Stats don't lie, goes the saying. Well, they don't always tell the truth, either.

That's why I was able to gain some ground on Ross despite an out-and-out putrid effort on my part - because quick-hitting stats and scoring margins don't often tell the whole story.

Though I felt good entering last week, I clearly underestimated defensive-minded squads in Lafayette, East Buchanan and - in a vast understatement - Worth County. In all three cases, I relied mostly on information provided in box scores and year-to-date score sheets. Factors like a dominant linebacker play and coaching prowess are much harder to factor into the equation and easily get lost in the scoreboard shuffle.

For this season, anyway, parity also has returned to much of Northwest Missouri, making each week a veritable thrill ride. Looking at this slate of games, I could go .500 - JUST LIKE ROSS DID LAST WEEK! - and not feel all that bad. When the overall quality around the area is this high, you won't find me complaining.

It looks like I'll be hanging onto my lead for at least another week, as Ross and I only disagree on one pick this time around - South Harrison at King City. The GRC battle is probably the second-best game in the region behind Chilli-Maryville and could be an instant classic with the number of dynamic players involved. Whoever you're rooting for in that one, you're sure to get your money's worth.

Thanks as always go out to the folks at nwmosports.webs.com for providing the picks.

Savannah (4-1) at Benton (2-3) - Ross: Savannah. Andy: Savannah.

Lafayette (3-2) at Cameron (4-1) - Ross: Cameron. Andy: Cameron.

Maryville (4-1) at Chillicothe (5-0) - Ross: Chillicothe. Andy: Chillicothe.

Lawson (4-1) at East Buchanan (4-1) - Ross: Lawson. Andy: Lawson.

Plattsburg (2-3) at Mid-Buchanan (2-3) - Ross: Mid-Buchanan. Andy: Mid-Buchanan.

Rock Port (4-1) at North Platte (3-2) - Ross: Rock Port. Andy: Rock Port.

South Harrison (4-1) at King City (4-1) - Ross: King City. Andy: South Harrison.

Worth County (5-0) at South Holt (3-2) - Ross: Worth County. Andy: Worth County.

North Andrew (5-0) at Stanberry (4-1) - Ross: Stanberry. Andy: Stanberry.

Tarkio (2-3) at Maysville (0-5) - Ross: Maysville. Andy: Maysville.

Year-to-date standings (after Week 5) - Andy 37-13, Ross 34-16