I never thought I’d be so happy with seven wins.

Normally, a 7-3 record is about par for the course in this contest — not anything to brag about, per se. But last week’s brutal schedule of games held feast-or-famine potential, and I filled up.

Thanks to Ross’ putrid performance, I opened up a cushy, 3-game lead as the midway point of the season rapidly approaches. Still, I’m going to hold off on any bragadocious comments until I’ve padded my lead a little more. After all, them Martins are crafty.

I’ll get to hold onto the lead for at least one more week, though, as we only differ on one pick this time out.

Looking at this week’s line-up, there’s not much to speak of outside of some excellent Midland Empire Conference matchups. Gallatin/Mid-Buch and North Platte/Plattsburg look like the biggest toss-ups this week, and this is finally the week we can start assigning tiers in the MEC.

Thanks as always go out to the folks at NWMO Sports for the weekly selections. Here we go with the picks this week:

Braymer (1-2) at Rock Port (3-0) — Ross: Rock Port. Andy: Rock Port.

Mound City (2-0) at Stanberry (3-0) — Ross: Mound City. Andy: Mound City.

Gallatin (2-1) at Mid-Buchanan (1-2) — Ross: Mid-Buchanan. Andy: Mid-Buchanan.

East Buchanan (2-1) at Lathrop (0-3)— Ross: East Buchanan. Andy: East Buchanan.

Lawson (2-1) at St. Pius X (1-2)— Ross: Lawson. Andy: Lawson.

Plattsburg (1-2) at North Platte (2-1)— Ross: Plattsburg. Andy: North Platte.

Benton (2-1) at Cameron (3-0)— Ross: Benton. Andy: Benton.

Lafayette (2-1) at Savannah (2-1)— Ross: Savannah. Andy: Savannah.

Smithville (2-1) at Maryville (2-1)— Ross: Maryville. Andy: Maryville.

King City (2-1) at Polo (0-3)— Ross: King City. Andy: King City.

Year-to-date standings (after Week 3) — Andy 23-7, Ross 20-10