Top games featured tonight

Prep football in northeastern Wisconsin continues to be among the best in the state. Tonight will be no exception.

After two weeks of predictions, I've improved to 4-6. Here are the top five area games to watch with predictions.

1. Oshkosh North at Kimberly: At the beginning of the season, not much was expected from North. But the Spartans have started off 2-1 and face the first-place Papermakers in a key Fox Valley Association matchup. Last year North beat Kimberly to deny the Papermakers a playoff spot. Kimberly had done the same to North the year before. Look for Kimberly to get its revenge. This one will be close. Kimberly 27, Oshkosh North 21.

2. Appleton North at Oshkosh West: Both teams stumbled last week but remain in the thick of the Fox Valley Association race. A loss, however, will severely damage someone's title hopes. Oshkosh West 17, Appleton North 7.

3. Oconto Falls at Xavier: Oconto Falls is vastly improved and could give the Hawks a run tonight. Xavier, however, has too much firepower and should begin to take control of the Valley 8. Xavier 35, Oconto Falls 21.

4. Valders at Hilbert: The Wolves need a win to stay in the Olympian title chase. Valders is one of only two unbeatens in the conference. Tradition may favor Hilbert, but Valders has the horses this year. Valders 16, Hilbert 14.

5. Neenah at Menasha: The Bluejays are the defending Fox Valley Association champions and need a win desperately. Neenah is talented, but struggling. But when these two teams meet, throw out the records. But records can only go so far. Menasha is just too talented not to come away with a victory this time around. Menasha 23, Neenah 16.

These aren't the only good games this weekend, so check out the rest of the high school action. If you can't go to the game, log on to: www.postcrescent.com