Sometimes, football Fridays can be painful … quite literally.

Take last Friday for example. I was prowling the sideline at the Cherokee County-Deshler state semifinal game in the second half when I got up close and personal with Warrior quarterback Coty Blanchard.

With nowhere to throw, Coty dashed to the right side to gain what yardage he could. The only problem was I was standing where his momentum was carrying him.

During a brutal hit from a Deshler defender (which I claim was late), Coty’s helmet met the side of my left knee. The force of the hit knocked me to the fence, which I luckily had braced myself for.

I was fortunate Coty wasn’t the size of a defensive lineman (but man, he sure can put a lick on you!). I was also fortunate not to have been seriously injured, just a little bruised and still walking around a little gimpy.

Unfortunately, my clipboard can’t say the same. It was split in two.

I say all of this to make a point: My close call will be a memory I’ll take with me from the 2009 football season, just like certain memories all Warrior and Piedmont Bulldog fans will take with them.

There’s still a few more memories yet to be made this week in Tuscaloosa at the Super Six. No matter win or lose, this football season has been one heck of a ride for this sportswriter.

Now, on to some championship picks …

Class 3A State Championship

Cordova (13-1) vs. Piedmont (12-2): Welcome to the show, Piedmont. You’re reward? A team that is making its fifth state championship appearance.

The No. 2 Blue Devils lost last year’s title game to Leeds 38-21, the team Piedmont beat last week to earn its first title game berth.

Cordova’s only loss this season was to Class 5A Hartselle, 22-13 back in Week 5. Last week, the Blue Devils triumphed 34-7 at Luverne behind all-purpose threat and Kentucky commitment Ryan Smith.

Filling in for starting quarterback Jake Howton (knee injury) last week, Smith rushed for 209 yards on 14 carries and passed for 98 more yards in the win. Containing Smith is a must for Piedmont.

The Bulldogs may have the defense to do it. The unit, led by defensive back Jamaal Johnson and defensive lineman Mickey Jackson, has allowed an average of 13.6 points this season. It held defending state champion Leeds to just seven points in last week’s 13-7 victory.

On offense, Piedmont has a talented tailback in Christian Cantrell, who got a bit banged up with a knee injury last Friday. Quarterback Chase Childers is also a solid playmaking threat on offense. He accounted for both Bulldog scores in last week’s win at Leeds.

A lot of people might think Cordova might have the edge in this one just because of its experience in title games. But one thing I’ve come to learn over the years is not to underestimate the coaching of Steve Smith. I think he may have just the right game plan up his sleeves to help Piedmont prevail … Piedmont 16, Cordova 14.

Class 4A State Championship

Jackson (13-1) vs. Cherokee County (14-0): Talk about your potent offenses.

Folks around these parts know all about the top-ranked Warriors’ speedy receivers and the stellar play of Blanchard at quarterback.

Cherokee County has churned out 625 points this season (an average of 44.6 points per game), but the fifth-ranked Aggies have some punch on offense as well.

Jackson averages 39.4 points per game, led by senior running back Damion Bracy. In last week’s 31-14 victory over Handley, Bracy rushed for 191 yards on 33 carries.

The Aggies’ only loss this season has been to last year’s 4A state champion, UMS-Wright in Week 6, 51-24.

So we know both teams can score, but what about defensively? Any number of players can step up and make a big play for the Warriors (Caleb Crane, Brett Burgess, Kenny Akin, Desmond Brown … the list goes on and on). The Warrior ‘D’ averages giving up 14.1 points per game.

Meanwhile, the Aggies have a solid defense too. They average giving up 15.2 points per contest, led by senior defensive back LaPrentiss Morris.

Morris leads the team with 12 interceptions, including a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown against Handley last week.

I think the difference in this one will come down to sheer determination. The Warriors have done everything they possibly could to put themselves back in this position after last season’s title loss to UMS-Wright. That includes several top passing camps across the Southeast during the summer.

Will the fourth championship appearance be the charm for the Warriors? I say it will … Cherokee County 38, Jackson 21.

College Football

SEC Championship

Alabama (12-0) vs. Florida (12-0): Well, here they are again. The only difference this time is Florida is the top-ranked team in the land, while the Crimson Tide comes in a close second.

Last year’s game lived up to its billing, with Tim Tebow and the Gators outlasting Alabama, 31-20.

But that was last year. This year, the Gators are still a talented team but they’ve missed a few playmakers they had last season. Still, any team with Tebow at quarterback is not to be underestimated.

Meanwhile, many feel the Tide has gotten stronger since last season. Quarterback Greg McElroy has had his ups and downs this season, but he’s proven to be an asset (see last week’s Iron Bowl for the latest example). Nick Saban and company have surrounded him with all sorts of weapons, like Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Trent Richardson.

But like most Alabama teams, this one is known for its defense. Teams are gaining just 234 total yards per game, and only scoring an average of 10.8 points on the Tide this season.

I look for a very similar game to last year’s SEC Championship. It will be a game in the fourth quarter, but I think the result will be a little different … Alabama 24, Florida 20.