If I didn't have to stay in the office Friday night (the Journal is implementing a new system, and I must help ease the transition), I'm sure I would hear WEOL's Tim Alcorn mention how he can't believe we're coming to the midway point of the season.

Each year, he says it and I know a lot of people are thinking it.

So, with the midway point upon us after Friday night's games, what will the second half have in store for the area?

I'm sticking by a few of my predictions, like Vermilion winning five or six of its last seven games and the Southwestern Conference prediction that I rattled off last week.

There are a few surprises:
- I'm still in shock Wellington is 0-4. Like Vermilion, this is another team capable of turning its season around. The Dukes' fate will depend on their psyche after some tough losses in the fourth quarter.
- Edison and Western Reserve are 3-1. Maybe this was lack of respect on my part, but I didn't think either would be much better than 5-5 or 6-4. They're both looking like they'll win at least seven.
- Monroeville is also 0-4, but then again, the Eagles have been plagued by injuries.
- Avon Lake lost two games in the first four weeks. I still scratch my eyes at this because the Shoremen still have what any team would dream to possess -- uncanny talent up front.
- Anthony Harrison has back-to-back 200-plus yard performances. I know he's good, but I wouldn't have thought Admiral King's offense would allow a back to get enough carries to reach that point. Then again, Harrison is averaging about 10 yards per carry.