But hey, what can I say? I love my job, and I take it very seriously.
So seriously in fact that as soon as I finished covering Spring Garden at Gaylesville Friday, I was searching the radio on the way back to the office for scores to see how our other teams - and yours truly - fared.
Well, it wasn’t another perfect week like Week 1, but it was pretty close: 5-1. I’ll save how I did in the college ranks for Thursday’s WEIS radio “End Zone” show, but I will say I’m pleased overall with how I fared.
Well, that’s enough talk. Let’s move on to Week 3.
Collinsville (2-0) at Woodville (0-2): I was informed early Monday morning by Collinsville coach Alan Beckett the site of this game was changed. It was originally scheduled at Collinsville, but Woodville now has an on-campus stadium and the game will be played at Woodville.
No matter where this game is played, Collinsville is picking up where it left off last season, even without some key members of last year’s state quarterfinal team.
This team continues to be explosive. They’ve put up 86 points in two games, led by senior quarterback C.J. Jones. Here’s thinking that trend continues at Woodville ... Collinsville 52, Woodville 7.
Gaylesville (0-2) at Ragland (1-0): A lot of coaches say they see the biggest improvement from their teams within the first two weeks of the season. While the Trojans were on the short end of a heartbreaking 15-12 loss against Spring Garden last week, coach Brian Clowdis was more satisfied with the effort given by his team.
Still, there are some things the Trojans need to work on this week at Ragland, a team that had the Trojans’ number twice last season. While I think Gaylesville will continue on its path of improvement, I don’t see a win in the cards against the Purple Devils ... Ragland 42, Gaylesville 21.
Valley Head (0-2) at Spring Garden (2-0): Spring Garden showed a lot of guts in last week’s win at Gaylesville. Senior fullback Forrest Livingston was playing on a bum ankle, and senior Will Penton was making his first start at quarterback, but the Panthers found a way to prevail.
Those kind of wins can propel a team for a while, and I think that’s going to be the case Friday night against Valley Head ... Spring Garden 26, Valley Head 12.
Coosa Christian (0-2) at Cedar Bluff (2-0): Just when you think you’ve seen everything Cedar Bluff’s DeAngelo Hardy can do, he comes up with something more.
In last week’s 57-30 victory at Valley Head, Hardy scored three touchdowns in the second quarter. Two of those scores came on returns of 61 and 59 yards. He also had a 22-yard touchdown catch.
I think Coosa Christian will have a tough time catching Hardy, as well as the rest of the Tiger playmakers ... Cedar Bluff 54, Coosa Christian 14.
Sand Rock (2-0) at North Sand Mountain (2-0): Sand Rock’s struggles on offense last year are a thing of the past. Two weeks into the new season, and the Wildcats are averaging 40 points per game led by junior quarterback Dylan Mackey.
A major test awaits the Wildcats this week at No. 10 North Sand Mountain. The Bison have also put some points on the board themselves in their 2-0 start, including 46 last week against Section.
I think this one comes down to which team’s defense can come up with a big play late, and since the Bison are at home, I think it may go to them ... North Sand Mountain 27, Sand Rock 24.
Glencoe (1-1) at Piedmont (2-0): The Bulldog defense passed a big test last week at Ashville against one of the state’s top quarterback prospects, E.J. Moss. Leading that charge was the linebacker duo of Cody Daughtry and Jamie Major.
Daughtry did damage almost everywhere last Friday. He posted 10 tackles (three for lost yardage), a sack, caused a fumble, had an interception and blocked a kick in second-ranked Piedmont’s 36-13 victory.
Meanwhile, Major made 12 tackles (three for lost yardage), had two sacks, two pass break-ups and recovered a fumble.
I know the Yellowjackets have played Piedmont fairly close the past two years, but I think the Bulldogs have the edge across the board in this one ... Piedmont 35, Glencoe 14.
Jacksonville (2-0) at Cherokee County (0-2): Big plays continue to haunt the Cherokee County Warriors.
One week after giving up four touchdowns for over 40 yards against Piedmont, two Alexandria scores went for 60-plus yards. Two others were over 20 yards in the Valley Cubs’ 45-22 victory.
Yes, it’s been two ugly weeks on the road, but the Warriors finally get to play on their own turf Friday.
However, a much-improved Jacksonville team stands in the way. Last week against Hokes Bluff, the Golden Eagles soared to a 30-7 victory over Hokes Bluff. Running back Jackson Bell led the charge with 144 yards and a touchdown on just seven carries, so containing him should be a focal point for the Warrior defense.
While I think the Warriors will do a better job stopping the run than they have the past two weeks, I still think it won’t be enough for them come out with a win ... Jacksonville 28, Cherokee County 21.
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