By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com

It looks like I’ve won the LSJ Editors Gridiron Picks competition once again, beating Nate Thompson in a tie-breaker.

We each posted sparkling 14-1 records last week. Nate obviously had a good week. But overall, this is my third victory in seven weeks! Come on guys. Give me some real competition.

The only colleague I’m still chasing in the overall standings in Dave Tomczak. He has 88 correct picks, compared to my 87.

I still have two weeks to overtake him, starting with my insightful picks this week.

This is the weekend all local sports fans have been waiting for, with the Muskegon Big Reds traveling to face the Mona Shores Sailors in the local high school version of the Super Bowl.

Both teams enter this contest unbeaten and ranked high in the state. The winner will likely take home the O-K Black Conference championship.

About three weeks ago I was ready to pick the Sailors to hand Muskegon its first loss of the year, but injuries have forced me to change my mind. I’m taking the Big Reds. I think the game will be tight most of the way, but Muskegon will win by 10-14 points and continue its perfect season and its annual march toward Ford Field and the state finals.

Could we eventually end up seeing yet another state title showdown between the Big Reds and their nemesis, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s? Oh wait – Orchard Lake is currently 1-6! Never mind.

Another important game is Fruitport at Reeths-Puffer. The Rockets will win a close contest to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.

One very big game, in terms of playoff eligibility, is Whitehall at North Muskegon. Both teams have five wins this season, just one shy of clinching a postseason berth. I expect the Vikings to prevail, meaning the Norse will have to beat a suddenly hot Orchard View squad next week to clinch a playoff spot.

Muskegon Catholic, Montague and Kent City will all prevail and remain undefeated with one week to go in the regular season.

Week 7 results: Dave Hart 14-1; Nate Thompson 14-1; Dave Tomczak 13-2; Andrew Johnson 13-2; Jason Goorman 13-2; Steve Gunn 12-3.

Overall standings: Tomczak 88-17; Hart 87-18; Johnson 85-20; Thompson 82-23; Goorman 81-24; Gunn 71-34.