Picks and previews for Friday's football games

Jami and Larry take a look at today’s games, which begin at 7 p.m. at the home school unless otherwise noted.

No. 2 Oscar Smith (0-0) vs. Gilman (Md.)

Time 7:30 p.m.

Site Morgan State University, Baltimore

The scoop Oscar Smith opens with a nationally televised game (College Sports Network) for a third consecutive season, this time in the I-95 Kickoff Classic. The Tigers finished 11-2 last season, losing to Bayside in the Eastern Region Division 6 championship game. Among the returners are QB J.J. Williamson, who threw for 3,244 yards and RB J.C. Coleman, a Virginia Tech commit who rushed for 1,402 yards. Gilman, 7-2 last season, is ranked No. 2 in Maryland’s state poll and has won 10 consecutive conference titles. CB Cyrus Jones is one of Maryland’s top recruits. Larry Oscar Smith, 34-31. Jami Gilman, 35-33.

Western Branch (0-0) at No. 3 Norcom (1-0)

The scoop Norcom is playing its second game in four days after rallying past Wilson for a 20-13 victory Tuesday. The Greyhounds struggled offensively in that one, but won on a TD pass in the final 20 seconds. Western Branch is coming off a 2-8 season. Larry Norcom, 16-13. Jami Western Branch, 21-19.

No. 6 Great Bridge (0-0) vs. Granby (0-0)

Site Powhatan Field

The scoop Great Bridge finished 10-2 last season and welcomes back RB Adriell Mayes, who led the Southeastern District in rushing with 1,268 regular-season yards. Brian Beard steps in at QB, replacing three-year starter Brad Hudson. Granby was 3-7 last year after an 0-6 start, including a 32-8 loss to Great Bridge. Larry Great Bridge, 37-13. Jami Great Bridge, 35-14.

Wilson (0-1) at Nansemond River (0-0)

The scoop Wilson played its season opener Tuesday, losing a heartbreaker to Norcom in the final minute. Nansemond River was 1-9 last year – the Warriors’ eighth straight losing season. Wilson beat Nansemond River 26-0 last season. Larry Wilson, 27-16. Jami Wilson, 26-18.

Eleanor Roosevelt (0-0) at Norview (0-1)

The scoop Roosevelt, of Greenbelt, Md., is ranked 13th in the latest Maryland state poll after finishing 8-3 last season. Norview opened its season – and coach Greg Gibson made his debut – in a 31-28 overtime loss to Hickory on Monday. Larry Roosevelt, 41-13. Jami Roosevelt, 38-14.

Denbigh (0-0) at Booker T. Washington (1-0)

The scoop Booker T. Washington opened with a 27-12 victory over King’s Fork on Tuesday, led by WR/DB Lafayette Smallwood’s three TDs, 204 total yards and 2 INTs. Denbigh, 3-7 last season, must replace graduated QB Allen Simon, who threw for 1,600-plus yards last season. Larry BTW, 26-23. Jami BTW, 30-14.

Deep Creek (0-0) at Lakeland (0-0)

The scoop Deep Creek is coming off a 5-5 season, while Lakeland was 0-10. The teams have split the past four games in the series, with Deep Creek winning 31-7 last season. Larry Deep Creek, 23-20. Jami Deep Creek, 24-15.

Nansemond-Suffolk (0-0) at First Flight (0-0)

The scoop Nansemond-Suffolk’s Lew Johnston returns to the high school sideline and faces old friend and former Ocean Lakes coach Jim Prince. Johnston coached at Western Branch for 22 seasons before retiring and coaching middle school ball. Prince, in his fourth season at First Flight, led the team to a playoff berth and 8-4 finish last year.

Bishop Sullivan (1-0) at St. Anne’s-Belfield (0-0)

The scoop Bishop Sullivan opened its season Monday with a 28-21 win over Isle of Wight, led by QB Brian Novak’s 218 passing yards and WR Steve Swoope’s 13 receptions. St. Anne’s won the Virginia Independent Schools Division II state championship last season and welcomes back star RB Branford Rogers.

Greenbrier (0-0) at Hampton Christian (0-0)

The scoop Greenbrier Christian had its season opener last week postponed. The Gators finished 6-5 last season, winning this match-up 34-20. Sixteen starters return. Hampton Christian was 1-9 last season, losing its final seven games.

Portsmouth Christian (0-0) at Isle of Wight (0-1)

The scoop Portsmouth Christian is coming off a 7-4 finish and a second straight playoff appearance. Isle of Wight opened its season with a 28-21 loss to Bishop Sullivan on Monday.

Blessed Sacrament (1-0) at Atlantic Shores (0-0)

The scoop Blessed Sacrament opened the season last week with a 42-13 victory over Kenston Forest. The Knights finished 11-1 last season, winning the VIS Division IV state championship. Atlantic Shores welcomes back QB Garfield Christie and two-way starters Sam Meade and B.J. Reid from last season’s 6-4 team.

– Compiled by Jami Frankenberry