By Jason Goorman
Local Sports Journal

Not sure what I should do after last week’s picks. When you pick more games wrong than games right … you just want to crawl under a rock, put a paper bag over your head or just hibernate until the ship is back on course.

Last week, I picked six games correctly and seven not so correctly. I would like to personally thank Whitehall, Muskegon, Muskegon Catholic, Oakridge, Ravenna and Muskegon Heights for making my picks come true.JG gridiron picks logo

On the other hand, my crystal ball failed me on the other seven games. For some reason, I said homefield was underrated and, boy, was I wrong.

But you know what? When it comes to picking games, you only have to wait another week before you get to do it again. After this week, I will be walking tall out in public, the paper bag will be gone and my demeanor will be that of a happy prognosticator.

So, here it goes. Week 4 and I promise I will do better.

GRAND HAVEN vs. Holland West Ottawa: The 3-0 Bucs hit the road for a matchup down south against rival West Ottawa. The Bucs will be heading home about 10 p.m. on Friday night armed with a 4-0 record.

MONA SHORES vs. Caledonia: Caledonia is no slouch, from what I’m hearing. With Mona Shores coming off a tough loss at Rockford a week ago, it’s safe to say it’s been a week of refocusing during practice. Playing at home will help the Sailors, who win it with a strong fourth quarter.

MUSKEGON vs. East Grand Rapids: Two state ranked teams with long traditions of winning will butt heads at historic Hackley Stadium. The Big Reds have endured some tough matchups already this season and this one will be yet another test. Big Reds prevail on their home field.

Reeths-Puffer vs. LOWELL: When you think of Lowell, you think of tough, grind it out football. If Reeths-Puffer can somehow pull this one off, that would be a huge feather in their 2014 season. Lowell takes control in the fourth quarter.

ORCHARD VIEW vs. Fremont: Orchard View seems to be heading in the right direction after some trying seasons recently. Yes, the Cards are licking their wounds after giving up 52 points last week against Spring Lake. Cardinals prove to be too much for the Packers.

Ludington vs. FRUITPORT: Nathan Kriger makes the Trojans go and this week will be no different. Ludington is coming off a huge loss against top-ranked Muskegon Catholic. I am going with the road team this time … Fruitport.

Spring Lake vs. MUSKEGON CATHOLIC: Talk about an early showdown in the Lakes 8 … this is it. Spring Lake against league newcomer Muskegon Catholic. These two come in as the favorites to finish 1-2 in the league. Winner has a leg up to finish first and the loser may very well have to settle for second.

RAVENNA vs. Hart: Ravenna appeared in the state football rankings this week and for good reason. Three straight victories turned some heads and open some eyes. Next up for Ravenna is rival Oakridge so keeping focused on the Pirates is a must.

MONTAGUE vs. Shelby: News flash: One of these teams will pick up its first victory of the season. You wouldn’t normally be saying that about two traditional WMC powers, but yes, it’s true. Montague gets the nod for victory No. 1.

OAKRIDGE vs. North Muskegon: This game should be a dandy right to the very end. After getting beat soundly in Week 1, the Eagles are back on track. NM is coming off a loss at Whitehall a week ago and will be chomping at the bit to get back into the win column.

Mason County Central vs. WHITEHALL: The surprising Vikings are undefeated and will stay that way as they travel to Scottville to take on the Spartans. Whitehall by three touchdowns.

Hesperia at MORLEY-STANWOOD: I would like to take the Panthers, but I just couldn’t pull the trigger on that one. But hey, the way I’ve been picking of late, anything can happen and it usually does. I’m sticking with the home team … the Mohawks.

Holton at KENT CITY: Can Holton knock off the Eagles? I don’t think so. Eagles win on their home turf.

Muskegon Heights vs. KALAMAZOO CHRISTIAN: Muskegon Heights posted a much-needed victory last week when it trekked north to Brethren. This week, the Tigers travel south to Kalamazoo. I’m afraid the Tigers’ winning streak stops at one.