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This column is destined to become an annual presentation to Full Access Sports readers, but I still think it is valuable to begin the prep football season with this warning: non-league games are fun to watch, but tell you little about the strength of your team. The Central Valley Conference got off to a slow start (again) in the opening "endowment" games over the Labor Day weekend, going 1-4, while losing games by a combined score total of 105-90. Does this mean that the CVC is a bad league desinted for an early exit from the 6A football playoffs in November? Absolutely not. Based on reports from these games and my first hand observations, these contests are little more than scrimmages between squads that happen to be from different schools. My father, Jerry, who coached high school football for over 30 years, says these really are no different than the intersquad games that were normally held during this weekend. Coaches liberally rotate players in and out of the game, and sometimes second-line players face the daunting task of battling first teamers with all-league honors and a decided size and speed advantage. The outcome is not always pretty. Still, these games are invaluable for coaches in evaluating talent and providing teachable moments on game tape on defensive alignments, blocking and tackling techniques, and scores of other basics in the game of football. It certainly isn't gut-wrenching action, but non-league contests prepare teams for the important games that count in a few weeks. Think pro exhibition football here. CVC Predictions I don't know why I even bother--maybe it's the herd mentality because all the other sports-guys do it. I just have to share my picks for the Central Valley Conference football season. I get some help from the exclusive Full Access Sports coaches poll (that a few newspapers have asked to use), which gives me some insights from the men who know their league opponents. Here are my picks for 2007: 1. West Salem. The Titans were also my pick for the top spot last year, and I was feeling pretty confident after Sprague started 2006 with an 0-3 record. But the Olys applied orange-tinted egg to my face when they edged West 27-25 in the CVC opener. Sprague didn't lose again in league play and took home the trophy one more time. This year, West has the best crop of skill players, and their line is somewhat undersized but feisty. The only concern appears to be defensively, where opponents seem to come up with outbursts of points against the Titans. I am betting defensive coordinator Damien Ramirez will find a way to keep his troops focused this year. They play Sprague again in their league opener Sept. 21 and it should be a packed house in Olyland. 2. Sprague. Don't read too much into Sprague's early game outcomes. The Olys have been slow starters for years as they patiently piece together their best talent at the right positions. Coach Robin Hill has been at the school for 21 years, and there is method to his madness. Tony Wilson is a man among boys at linebacker and running back. Quarterback Adam Kniffin looks a year quicker and stronger. The corps of Oly running backs is large as usual. If Sprague can shore up their line play on both sides of the ball, they could edge out West again. 3. Redmond. Craig Ruecker doesn't like to talk about his rising talent, just the known quantities he brings back from the year before. He has plenty to discuss this season. Quarterback Cody Johnson can flat out throw the ball and he has a nice stable of receivers, including speedy Chrisitian Arsenault. Clayton York is a solid running back. The defense brings back a sold crew up front and in the secondary. Coaches put the Panthers even with Sprague. The game between those two teams in Redmond will be a dandy. 4. South Salem. The fight for the last playoff spot is going to be fierce. South Salem hasn't been to the playoffs in five years and his maybe the most hungy of the remaining teams. Coach Scott Dufault's team is still young, but the junior-laden squad survived playing varsity ball last year and looked good doing it at times. The biggest single question mark is at quarterback, where Dufault will have an untested junior (either Joey Placek or Jonathan Sigado). Can he get that signal caller ready quickly? Can you say Joey August or Josh Vanlue? 5. McKay. Royal Scots coach Jay Minyard has so much enthusiasm for the game that almost has me running to the locker room to suit up. His teams seem to reflect his personality--energetic, tough and determined. McKay will need that and more this season. They graduated the best running back in the CVC in Romeco Bose. However, they have back lightning-quick Tony Gonzales, and tough-as-nails Solomon Frank in the backfield. If new quarterback John Brewer can get his field sense pulled together quickly, McKay could be a surprise team. Their defense always seems to be hard to work against, but they will need to score points. 6. North Salem. Coach Robert Cary is one of the best "x's and o's" guys in Oregon. He knows his offense and what to do in game situations. If his Vikings can execute his game plan, they could be a playoff team. Quarterback Juan Benavidez was a diamond in the rough as a junior last year, but has lots more polish in 2007 to run the spread offense, and some young but atheltic backs in John Cox and Josh Kuenzi to provide a ground game. North has a large front line. Defensively, the Vikings traditionally have been stingy, points-wise. It's a potent combination that could catch opponents off guard in 07. 7. McNary. I had to pick somebody last, but I will admit that I am rooting for the Celtics in many ways. Last year was rough for Celtic sophomores who played a lot of minutes against bigger, stronger and faster upper classmen. The results shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone in Keizer under the circumstances. This year will be better for the guys in blue and white. Coach Rick Ward knows this system and his players. The defense is going to be suffocating. Returning players from 2006 are a year older and healthy. McNary will be no pushover, but it's my opinion they are still a year away. Mark Gilman can be contacted at mark@fullaccesssports.com
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