Maybe I should’ve added that I was speaking for myself.
Yours truly, went an abysmal 14-6 after a nice 17-3 start to fall three behind the pace of none other than Jared Gravette (See, I mentioned you two weeks in a row).
But Bossman, sports editor Bran Strickland, topped us all with an 18-2 mark. To rub it in, he called it.
This week’s games weren’t easy either, for me, but I’m more than certain I’ll remain in the top 2 among my coworkers come late Friday night.
Here are the picks...
SAKS (2-0) AT SUSAN MOORE (0-2): As previously stated, I was wrong on a lot of picks last week. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong with Saks. The Wildcats take their act on the road to face Susan Moore, which has already fallen to Weaver and Piedmont. Saks’ impressive victory, blanking Hokes Bluff 27-0, has me confident it’ll pull this one out, too … Saks 24, Susan Moore 14.
ALEXANDRIA (1-1) AT ANNISTON (1-1) : Alexandria has stumbled out of the gates in recent seasons only to get on the good foot late and make its annual postseason appearance. The Cubs seem to be hitting their stride already, following a one-point upset of then No. 8 Oneonta. However, after Troymaine Pope went off (326 yards, seven touchdowns) against Cleburne County, I can’t help but side with the Bulldogs … Anniston 37, Alexandria 23.
CLEBURNE COUNTY (0-2) AT JACKSONVILLE (1-1): If you would’ve told me before the season Cleburne County would be winless heading into Week 3, I would’ve told you “you right”. This, in my language, means: You’re wrong. But nonetheless, that’s where the Tigers are sitting. Granted their defense had to face 2010’s Area and Cahoun County players of the year, Lineville’s Demetrius Lindsey and Anniston’s Troymaine Pope, in back-to-back weeks. It won’t get much easier when they head to Jacksonville to face all-county tailback Cordero Little, fresh off a 100-yard game of his own. But if everyone’s healthy, Heflin should prevail … Cleburne County 28, Jacksonville 17.
No. 8 OXFORD (2-0) AT No. 5 CLAY-CHALKVILLE (2-0): Here’s a game much of the state will have its eyes on, a battle of unbeaten region foes. The Yellow Jackets have had the Cougars’ number of late, including a 29-27 victory last season. Oxford’s impressed with late-game heroics in wins against Carrollton (Ga.) and Gadsden City. No reason to think they can’t keep the party going … Oxford 24, Clay-Chalkville 23.
No. 1 LEEDS (2-0) AT No. 7 CLAY COUNTY (2-0): One could argue Clay County gave eventual state champion Leeds its toughest game of the season in 2010. Leeds left its home field with a 3-0 win in overtime as Clay County failed on a fourth down attempt that would’ve won the game. Call me crazy — I’ve been called worse — but I think the Panthers will dethrone ’em … Clay County 12, Leeds 10.
HOLTVILLE (0-2) AT LINCOLN (1-1): In Week 2, Lincoln got its first win and its first win for Charlie Dampeer. That has to bode well for this new era Golden Bear football. Holtville has found itself on the losing end of contests against Marbury and Munford. A trip to Lincoln won’t serve them much better … Lincoln 27, Holtville 18.
NO. 7 LINEVILLE (2-0) AT LAFAYETTE (1-1): Lineville’s win against Cleburne County in Week 1 made me a believer. Then, the Aggies rolled up 31 points against Ranburne on the road to remove any doubt as if there were any left. Lafayette fell in a close one against Randolph County a week ago ... Lineville 36, Lafayette 12.
RANBURNE (1-1) AT LANETT (1-1): Ranburne always fields a hard-nosed squad. Lanett can be hit or miss. I hate to pick a team to win based off their performance in a loss, but Lanett played Reeltown to within two points. And for some reason that’s enough for me on this one … Lanett 22, Ranburne 20.
HORSESHOE BEND (1-1) AT RANDOLPH COUNTY (1-1): This matchup should have huge implications for in the Class 2A, Region 5 standings. It’s between a pair of teams who may very well wind up vying for a spot in the playoffs. I researched both squads and wasn’t convinced either way. I’m going to side with Horseshoe Bend only because I think the competition will pick it the other way … Horseshoe Bend 44, Randolph County 39.
TC CENTRAL (0-2) AT WINTERBORO (2-0): In years past this one would’ve been a cinch. You’d go with the Fighting Tigers. This year, the decision is easy as well. Winterboro appears to be a 1A squad on the rise while TC Central is still trying to regain the swagger it had when it reached the 2007 state championship game … Winterboro 34, TC Central 20.
As for the rest of them: Donoho 31, Jacksonville Christian 13; Ohatchee 26, Section 12; Piedmont 44, White Plains 10; N. Sand Mountain 33, Pleasant Valley 22; Weaver 26, J.B. Pennington 0; Wellborn 33, B.B. Comer 16; Cherokee County 28, Crossville 6; Elmore County 23, Munford 14; Spring Garden 18, Valley Head 16; Reeltown 27, Woodland 19.
Nick Birdsong covers prep sports for The Star. He can be reached at 256-235-3575. Follow him on Twitter @birds_word
