With each passing week, the high school football playoff picture is coming into sharper focus. What we do know is four of the WEIS coverage area teams are in good shape for qualifying for the postseason, which begins on Nov. 10.
The Cherokee County Warriors have already clinched a playoff spot and now have their sights set on winning another region championship when they travel to Etowah on Friday.
Spring Garden is in good shape to earn a home playoff game in the first round. The Panthers can solidify their standing with a win at Donoho on Friday, setting up a huge showdown with Ragland on Oct. 27.
Collinsville and North Sand Mountain are battling it out for the 3-4 playoff spots in Class 2A, Region 7. Those two teams play each other next Friday.
And with Piedmont’s 58-12 win last week over Glencoe, coupled with Ohatchee’s loss to Hokes Bluff, the Bulldogs have moved into contention for the final playoff spot from Class 3A, Region 6.
Cedar Bluff, Gaylesville and Sand Rock are still mathematically alive, but they desperately need to win out and have help in order to qualify.
Winning out is something I’d love to do to end the regular season. Last week, I went 6-0 to improve to 37-8 overall for the year. Let’s see if I can keep it going in Week 8.
Whitesburg Christian (0-7) at Collinsville (5-2) and Spring Garden (6-2) at Donoho (0-7): Here are two games involving Panther teams against winless opponents. I don’t think either Collinsville or Spring Garden look past this week because of what’s in front of them next week. Here’s thinking they both win convincingly and move on to their respective showdowns against North Sand Mountain and Ragland respectively.
The picks: Collinsville and Spring Garden.
Gaylesville (1-6) at Decatur Heritage (7-1): The Trojans have had an extra week to prepare and won this game last year, but I think the Eagles are a stronger team this year. They’ve already clinched the Class 1A, Region 7 title and are looking to finish the regular season strong. I like for them to stay undefeated at home.
The pick: Decatur Heritage.
Ider (2-5) at Sand Rock (1-7): Speaking of home, Sand Rock hasn’t played there much of late. The Wildcats have been on the road for three straight weeks in some tough venues. I think a dose of Russell Jacoway Stadium might just be the shot in the arm they need to pull off a win against the Hornets in the Foothills Tractor Game of the Week.
The pick: Sand Rock.
Piedmont (3-4) at Geraldine (6-1): In this battle of the Bulldogs, Geraldine has never beaten Piedmont in six tries, including a 42-16 setback last season.
Piedmont has been impressive the past two weeks behind Trevor Pike’s performances. Last week against Glencoe, Pike posted 171 yards on just four carries and scored two touchdowns. He also blocked two extra points in leading Piedmont to a homecoming victory.
Geraldine has been winning behind its defense. The unit has given up just 66 points all season.
While I think Pike provides Piedmont another spark, I’m afraid it won’t be enough to pull out a win.
The pick: Geraldine.
Cherokee County (7-0) at Etowah (3-4): This was one of the most entertaining games of the 2022 season, won by the Warriors 45-42. I don’t think this year’s matchup will be quite that high scoring, particularly with the way the Warrior defense has been playing. The Warrior ‘D’ has delivered three shutouts this season, including last week’s 35-0 win over Fultondale. The unit has given up just 52 points all season. That’s just a little over a touchdown per game on average.
Add in Cherokee County’s powerful running game led by senior Jacob Cornejo and it might just be a long night for the Blue Devils.
The pick: Cherokee County.