High School Football Predictions: Week 1

Mission at Eureka

Friday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m.

2012 result: Mission 32, Eureka 6

The Bulldogs will be the first Lake County team to take the gridiron in 2012, and they will do it on the road up north in a non-district matchup that they won last season. … The Lions return 16 seniors from last season’s 3-6 squad, but Eureka posted a 3-1 mark in District 7-B in 2012. … Mission coach Rich Ferris will toss out a young corps of linemen who he hopes can block for returning all-conference running back Raymond Matt. … The Bulldogs will have a rotating quarterback situation—sophomores Nick Durglo and Tate Weingart will both get reps—so Matt and senior receivers Jarred Brown and Ryce Hegwood will have to shoulder much of the offensive load. … Those three, Matt at linebacker and Brown and Hegwood at defensive back, will carry the defense as well. Their main job will be to stop Lions’ all-state running back Trent Vaughn. … Ferris’ biggest concern about Eureka is an alarming combination of experience, size and speed.

Robertson’s Prediction: Eureka 20, Mission 8

Superior at Charlo

Saturday, Aug. 31, 7 p.m.

2012 result: Superior 32, Charlo 24

Success last year means nothing to the scheduling gods for the Vikings, as they host the reigning Class C 8-man state champions in their first contest of 2013. … In Superior last season, the Bobcats were able to steal away a one-score victory by stopping all four of Charlo’s 2-point conversions and converting all four of their own. This year, Charlo gets their district rivals at home. … The Bobcats return a plethora of weapons, including all-state selections Billy Pillans, Wyatt Zylawy and Cole Karow. … Charlo will rely on running backs Tyler Delaney and Jacen Petersen to take some pressure off of sophomore quarterback Michael Delaney, who enters his first year as the Vikes’ starter. … Charlo coach Mike Krahn said he has some new defensive ideas for stopping the ever-explosive Superior offense. We’ll see if they work on Saturday night.

Robertson’s Prediction: Charlo 46, Superior 42

Victor at Arlee

Saturday, Aug. 31, 7 p.m.

2012 result: Victor 66, Arlee 46

The youthful Warriors hope to get an early leg up on a postseason berth with a win over a district foe. … Arlee’s lone senior, Logan Potts, will anchor the line on both offense and defense, and quarterback Riley Rogers will have his favorite target, Patrick BigSam, lined up wide to bear the brunt of the offensive production. … Victor will travel north from the Bitterroot with a senior-laden club that looks to return to the postseason after bowing out to Chinook in the first round last season. … Arlee coach Mike Rogers’ numbers have swollen to 16 boys after picking up two late roster additions, giving the Warriors a little added depth heading into the season.

Robertson’s Prediction: Victor 58, Arlee 48

Discuss this week's high school football games online! Tweet us @LCLsports and/or use #LCFB.