Football picks

No rhyme or reason, but a shaky start to open the season in going 7-3 last week.

Friday's games
Greenfield at Santa Maria: The importance of this game is erasing the memory of blowing a 20-point lead last week: Pick: Greenfield.
North County at Soledad: Two teams that run the ball well. The difference is Soledad can wing it in the south county wind. Pick: Soledad.
Alisal at Alvarez: Some people believe this might be the best team Alvarez has put on the field in 11 years. Pick: Alvarez.
 Seaside at Aptos: Seaside seemed to have a little more rhythm in the second half last week. Aptos failed to score in the second half in a loss to Encinal: Pick: Seaside.
 Palma at St. Francis: The Chieftains are 3-0-1 against St. Francis in their last four regular season meetings: Pick: St. Francis.
 Monte Vista at Pacific Grove: Both teams piled up over 42 points last week. Still, I think defense dictates the tempo. Pick: Pacific Grove.
 North Salinas vs. Carmel at MPC: I don't see a letdown from the Padres after an emotional win over Palma last week. Pick: Carmel.
 Salinas at Saratoga: The Cowboys struggled at times last year in defending the pass. The Falcons threw for 270 yards last week. Pick: Salinas.
 *Note: Monterey was awarded a win after Gridley forfeited.
 Byes: Gonzales, King City, Marina, Stevenson.