Monday Mailbag: August 19, 2019

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This week’s Monday Mailbag doesn’t have many questions per se, but it does include thoughts on last week’s VW independent preseason NWC and WBL football predictions.

Q: I disagree with your pick of Van Wert finishing fourth in the WBL. St. Marys and Wapakoneta lost a lot to graduation. This is Van Wert’s year. Name withheld upon request

A: I agree that the Roughriders and the Redskins lost a lot to graduation. The majority of teams lost some fine talent to graduation, including Van Wert. But until someone is able to knock St. Marys Memorial and/or Wapakoneta from the top spot, it’s tough to pick against them.

In addition, it’s truly difficult to predict what’s going to happen because it seems like the WBL should be very balanced this season.

As far as the Cougars, the cupboard isn’t exactly bare and if they can stay healthy, it should be another fun season for the players, coaches and fans.

Q: Sorry, but you’re wrong about Van Wert. There’s no way this team will finish fourth in the WBL. Go Cougs! Name withheld upon request

A: Time will tell, and I hope they do finish higher than fourth.

I think coach Keith Recker and the Cougars turned the corner last season and Van Wert should be very competitive this season and should win their fair share of games.

As I pointed out in the predictions feature, it won’t be shocking to see a tie for the league title and/or a tie for second or third place.

Q: Here’s how your WBL picks should have looked: 1) Van Wert 2) Wapakoneta 3) Elida 4) St. Marys 5) O-G 6) Shawnee 7) Kenton 8) Celina 9) Defiance 10) Bath. Name withheld upon request

A: If the Cougars run the table or lose just one WBL game, you’re right.

That’s a big jump for Elida, but they do have some nice players back. As I said in the feature, they need to play better defensively this season.

I have a tough time seeing St. Marys Memorial finishing fourth, but it’s possible.

Q: I saw your NWC and WBL picks and I think they seem fairly reasonable. I do wish you would have picked Van Wert higher though. Fourth place seems too low. Name withheld upon request

A: I’m glad you enjoyed the predictions.

As I pointed out to Scott Alan during Saturday morning’s WERT Sports Wrap show, I made the picks with my mind, not my heart.

It’s nothing personal or anything like that, it’s just a prediction based on the information I have about the team and the other teams.

Q: Your pick of Ottawa-Glandorf to finish third seems a little odd. Can you explain your thinking? Name withheld upon request

A: Call it a hunch, but I think the Titans are primed for a return to the upper half of the Western Buckeye League this season.

Like I mentioned in the predictions, O-G dealt with a lot of injuries last season, which led to some younger kids getting valuable varsity experience.

The Titans took their lumps at times last year, but it should pay off this season.

Q: It’ll be interesting to see how accurate your football picks are once the season is complete. Name withheld upon request

A: It sure will be and don’t worry, I’ll post a side-by-side comparison of WBL and NWC predictions and actual final standings once the regular season is complete.

Q: I’m not so sure I agree with your pick of Spencerville over Columbus Grove for the NWC football championship. Grove has a lot of talent coming back and should be considered the clear favorite. Name withheld upon request

A: Believe me, when making these selections, the same thing kept popping up in my head.

When it’s all said and done, Columbus Grove may indeed finish as outright NWC champions. Personally, I think whichever team wins the Week No. 8 matchup between the two teams will win the title.

As for my pick of Spencerville, it’s just a gut feeling. But the Bearcats and the Bulldogs seem to be the main two NWC championship contenders this season.

Q: What is your prediction for Crestview in terms of wins and losses this season? Name withheld upon request

A: As much as I’d like to say 10 during the regular season, I think a realistic number is seven, with a toss up or two along the way.

As I said in the predictions, despite the loss of some fine athletes to graduation, head coach Jared Owens and his staff will have the Knights ready to go this season.

If you have a question or thoughts for next week’s Monday Mailbag, email it to sports@thevwindependent.com.