

[Neutral 0bserver]

Not to offend anyone, but the so-called "experts" is exactly that. "So-called". Nu'Trelle never go by anything they say.

As most regular readers know, nothing interest Nu'Trelle more than pick-ems and polls. He especially like the contests/rankings where you supposed to select between teams in Florida that you probably had no chance to see because they a few hundred mile from your trailer.

As a consequence, Nu'Trelle have always be force to watch video and still do so religiously between 150-200 hours per week during the regular season. Back when you had to use VCR, Nu'Trelle would normally go through 7 or 8 per season.

Little known fack: While Wavebb (who run the now defunct "Wave Index") was in the Casino spendin checks that fans was sendin in to get good rankings, Nu'Trelle was hard at work studyin game footage round the clock!

Some may axst, why didn't Nu'Trelle ever win no picke'em contests on FL Varsity? Easy ... he didn't enter because he didn't want contest organizers to have to answer why he were 10-0 week after week. When they officially disbanded the contest, Nu'Trelle had went over 750 games wiff out a wrong pick (had he entered the contest, that is).

So read what the experts have to say, but if you want solid info, do the work yourself. Just don't axst Nu'trelle anything cause - unlike SPCJessica2004 - he ain't believe it pay to give out no info on nothin. Some body like Cat_scratch, Daytona Dan, or even jambun82 might use all Nu'Trelle hard work to make a pile of cash, nomsayin?

 

[Hwy17]

Like the time Hwy17 listened to the "experts", and picked Aquinas, Fort Meade and Bolles to win in that week's pick'em. Then all three lost.

 

[Phac Nam]

I must admit, I am enjoying the banter...but I suppose no Jax Beach folks peruse this particular forum who could actually address my question?

 

[Neutral 0bserver]

I must admit, I am enjoying the banter...but I suppose no Jax Beach folks peruse this particular forum who could actually address my question?

Patience, pateience. All good things come to those who wait. If memory serve correck, all the serious Jax Beach fans sleeps in on Friday mornings.

 

[Phac Nam]

it takes a lot of the hair of the dog to revive those beach rats

 

[Phac Nam]

Steve Barry (I feel like maybe I'm not allowed to say his name?) on here anymore?

 

[blackpopsicle]

I'm a townie fool, and I can tell you all you need to know about this game.

ACHS is soft. Been soft since they got off. Bunch of middle class kids that couldnt afford to live at the beach and some imported athletes that couldn't do anything at the schools where they were. When they couldn't start at First Coast, Ed White, Wolfson and Stanton, they ended up at AC. Still soft since they got off.
Sullivan is gone and they can beat a Bishop Kenny or two, but solid schools mash them up like rotted fruit.

Craig Sadler, if you betting on HS games, you don't have to go to charter to get help, but go somewhere.

 

[Neutral 0bserver]

Steve Barry (I feel like maybe I'm not allowed to say his name?) on here anymore?

Mr HiSchool (Steve B.) ain't been postin much since he stepped down as publisher of FL Varsity and started as HC at a private academy in the JAX area.

redfishron - one of Mr HiSchool's most ardent supporters - have tryed everything he can think of to get Steve back, but to no avail. But, as they say, it's early.

Silver King (who have been M.I.A. for a few days) may be able to provide further info.

 

[Phac Nam]

dang, Neut...you got yourself a black book on all the posters, huh? Only one reason a man keeps that close of a tab on the comings and goings and gut sizes and facial hair of a place like this...

 

[Phac Nam]

Ain't no way Steve's coaching up in Jax...where? North Harvest Community Preserve Charter of the Potter?

 

[Phac Nam]

I'm a townie fool, and I can tell you all you need to know about this game.

ACHS is soft. Been soft since they got off. Bunch of middle class kids that couldnt afford to live at the beach and some imported athletes that couldn't do anything at the schools where they were. When they couldn't start at First Coast, Ed White, Wolfson and Stanton, they ended up at AC. Still soft since they got off.
Sullivan is gone and they can beat a Bishop Kenny or two, but solid schools mash them up like rotted fruit.

Craig Sadler, if you betting on HS games, you don't have to go to charter to get help, but go somewhere.

uh, thems fighting words, b'pop

 

[Neutral 0bserver]

dang, Neut...you got yourself a black book on all the posters, huh? Only one reason a man keeps that close of a tab on the comings and goings and gut sizes and facial hair of a place like this...

Why you actin out against Nu'Trelle??? It's damn blackpopsicle who all over you this morning!

 

[Phac Nam]

Nothing but love, Neut...I'm down with b'pop like two flat tires, too. I'm just saying that Neut appears to be running some KGB-type recon on the folks who share his airspace...big brother will watch because watching is what he does...am I right?

 

[Phac Nam]

Phac Nam would rather run with ali babas than be a shower tech for the man...you know what I mean?

 

[TCMan]

Phac Nam would rather run with ali babas than be a shower tech for the man...you know what I mean?

