It seems like I’ve reached a plateau when it comes to picking area high school football games this season.
For the third straight week, I’ve gone 5-1. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. I’ve come a long way from starting the season at 1-3, but in most years by now I’ve usually had at least one perfect week.
Anyway, my record improved to 20-8 overall this season, and this week I can guarantee I won’t go 5-1. That’s because there are only five total games.
But I can still secure my first perfect week of the season, or worse.
Let’s see ‘What In The World Is Shannon Fagan Thinking?’ for this week.
Shades Valley (1-4) at Cherokee County (4-1)
The Class 6A Mounties of Irondale have lost four in a row, including last week at Pinson Valley 33-0. They’ve been shut out the past two weeks. They lost 50-0 to Clay-Chalkville on Sept. 12 and haven’t scored more than 15 points this season.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are on an upward curve highlighted by the ground game of Keyshawn Woods. I like the Warriors in this Thursday night special.
The pick: Cherokee County.
Verbena (4-1) at Gaylesville (2-2)
Gaylesville had last week off to mend some bumps and bruises. I’ve heard they might get Jack Sentell back in the lineup, which is very good news.
But the Red Devils come in as one of the hottest teams in Class 1A.
Verbena won this battle last season 36-24. Like last season, I expect the Trojans will give them a fight, but I look for the Red Devils to pull away in the end.
The pick: Verbena.
Piedmont (4-0) at B.B. Comer (1-3)
The Tigers of Sylacauga picked up their first win of the season last week against Childersburg, a 38-14 decision, but don’t let their record fool you. Their three losses have come against Wadley, Vincent and Glenwood – teams with a combined 12-2 overall record this season.
I think the Tigers’ trend of losing to some of the state’s premier teams continues this week against the undefeated Bulldogs.
The pick: Piedmont.
Collinsville (3-1) at Sand Rock (1-4)
Sand Rock head coach Tanner Nelson probably knows Collinsville better than anyone. He’s a former Panther quarterback and offensive coordinator.
Nelson has a talented quarterback at Sand Rock in Alec Ashley, but so do the Panthers in Mason McAteer.
I think McAteer and the Panthers have the edge in this rivalry game.
The pick: Collinsville.
Cedar Bluff (2-3) at Spring Garden (3-2)
Cedar Bluff has lost all three of its road games this season. The Tigers have been outscored 106-19 in those contests against Collinsville (53-6), North Sand Mountain (34-6), and last week at Section (19-7).
Like those other venues, Jason Howard Field at Panther Stadium isn’t going to give a warm welcome to the Tigers. I look Ben Baker and Brady Ruark to be too much for them to handle in the Foothills Tractor Game of the Week.
The pick: Spring Garden.
