Mr. Pickem's Weekly Football Predictions

Week 6 October 7, 2022

#2 Carroll Bulldogs (4-0) @ #9 Wossman Wildcats (3-2)

It's that time of the year again. That time when the leaves fall, the fair is in town and the baby bayou classic is staring us right in the eyes. That's right it's Carroll vs Wossman week. The history of this rivalry dates all the way back to the late 1980's after their closure of the original Richwood High School, Carroll went searching for a new rival and found one just 4 miles down the road. This year's game may be one of the most anticipated one of them all. Wossman will look to defend their turf again after an impressive 38-6 home win over North Webster last week. Starting QB Tristan Wooten was held out due to an injury, but backup QB Travis Lynch filled in admirably. The sophomore didn't have to throw it often but gashed the knights with over 120 yards on the ground including a 7-yard score. Meanwhile, the 'cats defense scored for 4th game this season when de Tylee Gray took a scoop and score 30 yards for a score.

Carroll has been hitting on all cylinders this season and last week's game was a perfect way to head into a rival game. The 'dogs demolished Bastrop 62-0 for homecoming led by Amaryea Greely's 3 touchdown performance. The senior tailback also rushed for 135 yards and has over 500 yards on the season in just 4 games. First year head coach has silenced the critics with an undefeated start to the season and this current roster of bulldogs have bought in to what he's selling. The 'dogs defense has been nothing short of amazing as well. Dt JY Brown and company have kept opposing offense to 7ppg as they head into their second district road test of the year.

Both schools went in another direction at the end of the 2021 season. Carroll opted with former alum, Brandon Landers while Wossman went outside and grabbed Terence Cahee (formerly of Lake Charles College Prep) and although neither hire came with unanimous applause, both schools seem to have gotten it right. Cahee even went out hired former bulldog's defensive coordinator Greg Boxley to call his defense. So far, so good as the wildcats' defense/special teams has scored 8 touchdowns in 5 games. However, Cahee hasn't faced an offense that will have the tempo and speed of the bulldogs. Landers' no-huddle, hurry-up offense has generated an average of 44 ppg for the 'dogs making it hard for opposing teams to keep up. In 4 games no team has come within 4 touchdowns of the 'dogs. However, you can throw all the stats and numbers out when these 2 teams play because no matter the quality of the player, the level of the intensity will be at 100% this Friday. If Tristan Wooten is available, the 'cats could probably be a slight home favorite, but I don't expect him to play, which makes for a somewhat tall task play-calling for a 2nd string QB. Seniors QB Demardrick Blunt and Greely form the best backfield tandem in NELA and if Wossman wants to win they'll need to start by stopping them first. Junior DT Jaylen Williams (6'3, 278lb) is just the guy who can do it but two is bigger than one. Greely and Blunt won't have the same lanes as they've seen all year as Boxley will more than likely emphasize stopping the run, but Blunt is far more than just a runner. The senior signal caller will utilize his legs in this game, but it'll be his arm that puts the wildcats away. In a game that will take a defensive tone, a late bomb from Blunt to Peja Roberts ties the game. A Blunt run for the 2-pt conversion gives Carroll the win and Landers' first win in the Monroe City Classic.

Ruston 28 Neville 27

Player Of The Game: Deamrdrick Blunt – 12/17 145 Yards, 1td - 15 Carries, 75 Yards (Gw 2pt Convers.)

Area Scores:

Top Ten

Alexandria 36 #1 Ruston 34

#3 West Monroe 55 Pineville 0

#4 Union Parish 49 North Webster 12

#5 Mangham 51 Vidalia 21

#6 OCS 24 #8 St Fred 22

#7 Neville 49 Peabody 8

#10 General Trass 28 Ferriday 20

5A

Ouachita 34 West Ouachita 13

4A

Franklin Parish 27 Grant 20

3A

Richwood 35 Lincoln Prep 6

Sterlington 56 Bastrop 16

Caldwell 18 Bunkie 16

2A

Beekman Charter 24 Westminster Christian 7

D'arbonne Woods 30 Lakeside 20

Jonesboro-Hodge 18 Red River 14

Madison 26 Rayville 16

Oak Grove 27 Haynesville 24

1A

Cedar Creek 30 River Oaks 14

Delhi Charter 27 Delhi 16

Mr. Pickem's Top Ten

1. OCS Eagles

2. Ruston Bearcats

3. Carroll Bulldogs

4. West Monroe Rebs

5. Union Parish Farmers

6. Mangham Dragons

7. Neville Tigers

8. St. Fred Warriors

9. Wossman Wildcats

10. General Trass Panthers

Just Missed It: Richwood, Ouachita, Sterlington, Delhi Charter, Oak Grove, Cedar Creek, D'arbonne Woods

Mr Pickem's Goat Of The Week

Trey Holly

12 Rushes, 309 Yards, 5tds

Photo Carroll Amaryea Greely #0 running the pill.

Photo Carroll Head Football Coach Brandon Landers have the bulldogs in high