Football picks

No rhyme or reason, yet I will take 9-3, improving the overall mark to 19-6.
Friday's games
 Salinas at Sacred Heart Prep: The reigning state Division IV finalists went 4-0 against teams from Monterey County last year. Pick: Salinas.
 Wilcox at Seaside: It's learning on the fly for the Spartans, who took big steps between Week 1 and Week 2. Pick: Wilcox.
 Monterey at Kennedy, Richmond: You are going to win a lot of games when defense and special teams are producing points for you. Pick: Monterey.
 Willow Glen vs. Palma at Rabobank: Why would anyone be foolish enough to pick against the Chieftains at home. Pick: Palma.
 King City at Alisal: Maybe the road will be kinder to King City, who is 0-2 for the third time in the last four years. Pick: King City.
 Soledad at Monte Vista: If Soledad is looking for a measuring stick to see how it lines up against others in the MTAL, Monte Vista is a good test. Pick: Monte Vista.
 Alvarez at Menlo: The Eagles defense has allowed one touchdown. Menlo has scored 89 points in two games. Pick: Alvarez.
 North County at Greenfield: First meeting between the two county teams. First night game for the Condors. Pick: North County.
 St. Francis Catholic at Gonzales: The Spartans will look a lot quicker on offense this week. Pick: Gonzales.
 Pajaro Valley vs. Marina at MPC: The Mariners offense has been AWOL in their first two games.  PV is coming off a shutout. Pick: Pajaro Valley.
Saturday's games
 Christopher at Carmel: Until Carmel shows it can stop an opponent, expect a shootout. Pick: Carmel.
  Harbor at Stevenson: Two teams that have had an extra week to prepare for each other. Two teams nicknamed the Pirates: Pick: Stevenson.
  Mendocino vs. Hartnell at Rabobank: Dating back to last season, the Panthers have won eight straight games. Mendocino is allowing 50.5 points a game. Pick: Hartnell.
 San Jose City at MPC: Protection up front will enable Keon Marsh to pick apart this defense. Pick: MPC.