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Published Friday, November 06, 2009 in Sports

Football Pickers finishing season strong

Something’s gotta give tonight when East Coweta travels to play Newnan at Drake Stadium in yet another matchup of top football lineups from Region 4-AAAAA. 

The Times-Herald prognosticators just hope it’s not their recent success.

Another 8-2 week of picks brings our overall record above .700 for the first time all season at 63-27 (.700). And just in time, for that matter, for one of the biggest games of the year.

Newnan is looking to extend its string of wins over the Indians to seven tonight at Drake Stadium, though East Coweta continues to lead the series between county rivals 10-7. Both, however, are assured of moving on to next week’s Class AAAAA state playoffs.

Meanwhlie, Northgate and The Heritage School need wins this weekend to keep their respective seasons alive. The Hawks open the GISA Class AA playoffs tonight against Region 2-AA champion Bulloch Academy. Northgate has a rare night off tonight before playing in Saturday’s Region 5-AAAA playoff game against Mays at Lakewood Stadium. 

Here’s this week’s picks

HIGH SCHOOL

EAST COWETA (7-2, 6-2 in Region 4-AAAAA) at NEWNAN (9-0, 8-0).... Here’s what we know. You can forget the records when these two football programs meet every year, because pride almost always ensures a tight, hard-fought game. But here’s what else we understand — Newnan’s depth is a step ahead of East Coweta’s. And a banged-up Indians lineup, even with star tailback Tay Willis, might not be able to keep up the pace. COUGARS 21, INDIANS 15.

THE HERITAGE SCHOOL (6-4) at BULLOCH ACADEMY (7-3).... The Hawks have matured from just a high-flying offense in 2008 to a more complete team this season, having won four games by five or less points, including last week’s victory over Harvester. That should prepare them for tonight’s game against the GISA’s No. 4 ranked team in Class AA. It will take an effort free of turnovers, though, and even just one tonight might prove the difference. GATORS 18, HAWKS 13.

NORTHGATE (3-6) at MAYS (7-2).... The Raiders put together a late surge, including a win over Villa Rica in the Georgia Dome, to leap ahead into second place in Region 5B-AAAA. But they haven’t exactly blown the doors off opponents this year either. Factor in a loss to an Alexander team that the Vikings shut out in week two, and a second-straight region playoff upset is within reach for Northgate. ...The  Vikings just need a little push. And here it is. VIKINGS 17, RAIDERS 14.

COLLEGE

Tennessee Tech at Georgia.... First assumption is that UGA will have no problems with their Ohio Valley Conference opponent.  But, this hasn’t been a normal season.  UGA, 35-14.

Wake Forest at Georgia Tech.... The Yellow Jackets need two wins to reach the ACC Championship game. They will be one step closer after Saturday.  GEORGIA TECH, 31-17.

LSU at Alabama.... Traditionally, the road team wins this game but the Crimson Tide defense might be a bit too stout for the Tigers.  ALABAMA, 14-10.

Florida State at Clemson.... Just when everyone thought Clemson was done for the year, the Tigers pound Wake Forest and beat Miami.  CLEMSON, 28-24.

Ohio State at Penn State.... Both still have a shot at winning the Big 10 title.  PENN STATE,  22-20.

PRO

Washington at Atlanta.... The Falcons return home to the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome just in time.  ATLANTA, 30-21.

Dallas at Philadelphia... This is for first sole possession of first place in the NFC East.  PHILADELPHIA, 34-27.

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