Everyone should strive for perfection in everything they do.

Whether it is at work, school or on the football field giving 100 percent can help you to excel and come out on top.

Prognosticating isn't any different.

Pigskin pickers throughout the state sit down each Monday morning, shuffle through the upcoming high school football games and make educated guesses on which they believe will come out winners that week. Sometimes it's a no-brainer on whom is going to win, but other times it's very hard. That's where the guessing comes in.

Last week was one of those no-brainer weeks in Crenshaw County. It was obvious what teams were going to win or lose based on the opponent they faced.

Although some of the local teams gave the fans in the stands a couple of scares or didn't win in blowout fashion like expected, they still managed to notch a win.

Highland Home and Beulah duked it out last Friday night in what turned out to be a very close regional battle. At some points, the Squadron looked like they were going to blow out the Bobcats, but some questionable calls always kept the visitors in the game.

Not taking anything away from Beulah, which had some very good athletes that jumped out quickly on Highland in the opening stanza, but they did receive some slack from the men in stripes.

The Squadron slipped by with a 28-27 victory.

Brantley remained undefeated on the season with a big region win over Goshen last week.

Once again the Bulldogs' running game stole the show in the 48-20, road win over the Eagles.

Luverne picked up its first win of the 2004 season last Friday night on the road against Marbury. The Tigers pulled out a 28-19 regional victory over the Bulldogs.

As predicted, Pike Liberal Arts Academy proved to be too fast and strong for Crenshaw Christian Academy last week.

The Cougars jumped out to an early lead over the Patriots, but it was short lived as the visitors followed with a series of big plays.

The home team suffered a 49-27 loss.

Following the perfect week of picking, this prognosticator's record jumps from 2-2 to 6-2 or 75 percent.

This Friday night two Crenshaw County teams will clash in a regional contest that is sure to draw a huge crowd.

Luverne will host Class 2A, Region 3 foe Highland Home as both teams attempt to pick up its second regional win to remain undefeated in region play.

Both the Tigers and the Flying Squadron are 1-1 on the season and will pull out all the stops to hurdle the .500 mark.

Last season, the Squadron soared to an early lead, but was shot down in the end as the Tigers pulled out a 17-12 victory. This season, the tables have turned.

Luverne has grown accustomed to its new system under second-year head coach Mike Dubose and shouldn't have a problem executing its plays to jump out to an early lead over Highland Home. But don't count out the Squadron, which is quite capable of refueling after a defensive let down to make big plays happen on offense.

Highland Home will have to be alert on defense in order to stay one step ahead of Luverne's multiple offense. As for the Tigers, they'll have to prevent big plays, cause some turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Prestridge's Pick: Luverne.

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Brantley will be back home Friday night as they host Class 1A, Region 2 foe Zion Chapel, which suffered a

47-0 shutout to Florala last week.

The Bulldogs should stick to their ground attack. If it's not broken, don't fix it.

Even though Brantley's defense has given up a few scores each game, it's high-powered backfield makes up the difference with brilliant runs from all angles of the field.

Zion Chapel should just buckle up for the ride.

Prestridge's Pick: Brantley.

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The Crenshaw Christian Academy Cougars will hit the road tomorrow night as they attempt to rebound from their loss last week.

The Cougars have a very strong running game that gave a very powerful Pike defense fits last week. Sticking to the running game will be key for a win, but the coaching staff will also need to mix things up a bit on offense. Be unpredictable.

Crenshaw's defense will also have to refrain from giving up big plays.

Prestridge's Pick: CCA.

Adam Prestridge is editor of

The Luverne Journal. He can be reached at 334-335-3541 or by e-mail: adam.prestridge@luverne journal.com