I have been with the Standard Democrat sports department since 2007. I took over as sports editor in May of 2011 and have been slightly crazy about sports since I can remember. I attended Southeast Missouri State University and Scott County Central High School. I co-created our sports web show "The Last Word" and my two children, Elijah and CJ. I was married to my wife, Angie, in May of 2014. I love to golf, I am an avid NBA2K gamer and root for the Fighting Irish on Saturdays.

Media Football Pick 'Em -- Week 7 (The tough one)

Posted Wednesday, October 9, 2013, at 10:43 PM

This week may be one of the toughest weeks of the season.

I count six games that could go either way. The one that gave me the most fits?

Malden at Chaffee.

We know their undefeated record and the history that's going on in Chaffee. We know that Malden spoiled the Red Devils' plans back in 1969 and we know Chaffee would love nothing more than to extend their unbeaten streak against that same team at home Friday night.

What we may not know is that Chaffee has had the pleasure of beating Malden just once in their last 26 meetings since 1978. That's what we call owning a series.

However, we all know that things change. This time, IMHO, things change in favor of the Red Devils. Enough is enough. Chaffee will shake off that dreaded Malden curse and beat them for the first time since 2008. I've got a final of 28-25 Chaffee.

Now, I may have just issued an unfortunate string of events declaring that pick but I'll take my chances. I think Chaffee has too many weapons on offense to let the Green Wave keep them from putting up the massive amount of points they've hung all season. Scoring won't be a problem. Stopping Malden, however, will.

In their last three games, Malden has averaged 46 points. Running back Dremond Robinson can't be lost by Chaffee's defense as he's already rushed for over 700 yards and 12 touches. Sophomore quarterback Chapin Riley can also hurt teams with his arm. He has seven passing touchdowns so far this season with just one pick.

Forget Cape Central-Sikeston. The game of the week will be in Chaffee Friday.

The Dexter-Charleston game takes on a different look following improvement by the Bearcats the last two weeks. I still think Charleston has the edge offensively and will be able to run for big gains against an improved, but shaky, Dexter defense. We'll see if Dexter quarterback Peyton Pollock, whose health is a bit of a concern going into Friday, can continue to lead the Bearcats' offense and pull off the upset.

East Prairie could also shock the world and take down Portageville on the road. A lot of folks were very surprised by the Eagles giving Chaffee a game last Friday and scoring 32 points against them may have floored a few others. I'm taking the Bulldogs in a defensive battle - 18-14.

Other's that could produce faulty pick 'em lineups you ask? Cape Central-Sikeston, Scott City-Hayti and Poplar Bluff-Farmington. I'm taking Cape Central, Hayti and Poplar Bluff in those potentially close match-ups. But, then again, I am still one game behind Mr. Shipman. Take my predictions for what you will.

Let me know how my, or all of our panel's picks look to you. Love to hear your input. In the meantime, be sure to check my blog again soon for the newest episode of The Last Word. Thanks for reading!