By Gary Thomas

Area teams are gearing up to face off this weekend. Here are my game picks for upcoming games.

Highland Home Flying Squadron vs. Brantley Bulldogs

Once again this week we have a titanic matchup on the 2024 gridiron season when 2A power, the second-ranked Highland Home School (HHS) Flying Squadron travels south down U.S. Highway 331 to take on 1A power, the third-ranked Brantley School (BHS) Bulldogs at David Lowery Field. The high-flying Squadron are coming off a high 53-21 victory over the previously undefeated Goshen Eagles, while the once-beaten Dogs lost a heartbreaking game to the Elba Tigers, 57-53.

The Dogs hold an all-time 55-24 edge over the Fly Boys in 79 meets on the field of play. The HHS ‘big blue” defense has given up only 30 points and only three touchdowns through five games. On the other hand, the “mean machine of green” has scored 199 points in only four games. Which side will show out this Thursday night? No one knows.

Gooch’s winner pick: Highland Home 50, Brantley 44.

Luverne Tigers vs. Montgomery Academy Eagles

Coach Bobby Hudson’s red-clad luverne School Tigers are coming off a two-week road trip with two wins under their belt. They are now 2-2 overall and 2-0 in the 2A Region 2 action.

Last week, the Tigers proved they could throw the ball as junior Kane Smith went 7-of-11 from the pocket for 218 yards in the 41-20 win over the Zion Chapel Rebels.

But the Tigers’ opponent this wee4k will pose a little stiffer competition as they take on the 4-1, 3A Montgomery Academy (MA) Eagles. Coach Ethan McBride’s Eagles are coming off a 41-9 win over the Northside Lions. These two schools have met only once and that was back in 1997 at the third round AHSAA playoff match when the Tigers won 17-16 on their way to the 2A State Championship. 

This game could be just as close. But the Tigers are at Glen Daniel Stadium where they are 0-2 this year. This could spell trouble. 

Gooch’s winner pick: MA 24, LHS 20

Crenshaw Christian Cougars vs. Jackson Academy Eagles

After a season-opener loss, 27-0, to the Fort Dale Academy Eagles, the Crenshaw Christian Academy (CCA) Cougars have ripped off three straight wins to stand at 3-1. Their last victim was the Hooper Academy Colts as the Cougars clawed their way to a 50-6 win.

But this week they will hit the road to take on the Jackson Academy Eagles. These two old AISA teams have met 17 times with the Eagles holding a 10-7 advantage over the Cats. 

The Eagles are not the football power of years gone by as they stand at 3-2. Even with a long road trip ahead of them, look for the Cougars to come back to Crenshaw County at 4-1.

Gooch’s Winner pick: CCA 26, Jackson 14.

Troy Trojans vs. ULM Warhawks

The Troy Trojans finally got their name in the win column this past Saturday with a 34-12 victory over the Florida AM Rattlers. Quarterback Goose Crowder returned to action as he went for 298 yards on 18 completions and four touchdowns to take Troy to a 1-3 overall record.

Coach Terry Bowden will bring his ULM team into Veterans Memorial Stadium with a 2-and-1 tally sheet. The Trojans hold a 9-7 record against their Sunbelt foe. This will be the opening conference game for both teams. Look for the Trojans to wrap up their second win for the season.

Gooch’s winner pick: Troy 20, ULM 17

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs

You can bet that with the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide meeting on the gridiron, it’s always a top matchup with high stakes at hand. Bama thumped the Big-Ten Wisconsin Badgers, 42-10, while the dogs squeaked by the Kentucky Wildcats on the road.

This will be the Tide’s first conference game and a big feather in coach Kalen DeBoer’s cap. Both teams have speed, depth and a lot of talent, but you always give the home team a 3-point advantage and this game is being played in Tuscaloosa.

Gooch’s winner pick: Alabama 38, Georgia 35

Aubrun Tigers vs. Oklahoma Sooners

Auburn’s woes a the quarterback slot continue as both Hank Brown and Payton Thorne could not get the job done against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Tigers lost for the second time this year, 24-14, and once again five turnovers doomed the home town Tigers. This trend has got to improve tif the Tigers want to be successful on their 2024 football campaign.

This week’s opponent, the Oklahoma Sooners ranked 15th in the country as they lost to the Tennessee Vols 25-15. If coach Hugh Freeze can get consistent play at the quarterback spot, a win is within reach. The Tigers’ “D” is not bad, but if they don’t get winning play at quarterback the train wreck will continue.

Gooch’s winner pick: Oklahoma 18, Auburn 14.

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