HSFB19: Who's going to win this week?

Last season: 207-58

Games of the week

Centennial at Northside

          The last time Northside lost a home opener? Well, it wasn’t that long ago: last year, 35-27 to Jones County, after winning 38-14 at Centennial and losing 27-24 to Peach County at Mercer. Centennial isn’t Jones County or Peach County.

TSR pick: Northside by 14

Dublin at ECI

          One is a good Class A program that is on the annual list of state contenders, the other is a Class AA program in the same boat. Again this year, the AA program has a solid upper hand.

TSR pick: Dublin by 19

Houston County at Perry

          The Bears and Panthers have only played seven times, and Perry leads 4-3.  Average margin in this game: 7.3 points. It’ll be another one-score game, and is a coin toss going in. Houston County needs this game for confidence and momentum more than Perry does, but the Panthers want a 6A scalp. Effort won’t be a problem, but the Bears have a little more.

TSR pick: Houston County by 1

Howard at Jones County

          That last year was close wasn’t a surprise to those who looked at the teams closely. The reality is Howard let that one slip away. But the Huskies have a chunk of questions this year, and Jones County has just about no questions. And no, “how will they do with a new coach” isn’t likely to be an issue this year for the Greyhounds.

TSR pick: Jones County by 27

Upson-Lee at Veterans

          The Warhawks sure raised eyebrows with last year’s 31-0 win in Thomaston, from which Upson-Lee did a nifty job rebounding from. There’s a chance Veterans can come close to repeating that margin against a rebuilding Knights group.

TSR pick: Veterans by 18

Washington County vs. Baldwin, at Mercer, Saturday

          Both teams have holes to fill, and both teams are off good seasons. The Golden Hawks lead the series 21-19, with the Braves owning a 5-4 since 2006. A rivalry, yes, but not many thrillers in that recent stretch. This should go down to the final few minutes.

TSR pick: Washington County by 3.

Westside vs. Southwest, at Mercer, Saturday

          The Seminoles are a little more used to bright lights, and are coming off a teaching moment, a scrimmage at Northside. Seminole QB Victor Dixon and the receiving corps may have them a day.

TSR pick: Westside by 21

The games

Bleckley County over Hawkinsville by 22

Dodge County over Bradwell Institute by 9

GMC over Glascock County by 33

Manchester over Taylor County by 13

Mary Persons over Gainesville by 14

Mount de Sales over Monticello by 9

Mt. Zion over Lamar County by 20

North Oconee over Putnam County by 29

Pelham over Macon County by 1

Tattnall over Our Lady of Mercy by 20

Toombs County over Twiggs County by 33

Treutlen over ACE by 29

Trinity Christian-Sharpsburg over Northeast by 1

Warner Robins over Tift County by 2

West Laurens over East Laurens by 38

GISA

Brentwood over Notre Dame by 24

Piedmont over John Hancock by 20

Terrell over Westfield by 21