The Cougars can secure a winning regular season with victory No. 5. Atlanta comes in riding an 11-game losing streak. Simple math. All Saints 42, Atlanta 7

A year ago, Central scored its most impressive win of the past decade against Mount Pleasant. Don’t expect that to weigh in Central’s favor in the rematch. Mount Pleasant 49, Bay City Central 20

This is shaping up as a season-deciding game for Garber, which must win to finish in the upper echelon of the TVC East and keep its playoff aspirations rolling. The Dukes better bring out their best on homecoming. Essexville Garber 35, Birch Run 32

Pinconning had its way with Bendle a year ago. But the Spartans are coming off a tough loss and Bendle is coming off a big win. Momentum tips the scales in what should be a very tight game. Burton Bendle 14, Pinconning 12

The Bobcats got nowhere a week ago against Nouvel. It’s now or never for Glenn to get things rolling. John Glenn 28, Cheboygan 7

Think Western has had it rough the past couple years? Southwestern has never had a winning season since becoming FSWA in 1988. Unless Mark Ingram comes through those doors, Western is going to win this one and head into Week 9 on a two-game winning streak.  Bay City Western 28, Flint Southwestern 6

Hale halted a 19-game losing streak earlier this season. I suspect the Eagles won’t wait nearly as long for their next triumph. Time to pick an eight-man upset. Hale avenges a Week 3 loss to Akron-Fairgrove and gets win No. 2. Hale 44, Akron-Fairgrove 42

W-P has reached the playoffs eight straight seasons and 16 times in 17 years. I’m guessing that fact may be mentioned a time or two heading into this must-win game for the Cardinals. Pride can be a powerful factor. Whittemore-Prescott 22, Hillman 21

This could be the best matchup of the week as both Greater Thumb West rivals are having tremendous campaigns. This should have the feel of a first-round playoff game, with the winner earning second place in the league and a playoff bid. Unionville-Sebewaing 28, Cass City 24

Laker is stinging after a three-game losing streak. But that’s nothing compared to the 14-game quagmire the Rockets are caught in. Expect Reese to come out fighting in an effort to dodge its first winless season since 1988, but that may not be enough. Laker 21, Reese 14

The Panthers are playing some good ball of late with four wins in five games. But playing on the road against this tradition-rich program is quite a challenge. McBain 24, Standish-Sterling 21

Tawas is coming off its breakthrough victory, and there’s only one way to a win into a winning streak. I’m saying the Braves win again. Tawas 20, Mio 19