Natick too good to go 0-2

King Philip has been the ultimate thorn in our side when it comes to the weekly Pickorama.

Several times last year, we picked an opponent to end their streak and the Warriors used it as motivation to prove us wrong on their way to a Division 2 state championship. This year, we decided to jump on the KP bandwagon in the opener against North Attleboro.

Sure enough, it was the Red Rocketeers who got the last laugh, winning 2016, ending the Warriors’ impressive 25-game unbeaten streak.

Our other setback came closer to home. Unlike the NFL where all seven firstyear coaches lost on the opening weekend (including my beloved Lions), it was a happy debut for Needham coach Doug Kopsco, whose team knocked off Natick, 20-16.

Let’s try and improve on an 8-2 mark.

(Home teams in CAPS.) NATICK over Brockton:

Can’t see a talented Redhawks team dropping to 0-2 on the season.

DEDHAM over Bishop Fenwick: Old friend David Flynn is turning things around in Dedham.

ST. JOHN’S PREP over Central Catholic: Experience could very well be the difference here.

Everett over MANSFIELD:

The Crimson Tide keeps on rolling behind the S and S Boys — Sainristil and Seide.

Lincoln-Sudbury over MELROSE: The Warriors become streak busters in Melrose.

Needham over HOPKINTON: We paid the price for picking against the Rockets last week. We won’t make the same mistake again.

DUXBURY over Scituate: The Sailors had a big opening week win over Norwell, but the Dragons are a different breed of cat.

Xaverian over BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM: The Hawks

get back on the winning track.

BRAINTREE over Barnstable: Billy the Kid rolls in the Saturday Morning Special.

HAMILTON-WENHAM over North Reading: I sense a bounce back offensive effort from the Generals.

Last week’s record: 8-2 Season to date: 8-2