As we wrap up the 2024 Vermont High School football season, I thought it would be a good idea to give my picks for who will win the remaining games of the year, starting with this week's schedule. There could be some matchups that could be seen as "instant classics" while a few of them might just be another long day/night for teams who have had rough seasons.
Here's a look at week 6's showdowns and my winners for the week
Bellows Falls @ Hartford: A battle of longtime rivals kicks off the week Thursday night. The Terriers are riding a 4-game winning streak and seem locked for a top 4 seed in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are coming off a shutout performance at Mount Anthony and are hoping to make a run late in the season.
BF may have the edge in running the ball, but I think Hartford's defense will be too much for them to pick up the upset.
Springfield @ Milton: Another non-divisional game as Springfield makes the long trek to Milton for a 6:30PM start. The Cosmos are looking to rebound after a heartbreaking OT loss where they were stopped on a 2-point try to win at Poultney. The Yellowjackets are 2-3 on the year and fighting for a spot in the playoffs but those Ws have been against winless teams (MSQ and SPA) and they have yet to score 20 points in a game.
Give me Springfield in this one.
Rutland @ Essex: I may be a homer for my alma mater and the history of this matchup still gives me nightmares, but I will try to be unbiased knowing how good Rutland have been. But the last 2 games against VT opponents were close contests vs. MIDD and at BBA and Essex are led by Carter Crete and Griffin Randell so this could have all the makings of an upset.
Yeah, I'm going to be biased here...give me the Hornets!
Colchester @ Burlington/South Burlington: The Lakers come off an impressive upset win against Essex last Thursday, while the Seawolves scored 69 at BFA-St. Albans the next day. Colchester is no BFA, but B/SB have something special going on this year and start a 3-game homestand to finish 2024.
In this D2 vs. D1 matchup, I'll go with the D1 Seawolves here.
Middlebury @ Champlain Valley: The Biggest game in week 6 and the earliest game on Saturday (10:30AM) is in Hinesburg as the Tigers and Redhawks battle for the top of division 1. Both teams come in a week removed from blowout wins against BRAT and SJA, respectively.
The biggest question for this one will be which D can stop each team's top performers: CVU vs. the Tigers' running attack and MIDD vs. Orion Yates and his big receivers.
This is the biggest toss-up game of the week and maybe even the season. I think Middlebury will do enough in the end and get an emotional win on the road.
Other Week 6 Picks
Burr and Burton @ St. Johnsbury: The host Hilltoppers are the Jekel and Hyde of D1. The Dr. should be in at home against the Bulldogs.
Fair Haven @ U-32: Slaters get revenge after suffering their first loss last week vs. Bellows Falls.
Keene (NH) @ Brattleboro: The Bears are 0-5 and allowing 40+ points in their last 4 games. I'll take the Blackbirds here.
Fairfax/Lamoille @ Mount Abraham: Another toss-up, but the Bullets should do enough in Bristol to keep their perfect season alive.
Otter Valley @ Missisquoi: After Dominating Milton a week ago, the Otters take care of business against the Thunderbirds.
BFA-St. Albans @ Mount Mansfield: Someone's going to get their first W of the season (because HS football games can't end in ties). Give me the Cougars in the battle of 0-5s.
North Country @ Lyndon: In the Barrel Bowl game, the Vikings D should be able to stop Hayden Boiven and the Falcons enough to take home the jug.
Woodstock @ Mill River: Wasps remain undefeated in another high-powered performance.
Poultney @ Windsor: The Blue Devils will be able to carry the momentum from last week's fantastic finish at home to Windsor and get above 500.
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