SIDELINE VIEW
Games heat up as the season nears Week 10 and playoffs
By Jeremy Sellers SA Columnist

With only two weeks of region play to go, games are crucial for some teams to snatch away this week. We saw several upsets last week, including three in 2A Region 1. This week, Leroy High School cheerleader Meg Smith is this guest prognosticator.

Also this week, I would like to address an issue that has came up recently. I have heard more talk this season about officials and bad calls than ever before. I wittnessed this Friday night first hand. In my opinion, I saw how a set of officials could take an area championship away from a team single handedly. Leroy was only given two timeouts in the second half along with taking the winning touchdown away on very questionable calls. The issues with some officals should be addressed because if not, football will never know who has the best team if an official can win a ballgame. Most of these reports of officials making bad calls are coming from the Mobile Metro crew, which calls in this area at times, not the Tri-County officials. Also, I received word two weeks ago when Jackson was playing at Escambia County, how the officials charged unsportsmanlike conduct on a coach when he was just calling in a play. I know several officials and I know how good of a job some of them do at their job, but some of them are just out there for the sheer fun of it and just do not care.

Megan Smith, cheerleader at Leroy High School is the guest prognosticator this week. Smith also is a member of the Leroy softball team. She is the daughter of Missy and Ken Smith of Chatom. (SA photo by Jeremy Sellers)

Clarke Co. vs Francis

Marion

Clarke County is coming off a huge win against the Bulldogs of Washington County. I think Clarke County should have their region wrapped up and shouldprepare to host the first round of state playoffs. Francis Marion is struggling to grab a win. Predictions: Jeremy- CCHS 41, FMHS 6. Meg- CCHS 46, FMHS 0.

Clarke Prep vs Hooper

The Gators will be traveling to Hope Hull Friday to take on Hooper Academy, prior to the game with Jackson Academy. Hooper is having a struggle this season. Predictions: Jeremy- CPS 38, HA 13. Meg- CPS 27, HA 7.

Coffeeville vs Fruitdale

Coffeeville is still in search of their first win of the season, this time, against a struggling Fruitdale team. This will be Coffeeville's final home game of the season Predictions Jeremy- FHS 31, CHS 6. Meg- FHS 7, CHS 6.

JA vs Marengo

The Jackson Academy Eagles will be coming in in search of their second region win and third win overall, and this time it will be for homecoming. The Eagles took a tough loss last week 69-0 to Southern Academy.

Predictions: Jeremy- MA 34, JA 13. Meg- MA 21, JA 7.

Leroy vs Bayside Aca.

After a very tough loss to Southern Choctaw last week, the Bears will travel to Daphne to face Bayside, who upset Red Level last week. Leroy had touchdown called back in the last seconds of the game against Southern Choctaw on what many saw as a questionable call. Predictions: Jeremy- LHS 49, BA 14. Meg- LHS 42, BA 7.

Millry vs Marengo

Millry almost pulled an upset last week against undefeated J.U. Blacksher. This week Millry will look to maintain their spot against the fiesty Marengo team. Predictions: Jeremy- Millry 21, Marengo 18. Meg- Marengo 14, Millry 7.

Thomasville vs SS Selma

Thomasville pulled the shutout on Escambia County last week 39-0. This week, they travel north on Highways 5 and 22 to face Southside-Selma. Thomasville should have an easy game and be able to rest some of their injured or beat-up players. Predictions Jeremy- THS 45, SSS 13. Meg- THS 50, SSS 0.

McIntosh vs Blacksher

McIntosh needs a big win over Blacksher to give them a possible playoff spot. Blacksher sneaked past Millry last week 13-9. McIntosh is going to have to put up a tough battle to beat the surprise team from Uriah.

Predictions: Jeremy- JUB 21, MHS 14. Meg- JUB 28, MHS 7.

Jackson vs W.S. Neal

Jackson almost pulled an upset against Miller last week in a 38-34 loss. Jackson will play their final home game of the season against Neal. This one has all the making for a close game. This is a must-win for Jackson. Predictions: Jeremy- JHS 21, WSN 17. Meg- JHS 35, WSN 20.

Wash Co. vs Cent Hayne

Washington County is coming off of a tough loss to Clarke County last week 14-7 while Hayneville's struggles continued. Chatom should have a paved path the rest of the way until the playoffs when they will take home the second seed.

Predictions: Jeremy- WCHS 42, CHHS 6. Meg- WCHS 28, CHHS 7.

Sweet Water vs South

Lamar

The Sweet Water Bulldogs are coming off a long stretch of good wins, but now look to host an undefeated South Lamar team. Sweet Water may have the edge here, but the Stallions from South Lamar will come into Sweet Water ready to play ball. Predictions: Jeremy- SWHS 35, SLHS 14. Meg- SWHS 28, SLHS 21.

Alabama vs Tennessee

The Crimson Tide picked up a huge win in overtime last week against the Ole Miss Rebels. This week, Alabama will travel to Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. to face the Volunteers. Predictions: Jeremy- UT 31, UA 21. Meg UA 28, UT 27.

Auburn vs Florida

The Auburn Tigers are coming off of a huge win against the previously No. 2 ranked team in the Florida Gators. They should have a break this week when they face the Green Wave from Tulane.

Predictions: Jeremy AU 38, TU 0. Meg- AU 57, TU 3.

I would like to thank Megan Smith, Leroy cheerleader, for predicting with me this week. So far, my record is 61-13 while my guests are 52-22.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Buried in shallow Jackson grave	2
Millry police chief's wife reported missing	1
Miss Rocker - Mr. Burpo plan October wedding	1
You can't make up politics this crazy	1
Reader responds to 'wet-dry' column	1
Area Obituaries	1
Lounge license denied in split vote	1