What's good, people?

Today's a writing day for me - got a big story brewing - but I just wanted to pop in for a quick spell. I know last week I didn't post any Bulletin Board Material but I'll get around to Week 7 picks tomorrow (Thursday)

Also, I just want to answer my new friend "Leonides," he's the one with the dude from "300" in his avatar. Here's what he sent me:

"Candace,
I have a question: Can't any of the Kansas Metro high Schools put anybody up to beat the Hutch Salthawks? 3 6A/ 2 5A champs and with all the talent in the schools around here and no one has stopped them? Any thoughts on why? Seriously..."

Well, Leo, even before I learned of your affiliation with Gardner Edgerton, my first response would be: The Blazers can challenge! On my radio spots on 1030 AM every Friday afternoon, I've constantly picked G-E to emerge out of the East to meet Hutch in the Class 5A state championship game. The Blazers, as you know, have the winning components 1.) big veteran D and O lines and overall a good defense, 2.) solid running attack with Jensen and Starling and other guys who can get some positive yardage on limited carries and finally 3.) good coaching and the "want to."

I know the Blazers would love nothing more than to beat Aquinas and step up in the Class 5A playoffs. But you specifically said who can "beat" Hutch... and you saw how I sidestepped that and said G-E can "challenge" the SaltHawks.

Let's be realistic. Although I "expect" G-E to beat the likes of Aquinas, until the Blazers actually do it -- which they couldn't last year -- they still have a lot to prove in our eyes. And although G-E has that balanced running attack and can play ol' school football right with Hutch... have you seen those Salthawks?!?! Their dudes look like grown men. When Rockhurst got it handed to them this season by Hutch, coach Tony Severino half-jokingly told my colleague that it should be illegal for some of the Hutch guys to play HS ball... simply because they're soooo big.

So does G-E have that size? Will G-E be able to stop Hutch's unrelenting running attack when no one has yet? And what will happen if Hutch jumps to an early lead and G-E has to abandon the run, are you confident to stand behind Starling's arm? There's a reason why he's a running quarterback. These are questions I think if you answer honestly, are troubling for G-E.

It just seems that every year, whether the SaltHawks are 6A or 5A, whoever makes it out to represent the East side will be the sacrificial lamb in the Hutch Bowl. They are a a tough, tough football team and seriously... I think the way G-E is built gives the team the best chance to COMPETE with Hutch but I just don't see any one on the East side beating them.

I'm just being honest.