A couple of weeks ago in my picks column, I said something about Weeks 1 and 5 being the toughest weeks to pick high school games all season.

Maybe I should amend that statement to include Week 6.

Yours truly went 3-2 in picking area high school games last week. It’s a good thing a 3-0 mark in the college ranks bailed me out for a respectable 6-2 record. For those of you keeping score, I’m now 48-5 for the year.

And it doesn’t get any easier in Week 7. Granted there are two winless teams playing The Herald’s coverage area squads this week, but the other three match-ups for the week are, to put it mildly, a little trickier to pick.

Well, that’s what you’re reading this column for, so let’s get to it.

Piedmont at Pleasant Valley: I’m getting this one out of the way early, and saving the suspense for later.

The Raiders are one of those winless teams I was talking about earlier. They have little more to play for than pride, and I’m afraid that won’t get them far against Piedmont … Piedmont 32, Pleasant Valley 7.

Section at Sand Rock: The Lions are the other winless team I referred to earlier, and Sand Rock is coming off a 20-7 loss at Ider.

If the Wildcats are to have any hopes of getting back into the hunt for one of the top playoff spots, it has to begin here. And it will in grand fashion … Sand Rock 42, Section 6.

Collinsville at Gaylesville: In last week’s column, I said something about keeping my eyes on Class 1A, Region 6. This battle is one of two games this week I made that statement.

Collinsville has really caught fire the past month of the season. After an 0-3 start, the Panthers have won three in a row, including a 28-20 upset of Cedar Bluff last week.

It seems like déjà vu is happening all over for Collinsville. The Panthers finished strong to end last season, winning five of its last six regular-season games to make the playoffs. I’m thinking it’s going to continue against Gaylesville … Collinsville 28, Gaylesville 14.

Spring Garden at Cedar Bluff: This is the second big 1A, Region 6 battle I was talking about.

The Panthers got back to playing smash-mouth football in last week’s 42-28 victory over Gaylesville. Now, they face their toughest test of the season against a team they haven’t had too much success against.

Cedar Bluff has had it’s share of struggles so far this season. Injuries have plagued them, with the latest being Nick Reed. The Tigers have managed to keep their heads above water, having only lost one region game to Collinsville last week.

Cedar Bluff is expecting several of their weapons back this week, and I think they’ll make the slight difference in this one … Cedar Bluff 26, Spring Garden 24.

Jacksonville at Cherokee County: The Jacksonville Golden Eagles are soaring high these days. They’re 5-1, including a 33-30 win against Hokes Bluff last week.

The problem Jacksonville faces this week is a team that’s soaring even higher in the Warriors.

While I do think the Golden Eagles may be game for a half, defending all of Cherokee County’s offensive weapons will be too much for them to handle, not to mention a defense that’s coming into it’s own … Cherokee County 48, Jacksonville 14.

College Football

Jacksonville State at Murray State: The Gamecocks are taking this not-being-eligible-for-the-postseason theme as far as they can.

The rest of the I-AA nation needs to breathe a sigh of relief. The Gamecocks have scored 60 and 52 points in blowout wins the past two weeks, and they seem to be getting even stronger as the weeks progress.

Here’s thinking another big win is in store … JSU 49, Murray State 16.

Auburn at Arkansas: Auburn continues to be one of the biggest surprises of the 2009 season. The Tigers were able to hold off Tennessee to remain unbeaten at 5-0.

Another tough road game awaits them this week when they travel to Fayetteville, but I believe Auburn still has too much talent for the Hogs to handle … Auburn 28, Arkansas 17.

Alabama at Mississippi: Many people felt this clash would decide the SEC West Division in the preseason. It still might, but Ole Miss has already set themselves back with a loss to South Carolina.

A second loss to the Tide will dim their hopes even further for a division title, so you know the Rebels will do everything they can to prevent that from happening.

I think Alabama will find itself playing a game like it did last week at Kentucky – close for while, but the Tide pulls away in the second half … Alabama 35, Ole Miss 21.