Can you believe we’re already a month into the season? Me either, but here we are, and the first month of the regular season concludes with some intriguing matchups.

Two teams are assured of getting their first win this week. Four others are looking to stay perfect, and one of them is looking to make a little history.

Speaking of history, in all my years of picking games (Anniston Star and Gadsden Times included), there’s not many times I can recall ever being 17-1 after picking 18 games.

Two of the first three weeks this season, I’ve picked perfectly, including last week’s 7-0 mark.

Here’s hoping that trend won’t become ... wait for it ... history.

Let’s see what’s in store for Week 4.



Gaylesville (0-3) at Valley Head (0-3): Talk about a brutal opening month.

Two ranked teams, both on the road (Cedar Bluff and Ragland), and a heartbreaking loss to another team (Spring Garden) that’s receiving votes in the poll. Sounds like the Trojans are due for a break. I think they finally get it at Valley Head this week ... Gaylesville 27, Valley Head 13.



Collinsville (3-0) vs. Sumiton Christian (2-1) at Jacksonville State: What a treat. The Panthers and Eagles get to play on the turf at JSU’s Burgess-Snow Field.

Playing in a college stadium can be a little intimidating, but I think the Panthers will handle that challenge well. I look for C.J. Jones, Deshawn Moore and company to come out on top ... Collinsville 35, Sumiton Christian 14.



Spring Garden (3-0) at Coosa Christian (0-3): Thunder and lightning. Fire and ice. Peanut butter and jelly. There’s got to be a combination nickname out there for Spring Garden’s dynamic rushing duo of Forrest Livingston and Tyler Morgan. They’re a big reason why the Panthers are 3-0 for the first time since 2008.

After Livingston and Morgan do their damage at Coosa Christian Friday, they’ll be 4-0 for the first time in school history ... Spring Garden 42, Coosa Christian 7.



Cedar Bluff (3-0) at Jacksonville Christian (1-2): Levi Mintz must feel like a kid in a candy store. So many weapons, so little time. He’s been doing a pretty good job of spreading the wealth around.

In their three victories this season, the Tigers have scored 42, 57 and 62 points. How many will it be this week at Jacksonville Christian? Enough for the Tigers to improve to 4-0, and that’s what counts ... Cedar Bluff 49, Jacksonville Christian 14.



Section (2-1) at Sand Rock (2-1): It’s only Week 4, but this game is crucial for both team’s Class 2A, Region 7 playoff hopes. Both have lost to North Sand Mountain, and potentially dropping two games behind the Bison, Fyffe and Ider in the race would be devastating.

Sand Rock has won the last five meetings, and the Wildcats are playing at home, so I give them the edge here ... Sand Rock 32, Section 16.



Piedmont (3-0) at Cleveland (1-2): When I saw this game at first glance, I couldn’t help but think of the Cleveland Browns and the Dawg Pound.

With the way Piedmont has played so far, I think the Bulldogs will make the Panthers’ home field feel like their Dawg Pound away from home ... Piedmont 48, Cleveland 7.



Cherokee County (0-3) at Cleburne County (0-3): With the tradition both these teams have, neither is used to beginning a season at 0-3. Unfortunately for one of them, 0-4 will be a reality.

The Warriors continue to struggle with giving up the big play. They’re giving up an average of 44 points per game.

The Tigers have had trouble putting points on the board. They’re averaging just over 13 points per game.

Warrior coach Tripp Curry was encouraged by what he saw in his team’s comeback attempt against Jacksonville last week, even though they fell short. That’s something positive they can take to Heflin with them.

It’ll be a battle, but I think the Warriors can finally break through and get in the win column ... Cherokee County 24, Cleburne County 21.