"They" work hard for no money

This week I spun the classic Donna Summer hit "She Works Hard For the Money" into a title that is apropos to the college and high school athletes that I cover.

The athletes will be working hard this weekend as playoffs begin in both Class AA football, District 11 volleyball and Region XIII college volleyball. I will be attending all of those, plus overtaking a few news writing and photographing details for my colleague, who is out of town this week.

As far as my NFL picks go, last week was a pretty decent week. I went 9-4 incorrectly predicting the outcomes of the Baltimore/Jacksonville game, the Buc's/Bears game, Seattle/Cleveland and Oakland/KC.

I am now 74-39 for the season. Now for the week 8 picks:

Giants over Dolphins
Texans over Jaguars
Titans over Colts
Vikings over Panthers
Saints over Rams
Ravens over Cardinals
Broncos over Lions
Bills over Redskins
Patriots over Steelers
49ers over Browns
Bengals over Seahawks
Eagles over Cowboys
Chiefs over Chargers


My pictures from last week's Bottineau/Belcourt football game, and the DCB men's basketball scrimmage:

Bottineau quarterback Justin McCloud scrambles in a 50-18 win over Belcourt last Tuesday in Belcourt.

Bottineau senior Matt Bowers runs past Belcourt defenders in the first half.

Bottineau's Trevor Wettlaufer cuts back to the inside last Tuesday.

Bottineau's Jeremiah Aberle attempts to sack Belcourt quarterback Chugger Davis as the sun sets.

Bottineau's Harrison Aide avoids a tackler during a punt return in the second half.

McCloud attempts to cut back during an interception return.

McCloud breaks into the end zone for a two point conversion in the second half.

(sorry for the bluriness) Bottineau senior Mark LaCroix makes a catch on a deep pass from McCloud.

Jacks freshman Jayden McMillin plays tough defense against an Assiniboine player last Monday at the Woodshed.

Jacks freshman Colby Boyes takes a shot last Monday in a scrimmage against Assiniboine Community College.

McMillin goes in for a layup. He is one of the first Jack players from Australia.

Jeremy Chambers, one of four returning sophomores for the Jacks, dishes a pass to an open teammate.

Chambers gets low to play defense.

Chambers goes up against a bigger opponent.

McMillin goes strong to the hoop.