Can you believe it’s already Week 6 of the high school football season? I sure can’t. The past five weeks have flown by, and the playoffs will be here before you know it.

Several of The Herald’s coverage area teams are hitting their peak right now, which is good news for them down the stretch run.

One thing I’ll be keeping my eyes on for the next couple of weeks is who’s going to step up in Class 1A, Region 6. It’s anybody’s region for the taking, especially now since Gaston no longer has the services of senior running back and Clemson commitment Demont Buice (ankle injury). So who’s going to take a step forward this week? We’ll delve into that in just a little bit.

Last week, I went 9-1 overall in picking. That brings my overall mark to 42-3 this season.

Now, let’s see the picks in Week 6.

Cedar Bluff at Collinsville: It’s been nothing short of amazing how well Cedar Bluff has managed things since a season-opening loss to Sand Rock. The Tigers have had a litany of injuries to several key personnel, but they’ve found a way to win and now stand at 4-1.

Collinsville is another team that has come around of late. The Panthers have also battled the injury bug, but have now won two in a row.

I’m sure the Tigers are aware of that, and I’m sure they’re also aware of last season’s game that went down to the wire. I think Collinsville will give Cedar Bluff a run for its money again, but in the end the Tigers will prevail … Cedar Bluff 32, Colllinsville 16.

Gaylesville at Spring Garden: Here’s another crucial Class 1A, Region 6 battle, with two teams heading in different directions.

After losing its first two games of the season, Gaylesville has now won three in a row behind the strength of its running game and defense. Meanwhile, Spring Garden has lost its last two by Jason Howard’s diagnosis of not protecting the football and missing tackles.

I look for Howard’s bunch to have a strong week of practice to correct those problems. Will it be enough to defeat the Trojans? I say yes … Spring Garden 24, Gaylesville 21.

Sand Rock at Ider: The Wildcats get a strong test this week at Ider. The Hornets’ defense has averaged giving up a little over touchdown to its opponents in its four wins. Ider’s only loss has been a 24-14 setback to perenial power Fyffe, so you know they’re for real.

The key matchup will be Sand Rock’s offensive front against the Hornet ‘D.’ So far, the Wildcat line has been very effective, and sophomore quarterback Drew Norris is developing nicely as a signal caller. I think that will be enough in a close game … Sand Rock 21, Ider 14.

White Plains at Piedmont: Christian Cantrell really got his motor running last week against Ohatchee.

In case you missed it, the senior tailback rushed for 233 yards on just eight carriesand scored three touchdowns in a 36-7 Bulldog win.

While that is certainly an impressive feat, Piedmont’s defense has really come around and is shutting people down. Those are two lethal combinations, and I think they’ll be too much for a very improved White Plains team to handle … Piedmont 26, White Plains 7.

Cherokee County at St. Clair County: Did you get a load of what Cherokee County’s defense did last week? Three defensive touchdowns by Kenny Akin, Brett Burgess and D.J. McAllister helped pave the way for a 52-14 clobbering at Cleburne County. That’s something Warrior head coach Tripp Curry said he’d never been a part of before.

I’ve said this on more than one occasion, but it bears repeating: the Warriors are one scary team. They can beat you in so many ways, and now it appears the defense is getting geared up for the stretch run.

Simply put, the Warriors are playing at another level, and it doesn’t matter who’s in their path. That happens to be St. Clair County this week … Cherokee County 49, St. Clair County 14.

College Football

UT-Martin at Jacksonville State: The Gamecocks are coming off an electrifying performance at Nicholls State, and now they finally get to play in front of the home crowd.

Although 60 points might not be in store this week, I still think JSU will have little trouble against the Skyhawks … JSU 38, UT-Martin 16.

Alabama at Kentucky: A lot of great Alabama quarterbacks through the years have worn the number 12. Joe Namath, Kenny Stabler, Brodie Croyle and now Greg McElroy.

Although McElroy hasn’t shown as much flash as those guys, he knows how to manage a game, and he’s a pretty accurate passer. He really came into his own last week against Arkansas, throwing for 291 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-7 victory.

This week, McElroy and the Tide travel to Lexington, where I think a Bluegrass beatdown is in store … Alabama 42, Kentucky 14.

Auburn at Tennessee: The Tigers have been playing pinball with their opponents so far this season. Gus Malzahn’s offense is as potent as they come, and quarterback Chris Todd is developing into the system nicely.

A strong test awaits Todd and the Tigers in Knoxville, but I still think they’ll pass with flying colors … Auburn 33, Tennessee 20.