Monroe hopes to keep the momentum going as they make a push for the playoffs. It's simple for Monroe on homecoming. With one more win, they are playoff-eligible. There is also a big game between SWAL unbeatens in Darlington hosting Cuba City that will likely determine the conference champion. Sports editor Adam Krebs went 7-1 with his picks last week and sports reporter Mark Nesbitt went 5-3. Mark is 35-11 with his picks on the season and Adam is 34-12.
Madison Edgewood (4-2 at Monroe (2-4)
Mark: Homecoming week and a two game-winning streak will bring out the best in the Cheesemakers. The last time Monroe had a three-game winning streak came in the 2003-04 season when the Cheesemakers made the playoffs and beat Cudahy 10-7 before losing to Monona Grove in the Level 2 playoffs 18-10. The Cheesemakers are looking to recapture some of that playoff fever. One more win and the Cheesemakers are playoff eligible. If the Cheesemakers win two of their final three games, they will likely have a postseason bid locked up. The Crusaders' only losses are to Waunakee and Monona Grove.
Pick: Edgewood
Adam: The Cheesemakers have captured back-to-back wins and are now just one "W" away from qualifying for the postseason. Even though the momentum of the last two weeks is on their side, and this is homecoming week, I still don't think Monroe has what it takes to stay with Edgewood, who is a second-tier team in the Badger South, a solid level up from Monroe. As always, prove me wrong Cheesemakers.
Pick: "Knights of Columbus that hurts!"
Cuba City (6-0) at Darlington (4-2)
Mark: Games against Platteville and Brodhead-Juda have prepared the Redbirds to face the top contender in the SWAL. This will likely be the area Game of the Week with both teams unbeaten in the SWAL and contending for a conference title.
The Cubans' defense has been more than stingy. It's been dominant in giving up just 3.1 points per game and posting three shut-outs. The Redbirds won't be able to just overpower the Cubans running the ball with fullback Seth Rowe. Zach McArthur will have to make some plays passing the ball like he did when he tossed four touchdowns against Boscobel.
Pick: Darlington
Adam: This game could be for all the marbles as far as the SWAL goes. Darlington is rolling after dropping its first two games of the season. Facing a ranked-Cuba City team at home, under the sunlight, is just what the Redbirds could hope for. I've been wrong in picking Darlington more than I would like this season. They have simply played better against good teams than I expected. When will I learn? Maybe next week ...
Pick: Che's Cubans
Palmyra-Eagle (3-3) at Brodhead-Juda (4-2)
Mark: The Cardinals are looking for their fourth straight win. Palmyra-Eagle is fighting to become playoff eligible. The Panthers are led by Ryan Rapacz who has rushed for 778 yards, 10 touchdowns and is averaging 9.4 yards per carry. Brodhead-Juda's Jesse DeLorme has rushed for 672 yards and nine touchdowns to lead the Cardinals.
Pick: Brodhead-Juda
Adam: The Cardinals are in "all-go" mode right now. It doesn't matter the opponent, B-J is averaging enough yardage per game the last few weeks that the Cardinals could almost travel from Brodhead to Juda against any team. Large vehicles are likely be the only thing that could slow down that offensive line and Jesse DeLorme right now.
Pick: Da Cards
Black Hawk (5-1) at Cassville (3-3)
Mark: The Warriors have dodged two scares the last two weeks surviving to knock off Belmont in double overtime 34-28 and coming back to beat Benton-Scales Mound (Ill.) 14-7. Black Hawk's Jace Johnsrud rushed for 104 yards last week. The Warriors will need some balance because teams are keying on wide receiver Hayden Schliem who has eight touchdowns and is averaging 20.9 yards per catch. Black Hawk is playing more than for a win. If the Warriors can win their final three games, they will likely have a home game in the first round of the playoffs.
Pick: Black Hawk
Adam: If it weren't for a last-second loss to Potosi, Black Hawk would easily be ranked in the AP Top 10, and not narrowly on the outside looking in. The Warriors have turned to their playmakers when it has counted the most this season, and those players have shown brightly. Cassville won't do much do slow down this explosive offense.
Pick: Wayne Township Warriors
Wisconsin Heights (1-5) at New Glarus-Monticello (3-3)
Mark: The Glarner Knights got on a roll again with quarterback Lukas Kolasch rushing for 247 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-13 win over Belleville-Albany. This should be another big offensive game for the Knights before key conference games at Waterloo and home against Cambridge.
