Now that’s the way to finish off the regular season.

Like most of our area football teams, yours truly wanted to end Week 10 with a bang. And while 7-1 is not quite a perfect record, it’s still better than what I’ve done the past three weeks.

I finished the regular season with a 74-13 overall record in picking high school and college games, but now the slate has been wiped clean and the stakes have been raised even more. That’s right. We’re talking playoffs now.

Five of The Herald’s seven area football teams have qualified for the postseason, which begins on Friday. Of those five, three will host in the opening round of the state playoffs.

So how will our area teams fare? Glad you asked.

Spring Garden (5-5) at Coosa Christian (9-1): This game features a trio of great running backs, two of whom are on the Panthers’ side.

Seniors Trey Littlefield and Jake Scott have been Spring Garden’s bread-and-butter this season. Even though they didn’t have the type of game they’re both used to at Sand Rock last week, I think they’ll shake that off in a hurry (hey, that’s what seniors do).

Speaking of tailbacks, Coosa Christian has a pair of those too in senior A.T. Thomas junior Justin Langdale.

If the Panthers are to have a chance, then they’ll have to slow those guys down and keep the score low. If they get into a shootout, I don’t think they’ll be able to keep up. I think Spring Garden will give the Conquerors all they can handle, but I still think Coosa comes out on top … Coosa Christian 26, Spring Garden 21.

Gaylesville (6-4) at Appalachian (8-2): Like Spring Garden, Gaylesville is going to have a time slowing down Appalachian’s offense. In its eight victories, the Eagles have averaged 43 points per game.

I know the Trojan defense has been able to come up with some impressive outings this season, and so has tailback David Sanford.

However, I think this will be one tall order to fill … Appalachian 35, Gaylesville 18.

Victory Christian (9-1) at Cedar Bluff (7-3): The past two weeks, the Tigers have looked like they’ve hit their playoff prime. Especially senior quarterback Kyle Crane.

In last week’s win at Randolph County, Crane passed for 293 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 50 more yards and scored three more times in a 48-14 victory.

And the Tigers are getting healthy, too. Tyric Scales, Jim Nelson and several others are stepping up big for Cedar Bluff since their return to the lineup, and I think that will prove to be a big difference against Victory Christian … Cedar Bluff 38, Victory Christian 16.

Pisgah (8-2) at Piedmont (8-2): All season long, the Bulldogs have relied on their defense and the running of Christian Cantrell.

Piedmont’s ‘D’ has given up an average of 8.4 points in its eight wins, including a pair of shutouts. Meanwhile, Cantrell has rushed for over 1,350 yards this season. That’s a potent combination, and I think it will provide Piedmont with enough power over Pisgah … Piedmont 26, Pisgah 7.

Haleyville (8-2) at Cherokee County (10-0): This matchup has been set for the past couple of weeks, so you know both teams have put in a lot of time in breaking down film.

The Lions won’t be a pushover. They have some impressive wins this season, including a 17-14 win a couple of weeks ago over Region 5 champion Midfield.

However, I don’t think the Lions have faced a team with as many weapons as the Warriors have. Coty Blanchard and company will be too much for them to handle … Cherokee County 42, Haleyville 14.

College Football

Jacksonville State at Southeast Missouri State: The Gamecocks rebounded from a tough loss to Eastern Illinois two weeks ago with a 28-10 victory at Austin Peay last week.

Another road game awaits the Gamecocks on Saturday at Southeast Missouri, but the Redhawks have struggled all season. This should be an easy one for the Gamecocks … JSU 38, SE Missouri State 17.

Furman at Auburn: Auburn finally put a halt to a 3-game losing streak with last week’s 33-20 win over Mississippi last week. That made the Tigers bowl eligible. Another win this week will push their stock a little higher in the bowl pecking order … Auburn 32, Furman 10.

LSU at Alabama: If there was a team that needed a bye last week, it was the Crimson Tide. Alabama had to have two blocked kicks from Terrance Cody to prevail 12-10 over Tennessee.

Quarterback Greg McElroy’s recent struggles have come into the spotlight, making the Tide look like it has some chinks in the armor.

I know LSU will try and make him beat them, but I still think the Tide comes away with the win. Giving Nick Saban an extra week to prepare for the Tigers will be the difference … Alabama 27, LSU 17.