Eric Rueb talks about dealing with injuries and makes his Week 5 HS football picks

Posted by Admin October 10, 2024 Football

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Every week I try to have some sort of football-related insight to lead into my weekly picks.

This week that’s not happening.

I’m writing this from the OrthoRI waiting room, staring at my 10-year old who’s managing to have a smile on her face despite an undiagnosed hip injury that I’m more nervous about than she is.

Injuries are not fun and this kid has had a bunch of them. Two broken arms, a broken leg and some stitches above her eye after getting whacked in the face by her sister – an accident – with a golf club.

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I’m amazed at her resiliency. She bounces back, doesn’t think about it, and before I know it, she’s good again.

Whenever I’m at a high school game – football or otherwise – injuries terrify me. There was a time when I’d see a high school athlete get hurt and not think twice about it.

That’s changed since becoming a parent. Any time a kid goes down (minus the boys soccer players flopping all over the field), my parental instinct kicks in and worry takes over. I’m worried for their health and mental well-being and just want things to be OK so we can get back to the fun that sports provides.

I don’t think I’m ever going back to the way I used to be. I’m going to worry about everyone’s injuries as much as I’m worried about my kid, who’s currently sitting and telling me everything she can’t do without causing pain.

My story ends well. As I finish this portion of the column, we’re sitting in the Warwick Shake Shack for lunch. Her injury just requires some RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and 7-10 days away from the soccer field. Hoping everyone else can be as fortunate.

Let’s get on to the picks.

THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Chariho at Mt. Hope, 6 p.m.

The Huskies haven’t won three games in a season since 2018, when they won five. That streak ends tonight – and if things go well in the second half, they might match that total.

THE PICK: Huskies

South Kingstown at Cranston West, 7 p.m.

Two great teams in what should be a good game, but let’s point out the star of the show tonight – the Cranston West culinary department’s food truck. Bring cash and an appetite.

THE PICK: Falcons

Hendricken at Barnstable, 7 p.m.

If this game was being played Week 1 in September, it would be a terrific night to go watch some football. On a cold, windy night in October? PASS.

THE PICK: Hawks

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Shea at East Providence, 6 p.m.

It’s about time Mayor Bob DaSilva steps in and changes the name of Pawtucket Ave. to East Providence Ave. Can’t have your school on a street named for the city of the team you’re playing.

THE PICK: Townies

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Cranston East vs. Middletown at Gaudet Middle School, 6 p.m.

Congrats to the Thunderbolts, winners of the Worst Commute For a Road Team in Week 5.

THE PICK: Islanders

Mount Pleasant at Coventry, 6:30 p.m.

The Oakers are suddenly in must-win territory. The Kilties are hungry dogs (or dawgs? Not sure on the spelling there) ready to pounce. This game shouldn’t be close – but I have a feeling it’s going to be.

THE PICK: Oakers

Toll Gate vs. Central Falls at Macomber Stadium, 7 p.m.

I know they don’t have any wins to show for it, but the scores from the last two weeks tell me everything I need to know about how the Warriors are progressing this season.

THE PICK: Warriors

Central at Westerly, 7 p.m.

Wonder if Mike Washington needs to remind his players they haven’t beaten the Bulldogs in quite some time. In a must-win game, he shouldn’t have to.

THE PICK: Knights

Salem (NH) at Cumberland, 7 p.m.

Can’t have New Hampshire folks thinking they can come down to Rhode Island and check out our leaves this time of year.

THE PICK: Clippers

Tolman vs. St. Raphael at Pariseau Field, 7 p.m.

There’s a lot not to like about the RPI, but the fact it could dissuade regional rivalry games like this is on the short list.

THE PICK: Saints

North Smithfield at Smithfield, 7 p.m.

I know I said I was going to stay on the Northmen bandwagon as long as possible but the idea of picking against the Sentinels under the lights in whatever awesome uniform combo they go with is something I can’t do.

THE PICK: Sentinels

SATURDAY AFTERNOON LIGHTS

Tiverton at Exeter-West Greenwich, 11 a.m.

What percentage of the state could place these towns on a map of RI? It’s gotta be a low number, right?

THE PICK: Tigers

Davies at Scituate, 11 a.m.

If we’re going to start the second half of the season with a big game, might as well start it with D-IV’s biggest.

THE PICK: Spartans

Ponaganset at Hope, 12 p.m.

Winning this game isn’t what’s important for the Chieftains. Playing sound football for four quarters is and it’s something they haven’t done of late. Get-right game activated.

THE PICK: Chieftains

Lincoln at Johnston, 1 p.m.

The run-first Lions vs. the pass-happy Panthers? This might end up being the most fun game of Week 5.

THE PICK: Lions

Rogers at Moses Brown, 1 p.m.

Common sense says pick the Division II team over the team from D-III, but with how the Vikings are playing that’s becoming increasingly difficult.

THE PICK: Vikings

Burrillville at Woonsocket, 1 p.m.

If there’s one program that won’t get stuck in a trap game, it’s the one that’s playing in this one. Last week’s loss might be what the Broncos needed to take their game to another level.

THE PICK: Broncos

West Warwick at Portsmouth, 1 p.m.

The Patriots lost to South Kingstown in overtime and the Rebels beat the Wizards by a field goal so the transitive property isn’t being helpful here. Homefield advantage should be a factor.

THE PICK: Patriots

Pilgrim at East Greenwich, 7 p.m.

Instead of sitting at a hotel bar (responsibly) with other soccer dads on Saturday, I’ll be staying home this weekend. The Helmet Mafia better bring their A game.

THE PICK: Patriots