The first half of the prep football season is done.

Now comes the fun (and pressured-filled) second half.

Teams all across the state will no doubt look to find another gear with only a handful of contests remaining and a potential postseason berth beckoning.

It all starts with a Week 7 slate that’s more than pretty good.

Before we get to it, though, remember to please visit www.cullmantimes.com, The Cullman Times Facebook or my Twitter account (@winfreyjake) for prep football coverage.

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Class 1A, Region 7

Addison (3-3, 2-1) at Waterloo (1-4, 0-3)

The Bulldogs have dropped two straight but shouldn’t need to worry about a third.

These teams have met each of the past two years — and Addison has won both by a combined score of 120-20.

Give me the road team.

My Pick: Addison

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Class 2A, Region 6

Cold Springs (3-3, 1-1) at West End (0-6, 0-3)

Everything I just wrote about Addison, apply it here.

The Eagles have lost two in a row, but they won’t have any trouble in this one.

West End fell to Cleveland 28-8 just a week after Cleveland fell to Cold Springs 46-0. Transitive property.

Give me the road team (again).

My Pick: Cold Springs

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Class 6A, Region 7

Hartselle (4-1, 2-0) at Cullman (3-3, 1-2)

The Bearcats and Tigers continue their longstanding and competitive rivalry on Friday night.

Hartselle enters this year’s matchup having recorded four consecutive shutouts — albeit against squads with a combined record of 1-21 — and leads the all-time series 51-47-4 following three straight victories over Cullman.

Coach Danny Stiff acknowledged the need for his team to play better on offense this week — and I think it will.

Whether or not that’s enough remains to be seen.

My Pick: Hartselle

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Class 5A, Region 7

Fairview (4-0, 3-0) at Russellville (4-1, 3-0)

These teams will meet once again to decide (essentially) this year’s region champion.

Both programs are coming off a bye week and both programs know the ins and outs of the other.

Russellville has deprived the Aggies of region titles in back-to-back seasons — and I believe that happens again.

My Pick: Russellville

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Class 4A, Region 5

Good Hope (5-0, 3-0) at Curry (0-6, 0-3)

The Raiders take their best-in-state defense (3.2 points per game) on the road this Friday night.

I know this might sound outrageous, but there’s a chance that number goes down even more following 48 minutes against the Yellow Jackets.

Curry has been shut out two straight weeks and Good Hope has picked up two straight shutouts.

Good things come in threes … possibly.

My Pick: Good Hope

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Class 3A, Region 5

Hanceville (1-4, 1-2) at Vinemont (5-1, 2-1)

It might be hard to find a team in Class 3A playing with as much confidence as the Eagles currently are.

Vinemont has reeled off three consecutive wins, and one could argue, is a play away from being unbeaten.

The Bulldogs hold a small edge in this series (19-17), but they also haven’t had their best defensive season.

With the way the Eagles are running the ball, it’s hard to see any other outcome but one.

My Pick: Vinemont

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Class 3A, Region 8

Whitesburg Christian (2-3, 1-2) at Holly Pond (2-3, 1-2)

The Broncos are searching for their first three-win season since 2021 and just second since 2019.

They’ll have a chance to do just that against the Warriors, who are led by former longtime Decatur coach Jere Adcock and have averaged 30.8 points per game so far this season.

Holly Pond, though, can score in bunches as well and is fresh off a bye.

Hard game to pick here …

My Pick: Whitesburg Christian

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Class 5A, Region 7

Priceville (2-3, 1-1) at West Point (0-5, 0-2)

The Warriors were right on the cusp of their first win last week.

West Point will need to shake it off, though, as Priceville comes to town after beating East Limestone in Week 5 and taking advantage of a bye last Friday night.

I still think the Warriors are close to breaking through.

However, at this stage of the game, I’ve got to go with the road team.

My Pick: Priceville

Season Record: 35-8