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[Lynn Burke]

Granby (0-1) at Hampton (1-0)

WHEN: Noon Saturday
WHERE: Darling Stadium; Hampton.
THE OFFENSES: The Comets were blanked last week against Bethel, and in this game will go against maybe the best defense in the Eastern Region. Granby scored more than 16 points only twice last season. Hampton got a 195-yard night from Tron Martinez in last week’s 14-0 win over Gloucester but was hardly sharp.
THE DEFENSES: The Comets gave up 34 points to Bethel, which hadn’t scored that many points since late in the 2004 season. Now, they are going against a fast offense that might just have a chip on its shoulder from last week. Hampton has shut out six of its last 12 opponents going back to last season.
THE STORYLINES: After years of dominating teams from across the water, Hampton has lost its last two games against the Southside — Indian River to start the 2006 season, and Maury to end it. But if you’re Granby coach Dave Hudak, this is a danger game. Hampton has spent all week hearing how they barely beat a team that finished 1-9 last season, and coach Mike Smith probably got their attention in practice.
THE PICKS
YOURS: Hampton (95% HRVarsity.com)
OURS: Hampton

Menchville (0-1) at Wilson (0-1)

WHEN: Noon Saturday.
WHERE: Wilson High School; Norfolk.
THE OFFENSES: The Monarchs’ switch to the Flexbone didn’t get off to a smooth beginning as they could manage only six first downs and six points. And — this was killer — six turnovers. Another week of practice can only help. The Presidents scored only 23 points last year.
THE DEFENSES: Menchville got better as the 2006 season went on, but last week’s opener wasn’t a good sign. The Monarchs gave up 283 rushing yards in their first game in the 3-5 set. The Presidents have a bunch of holes that were exposed last week by a mediocre Norcom team.
THE STORYLINES: When these teams played a year ago, Menchville came in with a 21-game losing streak. The Monarchs won that game 25-6 and added a victory in their season finale. This time, Wilson comes in with a 21-game losing streak and hopes of getting that ever-elusive win. This is a rare winnable game for both teams, and neither wants to drop to 0-2 as they begin the meat of their conference schedule.
THE PICKS
YOURS: Menchville (64% HRVarsity.com)
OURS: Menchville

Norcom (1-0) at Heritage (1-0)

WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Todd Stadium
THE OFFENSES: The Greyhounds used a balanced attack in last week’s 20-0 win over Wilson — 126 yards rushing, 133 yards passing. QB Deandre Lamb hit on 10-of-17 passes for two touchdowns. Heritage TB Richard Anthony rushed for 176 and accounted for three TDs — one rushing, one passing, and one kickoff return.
THE DEFENSES: Norcom posted a shutout in its opener, but doesn’t everybody against Wilson? Still, it was an encouraging sign. Heritage limited Menchville to six first downs and forced six turnovers in last week’s win. A question mark: Will LB Lawrence Turner (sprained ankle) play?
THE STORYLINES: Heritage looks to be a solid upper-division team in the Peninsula District and might even make a play for third place. Norcom, which hasn’t had a winning season since 2002, is hoping to build on last week’s momentum and return to respectability. The Hurricanes should cruise, but it’ll be a lot tougher if Turner’s sprained ankle keeps him on the sideline.
THE PICKS
YOURS: Heritage (63.6% HRVarsity.com)
OURS: Heritage.