High School Football Predictions

Ah, the optimism of a new football season.

Teams that struggled last year just need some confidence to turn things around.

Teams that fell short of their goals are dedicated more than ever to get it done this time.

Teams that won it all have the swagger that comes with knowing how to reach the top.

You may never see your favorite team in a better light than you do right now … before the reality of game time can change everything.

Each week through the high school season, Patch will share our predictions on local football games — and ask for yours. Think you’ve got what it takes to pick a winner?

Let’s get it on.

Forsyth Central at South Forsyth: Second-year South Forsyth coach Jeff Arnette told Patch that his War Eagles (6-5, lost in first round of playoffs) were way ahead over last year in their preparation for this season. The Bulldogs (1-9 last year) return 24 seniors from a team that had some success putting the ball in the end zone. With every game on the schedule counting in the region standings, it’s important to start off right. South Forsyth 30, Forsyth Central 24.

Harrison at West Forsyth: A good test for West Forsyth (7-4 last year), which finished third in 6-AAAAA in 2010 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. Harrison, a playoff team from 4-AAAAA, finished 5-6, but won four of its last five games to make the playoffs. West Forsyth won 13-0 last year. This should be another close one. West Forsyth 13, Harrison 10.

North Forsyth at Woodstock:  North Forsyth coach Blair Armstrong said his Raiders will have to “grow up fast,” and this game against a talented Woodstock would be a good place to start. The Raiders, which beat the Wolverines 7-0 last year, lost 16 starters from last year’s 5-6 playoff team. Woodstock (7-4, with a first-round loss in the playoffs) has graduated some of its better players, but multi-talented Jonathan Wiener is a game-breaker. We hate to say it, but homefield is the difference in this one: Woodstock 17, North Forsyth 14.

Northwest Whitefield at Lambert: The Lambert Longhorns (8-3 and a playoff participant in its first varsity season) may not be able to sneak up on anyone, but they won’t have to. They look like a 7-AAAA contender. Northwest (5-5 last year), which won five of its last six games in 2010, may be dangerous, but not dangerous enough. Lambert 24, Northwest Whitfield 10.