Teams wanting to clinch a coveted postseason berth will take that first step this Friday night.

Region openers comprise the slate both locally and across the state, with those matchups potentially having playoff ramifications later this fall.

Before we tackle our games, though, remember to please check out www.cullmantimes.com, The Cullman Times Facebook or my Twitter account (@winfreyjake) for prep football coverage.

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Class 1A, Region 7

Shoals Christian (0-2) at Addison (1-1)

The Bulldogs avoided their first 0-2 start since 2012 last week and should be good here.

Addison leads the all-time series against the Flame 9-1 and has outscored Shoals Christian 100-6 over the past two years.

Home team. Big.

My Pick: Addison

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Class 2A, Region 6

Susan Moore (0-2) at Cold Springs (2-0)

The last time these programs met on the gridiron Roger Moore still held his James Bond role.

It’s been a while — and I’m sure the Eagles would love nothing more than to avenge that 6-0 loss back in 1983 and grab their first victory in the series (0-5 all-time) against the Bulldogs.

Given what I’ve seen during the first two weeks, I’m inclined to think that will happen.

My Pick: Cold Springs

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Class 6A, Region 7

Athens (2-0) at Cullman (1-1)

The Bearcats have duked it out with the Golden Eagles six times since the 2018 campaign.

And of those six meetings, five have been decided by 14 points or less, including last year’s 34-28 thriller won by Athens at Oliver Woodard Stadium.

I like this one for the game to watch this week. I do not feel confident in the pick.

My Pick: Athens

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Class 5A, Region 7

West Point (0-2) at Fairview (1-0)

Let’s break down this local clash by the numbers.

The Warriors lead the all-time series 32-20-1. The Aggies, however, have taken the previous four matchups — three of those handily — and currently hold a 12-game winning streak over county competition.

Fairview’s last in-county defeat? A 14-8 loss to West Point in 2019.

All that said, 13 should be the lucky number for the Purple and Gold in their home opener.

My Pick: Fairview

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Class 4A, Region 5

Fultondale (1-1) at Good Hope (1-0)

The Raiders turned in an impressive performance last Friday night.

Now, Good Hope will look to parlay that momentum into a 1-0 start in the region standings.

The Wildcats dropped three straight contests to the Raiders (2020-22) before winning last year’s tilt 35-7 en route to a playoff berth.

Easily the hardest game on the schedule to prognosticate.

My Pick: Good Hope

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Class 3A, Region 5

Hanceville (0-2) at Gordo (2-0)

It’s been a tough two weeks for the Bulldogs. Unfortunately, it’s about to get a whole lot tougher.

The Green Wave outlasted Class 4A No. 2 — at the time — Bibb County in overtime last week and have been one of the most consistent teams in the state over the past two-plus decades, reaching the playoffs every year — and racking up 11 region titles — since 2001.

My Pick: Gordo

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Class 3A, Region 8

Holly Pond (1-1) at Sylvania (0-1)

The Broncos dropped a program-record 74 points last week against Hanceville to give coach Will McDaniel his first win in charge.

Up next for Holly Pond is a road trip to battle the Rams, a Class 3A quarterfinalist last season and semifinalist in 2022 now under the direction of first-year coach Tanner Nelson.

Sylvania has won all four meetings in the series — with the most recent coming in 2013.

Not the easiest of region openers for the Broncos.

My Pick: Sylvania

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Class 3A, Region 5

Vinemont (2-0) at Phil Campbell (0-1)

The Eagles and Bobcats are set to square off Friday night for the first time since 2001.

With a win, Vinemont would have its first 3-0 start since the 2013 campaign and take a good step toward a fifth straight playoff berth under coach Stephen Robinson.

Something tells me that’s exactly what will happen.

My Pick: Vinemont

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Season Record: 9-4

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Some facts and figures in this story were taken from AHSFHS.org.