2009 - Playoff Week 4 Shootout Pick

Our pick for the Shootout of the Week last weekend was one of the best high school football games I have witnessed since last year's 5A state championship game between Pulaski Academy and Helena-West Helena. Nashville and Shiloh Christian both had defensive touchdowns, big plays on offense, and "special" special teams. We are sure that the Scrappers are wondering how they lost that game after the way the first 18 minutes went. We are also sure that the Saints are wondering how they won the game after the first 18 minutes.

Having said all that, we don't know how we could pick games other than the state championship games as our picks for games of the week. The 7A state championship game again features two 7A West rivals (Springdale Har-Ber and Ft. Smith Southside) on Saturday afternoon. Har-Ber plays a lot more physical defense than most realize and we think that mentality will carry the Wildcats to their first state title. The 6A title game will be a battle between El Dorado and Pine Bluff. We think that El Dorado has consistently been the best team in this class all year and feel that they will hoist the trophy in War Memorial. Finally, in the 5A championship, Monticello takes on Camden Fairview Friday night. We believe that Monticello will finish off the perfect 14-0 season in a close one over the Cards.

If you decide that you just can't make it to Little Rock, there will be another great matchup in Springdale weekend as Bald Knob looks to extend their dream season for one more week. They face a tough opponent (Shiloh Christian) in order to keep those perfect season hopes alive. Does Shiloh have anything left in the tank after that battle with Nashville? Have a great weekend! Hopefully, football will be part of it.