Prediction: Cougars Will Claim Region Title

Every week, I pick high school football games that are played in Patch coverage areas from Cumming to Stone Mountain.

Check out this week's predictions, then let us know how you think your team will fare in the comment box below ... if you dare.

Last week’s best picks: West Forsyth 30, Roswell 14 (actual score, West Forsyth 35, Roswell 14); Tucker 54, Lithonia 7 (actual score, Tucker 50, Lithonia 7).

Last week’s worst picks: Lambert 24, Rome 20 (actual score, Rome 16, Lambert 0); Parkview 28, Archer 17 (actual score, Archer 40, Parkview 16).

Last week's record: 18-6. Overall record: 181-48-1.

Are you ready for another round of picks?

at Centennial: The one thing that will clear up what has been an unusual race for the final two playoff spots in Region 6-AAAAA is a Centennial win this Friday. The Knights (4-5, 3-2 in the region) can lock up the No. 3 spot with a win over Northview (3-6, 2-3), which has its own playoff aspirations. If Northview wins, and Milton loses to Roswell, the Titans can leap-frog from fifth to third and reach their first playoff in school history. But get this: if Northview and Milton win, there will be a three-way tie that would have to be broken to determine both the third and fourth playoff positions. Centennial 32, Northview 24.

at Rome: Chattahoochee (8-1) can defend its Region 7-AAAA title by simply beating the Wolves this Friday, but that’s hardly a given in this matchup of the region’s two hottest teams. Rome (7-2) has won five games in a row, including last week’s 16-0 win over Lambert, and has quietly risen in the standings to third place. The ‘Hooch has won eight in a row since a loss to Lambert in the opener and has been convincing in doing so. Rome should be tough at home, but it’s still difficult to overlook its 29-20 loss to Forsyth Central earlier in the season. Cougars will claim the region crown. Chattahoochee 24, Rome 16.

Forsyth Central at :  Johns Creek (8-1) concludes its regular season with visiting Forsyth Central (2-7). It’s been a season to remember for the Gladiators, who are playing in only their second full varsity season. It’s been one to forget for the Bulldogs, who haven’t made the playoffs in a decade. The Gladiators still have a chance at winning the Region 7-AAAA title if they win and Chattahoochee loses at Rome. Johns Creek 31, Forsyth Central 17.

Whitefield Academy at : A chance at a .500 season is at stake for Mount Pisgah (4-5). Whitefield Academy is 3-6. Mount Pisgah 21, Whitefield Academy 17.

Scott Bernarde is the Associate Regional Editor for 12 Patch sites in Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.