Second round playoff picks

St. Joseph-Ogden (8-2) at St. Thomas More (6-4), 1 p.m. Saturday.
Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. St. Thomas More, 41-7 (Oct. 1, 2010).

I know what you're thinking, 'Did I just fall in a wormhole and go back in time?' Ok, maybe you weren't thinking that at all, but with both of this week's games rematches of week six tilts, there is definitely a feeling of deja vu around SJ-O and Unity this week. The Spartans will head on the road Saturday to beat a team they whooped at home five weeks ago. St. Thomas More has gotten much better since then. The Sabers started running the ball again last week, and in their last three wins they're allowing just 12.3 points per game.

The Sabers' problem is in their four losses, they've allowed 44.5 points per game. St. Joseph-Ogden coasted to 41 points against the Sabers in week six and called off the dogs late to keep the score from getting worse. STM's defense isn't the best tackling bunch in the state, and that bodes well for the Spartans. I think this game will be closer than week six since the Sabers' offense has improved, but I don't think SJ-O loses this game. The Spartans know what they're up against and most importantly, they're just better.

St. Joseph-Ogden 39, St. Thomas More 21.

St. Teresa (8-2) at Unity (9-1), 1 p.m. Saturday.
Last meeting: Unity def. St. Teresa, 22-21 (Oct. 1, 2010).

This game was a thriller in Decatur a month ago, and probably will be another great game Saturday in Tolono. Unity was outplayed by St. Teresa for most of last month's game but rallied in the final five minutes with two clutch drives. The Rockets sped up their offensive attack late in that game, forcing St. Teresa to play more conservatively on defense. Unity was able to move the ball against the Bulldogs after they dropped back into coverage.

Unity will try to move the ball fast again in this game like they did last week and in week six against the Bulldogs. The Rockets' offense was dominant in the second half against Monticello and will be back to near full strength Saturday. St. Teresa's offense, on the other hand, has some key injuries. The Bulldogs are missing their starting tailback and may be without their quarterback against the Rockets. St. Teresa's defense has been the best in the Okaw and should keep them in the game. Unity should still win it.

Unity 21, St. Teresa 14.