By Gary Thomas

Highland Home Flying Squadron vs. Zion Chapel Rebels

Second-ranked 2A power, the Highland Home Flying Squadron, took the road to open region play and completely outmanned the Barber County Jags 54-0 for the 2024 season and to go 1 – 0 in region play. The Zion Chapel Rebels lost their first game of the season at the hands of the Goshen Eagles. 44–21, as they stand 2 – 1 overall and 0 – 1 in the region. 

The rebels will march into Clay Jordan Stadium, looking for the upset. It won’t happen though. There’s too much team speed on both sides of the ball and a solid kicking game.

Gooch’s winner pick: Flying Squadron 35, Rebels 14

Luverne Tigers vs. Pike Lib Panthers

After giving up a total of 90 points in two games, the Luverne Tigers took a much needed week off. They will travel to Troy to take on the Pike Lib Patriots in their opening game in region play.

The Patriots are much improved over last season, and they stand at 3 – 0 and 1 – 0 in region play. The Tigers must develop a passing game to keep the opposing defense from crowding the box. Defense must turn it around and a weak kicking game could spell doom for the Tigers.

Gooch’s winner pick: Pike, Lib 22, Luverne 16

Brantley Bulldogs vs. Red Level Tigers

The mean green machine Brantley Bulldogs sent the crowd home in happy cheer last Friday night as they dismantled the low-flying Eagles of Pleasant Home, 39–0, in region play. The bulldogs seem unstoppable on offense and a field a salty defensive unit. The dogs could be in line for good things this season.

Red Level Tigers come into Brantley somewhat improved over the 2023 season as they stand at 1 – 1, but not enough to hold back the dogs in this dog and cat contest.

Gooch’s winner pick: Bulldogs 44, Tigers 14

Auburn vs. Wisconsin

At 2-0, the Alabama Crimson Tide will travel north to Wisconsin and Camp Randall Stadium for an 11 a.m. kickoff against the Badgers. Bama, once again, had trouble pulling away from the South Florida Bulls for the season before pulling away 42-16. 

This week, they will venture into Big 10 country to take on the 2-0 Wisconsin Badgers. They have wins of 27-13 over South Dakota and 28-14 over Western Michigan. Turnovers and penalties hurt the Tide all night against the Bulls. 

But Bama is too deep and talented for any upset of the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide. 

Gooch’s winner pick: Bama 28, Wisconsin 10. 

Auburn Tigers vs. New Mexico Lobos

What can you say about the Auburn Tigers that has not been said since Saturday after no loss to the California Golden Bears, 21-14. The Tigers must play better from the quarterback and their running game must improve. Their defense was the only bright spot in the game. They will beat no one with four fumbles and one interference. That will spell doom in the long run. 

They will host the 0-2 New Mexico Lobos this Saturday. Look for the Tigers to play a lot better.  

Gooch’s winner: Auburn 21, New Mexico 3

Troy Trojans versus Iowa Hawkeyes

The 0-2 Trojans of Troy are not a very good football team at this point in the season. They look to rebound against the Tigers of Memphis, but instead they came away with a 38-17 setback for the second week in Troy again this week as they face the Iowa Hawkeyes of the Big 10.  Look for the same result this week.

Gooch’s winner pick: Iowa 35, Troy 10.

Gary “Gooch” Thomas is a freelance writer, avid sports fan and long-time youth coach from Luverne.