Pick: New Glarus-Monticello
Adam: Lukas Kolasch dominated last week's win over rival Belleville-Albany, and the Vanguards don't present much better of competition. Look for the Knights to run the option offense to near perfection and inch close to 400 yards rushing. This one could be a high-scoring affair.
Pick: NGM
Highland (4-2) at Pecatonica-Argyle (3-3)
Mark: The Vikings won a huge game 18-14 over Belmont last week. This game is just as critical if Pecatonica-Argyle is going to make the playoffs. The Vikings have to win one of their final three games to become playoff eligible. If they win two, they are likely a playoff team. Highland's Tyler Kleist is a load to tackle. Kleist has rushed for 589 yards and 12 touchdowns this year.
Pick: Pecatonica-Argyle
Adam: Highland is a surprise team this year - from an outsider's view, anyway. Having not turned in a .500 season since 2003, the Cardinals are now playoff-bound. Pec-Argyle needs one more win to solidify their place in the postseason, and what better place to do it than in Argyle, a week after a Saturday win in Blanchardville.
Pick: Argyle Orioles of the Pecatonica River, via Blanchardville
Belleville-Albany (0-6) at Cambridge (5-1)
Mark: Belleville-Albany running back Garrison Woods showed some of his playmaking ability with a 45-yard TD run against New Glarus-Monticello last week. The Blue Jays will be looking to rebound in the Capitol South after a 24-20 loss to Waterloo last week.
Pick: Cambridge
Adam: If the Wildcats were just healthy, they would be considered more of a threat to knock off a conference contender. But without its starting QB, as well as several other key starters, the depth depleted Wildcats have had to turn to inexperience. That doesn't point to many good signs when facing a 5-1 team.
Pick: Azul Jays
Nebraska (4-0) at Wisconsin (4-0)
Mark: The Badgers cupcake early schedule is now over. Now we will see whether Wisconsin is a legitimate national title contender with three games in four weeks that includes Nebraska, at Michigan State and at Ohio State. Nebraska is making its Big Ten debut in primetime. The Badgers are not the only team with a quarterback like Russell Wilson who can make plays running the ball. Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez (421 rushing yards and seven TDs) lives for running the football. The difference will be Wisconsin's defense being able to shut down the run. On offense, Wilson's passing ability gives the Badgers the balance they need.
Pick: Badgers
Adam: The Cornhuskers come to Madison for the first time as a member of the Big Ten (now with 12 teams!) The game couldn't have much more hype surrounding it, either. Both teams have ballhawk defensive schemes, can run and throw, wear red and white, and come from states where the main stereotypical food has a yellow tone to it. Both teams have dual-threat quarterbacks (Taylor Martinez and Russell Wilson), and can score points in bunches. But I will tell you what - since last year's opening kickoff against Ohio State, there is no doubt in my mind that the Badgers can beat any team in college football. The first true test of the season is Saturday. And I feel like UW will ace it.
Pick: Bucky
Broncos (1-2) at Packers (3-0)
Mark: Even if offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga and running back Ryan Grant can't play on Sunday, the Packers will cruise. The Broncos' defense is giving up 234 yards passing and 100 yards rushing per game. With Aaron Rodgers, the Packers will have plenty of playmakers to take advantage.
Pick: Packers
Adam: Green Bay is just one of a handful of unbeaten teams through the third week in the season. That means a lot of parity surrounds the league. That also means that the defending Super Bowl champions are still pretty darn good. Playing at Lambeau, healthy and surrounded by screaming fans in green, there is no doubt who I would put my money on. I love Tim Tebow, but the Broncos' backup QB, better known as Touchdown Jesus in college, could pray every moment of every day and still not keep this one within three scores.
Pick: Curly's Meat Packers
NLDS Diamondbacks at Brewers
Mark: Baseball hasn't really mattered to me since before the All-Star break. That's what happens when you are a Cubs' fan. It's hard not to like the Brewers with a potent offense and a strong pitching staff.
Pick: Brewers
Adam: Ah, playoff baseball in Wisconsin. For the second time in my life, I will get a chance to relish it in all it's brewing glory. The Brew Crew had as strong of a second half to the season as anyone could have hoped for, and Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are 1-2 in the MVP voting on my sheet. The revamped pitching staff is made to handle any series, and I think that "any" series means Philadelphia. Sorry D-backs and Braves fans, but this is our year.
