PICK 'EM BLOG: 11-man regionals

As I sit on my couch trying to flush the last of flu symptoms out, I can't help bet look at my picks record and feel even more sick.

After a second straight 5-5 week, I'm at 66-34 and still nine games back of Andy. Gross.

We plan to bring bonus Pick 'em to you in the coming weeks as we tear through the Missouri playoffs. Although I'll recover from my bout of illness, the same can't be said for my chances at defeating Andy.

Maybe there will be a major turnaround, but likely not.

Wednesday's slate of 11-man regionals again shows both sides of the argument for and against Missouri's new playoff system, started last year that allows two teams into the postseason from each district.

That leads to some matchups that seem to have obvious results with a heavy favorite (see Lafayette at Staley, Plattsburg at Maryville, Maysville at Orrick). Other contests pit two deserving teams with good records (see Chillicothe at O'Hara, South Harrison at Lawson). And still other tilts feature teams fairly even in records but maybe not top-tier marks (see Princeton at Knox County, Rock Port at North Platte).

Despite my large deficit, the run of competitive, tough-to-pick games should continue throughout the playoffs.

Amazingly, despite the myriad of toss-up games, Andy and I agree on all 10 selections for a second straight week. Let's hope this one goes better for both of us.

Back with 8-man picks later this week. On to the picks:

Lafayette (5-5) at Staley (10-0) - Ross: Staley. Andy: Staley.

St. Pius X (4-6) at Savannah (7-3) - Ross: Savannah. Andy: Savannah.

Chillicothe (8-2) at O'Hara (9-1) - Ross: O'Hara. Andy: O'Hara.

Plattsburg (4-6) at Maryville (9-1) - Ross: Maryville. Andy: Maryville.

South Harrison (8-2) at Lawson (9-1) - Ross: South Harrison. Andy: South Harrison.

Rock Port (6-3) at North Platte (6-4) - Ross: North Platte. Andy: North Platte.

Mid-Buchanan (6-4) at King City (8-2) - Ross: King City. Andy: King City.

Braymer (6-4) at Hamilton (9-0) - Ross: Hamilton. Andy: Hamilton.

Maysville (3-7) at Orrick (10-0) - Ross: Orrick. Andy: Orrick.

Princeton (5-5) at Knox County (6-4) - Ross: Princeton. Andy: Princeton.

Year-to-date standings (after Week 5) - Andy 75-25, Ross 66-34.

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