Monday Mailbag: Sept. 17, 2018

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This edition of the Monday Mailbag centers around Pigskin Pick’Em, Crestview and the best football team in the area.

Q: Why do you pick against the Cougars every week? Name withheld upon request

A: I don’t. I picked Van Wert in Weeks No. 1 and 2 against Bryan and Wapakoneta, and I picked St. Marys and Ottawa-Glandorf in Weeks No. 3 and 4. I knew it would be a tough game to win at Wapak, but I was hoping the Cougars could somehow pull the upset. St. Marys is the defending champion and was the preseason favorite and had won their first two games handily. As far as the Ottawa-Glandorf game, I was on the fence about that one, but decided on the state ranked Titans at home. What a game it turned out to be, and it was a big win for the Cougars.

Q: Do you have something against the Van Wert Cougars football team? Why don’t you pick them to win more often? Name withheld upon request

A: Of course not. I’d like to see the Cougars win just as much as anyone else. Why don’t I pick them more? I pick which team I think is going to win the game. When I pick against a team, it doesn’t mean I don’t like them, it means I think the other team is going to win. It’s a popular feature of ours, and it’s been fun going up against guest selectors this season.

Q: Do you think Crestview should be ranked higher in the football poll? Name withheld upon request

A: It depends on who you ask. In some ways, the weekly statewide poll is a popularity contest. You’ll see many of the same schools ranked each week. That’s not to say they shouldn’t be, but pollsters tend to stick with names they know. As far as Crestview (No. 6 in Division VII last week), I think the Knights are around where they should be, but of course that can change, depending on what they and other teams do.

Q: Who’s the best high school football team around here? I think it’s Crestview. Name withheld upon request

A: Crestview certainly is one of the top teams in this area. It’s hard to say which is the best, because it depends on how big of an area you’re talking about and what size school you’re referring to.

In last week’s statewide poll St. Marys was ranked No. 1 in Division IV, Coldwater and Marion Local were ranked No. 1 and 2 in Division VI, and Minster was ranked No. 1 in Division VII. Then there’s Kenton and Wapakoneta, and Lima Central Catholic is pretty good.

If I absolutely had to pick at this point in the season I’d say Coldwater, simply because the Cavaliers have defeated Kenton has defeated Kenton, Clinton-Massie (No. 6 in Division IV) and Minster. Marion Local would probably be my second choice.

If you have a question for the Monday Mailbag, email it to sports@thevwindependent.com. Questions must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. each Sunday.