Can we get a mulligan for last Friday night? The Midway Greenwave and OS Bobcats were knotted up 0-0 after the first quarter last week but then the wheels fell off and disaster ensued just like a Luke Hall tee shot. Oliver Springs, “The Academy”, went on to win 54-0. This week, the lights of the Emerald Forest come on a day sooner as the Wave will host Greenback on Thursday night. For us born before 1985, this is the only game that matters. 1-9 with a win over Greenback is better than a 9-1 season with a loss to the William Blount rejects. It’s the biggest rivalry of “the old district” but it will not be aired on Prime Video Thursday Night Football. Fans may catch some illegal live Facebook streaming from the bleachers though. Greenback is 2-5 on the season with wins over Oakdale and Harriman. They have recent losses to Rockwood (20-35) and Oneida (8-29).
Expect the Greenback fans to travel well to Stan Branson Stadium and give a familiar Cherokee face, that is now on the Midway sidelines, a salute from across the field. Hopefully it will be 5 fingers rather than 1.
There was a lot of shake up in the Pick Panel standings last week with Tyson’s lead disappearing as he went against Purple, resulting in a 3-way tie for first. Who will the Panel pick this week? We all know who Boo Narramore will pick. Narramore picking against Midway is just as likely as this SORSN founder getting up at 4am to work out with former Pick Panel member Ralton “Mule” Emory. How will the rest of the Panel react to this week’s rivalry game –
Tyson Canup (4-3): Aaaaaah nothing like basking in the darkness of a crushing defeat. Makes you question even the most thought out life choices. That was a tough blow for the waves, and unfortunately one they won’t recover easily from.
The coaching staff steered by none other than Captain O’Toole will give Greenback a run for their money but I don’t think it will be enough with Greenback starting strong to build a lead and maintaining that lead until late in the 4th where the waves will get close but still come up short.
Greenback on top 24-20
Travis Jackson (4-3): Let me just say this, I will NEVER pick Greenback to beat Midway. It’s been 28 years since I played against them myself and I still relish the fact that my senior year we took them to the woodshed by 30+ points at their place. This one is different, always has always will be. GO GREEN!
Jason Lloyd (3-4): I tried making a list of things I hate more than Greenback. All I came up with was: racism, people who rap in country songs, meteorologists who interrupt sporting events, and the stomach bug. The hate runs deep here, not just for myself, but for generations of Midway fans and alumni. However, purely going off of trying to make the correct pick for this game, I am going to go with Greenback by two TDs. Don’t mistake this as giving them any love or credit, because they’re worse than that bologna with the olives in it.
Ethan Crabtree (4-3): Man, last week was definitely a hard pill to swallow after a beatdown like that. Moving to this week, I always loved Greenback week cause we were always the underdogs, but this game even on a short week is a huge game because of the rivalry that exists! I think that after last week’s loss, the Waves players have had to do some soul searching, and I believe the Waves will show some grit and win a close one 28-21.
Chris Barry (3-4): Man, what a rough week last week, but I think the green waves are going to bounce back and ready for a fight. I have to agree with Travis on this one ain’t no way I’ll ever choose Greenback to win the game against Midway or any team for that matter. We clobbered them, my senior year in 2007 football season and this Midway team is gonna do it again. Give me the green 28-14. It’s gonna be a close one but the waves will pull out two scores at the end of the game to pull ahead and win. Go Big Green.
Barry Boo Narramore (3-4): Midway will rebound this week and get a 2 touchdown win. GBG!