WEEK 4: Official predictions for who wins this weekend
This week, we're back at it again. As both Fans and League Partners learn more about each team, the lines get tighter and more difficult to work. But do not be deterred. With determination, we can find another week's worth of winners as the 2019 season marches through its midway point.
Howard Huskies VS CLEVELAND COBRAS
The Cobra are off to a 2-1 start and look to rebound from last weeks loss against the Express, this is a talented team that is not going to fade away. The Cobras have a solid quarterback in Eric Wallace and a play maker at wider receiver Odell Spencer, and they are going to light up the scoreboard in quite a few games this season.
After dropping a 38-36 decision to the powerful West Virginia Smash, the Howard Huskies 1-2,will not have any sympathy for the Cleveland Cobras. Look for Huskies to jump out ahead and keep the pressure on throughout the game. The but the Cobras will get the win. Prediction:Cobras 26 Huskies 14
West Virginia Smash vs Erie Express
Erie Express look to remain undefeated in GDFL play as they host the West Virginia Smash. The Smash are coming off an exciting 38-36 overtime victory against the Howard Huskies. The Express last played 2 weeks ago against the Cleveland Cobras winning 56-18. First place in the Xtreme North Division is up for grabs.
A Smash victory would result in a three way tie for first in the division. Prediction: Express 42 Smash 21
River City Pythons vs Tri-City Outlaws
After a week off the River City Pythons will be looking to get back on the road as they head to Clarksville to take on the Tri-City Outlaws (1-1). In the Gridiron Developmental Football League’s “Game of the Week” The River City Pythons 1-0) are coming off of an impressive victory over the Georgia Crush and will be looking to build on that win this weekend. They will need to score more points in order to take out the Outlaws.
The Outlaws have a very stout defense lead by All-Pro DE Chris Murray. The Outlaws have jumped out to a good start this season. Outlaws are coming off of a hard fought game losing a nail biter 14-6, against a tough Middle Tennessee Bulldawgs team they will look to go out and get back to the basic …and win a what will be undoubtedly a defensive battle! Prediction:Outlaws 20 Pythons 19
Oklahoma Thunder vs Texas Raiders
The # 1 team in the Nation,The Oklahoma Thunder travel to Houston,Texas to take on a Texas Raiders team that has had a rough introduction into the GDFL this will be their second meeting.
The Thunder has been off the last couple of weeks do to severe weather which has included Tornadoes and wide-spread flooding for the last few weeks throughout the region causing there home games to be rescheduled.
Raiders are hoping they can get their footing on solid ground this is there home opener and it could be a long day and year in the GDFL. If they can't take advantage of being at home! Prediction: Thunder 56 Raiders 0
Memphis Blast vs. Huntsville Rockets
This Saturday, the Memphis Blast (1-1) against the (1-0) Huntsville Rockets. This is the Blast first home game of the season and are looking to get their first official win of the season.Due to field issues and weather concerns, the Blast have only played in one of their originally scheduled first three games of the season. To supplement the fact that the team was unable to travel to Houston for their scheduled week two game against the Texas Raiders, they ended up traveling to Clarksville, Tennessee to face the Tri-City Outlaws in an early season exhibition.
Even with it being early in the season, Memphis has faced their fair share of adversity. In their first game, they lost to the Joplin Crusaders 35-6, but that didn’t dampen their spirits. Even with the injury to starting quarterback, Austin Boyles, it was shown that the team have viable options at the position. Through the Blast first two games, Markerion Johnson has stepped up in the role and has led the team in passing and rushing yards. He has been one of the team’s biggest supporters on and off the field. With regards to this game on Saturday, Johnson told Blast Media that he believes that it’s up to him to help his team get the victory.
“I have to get us in the best position to score points,” Johnson said. “I know my guys will follow suit and we’ll come together as a unit to win the game.Defensively, Blast’ head coach, Charles Thompson is most looking forward to see what his defensive backs do. In the season’s previous contests, the team’s secondary has been its biggest question mark thus far, but Thompson told Blast Media that this weekend will be the true test to see where his defensive backs stack up.
“This game is going to showcase what kind of guys we have at cornerback,” Thompson said. “We’re excited to see if our new players can handle the pressure, but if practice has been any indication, we seem to be much improved at the position.”
Looking to their opponents, the Huntsville Rockets, they have confidence on their side after defeating the Texas Raiders 62-0 in their season opener. The Rockets jumped out to a 41-0 lead by the halftime and maintained control by dominating the Raiders’ defense on both the ground and through the air.Their dominance didn’t end there as their defense kept the Raiders’ offense guessing and prevented them from getting anything going. A key reason for that was the play by defensive back, Lou James who had three interceptions on the night.
So, what will it take to for the Blast to pull off the upset? Veteran safety, Marcus Mills, explained to Blast Media that preparation is key if the team expects to win their home opener“I know that if we aren’t prepared, this team can easily beat us,” Mills said. “I know that I’m ready, I’m just hoping that the rest of the troops are too.”
Mills also said that energy is another factor that could determine the result of this highly anticipated match up. The 18-year veteran is well aware of the impact that bringing good energy has on a game and thinks that if the Blast can maintain theirs from the first couple of games, the sky’s the limit. “If we put all the energy from the first two games together. We have a great chance of upsetting the number four team in the nation.” Mills said.
Prediction: Rockets 24 Blast 22