Can you believe it? Can you?

We have already reached Week 3 of the 2019 prep football season.

And though this is my eighth campaign with The Times, it’s still surprising just how quickly time flies.

But enough about me, let’s talk about our local teams and what awaits them in Week 3.

Before we begin, though, remember to cast your vote in “The People’s Pick,” a series of Twitter polls posted on my timeline (@winfreyjake) each and every Monday afternoon.

Oh, before I forget, the People’s Pick went 9-0 last week. 

Job well done.

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Class 2A, Region 7

Addison (2-1, 0-0) at Red Bay (3-0, 1-0): The Bulldogs face a tough task in their region opener.

The Tigers have pitched two shutouts so far this season and are allowing just 6.7 points per game.

On the flip side, Addison is averaging 29.7 points per game and crushed Red Bay 39-12 last year.

The No. 5 Bulldogs are hoping to win a second straight region title.

A victory on Friday night would go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.

% My Pick: Addison

% People’s Pick: Addison (70 percent — 111 votes)

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Class 2A, Region 5

Cold Springs (2-1, 1-0) at Sumiton Christian (0-3, 0-1): It’s a battle of the Eagles on Friday night.

Cold Springs, which slipped past Southeastern 34-33 last week, has won three straight in the series, including a 33-14 victory last season.

Sumiton Christian, however, is a much improved team despite its 0-3 record.

On top of that, the visiting Eagles are just 2-10 in road matchups since 2017.

I still like Cold Springs here, but it’ll be a tough one.

% My Pick: Cold Springs

% People’s Pick: Cold Springs (86 percent — 103 votes)

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Class 6A, Region 7

Cullman (1-2, 1-0) at Columbia (0-3, 0-1): Let’s keep this one short and simple.

The Bearcats will travel to Milton Frank Stadium on Thursday and win this particular clash with ease.

The Eagles have lost 35 straight contests dating back to 2015 and have scored eight points or fewer 27 times during that stretch.

Give me Cullman.

% My Pick: Cullman

% People’s Pick: Cullman (91 percent — 117 votes)

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Class 4A, Region 7

St. John Paul II (2-1, 0-1) at Fairview (2-1, 1-0): How about those Aggies?

Fairview has scored 103 points in its past two games and is looking to keep the momentum going in Friday night’s clash against the Falcons.

St. John Paul II, which averages 37.3 points per contest, is coming off a 43-29 loss to Priceville.

The Aggies, who lost to the Falcons 28-13 last season, haven’t opened region play 2-0 since 2011.

That’s about to change.

 % My Pick: Fairview

% People’s Pick: Fairview (68 percent — 95 votes)

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Non-Region Game

Good Hope (3-0) at Tanner (0-3): The Raiders will step outside their region on Friday night.

And they should enter the weekend with a spotless 4-0 record.

The Rattlers have lost by 19, 34 and 30 points this season and haven’t done much offensively.

No. 8 Good Hope gets the job done here.

% My Pick: Good Hope

% People’s Pick: Good Hope (95 percent — 107 votes)

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Class 3A, Region 5

Hanceville (2-1, 1-0) at Holly Pond (0-3, 0-1): I’ll be at this one on Friday night — and I can’t wait.

The Bulldogs are seeking their first triumph over the Broncos since 2015 and first 2-0 start in region play since the 2011 campaign.

Holly Pond, on the other hand, needs a victory in this game to avoid falling to 0-2 in region play and digging itself a deeper hole in regards to postseason aspirations.

Hanceville is coming off a strong performance last week.

The Broncos return home with their backs against the wall.

I’m not super confident in this choice, but I’ll side with the Bulldogs.

% My Pick: Hanceville

% People’s Pick: Hanceville (70 percent — 117 votes)

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Class 3A, Region 5

Midfield (2-0, 1-0) at Vinemont (1-1, 0-0): The Eagles open region play against the No. 7 Patriots.

Vinemont lost its first game of the season last week to Westbrook Christian, while Midfield downed Holly Pond to continue its fast start in 2019.

I expect the Eagles, who fell to Midfield 40-20 last season, to play better in their home opener.

Whether that’s enough to take down the Patriots on Friday night, however, remains to be seen.

% My Pick: Midfield

% People’s Pick: Midfield (88 percent — 115 votes)

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Class 5A, Region 7

Lawrence County (1-1, 1-0) at West Point (1-2, 0-1): The Warriors have finally come home.

After three straight road contests to start the season, West Point will face off against the Red Devils inside Warrior Stadium on Friday night.

Lawrence County defeated the Warriors 43-7 last season and leads the all-time series 20-17.

The five meetings prior to 2018, though, were all decided by eight points or fewer.

% My Pick: Lawrence County

% People’s Pick: West Point (60 percent — 127 votes)

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% My Record: 17-8

% People’s Record: 17-7-1