All three varsity teams have 'easy' games Friday (but be careful)

     I am out of town this week due to a family emergency, so I won't be able to see firsthand just how far offbase I and/or the MaxPreps strength ratings are this week.

     At the risk of jinxing the parish's three varsity teams, I have to say it looks like W's all around.

     District 3AAA separated into three tiers this year: Jena, Marksville, Peabody in tier 1; Winnfield and Avoyelles in tier 2; and Buckeye, Vidalia and Bolton in tier 3.

     This week, Marksville takes on the Buckeye Panthers. I know. I always try to put a different name in front of Panthers, too.  Buckeye is one of those teams that can be dangerous, if it gives itself half a chance or if the other team decides Thursday is a really good time for an all-night pizza party. In short, they are better than their 2-6 overall and 2-3 district record would indicate. The Panthers' two district wins were over Vidalia and Bolton. They close the season against Avoyelles next week.  Marksville takes on the Winnfield Tigers to end the regular season.

     After three harsh weeks, Avoyelles hosts the winless Bolton Bears. Avoyelles is also better than their 2-6 overall and 1-4 district record would lead you to believe. The Mustangs have been defeated by the three "tier 1" teams and its fellow "tier 2" team. It beat Vidalia for Homecoming and closes a disappointing season against Bolton and Buckeye.

      Not to be disloyal or anything, but the game of the week in District 3AAA will be the Jena-Peabody contest.  Sorry, but the Menard-Pickering game takes top billing in 3AA.

      District 3AA, with only six teams, basically divided in half. The top half is Many, Pickering and Menard. The second half is Bunkie, Oakdale and Rosepine. 

     In District 3AA, Bunkie gets what is supposed to be a breather in its game with Oakdale.  Everything I see in this game tells me the Panthers should break into the win column in district this week and then close the regular season against cellar dweller Rosepine. Oakdale worries me for some reason. 

     Of the three local teams, Bunkie has the toughest game this week. That does not mean the Bears can't wake up after an 8-week hibernation, nor does it mean Marksville is an automatic victor. However, MaxPreps' ratings favor all three Avoyelles Parish teams.

     Avoyelles is ranked 220th in the state while Bolton is 299th -- a 79 place advantage to Avoyelles.

     Marksville is 137th while Buckeye is 246th -- a difference of 109 places.

     Bunkie is No. 161 while Oakdale is No. 194.  The spread between the Panthers and Warriors looks wide, but 33 spots is certainly not a cinch. 

     Certain teams in the two districts are obviously guaranteed a playoff spot. A few are definitely staying home after the 10th game. We may know for sure after Friday which local teams will continue and which one or ones won't.