Pick: Bernie's Brewers
Madison Edgewood (4-2 at Monroe (2-4)
Mark: Homecoming week and a two game-winning streak will bring out the best in the Cheesemakers. The last time Monroe had a three-game winning streak came in the 2003-04 season when the Cheesemakers made the playoffs and beat Cudahy 10-7 before losing to Monona Grove in the Level 2 playoffs 18-10. The Cheesemakers are looking to recapture some of that playoff fever. One more win and the Cheesemakers are playoff eligible. If the Cheesemakers win two of their final three games, they will likely have a postseason bid locked up. The Crusaders' only losses are to Waunakee and Monona Grove.
Pick: Edgewood
Adam: The Cheesemakers have captured back-to-back wins and are now just one "W" away from qualifying for the postseason. Even though the momentum of the last two weeks is on their side, and this is homecoming week, I still don't think Monroe has what it takes to stay with Edgewood, who is a second-tier team in the Badger South, a solid level up from Monroe. As always, prove me wrong Cheesemakers.
Pick: "Knights of Columbus that hurts!"
Cuba City (6-0) at Darlington (4-2)
Mark: Games against Platteville and Brodhead-Juda have prepared the Redbirds to face the top contender in the SWAL. This will likely be the area Game of the Week with both teams unbeaten in the SWAL and contending for a conference title.
The Cubans' defense has been more than stingy. It's been dominant in giving up just 3.1 points per game and posting three shut-outs. The Redbirds won't be able to just overpower the Cubans running the ball with fullback Seth Rowe. Zach McArthur will have to make some plays passing the ball like he did when he tossed four touchdowns against Boscobel.
Pick: Darlington
Adam: This game could be for all the marbles as far as the SWAL goes. Darlington is rolling after dropping its first two games of the season. Facing a ranked-Cuba City team at home, under the sunlight, is just what the Redbirds could hope for. I've been wrong in picking Darlington more than I would like this season. They have simply played better against good teams than I expected. When will I learn? Maybe next week ...
Pick: Che's Cubans
Palmyra-Eagle (3-3) at Brodhead-Juda (4-2)
Mark: The Cardinals are looking for their fourth straight win. Palmyra-Eagle is fighting to become playoff eligible. The Panthers are led by Ryan Rapacz who has rushed for 778 yards, 10 touchdowns and is averaging 9.4 yards per carry. Brodhead-Juda's Jesse DeLorme has rushed for 672 yards and nine touchdowns to lead the Cardinals.
Pick: Brodhead-Juda
Adam: The Cardinals are in "all-go" mode right now. It doesn't matter the opponent, B-J is averaging enough yardage per game the last few weeks that the Cardinals could almost travel from Brodhead to Juda against any team. Large vehicles are likely be the only thing that could slow down that offensive line and Jesse DeLorme right now.
Pick: Da Cards
Black Hawk (5-1) at Cassville (3-3)
Mark: The Warriors have dodged two scares the last two weeks surviving to knock off Belmont in double overtime 34-28 and coming back to beat Benton-Scales Mound (Ill.) 14-7. Black Hawk's Jace Johnsrud rushed for 104 yards last week. The Warriors will need some balance because teams are keying on wide receiver Hayden Schliem who has eight touchdowns and is averaging 20.9 yards per catch. Black Hawk is playing more than for a win. If the Warriors can win their final three games, they will likely have a home game in the first round of the playoffs.
Pick: Black Hawk
Adam: If it weren't for a last-second loss to Potosi, Black Hawk would easily be ranked in the AP Top 10, and not narrowly on the outside looking in. The Warriors have turned to their playmakers when it has counted the most this season, and those players have shown brightly. Cassville won't do much do slow down this explosive offense.
Pick: Wayne Township Warriors
Wisconsin Heights (1-5) at New Glarus-Monticello (3-3)
Mark: The Glarner Knights got on a roll again with quarterback Lukas Kolasch rushing for 247 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-13 win over Belleville-Albany. This should be another big offensive game for the Knights before key conference games at Waterloo and home against Cambridge.
