In the sports world, everyone has an opinion, whether it’s on the Super

Bowl, a round of miniature golf, or college sports ESPN analysts make predictions for sports played around the globe. Here are my professional predictions for fall sports at Guilford.

Football (4-6; 1-5 ODAC)

Overview: The Quaker football team will have their work cut out for them in 2009. For starters, they will need to shake the last place prediction handed down from the ODAC’s latest preseason poll. The biggest question lies on the offense, where the coaching staff will need to fill the shoes of Vogelbach.

Good Answer to a Tough Question: Guilford does return the speedy Justin Parker, who tallied a school-record 10 rushing touchdowns a season ago. Parker established himself as a premier back last season, turning in five 100+ yard games.

Fresh Faces: Richie Paul, Ryan Hammond, and Chris Jessup all return to solidify the linebacker position, providing some veteran stability to a defense that will scatter new faces. Senior Markas Brunson, the lone returner on the defensive line, will try to lead by example.

They said it: “We played a lot of young players last year, so we have a lot of guys that have some actual game experience,” said head coach Kevin Kiesel. “But the interesting thing is that football is 20% physical and 80% mental, so I feel very excited about our teams outlook, and their work ethic.”

My Take: The Quakers will be competitive, but not spectacular. Look for the Quakers to climb out of the ODAC cellar for a better-than-expected finish, by overcoming Randolph-Macon and Washington and Lee. The final call – 4-6, 2-4 ODAC.

Men’s Soccer (4-6-1; 3-6-1 ODAC)

Overview: The men’s soccer team enters their 2009 campaign with many question marks stemming from some key additions and costly subtractions. The offense looks much improved from a year ago, returning last year’s leading goal scorer, Jordan Alexander.

Defense: The defensive side of the ball is the biggest question mark for the Quakers. Sophomore Ethan Byrd will anchor the defense, but is still new to the position after an off-season transition from midfield. Sam Huff, a captain, will bring leadership to the aggressive and speedy defensive unit. Also, keep an eye out for the defensive-minded Peter Truitt, a talented sophomore goalkeeper.

Personnel: Head coach Jeff Bateson has recruited a foundation of skilled players. First-year Ronnie Castellanos, who scored twice in two preseason games, will aid Alexander in his quest for the back of the net. Senior Jeff Floyd brings strong passing skills and superior intangibles to the top. Also, watch for Tamer El-Amoor, a speedy midfielder whose work ethic translates into unlimited potential.

They said it: “We will be new, young, and pretty exciting to watch,” said Bateson.

My take: Unfortunately, the ancient axiom is usually true — offense wins fans, but defense wins championships. The Quakers’ defense will be tested early and often, and needs solid play from the entire cast for a successful season. The final call — 8-12; 4-5 ODAC

Women’s Soccer (8-12; 6-5 ODAC)

Overview: Head coach Eric Lewis has high hopes this fall, and looks to improve on the self-described “down-year” that resulted from injuries to key players. A swift balance of returners and newcomers has left the Quakers with great team chemistry.

Switchin’ it up: Watch for the Quakers’ new strategy, where this year’s squad looks to implement an offense that will focus on possession and efficient ball movement.

Nice addition: A healthy lineup should yield healthy returns, as Marina Schachowskoj and Kristyn Melanson will work in the teams’ favor. Schachowskoj will join transfer Bri Eilman to bolster an already strong offense, anchored by Jada Daniel and Ellie Taylor.

They said it: “We are a lot faster this year,” said Lewis. “The past two years we have been recruiting for speed because of the turf around the conference, and now it’s finally paying off.”

My take: If the ladies can remain healthy, their foot skills and athleticism could be lethal. Picked fifth in the preseason polls, I expect the Quakes to come out of the gates with something to prove. The final call — 11-8, 6-5 ODAC.

Volleyball (7-23; 2-8 ODAC)

Overview: Head coach Emily Gann, entering her fourth year, has tabbed this year’s team as the most experienced and athletic since her tenure began. Veteran leadership from nine returners will play a pivotal role in the season’s early stages.

Familiar faces: Defensive specialist Bethany Hawks is the lone senior this season, yet Anna Miller and Courtney Kozar will use their extensive in-game experience to assist Hawks in her leadership role.

Call for help: First-year volleyball player Brittany Freeman, one of three talented recruits, should emerge as an impact player this year in the outside hitter position.

They said it: “Believe in ourselves as a team. We need to forget the past, and focus on the future. Physically and athletically, we are fine — we just need to overcome the mental aspect of the game,” said Gann when asked what is needed to be successful within the ODAC).

My take: The Quakers enter the season as the eighth pick in the ODACs preseason poll. While attempting to bounce back from a down year in 2008, don’t expect them to be crowned champions, but don’t sleep on them either. The final call — 11-15, 4-7 ODAC)

Cross Country (Men’s – 7th; Women’s 6th)

Overview: Second-year coach and former UNC-Greensboro standout, Heidi Pinkerton, believes that both the men’s and women’s teams will surprise opposing teams this fall.

New faces on the men’s side will help boost a program that saw only two individuals place inside the top 50 in last year’s ODAC championship. Both the men and women are expected to place sixth in conference.