Football is upon us, and now is the time for so-called “experts” like me to make totally baseless predictions about what might happen this season.

The predictions are baseless for one major reason: no one can predict what will happen on any given Friday night. Foley and Fairhope have the potential to be the best teams in the county this season. But so do Baldwin County and Robertsdale. Like my great high school coach Bob Newton once said: “Potential doesn’t mean a darn thing until you use it.”

Fairhope has two of the best players in the county in quarterback Daryl Norris and running back Jamal Woodyard, but if the rest of the offense doesn’t do its job, those two phenoms can’t do theirs. And if Fairhope’s defense doesn’t keep teams out of the end zone, the whole team fails.

So here we go.

FAIRHOPE: The Pirates put up a lot of points in 2008 and squeaked into the playoffs. Quarterback Daryl Norris and running back Jamal Woodyard were almost unstoppable last season, and this year should be no different. Any team with guys like them in the backfield will win games. Fairhope’s new coach, David Faulkner, is a great offensive coach, having coordinated Foley’s offense for the last two seasons and serving as an offensive coach at the mighty Hoover High before that. This sounds like a recipe for great success. The only problem is the schedule. 6A, Region 2 is one of the toughest in the state, and the Pirates have to beat powerhouses like Foley, Daphne and McGill-Toolen if they want to win the region.

FOLEY: Foley, like Fairhope, has an experienced quarterback and running back combo in QB Darius Powell and senior running back Marcus Washington. Both are playmakers, and Washington can run, catch and pass if he needs to. Foley’s question mark comes along both lines. The Lions return only two starters on the offensive line, and they have to replace their entire defensive line.

DAPHNE: Glenn Vickery’s Trojans are always tough. The question mark for Daphne, just like every other team in 6A, Region 2, is the schedule. Can you win enough region games to get into the playoffs?

ROBERTSDALE: The Golden Bears have had trouble finding wins the last few seasons, going 0-for the region since 2004. The good thing for Robertsdale this year is senior leadership. The Bears have numerous seniors on offense and defense, including four on the defensive line and five on the offensive line. Senior running back Queinton Evans will be the beneficiary of that senior-laden offensive line. Robertsdale could win a region game or two this season behind senior leaders.

BALDWIN COUNTY: The Tigers struggled last season because of injuries, especially at the quarterback position. It is hard to win if you can’t stay healthy. That is the key for the Tigers in 2009: stay healthy.

SPANISH FORT: The Toros had an unbelievable 2008 season, advancing deep into the 5A playoffs and finishing with only two losses, both of which were to eventual state champion Vigor. Things will be easier for them this year, too, as they finally get to play true home games at the school’s new on-campus stadium.

GULF SHORES: It will be interesting to see the Dolphins play this season. New head coach Mark Freeman has electrified the Dolphin football community with his impressive resume and his positive attitude. The potential is there for the Dolphins to be a surprise team.

BAYSIDE ACADEMY: The Admirals lost a lot to graduation, but have senior experience at running back in Dave McKeithen. Three of their first four games are region games, so the first half of the season will be critical for the Admirals.

PREDICTIONS: Foley will win 6A, Region 2 with Fairhope and Daphne battling for second place. Robertsdale will win two region games, while BCHS might win two. Spanish Fort will finish second in 5A, Region 1 and Gulf Shores will finish third. Bayside will get in the playoffs as a four seed in 3A, Region 1.

Eric Mann is the Sports Coordinator for GCN.