“Oh my gut, the chili dogs, the shrimp, the bar-be-que, the lemonade, the snow cones…” I said walking in the office Monday morning after spending all day Saturday at the Milan Fall Festival.
“I told you to stop after that third trip to Uncle Sam’s BBQ truck at 11 a.m.,” Victor Parkins said.

“I just couldn’t control myself with all of that good food here in Milan,” I replied.

“Well, you better focus quickly because it is time to go to press, and you need to make your football picks for Week 9,” Parkins laughed. “And oh yea, I gained another game on you.”

After rolling my eyes, I said, “Shouldn’t I get an extra point or two for almost nailing the West Carroll-Bruceton score? I said West Carroll would win 28-27, and the final was 28-26.”

“No, the only thing that matters is getting them right, and I have gotten five more correct than you,” Parkins said.

Parkins went 11-1 last week, while I went 10-2. Parkins correctly picked Huntingdon’s win over Jackson Central-Merry, and we both missed Dresden’s upset win over South Fulton.

So overall, Parkins is 95-21 (.819 winning percentage), while I am now 90-26 (.776), and Parkins increased his lead to five games

Week 9 has teams still on Fall Break, but here we go:

JCM (6-1, 4-1 6-2A) at Peabody (3-4, 3-1)

The Golden Tide have the opportunity to make the biggest move in Region 6-2A with a win in this one. JCM is well-disciplined and has played well throughout the season.

Odom’s Pick: JCM 24, Peabody 21

Vic’s Pick: JCM 27, Peabody 24

Lexington (3-4, 1-1 6-4A) at South Gibson (3-4, 1-1)

After a week off, the Hornets will be focused on earning a home playoff game at the end of the season. For that to happen, South Gibson has to win its final three games.

Odom’s Pick: South Gibson 28, Lexington 21

Vic’s Pick: South Gibson 35, Lexington 14

Trevevant (0-5) at Milan (6-1)

It’s Homecoming for the Bulldogs, and they should have little trouble picking up a seventh win on the season. But this is the final easy game of the year.

Odom’s Pick: Milan 45, Trezevant 6

Vic’s Pick: Milan 56, Trezevant 12

Huntingdon (5-2, 3-1 6-2A) at Gibson County (1-6, 0-4)

The Mustangs have won two straight games since losing to Milan with a strong rushing game. This one will be another tough one for the Pioneers.

Odom’s Pick: Huntingdon 38, Gibson County 6

Vic’s Pick: Huntingdon 55, Gibson County 14

Camden (3-4) at West Carroll (4-3)

Even with injuries to key players, the War Eagles managed to earn a region win over Bruceton last week and clinch a playoff spot. But a good Camden team comes to town.

Odom’s Pick: Camden 26, West Carroll 20

Vic’s Pick: Camden 28, West Carroll 14

Other top games

Haywood (6-1) at Covington (7-0)

Odom’s Pick: Haywood

Vic’s Pick: Haywood

Greenfield (4-3) at Middleton (3-4)

Odom’s Pick: Greenfield

Vic’s Pick: Greenfield

Union City (5-2, 4-0 7-1A) at Halls (7-0, 4-0)

Odom’s Pick: Union City

Vic’s Pick: Union City

Adamsville (3-4, 0-4 6-2A) at Riverside (5-2, 3-1)

Odom’s Pick: Riverside

Vic’s Pick: Riverside

South Side (2-4, 0-2 6-4A) at North Side (4-3, 2-0)

Odom’s Pick: North Side

Vic’s Pick: North Side

Jackson Christian (6-1) at Lake County (4-3)

Odom’s Pick: Jackson Christian

Vic’s Pick: Jackson Christian

FACS (3-3, 1-1 D2A) at TCA (4-3, 2-0)

Odom’s Pick: TCA

Vic’s Pick: TCA

Hardin County (1-6) at Crockett County (5-2)

Odom’s Pick: Crockett County

Vic’s Pick: Crockett County

Liberty (0-6, 0-4 7-3A) at McNairy Central (1-6, 0-4)

Odom’s Pick: McNairy Central

Vic’s Pick: McNairy Central

Scotts Hill (1-6, 1-3 7-3A) at Dyersburg (4-3, 2-2)

Odom’s Pick: Dyersburg

Vic’s Pick: Dyersburg