Football season is finally here &045; and old habits die hard. My predictions of how teams will do this year are based on some old-school (Fred) logic and a little insight. But prognostications always mystify or dismay some. So, here they are:

-Briarwood (5A): I feel that the Lions can run the table in their region and make a strong move for the state title again. They could be undefeated.

-Calera (3A): The Eagles have stepped up from 2A. I think this will be a transition year. I look for the Eagles to have a .500 season once again.

-Chelsea (5A): The Hornets may have some sweet moments this year, but I expect them to wind up 4-6.

-Montevallo (3A): Dropping from 4A to 3A, I predict a 7-3 record.

u-Oak Mountain (6A): With some new tough opponents, the Eagles could find themselves struggling at 5-5.

-Pelham (6A): No longer in a region with Hoover and Spain Park, I look for the Panthers to improve the 8-2 and make the playoffs again.

-Shelby County (5A): The Wildcats finds themselves with a host of new opponents. I see them going 5-5 this year.

-Spain Park (6A): I see the Jaguars improving to 6-4.

-Thomson (6A): I the Warriors going 7-3.

-Vincent (2A): With an almost entirely new region and low numbers in the ranks, I see the Jackets going about the same this season, maybe improving to 7-3.

AISA Football

-Coosa Valley Academy (1A): With a new head coach in Steven Mackin and assistant coach like Vince DiLorenzo, the team cannot help but improve. I predict at least a 5-5 record, which will be a huge step forward.

-Cornerstone (1A): They made it to playoffs and lost in first round to Lowndes. I predict the Rebels to go 7-3 this year if they can hang on to the ball and have another shot at the playoffs.

-Kingwood (2A): If they can play a little defense, I see Kingwood going 9-1 and competing for the state title.

-Shelby Academy (1A): With arch nemesis Southern no longer in the mix, I predict the Raiders will go 9-1 and make it to the state championship game.

The 2006 football season for Alabama Independent Schools is already upon us.

This Friday night Coosa Valley Academy will play Central Christian at home; Cornerstone Christian School will host Sumpter at home, Kingwood will travel to Hooper Academy and Shelby Academy will travel to Alabama West Prep Academy.

My prediction for this first week of AISA regular season football is Coosa Valley 14, Central Christian 0; Cornerstone 21, Sumpter 7; Kingwood 35, Hooper Academy 0; and Shelby Academy 28, West Alabama Prep 0