Confucius says, The Great Burnzini is a very wise man and if you listen to his prognostications regarding prep football, you will be wise too!!!

 

Coming off a 28-6 record in my first two weeks of picks, I have a hard time blaming Confucius for giving me props. As many an ESPN Sportscenter anchor once said, I am indeed, "En Fuego". Lets home the heat continues and here we go with looking into the crystal ball for week 3.

 

Week 3 - Top Games

 

Troy v. Clarkston - Marquee showdown of the night in the OC, pitting a pair of veteran-laden 2-0 teams with first place in the OAA at stake. Clarkston's grandstand is certain to be packed and no doubt the atmosphere will be electric. Basically, it will be everything that is great about high school sports - Two talented squads, each with outstanding and rabid fan bases, getting it on with early-season bragging rights at stake. Dakota Bender finally breaks out, going for 200-plus and a trio of scores in a narrow Wolves 'W'.

 

Clarkston 28 Troy 24

 

Farmington Hills Harrison v. Southfield - The second best matchup of the night for sure. Blazing hot Harrison QB Vince Salatino and his cagey "Posse" of productive receivers - I'm talking to you Aaron Burbridge, Sidney Coleman, Jailen Kelly, and David Evans - head into Blue Jays Stadium to face a doggedly-determined Southfield team that has one heckuva running game and a playmaking-inspired defense. The mega-surprising Salatino and the Herrington boys remain toasty, slipping by the host 'Jays in dramatic fashion - Salatino to Burbridge for the winning score in double OT

 

Harrison 34 Southfield 31 (2 OT)

 

Birmingham Brother Rice v. Highland Park - Are the Polar Bears for real? After a 2-0 start to the year, including a nice road win vs. highly-thought of Orchard Lake St. Mary's team in Week 2 goes a long way for their case for legitimacy. However, Al Fracassa's Warriors are not the Eaglets. I am quite content to say there will be no let down coming off relatively-easy wins against UofD-Jesuit and Toledo St. John's in the first two weeks of the season and Rice will bring Highland Park down to earth by halftime. This one will be over quick. Frankie Popp goes for another four scores this week, minus the the four picks and the BR Orange and Black Tribe roll, sending a message crosstown to CC that they're ready for their week 4 grudge match.

 

Broteher Rice 45 Highland Park 17

 

Novi Detroit Catholic Central v. Monroe - Niko Palazetti. Niko Palazetti. Niko Palazetti......what a player! Is this guy a a semi-truck or a football player? His battering-ram style of running is a throwback and he's been carrying a good chunk of the offensive  load for CC with the absence of backfield mate Anthony Capatina due to injury. Senior QB Sam Landry is starting to come into his own and is playing at the highest level he has since taking over under center. CC wins big, also announcing to all, including Rice, that they too are more than ready for week 4 at home against the Warriors.

 

CC 43 Monroe 20

 

Oak Park v. Lake Orion - Are you kidding me? Oak Park=punching bag! Love me some Mario Evans, but the Knights just aren't even close to LO's stratosphere. 

 

LO 49 Oak Park 14

 

Melvindale ABT v. Orchard Lake St. Mary's - This is a game that should not be taking place.  

 

OLSM 55 Melvindale ABT 7

 

Birmingham Detroit Country Day v. Muskegon Catholic Central - The Yellowjackets first real test of the season. Josh Harris gets his swagger on, hooking up with Kenny Knight for a couple of Td tosses, to help bring home a 'W' for DCD. Jason Ray gets a TD apiece on offense and 'D', while collecting a team high dozen tackles.

 

DCD 24 MCC 20

 

Troy Athens v. Southfield-Lathrup - Justin Davis and Montrell Robinson get busy and give the Chargers home crowd a lot to cheer about. Davis runs for two scores, Robinson catches two, and Justin Taliafero continues to impress.

 

SL 35 Athens 21