TK's Corner: Stafford gets last laugh with Dukes

By Tommy Keeler Jr. - tkeeler@nvdaily.com

Jeremy Stafford strutted into the office on Monday with a huge smile on his face. He didn't have to say a word, but he did anyway.

"Who's the genius now?" Stafford said.

Of course Stafford was talking about his pick of JMU over Virginia Tech. When he first made the pick, I laughed about it and even teased him.

Now I have to admit I was wrong (did I really just type those words?) and I shouldn't have laughed at him.

As I was covering my game last Friday night I couldn't help but notice Stafford was the talk of the area. Everyone seemed to be talking and laughing about Stafford's pick.

Stafford made a lot of against the grain picks, and while most of them were wrong, he did get a few correct. Although I'm not sure picking the Redskins should count, the world may just need to come to the realization that the Cowboys will never be great with Wade Phillips as coach.

The more I thought about last week's picks, I realized there was a valuable lesson to be learned here. No one should ever be criticized for their opinions or beliefs. As the JMU win showed, anything's possible.

If Stafford wants to pick against the odds with every single pick, that's fine with me. After all, if he does he will wind up with more 11-9 weeks like last season and it's one less competitor I have to worry about.

Now to this week's picks:

Sherando at Loudoun County

The Warriors will be looking for a little revenge in this game. I don't think they will have much trouble getting it.

Sherando 35, Loudoun County 14

James Wood at Hedgesville

The Colonels' offense came to life last week and I look for it to keep going this week.

James Wood 28, Hedgesville 7

Brentsville at Skyline

The Hawks lost a close one last week to a solid Fauquier squad. Skyline will bounce back strong this week.

Skyline 34, Brentsville 14

East Rockingham at Clarke County

The Eagles' offense is still going strong, and I don't think they will have any problems with a first-year school this week.

Clarke County 45, East Rockingham 20

Stonewall Jackson at George Mason

The Generals could be headed for another long season if they aren't able to turn things around soon.

George Mason 17, Stonewall Jackson 13

Luray at Strasburg

The Bulldogs are coming off a close win over George Mason. I think this game will be close, but I think the Rams will fall short again.

Luray 23, Strasburg 19

Central at Broadway

The Falcons showed last week they are not just a passing team, but the Gobblers have a good Group AA program.

Broadway 20, Central 17

Fauquier at Handley

When was the last time Handley started off 0-3? It's time for the Judges to show a little "Handley Pride."

Handley 27, Fauquier 24

East Carolina at Virginia Tech

When was the last time Virginia Tech started off 0-3? Frank Beamer will make sure this doesn't happen.

Virginia Tech 48, East Carolina 42, OT

Texans at Redskins

As much as I hate saying this, the Redskins could have a very good season.

Redskins 27, Texans 20