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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. Carroll Tigers

Any hope of the Greenville Tigers making the 2024 AHSAA playoffs were dashed this past Friday night as they fell 38-0 to 5A Region foe, the Eufaula Tigers. The black-and-gold Tigers have struggled on both sides of the ball in an up-and-down season, posting just three wins. 

The Carroll of Ozark Tigers have not fared much better this season, winning only one game, a 24-17 win against Pike County. 

Greenville will travel to Mathews stadium to build some momentum for 2025 with a win.

Gooch’s winner pick: Greenville 24, Carroll 20

Fort Dale Eagles vs. Monroe Academy Vols

This past week, Coach Eric Folmar’s Fort Dale Eagles gained a close 22-18 win on the road to go 5-and-2 over the Banks Jets. In the victory, Eagle running back Cole Smith had 129 yards rushing and one touchdown on 12 carries. The Eagles out-gamed the Jets 377 yards to 275 yards in scoring the 22 points.

Once again, the Eagles will hit the road to take on the 6-0 Monroe Academy Vols. At one point, back in the day, there was not a stronger football team than the Vols as they went 61-34 and had four Alabama Independence School Association (AISA) State Championship teams from 1970 to 1974 under legendary Coach Mac Champion.

These two teams are surely going to be on the hunt for a 3A AISA crown this season. But a well-timed offensive unit grounded attack could be the medicine for an upset.

Gooch’s winner pick:  Fort Dale 35, Monroe 28

McKenzie Tigers vs. Kinston Bulldogs

Coach Brian Bradford’s McKenzie Tigers continue their quest for a 1A Region 2 title and a trip to the AHSAA 2024 playoffs. McKenzie, Brantley and Georgiana all sit atop the region at 3-and-1 as t he Tigers look to advance to the playoffs. They are coming off a 50-8 win over the Pleasant Home Eagles that marked their sixth sin of the season.

This week, t hey will take on t he outmanned Kinston Bulldogs who are 2-and-5 for the year. The cats are too quick and strong to lose this cat and dog fight.

Gooch’s winner pick: McKenzie 35, Kinston 18

Georgiana Panthers vs. Red Level Tigers

This week, the Panthers of Georgiana will host the 2-4 Red Level Tigers in a 1A Region 2 contest. Georgiana is coming off a painful 16-12 loss in a key Region 2 1A game to the Brantley Bulldogs. The 7th ranked Panthers are now 4-and-3 in the year and 3-1 in region play.

It’s a region with a log jam for 1st place — Brewton, Georgiana, Brantley, Elba and McKenzie — all 3-1, and Florala sits there at No. 5 with a 5-2 and 2-2 record.

Red Level, on the other hand, is at 2-4 on the year and 1-3 in the region. Look for the Panthers to bounce back in a big way at home.

Gooch’s winner pick: Georgiana 30, Red Level 11

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. South Carolina

Alabama, 4-1, will host the South Carolina Gamecocks, 3-2,m in a homecoming matchup and an 11 p.m. kickoff. Last week’s road trip to Natshville was very unkind to the No. 1 ranked Tide as they lost 40-35 to the Vandy Commodores. They were sluggish and played at one step behind on both sides of the ball.

The Gamecocks, too, are coming off a 27-3 loss as they were beaten by Ole Miss. Bama should bounce back against South Carolina, but with the state of college football, you never know.

The old grads of the Capstone should leave Tuscaloosa on a happy note.

Gooch’s winner pick: Alabama 38, South Carolina 17

Auburn Tigers Bye Week

Auburn is off this week. They play Missouri on Oct. 19.

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