Pigskin Pick’Em: Week No. 9

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

The end of the regular season is just around the corner and as expected, league and conference title races are going right down to the wire. In the midst of that, some teams have clinched playoff spots and are working on positioning, while others are fighting to qualify for the postseason.

Week No. 9 brings us a step closer to the regular season finale and it also brings another edition of Pigskin Pick’Em. Last week, I was 16-3, which took my overall record to 135-40, while guest selector Jason Ruder of Defiance was 13-6, which put the overall record of the guest selectors at 126-49.

This week’s guest selector is Keith Fischbach of Delphos. As you’ll see, we differ on just three games on this week’s 20 game area schedule.

Van Wert (6-2) at Celina (4-4)

If I had a dime for every time I’ve been asked who will start at quarterback for the Cougars this week, I’d have enough to take my wife on a six week European cruise.

I think I know but either way, the Cougars are in good hands, and I’m picking them to win a tight game and clinch an OHSAA playoff berth for the first time since 2000. Fischbach thinks differently and is going with the home team. Either way, this should be an entertaining game.

Truxell: Van Wert; Fischbach: Celina

Crestview (7-1) at Delphos Jefferson (1-7)

The Knights have their sights set squarely on at least a share of the Northwest Conference championship, and we believe they’ll defeat the Wildcats and remain in first place in the NWC heading into Week No. 10.

Truxell: Crestview; Fischbach: Crestview

Delphos St. John’s (2-6) at New Bremen (5-3)

Another game where we differ. I actually want to pick the Blue Jays in this one and I won’t be shocked if they win, but I’m sticking with New Bremen. Fischbach thinks Delphos St. John’s will win and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Edgerton (8-0) at Wayne Trace (5-3)

The Raiders are going to have their hands full. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 2 in the state and are about as subtle as a sledgehammer with their offense.

Wayne Trace has rebounded nicely from a 1-2 start, but we think Edgerton wins this one.

Truxell: Edgerton; Fischbach: Edgerton

Hicksville (5-3) at Antwerp (5-3)

A win would go a long way towards a possible playoff berth for the Aces. Antwerp has very slim playoff hopes, but isn’t totally out of it yet. This could be one of the more entertaining games around the area. We think Hicksville emerges with a win.

Truxell: Hicksville; Fischbach: Hicksville

Other games

WBL

Ottawa-Glandorf (4-4) at Wapakoneta (7-1)

Truxell: Wapakoneta; Fischbach: Wapakoneta

St. Marys (8-0) at Defiance (4-4)

Truxell: St. Marys; Fischbach: St. Marys

Bath (0-8) at Shawnee (3-5)

Truxell: Shawnee; Fischbach: Shawnee

Elida (2-6) at Kenton (4-4)

Truxell: Kenton; Fischbach: Kenton

NWC

Spencerville (6-2) at Paulding (3-5)

Truxell: Spencerville; Fischbach: Spencerville

Columbus Grove (5-3) at Allen East (4-4)

Truxell: Columbus Grove; Fischbach: Columbus Grove

Ada (2-6) at Bluffton (2-6)

Truxell: Bluffton; Fischbach: Bluffton

GMC

Holgate (2-6) at Ayersville (2-6)

Truxell: Ayersville; Fischbach: Ayersville

Fairview (5-3) at Tinora (2-6)

Truxell: Fairview; Fischbach: Fairview

MAC

Parkway (1-7) at Anna (6-2)

Truxell: Anna; Fischbach: Anna

Coldwater (7-1) at St. Henry (6-2)

Truxell: Coldwater; Fischbach: St. Henry

Fort Recovery (3-5) at Marion Local (8-0)

Truxell: Marion Local; Fischbach: Marion Local

Minster (5-3) at Versailles (2-6)

Truxell: Minster; Fischbach: Minster

Others

Troy Christian (7-1) at Lima Central Catholic (8-0)

Truxell: Lima CC; Fischbach: Lima CC

Lima Sr. (1-7) at Toledo St. John’s (6-2)

Truxell: Toledo St. John’s; Fischbach: Toledo St. John’s