The Old Picker struggled a bit last week, but not too badly going 4-2 with the high school picks. I don’t even want to talk about my college pick.

But now it’s another week, and I’m trying to dig myself out of a bit of a hole. In a few hours we’ll know how I do.

This week’s slate is full of rival games starting with Choctawhatchee at Niceville.

If there has been a hotter team in the area than Choctaw I don’t know who it is.

The game between the Indians and the Eagles looks to be a Okaloosa County classic with a pair of offenses hitting on all cylinders. Choctaw’s Jace Blanchard and Niceville’s Josh McDorman are two of the best quarterbacks in the area.

I think this game will be won or lost at the running back and defensive line positions. I believe those are the places the Indians have an edge. Choctaw’s LeKendrick Ingram might be the best running back in the area. and Chris Martin is without a doubt the best defensive lineman in this part of the state.

If the Eagle offensive line can’t contain Martin it will be a long night for McDorman.

I still think this will be a close game. I’m picking the Indians 24-17.

Pace at Crestview tends to be one of the better 4A games of the season. The Patriots seem to be right where they always are among the top teams in the state.

The young Bulldogs are still trying to find themselves despite their 2-1 record. Crestview will need to play much better than it did against Niceville if the Bulldogs are to have a chance.

Even if Crestview keeps it close, I still like the Patriots. My pick, Pace takes this one 31-14.

District 1-2B cranks up tonight when South Walton visits Baker.

The two biggest questions coming into the game are, can the Seahawks slow down Baker’s Cameron Domangue who has rushed for more than 650 yards the last two games? And can Domangue, who now has close to 775 yards on the season go over the 1,000 yard mark on the year?

My answer to the first question is, I don’t think so. I really don’t believe the Seahawks can slow down the Domangue Express. And yes, I think Domangue goes over the 225 mark to move to 1,000 plus yards in the season.

When that happens, the Gators will come away with the impressive home win 35-14.

Vernon at Walton is another game that has rival implications, although not as great as it did a year ago when Jeff Webb was still roaming the sidelines for the Yellow Jackets.

Walton’s defense is really coming together having allowed just three touchdowns all season. And everyone knows what the Braves offense led by quarterback Tarrell Bramlet and running back Issac Jackson is capable of doing.

I really don’t think this one will be close.

I’m picking the Braves 42-10.

Freeport at Wewahitchka is a key District 1-A.

The Bulldogs (0-2) look to open district play with a win over the Gators, but to do so Freeport has to find a way to score more than a touchdown.

I’m taking the home team in this one. My pick, Wewa 21-7  over the Bulldogs.

Santa Rosa County bragging rights will be on the line as Navarre (3-0) travels to Milton to take on the Panthes (3-0).

Austin Grimm was sharp last week in leading the Raiders past Catholic. Sophomore running back Michael Pettus had a breakout game gaining 165 yards and scoring three touchdown.

The Raiders will need to be at full force to down the powerful Panthers. Strange things have been known to happen in Milton’s favor through the years that favor the Panthers.

I think Milton takes this one in a close game. I’m picking the Panthers 17-14.

The final game on the slate is Gulf Breeze at Fort Walton Beach.

This looks like the biggest mismatch of the night. The Dolphins defense has given up more than 30 points in each of Gulf Breeze’s three losses. And after a shaking start in the opener, the Viking offense has found the groove.

Luke Barnes throws wild against the Blue and Gold to lead the Vikings to an easy win.

My pick, Fort Walton Beach 48-7.

Well, there you have it. Let me hear from you the fans.

Do Niceville fans think the Indians will step on their turf and take the win? Do Crestview fans think the Bulldogs have a chance against the Patriots? And what about you Navarre fans, do you think your team can post a win against the Panthers?

So, let the discussion begin.

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