The past few weeks, I’ve had about as many tricks than treats when it comes to picking.

While I did manage to improve from a 6-3 mark two weeks ago to a 7-2 record last week, it’s still not perfection or a something-and-1 mark I’ve been accustomed to having for the better part of the season.

I say there’s been Halloween hijinx afoot. They just happened to hit me a little early, but I digress.

It will be interesting to see what’s in store the final week of the high school football regular season. It’s another out-of-region week, so you never know what’s going to happen in those weeks. Will there be tricks or treats in store for our area teams? Let’s find out.

Gaylesville at Jefferson Christian: After being tricked by the Cedar Bluff Tigers last week, the Trojans will still be treated with a playoff appearance next week. Gaylesville still doesn’t know where it will play yet, but the Trojans know it will be on the road.

I think they’ll shake off last week’s loss and head to the postseason with some momentum with a win over Jefferson Christian … Gaylesville 26, Jefferson Christian 12.

Collinsville at Florala: Collinsville may not be going to the playoffs, but this one sure feels like a road playoff game. I’m sure that’s something Panther coach Alan Beckett is trying to get his players to believe.

I think Shon McElrath, Tray Reed and Sharrard Crawley are playing at a playoff-caliber level, and I think it will come in handy at Florala … Collinsville 28, Collinsville 14.

Cedar Bluff at Randolph County: The Tigers actually began the playoffs last week. They faced a must-win game against Gaylesville to avoid someone else controlling their destiny.

They passed that test, and I think they’ll pass another this week when they head to Wedowee … Cedar Bluff 35, Randolph County 16.

Spring Garden at Sand Rock: Don’t tell the Wildcats this one doesn’t mean anything.

Yes, Sand Rock has been eliminated from the 2A state playoffs, and they have lost three of their last four games. But this one is big to them for two reasons: 1) A chance at redemption for last year’s 27-21 overtime loss to Spring Garden, and 2) Another chance to earn Wildcat coach Russell Jacoway his 200th coaching victory.

Sand Rock has fallen short the past two weeks in earning that milestone, but I think the third time will be the charm … Sand Rock 28, Spring Garden 24.

Piedmont at Woodland: The Bulldogs really picked themselves off the deck after a heartbreaking overtime loss to Leeds with a 35-14 shellacking of Glencoe last Friday. That kind of all-around performance was just what they needed.

Now, the Bulldogs face another strong team in Woodland, but I think Steve Smith’s bunch will be up for the challenge … Piedmont 32, Woodland 14.

Scottsboro at Cherokee County: Remember this game from last season? Tripp Curry sure does.

The Warriors were flagged 17 times for 145 yards, but they still managed to claim a 40-18 victory. Here’s thinking that won’t happen again (the penalties, I mean) … Cherokee County 42, Scottsboro 7.

College Football

Jacksonville State at Austin Peay: Sometimes a bye week can be the worst thing for a team. You might not get much of an argument from the Gamecocks.

After getting a chance to heal some wounds two weeks ago, the Gamecocks lost to Eastern Illinois 28-20 last week. So much for a perfect run in the Ohio Valley Conference, but I still think a win at Austin Peay is in store … JSU 34, Austin Peay 20.

Mississippi at Auburn: Talk about your tailspins.

After winning their first five games in the Gene Chizik era, the Auburn Tigers have now lost three in a row. And those losses have gotten progressively worse.

The Tigers are back on the Plains this week, and while playing at home is certainly big, I don’t think it will be enough against the Rebels … Mississippi 24, Auburn 17.