I’ve been agonizing all weekend over these Week 5 matchups. So much that I even slept on them Sunday night just so I could think about them just a little longer.

A lot of good that done.

There were no epiphanies in my dreams. No edges one way or another. No visions of Danny Sheridan dancing in my head.

Come to think of it, I don’t recall having any dreams Sunday night. Guess I have a clear head, and I’m going to need it.

The fireworks get started a day early in Piedmont, as the top-ranked Bulldogs battle second-ranked Leeds.

On Friday, another battle of unbeatens will take place in Collinsville between the Panthers and the Donoho Falcons.

But there’s plenty more to look for in the other games on the slate.

Will Friday also be the first time Gaylesville and Cherokee County taste victory? How about Spring Garden? Will it be able to notch another victory and continue its magical season?

And how about this sportswriter? Can he rebound from his worst record of the season (5-2, 22-3 overall).

Ugh! I can’t take it anymore! Here’s what I’ve come up with. Take it for what it’s worth.

Coosa Christian (0-4) at Gaylesville (0-4): One of my two losses last week was the Trojans, but I’m still sticking with them even though they lost a heartbreaker last week at Valley Head. No heartbreakers in this one. I expect John David Jennings to run wild and the Trojans to secure that first win … Gaylesville 35, Coosa Christian 7.

Cedar Bluff (4-0) at Woodville (0-4): Woodville has scored a total of 28 points all season. The Panthers lost 53-8 to Cedar Bluff last year, and this Tiger team returns just about everyone from last year. I look for this one to be just a bump in the road before the real fun begins next week against Collinsville … Cedar Bluff 55, Woodville 6.

Jacksonville Christian (1-3) at Spring Garden (4-0): Congratulations go out to the Garden. They’re off to the best start in school history.

To be quite honest, I’m not surprised. When you’ve got an offensive line and two bruising backs like Forrest Livingston and Tyler Morgan, well, you get the idea.

The best start in school history continues to get even better against Jacksonville Christian … Spring Garden 42, Jacksonville Christian 13.

Ider (3-1) at Cherokee County (0-4): One would think the Warriors’ bad luck has to end this week, right? After all, they are playing a Class 2A team, and it is homecoming.

Not so fast.

The Hornets have plenty of sting. They’re a perennial playoff contender, and they’re in the thick of things again in Class 2A, Region 7. Their only loss was last Friday at third-ranked Fyffe.

I’d like to think this losing streak for the Warriors will end and the defense will rise to the occasion. But giving up over 45 points per game is a stat too hard for me to ignore … Ider 42, Cherokee County 35.

Plainview (3-1) at Sand Rock (3-1): This one should be just as entertaining and nail biting as the two battle of the unbeaten games featured in the area this week.

I came away impressed with Sand Rock’s defensive effort last Friday against Section, but the Wildcats are going to need a repeat performance if they’re going to beat Plainview. The Bears seem to have the Wildcats’ number. They haven’t met on the football field since 2005, but Plainview leads the all-time series 9-3, including the last three meetings.

Again, I think this one will be a good ‘un, but I think Plainview might just come out on top in the end … Plainview 21, Sand Rock 14.

Donoho (4-0) at Collinsville (4-0): As titanic a battle as Leeds at Piedmont is, the same can be said of the Falcons and Panthers. The winner will take a big step toward contending for the Class 1A, Region 7 championship.

I have to say I’ve been impressed with everything the Panthers have done so far. I thought they might be just a shade below last season’s state quarterfinal team, but they haven’t missed a beat. Quarterback C.J. Jones has done a masterful job guiding the offense (see this week’s Offensive Player of the Week), and the defense is pretty stout too.

This team is very similar to the one last year, and I believe that’s bad news for the Falcons … Collinsville 27, Donoho 21.

Leeds (4-0) at Piedmont (4-0) (Thursday night): It’s always a doozy when these two get together, and I’m sure it will be once again. Heck, it’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 for crying out loud!

Both teams have been getting it done with defense to this point in the season.

Piedmont has jumped in front off all their opponents and hasn’t let off the throttle. The Bulldogs are giving up an average of 10.3 points per game, but some of that has been on the second and third stringers, so the average is a little misleading.

Meanwhile, Leeds is surrendering just under a touchdown per game, but from what I gather from others around the state, this Green Wave team isn’t quite as explosive offensively as in years past.

I think this one will be another classic battle in what has developed into a great rivalry. I think the Bulldogs have the advantage since they are at home, but don’t be surprised if these two clash again later on down the road … Piedmont 24, Leeds 17.