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 not 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.

Collins Hill at Roswell: This is one of the top Friday games in all of metro Atlanta, pitting two teams that played each other twice last year — both won by Collins Hill (13-9 in the season-opener and 35-24 in the second round of the playoffs). It’ll be quite a task for new Roswell coach Justin Sanderson to avoid another loss to the Eagles, especially considering that only two starters return on offense. But Sanderson has been with the program for eight years, which has brought continuity to the program despite the coaching change. The big question for the Eagles (10-4 last year and a Class AAAAA semifinalist) will be replacing record-setting quarterback Taylor Heinicke (now at Old Dominion). Eleven other starters graduated, too. We say throw out last year’s results and give the edge (a slight one) to the home team. And don’t be surprised if the teams meet again in the playoffs. Roswell 24, Collins Hill 23.

Centennial at Campbell: The Centennial Knights (5-5 last year) have some work to do to replace 12 graduated starters, including eight on defense. This could be a great opportunity against a Campbell team (1-9 last year) that has lost 17 of its last 20 games and is breaking in a new coach for the third time in four seasons. But Campbell played well in a scrimmage-game win and should not be overlooked. Centennial 30, Campbell 10.

Benedictine at Blessed Trinity: So, after a 42-0 drubbing at home to Class AA heavyweight Buford last week, it’s going to get much tougher to play a Class AAAAA school, right? Um, no. Benedictine Military Academy may play in Region 3-AAAAA, but that will mean little in this game. The Titans beat Benedictine 44-0 last year. This year? Blessed Trinity 34, Benedictine 7.

Fellowship Christian at Lakeview Academy: The Fellowshjp Christian Paladins have 19 returning starters from last year’s 2-8 team, so there’s optimism in the program. But will that be enough to lead to victory at Lakeview, a team that takes football seriously despite not playing a region schedule in 8-A? Lakeview beat the Paladins 29-0 last year and 29 points is a lot to overcome. Lakeview Academy 21, Fellowship Christian 16.