Generally speaking, the number one is the goal everyone wants to attain. It signifies being the best, on top of everything, an elite status.
But for me, the number one has been a source of frustration the past three weeks.
For the third consecutive week, I’ve been something-and-1 in my picks of area high school football games. Last week, I was 6-1. Granted it was my best overall showing of the season to date in terms of correct picks, but I’m always aiming for zero in that right column, as in a perfect week of picking.
I know. It’s trivial. It could be a lot worse. I guess an overall 14-3 record for the season isn’t so bad.
Will I finally get shed of that pesky one loss this week and finally attain perfection? Or does another ‘and-one’ continue to be my albatross. Read on to find out ‘What In the World Shannon Fagan is Thinking?’
Whitesburg Christian (1-1) at Collinsville (1-0)
Last week, the Panthers dealt with a mad Fyffe team coming off a loss. This week, the Warriors will deal with a mad Collinsville team coming off a loss. Look for Mason McAteer and company to rebound in a big way.
The pick: Collinsville.
Woodville (1-2) at Spring Garden (3-0)
Spring Garden has gotten off to a great start to the season behind Connor Bates, John Welsh and Noah Barber. I don’t think that trio is going to let up any time soon.
The Panthers are 12-0 all-time against Woodville, including a 40-0 decision in their last meeting in 2017.
That streak stays intact following Friday night.
The pick: Spring Garden.
Appalachian (2-1) at Gaylesville (2-1)
Both of the Eagles’ wins have come on the road this season. They defeated Holly Pond in their opener 28-18 and Cleveland 20-6 two weeks ago. Appalachian lost at home to Locust Fork last week 38-28.
Gaylesville is also coming off a tough loss at Valley Head. The Trojans trailed just 6-0 at halftime before the Tigers pulled away late. I look for a similar game and result this Friday.
The pick: Appalachian.
North Sand Mountain (2-1) at Cedar Bluff (1-2)
Bryson Teague and Kadien Tracy provided a solid 1-2 punch for banged up Cedar Bluff last week at Gaston. The duo accounted for all four Tiger touchdowns in the first half.
However, it is concerning that the Tigers almost lost the lead in the second half. It took a Teague fourth-down run late in the game to run out the clock in a 28-22 victory.
Meanwhile, it’s been feast-or-famine season so far for the Bison. In their two wins, they’ve outscored Woodville and Ider by a combined score of 74-6.
Last week against Sand Rock, they were blanked 16-0 and had just 188 total yards.
I honestly don’t know what to expect in this one, but I do know the Bison usually give Cedar Bluff fits on the football field. They’re 6-3 all-time against the Tigers, including winning the previous five meetings.
The pick: North Sand Mountain.
Sand Rock (2-1) at Section (1-2)
The Wildcats seemed to have found their identity as a defensive team. They’ve given up just eight points in their last two games, including their 16-0 shutout win at North Sand Mountain last week.
I look for that trend to continue this week at Section.
The pick: Sand Rock.
Etowah (0-2) at Cherokee County (2-1)
Speaking of defense, the Warriors turned in a pretty impressive performance themselves last week at Oneonta. The Warrior ‘D’ forced three turnovers, blocked a punt and held the Redskins to 68 total yards.
Shutting down Blue Devil senior quarterback Jameson Scissum will be the top priority for the Warrior defense in this week’s Foothills Tractor Game of the Week.
In last week’s 49-24 loss to Hokes Bluff, Scissum ran for 185 yards and a touchdown. He was also 18 of 26 passing for 255 yards and two scores.
I feel like the Warriors will be up for the challenge.
The pick: Cherokee County.