Now, I’m not one to make excuses.

When Ross outpaced me in ’Pick Em last year, I graciously relented before the state title games. When Ross beats me down in the video-game realm, especially in soccer games, I bow to his superiority with the dual-shock controller.

The same cannot be said for Mr. Martin apparently.

In this space last week, my prestigious colleague spent two paragraphs offering a “theory” for his dismal showing this year: that he knows more about the rest of the region (especially Kansas City) than I do. Same goes for the rest of the state – regardless of class.

Most years, I’d agree. But the Suburban League has been such a jumble this year – “Dogs and cats, living together! Mass hysteria!” – that I’m not sure he would have gained a similar advantage as last year.

We’ll never know that would have played out for sure, I guess, but I’ll take a well-meant compliment from Ross whenever I can get one.

With the playoffs on the horizon and clear favorites in every single game on the slate, we don’t disagree on any more contests this week. We even stick a toe on the Kansas side of the state line with a great-looking Wathena-Troy tilt. Good luck to everyone tonight and Friday.

Thanks to everyone at NWMO Sports.com for picking the games. As they say on the North Side, ‘Here we go’:

Lafayette (4-5) at Benton (3-6) — Ross: Benton. Andy: Benton.

Cameron (7-2) at Savannah (7-2) — Ross: Savannah. Andy: Savannah.

Chillicothe (7-2) at Smithville (4-5) — Ross: Chillicothe. Andy: Chillicothe.

West Platte (6-3) at East Buchanan (5-4) — Ross: West Platte. Andy: West Platte.

Mid-Buchanan (6-3) at North Platte (5-4) — Ross: Mid-Buchanan. Andy: Mid-Buchanan.

South Harrison (7-2) at Trenton (2-7) — Ross: South Harrison. Andy: South Harrison.

Tarkio (3-6) at Rock Port (5-3) — Ross: Rock Port. Andy: Rock Port.

South Holt (5-4) at Mound City (7-1) — Ross: Mound City. Andy: Mound City.

Stanberry (8-1) at Worth County (9-0) — Ross: Worth County. Andy: Worth County.

Wathena (4-4) at Troy (4-4) — Ross: Wathena. Andy: Wathena.

Year-to-date standings (after Week 9) — Andy 70-20, Ross 61-29.