The playoffs are creeping closer and closer.

With only four weeks remaining in the season and three region games to be played, the playoff race could get interesting.

Some teams have already secured spots in the postseason, but others are struggling to get the wins necessary to advance to the first round.

Last week, Brantley continued its dominance in Class 1A, Region 2 with a huge 35-6 win over Florala on the road. The Bulldogs (6-0, 4-0) are eyeing another region title and it looks as if they'll fulfill that goal.

Luverne also picked up a huge region road win with a 42-20 victory over Beulah. The Tigers (5-1, 4-0) are also looking to claim another region title and put on a big show in the playoffs once again.

Highland Home suffered yet another region loss at the hands of Marbury, 48-16. The Flying Squadron (1-5, 1-3) has had its ups and downs this season and hasn't been able to muster up

a win since week two against Beulah.

Crenshaw Christian Academy picked up a much-needed area win over the Independent Methodist School out of Mobile Saturday, 53-0. The Cougars (3-3, 3-2) have several more area games to play, so they're still in the hunt for a top playoff spot.

With one loss last week, this prognosticator's record improves to 17-5 or 77 percent.

The City of Luverne will be hopping this Friday night with both Luverne High School and Crenshaw Christian Academy's homecoming games being played.

Luverne will take on B.B. Comer this Friday night as the Tigers try to stay on top in the region with a homecoming win. The visiting Tigers suffered a 41-6 loss to Lanett last week.

Luverne continues to show improvements each Friday night. The Tigers are coming together more as a team and are playing team ball.

Offensively, Luverne's running game is strengthening as well as its passing game. The defense is also playing tougher and not giving up as many big plays.

The Tigers will need to continue to improve from week to week in order to assure advancement in the playoffs. One of those steps is to take care of B.B. Comer.

In order to claim a homecoming victory, the Tigers will need to continue their dominance in the backfield as well as mixing it up a bit. The defense will also have to cause some turnovers and not give up big plays.

Prestridge's Pick: Luverne

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Crenshaw Christian Academy will host Ashford Academy in its homecoming game tomorrow night.

The Cougars have played well this season, but will need to step it up some more if they plan on making some noise in the playoffs. Getting to the playoffs is still going to be a task.

CCA played exceptionally well Saturday night in Mobile, completely dominating both sides of the ball. This week won't be as easy, but should result in a win.

The Cougars need to continue focusing their efforts on defense in hopes of preventing big plays, which result in easy scores. The offense has performed well this year, but the

coaching staff still needs to mix things up.

Prestridge's Pick: CCA.

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Brantley will host Pleasant Home Friday night as the Bulldogs attempt to remain undefeated in Class 1A. Pleasant Home fell to Zion Chapel 25-14 last week.

The Bulldogs have run all over their opponents this season and began mixing in the pass a lot more a couple of weeks ago, revealing that they once again have a well-balanced offense.

Brantley will have to keep their heads and take care of business if they plan to pick up the win. This hasn't been a problem in the past and shouldn't be this week.

The Bulldogs need to jump out to an early lead and never look back.

Prestridge's Pick: Brantley.

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Highland Home's season should get a little brighter tomorrow night as they take on Horseshoe Bend on the road. Last week, Horseshoe Bend was shutout by G.W. Long 48-0.

The Flying Squadron has yet to put two halves together and play a superb football game. The team either plays extremely well in the first half and fizzles in the second or starts out slow and plays catch up well in the second half. This week, the players should strive to play hard every play throughout the game and a win should be a definite.

Stupid penalties as well as turnovers will have to be eliminated in order for the Squadron to soar home with a win.

Prestridge's Pick: Highland Home.

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