October 2-4 TRIBUNE Sports crystal ball readings.

Two of the hosts schools in the TRIBUNE coverage area are enjoying the homecoming festivities this week in hopes of celebration a Friday night victory. Some people will be happy, whereas some supporters and fans on Friday nights will be disappointed.

Cozad vs. Chadron

Two issues that the Haymakers have working in their favor are that the Cardinals have battled sickness and have had to postpone last weeks game due to illness, and that as the bird flies, it is a long trip from Chadron to Cozad. Cozad will use their "grind it out" running game in an attempt to shorten the game, and better the Haymakers chances of success. As a result the Cardinals will be weary in the early going but will adjust to Cozad's game plan due to stellar athletic ability and depth, will take a victory trip back to Chadron.

Chadron 42 Cozad 7

Eustis/Farnam vs. Callaway

Roadtripping like many of the TRIBUNE area teams, will be the Eustis/Farnam Knights as they will go into enemy territory and run, and pass against the Bears. Eustis/Farnam has a renewed interest in establishing the run game, to slow down pass rushers in the Callaway contest. A good mix of run and pass will propel the Knights in a game that will be very offensively minded, the Knights escape with a very valuable win on the road.

Eustis/Farnam 30 Callaway 16

Lexington vs. Sidney

Long road trips is the name of the game for many high school gridiron teams this week, and Lexington is one of the many. In an attempt to get back on the winning track, Lexington will stay balanced offensively, and have to endure the smashing running game of the Red Raiders. Year in and year out, the defense of Sidney is always a strength and the Minutemen will do everything they can, to break the walls of Sidney's defense. The fast-paced offense of Lexington along with the blitzing defense will be just enough in a see-saw battle.

Lexington 19 Sidney 17

Broken Bow vs. Gothenburg

In one of the two matchups in Class C-1 along with the Battle Creek vs. Norfolk Catholic contest, that could decide go a long ways in deciding the leaders of the west division come playoff time. Last year the game was as good as advertised, with the home crowd and field being enough of an advantage for Broken Bow to get the nod on the scoreboard. The times have changed and the Swedes speed in all three facets of the game have improved. In a game that will most likely determine the district champion, Gothenburg will have to get a few breaks, and that is just what happens in home games, as the Swedes pick up a homecoming win on a late Landen Haake touchdown run.

Gothenburg 22 Broken Bow 14

CSU-Pueblo vs. Nebraska-Kearney

UNK enters the contest on a four game winning streak, where as the Thunderwolves are reeling after a loss and are one game back of the Leaders in the RMAC team standings. It will be one of the first trips for CSU-Pueblo to make the trip to Foster field and deliver the Thunder, it is too bad that the Lopers Lightning attack will strike first and outdue the Thunder of the CSU-Pueblo. Running, passing and on the defensive side of the ball, UNK will prevail, which is more than enough on the scoreboard.

Nebraska-Kearney 41 CSU-Pueblo 13

The above mentioned scores and predictions are opinions of Me, Kelly Ninas and if you have a differing opinion, you are thus allowed to have a different view and opinion. If you so want to express that opinion, there is a comments button below, where you can express your opinions.

September 25-27 Sports Crystal Ball readings

Cozad vs. Valentine

Cozad has the luxury of preparing for this game for two weeks, but has to endure the dreaded long roadtrip to Valentine to play the Badgers. Valentine is recovering from the beating they received from Winner (SD) and will have to again face a bruising running game of the Haymakers. In what is a SWC battle, I see Cozad's running game getting on track just enough to stay with the Badgers, but Valentine's balanced gameplan to win out in a close contest.

Cozad 20 Valentine 24

Gering vs. Lexington

Lexington looks to avenge a lose out in Gering last season, by a close margin (22-20). Gering has to make the long trip to Lexington and brings plenty of power offensively. A ton of yards will be chewed up in this matchup of the Minutemen and Bulldogs, but the Minutemen will do the last of the chewing by edging Gering in a heartbreaker for Bulldog faithful.

Gering 24 Lexington 27

Callaway vs. Elwood

The Elwood Pirates have a never-say-die attitude and continue to compete no matter what the scoreboard reads, and it has propelled the Pirates to rally late in ballgames. Defensively Brandt Banzhaf is a terror to opposing offenses and it will happen again as offensively, Elwood will air it out and use a better than average run game to win in a shootout.

Callaway 30 Elwood 44

Medicine Valley vs. Eustis/Farnam

A gridiron battle of Highway 23 will ensue on Friday night, and recently the Knights have controlled the road. A balanced effort with solid production on the ground will be needed for the Knights to have a chance. If the timing of the Eustis/Farnam offense gets on track, look out, it could be lights out in Farnam on Friday.

Medicine Valley 20 Eustis/Farnam 46

Speaking of rivalry games, it has come to the time in the schedule for my beloved UNK Lopers to battle it out on the gridiron with the Chadron State Eagles. The Lopers on paper should win this game going away, but as anybody that knows anything about sports knows, rivalry games aren't played on paper. With most of the running back stable healthy again, it will take all of them and a Spitzelberger all-around game to be victorious. The X-factor in the contest, will be which team's wideout will help their team win this contest. Will it be Kyle Kaiser or Brandon Harrington? I am going with Kaiser, considering he is on a roll and having a memorable season. When was the last time UNK had a wideout that had a standout campaign, was it one of the last times the "Lope Show" clipped the Eagles?

UNK 24 Chadron State 17