Finally…NO MORE PRACTICE! It is game day for most of our local high schools, and following a summer that has been filled with bad news, mostly related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, there is nothing like high school football to pull friends and families and communities together.

Everyone hopes that their team will come out on top, but more than the numbers on the scoreboard, just hearing the bands play, the cheerleaders cheer, and the whistles blowing will bring some much needed fun to thousands in our region.

Unfortunately, not everyone will come out on top.

Normally, I use this column to pick college games during the fall, but since those games are still a week away, I thought I would brush up with some high school picks.

Here are my TOP DAWGS of the week.

BALDWIN COUNTY at THEODORE

Over the past several seasons, Theodore has had BCHS’s number, including a 20-14 in 2009. They have tweaked their offense a bit, and are led by senior QB Chris Nelson. I believe the Tigers can have a good season, but Theodore is likely to come out of this one with the “W”. Theodore 28 – BCHS 10

FOLEY at MURPHY

Although Foley found themselves behind 14-0 last week in their jamboree game against Gulf Shores, they quickly ran off 33 unanswered points to beat the Dolphins soundly. Quarterback Darius Powell is good. He is quick on his feet and has a good arm, giving the Lions a dual threat. Murphy, who beat Foley by two last season, will have to begin the 2010 campaign with back-up QB Javon Slay. I think the 2010 Lions will be better than the 2009 edition, and they will enjoy their first home win of the season at Ivan Jones Stadium. Foley 30 – Murphy 21

SPANISH FORT vs FAIRHOPE

What better way to start a season than with two good programs located geographically in close proximity to each other, battling for braggin’ rights? The Toros went deep into the playoffs a year ago, and Fairhope enjoyed a perfect 10-0 run before losing in the playoffs. Unfortunately, it will be a rebuilding year on offense for the Pirates, who lost 8 starters to graduation. I expect coach Bryant Vincent to have his guys ready to play, but this one will be close. I’ve got to go with the home field advantage. Spanish Fort 28 – Fairhope 24

BAYSIDE ACADEMY vs. MILLRY

Class 3A Bayside can’t look ahead to Class 4A Clarke County in week 4 or Class 5A Gulf Shores in week 10. Millry has a good team and Coach Billy Gardner will bring his boys to Admirals Field in Daphne to see how they match up against Bayside. With all of their skill people retuning from last season, I like Bayside’s chances. Bayside 24 – Millry 10.

McGILL-TOOLEN at UMS-WRIGHT

McGill-Toolen, ranked 9th in Class 6A by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, has pretty much owned this series over the past few years. They bring to Cooper Stadium a good defense to challenge an equally good UMS-Wright offense in the battle of the hyphenated teams. Should be a fun game to watch and should be close. McGill-Toolen 17 – UMS-Wright 14.

WILLIAMSON vs VIGOR

Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile will once again host the opening season game pitting two powerhouse teams against each other. Last season, Vigor squeaked by with a 1-point victory. The year before, it took overtime for Vigor to win the game. Tide fans might want to keep an eye on future Bama player Marvin Shinn, Vigors biggest target when they go to the air. As in years past, Williamson is likely to put up a fight, but I have to give the win to the 7th ranked team in Class 5A. Vigor 42 – Williamson 24

ST. PAUL’S vs B.C. RAIN

Many football fans in these parts are interested to see how St. Paul’s quarterback Jacob Coker will perform in his first contest since committing to be a Florida State Seminole. Coming after him will be scout.com three-star prospect Devaunte Sigler, a 6’ 3”, 249-pound defensive end who has received offers from Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas Tech. Both of these teams should be much improved from last year, but again, I’m going to go with the home team. St. Paul’s 27 – B.C. Rain 21

Contact Dale Jones at djones@gulfcoastnewspapers.com.