week 7, is it really week 7 already?

Time flies when you're having fun, and this high school football season has certainly been fun. This week should prove pivotal in an exciting Nutmeg race, and we're still waiting on a couple big games still to come in the CCC.
At 31-15 overall, I'm doing pretty well at this picking thing. I'm still looking for that elusive perfect week, so let's get it here.
I will be at the Berlin-Rocky Hill game, a homecoming night for the Terriers, and what should be a very competitive and fun game all around. The Terriers perceive Berlin as their chief rivals in the Nutmeg (and Northwest Conference for other sports) because since joining the conference they don't really have a natural rival. Berlin is the only town bordering the Hill. (Calling on Cromwell. Hey Panthers, did you hear Farmington's leaving the league?)
I'm not sure that Berlin looks back at Rocky Hill the same way, not with longstanding rivalries with Plainville, Farmington and others in the conference. But there's a bit of resentment on their side after losing to Rocky Hill two years ago. And the Redcoats practiced nearly till the sun went down on Wednesday when I stopped by the high school.
I will say no more.
I should also be in Enfield on Saturday when Plainville hits the long road. That should be fun too.

FRIDAY:
Simsbury at New Britain: I wish the Hurricanes could get a really good challenge before facing Southington in two weeks. But I don't think they will, and that could leave them once again unprepared for the Knights.
Simsbury has not been able to slow down the elite powers, but hung tough with some good teams in Conard, Hall and Maloney. Still, I see New Britain rolling to another win at home.
Southington at Manchester: This one might get ugly. Manchester has fallen further in two years than any team in the CCC North, and I can't understand why a school that size, which isn't a soccer dynasty, can't get a good team on the field. The Knights don't have as good a passing offense as they used to dismantle Manchester in the past, but expect big yardage from Savino Melluzzo in the win.
Platt at Newington: The Panthers aren't nearly as potent as their cross-town rivals at Maloney. Newington is smarting after losing to Bristol Eastern, and wants to get back to its winning ways with a tough close to the season coming up. A trip back home will help as well.
I did see Platt play hard against New Britain earlier this year, but if Newington gets running early, they should keep running the whole way and this won't be close.
SP/GT/LM at Farmington: Farmington held off RHAM last week in a close game, and I think the Indians will do it again here, although the Falcons and Friends seem to play well down the stretch every year and threaten teams better than this Farmington bunch.
These, unfortunately, are the only local teams I still have not had the opportunity to see in person. It's just the way the schedules have worked out, and that Farmington and Bristol are much easier rides for some of our other writers.
St. Paul has put up 54 points in its last two games, but lost both of those to Enfield and Middletown. So if anything can be expected here, it's a lot of scoring and excitement. Look for the Indians to beat them the same way tonight.
SATURDAY
Wethersfield at Hall: Raise your hand if you had the Eagles in the playoff race in week 7. Go ahead, raise them. I don't see anybody raising their hand. Oh wait, I think I see the Eagles' offensive line in the back of the room. Well, you guys knew what we weren't sure of. That line is pretty good, and has been the biggest reason for improvement on this team.
In fact, better line play is usually the key, especially when you have the total speed on offense that this team has, if only injuries could keep them all on the field.
Meanwhile, I am told that some at Hall were concerned with the staph infection that has been appearing around the state, and is a very serious concern. There was still some question as to whether the entire team would play in this game, but I have not heard whether any players were diagnosed with the infection.
I'm sure with the concern state-wide that they will take all necessary precautions in this case, and if any players are not on the field, it could be an advantage to Wethersfield.
But I'd be picking the Eagles in this game regardless after the way they played against Bloomfield last week. They are legitimate playoff contenders despite a schedule that closes with four very good teams. This is the first step.
STATE PICK OF THE WEEK
Middletown at Northwest Catholic, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.: How can I not look at this one. The four-team race in the Nutmeg sees those four square off against each other this week, and for now, the Middletown Blue Dragons are the only unbeaten in first place.
But, at least one coach told me he still believes Northwest is the best team in the league and that its loss to Rocky Hill may prove to be an abberration for the Indians, who are still on the outskirts of Class S playoff contention.
Both of these teams showcase big, physical lines, with the Golic brothers gaining reputation around the state for Northwest, and not just because of their well-known father. I don't think the Dragons have yet seen that kind of strength up front, and I think this is the week they lose their first game, setting up a three-way conference tie with Northwest and the Berlin-RH winner.