WCSSAA & D10 Picks: Thursday

WCSSAA YTD:  50-8 (.862)
D10 YTD:  32-2 (.941)

WCSSAA
There's a couple of important games today as far as possible playoff positioning is concerned, with the biggest of them being the WCI Vikings (6-3) travelling to play Grand River (7-2).  Both teams are in contention for a first-round playoff bye (top 4 seed).

WCI has been on the upswing lately, and I expect them to keep this one close; however, I'll give the edge to the home Rens here.  GRCI by 6.

Meanwhile, another big game sees Forest Heights (5-4) travel to Eastwood (6-4).  Both of these teams will finish somewhere in the 5-8 range in the standings but are certainly teams that those in the top 4 wouldn't want to meet in the quarterfinals.  Top scorer Ousmane Kromah is out for ECI today, but with Izzy Nemeth back they should have enough to win.  I'll go with ECI by 6 today.

Other games are:

Elmira (0-10) at Jacob Hespeler (1-8)
My Pick:  JHSS by 24
The Hawks need to win this to have any shot at a playoff spot, and they should be able to do so at home.

Galt (6-3) at Southwood (2-7)
My Pick:  GCI by 18
The Sabres have been keeping many of their games respectable, especially of late, while the Ghosts haven't exactly been blowing teams out of the water (reference their 5-pt win over JHSS the other day).  Regardless, I still like Galt to win.

Preston (2-7) at Bluevale (2-7)
My Pick:  BCI by 8
The winner of this game will virtually assure themselves of a playoff berth; I'll go with the homecourt Knights.

Cameron Hts. (8-1) at Huron Hts. (4-5)
My Pick:  CHCI by 15
The Huskies are dangerous at home, having defeated KCI on their home court.  It could be interesting but I like the Gaels here.

D10
Three games to conclude the D10 schedule today:

Bishop Mac (11-2) at JF Ross (10-3)
My Pick:  BMAC by 6
The Royals can technically leapfrog Bishop Mac for 2nd, but they'd need to win by 16+, as Bishop Mac defeated them 50-35 the last time around.  The Royals have the talent to win, but I don't see this one getting away from the Celts by that much.

Guelph CVI (1-12) at Centennial (4-9)
My Pick:  CCVI by 18
Unless ODSS upsets St. James, both of these teams are locked into their respective playoff positions.  Centennial should get some momentum by going into the playoffs with a win.

Orangeville (1-12) at St. James (13-0)
My Pick:  STJ by 28
Both of these teams will likely meet again on Tuesday in the D10 quarterfinals.  St. James is looking to become the first team in four years (2010-11 JF Ross) to go undefeated in regular season play.