Annual picks battle begins this week

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The annual tradition of sportswriters and media types making wild predictions is upon us again.
You don’t have to agree with the choices – but please don’t cuss us or throw things at our cars.
It is just an attempt to start conversations and not really provide fuel for locker room speeches.
The Eunice News picks champion for the past two seasons was Caleb Andrus from Basile State Bank.
Last year, Caleb had a 79-21 record to push ahead of John Burson (75-25) and me (74-26).
In 2016, Mr. Andrus finished at 74-26, while John was 72-28.
I had a bad run that year, finishing out of the competition at 66-34.
In 2015, Steve Bollich from College Junction finished on top at 83-17, while Coach Burson and I finished tied for second at 81-19.
The last time I won was in 2014 when I edged out Steve, 78-22 to 77-23.
I will do my best to get to the top of the list for bragging rights this season.
Over the years of prediction columns, I picked either the final score or the points margin.
This year, it will be just winner or losers each week.
Basile at Iota
The season kicks off tonight when the Bearcats visit Iota. Class 1-A Basile had a good run last year as they made it to the state quarterfinals.
Class 3-A Iota was the one of the most improved teams in the area and rolled to a 40-7 win over the Bearcats to open the season.
This one should be closer, but I’ll go with the Bulldogs.
Oberlin at Mamou
Tonight is the first game for Dwight Collins as the new head coach of the Green Demons, but it could take a while before Mamou rebuilds.
Oberlin advanced to the second round of the Class 1-A playoffs last year and the Tigers should win the season opener.
Jennings at Church Point
The Bears’ game against Jennings last year was cancelled because of Hurricane Harvey.
Church Point went on to win the District 5-3A title, while Jennings advanced to the state semi-finals.
It is a home game for the No. 5 Bears, so go with Church Point over the No. 6 Bulldogs.
Eunice at Opelousas
Both the Bobcats and Tigers are looking to improve this season.
OHS finished 5-5 last year and Tiger head coach Doug Guillory’s team could be better in 2018.
EHS finished 5-6 last season with a first-round playoff loss, but the Bobcats rolled to a 24-0 win over OHS in the season opener.
The game is at Donald Gardner Stadium in Opelousas, which could help the Tigers keep it close.
But I still picking the Bobcats to win.
Hanson Memorial at St. Edmund
The Blue Jays won the District 4-1A title and finished 10-2 in 2017.
The St Edmund faithful are looking to repeat as champions and advance past the first round of the playoffs.
The Blue Jays rolled to a 35-6 win at Hanson last year and should open the season again with a win.
Ville Platte at Sacred Heart
The Tee Cotton Bowl was revived last season and it is always a great night for the town of Ville Platte.
Sacred Heart won 40-19 last year and the Bulldogs want to get the trophy back to their school.
Ville Platte finished 3-7 last year, while Sacred Heart went 8-3 - so I think the Trojans take this one.
In the college games, it will be Miami over LSU, Louisiana Lafayette over Grambling, Texas Christian over Southern and McNeese over Northern Colorado.