Rockne filled -- at least for a little while; and quick NFL picks

FROM KEITH GROLLER

If you were a Central Catholic alum, or fan, you were probably never prouder of your school than on Saturday when the 2010 state champs in football received their gold medals and the Wall of Fame ceremony brought back coach Walt King and so many members of the 1972 unbeaten team. They were thrilled to see each other. Hope to write more about them in a column this week.

It also was neat to see softball star Jenn Shellhammer, early 90s' football great Marc LaPadula and the late Jack Pressmann (represented by his son Sean and other family) be inducted into the Wall of Fame.

Special ceremony, special day.

And for me, it was special to walk into Rockne Hall and see the lower level packed.

Doesn't happen much anymore and it was great to see one of the Lehigh Valley's treasured venues filled with people.

Once the ceremony began and the boys basketball game began, it emptied out of course. One night soon I hope the gym will remain packed for the game, too, but we'll take the big crowds when and where we can get them -- and for however long.

CCHS did win the basketball game too, and they have some nice young players, especially freshman Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman, who I heard so many great things about. He didn't disappoint with a well-rounded effort in an impressive Vikings win. Interesting to see how everybody meshes once the football guys get back in uniform.

Now, here are the NFL picks before I rush down I-78 for the Eagles-Giants game.

My numbers continue to be pathetic, but at least predictable according to my man Rico. Totals for the year: 108-95 outright; 88-108-7 vs. spread; 97-104-2 on the over/under totals.

Home teams in CAPS

Kansas City (+3) 24, ST. LOUIS 17 -- Under 42.5

TENNESSEE (-1.5) 27, Houston 24 -- Over the 47.5

INDY (-4.5) 30, Jacksonville 21 -- Over the 48.

Arizona (+2.5) 28, CAROLINA 20 -- Over the 37.

CINCINNNATI (-1) 20, Cleveland 17 -- Under the 40.

MIAMI (-5) 21, Buffalo 14 -- Under the 40.

Philadelphia (+3) 34, NEW YORK GIANTS 24 -- Over the 47.

DALLAS (-7) 30, Washington 16 -- Over the 44.5

TAMPA BAY (-4.5) 20, Detroit 10 -- Under the 43.

BALTIMORE (-2.5) 24, New Orleans 21 -- Over the 43.5

Atlanta (+6) 24, SEATTLE 20 -- Under the 46.

PITTSBURGH (-4.5) 20, New York Jets 14 -- Under the 35.5

OAKLAND (-7.5) 37, Denver 24 -- Over the 42.

SUNDAY NIGHT

NEW ENGLAND (-14) 21, Green Bay 10 -- Under the 43.5

MONDAY NIGHT

MINNESOTA (+7.5) 23, Chicago 20 -- Over the 33.

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/2010/12/good-to-see-rockne-filled-at-least-for-a-little-while-and-quick-nfl-picks.html