Earlier this week, I remarked to someone how I wish several of this Friday’s area high school football matchups were spread out. That’s because I’d love to see all four of them.

It’s the second straight week we’ve had just four area games, but just like Week 0, they each have their own intrigue.

One is a clash that hasn’t happened in 10 years. One is a classic playoff rematch from last year. And two are longtime rivalry games, with one of those a battle of top two teams.

See what I mean?

Oh well. Until science perfects cloning, I guess I’m stuck with covering just one. I hate making the tough decisions.

Speaking of tough decisions, I’ve always said the first week of the high school football season is the toughest to pick. You never know what you’re going to get. However, I’m glad to say I went 3-1. While it isn’t perfect, I’ll take it considering it was the first week of the season.

Here’s hoping for perfection this week.

Collinsville at Gaylesville: Had it not been for Crossville deciding not to field a varsity football team this season, it might’ve taken another 10 years before Collinsville and Gaylesville were able to play each other on the football field. Collinsville was originally scheduled to play Crossville in its season opener, while Gaylesville had an open date, so things worked out well for both.

Not much worked out well for the Trojans in their setback at West End last week, and I’m afraid it’s going to be much the same the Friday against the Panthers, led by freshman quarterback Mason McAteer.

The pick: Collinsville.

Coosa Christian at Spring Garden: Back during the Easy Street Cherokee County football media day back in July, Spring Garden coach Barrett Ragsdale was asked about last year’s second round playoff game against Coosa Christian. The Conquerors ended Spring Garden’s season in heartbreak with a 31-28 victory after the Panthers had beaten them convincingly in the regular season.

“It’s been mentioned a few times,” Ragsdale said. “Getting beat at home in the second round of the playoffs is not what we planned. It left a bad taste in our mouths, and I think it’s fueled us in the weight room and throughout the summer.”

Here’s thinking that motivation helps the Panthers prevail.

The pick: Spring Garden.

Cherokee County at Piedmont: It doesn’t get any closer than this Highway 9 rivalry. With last year’s 21-14 victory, the Cherokee County Warriors evened up the all-time series with Piedmont (38-38-3).

Last week against Alexandria, the Warriors turned in a dominating performance on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, Piedmont held its own against defending 2A state champion Fyffe in a scrimmage tie.

While I think the Bulldogs will be another strong 3A playoff contender in 2023, I think it might take them a couple of weeks before they get fully adjusted to new head coach Jonathan Miller. I like the Warriors in this one.

The pick: Cherokee County.

Cedar Bluff at Sand Rock: Yes, both teams are fairly young, and yes, both got off to rocky starts last week, but this battle never disappoints.

I know Spring Garden had last week’s game against Sand Rock well in hand at halftime, but you’ve got to give Wildcat freshman quarterback Alec Ashley credit for hanging in there in the second half. He finished the game completing 12-of-18 pass attempts for 116 yards and three touchdowns.

Here’s thinking Ashley and the Wildcats continue to grow in the Foothills Tractor Game of the Week.

The pick: Sand Rock.