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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

The McKenzie Tigers have a bye week and will host nearby rival Keith in the first round of playoffs on Nov. 8.

Fort Dale Eagles vs. Edgewood Academy

The Fort Dale Eagles are scoring high in this 2024 football season. They captured the 3A AISA Region 2 title by going 4-and- in region play and are 7-2 so far for the season. 

This week they take on Edgewood Academy Wildcats who are 3-5 overall. The Cats are not the team today that they were back in the day under coach Bobbie Carr. The Eagles have a well-balanced and strong defense. The Eagles will be at Edgewood, but this won’t matter.

Gooch’s winner pick: Eagles 31, Wildcats 21

Georgiana Panthers vs. Pleasant Home Eagles 

The Panthers finished regular season play last week with a win over Pleasant Home 59-0. What’s next? Round one of the playoffs against Autauga Academy Nov. 8.

Greenville Tigers vs. Park Crossing Thunderbirds

This season has not been a good one for the Greenville Tigers as they stand at 4-5 on the year. This week they close out the season as they travel to Montgomery to take on the 6-3 Park Crossing Thunderbirds. This will be only the second time these two have met on the gridiron. This will be a warm game for the Birds as they look forward to the six state playoffs.

Gooch’s winner pick: Park Crossing 24, Greenville 12

Auburn Tigers vs. Vanderbilt

After losing five out of seven games to start the 2024 football season, the Auburn Tigers finally hit their stride in beating a good Kentucky Wildcats team 24 to 10. The off week before the Cat game seems to have helped Hugh Freeze and his coaching staff solve problems on both sides of the ball. This week, they host a very good team, Vanderbilt. Which has beaten No. 1 ranked Alabama. Look for more of the same.

Gooch’s winner pick: Vandy 27, Auburn 0

Troy Trojans vs. Coastal Carolina

This year has not been good at all for Alabama. This week is homecoming, but it won’t matter.

Gooch’s Winner Pick: Coastal 31, Troy 10

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