Pick: New Glarus-Monticello
Adam: Lukas Kolasch dominated last week's win over rival Belleville-Albany, and the Vanguards don't present much better of competition. Look for the Knights to run the option offense to near perfection and inch close to 400 yards rushing. This one could be a high-scoring affair.
Pick: NGM
Highland (4-2) at Pecatonica-Argyle (3-3)
Mark: The Vikings won a huge game 18-14 over Belmont last week. This game is just as critical if Pecatonica-Argyle is going to make the playoffs. The Vikings have to win one of their final three games to become playoff eligible. If they win two, they are likely a playoff team. Highland's Tyler Kleist is a load to tackle. Kleist has rushed for 589 yards and 12 touchdowns this year.
Pick: Pecatonica-Argyle
Adam: Highland is a surprise team this year - from an outsider's view, anyway. Having not turned in a .500 season since 2003, the Cardinals are now playoff-bound. Pec-Argyle needs one more win to solidify their place in the postseason, and what better place to do it than in Argyle, a week after a Saturday win in Blanchardville.
Pick: Argyle Orioles of the Pecatonica River, via Blanchardville
Belleville-Albany (0-6) at Cambridge (5-1)
Mark: Belleville-Albany running back Garrison Woods showed some of his playmaking ability with a 45-yard TD run against New Glarus-Monticello last week. The Blue Jays will be looking to rebound in the Capitol South after a 24-20 loss to Waterloo last week.
Pick: Cambridge
Adam: If the Wildcats were just healthy, they would be considered more of a threat to knock off a conference contender. But without its starting QB, as well as several other key starters, the depth depleted Wildcats have had to turn to inexperience. That doesn't point to many good signs when facing a 5-1 team.
Pick: Azul Jays
Nebraska (4-0) at Wisconsin (4-0)
Mark: The Badgers cupcake early schedule is now over. Now we will see whether Wisconsin is a legitimate national title contender with three games in four weeks that includes Nebraska, at Michigan State and at Ohio State. Nebraska is making its Big Ten debut in primetime. The Badgers are not the only team with a quarterback like Russell Wilson who can make plays running the ball. Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez (421 rushing yards and seven TDs) lives for running the football. The difference will be Wisconsin's defense being able to shut down the run. On offense, Wilson's passing ability gives the Badgers the balance they need.
Pick: Badgers
Adam: The Cornhuskers come to Madison for the first time as a member of the Big Ten (now with 12 teams!) The game couldn't have much more hype surrounding it, either. Both teams have ballhawk defensive schemes, can run and throw, wear red and white, and come from states where the main stereotypical food has a yellow tone to it. Both teams have dual-threat quarterbacks (Taylor Martinez and Russell Wilson), and can score points in bunches. But I will tell you what - since last year's opening kickoff against Ohio State, there is no doubt in my mind that the Badgers can beat any team in college football. The first true test of the season is Saturday. And I feel like UW will ace it.
Pick: Bucky
Broncos (1-2) at Packers (3-0)
Mark: Even if offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga and running back Ryan Grant can't play on Sunday, the Packers will cruise. The Broncos' defense is giving up 234 yards passing and 100 yards rushing per game. With Aaron Rodgers, the Packers will have plenty of playmakers to take advantage.
Pick: Packers
Adam: Green Bay is just one of a handful of unbeaten teams through the third week in the season. That means a lot of parity surrounds the league. That also means that the defending Super Bowl champions are still pretty darn good. Playing at Lambeau, healthy and surrounded by screaming fans in green, there is no doubt who I would put my money on. I love Tim Tebow, but the Broncos' backup QB, better known as Touchdown Jesus in college, could pray every moment of every day and still not keep this one within three scores.
Pick: Curly's Meat Packers
NLDS Diamondbacks at Brewers
Mark: Baseball hasn't really mattered to me since before the All-Star break. That's what happens when you are a Cubs' fan. It's hard not to like the Brewers with a potent offense and a strong pitching staff.
Pick: Brewers
Adam: Ah, playoff baseball in Wisconsin. For the second time in my life, I will get a chance to relish it in all it's brewing glory. The Brew Crew had as strong of a second half to the season as anyone could have hoped for, and Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are 1-2 in the MVP voting on my sheet. The revamped pitching staff is made to handle any series, and I think that "any" series means Philadelphia. Sorry D-backs and Braves fans, but this is our year.
Pick: Bernie's Brewers
