Chicks Picks – Week 2

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, September 9, 2010 | 12:00 AM

Chick's Picks has always prided herself on being a connoisseur of all genres of music. Her ear turned especially for country music, however, after hearing Kenny Chesney's latest hit, " Boys of Fall." After seeing the video, Chick's Picks was even reminiscent of her own scholastic days in the WPIAL, long before she found fame in her prognosticating career.

Admittedly, Chick's Picks was a bit taken aback upon noticing a guest appearance by New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton in the video. She thought, "What does this Super Bowl-winning coach have that I don't have?" Clearly, the country music superstar must not have been aware of Chick's Picks' recent nomination to the Top 10 Prognosticators in the nation. Had he known of this honor, Mr. Chesney would have undoubtedly cleared the way for Chick's Picks in his video.

Though disgruntled at this lack of respect, Chick's Picks still managed to accurately predict 68% of last week's games, finishing with a (46-22) record. Here are this week's big games:

CLASS AAAA – #6 North Hills (1-0) at #1 Woodland Hills (0-1)

Non-conference action continues this week in Class AAAA as these two powers collide at the Wolvarena. The Indians are coming off a 28-7 win over Perry in the opening week of the season, while the Wolverines were handled by the Hurricanes of Manatee (FL), 39-16. North Hills and Woodland Hills have not met since 2003, when the Indians thrashed the Wolverines, 27-0. This year, Woodland Hills is an early favorite to repeat as WPIAL champs. North Hills is battling the graduation losses of several key players from last season's semifinal team. Chick's Picks thinks the Wolverines will make their veteran roster known in this one, especially their countless D-1 recruits.
Woodland Hills over North Hills.

CLASS AAA – #4 Hopewell (1-0) at #2 Montour (1-0)

The Spartans host the Vikings in this Parkway Conference showdown. Montour opened the season with a 35-28 upset of Chartiers Valley, while Hopewell edged Belle Vernon, 14-7. When these two met last season, the Vikings walked away with a 30-23 victory. Since then, Hopewell graduated several key players, but still touts the WPIAL's leading rusher in Rushel Shell, who surpassed the 3,000-yard mark in his sophomore season. Chick's Picks likes the new Spartans offensive duo of QB Dillon Buechel and RB Julian Durden, but back-to-back weeks against top Class AAA teams will prove to be too much to handle.
Hopewell over Montour.

CLASS AA – #8 Beaver Falls (1-0) at #2 Aliquippa (1-0)

This Midwestern conference matchup always guarantees excitement. Last week, Beaver Falls routed Mohawk, 41-6, while Aliquippa welcomed Laurel to Class AA with a 31-6 thumping. The Tigers will certainly miss RB Cody Cook this season, who tallied nearly 2,000 yards last year. The Quips, an early favorite for the WPIAL title, are expecting another big season out of QB Mikal Hall. Over the last decade, Beaver Falls and Aliquippa have met 13 times. The Quips lead the series (8-5), and have outscored the Tigers 306-216. Chick's Picks loves this rivalry, and marks another win for the Quips this time around.
Aliquippa over Beaver Falls.

CLASS A – Fort Cherry (0-1) at #2 Rochester (1-0)

The Rangers take on the Rams in Class A non-conference action. Fort Cherry took on Western Beaver last week, falling to the Golden Beavers, 21-7. Rochester opened its season with a 35-0 shutout of Serra Catholic. The Rangers are looking to get back on track this season after a few disappointing losses last season. The Rams are planning on doing what they do best–dominate the regular season–and have a chance to avenge last year's one-point loss to Clairton in the WPIAL title game. Chick's Picks likes the experience that the Rangers bring to the table this season, but it won't be enough to overcome the Rams.
Rochester over Fort Cherry.

CLASS AAAA – Northern Seven Conference

North Allegheny over Butler

CLASS AAAA – Non-Conference

Latrobe over Canon-McMillan

Pittsburgh Central Catholic over Bethel Park

Erie McDowell over Baldwin

Seneca Valley over Fox Chapel

McKeesport over Altoona

Mount Lebanon over Penn-Trafford

Gateway over Penn Hills

Shaler over Hempfield

Upper St. Clair over Norwin