Football picks

No rhyme or reason, but Gonzales and North Salinas, I still believe in you. A 6-5 mark last week pushes the overall record to 24-9.

Friday's games
 Monterey at Pacific Grove: Two dynamic running games. Who has the better defense? Pick: Monterey.
North County at Alvarez: The Condors are flying under the radar. The Eagles are still trying to take flight. Pick: North County.
Santa Cruz at North Salinas: Two teams searching for an identity and a win. Pick: North Salinas.
Alisal at Aptos: No one at Alisal has forgotten the 522 rushing yards Aptos produced last year. Pick: Alisal.
Monte Vsita at King City: When you score 50 or more points in three straight games, it's not a fluke. Pick: Monte Vista.
Greenfield at Mission Prep-SLO: One player for Greenfield told me Mission Prep is legit. I agree. Pick: Mission Prep.
Thurgood Marshall at Gonzales: Injuries last week have Gonzales under 20 players this week: Pick: Thurgood.
Salinas at Terra Nova: Terra Nova has played three CCS divisional finalists, beating Pioneer last week. Pick: Salinas.
 Palma at Seaside: This game comes down to discipline and making plays in big moments. I can't see Palma losing two straight. Pick: Palma.
 San Benito at Willow Glen: The Balers used the week off to heel up after facing two CCS powers. Pick: San Benito.

Saturday's games
Marina at Harbor: You can only preach patience so many times. Pick: Harbor.
St. Francis Catholic at Stevenson: The Sharks are 1-2 against the MTAL this year. Pick: St. Francis.