High School Football Predictions

Every week, I pick high school football games that are played in Patch coverage areas from Cumming to Stone Mountain.

Check out this week's predictions, then let us know how you think your team will fare in the comment box below ... if you dare.

Last week’s best picks: West Forsyth 30, Roswell 14 (actual score, West Forsyth 35, Roswell 14); Tucker 54, Lithonia 7 (actual score, Tucker 50, Lithonia 7).

Last week’s worst picks: Lambert 24, Rome 20 (actual score, Rome 16, Lambert 0); Parkview 28, Archer 17 (actual score, Archer 40, Parkview 16).

Last week's record: 18-6. Overall record: 181-48-1.

Are you ready for another round of picks?

at Lovett: These cursed play-in games — who came up with this idea anyway? Despite an 8-1 record, the GAC Spartans still have to win this week just to make the playoffs. That doesn't seem fair, when you look around the state and see that there will be four-win teams in the postseason. It’s clear GAC is the second-best team in all of Region 5-AA, but that doesn't matter. The region has the winners in each of two subregions play for the Nos. 1 and 2 playoff seeds (Buford vs. Blessed Trinity), then forces “play-ins” games for the remaining two spots. These “play-in” games match the second- and third-place teams from each side in win-or-go-home games. And despite finishing second in Division A behind Buford, GAC has to play on the road at Lovett (6-3), the third-place team from Division B. Huh? Why? We suppose it won’t matter. The Spartans will be convincing in qualifying for state. GAC 34, Lovett 21.

at Mountain View: Norcross (7-2) may be the best region third seed — and a tough out — for the upcoming playoffs. The Blue Devils play a Mountain View team (3-6) that is still learning the ropes in 7-AAAAA, one of the toughest regions in the state. The Blue Devils get a nice tune-up for the playoffs. Norcross 32, Mountain View 14.

at Collins Hill: Locked in as the No. 4 seed from Region 7-AAAAA, Collins Hill (4-5) will at least get to a respectable .500 before the playoffs start on Nov. 11, when the Eagles have the unenviable task of playing nationally raned Grayson in the first round. Meadowcreek is looking at its third straight 0-10 season and 38th straight loss. Collins Hill 36, Meadowcreek 12.

Scott Bernarde is the Associate Regional Editor for 12 Patch sites in Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.