Football picks

No rhyme or reason, but 101 wins last year wasn't just luck.

Friday's games
 Alvarez at Gonzales: Both teams are much improved. But depth takes over in the second half. Pick: Alvarez.
 Alisal at Soledad: Without tailback Ricky Muniz, an already youthful Trojans squad will struggle on offense. Soledad hasn't won a season opener in six years: Pick: Soledad.
 Skyline at Seaside: Nothing wrong with building some confidence on a schedule that includes nine playoff teams from last year: Pick: Seaside.
 St. Francis Catholic at Greenfield: The Bruins defense is going to keep them in a lot of games this fall. Pick: Greenfield:
 King City at Soquel: The Mustangs are 6-3-1 on the road over the last two years. They have also  dropped three straight season openers. Pick: Soquel.
 Watsonville at Pacific Grove: I see a lot of big plays in this game. The Breakers will control the game in the trenches. Pick: Pacific Grove.

Saturday's games
 San Lorenzo Valley vs. Marina at Seaside: It's small steps for Marina. But at least the program is walking on a foundation: Pick: San Lorenzo Valley.
 Salinas vs. North Salinas at Rabobank Field: The Cowboys were the most impressive team I saw on our football tour. Pick: Salinas.
 Carmel vs. Palma at Rabobank Field: There is no more explosive offense in the area than Carmel. I just don't see them on the field a lot this week. Pick: Palma.
 Galileo at North County: The Condors have won their last six home openers, blanking their last two opponents 36-0. Pick: North County.

College
 American River at Monterey Peninsula: I don't see the Lobos giving up 59 points to American River like last year. But MPC is facing the No. 7 ranked team in the state: Pick: American River.
 Los Medanos vs. Hartnell at Salinas High: The memories of blowing a 21 point fourth quarter lead still burn inside the Panthers. Pick: Hartnell.