Friday the 13th was certainly not my lucky day. Heck, Saturday the 14th wasn’t either. How else can I explain a 4-3 record in picks last weekend?

It certainly wasn’t an unlucky weekend for the Cherokee County Warriors and the Piedmont Bulldogs. They’re the only two area teams left standing with hopes of a state title.

But like Warrior coach Tripp Curry told me a couple of weeks ago, it gets harder and harder every week a team advances.

How will Cherokee County and Piedmont fare this week? I’m not sure I’m the one to ask after last week, but I’ll give it a shot anyway.

And, as a bonus to this week’s picks, several notes from around the area will accompany my predictions. Enjoy!

Hamilton (11-1) at Piedmont (10-2): The third round hasn’t been too kind to the Bulldogs the past two years, Piedmont’s season has come to an end in the quarterfinal round, but both of those games have been on the road.

Now, the Bulldogs have an advantage by playing at home, and they’re going to need it.

The Aggies haven’t lost on the road this season, and they’re piling up a lot of points. Their only loss came at home to Class 4A Haleyville back in Week 5, 24-21.

The good news for the Bulldogs is they’ve been winning a lot lately with their defense. The unit played perhaps its best game of the season in last week’s 28-7 win at Susan Moore.

If the Bulldogs can keep the score down, I think they’ll prevail. Here’s thinking they can … Piedmont 18, Hamilton 14.

Cherokee County (12-0) at North Jackson (9-3): Speaking of defense, did you get a load of the performance the Warrior ‘D’ had against Fayette County last Friday?

For those who missed it, the Warriors picked off four passes (two by Brett Burgess) and held the Tigers to just 14 points.

Coupled with the Warriors’ explosive offense, this may be the most balanced team in the state right now. But don’t overlook the Chiefs.

They beat a solid Guntersville team on the road 16-14 last week, avenging a 30-23 loss to the Wildcats earlier this season. The Chiefs only other losses were at Plainview (14-7) and to Class 5A Fort Payne (28-24).

And they have home-field advantage in this one.

There’s no doubting this will be a test for Cherokee County, but this team is on a mission.

It’s focused on making it to another state championship game, and I think North Jackson will be just another bump in the road … Cherokee County 38, North Jackson 13.

College Football

Chattanooga at Alabama: After last week’s 31-3 domination of Mississippi State, do you really think the Tide will have a letdown against the Mocs? No way … Alabama 44, Chattanooga 10.

Eastern Kentucky at Jacksonville State: See above. Just substitute the score to 55-28 and the team to Tennessee Tech. Gamecocks will roll over Eastern Kentucky … JSU 42, Eastern Kentucky 14.

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The Herald’s sister sports website, prepcentral.com, plans to film video of Friday’s Cherokee County at North Jackson playoff game. You can catch video highlights of the game on the prepcentral site (www.prepcentralonline.com) on Saturday.

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Sand Rock senior volleyball hitter Jennifer Campbell will sign a scholarship with West Alabama on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Campbell helped lead the Lady Wildcats to the Elite Eight this season.

Speaking of Campbell, she was recently named to the Alabama Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Class 2A First Team. Joining Campbell are teammates Karlie Anderson, Megan Battles, Logan Smith and Carrie Robertson.

Anderson and Battles were second team selections, while Smith and Robertson were named honorable mention.

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Plug Ray posted a hole-in-one Nov. 9 on the 17th hole at Cherokee County Country Club. Ray made the ace from 110 yards while playing in the senior tournament held on the second Monday of each month.

Ray was using a 9-iron, and was playing in a foursome with Cindy Ray, Don Richey and Jerry Stewart.