I just read the comments beneath Jake’s predictions and discovered that some of you are clearly hiding from this unquestionable truth: We are two different people. I know, I know, the names are confusing. Blame our parents, but don’t take it out on us.

Anyway, it looks like we’re in store for a soggy Saturday. If play is washed out, we’ll update it as soon as we can. Also, like I’ve said the last two days, Saturday rainouts will be pushed back to Sunday.

Whenever the heck they do play, here’s who I like in Round 1:

CLASS AA —
No. 16 Carmel at No. 1 Mamaroneck: As I said in yesterday’s podcast, I’m not getting roped into the tantalizing pick. Sure, this matchup has a serious number of storylines, but I believe Mamaroneck is better than last year. Carmel will keep it close behind Mike Volpe, but it’ll need offense outside of the woefully underrated John Kiechle to win. I’m not sure the Rams get it. Mamaroneck 4, Carmel 2
No. 9 Saunders at No. 8 Arlington: Poor Saunders. The Blue Devils have been overlooked by all of us, yet to them this is a major achievement. From my point of view, I can’t see how an experienced team like this can wake up early and make the trek north (gotta be almost two hours on a bus), and still hope to compete with such a strong opponent. Remember, Lincoln had North Rockland on the ropes last year; I just don’t believe Saunders has that in it. Arlington 8, Saunders 0
No. 12 North Rockland at No. 5 Yorktown: The Huskers have two positives in their favor: a much better record and a home-field advantage. Problem is that and a quarter can buy a gumball against the defending Class AA champ and former MVP Ryan Fasano. I expect Fasano and co. to regain some mojo upon their return to the playoffs, so I like them here. In almost any other instance, tough-minded and tight-knit Yorktown would get my upset nod. (Yes, I’d consider a Yorktown win here an upset.) North Rockland 3, Yorktown 2
No. 13 White Plains at No. 4 Ketcham: I completely agree with Jake on this one, except for that dig against me hatin’ on Ketcham. That’s ridiculous, but so is Jake. The Tigers would need a yeoman effort out of seniors Josh Herzenberg and Max Lambert to compete here. Ketcham 11, White Plains 3
No. 11 Scarsdale at No. 6 John Jay-EF: I could’ve made my best point of the year in Thursday night’s podcast… I actually believe Scarsdale’s win over Ketcham this month hurts it against JJEF. It won’t scare the Patriots, but it shows them Scardale must be taken seriously. They’ll win, and set up a great quarterfinal vs. Suffern. JJEF 7, Scarsdale 4
No. 14 Greeley vs. No. 3 Suffern: This is one of the harder games to predict in the first round. Not the result — I like Suffern — but the score. It’s dependent on whether or not Robbie Aviles pitches, and if he pitches how many pitches he throws. I’ll take the conservative route. Suffern 6, Greeley 3
No. 10 Fox Lane at No. 7 Mahopac: A rematch of the Tantalos tourney championship game but the pitchers will be far different. C.J. Riefenhauser goes for the Indians, while the Foxes will likely turn to either Mike Giordano or Donny Pitasi, both of which are capable of a strong outing. Still, Riefenhauser is the difference. He thrives in big spots. Mahopac 4, Fox Lane 3
No. 15 Clarkstown North at No. 2 John Jay: I’ve heard enough on the rumor mill to believe Stephen Green is available. I don’t know how much he pitches after this long a layoff, but I bet the Indians will be geared up to prove detractors wrong. They better be sharp because North has all its pitching in line. John Jay 8, Clarkstown North 4

CLASS A —
No. 9 Ardsley at No. 8 Panas: Stunningly, Jake’s right about Kioyta Gomi, who has done nothing but post great stats in a strong league for two years running. If he’s on the mound, that gives Ardsley the edge. I’ve also been impressed with Panas of late. Not only did it hang with rival Lakeland twice, it also beat Yorktown early last week. This is one of the tougher games to pick in the first round. Ardsley 2, Panas 1
No. 12 Rye at No. 5 Tappan Zee: Unfortunately, I haven’t seen either team this season. Jake’s seen both and he likes TZee, so that’s a pretty good endorsement. Also, when in doubt, you have to take the hotter team and with Rye having lost seven of eight it’s the Dutchmen who are hotter. Tappan Zee 8, Rye 7

No. 13 Brewster at No. 4 Somers: As I said two days ago, I now like Somers to win it all, so it’s obvious I like it to win here. That said, it’s been a remarkable turnaround for the Bears, who were very young and inexperienced when I saw them vs. Carmel. They rallied to play more competitive games and to qualify for the playoffs. Next year they’ll take another step or two. Somers 9, Brewster 3
No. 11 Pearl River at No. 6 Eastchester: Jake retained his objectivity by not picking this one, but I’d bet he just found it easier to sit it out. This is brutally tough to call. First, you can’t be quite sure who will pitch for the Eagles. Second, both teams are capable of just about anything. I’ll yet again abide by the theory of picking the hotter team, and that’s Eastchester. Eastchester 7, Pearl River 5
No. 14 Byram Hills at No. 3 Hen Hud: Not much to add here about two teams I’ve never seen. The Sailors have had their ugly moments, but not against a team like the Bobcats, who play in an inferior league. That’s another of my theories: When in doubt, pick the better-tested club. Hen Hud 11, Byram Hills 4
No. 10 Lourdes at No. 7 Beacon: I don’t know anything about these teams except that neither quite as strong as normal. Take Beacon with the homefield. Beacon 5, Lourdes 4

CLASS B —
No. 11 Westlake at No. 6 Rye Neck: With Kevin McQuade and Ryan Pennell, the Panthers have the arms to withstand an upset bid. They’ll need them, because the streaky Wildcats have beat Kennedy and Pelham. I don’t think coach Tyler Slater wanted to see them, but I don’t expect it matters. Rye Neck 4, Westlake 1
No. 10 Hastings at No. 7 Putnam Valley: Great pitching matchup with Blicker vs. Considine. With the way Hastings has played, it needs Blicker on the mound. But like I said in the contest, I believe he’ll be enough to shutdown the Tigers’ offense. Hastings 3, Putnam Valley 2
No. 9 Pleasantville at No. 8 Bronxville: This pick follows my second theory. Stronger league, stronger team. Plus, the Panthers have really played well after a slow start, and it’s been rooted in their pitching. Pleasantville 5, Bronxville 3