A disclaimer before you read what I’m thinking for Week 7.
As I’m typing this, I’m the poster boy for one of those cold medicine commercials – runny nose, occasional sneezing and coughing, watery eyes. I’ve been that way since Sunday, but I do feel like I’m getting better.
My point is I might not be at my best when it comes picking this week’s area games. Hopefully I’ll be back near 100 percent in time for kickoff on tomorrow night.
Speaking of near 100 percent, I almost posted perfection last week. I went 5-1, just missing on Ohatchee’s 28-24 upset of Piedmont. That brings my overall record to a not-so-shabby 32-6 for the year (wish I could say that for my Easy Street End Zone Show SEC picks, but I digress).
We’ve got six games again on this week’s area high school schedule, with playoff implications in each. All seven of our coverage area teams are still in contention for the postseason. Some are just barely hanging on, while others are in the hunt for region championships.
Let’s see if I can make some smart choices, or just chalk this week’s picks on being a little under the weather.
Pleasant Valley (1-5, 1-3) at Piedmont (5-1, 3-1)
Sick or not, I feel safe picking this one correctly.
Piedmont’s coming off a rare loss. It’s homecoming, and it’s a struggling Pleasant Valley team. I look for the Bulldogs to bounce back in a big way.
The pick: Piedmont.
Collinsville (2-4, 1-2) at Plainview (4-2, 1-2)
Here’s one of those just-barely-hanging-on games I was talking about. The winner is still in good shape for the playoffs, while the loser is on the outside looking in.
The Panthers are coming off a bye, which should have helped them heal up any bangs and bruises (or sickness) they might’ve had. However, I think Plainview has just a little more firepower in its arsenal in this one.
The pick: Plainview.
Spring Garden (5-0, 3-0) at Westbrook Christian (2-4, 1-3)
New Pope, no problem.
Chapel Pope showed shades of his older brother Chaz last week in the Panthers’ 47-0 homecoming win over Gaston. He connected on 3-of-4 pass attempts for 84 yards and two touchdowns to Cooper Austin. The younger Pope also ran for a 28-yard touchdown in the win.
I expect another similar performance this week at Westbrook Christian, along with another stout Panther defensive effort.
The pick: Spring Garden.
Sand Rock (5-1, 3-1) at West End (4-3, 2-2)
Another week, another road game for the Wildcats. They’ve fared well away from Sand Rock this season, and there’s no reason for me to think they won’t again this week.
Look for Ace Ashley and company to pull off another big win away from Russell Jacoway Stadium.
The pick: Sand Rock.
Cherokee County (5-1, 3-0) at Handley (5-0, 3-0)
This one should be a doozy.
Two ranked teams. Two outstanding running backs: Cherokee County’s Damien Ramsey and Handley’s Tae Meadows. The winner has the inside track for the Class 4A, Region 4 title.
If the Warriors can clean up a few penalties and not turn the ball over against the Tigers, I like their chances of making this a competitive game.
But just like Handley did last week against Jacksonville, I expect the Tigers will be able to take the Warriors’ best punch and still be left standing.
The pick: Handley.
Gaylesville (4-3, 2-2) at Cedar Bluff (3-3, 3-0)
Friday’s battle for Hwy. 68 has a little something more on the line than just bragging rights for both teams.
Cedar Bluff is attempting to solidify its grip atop the Class 1A, Region 7 standings, while Gaylesville looks to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Tigers’ three losses have come against larger schools. And while they suffered lots of bumps and bruises in those battles, I feel like it’s gotten them prepped for this contest at home.
The pick: Cedar Bluff.