As I went towards Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium Saturday for the Troy Trojans home opener I was expecting to see banners flying all around town in support of the Trojans, but sadly I did not see but a few.

This is a college town, right?

In most college towns game day of a home date is a day where most of the people in the town are focused on one thing, and that is the game happening in the stadium.

There were not many signs or Troy banners flying around town. Personally I think the businesses in this area need to get behind their university. This year’s enrollment at Troy is around 6,000 students. You add in the teachers, administrators and anyone else involved at the university and I am sure that number tops 7,500.

That is more than 7,000 warm bodies that need to eat, drink and find a place to sleep. Those people are who keep the businesses in this area up and running. The least you could do is show your support for the University that keeps you in the black.

And this is the perfect week to start your support. The Trojans travel to Columbus for a battle with Ohio State. The university needs your support, Troy.

OK, now that I got that off my chest, it is time for Week Three of Nascone’s Predictions.

After another perfect week the record stands at 8-0 for the season.

First up this week is the aforementioned matchup between the Trojans and the Buckeyes of Ohio State. I think coach Larry Blakeney will have his team ready for Ohio State, but they will lose a close one, 28-24. This one could go either way, but I think Ohio State will score in the fourth quarter to take down the Trojans.

Entering into the high school realm, the No. 3-ranked Charles Henderson Trojans travel to Valley to square off with the Rams in a regional battle. Last year, the Trojans defended their home turf against Valley, but two years ago they were flagged 33 times en route to a 35-0 loss.

This game could go either way, but Hugh Fountain and his Trojans will get another close win over Valley to the tune of 30-28.

The No. 7-ranked Bulldogs of Pike County High School finally come home after opening the regular season on the road for the first three weeks of the season. They host the Slocumb Red Tops Friday at Bulldog Stadium.

This will be a knock down, drag out fight, but I think Pike County’s defense will be too much for the Red Tops and Pike County will win, 28-14.

The No. 4-ranked Pike Liberal Arts Patriots are rolling and there doesn’t seem to be a team in their way that can stop them. After a huge 22-16 win over then-ranked No. 2 Fort Dale, Pike Lib hits the road for a second straight week to take on Glenwood School.

The Patriots will prevail 42-21 over the Gators.

In the upset of the week, the Goshen Eagles will rebound from a big 41-8 loss to the Keith Bears by knocking the Reeltown Rebels from the ranks of the regional unbeaten in Goshen. Goshen will pull out a tight one, 21-15.

Good luck to all teams and once again, I will see you out on the gridiron.

Matt Nascone is the sports editor for The Messenger. He can be reached at 670-6315 or online at matt.nascone@troymessenger.com.