My Pick: Chicks Win, OU Loses

Wanna know what's ailing the Chickasha football program? Just look at the schedule. On second thought, don't. It's brutal. The Chicks are 2-4 going into tonight's game at Western Heights. They've lost to Shawnee, Weatherford, Duncan, and El Reno. Three of those four teams are unbeaten – and Duncan's only loss was to defending Class 5A champ Carl Albert. It's insane for Chickasha to play Shawnee and Weatherford in non-district, particularly at the program's current development stage. Replace Shawnee with Piedmont or Harrah -- and get Marlow back on the schedule. You don't try to gain momentum by running up hill. Get the program rolling again -- and then schedule the powerhouses if you want.

Now my picks for the weekend:

• Chickasha at Western Heights: I was impressed by the Jets when I saw them scrimmage Tuttle. Their skill people looked impressive and their defense seemed to know what it was doing. Surprisingly, Western Heights enters with just one win. Chance Thomas returns for the Chicks, which should help spark the running game. That would take some of the load off of a stellar passing attack that has thus far carried the load. Chickasha 35, Western Heights 28.

• Newcastle at Tuttle: This is known as a heated rivalry. Not sure why, seeing that Newcastle doesn't win this game but about once ever decade. Tigers stay perfect. Ethan Biddy 28, Newcastle 7.

• Bridge Creek at Hobart: The 'Creekers have won five straight. No need to stop now. Bridge Creek 42, Hobart 14

• Alex at Caddo: Not a good week to have Longhorns as a mascot in Oklahoma. Could be a trap game with huge outings against Fox and Ryan looming, but I doubt it. Alex 42, Caddo 28.

• Minco at Oklahoma Christian School: OSC has allowed just 57 points this season, and Minco's defense is stiff too. This should be a defensive struggle. OSC 14, Minco 7.

• Rush Springs at Elmore City: Raise your hand if you knew that the '80s cult movie FOOTLOOSE was based on a true story out of Elmore City, Okla. The Badgers are improved and ready to cut footloose. Elmore City 21, Rush Springs 14.

• Oklahoma at Texas: Everyone tells me that past performance and records and don't matter in this game. Talent does, though, and so does preparation -- and Texas is better in both categories. Sorry, I've seen'em both play. If last season's Sooners couldn't beat Texas, this version certainly won't. Texas 35, OU 14. Hope I'm wrong.