This is my first Weekly Football Forecast, so I hope I can get off to a strong start this week. Here are my picks for Week 9 of the football season.



Last week: 0-0 (0-0 overall)



Landmark Christian (5-2, 3-0 5A) at Pace (2-4, 1-1 5A)

When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Riverside Athletic Complex, Mableton

Last time they met: Landmark Christian won 31-21 on Nov. 5, 2010 and leads the series 3-1.

Scouting the matchup: It is a crucial region game for Pace in its bid to qualify for the Class A state playoffs. The Knights built some momentum wtih a 33-18 victory over Strong Rock Christian on Oct. 5 that broke a four-game losing streak, but they face a tough challenge coming off a bye week against a Landmark squad that sits atop the 5A standings.

Prediction: Landmark Christian



Hapeville (2-4, 0-1 6AA) at Lovett (2-4)

When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Conley-Oakley Field

Last time they met: This is their first meeting.

Scouting the matchup: Lovett looks to get back on the winning track after four straight losses as it begins region play in 6A. The Lions certainly have been battle tested in the non-region portion of their schedule with losses to state powerhouses Marist, St. Pius X and Washington County and should be ready for action in 6A. Lovett should have no problem against a young Hapeville program that is only in its second season of varsity football.

Prediction: Lovett



Holy Innocents' (4-3, 2-1 5A) at Strong Rock Christian (3-3, 0-2 5A)

When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Strong Rock

Last time they met: This is their first meeting.

Scouting the matchup:Holy Innocents' is moving in the right direction with two straight wins after having lost three in a row previously and are poised to make a run for the Region 5A title. The Golden Bears should have the upper hand in a matchup against a Strong Rock Christian squad that has lost its last two games in a row.

Prediction: Holy Innocents'



Northview (1-5, 1-1 7AAAAA (B)) at North Springs (0-6, 0-2 7AAAAA (A))

When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. Thermoplyae Stadium

Last time they met: This is their first meeting.

Scouting the matchup: The game is an opportunity for North Springs to end its 29-game losing streak against a Northview team that has struggled as well this season. While North Springs has a chance to do some damage against Northview's defense, which has allowed 47 points a game, the Spartan defense will have to find a way to slow down the potent Titan offense, which has averaged 34 points a game.

Prediction: Northview



Osborne (1-6, 0-2 7AAAAA (B)) at Riverwood (5-2, 0-2 7AAAAA (B))

When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Hoskyn Stadium

Last time they met: Riverwood won 31-7 on Sept. 11, 1981. The series is tied 1-1.

Scouting the matchup: Coming off losses in its first two subregion games after starting the season 5-0, Riverwood will try to get back on track and stay in the hunt for a state playoff spot. The Raiders should be able to just that against an Osborne team that has averaged only five points a game on offense and has allowed 33 points a game defensively.

Prediction: Riverwood



Westminster (2-5, 0-1 6AA) at Wesleyan (4-3, 1-0 6AA)

When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Henderson Stadium

Last time they met: This is their first meeting.

Scouting the matchup: Westminster will try to end its three-game losing streak with a win over Wesleyan. It is a crucial game for Westminster to stay in the thick of the Region 6AA state playoff race. It will be a challenge for the Wildcats against a Wesleyan squad that is undefeated at home this season.

Prediction: Wesleyan



Arabia Mountain (1-5, 0-5 in 6AAAAA) at North Atlanta (0-6, 0-5 6AAAAA)

When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Grady Stadium

Last time they met: Arabia Mountain won 41-9 on Nov. 5, 2010 in their only other meeting.

Scouting the matchup: North Atlanta will try again to get into the win column for the first time this season as it hosts Arabia Mountain at Grady Stadium in a Saturday night contest. The Warriors are coming off a 42-7 loss to Southwest DeKalb at the Georgia Dome last Saturday. While Arabia Mountain has struggled itself this season, it still has a little more firepower on offense and defense and that should make the difference.

Prediction: Arabia Mountain


North Georgia (5-3, 4-0 GFC) at Holy Spirit Prep (5-3, 4-0 GFC)

When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Morgan Falls

Last time they met: Holy Spirit Prep won 39-0 on Sept. 2, 2011.

Scouting the matchup: This regular-season finale will determine the GFC West title, with both teams tied for the lead going into the final week.It should be a close, hard-fought game, but Holy Spirit should prevail at the end.

Prediction: Holy Spirit


GHSFHA.org contributed facts to this article.