Phac: I'm with you on the ACHS / Fletcher question. Justin does a great job on local HS football coverage, but occasionally throws out an odd pick or two. I think he over estimated Fletcher in this one against ACHS. Fletcher is always good, but questions came up in my mind when they allowed a Providence team to hang around with them and actually score 40+ points. Providence actually should have won the game. This is same Providence team that was beaten badly (39-0) by 2A University Christian ( my pick for the 2A state title ). Still, I think Fletcher wins a very close one. Justin's other odd pick this week is my team (Trinity Christian ) beating 8A power West Orange. West Orange is simply loaded and the #5 team in Florida regardless of classification. TCJax is good this year, but beating a loaded 8A team? Don't see that happening (I hope I'm wrong but.....)

 

[Phac Nam]

A lot of things with the Fletcher-AC pick that have brought me pause...wasn't it just a week of two ago that McCrone got in some hot water over a couple altercations with a player and the player's brother? Just seems like there might be a lot of distractions around the Senators that wouldn't necessarily lead to positive results, right? Secondly, saying Trinity is "good" is like saying Usain Bolt is fast...to Kevin Bacon this sucker a little bit more, that UC team who walked Providence (39-0) just got their tallywhackers nipped by your Conquerors last week at UC...and UC is still the #1 team in 2A, even after the loss - am I right? I think CVD might just have the boys in blue hitting on all cylinders this evening...with all that said, yes - traditionally, picking a 3A team over an 8A team is pure silliness...and usually plays to last week's post-of-the-week detailing why large schools should not schedule small schools...however, I've got to say it again...WO will show up ready to buckle their chinstraps tight tonight!

 

[Phac Nam]

I ain't one to make libelous claims - and certainly not against a coach...so here is a link to the story with Coach McCrone's side of the incident...again, just saying that these things are distractions...
http://www.news4jax.com/news/assistant-football-coach-says-he-didnt-kick-player/35067126

 

[Phac Nam]

Jeff's daddy was a heckuva football coach back in the day...

 

[blackpopsicle]

Mr HiSchool (Steve B.) ain't been postin much since he stepped down as publisher of FL Varsity and started as HC at a private academy in the JAX area.

redfishron - one of Mr HiSchool's most ardent supporters - have tryed everything he can think of to get Steve back, but to no avail. But, as they say, it's early.

.

I think Mr High and Seacoast High and Upholstery School had philosophical differences and Mr. High told them to stick it in their Phillistines. Mr. High is a man of god and they wanted him to go get the players he needed to fill that bookcase fulla trophies. Mr. High ain't bout no lyin, stealin, rule breakin, or disrespectin the tradition and honor that is 8 man football.

RFR tried to give Mr. High some plays and he wouldn't even try to run em. If he had , he'd still be in that gig and kids would be knocking down the door to transfer fair and square. RFR told me it was an olive branch, but, well, you know how Mr. High can be. Don't ask RFR about it, you know how defensive he can be.

 

[blackpopsicle]

I'm a townie fool, and I can tell you all you need to know about this game.

ACHS is soft. Been soft since they got off. Bunch of middle class kids that couldnt afford to live at the beach and some imported athletes that couldn't do anything at the schools where they were. When they couldn't start at First Coast, Ed White, Wolfson and Stanton, they ended up at AC. Still soft since they got off.
Sullivan is gone and they can beat a Bishop Kenny or two, but solid schools mash them up like rotted fruit.

Craig Sadler, if you betting on HS games, you don't have to go to charter to get help, but go somewhere.

I was wrong. Props to the fighting Elliotts. Down by 17 going into the fourth, come back to win it by 7. That's raw dog right there.

 

[Phac Nam]

Pham Nam knew something was amiss with those beach rats...too many distractions for even a quality program to consistently overcome...

 

[Phac Nam]

TCMan...Usain Bolt is fast...real fast! Lol...you can't keep trying to hide CVD's Conquerors...let them outrun the big dogs!

 

[TCMan]

TCMan...Usain Bolt is fast...real fast! Lol...you can't keep trying to hide CVD's Conquerors...let them outrun the big dogs!

Phac- you were right on this one. I was a little doubtful on TC winning this one after seeing WO beat Dr. Phillips last week ( btw DP barely lost in the final minutes to 8A champ Apopa last night). West Orange is a massive team, led by 6'3", 235 lb auburn commit QB Woody Barrett. They also have two of the biggest tackles I've seen, one of which is committed to Florida. They were ranked around #70 in the nation by maxpreps coming into the game. But Coach V and his staff had TCJAX ready to play last night. West Orange had a nice drive to start the game that ended in a turnover. After that, it was all TC as they went up 28-7 at the half and put WO on a running clock in the middle of the third quarter. When they are this focused and disciplined, this might be the best TCJax offense I can remember. Not sure how the rest of the season will play out with match ups against Godby and Lincoln ( and 3 district games), but last night was a dominant performance against a West Orange team that still has realistic hopes of a 8A state championship. Nice call on this one and the fletcher game Phac .

 

[Phac Nam]

Thanks, TC...you hit it on the head for Trinity - and any other team, for that matter..."when they are focused"...tough job for a football coach to try and corral fifty 16-18 year-old males and get them all pulling in one direction!