Week one football predictions

Football season is finally here, and I can't wait to see a game. In the first action of the season, St. Joseph-Ogden hosts Robinson and Unity hits the road to take on Central A&M. I'll be heading over to St. Joe to catch the Spartans, and will be hitting up Unity's game against Argenta-Oreana in week two.

Here are some early thoughts and predictions for this Friday's games.

Robinson at St. Joseph-Ogden

Last meeting: SJ-O def. Robinson, 40-14 (Aug. 29, 2008).

St. Joseph-Ogden scored three defensive touchdowns when these teams met 

in week one last year, blowing up the scoreboard in an otherwise close game. I don't know if the Spartans will score as much this Friday as they did during that game, but I think this year's team could end up finishing the season with a better record.

I also think it's important for the Spartans to start the season on the right foot with Stillman Valley up on the schedule next in week two. I don't see them wasting too much time with Robinson unless they have to.

My biggest question for the game: You think Meyers Leonard plays football?

St. Joseph-Ogden 34, Robinson 14.

Unity at Central A&M

Last meeting: Unity def. Central A&M, 44-20 (Nov. 18, 2000 – IHSA Class 2A semifinals).

One of the biggest wins in Unity school history came at the hands of the

Raiders in 2000, when the Rockets advanced to their first of two state championship games. These programs have combined for seven state finals appearances over the last two decades, though A&M's 14-0 team from 1997 is the only time they've won a state title.

This game should be a real barn burner, as both squads should be expected to control the clock with their running game and eliminate the big play defensively. I do think Central A&M is going to return to the playoffs this fall after two years away, but they're going to have to do it by overcoming a week one loss.

Unity 32, Central A&M 21.