By Dave Tomczak
LocalSportsJournal.com

Steve Gunn’s reign of terror has come to an end.

Last week, Gunn stole the LSJ Editor’s Week 2 Picks title. He claims he “forgot” to include a tie-breaker, denying Jason Goorman and I a chance for bragging rights.

But, I didn’t mind.

As the defending picks champion from 2017, I knew I’d get another shot. Here we are a week later, and my time has come (again).

I finished 13-3 last week, good for a tie with Dave Hart. But with a tie-breaker FINALLY included in the Week-3 picks (total points in Orchard View-Muskegon Catholic Central game), I was victorious.

Yes, Orchard View tried its hardest to make me pay for picking the Crusaders last week. After all, the Cardinals’ epic win broke a losing streak to MCC that dated all the way back to 1966.

But, my failed pick didn’t hurt me because I am that good. Sorry to break your heart, Dave (Hart).

While MCC did help me win last week (points-wise, not my pick), they are no longer a team I can automatically pick to win.

This week I am giving the Crusaders a nod against Ludington because they are at home, and I have total faith in the MCC coaching staff. But a loss to the Orioles, and it’s a crapshoot going forward.

Even though Orchard View has never beaten Belding in each of the five matchups between the two programs, I’m having a sixth sense on this one. OV will win and four of my colleagues will be another step behind me.

A team I have no problem picking in the West Michigan Conference this week is Oakridge.

The Eagles’ ground game is a 3-headed beast that Whitehall won’t slow down.

In another WMC showdown, Montague will claim victory over North Muskegon. Why did Jason Goorman pick the Norse on this one? Well, there’s a reason why he is near dead last in the LSJ’s picks standings.

Despite a good showing by Reeths-Puffer against Mona Shores last week, the Rockets may not have enough left in the tank to defeat Jenison.

Hesperia and White Cloud is a definite toss up. Both teams are looking for their first wins. The Indians won last year for the first time since 2009, so we know Hesperia will be smelling blood. But I’m smelling another White Cloud win.

Talking about needing a win, Fremont is frantically looking to break its losing streak. Nate Thompson thinks the Pack will have what it takes against Central Montcalm. Unfortunately for the Red and White, I don’t.

In other games, I like Fruitport to get its first win of the year. Muskegon, Mona Shores and Ravenna will keep rolling too. And can anyone stop Spring Lake’s Caleb Montgomery? Not Coopersville, as the Lakers go to 4-0.

WEEK3 RESULTS – Dave Tomczak 13-3; Dave Hart 13-3; Nate Thompson 12-4; Andrew Johnson 12-4; Mitch Boatman 12-4; Steve Gunn 11-5, Jason Goorman 11-5.

OVERALL STANDINGS – Nate Thompson 35-12; Dave Tomczak 35-12; Dave Hart 34-13; Mitch Boatman 34-13; Jason Goorman 33-14; Andrew Johnson 33-14; Steve Gunn 32-15.