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Area teams are gearing up to face off this weekend. Here are my game picks for upcoming games.

Greenville Tigers vs. Hillcrest Evergreen Jags

The Greenville Tigers captured their third win of the year with a 55-22 pounding of the Headland Rams last Friday night. It seems the Tigers bounced back in Headland with a complete team effort coming off a heartbreaking 26-24 loss to the Andalusia Bulldogs two weeks ago. 

Tiger runningback Calderious Williams had a fabulous night accounting for three touchdowns and ran for nearly 150 yards. But the Tigers will step down two classifications to host 3A power, the 4-1 Hillcrest Evergreen Jags who lost last week to the No. 1 ranked T.R. Miller Tigers 33-28.

Look for this game to go down to the wire, but the home team black and gold Tigers should prevail.

Gooch’s winner pick: Greenville 34, Hillcrest 30

Fort Dale Eagles vs. Patrician Academy Saints

For the second time in three weeks the Fort Dale Eagles will take a long road trip to West Alabama to the tiny town of Butler to take on the 4-0 Patrician Academy Saints. After an early season loss to Chambers Academy, the Eagles have knocked out three wins in a row, the last being a 21-20 homecoming win over the Morgan Academy Senators.

The Saints are impressive in their own right after four wins averaging 45 points a game as their last game was a 52-7 victory over Snook Academy.

But the long bus ride may take its toll on the 3A Eagles in this Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) match-up.

Gooch’s winner pick: Fort Dale 27, Patrician 25

Georgiana Panthers vs. Sweet Water Eagles

This week the No. 9 ranked 1A Georgiana Panthers will do battle against the No. ranked 1A power Sweat Water Bulldogs at Georgiana’s Harmond Field this week. After the Panthers’ first game loss to 5A Greenville Tigers, the cats have bounced back to go 4-and-1 in five games and remain undefeated in 1A Region 2 play.

The Bulldogs are also 3-and-2 with their only loss coming to the 3A Thomasville Tigers, 48-6, and to 1A power Leroy Bears 27-20. But the Panthers’ Kamari Miles may be just enough to p0u the blue-clad cats over the top in this dog and cat matchup.

Gooch’s Winner pick: Georgiana 37, Sweet Water 23

McKenzie Tigers vs. J.F. Shields Panthers

The McKenzie Tigers gained their fourth win out of 5 games this past Thursday as they came out of the region cat fight to the tune of 32-24 over the Florala Wildcats. The Tigers rode the back of “Mr. Everything” Quay Jackson for the win.

This week the high-octane McKenzie Tigers will hit the road to Beatrice to take on the out-maned J.F. Shields Panthers as they stand at 0-4 on the year. Look for the Tigers to put them away early for the win.

Gooch’s winner pick: McKenzie 48, J.F. Shields 8

Troy Trojans vs. ULM Warhawks

The Troy Trojans finally got their name in the win column this past Saturday with a 34-12 victory over the Florida AM Rattlers. Quarterback Goose Crowder returned to action as he went for 298 yards on 18 completions and four touchdowns to take Troy to a 1-3 overall record.

Coach Terry Bowden will bring his ULM team into Veterans Memorial Stadium with a 2-and-1 tally sheet. The Trojans hold a 9-7 record against their Sunbelt foe. This will be the opening conference game for both teams. Look for the Trojans to wrap up their second win for the season.

Gooch’s winner pick: Troy 20, ULM 17

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs

You can bet that with the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide meeting on the gridiron, it’s always a top matchup with high stakes at hand. Bama thumped the Big-Ten Wisconsin Badgers, 42-10, while the dogs squeaked by the Kentucky Wildcats on the road.

This will be the Tide’s first conference game and a big feather in coach Kalen DeBoer’s cap. Both teams have speed, depth and a lot of talent, but you always give the home team a 3-point advantage and this game is being played in Tuscaloosa.

Gooch’s winner pick: Alabama 38, Georgia 35

Auburn Tigers vs. Oklahoma Sooners

Auburn’s woes with the quarterback slot continue as both Hank Brown and Payton Thorne could not get the job done against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Tigers lost for the second time this year, 24-14, and once again five turnovers doomed the hometown Tigers. This trend has got to improve if the Tigers want to be successful on their 2024 football campaign.

This week’s opponent, the Oklahoma Sooners ranked 15th in the country as they lost to the Tennessee Vols 25-15. If coach Hugh Freeze can get consistent play at the quarterback spot, a win is within reach. The Tigers’ “D” is not bad, but if they don’t get winning play at quarterback the train wreck will continue.

Gooch’s winner pick: Oklahoma 18, Auburn 14.

Gary “Gooch” Thomas is a long-time Crenshaw County resident, football fan and freelance writer.