Week 5 is here, and it’s headlined by one game: Choctaw-Niceville at Joe Etheredge Stadium on Friday night.
With that said, here’s the schedule. All games at 7 p.m. CT unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, Sept. 17
- Central at Baker
Friday, Sept. 18
- Niceville at Choctaw
- Walton at Fort Walton Beach
- Coffee (Georgia) at Crestview
- South Walton at Arnold
- Franklin County at Rocky Bayou
Byes: Freeport, Destin
Now, here are my predictions
(5-3 last week, 20-14 overall):
Baker 42, Central 0
Central is having a rough year, and winning the games you’re supposed to win is critical if Baker wants to make the playoffs. No reason to overthink this one.
Choctaw 38, Niceville 14
Niceville’s issues were still on display against Navarre. The offensive line struggled to open running lanes at times, and a Navarre offense that had been averaging 17.6 points per game prior to the contest gave the Eagles defense fits, particularly in the first half. With all of that in mind, Choctaw should take full advantage. The Indians’ offense has its best outing of the year up to this point, and the stout defense will likely prevent Deegan McCoy and Jakobe Gilyard from finding their footing. Choctaw claims its second straight win over Niceville.
Walton 35, Fort Walton Beach 17
I do think the Vikings will be Walton’s toughest challenge yet, but given that the Braves look nearly unstoppable right now, it’s very difficult to pick against Walton until I see reason otherwise.
Coffee 49, Crestview 10
The Bulldogs need this win, but Coffee is a top-20 team in Georgia, and Crestview has had a tough go of it so far this season. The Bulldogs drop to 0-5.
South Walton 49, Arnold 7
Outside of a win over Freeport, Arnold has looked outmatched against everyone it has played. South Walton returns to form with a convincing victory here.
Franklin County 42, Rocky Bayou 7
Franklin County looks like one of the best teams in the SSAA at this point. It has yet to be played to within one score, and this one shouldn’t change that. Franklin County stays undefeated.
