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

McKenzie Tigers vs. Red Level Tigers

Coach Brian Bradford and his 8-1 McKenzie Tigers will travel down Highway 55 to all-time foe, the Red Level Tigers, who are 2-and-6 on the season. The black and gold of McKenzie are riding high after their 52 t-44 win last week over Brantley Bulldogs. That victory over the Dogs clinched a 1A Region 2 championship that has been a long time coming. Quay Jackson and his offensive teams will be too much for the out-manned Red Level Tigers. McKenzie is looking for bigger and better things.

Gooch’s winner pick: McKenzie 40, Brantley 16

Fort Dale Eagles vs. Wilcox Academy

This cat-and-bird matchup will be Fort Dale Eagles at 6-2 taking on the 5-2 Wilcox Academy Wildcats. The Eagles had this past week off as they prepared for their first 3A Region 2 championship since 2009. 

The Wildcats will be looking to make a big statement with a road victory over 3A power Fort Dale.

Wilcox holds an all-time 14 to 10 record over the Eagles in their past football games. The last time these Warriors met on the playing field was a 55 to 27 victory by the Wildcats. This game will be closer than most people think at Fort Dale stadium.

Gooch’s winner pick: Eagles 21, Wildcats 16

Georgiana Panthers vs. Pleasant Home Eagles 

For the most part, this has been an up-and-down season for Barry Bess and his blue-clad Georgiana Panthers as they look to take on the Pleasant h Home Eagles who stand at 1-7 on the season. This is a key 1A Region 2 battle for the 5-4 cats. A loss in this game and a win by region opponent, the Brantley Bulldogs, and the Panthers will be at home for the AHSAA 1 A football playoffs. The Panthers won 61 to 0 over the Eagles last year. Look for more of the same this year.

Gooch’s winner pick: Georgiana 48, Pleasant Home 18

Greenville Tigers vs. Catholic Knights

The Greenville Tigers will have this week off and prepare to face Park Cross ing Nov. 1

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Missouri Tigers

There is big trouble in T-Town. Alabama stands at 5-2 in the 2024 season. Georgia and Tennessee have exposed some weaknesses on both sides of the ball – bad quarterback play, bad line play and bad linebacker play. The Missouri Tigers are 6-1 with that loss being a 41 to 10 setback. A break here and there and the Tigers could be in the SEC championship game. This is homecoming week at the Capstone and the old grads will be happy with Saturday’s outcome.

Gooch’s winner pick: Missouri 29, Tide 28

Auburn Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats

These two teams, the 3-4 Kentucky Wildcats and the 2-and-5 Auburn Tigers are headed in the same direction – downhill. Auburn is playing the same old game, playing it close and losing the game late. That has been their M.O. in a four-game losing streak. To start the season there were high expectations in big-blue cat land of Kentucky. But back-to-back losses have killed those. Look for the big-blue cats to get back on the winning track. 

Gooch’s winner pick: Kentucky 28, Auburn 17

Troy Trojans vs. Arkansas Red Wolves

The men of Troy are bad, very bad. They may not win a ball game for the rest of the year. 

Gooch’s winner pick: Arkansas State 38, Troy 17

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