Week seven football predictions

Watseka (4-2) at St. Joseph-Ogden (4-2)

Last meeting: Watseka def. St. Joseph-Ogden, 47-14 (Oct. 10, 2008).

Both SJ-O and Watseka enter this game off losses and looking to right the ship with their fifth win as the playoffs grow near. The Spartans and Warriors both have a shot at grabbing a postseason berth with five wins this season, though its possible the Warriors would need six due to a lack of playoff points. Either way, this is a big game for both schools. It's much easier to get to week 10 at 5-2 than at 4-3.

I think the Spartans have the edge in this game due to their defense play the last several weeks. SJ-O has given up just 29 points over their past four games and has shut outs in weeks three and five. The Warriors can score points, but they can't stop anybody. If SJ-O can slow them down early, the Warriors will struggle to respond.

St. Joseph-Ogden 34, Watseka 19.

Monticello (5-1) at No. 4 Unity (6-0)

Last meeting: Unity def. Monticello, 54-29 (Oct. 10, 2008).

Just when the Rockets think they've picked up their signature win of the year, another huge game shows up on the schedule just seven days later. The Rockets will need to beat the Sages to maintain their lead in the OVC black and continue on their way to their first conference title. The Sages will be looking to lock up a postseason berth after going 0-9 in 2008 and missing the playoffs at 5-4 in 2007.

I think Unity could be in for a closer game this Friday then last Friday. St. Teresa was very well coached, but the Bulldogs were too small and wore down easy. The Sages have size and speed, and their passing attack is the best in the OVC. If Unity can jump in front early and avoid giving up the quick score they've been struggling with I think they win by double digits. But if they don't, this could be a dog fight.  My pick is a little in between.

No. 4 Unity 41, Monticello 28.