Ever heard of the phrase ‘Can’t win for losing’? Well, it looks like I’m the new poster boy for that slogan.

After two consecutive weeks of 6-2 records, there were nine games on last week’s schedule. It was a sure-fire way of getting shed of that mark, and I figured there’s no way of it getting much worse, is there?

Wrong!

Now it looks like I’m going to be stuck on 6-3. That was my record last week, and now there’s another nine games on the slate to pick.

I know it sounds like I’m crying over spilled milk here, but hey I take my job seriously. For me, I strive for picking perfection. Maybe I should hang out with Tripp Curry and the Cherokee County Warriors a little more. Now there’s a team who knows something about perfection.

I’m going out on a limb here, and I’m going to give you a bonus pick. I’m predicting I’ll go 6-3 this week, too. That’s just the way my luck has been going of late.

Anyway, here’s nine picks for Week 9.

Skyline at Spring Garden: One pick I was absolutely certain I’d get right last week was the Spring Garden-Woodville game. And, while I got that one right, I still wasn’t expecting the Panthers to drop three quarters down.

While I don’t think another 75-point outing is in store for Spring Garden, I do think another blowout is a certainty … Spring Garden 49, Skyline 7.

Valley Head at Collinsville: Collinsville is looking to close out the season on a high note. While making the playoffs for a second straight season is bleak, ruining another team’s chances is the second best thing for the Panthers.

Here’s thinking the trio of Trey Reed, Shon McElrath and Sharrard Crawley can have another huge offensive outing for the second straight week … Collinsville 28, Valley Head 16.

Gaylesville at Cedar Bluff: Here’s the toughest pick of the week. The Trojans come into this rivalry game winning five of their last six. Cedar Bluff has been up and down of late, losing two of its last three.

Cedar Bluff had trouble with Gaylesville’s defense last year, winning only by a 14-6 margin. This Trojan defense is better, and I think another low-scoring affair is in store. I’m going with Gaylesville, but only by a whisker … Gaylesville 14, Cedar Bluff 13.

Sand Rock at Westbrook Christian: Much like Fyffe had last week, Westbrook Christian has a bevy of offensive talent in its arsenal. That’s bad news for Sand Rock.

While I don’t think another shutout is in store, I’m afraid the same result is … Westbrook Christian 34, Sand Rock 17.

Glencoe at Piedmont: All of a sudden, Piedmont finds itself in a dogfight after losing a heartbreaker to Leeds.

The Bulldogs need this one to lock up the second playoff spot in Class 3A, Region 5 and I think they will win. However, Glencoe will pack plenty of sting … Piedmont 21, Glencoe 16.

Ashville at Cherokee County: The Warriors are already prepping for the playoffs, but don’t think they’re going to overlook Ashville. A perfect season and a perfect region record is at stake, and that’s certainly motivation enough for this bunch. Look for the Warriors to roll … Cherokee County 42, Ashville 7.

College Football

Eastern Illinois at Jacksonville State: Sometimes, having a week off can mess with a team’s rhythm. We’re going to see if it messes with the Gamecocks this week.

I don’t think it will for two reasons: 1.) JSU has an explosive offense that’s hard to defend, and 2.) The Gamecocks are playing at home for only the second time this season.

I like JSU to win convincingly … JSU 38, Eastern Illinois 21.

Tennessee at Alabama: Alabama running back Mark Ingram should be mentioned for the Heisman Trophy after the performance he turned in last week against South Carolina. The bruiser bullied his way for 246 yards on 24 carries and sealed the Tide’s 20-6 victory in the fourth quarter with a 4-yard touchdown.

If they gave a Heisman for defenses, Alabama should win that one too.

I think both will come up big again versus the Vols … Alabama 35, Tennessee 13.

Auburn at LSU: After such a solid start to the season, the Tigers find themselves losers of two straight.

It doesn’t get any easier this week, with a visit to the bayou. I’m afraid the struggles will continue for Auburn … LSU 27, Auburn 17.