It’s November now, and that means it’s down to serious business in high school football.
We’re talking playoffs baby! The seeds are set. The matchups are determined. The brackets are filled out. Thirty-two teams in each class are chasing blue maps for the next five weeks. When it’s all said and done, only seven will remain standing.
Speaking of my standing, I staggered to a 3-2 mark to end the regular season last week, dropping my overall record to 49-14. But just like it is for our area teams, the slate is wiped clean for the playoffs. Let’s see what’s in store for tomorrow.
Cedar Bluff (4-6) at Meek (10-0)
One of my miscues picking last week was Cedar Bluff’s dominating performance at Donoho. Even though I missed on the pick, I was glad to see the Tigers put an end to their losing streak and gain a little momentum heading to Meek.
However, I just don’t see that momentum lasting. This is one of the best Meek teams in years, and I just don’t see the Tigers pulling off the upset.
The pick: Meek.
Oakman (3-7) at Piedmont (8-2)
Jack Hayes’s name has been called a lot on the public address system at the Field of Champions this season. He’s broken records seemingly on a weekly basis. Tomorrow night it’s going to get called a lot again. I look for the Bulldogs to rout the Wildcats.
The pick: Piedmont.
Collinsville (8-2) at Falkville (6-4)
I was very impressed with what Collinsville did last week against a very solid Valley Head team. Mason McAteer’s pocket presence was perfect in the passing game. He took some shots, but he delivered.
And so did Keaton DeBoard.
This is one of the best tandems in the state, and I look for them to give the Blue Devils all they can handle.
The pick: Collinsville.
South Lamar (5-5) at Spring Garden (9-1)
In talking with Spring Garden coach Jason Howard about the Stallions, he said they have a multi-purpose back in junior Charles Neal. He said they do a good job of moving him around and getting him the football in different ways.
The Panthers have had an extra week to prepare for Neal. I think that extra week pays off.
The pick: Spring Garden.
Corner (8-2) at Cherokee County (8-2)
This isn’t your typical first-round playoff matchup. The Yellow Jackets were competitive in their two losses to Northside and Haleyville, and they’re undefeated on the road.
Cherokee County is 5-0 at home, so something’s gotta give there.
As much as I’ve been impressed with the Warrior run game this season, I’ve been equally as impressed with their defense. They’ve averaged giving up just over two touchdowns a game.
If they can slow down senior running back Gavin Brown (1,750 yards on 231 carries with 30 touchdowns), I like their chances. Here’s thinking defensive coordinator Brett Henderson cooks up the right game plan on that side of the ball in helping the Warriors advance in what should be a great Foothills Tractor Game of the Week.
The pick: Cherokee County.