The older I get, the more days seem to fly by at the speed of sound.
It seems like only yesterday I was traveling out to fall camps, shooting the breeze with various coaches and wrapping up work on our annual preview magazine.
Alas, time is the most valuable thing a person can spend, so I just learn to accept it.
The regular season wraps up this week, with only four local matchups on the docket.
For those who have followed along throughout the fall, a thank you for your engagement.
Even for the ones who sent me texts asking what I was thinking picking so-and-so team.
Class 1A, Region 8
▶ Shoals Christian (5-4, 4-2) at Addison (7-2, 5-1): The Bulldogs need a win here for two reasons.
First, it would lock up a first-round home playoff game for the 10th time under coach David Smothers.
Second, it would serve as a momentum-sustaining victory — a sixth straight — entering the playoffs.
Given that Addison is 8-1 all-time against Shoals Christian … it’s an easy call.
▶ My Pick: Addison
Non-Region Games
▶ Randolph (6-3) at Fairview (8-1): The Aggies have no time to dwell on last week’s disappointing loss.
The Raiders, who won last year’s matchup 34-14, can score in bunches — they average 39.3 points per game — and their three losses this season have come to teams in Madison Academy, West Morgan and Westminster Christian that are a combined 27-1.
However, all six of their wins have come against teams below .500.
Fairview is most certainly not in that group, so I think the Aggies will find a way to bounce back at home.
▶ My Pick: Fairview
▶ Hanceville (3-6) at East Lawrence (2-7): The Bulldogs will hit the road for their season finale.
The Eagles are wrapping up a tough campaign as well — both teams compete in brutally difficult regions — but would love to go into the offseason with good vibes.
Hanceville won last year’s meeting 54-23 and I can envision another high-scoring affair on Friday night.
The same victor? That’s TBD.
▶ My Pick: Hanceville
▶ Holly Pond (2-7) at Vinemont (3-6): We’ve got one last county clash before riding off into the sunset.
Both teams enter having picked up wins last week — and both teams no doubt want the bragging rights a victory this Friday night would offer.
The Eagles have won three straight in the series — none of them particularly close — but I could see this having a bit more drama to it. Call it a hunch.
In the end, though, I’m taking the home team.
▶ My Pick: Vinemont
▶ Last Week’s Record: 7-2
▶ Season-to-Date Record: 59-17