We might be in for cooler weather Friday night, but this week’s slate brings the heat.

There’s a bit of everything awaiting us — variety is important — and as usual, nearly all of the games will continue to help clear up a still murky playoff picture for our local programs.

Let’s not waste any time getting down to brass tacks.

Before we do begin, though — remember to please head to www.cullmantimes.com, The Cullman Times Facebook or my Twitter account (@winfreyjake) for prep football coverage.

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Class 1A, Region 7

Vina (5-2, 3-2) at Addison (4-4, 3-2)

The Bulldogs dropped a heartbreaker last week and now face a Red Devils program that’s won five games for the first time since 2015.

It won’t matter.

Addison is better and will get back in the win column on Friday night.

My Pick: Addison

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Class 2A, Region 6

Southeastern (4-3, 3-1) at Cold Springs (4-4, 2-2)

The Eagles remain very much in the hunt for a postseason berth.

That first step comes Friday night against the Mustangs, who have never beaten Cold Springs.

Three of those four meetings, however, have been decided by 10 points or fewer. Southeastern has also claimed four straight wins since an 0-3 start.

Don’t have a good feel for this one.

My Pick: Southeastern

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Class 6A, Region 7

Cullman (4-4, 2-3) at Decatur (2-6, 1-3)

If you’re looking for a potential nail-biter, look no further than this matchup.

Cullman won 21-14 last season and 17-14 in 2021. Decatur, meanwhile, earned a three-overtime, 39-36 victory in 2022.

In my opinion, though, the Bearcats are a much better team than the Red Raiders this season and that should play out Friday night.

My Pick: Cullman

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Non-Region

Sardis (2-6, 1-4) at Fairview (6-0, 5-0)

The Aggies clinched the Class 5A, Region 7 title last week.

Next on their checklist is completing a perfect regular season.

That begins with a road game against the Lions, who did defeat my Douglas Eagles last week but simply don’t have the firepower to keep up with the Purple and Gold.

In my opinion, of course.

My Pick: Fairview

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Class 4A, Region 5

Good Hope (7-0, 5-0) at Fayette County (4-4, 3-2)

The Raiders control their own destiny ahead of their matchup against the Tigers.

Simply put — if Good Hope wins its next two games, it claims the Class 4A, Region 5 crown.

Easy enough in theory, though perhaps a bit more difficult on paper.

All four of Fayette County’s losses have come to programs with winning records and the Tigers lead the all-time series against the Raiders 5-1.

Having said all that, Good Hope’s defense makes the difference (again) on Friday night.

My Pick: Good Hope

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Class 3A, Region 5

Hanceville (1-6, 1-4) at Winfield (7-1, 5-0)

The Bulldogs will hit the road one last time Friday night to face the No. 9 Pirates.

Winfield has won seven straight games, outscoring its opponents 249-74 during that stretch.

It’s going to be an uphill battle for Hanceville.

My Pick: Winfield

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Class 3A, Region 8

Holly Pond (3-4, 2-3) at Fyffe (5-2, 5-0)

It’s also going to be an uphill battle for the Broncos on Friday night.

Holly Pond will travel to face off with the No. 5 Red Devils, a perennial powerhouse that’s won eight region crowns and six state titles since 2016.

Hard not to pick the home team.

My Pick: Fyffe

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Class 3A, Region 5

Vinemont (6-2, 3-2) at Oakman (4-3, 3-2)

The Eagles are looking to bounce back after their four-game winning streak ended last week.

It’ll be a challenge against the Wildcats and running back Tyler Thomas, who has run for more than 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns so far this season.

A win for either team would be a huge boon for their playoff aspirations.

My Pick: Oakman

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Class 5A, Region 7

Russellville (5-2, 3-1) at West Point (2-5, 2-2)

Don’t look now, but the Warriors have won two straight and are playing their best ball this fall.

If they want to make it three in a row, they’ll have to beat Russellville for the first time in school history as the Golden Tigers are 10-0 all-time against West Point.

The Warriors proved me wrong last week. Perhaps they’ll do so again here.

My Pick: Russellville

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Season Record: 48-12