By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

Week 3 predictions: 4-6

After taking the first week of the season off, a strong Week 2 performance and a less-than-stellar predicting performance in Week 3, the prediction machine now stands at 11-8 for the year. Let’s look at what’s going to happen in Week 4 across the county as we try and stay above the .500 mark.

 

Oak Mountain vs. Hoover. While it’s not necessarily time to hit the panic button for the Eagles, they’ve got to be feeling the pressure after dropping their first two games of the year and giving up over 30 points in both losses. The road isn’t likely to get easier for Oak Mountain this week with a test against the top team in the state that hasn’t lost a game to an in-state opponent since 2011. Hoover 42 – Oak Mountain 28.

 

Spain Park vs. Tuscaloosa County. Two of Spain Park’s first three games have been decided by four points cumulatively, making this Jaguar team simultaneously entertaining to watch and tough to forecast. This week bodes well for the Jaguars against a Tuscaloosa County team that lost five All-State players to graduation from the 2014 team that beat Spain Park 26-7. This Jaguar team has shown it will not lie down to anyone, and Shawn Raney’s squad picks up another region victory. Spain Park 24 – Tuscaloosa County 14.

 

Thompson vs. Mountain Brook. Following a tough, one-point home loss to Spain Park, the Warriors now turn their attention to a plucky Mountain Brook team that played Hoover closer than anyone has in over a calendar year last week. The Warriors offense left much to be desired in the loss to Spain Park, especially in the passing game. This is why Alabaster has handed the keys to the kingdom to Mark Freeman, to win games like this against region teams. Thompson 21 – Mountain Brook 13.

 

Briarwood vs. Homewood. Briarwood has pieces. From spark plug running back Carson Eddy to playmaking quarterback William Gray to sure-handed receivers Kolby Kwarcinski and David Lowery, this Lions team has playmakers. The problem so far has been putting together a complete game as Fred Yancey’s team has dropped its first two games in gut-wrenching fashion. Unfortunately, Briarwood is going to start the year 0-3 for the second time since 2012 with a loss to a talented Patriot team. Homewood 32 – Briarwood 24.

 

Chelsea vs. Valley. Chelsea is quickly emerging as one of the most entertaining teams in the county to watch with its offensive potential. The options in the backfield for this Hornets club make this team a tough out for anyone, and this week will be no different as Chelsea remains one of the two undefeated teams left in the county. Chelsea 35 – Valley 21.

 

Pelham vs. Jackson-Olin. The Panthers are coming off a tough loss at the hands of a talented Homewood team, and things won’t get much easier against region opponent Jackson-Olin that has shown glimpses of potential. The Pelham defense has struggled so far this year, giving up 97 points in consecutive losses, and the Mustangs have enough weapons to make it another tough week for the Panthers. Jackson-Olin 38 – Pelham 21

 

Calera vs. Central-Tuscaloosa. Calera ran into a Demopolis team last week that will likely finish atop the 5A Region 4 standings, and is looking to rebound against a Central-Tuscaloosa team that has given up just two points so far this season. Look for the Eagles to get back on track and to put up some more points than the Falcons have to this point given up. Calera 31 – Central-Tuscaloosa 17.

 

Helena vs. Dallas County. How good is this Husky team? We’re not quite sure just yet. After a one-point victory over an improved, but by no means elite, Shelby County team in the first week of the season and a blowout win over hapless Wilcox Central, Helena’s place in the football echelon is still murky. This nebulous position will continue for another week against a pedestrian Dallas County team that the Huskies beat handily a season ago, and should again this year. Helena 35 – Dallas County 14.

 

Shelby County vs. Tallassee. The defending 5A Region 3 champs pay the Wildcats a visit this week following Shelby County’s loss to Central-Clay County last Friday. Both Tallassee and Shelby County are running teams, turning to the air only out of necessity as opposed to choice. Even without stud running back Brandon Baynes, Tallassee should pull this game out against Shelby County. Tallassee 35 – Shelby County 21.

 

Montevallo at Holt. One of only three undefeated teams left in the county, Montevallo continues to quietly take care of business in the bottom part of the county. The Bulldogs schedule is severely back loaded, with the toughest tests still to come against the likes of West Blocton, Northside and Billingsley down the line, but that doesn’t change Montevallo’s perfect mark so far. This week against a Holt team that only won one game on the field a year ago and is 1-2 this year, Montevallo’s winning ways should continue behind an offense that seems to have rounded into form in Andrew Zow’s fourth year. Montevallo 38 – Holt 17.